Animas Surgical Hospital has launched a new mobile vaccination van to administer COVID-19 vaccines to frontline workers at local businesses. “Durango is a town largely funded through tourism. We’re excited to support our community and be at the forefront of getting our frontline workers vaccinated before the busy summer season begins,” said Joe Theine, Animas Surgical Hospital Chief Executive Officer.
The Animas Surgical Hospital Community Outreach Van looks like a regular Mercedes-Benz Sprinter on the outside. But inside, it’s stocked with a special vaccine refrigerator, clinical-grade chairs, wi-fi, and clean and efficient workspaces for healthcare staff. San Juan Vans, a local company based out of Bayfield, outfitted the van to meet the specifications of a mobile clinic. The project was made possible with support from the Durango Chamber of Commerce, San Juan Vans, and Elements Media.
Once a business schedules a clinic, the Animas Surgical Hospital Community Outreach Van can roll on-site with vaccines and trained medical staff to administer them, at no cost to employers or their staff. If the vaccine requires two doses (e.g. Pfizer), the van will return when the next dose is due. Animas Surgical Hospital has already partnered with Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Steamwork’s Brewing Company, Bird’s, and El Moro to vaccinate approximately 140 workers, with more clinics scheduled in the coming weeks.
Since the COVID vaccine first became available in southwest Colorado, Animas Surgical Hospital has administered 4,275 vaccines. “It’s been a big focus of ours to protect our local workforce and to get as many people vaccinated as possible so we can continue to reopen our community. The mobile clinic is a game-changer, because it gets us out to people who otherwise aren’t able to access our facility. They’re able to get the vaccine at a time and place that is convenient to them and their employer.”
Companies interested in scheduling a clinic can visit https://bit.ly/3uHcS0A, call 970-385-2388 or email rturner@animassurgical.com.
