For the hundreds of CoxHealth staff members who have volunteered at our community vaccination events, the experience has been an uplifting example of being the best for those who need us.We asked a few staff members to tell us what it meant to them to participate in these historic events – below is the latest in a series of Vaccine Clinic Voices.

Having the vaccine is a huge anxiety coming off my shoulders

It’s hard to put into words what it was like to be there and be a part of that. Just seeing how much people appreciate us doing the clinics. I see it as a sign of hope.

We heard so many stories. People were so ready to get the shot. They see it as a chance to be around their families again; a chance to live their lives. Everyone wanted to love on us and let us know how much they appreciate us being there.

To see the looks on their faces and the twinkle in their eyes is good for our souls. We all need that right now.

We heard all day about how people were ready to get out and see their friends and their family again.

With my own experience, I was definitely ready. My father has been doing chemotherapy. Since I work in the ER, I haven’t been comfortable going around him or being close.

I am a huge hugger. I remember my first patient when all this began. I wanted to console the wife of a trauma patient. She was so scared, I just wanted to hug her. We have gone without that touch for so long. We need that back.

Having the vaccine is a huge anxiety coming off my shoulders. I felt hope. I wanted to give back and give people that hope. We are going to fight this together. This is our first step.

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Vaccine Clinic Voices: Chrystal Akers