MedStar Health Becomes First in Region to Take COVID-19 Vaccines to the Community with Mobile Clinic

Baltimore, MD – MedStar Health became the first healthcare provider in the region to administer COVID-19 vaccines in the community with the vaccinations of 65 at-risk, vulnerable adults inside the MedStar Health Mobile Health Center at Cherry Hill Senior Manor on Friday January 29, 2021.

The initiative was the first day of a mobile strategy in partnership with the Baltimore City Health Department to vaccinate and educate underserved populations in the city’s public housing and nursing centers.

“It’s really special because this is an opportunity for us to take the COVID vaccine directly to residents who may have difficulties or challenges coming to vaccination centers across Maryland,” said MedStar Health Director of Community Health Ryan Moran, DrPH, MHSA. “The response has been incredible.”

“I came out here today because I know that I have issues, I am an older lady, and I know I need to get something so I can help other people so they won’t get it,” said Cherry Hill resident Margaret Carpenter. “If you want to keep your children and your grandchildren and your family safe, you should get it. I pray. I pray about it.”

“Some people are nervous, just because they have questions about what they’ve heard and potential side effects,” said nurse practitioner, Kelli McCallum, CRNP, who leads the mobile care team. “I’m glad we were able to come out to answer those questions, to give some comfort to the community and hopefully encourage more people to get vaccinated.”

Residents who received the shot Friday will get their second shot when MedStar Health returns in the mobile primary care center to Cherry Hill Senior Manor February 26.

“Getting the COVID-19 vaccine to our most vulnerable populations is critical to our overall vaccination strategy,” said Christina Hughes, MS, BSN, director, Healthcare System Preparedness and has been leading coordination and logistics of the vaccine arrival and distribution for MedStar Health. “As we work to address health disparities in our community around COVID-19, the mobile health center helps us get the vaccines to the groups who have been disproportionately affected by this virus.”

As the mobile vaccine strategy continues, MedStar Health community health teams will be onsite at the following locations for pre-registered residents to be vaccinated:

• J Van Story Branch Apartment Complex
  11 W. 20^th St.
  Baltimore, MD 21218
• Shepherd’s Clinic and Immigration Outreach Service Center
  2800 Kirk Ave
  Baltimore, MD 21218

McCallum added, “It seems many of them get the shot and there’s a sense of relief and maybe a little bit of excitement.”

To learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations being offered by MedStar Health, visit MedStarHealth.org/Vaccine.

At MedStar Health, we use the best of our minds and the best of our hearts to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities. Our 30,000 associates and 4,700 affiliated physicians are committed to living this promise through our core SPIRIT values—Service, Patient first, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork—across our more than 300 locations including 10 hospitals, ambulatory, and urgent care centers. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University, MedStar Health is training future physician leaders to care for the whole person and is advancing care through the MedStar Health Research Institute. From our telemedicine and urgent care services to the region’s largest home health agency, we’re committed to providing high-quality health care that’s also easy and convenient for our patients. At MedStar Health—It’s how we treat people. Learn more at MedStarHealth.org.