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Sharing the Good News

SUNY Oneonta students are joining forces to spread the word about COVID vaccination availability to communities across Otsego County

By SUNY Oneonta

March 31^st, 2021

More than 50 SUNY Oneonta students have rallied together to distribute informational flyers to those who may need assistance with registering for a COVID-19 vaccine. Recognizing the need for outreach in areas where internet access isn’t readily available, the flyers share contact information for assistance with scheduling an appointment and arranging a ride to the state-run vaccination site at SUNY Oneonta.

So far, the students — many of whom are members of fraternity Alpha Sigma Phi — have distributed flyers at mobile home parks, laundromats, low-income housing developments, discount stores, and senior residences in Unadilla, Wells Bridge, Otego, Sidney, Maryland, Schenevus, Worcester, Richfield Springs, New Berlin, Edmeston, Portlandville, Cooperstown, Laurens, Morris, Hartwick and Oneonta.

They plan to continue their efforts until they reach every community in Otsego County.

“We have such a wonderful group of students who did not hesitate to help,” said Linda Drake, executive director of SUNY Oneonta’s Center for Social Responsibility and Community. “We have over 50 students who wanted to make a difference in keeping the public safe from COVID.”

“ I want to help my community and let people know we are trying our best to help stop the spread of COVID," said Areli Meza, a childhood education major from Niverville, NY. "I want to give a little bit of hope by spreading the word about the vaccine.”

The students' efforts are part of a community initiative including organizations such as Opportunities for Otsego, Otsego County Office for the Aging, Otsego Community Foundation, Bassett Healthcare and Otsego County Health and Wellness.

“These students, along with other volunteers, are doing a very important job,” said Acting President Dennis Craig. “They are ensuring that all people throughout Otsego County have the knowledge and access to vaccinate themselves against COVID-19.”

State Senator Peter Oberacker and Assemblyman John Salka thanked the students for providing a critical public service and said it was encouraging to see so many of them volunteering and spreading the word.

“Along with helping protect the health and well-being of many in our region, this collaborative undertaking is also a positive relationship builder between students and area residents," Oberacker noted.

"All New Yorkers deserve the chance to get the shot, and these students are ensuring people have access to the vaccine," Salka said. "This benefits all New Yorkers - the sooner more people get vaccinated, the sooner we can re-open businesses and protect our upstate communities."

“Although the weather was poor out while distributing flyers, the idea of spreading the news about the vaccinations was very motivating," said Kristyon Narain, a sociology major from Laurelton, NY. "In the end, we can’t make people take the vaccine, but at least we can help them make the best decision by providing them with information and options.”

Students said they were happy to be able to give back to the community in whatever way they could.

“Just handing out flyers and putting up posters may seem small, but being vaccinated is one step closer to normalcy," said Jonathan Kopsick, a psychology major from Franklin Square, NY. "Oneonta has done so much for me these past four years, and I would love to help out the community that has given me so much.”

Eligible New Yorkers can schedule vaccination appointments by using the state's "Am I Eligible" website or by calling the COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX.