Rock Hill Piedmont Community Vaccination Clinic
The growing availability of COVID-19 vaccines in early 2021 created a sense of hope and relief in the face of pandemic disruptions, but in York County, vaccine distributions lagged other areas. After Piedmont Medical Center asked for help to raise its capacity for large-scale vaccination, Rock Hill Mayor John Gettys offered for the city to take the lead in establishing a vaccine clinic, in partnership with the hospital and the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control.
The coalition launched a whirlwind operation to transform a former department store at the Galleria Mall into a clinic, and just eight days after the initial community leaders meeting, the facility began vaccinations. The city provided logistical support, obtained donations of needed supplies, and tracked expenses for reimbursement through federal relief funds. It also developed a volunteer signup process and communications plan. Rock Hill’s bus system created a temporary bus stop to bring patients to the clinic, which helped with outreach to the area’s population. Piedmont Medical Center obtained the vaccine supplies and managed appointments through the federal vaccine management system.
The clinic sought to administer as many vaccinations as possible while providing an experience consistent with the City of Rock Hill’s focus on customer service. In 59 days of operation across four months, the clinic administered more than 50,000 shots. With anywhere from 70 to 100 volunteers needed every day, the clinic ultimately brought more than 1,600 total volunteers. Patients praised the clinic’s efficiency and the helpfulness of its volunteers.
Contact Katie Quinn at katie.quinn@cityofrockhill.com or 803.326.3791.