SVHC20-21reportpagesJuly27 - Flipbook - Page 24
INNOVATION IN ACTION
Meeting the demand for testing
Throughout the pandemic, SVHC’s COVID testing was utilized by tens of
thousands of locals from throughout the SVHC tri-state service area and
even drew in people from CT, NH, and RI, as well as international college
students seeking tests.
Initially located on the SVMC campus, the testing center was relocated to
the former Southwestern Vermont College campus in September, as variants
emerged and the demand for testing increased. Situated above the COVID
Resource Center in the parking lot of the Everett Mansion, the testing center
operated six days a week. The 8–10 person testing team worked tirelessly to
administer and prepare tests for processing. On many days, cars were lined up
well in advance of the center’s hours of operation.
“ Every day people
expressed their
thanks that we
were there to make
testing so easy and “As challenging as the work was, it was also rewarding,” says Patricia Bradley,
accessible.”
Co-Operations Director, COVID Resource Center. “Every day people expressed
– PATRICIA BRADLEY
CO-OPERATIONS DIRECTOR,
COVID RESOURCE CENTER
their thanks that we were there to make testing so easy and accessible. It felt
good to know that we had a part in keeping people healthy and controlling the
spread of the virus.”
All hands on deck
Due to the high demand for testing, SVHC staff
from all departments took time away from their
jobs to help staff the testing center. Serving as
greeters directing people to the right location as
well as handling check-ins and paperwork, staff
were often joined by community volunteers who
helped lighten the load.
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