NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES AWARDS SUBMISSION FOR COVID-19 MASS VACCINATIONS ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2022

At the end of 2020, Baltimore County mobilized the largest mass vaccination campaign in its history to vaccinate citizens against COVID-19. The Maryland State Fairgrounds Cow Palace was one of the largest and most successful mass vaccination sites in Maryland, not only for the thousands of residents vaccinated daily but the incredibly short time spent inside (often 30 minutes or less) compared to virtually every other site in the State. It became readily apparent early in the operation that a significant number of residents with physical and developmental challenges would be utilizing this mass site. In order to meet the needs of all Baltimore County residents, the mass vax planning team requested and received the guidance from the Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities, a group comprised of community members and government officials. By listening directly to community members with disabilities, the mass vax planning team was able to implement services and mechanisms to ensure that all visitors to Baltimore County’s mass vaccination sites had equal access to vaccine with few to no obstacles.