Faculty, Staff and Students,

I’m not sure I can even find the words.

I am just so proud of all of you, and of everything that was accomplished last weekend at UK’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Kroger Field. More than 70 CHS volunteers came to help, and it enabled the clinic to offer expanded hours and increase vaccination capacity by about 1,000 people.

That’s 1,000 Kentucky lives who now have a better chance at returning to normalcy — and it’s because of your unselfishness, your willingness to go above and beyond.

Overall, UK HealthCare has vaccinated:

• More than 55,000 people
• 24,033 with boosters, including frontline health care workers, first responders, teachers, school personnel and people over age 70 in phase 1B
• About 3,500 people on Saturday alone

Now, I’ve told you how proud I am. But I will also tell you this: I am not surprised. This is just the kind of response I expected from this group. We are a close-knit, caring family who are conditioned to help others, and I feel so fortunate to have been with you this weekend.

As Dr. Chris Swartz said, “Our duty as health care professionals includes rising to the challenge of the moment posed by the global emergence of COVID-19.”

On Saturday, you did rise to the challenge. You helped a tremendous number of people. Now, I will pose this test to you:

Let’s do it again.

If you are able, we ask that you continue to give your time and talent to this cause, particularly if you are credentialed to help in a clinical role. You can find more information about how to sign up here.

Again, you are an amazing group, and because of you, we are doing amazing things. Saturday was just the latest example.

I can’t wait until I get to do it again. Maybe I’ll see you there.

Best,

Scott