More Talbot County residents are being tested and vaccinated against COVID-19, with thanks to a partnership between Choptank Community Health System and the Talbot County Health Department.
Free, drive-up COVID-19 testing clinics are now taking place each Wednesday from 4 to 6:00 p.m. in St. Michaels Middle/High School’s parking lot at 200 Seymour Ave. in St. Michaels, Md. Talbot residents wishing to receive a test do not need a doctor’s order, with walk-ins accepted and appointments encouraged by calling the Talbot County Health Dept. during business hours at 410-819-5632.
Photo: From left: Choptank Health and Bay Hundred Health Center’s Hannah Rada, MA, George Washington University PA student Kurt Hufker, and Choptank Health Community Based Program’s Kim Fitzgerald, NP at Choptank’s drive-up COVID-19 testing clinic.
“Responding to our community’s needs is at the heart of everything we do,” said Choptank Community Health System CEO Sara Rich. “We saw the need for more vaccinations and testing sites in additional locations in Talbot County, and our team enthusiastically leaned in to help. It’s just one example of how we’re deeply committed to working with our community partners to help end this pandemic.”
Choptank Health’s School-Based Health Center medical providers and staff are administering the testing at the Wednesday clinics, with the Health Department handling registration.
“Our partnership with Choptank Health is critical in expanding the Health Department’s capacity and community outreach,” said Talbot County Health Department Acting Health Officer Dr. Maria Maguire. “This new site means we can now provide Talbot residents with testing in the Bay Hundred area, with later hours and on an additional day each week. We couldn’t do this without Choptank Health’s help.”
The new testing clinics are made possible by the continued collaboration of Choptank Health, Talbot County Health Department, and Talbot County Public Schools.
Choptank Health worked with the Health Department to administer the COVID-19 vaccination to Talbot County Public School teachers and staff, with many receiving their first vaccination dose at a Jan. 15 vaccination clinic hosted by Choptank Health at Easton Elementary School.
Photo: TCPS Superintendent Dr. Kelly Griffith receiving her first does of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccination from George Washington University PA student Kurt Hufker.
A limited number of vaccinations were provided to Talbot County Public School staff, including teachers, meal service workers, custodians, and administrative staff.
“One of Talbot County’s greatest assets is the way our community partners work together, especially in times of need,” said TCPS Superintendent Dr. Kelly Griffith. “Our teachers and staff have begun receiving their vaccinations, and we are grateful to Choptank Community Health System and the Talbot County Health Department for making this possible.”
Choptank Community Health System provides medical, dental, pediatric, and behavioral health services in Caroline, Dorchester and Talbot counties, with a mission to provide access to exceptional, comprehensive, and integrated health care for all. Choptank Health’s vision is to improve the health and well-being of people in the communities served by providing outstanding care experiences while being an exceptional place to work and make a difference, with more at choptankhealth.org.
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