Montclair, Calif., April 19, 2021― Montclair Hospital Medical Center is participating in the California Vaccine Network, a statewide effort to coordinate and expand free delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly to communities disproportionately impacted by the virus. Montclair Hospital Medical Center, a member of Prime Healthcare, is one of fifteen hospitals owned by Prime Healthcare to participate in the program.
“Montclair Hospital Medical Center is honored to participate in this monumental effort to expand access to the vaccine to people in our community, many of whom are less fortunate and vulnerable,” said Gail Aviado, MSN, RN, CEO of Montclair Hospital Medical Center. “We are here for the Montclair community, for their health and healing. One vaccine at a time.”
Managed by the state through Blue Shield of California, the vaccination network makes use of key known healthcare providers — including hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations — to accelerate and simplify the vaccination process. The network is designed to maximize overall distribution efficiency and equity, building on those delivery systems that are working well while expanding delivery to vulnerable communities.
Montclair Hospital Medical Center has partnered with the state to offer vaccines to several members of the Montclair community including teachers, law enforcement officers, health providers, and emergency responders. The Vaccine Clinic is operating on the hospital campus every Wednesday and Thursday by appointment scheduled through the My Turn website, myturn.ca.gov. The hospital encourages every member of the Montclair community to schedule their vaccine when it becomes available to them as the COVID-19 vaccine provides hope for a healthier and safer tomorrow.
An important element of the expanded vaccination program calls for educating people about the safety of the vaccine and answering any questions they may have in order to encourage broader participation, particularly among the most vulnerable populations. Montclair Hospital Medical Center will work closely with health officials to ensure vaccines are distributed equitably and fairly as more doses become available in the weeks and months ahead.
“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 vaccines 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.”
The distribution network simplifies the appointment and access process by utilizing a single vaccination portal, called My Turn, where patients can register and receive important information and updates. The coordinated registration system also makes it easier to schedule follow-up doses for those in need of a second shot. To make an appointment, visit myturn.ca.gov or call the CA COVID-19 hotline at 1-833-422-4255.
While vaccines will be provided to all eligible residents, particular attention will be focused on communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The state recently committed to allocating 40 percent of its vaccine supply to its lowest-income residents.
Montclair Hospital Medical Center is participating in this statewide network based on its ability to reach vulnerable populations, meet all CDC requirements as certified vaccination providers, and willingness to vaccinate all who are eligible, whether insured or not.
“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 our communities. Getting the vaccine delivered to those in need quickly and efficiently is an essential step in ending the pandemic. This vaccine is changing lives and saving lives.”
About Montclair Hospital Medical Center
Montclair Hospital Medical Center, a not-for-profit member of Prime Healthcare Foundation, was originally founded by a group of community physicians in 1973. Montclair Hospital, a 106-bed acute care hospital, received the 100 Top Hospitals in the nation award from IBM Watson Health, the Patient Safety Excellence award by Healthgrades®, and the Women’s Choice Award® for America’s Best Emergency Care. For more information visit www.montclair-hospital.org
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About Prime Healthcare
Founded in 2001, Prime Healthcare has emerged as one of the nation’s leading hospital systems. Prime Healthcare was founded by Dr. Prem Reddy, a physician with a mission to save hospitals, improve community healthcare and provide the very best care to patients.
Our philosophy is that all healthcare is local. Each of our hospitals serves the unique needs of their communities while providing exceptional care with the strength and support of Prime Healthcare. Through a physician-directed and patient-centered model, passionate dedication to quality, evidence-based best practices, operational efficiency, technology, and capital investment, our hospitals are recognized among the best in the nation. Prime Healthcare was recognized by Truven Health Analytics as a Top 10 and 15 Health System in the nation three times.