In 14 days, the county was able to distribute more than 18,000 vaccines at five different sites
While many local health departments are struggling to roll out their vaccination programs, Essex County has benefited from an ambitious plan; it’s been able to vaccinate thousands of people a day while residents elsewhere battle frustrations and delays securing appointments.
Of the roughly 420,000 vaccines given so far in New Jersey, more than 34,000 were administered in Essex County — the second-highest in the state. Correspondent Raven Santana has the story.
Raven Santana is an award-winning journalist with a passion for serving New Jersey’s diverse communities and a highly respected member of her own. Santana has served as correspondent/sub-anchor for NJ Spotlight News since 2018. She’s reported on the state’s business climate, health care issues, undocumented workers legislation and more. She also hosts New Jersey Business Beat with Raven Santana on NJ PBS. The first woman of color in that role, she has made it a mission to focus on often-overlooked aspects of business, from BIPOC ownership to gaps in equity and inclusion. Her recent accolades include being recognized in 2023 as part of COLOR Magazine's Power 40 Under 40 list, and in Perth Amboy Free Public Library’s 2nd Annual Women’s History Month Celebration, where she received a mayoral citation and the NJ Senate/General Assembly presented her with a Joint Legislative Resolution. She also serves on The WNET Group’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion council and is vice president of The Second Street Youth Center, based in Plainfield.