[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 213 (Thursday, December 9, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1347]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF MAISHA FIELDS, JESSICA PRICE, ANDREA 
                        HERBERT, AND KELLY OSUNA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JASON CROW

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 9, 2021

  Mr. CROW. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a group of 
volunteers led by Maisha Fields, Jessica Price, Andrea Herbert, and 
Kelly Osuna for their work providing equitable access to the lifesaving 
COVID-19 vaccine.
  The devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been felt in 
every corner of our community. Unfortunately, underserved communities 
have borne the brunt of the pandemic--with racial and ethnic minority 
groups contracting and dying from COVID-19 at a much higher rate due to 
discriminatory healthcare practices, lack of healthcare access, 
disproportionate representation in front-line occupations, and unfair 
and crowded housing conditions.
  As the COVID-19 vaccine finally began its rollout, many breathed a 
sigh of relief as a return to normalcy seemed within view. However, 
community leaders like Maisha, Jessica, Andrea, and Kelly--who had seen 
first-hand the effects of inequity in our pandemic response--knew 
vaccine accessibility would not only face similar challenges reaching 
marginalized groups but would ultimately hamper our recovery and cost 
even more lives.
  These four incredible women jumped into action and created a system 
of equitable vaccine clinics that operated throughout underserved 
communities in Arapahoe and Adams Counties. Their efforts included 
extensive collaboration with the Colorado Department of Public Health 
and Environment, finding and securing accessible venues, and recruiting 
volunteers to work at the clinics as translators, organizers, and 
vaccine administrators. Despite working full-time, this group of women 
went on to hold over 150 equity vaccine clinics throughout our 
community--culminating in more than 50,000 people receiving life-saving 
vaccines.
  Time and time again, it is community leaders like Maisha, Jessica, 
Andrea, Kelly, and their devoted group of volunteers who give me hope 
we can overcome any challenges that are thrown our way. I am honored to 
recognize this group of volunteers led by these four women and I thank 
them for their work putting our community on a path towards a more 
equitable and safe place to call home.

                          ____________________