The Greater Lowell Health Alliance (GLHA), in collaboration with Lowell General Hospital and more than 50 organized a community vaccination day on Wednesday, April 14, for approximately 1,000 eligible residents of Greater Lowell who face barriers to accessing the COVID-19 vaccine.
“This effort is just the latest example of how this diverse community works so well together to support the health and wellbeing of all populations across this region,” said Kerrie D’Entremont, Executive Director of the GLHA.
The GLHA brings together healthcare providers, business leaders, educators, civic and community leaders with a common goal to improve the overall health of the communities it serves. Since the vaccine first arrived, it has been providing vaccine education and support to transitional housing, shelters, houses of worship, cultural organizations and many other groups.
Lowell General has also worked with agencies across the region to reduce barriers to vaccine access through on-site clinics and mobile vaccination to homebound individuals. Its regional vaccination site is currently providing 3,000 doses per day, and is now accessible by a free shuttle from the Lowell Regional Transit Authority’s Kennedy Bus Center downtown.
The vaccination clinic initially planned to administer the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine on Wednesday, but with news of the pause on that vaccine, these community members will receive the two-dose Pfizer vaccine and return for a second dose in three weeks.
The GLHA and Lowell General hope to schedule more of these special community clinics in the weeks and months ahead.
“The best way we can protect our community is to get the vaccine to everyone who wants it as quickly and efficiently as possible, including those who can’t easily book an appointment or travel to the vaccination site,” said Jody White, President and CEO of Lowell General. “This is only accomplished with the help of our community partners, and collaboration is what the GLHA does best.”
