CLEVELAND, Miss.— Thanks to a partnership among the Bolivar County Board of Supervisors, the Bolivar County Emergency Management Agency, the City of Cleveland, Delta State University (DSU) and the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), residents of Bolivar County will no longer have to drive two-hours roundtrip to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Beginning Feb. 23, the southwest parking lot of Delta State’s Horace McCool Stadium will transform from a place where Statesmen fans gather on game day to a drive-through COVID-19 vaccine distribution site, as part of MSDH’s ongoing efforts across the state.
“This important collaboration among the state, county, city and Delta State University in establishing the COVID-19 vaccine center will afford vaccine access to all the citizens and constituents of our larger surrounding community,” said Delta State President William N. LaForge.
“We welcome this ideal partnership among different levels of government and the university. It is a ‘win-win’ for the citizens of the county and city, as well as for Delta State faculty, staff and students.”
Bolivar County Emergency Management Director Michael Lamb commented, “We are very excited with being able to provide our citizens with a drive-thru vaccination site so that they don’t have to travel to other counties to receive their vaccine.”
“MSDH is working to release all statewide appointments this morning and they will go quickly once released. Since Bolivar County is a new location for appointments, please visit the UMMC website listed below to check availability,” Lamb added.
Board of Supervisors President Larry L. King stated that the Bolivar County Board of Supervisors is excited to collaborate with the MSDH, DSU and the City of Cleveland.
“We recognize the urgency and importance of having a COVID-19 vaccine site in Bolivar County. We have all been affected by this horrible pandemic. Therefore, this unified effort to serve our citizens and surrounding communities is of utmost importance,” he said.
King continued, “The Bolivar County Board of Supervisors recognizes the seriousness of this pandemic. Therefore, we are willing to be a faithful and committed collaborator with the Mississippi State Department of Health. We pledge to do our part to help in every way possible, assuring that we get vaccines for our constituents and citizens. In addition, we are prepared to join others in an effort to help bring hope and healing. We encourage everyone to get the vaccine as soon as possible”.
Mayor Billy Nowell said the city is also pleased to support this effort. The City of Cleveland’s Police Department will be on-site to assist with security and traffic.
“By making this vaccine available to the citizens of Cleveland and Bolivar County at DSU, I am hoping that more people will choose to take the vaccine,” said Nowell. “I encourage everyone to take this vaccine to protect themselves and others.”
In addition to lending its stadium grounds, Delta State is also providing staffing and logistical support from its University Police Department, COVID-19 Coordinator’s Office, Office of Information Technology, partnership with Sodexo Food Services, students and faculty from its Robert E. Smith School of Nursing, University Physician Dr. Steven Clark, as well as assistance from many other employee and student volunteers from across campus.
“Delta State is very pleased to provide the vaccine center site location on our campus, and to provide a wide array of in-kind contributions to the effort, including supplies, logistical support, and the medical expertise of our nursing school,” said President LaForge.
“It is so important that each person receive both segments of the vaccine. I have taken the first vaccine shot, and I will take the second one soon. I encourage everyone to get the vaccine as soon as possible,” he added.
Bolivar County’s vaccination site, located on Delta State’s campus, will operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday, beginning Tuesday, Feb. 23.
All appointments for vaccinations at the Bolivar County site must be made through MSDH’s vaccine appointment system and will be based on the eligibility guidelines established by the agency. Appointments cannot be made with city, county or university officials.
To make an appointment, visit covidvaccine.umc.edu or call 877-978-6453.
The Bolivar County Council on Aging, Inc. will provide transportation for those who have limited or no means of transportation. Citizens may contact the Bolivar County Council on Aging Dispatcher Daryeal Lewis or Mobility Manager Doris Green at (662) 846-6161 to schedule transportation to the vaccination site. Proof of appointment must be presented at the time of pickup.
For more vaccine information from MSDH, visit www.msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite.
