Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center and Community Partners team to vaccinate underserved populations
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, along with the Mother of Mercy Free Clinic, Prince William County Government, and Virginia Department of Health joined forces to vaccinate members of underserved populations.
The three large-scale COVID-19 vaccination clinics, which ran from Thursday, April 22 through Saturday, April 24, 2021, vaccinated people in eastern Prince William County. The clinics were by appointment only.
By the close of the clinics, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center had administered 927 doses of Pfizer vaccine to eligible patients and community members. No doses were wasted.
“Our mission as an organization is to improve health every day. This event gets us one step closer to getting back to “normal.” We want every member of our community to know we care for them and every person should have the opportunity to be vaccinated,” explains event coordinator, Diane Araj Buckley, Pharmacy Manager at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center.
With guidance from the Virginia Department of Health, Sentara has worked extensively through partnerships with community organizations to ensure access for underserved minority populations for whom access might be a challenge.
“Our main goal is to get shots in the arms of all our citizens, support from Sentara and the Mother of Mercy Clinic is crucial to our mission and is greatly appreciated,” explains Prince William County Executive, Chris Martino.
Prince William Health District Director, Alison Ansher agrees, “The Mother of Mercy clinic and Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center are trusted healthcare facilities for many of our Hispanic/Latino families. Therefore, having a vaccination event in partnership with both may encourage those in the Hispanic/Latino community to get vaccinated against COVID.”
If you have questions regarding the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine or would like to read FAQs, visit www.sentara.com/vaccine for our latest updates.