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In New Letter, Rep. Sylvia Garcia Calls On CEO of H-E-B To Prioritize Vaccine Access To Vulnerable Populations In The Houston Region

January 13, 2021

Media Contact: Sara Guerrero (DC): Email: Sara.Guerrero@mail.house.gov; Cell: 202-227-0330

WASHINGTON, DCToday, Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29) wrote to the Chairman & CEO of H-E-B, Charles Butt. The letter requested that the beloved Texan supermarket chainshould also prioritize access of the COVID-19 vaccine to those in low-income communities in the Houston region whose H-E-B locations do not have a pharmacy.

Congresswoman Garcia recognizes that there are several H-E-B affiliate stores in the29th District of Texas like Mi Tienda and Joe V's, but only one H-E-B with a pharmacy. Rep. Garcia's constituents' ability to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in an accessible and timely matter should not be impaired because of their zip code.

You can find a copy of each letter below:

January 13, 2021

Charles Butt

H-E-B Chairman & CEO

646 South Flores Street

San Antonio, TX 78204

Dear Mr. Butt,

H-E-B has played a pivotal role in helping our communities recover from natural disasters, food insecurity, and now the Coronavirus pandemic. Your impact is felt across the state of Texas. Now, H-E-B stores are receiving allocations of the COVID-19 vaccine, allowing community members to be vaccinated at their trusted local grocery store.

I am respectfully requesting that you include H-E-B affiliate stores like Mi Tienda and Joe V's in your COVID-19 vaccine distribution across Texas. Locations like Mi Tienda and Joe V's are often placed in low-income communities and commonly do not have pharmacies. The 29th District of Texas which I am privileged to represent has only one HEB with a pharmacy, but several Mi Tiendas and Joe V's. I am concerned about the ability for folks in my district to access the vaccine. We cannot accept that individuals in certain neighborhoods will have less access to the vaccine simply because of where they live.

With limited supply at this stage, we must ensure that vaccine distribution prioritizes vulnerable populations in the most efficient and accessible way possible, particularly those in low-income communities that have borne the brunt of the pandemic's health and economic effects.

Your critical role in our community has always been appreciated. Your support now is crucial in our efforts to ensure that all Texans have equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Sylvia R. Garcia

Member of Congress

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Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the Texas 29th Congressional District. She serves on the House Judiciary and Financial Services Committees.