While the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency leads the charge to distribute COVID-19 vaccines in St. Joseph County, Covered Bridge Healthcare stands ready to help.

Having recently completed highly successful campaign providing 900 flu vaccinations, and a mobile unit that can take supplies anywhere from factories to senior centers, Covered Bridge Healthcare has arranged to partner with the Health Agency, the St. Joseph County United Way, and most recently the St. Joseph County Commission to distribute COVID-19 vaccines within 48 hours of availability.

“We see our program as community members helping community members,” Covered Bridge Healthcare CEO Rick Shaffer told county commissioners at their meeting Tuesday.

Commissioners approved a budget amendment in the amount of $10,000, which would allow $600 per day for Covered Bridge Healthcare personnel plus volunteer medical professionals to vaccinate 200-300 people.

Covered Bridge Healthcare would offer scheduling, oversight, vaccination supplies, personal protective equipment, documentation and more.

Shaffer asked that each county commissioner identify a public forum vaccination center in each of their districts.

“This is a ginormous task,” commission chairman Dennis Allen said of the vaccination effort. “It’s going to take everyone working together.”

Watch for more information about clinics at a location near you.