The “Wise Guys Immunize” campaign of the Brownwood/Brown County Health Department was out in the public at local gym Brownwood Fitness Tuesday to help get the men of the community up-to-date on their immunizations as an example for families and the community.
Free shots to children under 18 were given on location at the gym most of the day and offered at no cost when brought in by their dad or granddad. Special guest, Walt “No Neck” Williams, a Brownwood native and former professional baseball player for the White Sox, the Colt .45s, Yankees and Indians during the years of 1964-1975 was present. Williams signed autographs and supported the immunization coalition by being a part of radio spots for the week’s events.
The campaign focuses on celebrating fathers and catching them up with the immunizations they need to have good health inside and out. “Wise Guys Immunize” week is June 13-17 and all through the week during the hours of 8:30am-11:00am and again at 1:00pm-4:30pm, the Health Department will offer free shots to children under 18 that are brought in by their dad or granddad.
Brownwood High School athletic director and head coach Bob Shipley has also participated in promoting the week. Both Shipley and Williams are also helping to encourage men in the community to stand up and be the leaders of the family—starting with their immunizations.
So far, the week is a success according to Immunization Coordinator Jodie Hohertz. During the first few hours of the on-site clinic at Brownwood Fitness, several people were immunized.
“The first three hours today, 7 people were immunized, including 2 men and women,” said Hohertz. “The adult shots are what I am excited about, it’s very good.”
Hohertz also reported the radio ads as being effective and causing people to think about what shots they may need .
“Due to the radio broadcasts about it, Brownwood and Pecan Valley Kiwanis Club called in and invited me to speak at their next meeting regarding these adult shots and what they need to get caught up on,” said Hohertz. “We will educate them and hope to get some dads and even granddads immunized that are around their grandbabies.”
Pictured above is the Immunization Coalition: Pictured are (left to right) Alicia Long, Paul Coghlan, Bob Contreras, Tim Peevey, Jodie Hohertz, Billy Holloway, Sheryl Jowers, Jim Bush, LaHonda Blevins (Co-owner of Brownwood Fitness),Walt Williams, and Ronda Meyers.
Other pictures of the event are below:
Walt Williams signs autographs.
Tabbie Meador gets her shots as dad, Ron, looks on. Also pictured is her brother Chase and Jula Hill, LVN, of the Brownwood/Brown County Health Department administering the immunizations.
Lacy Cox bravely gets an few immunizations.
Randy Perkinns gets caught up no a tetanus shot.
