NFL ALUMNI ENCOURAGE COVID-19 VACCINATION IN RICHMOND
Former NFL Players Promote Vaccine Confidence Through Awareness & Education Campaign; Will Host Vaccination Clinic at the Bon Secours Training Center on Dec. 11
RICHMOND, VA (December 6, 2021) – A campaign from NFL Alumni Health, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aims to build COVID-19 vaccination confidence in metro areas around the country – including in Richmond, Virginia. NFL Alumni Richmond Chapter President and former Washington Football Team linebacker Dion Foxx and two-time world champion Washington Football Team wide receiver Gary Clark are among the more than 50 players lending their voices to the education and awareness campaign. The effort encourages people to get informed, discuss their vaccine questions with their health care providers, and make the decision to get vaccinated. The initiative includes public service announcements, a campaign website, social media posts, and local events that collaborate with health care providers and public health organizations.
To encourage vaccination, NFL Alumni will team up with the Richmond City and Henrico County Health Districts and Bon Secours to host a mobile vaccination clinic at the Bon Secours Training Center (2401 W. Leigh St.), the former training home of the Washington Football Team. The event on Saturday, December 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will provide an opportunity for eligible participants ages 12 and over to get free vaccinations (first and second doses and boosters) of the COVID-19 vaccines. Attendees may also enter a raffle to win a player-signed NFL Alumni football.
“The NFL Alumni mission is caring for our own, caring for kids and caring for our community – for us, that means helping Richmond and the state of Virginia take actions to end the pandemic,” said Foxx, who played at James Madison University before joining the NFL. “We hope that by speaking out, we might inspire people who may have concerns about vaccination, to talk to their doctors and make an informed decision to protect themselves, their families, and our community.”
Foxx, Clark, and other NFL alumni will be on-hand to meet and greet participants and sign autographs. These alumni include former Atlanta Falcons and Virginia Tech running back, NFC champion and NFL Alumni Richmond Chapter Vice President, Ken Oxendine, former Washington Football Team linebacker and two-time world champion, Ravin Caldwell, and former Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman, Riddick Parker.
“I’m advocating for people to get vaccinated because I truly believe it’s the best way to protect ourselves, our families, and our community,” said Gary Clark, a native Virginian who played eight seasons with Washington after a collegiate career at James Madison University. “I understand that some people might have questions or concerns about vaccines, and I encourage them to talk to a trusted healthcare provider to get informed so they feel comfortable with the choice. The upcoming event at Bon Secours is a great chance to talk with medical experts and immediately take action to get vaccinated.”
Millions of people in the U.S. have received COVID-19 vaccines, which has undoubtedly saved many lives across the country. Despite widespread availability of vaccines and the emergence of new variants, millions of Americans have not yet opted to get vaccinated. The NFL Alumni effort encourages individuals who are “on the fence” to talk with trusted health care providers and make an informed decision about getting vaccinated.
“We’re grateful to the NFLA for creating memorable experiences to encourage people to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Danny Avula, Director of Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. “The NFLA has incredible reach into our communities and we’re happy to partner with them to get our community protected.” For individuals that can’t make the event, the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts provide information on local vaccine opportunities at www.vax.rchd.com.
Nationally, more than 50 current and former NFL players are participating in the vaccination awareness effort, including 20 world champions, 27 Pro Bowlers, and 16 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, Atlanta, Baltimore, the Carolinas, Chicago, Cincinnati, the Dakotas, Dallas, Detroit, the Gulf Coast, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City, New York/New Jersey, Northern California, the Pacific Northwest, Philadelphia, 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.
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