In the small, unincorporated town of Maplewood, Alabama, everyone knows Sarah Johnson. She runs the local general store, a bright, inviting space marked by a flashing “OPEN” sign. When customers step inside, Sarah greets them warmly with, “Hey there, how’s it going?” and quickly follows up with, “Have you gotten your vaccine yet?” (Note: this friendly Southern charm transcends social class or education).
Sarah has become a pivotal figure in the fight against COVID-19. Partnering with local commissioner Lisa Thompson, she has successfully vaccinated 94% of the town’s approximately 400 residents, achieving a remarkable 100% vaccination rate among those 65 and older. “Living in this rural area means we must fight for our lives amidst the challenges posed by COVID-19. It has completely changed our lives,” she shares in a documentary for The New Yorker. As Lisa states, “I felt compelled to act because the government isn’t doing enough here. This community is predominantly Black, and it often feels neglected, plain and simple.”
Maplewood lacked a vaccination clinic, with the closest option located 39 miles away—a daunting one-way journey for many locals who lack transportation. Determined to make a difference, Sarah and Lisa arranged for a pop-up clinic, but they needed a commitment from at least 40 residents willing to get vaccinated.
Sarah wasted no time. She started reaching out to her neighbors. “I’m working on getting people vaccinated,” she explained to one resident. “They won’t come unless we have enough folks signed up. Do you know anyone else who hasn’t received it?” She even drove through neighborhoods, honking her horn and encouraging people to join the effort. “I talk to everyone who comes into the store and stress the importance of getting vaccinated,” she explained to MSNBC.
“Many have lost loved ones—brothers, sisters, parents,” she noted. But Sarah is determined to prevent any more heartbreak. It’s hard to quantify the lives she’s saved through her advocacy.
What’s Her Secret?
“It’s in my heart to help my community,” Sarah told The Montgomery Advisor. Documentarian Jeremy S. Levine remarked on MSNBC, “While tensions run high, Sarah approaches people with understanding, answering their questions and engaging them with humor. I’ve never seen anyone so effective at winning people over.” She adds, “I recognized how serious this disease is, and I communicated that urgency to others. It wasn’t hard; people were willing to cooperate.”
However, Sarah encountered individuals with deep-seated concerns—historical mistrust in the medical system, particularly among Black communities, persists due to past injustices ranging from unethical medical practices to the infamous Tuskegee syphilis study. “Some expressed fear, saying, ‘I haven’t gotten it, I’m scared,’ while others planned to wait and see what happens,” she recounted on MSNBC. One man mentioned hearing that the vaccine could make people sick.
So how did she achieve an impressive 94% vaccination rate in a state where the overall rate hovers around 36.6%? “I think it’s because I’ve been active in the community for a long time. They trust me and know I’m committed,” she explained in the documentary. Sarah is a seasoned community organizer, and her kindness shines through. She jokes and builds rapport, never pushing people away. “I just treat them nicely,” she said. “I don’t demand anything.”
Sarah’s approach was refreshing—she didn’t scold people; instead, she met them with compassion. “It’s a novel strategy to get people vaccinated,” the filmmakers noted, emphasizing the importance of connection over confrontation.
Lessons Learned
Perhaps we should all take a page from Sarah’s book. The vaccination debate has become polarized, with many resorting to insults and anger. I recently lost my temper online with someone protesting vaccine passports, calling them “stupid” and blocking them in frustration. It’s clear I haven’t convinced anyone to get vaccinated.
In contrast, Sarah navigated opposition with grace. Rather than shouting, maybe it’s time we approach the conversation with empathy. Understanding those hesitant about vaccination—whether due to misinformation or fear—could lead to more productive discussions. Sarah listened, showed kindness, and ultimately saved lives.
Vaccinations as a Civil Rights Issue
Moreover, we must recognize that access to COVID-19 vaccinations is a civil rights concern. The media has often highlighted vaccine hesitancy in Black communities, which have suffered disproportionately from the pandemic. However, access to vaccines remains a significant hurdle. Many in Maplewood wanted the vaccine but faced logistical challenges. “We frequently heard people say, ‘I want the shot, but how do I get there?’” Levine noted.
How many other rural communities face similar barriers? In South Carolina, for instance, the overall vaccination rate stands at just 46.6%, while areas like Bamberg County and Colleton County lag behind at 43.25% and 42%, respectively. Every percentage point represents lives at stake.
Just like Sarah, we can cultivate kindness and take responsibility within our communities. It’s crucial to acknowledge that vaccination access is not merely about hesitancy; it’s a civil right that demands serious attention.
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Summary
Sarah Johnson’s efforts in Maplewood, Alabama, showcase the power of community, empathy, and kindness in overcoming vaccine hesitancy. Partnering with local leaders, she achieved an impressive vaccination rate by connecting personally with residents and addressing their concerns. Her approach serves as a model for how we can engage with others in the ongoing conversation about health and safety.
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