The State of North Carolina is aiming to vaccinate 1 million people by July 4 through a public-private partnership with Honeywell, Atrium Health, Tepper Sports & Entertainment, and the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
"In collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, these organizations aim to unleash their combined strength to vaccinate as many frontline workers, members of the general public and of underserved communities as quickly and efficiently as possible," Atrium Health said in a news release on Thursday (January 14).
To help reach the 1 million goal, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and an undetermined location in Winston-Salem will serve as initial venues for mass vaccination events. Each partner will work together to administer the vaccine and provide logistics and operation support during the initiative.
"Our entire community must join together to beat this pandemic and I appreciate all our partners coming together to help address this critical issue," said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. "We look forward to supporting this work to ensure that our residents have access to COVID-19 vaccines, and we all look forward to working together to help our community get vaccinated in the coming weeks and months."
The collaboration between the state and local organizations is also backed by Gov. Roy Cooper.
"Getting vaccines in people's arms as quickly and equitably as possible is a top priority for North Carolina," said Gov. Cooper. "Partnerships with businesses, health providers and government like this can help get it done."
North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen announced on Thursday that providers across the state are now able to open vaccinations to people 65 and up. As vaccines continue to be limited, some may still only vaccine health care workers and those who are 75 years or older.
"Doctors, hospitals, and local health departments are working hard to get people vaccinated," said Dr. Cohen. "There may be a wait, but when it's you, take your shot to stay healthy and help us get back to being with friends and family."
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