North Carolina Health Experts Launching Fireside Chats On COVID-19 Vaccine

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is launching a new video series of Fireside Chats about COVID-19 vaccines. The first hourlong chat will occur at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday (February 2).

Each Fireside Chat, which was inspired by President Franklin D. Roosevelt 1930s informal addresses, will include discussions between leading health experts and community leaders within the state regarding the safety and effectiveness of approved coronavirus vaccines as well as the state's commitment to ensuring each North Carolinian has equal access to receive a vaccine.

The first livestream of the series will be hosted by NCDHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen and Dep. Secretary Benjamin Money, and will feature guest Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II. The chat will be moderated by Phyllis Coley of Spectacular Magazine.

Tuesday's chat will be available to livestream on NCDHHS Facebook and Twitter; Rev. Barber's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; and Repairers of the Breach Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

According to Cohen, North Carolina has surpassed 1 million vaccinations, and the decreasing numbers of cases are offering renewed hope.

On Monday, North Carolina reported 3,776 new cases of COVID-19, a significant drop from the record daily increase of 11,581 set on January 9. Hospitalizations are also down following the spike after the holiday season, with 2,781 currently hospitalized for treatment.

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