Weekly Update for 8.6.21
Health Workers: "We're at our wits' end."
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| If you're looking for evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over, just take a look at recent hospital admissions in our area.
These graphs show the number of inpatients in each facility with a COVID-19 diagnosis in a single day. In early June and July the daily numbers were low, but in just one month they've skyrocketed. This week, several area hospitals broke their previous records for the number of COVID-positive inpatients. |
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| Jan Jones, a nurse and the Director of Patient Care Services with the South Georgia Health System, shared her experiences and concerns this week in a press release.
“We’re tired, and we’re at our wits’ end. As soon as a patient is discharged from our critical care unit, or worse, is deceased, there’s another patient to put in that bed. It’s like a revolving door that we can’t stop.
"This surge isn’t like the ones we experienced last year. The delta variant is much more contagious and it’s impacting much younger patients, even those who don’t have chronic health issues. It’s so sad when we have to put a 20 or 30 year old on a ventilator. We just need people to realize that this virus doesn’t discriminate. You can be young and healthy and still end up hospitalized in a critical care bed."
Similar stories are being told around the country, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates. Louisiana is one of the hardest hit areas right now, and in this video, Dr. Catherine O'Neal says they're experiencing the "darkest days of the pandemic" and can no longer provide adequate care to all patients. |
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| Dr. Catherine O'Neal: These are the darkest days of the pandemic. |
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| If you've been considering vaccination but haven't taken steps to get vaccinated, please don't delay.
From nurse Jones: "We had hoped the vaccine would bring us the relief we all so desperately need, especially our nurses. It’s very hard and disheartening for our health care teams to be going through this again. People need to get their vaccine. While it’s true that there’s still a chance of contracting the virus after being vaccinated, the vaccine reduces the risk of becoming seriously ill and being hospitalized. The vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective and it’s free. There’s no reason to delay getting a vaccine.”
Free vaccine is available every week in every county of the Coastal Health District. Click the button below for information about public health vaccination clinics near you. |
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| Get Vaccinated, Get Rewards at the Forsyth Park Farmers Market!
The first 50 people who get their COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer for ages 12+ and Johnson & Johnson for ages 18+) at our vaccination event at the Forsyth Farmers' Market on Saturday, August 7th, will receive a $10 token to spend at the Market AND a card that can be redeemed for a free comic book from our friends at Neighborhood Comics. No appointment necessary! The clinic is open from 9am-1pm. Y'all come! |
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More Mobile Vaccination Clinics
in the Coastal Health District
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 The Coastal Health District and CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) offer mobile vaccination clinics throughout our area. The clinics are open to anyone age 12 and older, and there is no cost for vaccine.
The list below shows events scheduled through next weekend. You can pre-register for an appointment, but walk-ups are also welcome.
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- Connor's Temple Baptist Church
Amphitheater across from
509 W. Gwinnett St., Savannah
Sat., August 7, 9a-11a
- Forsyth Farmer's Market
Forsyth Park tennis courts
2 W. Gaston St., Savannah
Sat., August 7 & 14, 9a-1p
- K&M Multiservice
5584 Ogeechee Rd., Savannah
Sat., August 7, 1p-4p
- Thrive Early Learning Center
465 Harris Trail Rd.,
Richmond Hill
Th., August 12, 2p-6p
- Shuman Recreation Center
800 Tupelo Trail, Hinesville
Mon.-Th., August 9-12, 9a-2p
Fri., August 13, 9a-12p
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- Dorel Home Furnishings
951 Interstate Centre Blvd., Ellabell
Fri., August 13, 2p-5p
- Paynes Chapel AME
2200 Albany St., Brunswick
Sat., August 14, 10-2p
- Savannah Bananas Baseball
1401 E. Victory Dr., Savannah
Sat., August 14, 4p-8p
- Trinity United Methodist Church
225 W. President Street, Savannah
Sun., August 15, 11a-2p
- Back 2 School Nite @ Elks Lodge
183 Wilshire Blvd., Savannah
Sun., August 15, 2p-6p
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COVID-19 Testing by the
Coastal Health District
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The Coastal Health District offers free COVID-19 testing in three locations. There is no cost for testing, and results are usually available in 24-36 hours.
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Savannah/Chatham County
Civic Center @ 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave.
Pre-registration is encouraged but not required.
- Mon.- Fri., 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Every first & third Saturday: 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Brunswick/Glynn County
Health Dept. @ 2747 Fourth St.
Appointments are required.
- Monday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Wednesday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Friday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
St. Marys/Camden County
Health Dept. @ 905 Dilworth St.
Appointments are required.
- Tuesday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Thursday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
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Use the links below to register online for a COVID-19 test:
Chatham
Glynn/Camden
Or schedule by phone:
1-912-230-9744
The COVID-19 Testing Call Center is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
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| "To me, vaccination equals having value for self and my neighbor. Community health requires each of us to do our part. Please get your vaccination."
- Rev. John D. Perry, II, Mt. Sinai MBC
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Tell us your vaccine story!
If you've received the COVID-19 vaccine, why was that the right choice for you? We'd like to hear your COVID-19 vaccine story. We may share it here and at YourVaccineStory.com to help inform and inspire others.
Click the button below and tell us Your Vaccine Story! |
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