RALEIGH, N.C. — Several big companies are working together to hit a target goal of 1 million COVID-19 vaccinations by July 4, 2021.
Honeywell, Atrium Health, Tepper Sports & Entertainment and the Charlotte Motor Speedway announced the unique public-private partnership with the State of North Carolina and backed by Gov. Roy Cooper.
Thursday's announcement aligns with Gov. Cooper’s Jan. 12 announcement at a news conference in Raleigh that several mass vaccination sites are being established across the state to boost the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. The governor and Secretary of DHHS Dr. Mandy Cohen announced Atrium Health as the health system to offer mass vaccination events in Charlotte and surrounding counties.
To meet the goal of 1 million vaccinations, the partners will work together to administer the vaccine, provide logistics and operations support and offer a venue for an efficient and safe initiative. They hope to reach this by July 4th.
"Signifying a big step forward in our independence, our freedom if you will from the grips of this pandemic," Atrium Health, Dr. Scott Rissmiller said.
Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte Motor Speedway and a soon to be determined location in the Winston-Salem area will serve as initial venues to contribute to this public-private initiative.
"These are beautiful places associated with good times and certainly we could use that right now and are areas of great efficiency and are used to moving lots of people through," Dr. Rissmiller said
“Getting vaccines in people’s arms as quickly and equitably as possible is a top priority for North Carolina,” Gov. Cooper said. “Partnerships with businesses, health providers and government like this can help get it done.”