BALTIMORE NFL ALUMNI ENCOURAGE COVID-19 VACCINATION
Former Ravens Team Up to Promote Vaccine Confidence Through Awareness & Education Campaign
BALTIMORE, Md. (August 10, 2021) – A new campaign from NFL Alumni Health, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aims to build COVID-19 vaccination confidence in cities around the country – including Baltimore. Ravens World Champions Kyle Richardson, Rod Woodson, Obafemi Ayanbadejo, Michael McCrary and Brad Jackson are among the more than fifty former players lending their voices to the education and awareness campaign, which encourages people to get informed, address their vaccine questions with their healthcare provider and make the decision to get vaccinated. The initiative will include public service announcements, a campaign website, social media posts and local events in collaboration with healthcare providers and public health organizations.
“The NFL Alumni mission is caring for our own, caring for kids and caring for our community – for us, that means Baltimore and the Ravens flock,” said Obafemi Ayanbadejo, who serves as vice-president of the Baltimore Chapter of the NFL Alumni. “We hope that by speaking out, we might inspire people who may have concerns about vaccination, to talk to their doctor and make an informed decision to protect themselves, their families and our community.”
Millions of people in the U.S. have received COVID-19 vaccines, which has helped slow the trajectory of new cases across the country. But, despite widespread availability of vaccines and the emergence of the new, highly contagious Delta variant, millions of Americans have not yet opted to get vaccinated. In Maryland, the latest statistics show more than 70% of those over 18 who are eligible for the vaccines have had at least one dose. But there are zip codes, including parts of Baltimore City, in which up to 70% of residents are not yet vaccinated.
Local NFL Alumni will team up with LifeBridge Health to host a vaccination event on Saturday August 21, in West Baltimore. Richardson, Ayanbadejo and other Ravens alumni will join the LifeBridge Health mobile vaccine team at the Center for Urban Families (2201 N. Monroe St., Baltimore, MD 21217) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature a DJ, health information, giveaways and free doses of the COVID-19 vaccines. The event is the first in an anticipated series of coordinated efforts by NFL Alumni and local healthcare providers to educate and vaccinate area residents.
“I’ve had COVID-19,” said Rod Woodson. “My wife and children had it. We’ve lost people close to us. I’m just asking that anyone who is still reluctant to get vaccinated to talk to your doctor to address your questions and make the decision. It’s the best way to protect your loved ones, your families and your communities.”
Nationally, more than 50 current and former NFL players have agreed to participate in the vaccination awareness effort, including 20 world champions, 25 Pro Bowlers, and 15 members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
NFL Alumni Health is a wholly-owned subsidiary launched by NFL Alumni, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, to improve the health and wellness of NFL Alumni members and the broader public.
Other NFL Alumni Chapter cities and regions participating in the program include Arizona, the Carolinas, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Detroit, Georgia, the Gulf Coast, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City, New York/New Jersey, Northern California, the Pacific Northwest, Philadelphia, Richmond, Southern California, Tampa Bay and Tennessee.
For more information about the campaign and resources, go to www.nflalumnihealth.org/covid-19.
About NFL Alumni and NFL Alumni Health
Founded in 1967 by a small group of successful retired NFL players, NFL Alumni is one of the oldest and most well-respected retired player organizations in professional sports. NFL Alumni’s mission is to inform, assist, and serve players in their post-NFL lives. NFL Alumni Health is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NFL Alumni, which is devoted to improving the health and wellness of NFL Alumni members as well as the general public, by providing informational resources, programs and services. Visit www.nflalumnihealth.org.
