HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — A new report shows that Alabama ranks in the middle tier when it comes to being prepared for the pandemic.
The "Ready or Not" report was released by Trust for America's Health. It looks at all 50 states and puts them into three levels of performance – high, middle, and low. A member of the non-profit says its important to invest in public health, especially during a pandemic.
TFAH's Director of Strategic Communications and Policy Research, Rhea Farberman, explains, "The fact is that our public health system at the local, state and national level is under-resourced and it's been under-resourced for many, many years. We need to make those investments in public health and we need to invest in public health, not only during an emergency but after an emergency, because if we invest and then we forget to invest when we don't have an emergency in front of us, we're gonna be less prepared when the next event happens."
The goal of the study is to bring awareness to protect the public from diseases, disasters and bioterrorism.
Alabama's vaccine rollout continues with an emphasis on increasing the number of people vaccinated. The Alabama National Guard will be setting up mobile vaccination clinics in at least 24 counties. By adding the ALNG, the state hopes to administer 8,000 more doses a week. The ALNG is capable of fielding two mobile vaccination teams of 55 people each. The ADPH, county health departments and local law enforcement will also provide support.
Vaccinations are also available at select Walmart, Sam's Club, Walgreen's, and CVS locations in Alabama or eligible people.