Baptist and Reflector
MEMPHIS — It was not the typical request for help, but Tennessee Disaster Relief volunteers have responded to a request to assist with COVID-19 vaccinations in Memphis.
“It is one of our most unusual responses,” acknowledged Wes Jones, disaster relief specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.
He noted it is unusual for government agencies to request help from volunteer organizations, but it was necessary to help speed up the vaccination process to get more Americans vaccinated as quickly as possible, Jones said.
Wes Jones
Jones said there are six vaccination sites in Memphis, including the Liberty Bowl, that need help with data entry, filing paperwork after it has been entered and traffic control (keeping traffic flowing in the drive-up vaccination sites).
Work hours are primarily from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
“Let them know that you are coming through VOAD and Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief and take your credentials with you,” Jones said.
He added that if volunteers are going as a group, one person should call and register everyone and let them know the work they are willing to do.
Volunteers can contact: DeShun Lowery at 202-412-6132, or by email at deshun.lowery@fema.dhs.gov or Angela Grant 202-705-9750, angela.grant@fema.dhs.gov.
“This is good way for our volunteers to help fellow Tennesseans who want to return to some normalcy in their lives,” Jones said. B&R
