In an effort to provide important, timely information about COVID-19 to students, faculty, staff, and community members, Danville Community College (DCC), in partnership with Piedmont Access to Health Services (PATHS), the Virginia Department of Health and SOVAH Health, is hosting a COVID-19 Information Session and Vaccine Clinic on October 7, 2021 in the Student Center on the DCC campus.

“We have a responsibility to educate beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Muriel Mickles, interim president of Danville Community College. “We hope to provide factual, non-biased information to our students, faculty, and staff and address their questions and concerns through an information session led by licensed healthcare professionals.”

The information session will be held from 11 a.m. to noon. Guest speaker Dr. Sheranda Gunn-Nolan, market chief medical officer for SOVAH Health, will offer insight and answer questions regarding COVID-19.

“There is a lot of misinformation circulating throughout our community regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, and we want to address each of these concerns and hesitancies,” Gunn-Nolan said. “The FDA committed to giving the COVID-19 vaccinations priority (not rushed) review at all phases of the studies, and the vaccine has proven to be safe and effective while significantly decreasing the risk of hospitalization or death.”

The information session will be followed by a vaccination clinic in partnership with PATHS, SOVAH and the Virginia Department of Health.

“We’re so grateful for all of our collaborative partnerships,” said Shani Gaylord, director of community programs for PATHS. “Our PATHS team's dedication to meet our community members where they are supports open dialog and provides answers to questions about COVID-19 and vaccinations. We take pride in providing quality healthcare and education and sharing accurate information so all people can make informed decisions. We will also be administering vaccines on-site in an effort to make the healthy choice the easy choice."

Participants in the information session will be entered to win raffle prizes and all individuals who choose to be a vaccinated will receive a complimentary gift card to Sheetz, Kickback Jack’s, Food Lion, or Cookout.

“We hope, by providing these resources to our campus and community, we can create a safer environment to provide the quality higher education that we are known for,” Mickles said.

Those who are interested in attending the information session should register at danville.edu. Individuals who would like to register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine should call 434-791-4122, ext. 1004.

The W&W Luxury Limousine Service will be offering complimentary rides to DCC for the vaccination clinic for those who need transportation. Their contact information is 434-835-4949.