The big news this week is the vaccination clinic we are running in partnership with Solano County Public Health. This really began with a conversation between Fire Chief Chadwick and me last weekend and our desire to really try to do whatever we could do to help move vaccinations along. Knowing the Mayor and Council’s concern and support on this issue, we decided to try. Chief Chadwick reached out to Solano County Public Health and found them to be very supportive. Credit really goes to Chief Chadwick who has developed excellent and trusted relationships at the County, and County Public Health for their willingness to give us this opportunity.

 

We are focusing on some of our most at risk, our seniors 75 and over. We are really trying to make a positive impact in just one day, hoping to vaccinate approximately 1,400 seniors. Because we were somewhat limited in locations to use, and this particular location comes with some real challenges, we decided we had to do a sign-up system to help stagger the flow. Understanding some seniors are not online, and some do not have computer skills, we also provided a call center with the ability to sign-up participants. The sign-ups filled up in two days. We are now capturing an ‘interest list’ using the same link and the call center is still staffed to help answer questions and input peoples information into the list. It is, of course, our hope to continue this work, in partnership with Solano County Public Health, continuously lowering the age restriction of who can get vaccinated.

 

Remarkably, we put all of that together (the online resources, the call center, the plan) in just four days! It’s a real credit to the dedication and commitment of your City Staff, many of whom have literally been working day and night to pull this off. It’s also a tribute to our amazing community volunteers. Carquinez Village, in particular has stepped up. They are helping staff the call center and will assist seniors the day of the clinic. Also, Rotary Club of Benicia plans on having 24 volunteers assisting with navigation and serving as crossing guards. We appreciate the assistance of Kaiser Permanente in giving injections and Medic Ambulance for standing by during the clinic.

 

This brings me to a very important point in closing. Because of the location, traffic will be an extreme challenge. It’s just something that we have to work through. We are encouraging those who can safely do so to walk to the event, or park in the area surrounding and walk in, and avoid East L Street if at all possible. We want to preserve L Street for those less ambulatory who need to be dropped off directly in front of the City Gym. We also have two satellite parking lots (the Community Center and Liberty High School/BUSD Headqaurters) which will be serviced by three shuttles. Unfortunately, due to COVID, we will have limited space on those shuttles. It will be a challenge, so we are asking for everyone to remember to be patient and that if you have an appointment we will get you through!

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