Ritchie’s Story: Austin, Texas

“I threw a party in my head [when I was eligible for the vaccine].

I threw a party in my head because it was all about hope for me.

It was all about knowing one day that I will be able to enter her room without having to remember my mask or remembering that I had to practice six feet distancing.

I miss the days of being able to slap my team a high five or greet our patients with a handshake.”

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Ritchie T. Martin Jr. has worked in public health for more than 20 years. He currently serves as Interim Director for Health Promotions for Vivent Health in Austin, Texas.