MIAMI, Fla. – Health Department statistics show that of the 300,871 people vaccinated as of Feb. 27 in Miami-Dade County, only 23,336 have been African American (7.76%). The county, however, is 16.42% African American.

Easy access is now available to free COVID-19 vaccines in Miami’s historic Overtown neighborhood, one of six vaccination sites activated in underserved communities around the state. Vaccines are available seven days a week between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. next to Dorsey Park for residents of Overtown and surrounding communities.

Recipients must be at least 65 years old or a healthcare worker with direct patient contact. This is a walk-up site, and no appointment is necessary; seniors must bring ID to verify age, and healthcare workers must present their license or documentation.

On Tuesday, March 2, local leaders hosted a news conference at the vaccination center to urge community members of to take advantage of the vaccine. Notable attendees included Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, Overtown Youth Center Executive Director Tina Brown, Former Miami Heat star Alonzo Mourning, Pastor Kenneth L. Washington from Greater Israel Bethel Primitive Baptist Church, Bishop James Adams of St. John Metropolitan Bible Church, Jason Pittman of Touching Miami with Love, and Dr. Graylyn Swilley Woods with the Overtown Youth Center, among others.

This vaccination center is managed by IEM Health and AshBritt Environmental and is made possible by a collaboration between the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Overtown Youth Center, the City of Miami, Miami City Commissioner Jeffrey Watson of District 5, County Commissioner Keon Hardemon of District 3, and Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.