The Dolores Huerta Foundation (DHF) Education Department alongside the support of the Vecinos Unidos® chapter members, continue to provide our most underserved communities the support they need to feel assured and safe from COVID-19. The pandemic highlighted a factor we’ve known all along, it is that Central Valley essential workers – farmworkers, janitors, grocery store employees – are on the front lines constantly risking their lives for us. They are often working outdoors in conditions of poor air quality, extreme heat, unsafe working conditions and are statistically most likely to be working alongside someone with COVID-19.
As a result, the Dolores Huerta Foundation staff makes it a priority to protect and empower these communities through every opportunity we possibly can. Most recently, DHF participated in seasonal community events throughout the Central Valley where they distributed information about the COVID-19 vaccines, provided masks, hand sanitizer, and further resources and information that may benefit their situation or of those they may know. These vulnerable professionals are not likely to receive PPE from employers therefore access to such can save lives. We are proud to announce that through DHF’s participation in these fun and safe county-wide events has offered over 1,200 families free resources to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.
Additionally, DHF is a proud partner within the United Against COVID-19 Coalition, where as we have helped organize 36 vaccine clinics throughout the Central Valley & Antelope Valley. Each vaccine clinic is strategically placed in the communities that have been hit the hardest by the pandemic and furthermore lack the accessibility to such resources to protect themselves from the deadly virus. A total of 3,600 people and counting have received their COVID-19 vaccine and are now proudly a part of the solution to end the pandemic.