By Nate Gilgeous
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Gov. Larry Hogan on Tuesday toured a community vaccination site at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro.
The clinic, held in the church’s 63,000-square foot family life center, administered about 200 doses Tuesday as part of a soft launch but officials said the center eventually will ramp up to 1,000 shots per day. The church is led by Pastor John K. Jenkins, Sr.
“By harnessing the clinical expertise of one of our world-class hospital systems, the logistical capabilities of the Maryland National Guard, and the trusted voices of Maryland’s faith leaders, this new clinic will serve hundreds of Prince George’s County residents every day,” Hogan said.
The community vaccination site is facilitated by a partnership between the Maryland Vaccine Equity Task Force and the University of Maryland Capital Region Health. Hogan said the site “is a shining example of Maryland’s adaptive, comprehensive, and community-centered vaccine strategy, and one more way we are ensuring equitable access to vaccines.”
The governor and Jenkins were joined by Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Brig. Gen. Janeen Birckhead, Acting Secretary Dennis Schrader of the Maryland Department of Health and Nathaniel Richardson Jr., president and CEO of UM Capital Region Health.
UM Capital Region Health will supply vaccines and support personnel, which means no resources will be diverted from the county government or the Six Flags America mass vaccination site, located only a few miles from the church, officials said.
Initial appointments were made available to individuals who pre-registered through UM Capital Region Health. Additional appointments will become available in the coming days, officials said, noting that the clinic is dedicated to serving residents of Prince George’s County.
“Prince George’s County has been disproportionally impacted by this pandemic and the only way for our families, friends and neighbors to get back to normal is through vaccination,” Jenkins said in a statement. “With the support of the state and backing of county leaders, we are honored to be able to host a COVID vaccination site focused on the communities that we have been serving for decades and will continue to serve long after the pandemic has passed.”