Erica Barnes, administrator for the Chloe Barnes Advisory Council on Rare Diseases, writes about Rare Disease Day. Erica shares her personal story, the barriers people face in the rare disease community, the importance of equity, and more!
Health Care
Closing the Minnesota State Emergency Operations Center
After 475 days, the Minnesota State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) has closed. The Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) would like to thank the staff of the Minnesota Department of Homeland Security and the Minnesota Department of Health for their ongoing partnership in promoting the health and safety of Minnesotans with disabilities everywhere.
Ending Soon: Get Your COVID Vaccine at the State Fairgrounds
The State Fair Community Vaccination Site offers the opportunity for anyone 18 and older to get a single-dose, Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The site’s final weeks are from May 26 until June 8, when it will permanently close. The State Fair site offers a number of accommodations for the disability community.
COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments Available Now
Today, there are 12,000 COVID-19 vaccination appointments available at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds vaccination site operated by the Minnesota Department of Health. ALL Minnesotans with disabilities are eligible to receive their vaccine now, and the Fairgrounds site is here to serve our community 7 days a week. Every person with a disability is eligible to be vaccinated at the State Fairgrounds site, regardless of zip code.
Make a Plan for Your Vaccine and Plan to Help Others Who May Need Help
MCD would like to share the following message from Disability Hub MN: State health officials urge Minnesotans to get a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible. That call to action is especially true for people with disabilities. Support workers, friends and loved ones are encouraged to help the people who may need help scheduling their vaccine, especially for those lacking the best information or internet access.
COVID-19 Vaccine UPDATE: More People Now Eligible
Thanks to reaching COVID-19 vaccination goals faster than expected, additional priority groups are eligible for vaccines. Important: If you have questions about your eligibility, contact your primary care provider.