By Diane M. Moore
Northwest Florida Community Hospital’s Covid-related services have been “popping up” in remote sites of Washington and surrounding counties, thanks to a State Rural Health Clinic Vaccine Confidence Program grant.
The grant enabled the hospital to purchase a tent to allow NFCH to offer a mobile component to COVID-19 testing and vaccines. Dubbed a “pop-up” site, the tent is setup similar to a clinic, allowing patients a place to drive through to receive vaccinations or tests.
The tent has popped up in Chipley, Wausau, and Graceville with a set-up planned for Ebro by the end of March. Another visit to Wausau is in the planning stages as well.
NFCH Business Development/Marketing Coordinator Kathryn Jordan says the hospital is also looking to partner with local businesses. “We want to make vaccines and testing easily attainable for everyone,” said Jordan. “We plan to set up at schools and community events and such. We would love to partner with local business owners to set up at their place of business.”
Chief Operating Officer Spencer Smith says the goal is to accommodate those who cannot take time away during regular business hours. “The tent can be used during weekends and after hours,” said Smith. “We want to give access to care and vaccines to those whose hours aren’t conducive to Monday through Friday business hours.”
For information about upcoming pop-up sites, or to partner with NFCH to host a site, contact
Jordan at 850-415-8162.
Staff Report 
Hannah Collins