Last week, Peach State Health Plan partnered with the Morehouse School of Medicine to host the "Bridging the Gap on the COVID-19 Vaccine" panel to discuss Georgia's ongoing efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccinations across Georgia. The panel, which consisted of state officials, medical experts, and community leaders answered questions to address the many factors that contribute to vaccinate hesitancy and how to overcome them.

During the discussion, moderated by Peach State Health Plan's Chief Medical Director, Dr. James Richardson, panelist answered specific questions focused on the importance of the vaccine's role in personal health, misconceptions about receiving the vaccine, and how increasing vaccine numbers is critical in the ongoing battle against COVID-19. These questions, provided from the moderator and guests from the audience, show the many issues facing ongoing vaccination efforts.

"This panel discussion was an eye-opening look at many of the issues that are contributing to vaccine hesitancy," said Dr. James Richardson, Chief Medical Director for Peach State Health Plan. "We know that this can be a tough subject to tackle in the community, but it is vital to preserving the long-term health of Georgia's citizens. The panelists' comments and discussion will truly go a long way in our efforts."

Placing emphasis on the safety of not only the individual, but the community as a whole, is the priority of both Peach State Health Plan and Morehouse School of Medicine. Since the vaccines have been available, efforts have been made to raise community awareness, promote vaccination safety, and provide locations to administer vaccinations to the public. These ongoing efforts are vital to preventing future outbreaks and to sustain the long-term health of Georgia's citizens.

"The Morehouse School of Medicine has been committed to working with the Family Health Centers of Georgia to provide vaccines to everyone we can," Dr. Michael Brooks, President and CEO, Family Health Centers of Georgia. "Our efforts to educate residents in the community have helped quell many of the concerns with the vaccine. Discussions panels like this are vital to spreading awareness amongst the community and exchanging ideas among leaders to help us in our ongoing effort."

"Peach State Health Plan strongly believes that the health of the individual is integral to the overall health of the community," said Wade Rakes, CEO and Plan President of Peach State Health Plan. "Providing our Georgia communities with the right tools, education and assistance to prioritize their health is just as important now as it was this time last year. We are grateful to Morehouse School of Medicine for their continued efforts to ensure these valuable resources are easily accessible."

To be successful, information must be delivered on the ground and through individual communities. Georgia's overall health begins with the individual and is often led by members of the community. Last week's panel discussion was a perfect opportunity for community leaders to speak to issues that they see on the ground. Click here to view the event.

"I am always happy to be speak on behalf of the community and provide any insight that will help keep people happy and healthy," said Harry Douglas, former Atlanta Falcon Wide Receiver. "Overcoming vaccine hesitancy is so important to the health of those living in communities around Atlanta and the rest of Georgia. Panels like this allow many who might be hesitant to hear critical information from a familiar voice."

The following is the full list of panelists who contributed their vital insight during the "Bridging the Gap on the COVID-19 Vaccine" discussion:

Dr. Kathleen Toomey, GA Dept. of Public Health Commissioner
Dr. Michael Brooks, Family Health Centers of GA President and CEO
Major General John King, GA Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner
Wade Rakes, Peach State Health Plan President and CEO
Harry Douglas, former Atlanta Falcon Wide Receiver/Non-Profit Founder
Dr. Lilly Immergluck, Morehouse School of Medicine
Dr. Michelle Nichols, Morehouse School of Medicine
Pastor Anthony Corbett, Lundy Chapel
Overseer Eric Bell, New Life International Ministries
Dr. Gail Fowler, CEO & Superintendent Cirrus Academy
Marvin Laster, CEO Boys & Girls Club of Albany