CAPHN Team Vaccinates over 1,300 Educators in One Day

When it comes to getting things done, the Capital Area Public Health Network (CAPHN) knows how to deliver. 

And deliver they did when they pulled together a large-scale vaccine clinic and vaccinated over 1,300 local educators and childcare providers.

CAPHN is an initiative of Granite United Way and is one of the three public health networks the organization oversees. On Sunday, March 21, 2021, educators and childcare staff entered the former Sears store at the Steeplegate Mall in Concord to receive their long-awaited shot. Hundreds of local school system employees were able to access the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

“This was a tremendous effort to bring the vaccine to our school systems,” said Shannon Bresaw, Vice President of Public Health for Granite United Way. “Our public health network team has been working closely with the state to ensure distribution of the vaccine as quickly and efficiently as possible. This clinic is an exceptional example of how we have been able to put years of planning into motion.”

The clinic was led by Mary Reed, Assistant Vice President of Public Health, and Stacey Elliott, Director of Public Health Emergency Preparedness & Response for CAPHN.  Both Reed and Elliott have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic since it began a year ago.

“We have been working in close coordination with our local, regional, and State public health and emergency management partners on pandemic response efforts.   “Our ability to  leverage partnerships and resources, including recruitment of dedicated medical and non-medical volunteers made the clinic a success and will result in a safer school environment for our educators.”

The clinic mobilized over 65 volunteers who kept everything running smoothly from registration to vaccination and the observation point at the end. 

“This is a momentous occasion, that’s all I could think as I was waiting with everyone here,” said Patti Osgood from SAU24 in Henniker who received her vaccination from Ben Carter of the Loudon Fire Department. “We are all so grateful.”

David and Morgan Salathe were among those participating in the clinic on Sunday. They are husband and wife team who work at Proctor Academy. “We are so thankful this is available, and thankful for the volunteers helping out today!”

Donna Zecha from the Concord School District was beyond excited to be receiving the vaccine. “We have all been taking selfies today. This means more than you can imagine to our staff!"

To learn more about the important work CAPHN is doing in the community, visit www.capitalareaphn.org.