Lincoln– In an ongoing effort to advocate and educate Nebraskans about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is partnering with the Center for Rural Affairs (CFRA), a rural advocacy organization to hold a Facebook Live event focused on rural communities throughout Nebraska.

With nearly two million vaccines administered and 56% of Nebraskans over the age of 16 fully vaccinated, the state has made great strides in its fight against COVID-19. Hospitalization rates have fallen from a high of nearly 1,000 in November, to under 40 hospitalizations today.

To continue the forward progress, Nebraska DHHS CEO Dannette R. Smith and Chief Medical Officer Gary Anthone will take part in the CFRA’s “Rural Rapport” Facebook Live Townhall to discuss the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine. More importantly, they will take the opportunity to answer questions and listen to the concerns of Nebraska’s rural community.

Established in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, non-profit organization working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities through action-oriented programs addressing social, economic, and environmental issues.