May 19th, 2021 by WCBC Radio

On Wednesday, May 19, 2021, Maryland’s Governor, Larry Hogan, joined ACPS Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Jeff Blank, along with members of the Western Maryland Delegation and other local leaders, at the Greenway Avenue Stadium vaccination clinic targeted to high school students. This clinic was arranged in cooperation with the Governor’s Office, the Allegany County Health Department, UPMC Western Maryland, and ACPS in an effort to get young adults in the community vaccinated against COVID-19.

              According to Governor Hogan, “First I just want to thank the Western Maryland Delegation to Annapolis, the leaders here in Allegany County and in Cumberland, the Health Department and all the folks that have worked so hard to help us with this vaccine effort.  The vaccines really are the best way for us to get back to normal, and now we are in a new phase to vaccinate our 12 to 15 year olds.”

              To date, Maryland has administered more than 5.5 million COVID-19 vaccines, and 67% of the state’s population has received at least one dose of the vaccine with more than 2.5 million Marylanders fully vaccinated. Health officers are still urging everyone to get vaccinated.

              Governor Hogan went on to say, “I’m very happy to be here at this clinic at this very cool stadium. I’d really like to come back for a football game, and I want to see those stands filled with people that are safe.”

              Earlier in the day, the Governor had the opportunity to tour West Side Elementary School. “It’s wonderful to see kids back in school here in Allegany County. It was great to see how happy they were to be back with their teachers and friends.”

            Superintendent Blank stated, “We are very excited that the Governor is in Allegany County to help us with our kick-off celebration for students aged 12 and up to have the opportunity to receive vaccines.” He went on to say, “We want all of our students who are eligible to be aware that anyone who wants a vaccine can get one through UMPC Western Maryland.” Mr. Blank added, “Going forward, we are hopeful that the vaccines in combination with all of the other safety recommendations we are following, will allow for the least disruptive school year.”

              “I just want to again thank everyone and encourage folks that if you haven’t had the chance to get the vaccine, please do so. The kids are doing a great job coming out here. I think they are braver than the adults when it comes to this,” the Governor said in his closing remarks. The maximum number of 100 appointments available at the kick-off event filled not long after registration opened.

              UPMC Western Maryland will hold a second vaccination clinic for those ages 12 and up on Friday, May 21, 2021, from noon until 6 p.m. in the hospital auditorium. Both the Greenway Avenue clinic and the UPMC clinic will administer the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.