In Coachella Valley Migrant Community, the COVID-19 Death of a Beloved Priest Helps Spur Vaccinations

Alejandra Molina of Religion News Service reports that the Covid-19 death of the Rev. Francisco Valdovinos, a well-known Catholic priest in Southern California, has helped raise awareness in the local immigrant community about Covid-19 prevention. She writes, β€œThe life and death of Valdovinos β€” who belonged to the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity β€” also highlights the important role faith leaders and churches fill as trusted messengers in their communities. Their roles are especially important during a pandemic that has disproportionately affected communities of color.” Valdovinos distributed food and face masks to the local community throughout the pandemic and appeared on Spanish-language radio to encourage immigrant workers to get tested and vaccinated.

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