Milwaukee Health Department hosts vaccine clinics with 'creative approaches'

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MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Health Department is finding more unique ways to get shots in arms.

On Friday, June 4, two vaccine clinics in different parts of the same goal had different incentives.

Employ Milwaukee, located at 27th and North Avenue, held a vaccine clinic where people could not only get the COVID-19 vaccine but also get employment resources, including information about upcoming virtual and in-person job fairs.

"We're that bridge -- the bridge to the employer that says, 'I need workers' and to the employee - the applicant, the one seeking employment - saying, 'I need a job,'" said Mildred Coby, community engagement for Employ Milwaukee.

Markesha Hollins and her husband, David, both got vaccinated so she could visit her mom again.

"I knew it was the right thing to do just to help us getting back to normal," she said.

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Mobile Career Lab was parked outside the building. People could get on the bus and sit at a computer, where they could get help finding a job, print out a resume or file for unemployment.

"They can find out what jobs are available in the whole entire state. They can find out what qualifications are needed. They can find out resources of the programs," Coby said.

In Walkers Point, the advocacy group Independence First hosted its own vaccine clinic focusing on accessibility.

"We hear a lot of stories where folks are really interested in the vaccine, but for accessibility concerns or transportation concerns that they're just not able to either coordinate the visits or make their appointments," said Gerald Hay, independent living services program manager for Independence First.

People could walk up or drive up to get the vaccine. The vaccine also doubled as a food distribution event.

"I think it's gonna take a lot of different creative approaches. There's different reasons that people want to or are hesitant about getting the vaccine," said Kirk Heminger, director of marketing for iCare.

Heminger said he believes people were persuaded after hearing about positive experiences from friends and family.

Angelina Gordon got her second vaccine dose Friday at Independence First.

"The process for me was fairly easy. It didn't hurt at all. (It was) the smallest needle, smaller than the butterfly needle," she said. "I think that people should choose to get vaccinated to protect the people that surround them and to protect themselves."

On Saturday and Sunday, Summerfest will hold drive-thru vaccine clinics from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. People who get vaccinated will get a free ticket to Summerfest valid any day of the festival.

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