Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced that the Department of Health and Human Services has named Tampa Family Health Centers (TFHC) as one of initial 250 health centers across the country to directly receive vaccines through the Health Resources and Services Administration’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program. Through this direct supply of vaccines, TFHC will be instrumental in increasing vaccinations for marginalized and disproportionately affected populations. With approximately 2.5 million vaccines given so far, 10 percent of white Floridians have been vaccinated compared to just 4% of Blacks and 4% of Hispanics. More information on this initiative can be found here. 

These vaccine doses are in addition to the Biden Administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Type 2 Community Vaccination Center (CVC) at Tampa Greyhound Track beginning March 3 where the site’s large outdoor parking area will be used to vaccinate Tampa Bay area residents each day, with a concerted effort to serve currently underserved and vulnerable populations. The CVC site will be a “hub” with additional supporting vaccination centers—or “spokes”—reaching nearby communities. 

“I applaud President Biden and his administration’s work to ramp up vaccinations here in Tampa and ensure equity in the process. A community site in Sulphur Springs as well as a direct supply of shots for Tampa Family Health Centers will ensure that no one is left behind in vaccination efforts, especially our hardest-hit communities of color,” said Castor. “Expanding vaccinations will require coordination with state and local communities, including our nonprofit partners. We must use every resource available to vaccinate our neighbors, and that includes our work in Congress to pass the American Rescue Plan and increase vaccine supply as well as community sites like the one opening on March 3 in Tampa and mobile units. I’m grateful to work with President Biden to serve our Tampa neighbors and move one step closer to returning to normal in the coming months.”