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Media Contact: Elizabeth Nikels enikels@ primehealthcare.com 909-235-4305
Prime Healthcare Hospitals Partner with State, Counties to Deliver Vaccine and Promote Greater Health Equity Hospitals across the state expanding vaccination to reach communities with greatest need (ONTARIO, CALIF – March 29, 2021) Prime Healthcare hospitals in California are partnering with the State of California, as members of the new California Vaccine Network, to provide free COVID-19 vaccine to communities, especially to those in greatest need. “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 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.” Prime Healthcare, which has 46 hospitals in 14 states, has been tirelessly dedicated to providing critical care to communities. Prime hospitals have cared for more than 100,000 patients throughout this pandemic and have already provided over 70,000 vaccines. As community health partners, Prime Healthcare’s 15 California hospitals are uniquely positioned to work as a system with the State of California and counties to expand access to the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to recipients. The Prime Healthcare hospitals were chosen to participate in California’s vaccine network based on their delivery system, ability to provide vaccine to vulnerable populations, distribution efficiency, data integrity, and commitment to provide vaccine to everyone eligible at no cost, irrespective of ability to pay. The new California vaccination network is designed to maximize efficiency and equity, building on those delivery systems that are working well, while expanding delivery to vulnerable communities with 40 percent of vaccine supply designated to areas with the greatest need. An important element of the program will also be community outreach and education. “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