Fetter Health Care Network (Fetter) announced this week that it has administered more than 22,000 COVID-19 vaccines throughout the Lowcountry. This milestone comes just over three months after the nonprofit and Federally Qualified Health Center began hosting its mobile vaccination clinics in Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester and Berkeley Counties. The community health center was also recently recognized by SC DHEC as one of the first recipients of the ‘Community Heroes’ award for its ongoing outreach efforts, and received additional acknowledgments from location school districts and civic groups.
“Our team has been honored to serve the community amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Aretha R. Powers, DHA, CEO of Fetter. “It’s been humbling and life-changing for all of us to be a part of this meaningful marker in history as we administer COVID-19 vaccines to our local friends and neighbors. We know we still have much to accomplish but we also have tremendous strides to celebrate as we continue to vaccinate more individuals each week.”
As of April 23, Fetter reported it has administered 22,198 COVID-19 vaccines throughout Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester and Berkeley Counties since it first began distributing vaccinations in February.
Fetter has been a cornerstone in the Lowcountry for more than 50 years, offering accessible health care options to individuals regardless of their insurance standing or ability to pay. As COVID-19 reached the Lowcountry in early 2020, Fetter began its efforts by way of hosting mobile COVID testing clinics. As the vaccine became available to local healthcare providers, Fetter shifted its efforts toward vaccine clinics for individuals who otherwise, may not have easy access to a vaccine.
“As a community health center, our patients are our top priority each and every day,” said Powers. “Our vaccine clinics were designed with our most vulnerable and at-risk communities in mind, offering vaccinations on a first-come, first-serve basis. We’ve also hosted the majority of our vaccines in rural communities and locations that are central to community members, so they can easily access the clinic site. We’ve even had the privilege of partnering with local sheriff departments to provide free rides to some clinics.”
As Fetter celebrates this milestone, its team has expressed its dedication to continue serving the community by way of COVID-19 vaccinations and its ongoing service offerings at its 24 sites throughout the Lowcountry. Fetter offers a variety of services to its patients including primary adult and pediatric care, women’s health, behavioral health, dental care, on-site pharmacies and more. Learn more about Fetter’s ongoing vaccination efforts and its services by visiting FetterHealthCare.org.