Cephas’ town hall connects with more than 1,500 residents concerned about COVID-19 vaccine distribution in 19131, 19139 and 19151 Zip codes

After hearing countless calls for help from the communities she serves regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and testing, state Rep. Morgan Cephas welcomed more than 1,500 residents to her telephone town hall Tuesday night to answer their questions and address their concerns about the issue.

“Right now, our priority must be to make the COVID-19 vaccine and testing not only available but accessible to those who need it most, especially individuals in our Black and Brown neighborhoods,” said Cephas, D-Phila. “It’s no secret that our communities of color have been disproportionately impacted by the virus since the very beginning of this pandemic. I won’t just sit by idly and let my neighbors be overlooked when it comes to critical resources aimed at protecting them during this health crisis.”

Cephas cited statistics released by the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium that shows neighborhoods in the Carrol Park, Haddington, Overbrook, Overbrook Park and Wynnefield sections of her legislative district have recorded some of the highest number of cases and deaths associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The numbers don’t lie. My sections of Philly are among the hardest hit by COVID,” explained Cephas. “Moving forward, I am committed to working with community groups like the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium to provide ample doses of the coronavirus vaccine along with testing opportunities to West Philly.”

Cephas is coordinating with area partners to keep her communities updated through upcoming informational events about COVID-19, while helping interested residents register for the vaccine. 

Cephas added she is working on legislation to help her most vulnerable neighbors get through this health crisis safely, including a proposal to bridge the digital divide and connect students with the online resources they need to receive a quality education in a safe learning environment.  

As a member of the House Democratic Housing Working Group, Cephas is also working with her colleagues to reintroduce their Safe at Home package of bills aimed at assisting renters, homeowners in debt and small “mom-and-pop” landlords survive this pandemic and thrive past it once it is over.