Our Patients Say it Best

Time for a new normal - Eula Taylor

Feb, 2021

For 67-year-old Eula Taylor, getting her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the Center for Better Health in Benton Harbor was a moment of hope. Before the pandemic, Eula traveled to visit her family yearly, attended church every Sunday, and planned to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture for the first time. Not to mention the retirement she was looking forward to and planning for all her life.

In March 2020, things took a turn. Knowing COVID-19 has increased risk of severe illness and death for older adults, Eula spent much of the last year in isolation. She worried about her health and when she would be able to see her loved ones again. Eula was feeling a loss of social support. 

In late 2020 when the COVID-19 vaccines were granted Emergency Use Authorization, it seemed like the light at the end of the tunnel for so many. However, Eula expressed that, as a Black woman, it was not easy to decide whether she was going to get the shots.

“I had a fear of taking a new vaccine based on experiments that have been performed on Black people throughout history,” said Eula. “I also had fears about whether I would receive the same vaccine as everyone else and if it would be safe.”

After 11 months of not being able to enjoy social activities, changes to her retirement plans, and losing friends to COVID-19, Eula decided when it was her time, she would get the vaccine. When staff from the Center for Better Health reached out to schedule Eula’s vaccination appointment, it seemed like a step in the right direction. 

After receiving her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, Eula‘s mindset changed because of the positive experience she had in her hometown at the Center for Better Health. Eula was surprised she did not experience any side effects. Although she still wears a mask and still needs to get her second dose of the vaccine, Eula feels safer while out in public and gained her confidence back knowing she is helping protect herself and the people around her.

“I encourage others to get vaccinated because it will help us get back to a new normal as soon as possible,” she said. 

The Center for Better Health, located at 100 W. Main St., provides a limited amount of vaccination appointments to those who are eligible. The center also offers free health and wellness services, personal protective equipment, and other forms of support to residents of Benton Harbor and Benton Heights. 

To  sign up to receive  the COVID-19 vaccine, or for more information and resources, visit spectrumhealthlakeland.org/vaccine