March 2, 2021
Inspired by successful morale boosting efforts across the country, new campaign #SleevesUpKnox encourages community members to roll up their sleeves, support each other and be ready when it’s their turn to get vaccinated.
“We all understand that it’s a long process and won’t be without hurdles along the way,” Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon said. “But if we stick together and remember we all have the same goal, we can do this. The best way to bounce back from a pandemic is to be steadfast in our resolve. #SleevesUpKnox will provide a way to share, support and stay strong.”
Vaccines eventually will be available for everybody. Until then, Knoxville Recovers encourages the community to be patient, stay strong and maintain the five core actions: Practice physical distancing, wear cloth face coverings, practice proper handwashing, clean/sanitize surfaces and stay home if you’re sick.
“Over the last year, it’s been inspiring to see how our community has come together to help each other get through a pandemic,” said Phyllis Y. Nichols, president and CEO of Knoxville Area Urban League. “We need to carry that same sense of unity into recovery. Every single one of us can make a difference. Get vaccinated when it’s your turn, and cheer on others when it’s theirs.”
Knoxville Recovers is a 12-member alliance of local leaders committed to helping the community recover both health-wise and economically from COVID-19. A new member has been added in Larsen Jay, Chair of Knox County Commission.
Over the coming weeks, Knoxville Recovers will educate the community about the vaccine process and the importance of the five core actions, both before and after receiving the vaccine. The alliance also will promote #SleevesUpKnox as a positive and unifying message as the community receives vaccinations.
“Even if today isn’t your turn, you can still make a difference by being patient, staying strong and showing your support for the vaccine by using the hashtag #SleevesUpKnox on social media,” Kincannon said.
About Knoxville Recovers
Formed in September 2020, Knoxville Recovers is an alliance of community leaders that seeks to help Knoxville fully recover from the effects of COVID-19 across all sectors. Alliance members are Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon; Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs; University of Tennessee-Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman; Dr. Richard Briggs, a physician and state senator; Randy Boyd, University of Tennessee System president; Bill Haslam, former Tennessee governor and Knoxville mayor; Dr. Keith Gray, University of Tennessee Medical Center’s chief medical officer; Karmen Jones, UT-Knoxville’s Student Government Association president; Phyllis Y. Nichols, president and CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League; Renee Kelly, Knox County Schools chief of staff; Mike Odom, president and CEO of the Knoxville Chamber; and Larsen Jay, Knox County commissioner.
