Rush University System for Health will surpass a major milestone in the fight against COVID-19 this week, when it administers its 100,000th dose of vaccine for the disease.
Across the System, hundreds of volunteers and clinical staff members have been hard at work vaccinating eligible patients, staff and community members since mid-December at vaccination clinics that have rapidly become a model of safe, effective and equitable distribution of this life-saving protection.
“The incredible work that has been done to get our vaccination clinics up and running smoothly week after week is nothing short of amazing,” said Dr. Omar Lateef, CEO and president of Rush University Medical Center, where more than 80,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine will have been given by Friday. Rush Copley Medical Center has provided more than 16,000 doses, while more than 7,000 have been injected at Rush Oak Park Hospital. “As we reach this achievement, we wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has worked so tirelessly to help to get us here. You are helping to bring an end to this pandemic, one dose at a time.”
The achievement will be celebrated beginning Friday morning outside the Rush University Medical Center vaccine clinic with a balloon display emblazoned with the number 100,000. In addition, staff across Rush University System for Health will get to enjoy 100 Grand candy bars, courtesy of Ferrero North America, starting April 12. Ferrero was eager to join in the recognition, reflecting its dedication to “taking on solid commitments and paying the utmost attention to people and the planet.”
“This is an exciting milestone for the Rush System in the fight against COVID-19,” said John Diederich, MA, MBA, FACHE, president and CEO of Rush Copley Medical Center. “We’re grateful for our dedicated staff and their work to vaccinate our community members to help bring an end to the pandemic.”
Friday afternoon, a symbolic 100,000th dose will be administered at the Rush University Medical Center vaccine clinic. Medical Center leaders will also be on hand to make remarks and join the festivities. The event will be limited in attendance to allow clinic operations to continue smoothly.
“This is a system-wide effort. The results demonstrate the steadfast commitment of everyone involved in getting this life-saving vaccine into the arms of those who need it most,” said Angelique Richard, PhD, RN, CENP, senior vice president of hospital operations for Rush University Medical Center and chief nursing officer for the Medical Center and the Rush system. “I am grateful to all our staff, students and volunteers who have put in so much extra time and effort in these recent months to help bring hope to so many through the vaccine.”
Look to the Rush system’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds to see the celebration across the Rush system.
