Self-Help Staff Vaccines are Triggering Donations to Local Nonprofits
Even as COVID-19 cases begin to rise again a result of virus variants, we had some good news last week when the FDA fully approved the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. Millions of Americans have already received this and other anti-COVID vaccines offered with emergency authorization, and this final FDA approval boosts confidence that the vaccine is safe and effective.
COVID-19 has now killed more than 633,000 people in the United States alone. The Delta variant has triggered a wave of new hospitalizations and deaths, particularly among the unvaccinated. While it has also led to “breakthrough” cases in which vaccinated people contract COVID-19, vaccines continue to effectively protect people from getting seriously ill, including those who get sick from variants. Find more information from the CDC here.
At Self-Help, this public health issue is closely tied to our mission. As we work to address disparities in access to capital, we are aware that there are also great disparities in access to health as Black, Latino, Indigenous and other communities of color are hit hardest by the pandemic. Studies show that people of color disproportionately contract COVID-19 and die from the virus.
The US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention estimates that Black individuals have been 2.9 time more likely than white individuals to be hospitalized by COVID-19, and two times more likely to die from the disease. Latino individuals have been 2.8 times more likely to be hospitalized and 2.3 times more likely to die when compared to white individuals. This disparate racial health impact parallels enduring racial resource disparities.
Vaccines that Keep on Giving
Earlier this year Self-Help made a commitment to multiply the benefits of staff vaccines in the communities that we serve. For every Self-Help staffer who receives a vaccine, Self-Help is donating $100 to a local nonprofit working to support those impacted by COVID-19 or whose mission is fighting health disparities.
We have begun donating to community groups all over, including those providing health care, addressing hunger, providing services to youth, and more. We have already committed to $58,000 in donations to these important nonprofit allies.
Self-Help Federal Credit Union branch staff in Pittsburg, California present a check to a local health care provider. La Clinica provides multi-lingual health care services in the East Bay area, regardless of a patient’s income or insurance status. The group in this picture is a combination of staff and volunteers called Health Conductors or Promotoras.They have all contributed to efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 and help educate community members.
Continuing Financial Services While Taking Precautions
Brie’Anna Cade provides service in Salisbury, NC with a dose of hand sanitizer.
Self-Help’s top priority is the safety and well-being of members and staff. Following public health guidelines, we require face coverings for anyone who enters one of our branches or offices. We are providing all services while encouraging members to take advantage of our online and mobile banking services, available 24/7. Please visit our website for the latest on our COVID precautions and specific information on our branches.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 cases are climbing, which will only increase the needs in our communities. If you are still deciding whether or not to get vaccine, please make sure you have the facts. The CDC just recently updated "Myths and Facts About COVID-19 Vaccines."
Pictured at top of page: Adrian Dixon, branch manager in Wilson, NC (shown right), presents a check to Waymakers of North Carolina, a group of businesses, individuals and churches that come together each month to prepare hot meals for hundreds of local families in need.