High demand for local vaccine volunteers

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The COVID-19 vaccine clinic is open at Hedwig Memorial Center welcoming the community to get their vaccines.

The demand for vaccinations is quite high but so is the number of volunteers!

“It was overwhelming the amount of responses overnight. Hundreds of responses. Everyday. I think over 1,800 people have signed up currently…it’s amazing,” said Health Promotions Specialist and volunteer coordinator at Hedwig Memorial Center.

Both volunteer medical professionals and non-medical volunteers are excited to help while having fun and making a difference.

“I’m retired. It’s going to be almost three years this summer and this opportunity came up and I said well I can give shots and I can’t think of a better need or more important thing I can be doing with my time right now,” said retired Geriatric Medicine Specialist and volunteer Dr. Nels Leininger.

“The health department organizing is doing a great job. It’s a great atmosphere and they're really working hard to bring more people from all different parts of the community to get vaccinated,” Dr. Leininger said.

A student from Notre Dame and pharmacist who is originally from Nigeria is also giving back to our community.

He says what motivates him is the people he comes in contact with every day at the clinic.

“Is the impact you see, the smile on people’s faces, the excitement, the enthusiasm when people come and get the shots,” Asinemei Ndai said.

Ndai is encouraging others to do the same.

“It’s a noble thing to do and it’s a privilege to be able to help,” Ndai said.

Anyone over the age of 16 is welcomed to volunteer. You can call the health department for more information.