While most played in the snow this week, the Lakeland Superintendent was busy helping coordinate an effort with the Shelby County Health Department so 652 municipal teachers could receive their first COVID-19 vaccination on Wednesday of this week. Over 40 of those teachers were from the Lakeland School System.
According to Dr. Ted Horrell, LSS Superintendent, he spoke with SCHD Director Alisa Haushalter, DNP, RN, PHNA-BC, on Tuesday morning, who offered 575 expiring vaccines that had to be used on Wednesday. “We quickly created 560 slots for our employees who signed up Tuesday afternoon and evening. The next morning, we were able to share about 80 slots with Shelby County private school employees which quickly filled up. When all was said and done, after vaccinating from 9 AM to just after 4 PM, we were able to give 652 doses because of “bonus doses” in each vial” said Dr. Horrell.
Bartlett City Schools Superintendent, Dr. David Stephens, volunteered to host at Bartlett High School, using the plan they had already developed for when vaccines are available to all educators. The lobby and cafeteria areas were utilized, and the process was very efficient, with all of the “set up” completed upon arrival Wednesday morning.
Dr. Horrell served as the main point of contact with the nurses, volunteers, and those being vaccinated by creating and managing a sign-up and helping make sure folks had the information they needed, while also opening up new slots if people had to cancel. Obviously, the weather played a major factor in cancellations happening all day, but open slots were filled almost immediately. Dr. Horrell commented, “The volunteers and nurses were amazing, and the Bartlett City Schools staff were prepared and resourceful. Special thanks to the City of Bartlett Public Works Department who cleared the student parking lot where everyone parked and accessed the building.” He also commended the 15 nurses, six of which were from LSS, for volunteering to help their colleagues.
Despite the increasingly bad weather that was happening outside, more than 30 volunteers from the schools gave up their snow day to check people in, help with paperwork, and make sure everyone knew the next steps. Dr. Horrell also acknowledged Dwan Gilliom, Chief Administrative Officer for Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, and SCHD Chief of Nursing Dr. Judy Martin, Ph.D., APRN, BC, for staying throughout the day as well.
When asked about the possibility of a second dose, Dr. Horrell had this to say, “This was kind of a “pop up” opportunity, so there is not a second round planned. Those who got the first dose yesterday will need to make their own appointments to receive the second dose in about three weeks. We are working with Arlington Community Schools and Millington Municipal Schools on an opportunity for 100% of our interested employees to get vaccinated on the same day once the vaccine is available to us.”
Shelby County Commissioner Mick Wright said he was impressed with the last minute effort. “I appreciate the role Superintendent Horrell played not only in this vaccination effort but also as an active member of the countywide COVID-19 task force for the past year.” He continued saying, “The leaders of the municipal districts continue to demonstrate high levels of service and compassion for our teachers and the students and families they serve. It shows up in big and small ways and results in a better community for all of us.”
