A record-breaking 2,654 doses delivered in South Sacramento — more volunteers needed!
April 9, 2021 — 207 volunteers (including 54 nurses and doctors) showed up at 8:30am to find more than 500 people already in line outside of the Pannell Community Center.
The patients represented the enormously diverse and hardest-hit zip code. 84% were Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC), more than 61% were uninsured or underinsured, and about 31% did not speak English.
Less than two hours later, more than 1,000 members of the community had been vaccinated, with a total of 2,654 doses delivered by 2pm. At its peak, the clinic moved through 726 patients in a 60-minute period (one patient every 5 seconds). Thanks to an outstanding real-time data team, headed by Sarah Anderson, volunteers, County Staff who came to visit, and even curious patients could watch real-time stats on a large monitor outside the main vaccination room.
The floor plan was complex, accommodating both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines while also adjusting for 1st vs. 2nd doses and keeping patient safety as the primary focus. There was also a drive-thru, headed by Kevin Jenkins, to serve patients with disabilities.
Yet the complexity didn't dampen the spirit. Volunteers like Christy Na delivered tangerines and bottled water to guests while they waited in line. Rebecca Brover created a new outdoor waiting experience, helping guide patients into rows to relax while serving them water and snacks.
Councilmember Mai Vang and Dr. Oshita underscored the importance of the clinic in their opening comments.
Not only must we focus on safety—we have to focus on love. We are reuniting families and making a positive difference in the hardest-hit community. It is a beautiful day for South Sacramento.Dr. Rusty Oshita, Lead Physician, Equivax
There was an enormous wave at the beginning, bolstered by media coverage. However, by the end of the day, the demand tapered off, with the clinic eager to serve more.
Thank you
A huge thank you to Sacramento Regional Transit District for partnering with us today (and every Friday) to provide transportation and parking shuttle services to and from the Meadowview light rail station for our community vaccination clinic!
Also, special thanks is due to Sacramento County, the City of Sacramento (especially IT and Office of Emergency Management), our Community Partners, and to the Pannell Center staff for all their amazing work!
