Durham church hosting vaccine clinic targeting those still hesitant to receive it

That includes a church in the Bull City that's working to motivate those who haven't gotten their shots yet.

Bell Yeager Free Will Baptist Church in Durham is a staple in the community, and when they realized they had the opportunity to join in on the effort to vaccine people, they did not hesitate.

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Every week, Bernadette Lipscomb and volunteers distribute food to community members.

“We package about 100-120 bags each week,” she said.

This is where Lipscomb noticed there is still hesitancy when it comes to the COVID vaccine.

Lipscomb says she’s finding many people don’t trust the efficacy of the COVID vaccine and felt it was her responsibility to do something.

“As I talk to them and ask them if we have a vaccine clinic and we’re giving it to you from people who you trust, would you consider it? The response is, 'yes,” she said.

Bell Yeager partnered with Duke Health to host a vaccine clinic on Saturday at the church at 128 E. Cornwallis Road. It’s open to anyone ages 12 and up.

“They trust that we have their best interest at heart and they trust that we will do what’s needful in the community," Lipscomb said.

"I believe this vaccine clinic can possibly be very be effective because they see us as an ally."

Lipscomb understands they won’t be able to vaccinate everyone. She says even if it’s just one person, it’s a step in the right direction.

“Trust in this neighborhood is very important," she said. "They trust us and if we say, 'we can do it,' they believe in that."

This is the church’s first clinic. If all goes well, they’re hoping to host a second one.