CRANBERRY TWP., Pa. (ETY) — The new UPMC Northwest Vaccination Clinic opened at 8:00 a.m. Friday at the former Bon-Ton location in the Cranberry Mall.
(Photos courtesy of Albert “Chip” Abramovic Venango County Commissioner)
According to Venango County Commissioner Albert “Chip” Abramovic, the clinic was a collaborative effort between UPMC, the Cranberry Mall, and the county that has all come together quickly.
“This happened in a little over a week,” Abramovic told exploreVenango.com.
Abramovic said it all began when he and fellow commissioner Mike Dulaney visited the vaccine clinic in Clarion County and decided afterward to stop and ask about possible spaces available in the Cranberry Mall.
“The people from the mall were just great about it.”
He then took the proposal of having a clinic at the mall to officials at UPMC Northwest, and it was quickly approved.
The next step was getting the space set up, which Abramovic said mainly took a bit of cleaning and getting the heat turned on.
Not only did everyone work together to get the clinic up and running, but the collaboration is also ongoing, with the mall donating the space free of charge, and the county covering the utilities.
“Everyone has been unbelievable. It’s amazing how quickly this all transpired. It’s been an awesome week,” Abramovic said.
According to Abramovic, the vaccine clinic at the mall will be a more permanent space than the kind of short-term clinic offered last week at the Seneca Fire Hall.
“We’re committed for at least three to four months, and probably just for as long as it’s needed.”
Abramovic also noted the space offers room for expansion, if needed, as well as an ADA-accessible ramp. They also have a golf cart, donated by an area golf course, to bring in people from their cars if they have mobility issues.
“The place looks beautiful. It’s hard to believe this all came together in such a short time.”
The clinic will offer vaccines by appointment only, no walk-ins will be accepted. Appointments may be made online at vaccine.upmc.com or by calling 844-876-2822.
“They’re moving quickly with the vaccines. They did 550 last week, and I’m not sure what the plan is for today, but I know it’s more than that. Everything is moving along well.”