FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — As vaccine distribution accelerates in Arkansas, it has become a community effort.
Pat Schram is one of many volunteers who has stepped up to help out with vaccine distribution.
Schram started volunteering at Medical Arts Pharmacy in Fayetteville this February and assists by helping people get checked in when they arrive for their vaccination appointment.
“I feel like I’m doing something productive in the midst of all this,” Schram said.
Schram previously worked as a social worker and said that she has a heart for helping out.
Schram isn’t the only volunteer at Medical Arts Pharmacy who has stepped up to ensure this process can succeed.
Dr. John Ball is another medical professional who has stepped up during his community’s time of need.
Dr. Ball said he thinks that caring for the community should be a collaborative effort and also came out of retirement to administer vaccines.
“All of us need to chip in and do our part,” said Dr. Ball.
Though Dr. Ball spent most of his career as a nephrologist, he’s no stranger to administering vaccines.
He uses his year’s worth of knowledge to pass along his expertise to the younger volunteers helping out.
“It comes naturally to me to do this. It is just my personality,” said Ball. “I am a real people person so being involved with everybody here has been a wonderful thing for me.”
Schram and Ball are two valued members of the team and they both said that they encourage anyone who becomes eligible to get the vaccine.