San Dimas, Calif., April 28, 2021 ― San Dimas Community Hospital is participating in the California Vaccine Network, a statewide effort to coordinate and expand free delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly to communities disproportionately impacted by the virus. San Dimas Community Hospital, a member of Prime Healthcare, is one of fifteen hospitals owned by Prime Healthcare to participate in the program
“San Dimas Community Hospital is honored to help keep our neighbors safe and healthy by participating in this vital effort to expand access of the vaccine to people within the community,” said Parrish Scarboro, CEO of San Dimas Community Hospital. “The vaccine serves as a beacon of hope for the San Dimas community – – the more members who get vaccinated, the closer we get to ending this pandemic.”
Managed by the state through Blue Shield of California, the vaccination network makes use of key known health-care providers — including hospitals, clinics and health-care organizations — to accelerate and simplify the vaccination process. The network is designed to maximize overall distribution efficiency and equity, building on those delivery systems that are working well while expanding delivery to vulnerable communities.
San Dimas Community Hospital has partnered with the state to offer vaccines to several members of the San Dimas community including law enforcement officers, health providers, and emergency responders. The Vaccine Clinic is operating in the hospital parking lot every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday by appointment scheduled through the My Turn website, myturn.ca.gov. The hospital encourages everyone to schedule their vaccine when it becomes available to them as they strive to keep the community thriving during such uncharted times.
An important element of the expanded vaccination program calls for educating people about the safety of the vaccine and answering any questions they may have in order to encourage broader participation, particularly among the most vulnerable populations. San Dimas Community Hospital will work closely with health officials to ensure vaccines are distributed equitably and fairly as more doses become available in the weeks and months ahead.
“Our hospitals have been honored to serve communities across this nation, in many of the most disproportionately impacted areas from New Jersey to California,” said Kavitha Bhatia, MD, MMM, FAAP, President of Prime Healthcare Foundation, Chief Medical Officer of Prime Healthcare. “Now, being able to offer the vaccine to these same communities is life-changing and offers much-needed hope. Throughout this pandemic, our selfless frontline caregivers and staff have lived our mission of saving lives and bringing compassionate, quality care to communities. We are grateful to partner with states and counties to expand vaccine access to neighborhoods in greatest need, promote health equity, and improve the health of all those we serve.”
The distribution network simplifies the appointment and access process by utilizing a single vaccination portal, called My Turn, where patients can register and receive important information and updates. The coordinated registration system also makes it easier to schedule follow-up doses for those in need of a second shot. To make an appointment, visit myturn.ca.gov or call the CA COVID-19 hotline at 1-833-422-4255.
While vaccines will be provided to all eligible residents, particular attention will be focused on communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The state recently committed to allocating 40 percent of its vaccine supply to its lowest-income residents.
San Dimas Community Hospital is participating in this statewide network based on its ability to reach vulnerable populations, meet all CDC requirements as certified vaccination providers, and willingness to vaccinate all who are eligible, whether insured or not.
“Part of our responsibility is to share information and education regarding the vaccine to promote acceptance,” said David Silverman, PharmD, Vice President of Pharmacy for Prime Healthcare. “Our healthcare workers have seen first-hand how devastating the COVID-19 virus has been to our communities. Getting the vaccine delivered to those in need quickly and efficiently is an essential step in ending the pandemic. This vaccine is changing lives and saving lives.”
About San Dimas Community Hospital
San Dimas Community Hospital is an award-winning, 101-bed facility serving the San Dimas, Glendora, Covina, and La Verne, California communities with compassionate, quality care. Services include 24-hour emergency care, a family birth center, orthopedic surgery, advanced diagnostic services, cardiopulmonary and gastrointestinal services. A three-time recipient of the 100 Top Hospitals by IBM Watson Health, San Dimas Community Hospital’s has also been acknowledged by the Women’s Choice Award for America’s Best Hospitals for Patient Safety and is a recipient of the prestigious Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award. Learn more at sandimashospital.com.