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Jeff Powell, (402) 471-6223,
Jeff.Powell@Nebraska.Gov
Lincoln, Neb. – Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gary Anthone took part in the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska's Facebook Live event. Topics of discussion included COVID-19 vaccination trials for children and teens, COVID-19 variants currently found in Nebraska, and vaccine hesitancy in the American Indian community.
The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is one of two federally recognized tribes of the Ponca people and one of four tribes in the state of Nebraska. Chief Standing Bear, the famous American Indian civil rights leader whose bust sits in Nebraska's State Capitol Hall of Fame and the US Capitol was a member of the Ponca Tribe.
The Ponca Tribe's Facebook Live presentations are a successful outreach effort that receives hundreds, to nearly thousands of views. The videos provide vital information to maintain mental and physical wellness. Dr. Anthone was interviewed by Nancie Velasquez, the Community Health Manager for the Ponca Tribe.
“It was a great pleasure to take part in this event to help spread the word about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine," said Dr. Anthone. “The discussion was also a great opportunity for me to learn about the rich history of the Ponca Tribe and its people."
“It was a pleasure sitting down and speaking with Dr. Anthone. I look forward to a long working relationship with Dr. Anthone, his staff at DHHS and I'd love to have him come back in the future for more discussions," said Nancie Velasquez.
The monthly update can be found on the Ponca Tribe's Facebook page.
All Nebraskans are encouraged to Finish Strong and register for the vaccine. Anyone 12 and older can now get vaccinated. Register at Vaccinate.NE.Gov or with your local health district, or check with area pharmacies that are scheduling appointments.