In vaccination effort, speaking the language makes a difference

On any day of the week, you can find Sandra Amado answering phones or outside engaging with her community.

"In our language and in a way they can understand, we’ve been able to inform people," Amado, who works with El Centro Hispano, said.

For a year and a half, Amado has been attending events or going door to door informing the Hispanic community about COVID-19 and ways they can protect themselves and each other.

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"We have connected them to state resources, food, and we provide education," Amado said.

Whether it’s a visit to a local business, to a dance class or a soccer game, Amado is always distributing masks and information. In March, when vaccines started to become available the focus shifted.

Amado says community engagement has helped tremendously, especially with the task of getting people vaccinated.

"They now ask us: ‘Which vaccine is best? What is the efficacy? Where can I get it?’" Amado said.

Amado focuses on reaching communities in the triangle but has had to expand to more rural areas like Harnett County, where she says there’s a growing Hispanic community.

"Many people are calling us asking if they can get their booster shot! I think, ‘Wow! This is great!’" Amado said.

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, only 9% of the Hispanic population — about 456,000 people — have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose.

Amado believes her work has contributed to the vaccination of thousands of people in Hispanic communities across the Triangle.

"Sometimes we’ve even had to go with people to get vaccinated," she said. "Many people are just scared of needles."

Even though she’s made progress, she says her work is far from over.

"I want to encourage those who aren’t vaccinated to get their shot. It can save your life," Amado said.

Anyone with questions about COVID-19 or the vaccine, can call El Centro Hispano at 919-283-9108 to speak to a Spanish-speaking community health worker like Amado.