NFL ALUMNI ENCOURAGE COVID-19 VACCINATION IN THE CAROLINAS
Former NFL Players Promote Vaccine Confidence Through Awareness & Education Campaign; Will Host Virtual Town Hall with Public Health Experts on March 29
CHARLOTTE, NC (March 23, 2022) – A campaign from NFL Alumni Health, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aims to build COVID-19 vaccination confidence around the country – including in the Carolinas. Former Carolina Panther, Super Bowl Champion and three-time Pro Bowl safety Eugene Robinson and NFL Alumni Carolinas Chapter President and former New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals running back Adrian Murrell of Fayetteville, NC, are among the nearly 100 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 held in collaboration with health care providers and public health organizations.
To promote vaccine education, the NFL Alumni Carolina Chapter will team up with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) to host a live, virtual townhall on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at 7 p.m. during which leading public health experts and doctors will address questions or concerns about the vaccines from NFL alumni and the general public. Participants include Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer for NCDHHS and Dr. Thomas Holland, Associate Professor of Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine. Dr. Reed Tuckson, chair of the Black Coalition Against COVID, will moderate the discussion.
“I chose to get vaccinated to protect myself, my family and my community, but I understand people still have questions and concerns, especially as the virus and pandemic continue to evolve,” said Robinson. “This virtual townhall is a great opportunity for folks to ask their questions and get straight answers directly from medical professionals so they can make an informed decision to get vaccinated.”
People can register and submit questions for the townhall at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_px41–iTS8-Q7RAqS6Xhgw. The live event also will be simulcast on the NFL Alumni Facebook and YouTube channels. Registered attendees will also be entered into a raffle to win a player-signed NFL Alumni football. The March 29 town hall supports NFL Alumni’s participation in the NCDHHS Spring into Summer campaign, the goal of which is to keep North Carolinians safer, healthy, active, and social.
“We’re excited to team up with the CDC and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to promote vaccine education and awareness,” said Murrell. “NFL Alumni’s mission is focused on caring for our own, caring for kids, and caring for the community. If you have questions about vaccination, I encourage you to talk to a doctor about your concerns so that you can make an informed choice about getting vaccinated.”
Millions of people in the U.S. have received COVID-19 vaccines, which has undoubtedly saved many lives across the country. The NFL Alumni effort encourages individuals who may be “on the fence” to talk with trusted health care providers and make an informed decision about getting vaccinated.
“We’re moving into the spring and the summer season—and want everyone to enjoy a better and safer summer,” said Dr. Tilson, NCDHHS Chief Medical Officer, “COVID-19 vaccines continue to offer the strongest protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Get vaccinated if you haven’t already, and get your booster shot as soon as you are eligible. We are proud to partner with NFL Alumni to continue to provide people with the information and resources they need to make healthy choices and protect themselves and their family.”
Nationally, nearly 100 current and former NFL players are participating in the vaccination awareness effort, including 29 world champions, 39 Pro Bowlers, and 16 members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Since launching the campaign, NFLA Alumni Health has hosted more than 18 events around the country to promote vaccine confidence.
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, Chicago, Cincinnati, the Dakotas, Dallas, Detroit, the Gulf Coast, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City, New York/New Jersey, Northern California, 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—a wholly-owned subsidiary of NFL Alumni—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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