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PHOTO RELEASE: Schneider Visits Des Plaines Mass Vaccination Site, Highlights How American Rescue Plan Will Help Illinois Communities

March 14, 2021

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Above: Congressman Brad Schneider discusses the COVID  19 vaccine rollout with Israel Rocha, Cook County Health Department Chief Executive Officer (right)

Above: Congressman Brad Schneider discusses the COVID-19 vaccine rollout with Israel Rocha, Cook County Health Department Chief Executive Officer (right)

DES PLAINES, IL - Saturday, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) toured the mass vaccination site in Des Plaines with Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-9), Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Cook County Health Department CEO Israel Rocha Jr. Schneider reviewed vaccine distribution logistics, talked to those receiving the vaccine, and discussed how the American Rescue Plan will help get shots in arms faster across Illinois.

The site is capable of administering up to 3,500 doses of the vaccine per day once operating at full capacity. Cook County residents 65 and older eligible in phase 1B can make an appointment at the site by signing up through vaccine.cookcountyil.gov or by calling (833) 308-1988.

"Seeing the Des Plaines mass vaccination site just days after President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law showed me that we are charting the course to beat back this virus. Although roadblocks remain, the passage of the American Rescue Plan last week means that Des Plaines and other local communities across Illinois will soon be able to get shots in arms even faster. We must continue working to aggressively increase vaccine supply, add more vaccination sites and make it easier for people to schedule their vaccine appointment so we can have life return to normal," said Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10).

Last week, President Biden signed into law The American Rescue Plan, which provides checks of $1,400 per person in direct assistance to households. The plan also mounts a national vaccination program that includes setting up community vaccination sites nationwide. It scales up contact tracing and COVID-19 testing, addresses shortages of personal protective equipment and addresses health care disparities. President Biden's proposal also provides support for small businesses by expanding PPP eligibility and targeting those owned by entrepreneurs from racial and ethnic backgrounds.

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Above: Lawmakers celebrate the vaccine with Maria Gonzalez

Above: Lawmakers celebrate the vaccine with Maria Gonzalez