Community Leaders Form Task Force to Support Vaccinations

We are unified in our goal to ensure the health and safety of our community - Liberty Hospital President and CEO David Feess

Community leaders are joining efforts to support an efficient COVID vaccination plan for Clay County residents. Partnering with the Clay County Public Health Center to implement Operation Safe Community are Liberty Hospital, City of Liberty, William Jewell College, Liberty Public Schools and Clay County Emergency Management.

The goal of Operation Safe Community is to provide eligible persons with an opportunity to receive a COVID vaccine as soon as possible after our community receives vaccine doses from the State of Missouri. As the state advances to future phases of its vaccine distribution plan, Clay County will require additional resources to accommodate what is expected to be a large number of residents seeking the COVID vaccine.

“This task force will leverage our community’s existing networks, capabilities and partnerships in medical expertise, emergency management and logistical support,” said Liberty Hospital President and CEO David Feess. “We are unified in our goal to ensure the health and safety of our community, and we believe a collaborative approach is the best way to facilitate a successful vaccination plan.”

Persons in Phase 1B – Tier 2 who are eligible to receive a COVID vaccine once it becomes readily available include anyone aged 65 and older as well as adults at increased risk for severe illness.

To find out who is currently eligible to receive a vaccine or when you may become eligible, visit the Clay County Public Health Center’s website at clayhealth.com/covidvaccine. For answers to questions about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID vaccine, visit libertyhospital.org/vaccine. A community phone line is available for up-to-date vaccine information: 816.415.3250.

Even though the vaccine represents a turning point in the pandemic, it is still critically important to continue to wear your mask, wash your hands and practice physical distancing.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story