While the nation continues to debate and discuss COVID-19 vaccines, many medical practitioners are just simply going about the business of providing wellness for those who seek it. One local company even took the business of vaccinations and made it a community event. Earlier this year, Family Hospital Systems (FHS)/Family Emergency Rooms partnered with Williamson County to create drive-thru hubs that became hives of volunteer activity to help provide vaccines across Williamson County.
FHS Communications Director Jen Stratton says, “We started out providing COVID-19 testing through a contract with Williamson County. When asked to extend those services to vaccines, we were happy to serve and began vaccinating first responders. As demand grew, we knew we needed a larger space to keep up so we established hubs at Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex in Austin, the Sun City ballroom, and at GISD’s football stadium, one of the first drive-thrus. From mid-January to mid-May, we administered more than 160,000 vaccine doses.”
Room for Everyone
Jen affirms the success at the drive-thru hub drew the attention of many. While there was obvious interest in the vaccine, the photo of Willie Nelson receiving his vaccine from FHS helped the event go viral. His wife, Annie, was so grateful for her shot, she volunteered at the hub for a month after.
But Annie Nelson wasn’t alone in her gratitude—volunteers came from all over to help out; elders from the Church of Latter-Day Saints, the UT Swim and Dive team, senior staff from CapMetro, nursing students from all over Central Texas, community members with medical backgrounds, and dozens of workers from local companies who were given paid time off from their employers to help. In Georgetown, volunteers from Celebration Church provided a Vaccine Registration Technical Assistance (VRTA) center to help seniors get on the list.
Jen says, “It took many volunteers and staff to make our hub a success. Our goal was to make receiving the vaccine as safe and efficient as possible for those who wanted it and our volunteers and staff did a fantastic job at getting patients in and out with speed and cheer. The drive-thru setup really made things convenient for our patients, and I think it was appreciated.”
Dr. Henry Higgins, FHS CEO, says, “We are glad to do our part to help kick COVID-19 out of Williamson County.” Jen adds, “While we were working long hours to serve our community, we remain grateful to those who provided food, drinks, and snacks. We are especially grateful to Bohemian Barbecue and Shawarma Point for their excellent service and amazing food.”
VAX-A-THON
As the vaccine hub idea took hold, many providers did the same across the state. FHS then went one step further and held a 24-hour Vax-a-thon, and found a way to make it fun. “Staff and volunteers dressed up with big hair, pin-cuff jeans, and played 80s music provided by Four Hour DJs for the steady stream of cars,” Jen says. “That night we enjoyed 80s movies on the big screen and were proud to have been able to vaccinate nearly 6,000 people safely. It was a testament to good planning and a desire to be part of the community.”
With hubs now closed, FHS still provides vaccines at their Cedar Park Facility for those who want them. Jen adds, “Our Family wants to keep your family healthy during the pandemic and beyond. Our facilities are prepared to test, treat, and vaccinate against COVID-19.”