Dick’s Sporting Goods and AHN team up to give 5,100 covid vaccines
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Dick’s Sporting Goods teamed up Friday with Allegheny Health Network to host a covid-19 vaccine clinic, administering about 5,100 vaccine doses to high-risk patients.
Individuals who fall into Phase 1A of Pennsylvania’s covid-19 vaccine distribution plan were able to receive their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the clinic, which was held at Dick’s Sporting Goods’ corporate office in Findlay.
“Everyone who walks in here is so happy about receiving the vaccine,” said Dr. Imran Qadeer, chief medical officer for Allegheny General Hospital.
Jeff Geisel of South Park was among the patients receiving the vaccine Friday. As a lacrosse coach, he interacts with people closely, so receiving the vaccine was a relief.
“I know I still have to wear a mask and take all the precautions,” he said.
Joan Balistreri of Pleasant Hills said she was in Phase 1A because of a heart condition. She’d been trying to get a vaccine for about a month before she was finally able to schedule one using AHN’s My Chart tool.
“I’m glad, really happy,” she said of being in the first group to receive the vaccine. “I’m making history.”
The vaccine experience was easy, she said, and she reported feeling good after getting the shot.
“I think it’s very well organized. There’s so many people here to take care of you,” she said.
Balistreri also urged others to get the vaccine.
“The sooner people get it in one group, the faster the next group can get through,” she said.
David Holmberg, president and CEO of Highmark Health, echoed the message that people should get vaccinated as soon as they can. Watching so many people receive the vaccine today was important, he said.
“What it means is we all get to get back to our lives and things that are important to us,” he said. “The community can do this if we work together.”
The partnership between AHN and Dick’s, he said, made the clinic “smooth as silk.” Dick’s offered their logistical strengths, while Highmark and AHN brought in data analytics and clinical expertise.
Using the Dick’s Sporting Goods’ corporate office allowed for more space so a large number of patients could remain socially distanced. Plus, the location was good for parking and traffic flow. There were no steps or escalators, making it easier for patients to navigate, said Julie Lodge-Jarrett, chief people officer for Dick’s Sporting Goods.
“We’re really proud to do our small part,” she said.
Lodge-Jarrett commended the volunteers — many of whom are not yet vaccinated themselves — who helped organize the event, including over 200 volunteers from Dick’s Sporting Goods.
“They’re doing it because they’re so motivated to be part of the change we know we need to see happen,” she said. “They want to help others who need it most.”
June Ley of Brighton Heights, who is high-risk because of COPD, said she was relieved to get the vaccine and pleased with how quick and easy the process was.
“I’m a little surprised at how well-organized it is,” she said.
With her was Ron Greno, 73, who said he’d been trying since February to schedule an appointment. His daughters tried to help, but it was difficult to find a dose of the vaccine.
“The relief was just to get scheduled some place,” he said.
Qadeer highlighted the scale of the vaccine clinic, which is the largest the region has seen so far.
“This space allows us to do more vaccinations,” he said “It’s the largest event we’ve had in Pittsburgh so far.”
Seeing the enthusiasm from the thousands of patients receiving the vaccine energized him and the workers who organized the event, he said.
“Everyone is committed, driven and passionate about vaccinating and getting to the high-risk population,” he said.
Special focus was given to reaching marginalized populations, Qadeer said. About 15% of vaccines distributed during Friday’s event were specifically designated for those from marginalized populations.
Qadeer said they used the CDC Social Vulnerability Index and reached out to organizations that serve marginalized or underrepresented populations, including Casa San Jose and several African American churches, as well as mosques and temples.