While the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines has primarily focused on mass vaccination sites across Massachusetts, grassroots partnerships among local organizations to operate smaller clinics are beacons for those seeking access. On the forefront of these efforts, Cape Abilities, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities on Cape Cod, has partnered with Whole Health Pharmacy to provide equitable vaccine access in a community-based setting on Cape Cod.
“We are excited to partner with Whole Health Pharmacy and help increase equitable access to vaccines,” said Jonathan Sproul, President and CEO of Cape Abilities. “Throughout the pandemic, the community has stepped up to help us. With the state’s support, we gratefully provided early vaccine access to our Cape Abilities community, and now we are proud to pay that forward.”
Utilizing the support of volunteers from the community, the Cape Cod Medical Reserve, Relief Home Health, and staff from Whole Health Pharmacy and Cape Abilities, the organizations ran a joint clinic on February 27th, which was operated out of a Cape Abilities facility, and served 200 eligible residents of the region. “It has been an honor to work with such amazing organizations in this vaccination process.” said Karryn Lewis, pharmacist and owner of Whole Health Pharmacy. “I am truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our community volunteers and partnering agencies. It’s amazing to see the Cape Cod community pull together to vaccinate as many people as possible.”
This vaccine clinic demonstrates how collaborations among local organizations strengthen nonprofit and services infrastructure. These connections are especially relevant in their ability to provide community-based vaccine access during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis – the risks of which have disproportionately affected Cape Cod due to an average population age that is higher than any other region in Massachusetts.
As part of the state’s Phase 1 rollout, Cape Abilities successfully vaccinated eligible members of the community by executing multiple COVID-19 vaccine clinics, and partnered with Whole Health Pharmacy to facilitate an additional two clinics. In total, Cape Abilities has delivered the vaccine to approximately 760 staff and individuals – over 400 of those through Whole Health Pharmacy.
As of March 1st, Whole Health Pharmacy has partnered with eight local organizations and administered the COVID-19 vaccine to 970 individuals at 31 clinics. Once all of these individuals have received their second vaccination, the total number of doses delivered will reach 1,940.
About Cape Abilities
Cape Abilities is a nonprofit agency committed to serving individuals with disabilities by educating, counseling, providing residential, social, therapeutic and employment supports so as to empower them to achieve meaningful and valued roles in society.
About Whole Health Pharmacy
Whole Health Pharmacy’s mission is to provide personalized, high-quality care on an as-needed or preventative basis through a full-service, independent pharmacy of dedicated, experienced pharmacists and staff who believe in working with our customers to maintain and improve their health. Our vaccination strategy is to provide services in partnership with local organizations to streamline and facilitate the process for members of our community.
Media Contact: Christie Macomber
774-722-3397
