By Tom Hanks

We were so close.

So close to beating COVID once and for all.

Just a month ago, Ohio was averaging around 200 cases a day. Remember how good that felt? That we finally had this thing under control?

Then, the Delta variant came and we were back to 800+ cases a day.

While people aren’t dying from COVID-19 in the numbers they were a year ago, people are still dying and others are getting very, very ill. 

Yes, there is a long, painful history with communities of color and medical science – whether it is Black men being intentionally infected with syphilis by the U.S. government in the name of research, symptoms not being taken seriously by doctors or a fear of deportation due to one’s immigration status.

We are at a tipping point – will we allow the disease to further ravage through our communities which were already hit very hard, or will we say enough is enough?

Please, let’s say enough is enough.

It’s time to get vaccinated. It is safe, free, easy and effective.

If you’ve been vaccinated, thank you.

Spread the word on your social media accounts – not just for clout, but your decision could be what leads someone else to get the shot.

If you have parents who are reluctant, talk to them. If your barber, bartender or barista isn’t sure – talk to them. If you’ve been vaccinated, talk to them respectfully and address their concerns in good faith.

- No, the vaccine does not contain a microchip.
- No, there is no evidence of long-term complications from the vaccine.
- No, the vaccines do not cause infertility.
- No, doctors do not report your legal status to immigration authorities.
- No, the vaccines do not alter your DNA.

Yes, they were developed swiftly – but they were not rushed. The vaccines went through the same testing that routine vaccines, the same you got at the doctor’s office when you were a child, go through.

If you still aren’t sure, talk to your doctor or even a friend who got their vaccine.

The vaccine also couldn’t be much easier to get. If you can get a loaf of bread or some ice cream at Giant Eagle or Kroger – or even some aspirin at CVS, you can get a shot. 

Even if you do experience some side effects, feeling bad for a day or two is much better than two weeks on a ventilator, or even worse – an eternity in a box under the ground.

I, and I’m sure you, want normal life back.

I want to be able to walk down High Street on a warm Saturday afternoon again without a mask.

I miss the roar of the crowd at the ‘Shoe after a Buckeye win.

I want to go to events like Red, White & Boom, the Ohio State Fair and the Circleville Pumpkin Show – events that make central Ohio an amazing place to live and learn – again. 

I don’t want to go back to the days of remote learning.

I’m sure you’re sick of fighting with people about masks. I sure as hell am. 

Let’s honor those who we lost to this disease by doing our part to end it –by getting vaccinated.

Thanks for listening.

FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO GET VACCINATED:

Click here or call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY for hearing impaired 888-720-7489).