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COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abrazo West vaccine site served more than 50,000 in three months

Hospital officials thank volunteers and partners for support during Goodyear site’s operation

Posted 4/6/21

The COVID-19 vaccine point of distribution (POD) site at Abrazo West Campus in Goodyear vaccinated more than 50,000 people during its three months in operation, marking a positive achievement for the community.

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COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abrazo West vaccine site served more than 50,000 in three months

Hospital officials thank volunteers and partners for support during Goodyear site’s operation

Posted

The COVID-19 vaccine point of distribution (POD) site at Abrazo West Campus in Goodyear vaccinated more than 50,000 people during its three months in operation, marking a positive achievement for the community.

“Abrazo Health is proud to be able to serve our community and appreciative of everyone’s dedication to ensure the POD ran as efficiently as possible for the hundreds of cars entering and exiting the drive-through site each day,” Abrazo West Campus Chief Operations Officer Noomi Hirsch said in a prepared statement April 6.

The vaccination effort at the campus, 13677 W. McDowell Road, was part of a collaboration serving southwest Maricopa County health care workers, first responders and educators. Set up in a parking lot near the hospital, volunteers from Abrazo and other organizations operated the site.

The site, which opened Dec. 21, 2020, was one of the county’s first PODs. It concluded operations March 19 as more than 100 vaccination sites are now open throughout Maricopa County, according to a release.

READ: Rock icon Alice Cooper vaccinated in Goodyear

Among those vaccinated at the site were rock icon and Valley native Alice Cooper and his wife, Sheryl.

Abrazo West staff prepared for weeks to handle logistics and operations of the vaccination site, including practice days before administering the vaccine, Abrazo West Pharmacy Director Mary Merrill said.

“Our hospital staff, community partners including Maricopa County Public Health, Goodyear police and fire, Valleywise and the hundreds of volunteers did an awesome job with pitching in to help us handle logistics and operation of the POD,” she said.

With warmer wreathing arriving and more vaccination locations available, the outdoor sites are wrapping up operations, Ms. Hirsch said. Vaccination appointment information is accessible for the public through the county’s online vaccine finder or through azdhs.gov. The type of vaccine offered and number of open appointments will vary by provider.

“The vaccine has brought hope to our frontline workers and community. It is important that those who are eligible receive the vaccine, and for our community to continue following CDC guidelines including social distancing, handwashing and wearing masks in public places even if you’ve been vaccinated,” Ms. Hirsch said.

Doctors, nurses and support staff continue to follow enhanced procedures to provide safe care for patients in all Abrazo Health hospitals throughout the Valley. Emergency, inpatient and outpatient elective procedures are essential care.

Abrazo officials remind the community that delaying care or waiting to go to the ER can result in a greater risk of complications and lengthier recovery times if conditions are left untreated.

“Emergency care can be life-saving care and elective procedures are medically necessary for improved health and quality of life. Studies have shown people have delayed care during the pandemic, but delays may result in a greater risk of complications, disability and lengthier recovery times,” Ms. Hirsch said.