Watch CBS News

COVID-19 Vaccination Site Opens At Dignity Health Sports Park In Carson

CARSON (CBSLA) — A new COVID-19 vaccination site opened Monday at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson to provided first-dose inoculations this week.

The site was opened as a joint effort by Dignity Health, the LA Galaxy and Dignity Health Sports Park, and will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

"It's so important that we do all we can to help our communities most at risk," said Julie Sprengel, president of Dignity Health's Southwest Division.

"Our mission has always been to improve the health of the people we serve and address inequities in health care. We are grateful that the LA Galaxy, Dignity Health Sports Park and AEG also recognize the importance of protecting the most vulnerable from COVID, which disproportionately affects communities of color. I am also extremely proud of the more than 200 Dignity Health employees who have enthusiastically volunteered to participate in this important initiative."

Organizers hope to vaccinate 20,000 low-income residents over the age of 65 that are medicare recipients through a series of outreach programs.

"As the Carson City Council continues our fight against COVID-19, we sincerely thank Dignity Health and Dignity Health Sports Park for stepping up to vaccinate those that have been hit hard by this pandemic all across Los Angeles," Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes said.

"It's very nice because it's very orderly," said vaccine recipient Eden Oblepias.

The venue is located near communities like Compton. The idea is to make it accessible to African Americans, Latinos and people of Asian and Pacific Island descent who live in the surrounding areas.

Rene Fernando brought his mom, aunt and uncle.

"It gives me peace of mind knowing that if something were to happen that they got their first shot of the vaccine," said Fernando.

For now, only people 65 and older and health care workers qualify for vaccination.

Appointments can be scheduled at myturn.ca.gov or by calling 1-833-422-4255.

(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.