Press Release from United Way Blackhawk Region
United Way has convened vaccine providers from across the Blackhawk Region to create a new website that will serve as a one-stop-shop for COVID-19 vaccination information.
“Health care providers and public officials are working diligently to keep our community apprised of vaccination updates, yet the sheer volume of information coming from so many different sources can make it difficult for folks to know where to begin,” said United Way Blackhawk Region President & CEO Mary Fanning-Penny.
Working closely with nonprofit leaders and our partners in health care, United Way began to envision a user-friendly website where local residents could easily be connected to information specific to their individual needs.
Fanning-Penny said, “With a collective goal of attaining herd immunity and getting as many shots in arms as possible, we are thrilled to announce the collaboration and launch of RockCountyShot.com.”
The centralized website will provide clear, easy answers to the most frequently asked questions about getting the COVID-19 vaccine, including: eligibility, safety, cost, provider details and appointment instructions, registration / registry links, and more.
Health equity is another important focus of the site, so accessibility and ADA compliance have been incorporated into its design, as well as Google Translate for language interpretation. Furthermore, concerns about the vaccine from communities of Color, who have been disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus, are intentionally represented in the content.
United Way is proud to report all major healthcare providers (Beloit Area Community Health Center, Beloit Health System, Edgerton Hospital, HealthNet Rock County, Mercyhealth, SSM Health / Dean Medical Group) are participating on the site, as well as local pharmacies (Beloit Homecare Pharmacy, Clinton Pharmacy, Edgerton Pharmacy, Evansville Pharmacy, Janesville Hometown Pharmacy, and McGlynn Pharmacy), national chains (CVS and Walgreens), and the Rock County Public Health Department.
Coordinating a vision and mutually-agreed upon material for the website required effective team work from a dedicated committee. Facilitated by United Way Blackhawk Region’s Vice President Denise Peters-Kauihou, RockCountyShot.com committee members include: Ian Hedges of HealthNet Rock County, Megan Timm of SSM Health Dean Medical Group, Britney McKay of Beloit Health System, Kim Hesgard of Mercyhealth, Kelsey Cordova of Rock County Public Health Department, Brooklyn Trumpy of Beloit Area Community Health Center, and Erica Mathis of SSM Health / Dean Medical Group.
United Way has always fought for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community, and has been active in our region’s response to the pandemic since the initial outbreak.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, this collaborative website and promotional efforts is funded by a $10,000 grant from United Way Blackhawk Region’s COVID-19 Action Fund. Additional outreach totaling $5,000 has also been allocated by HealthNet Rock County from a State of Wisconsin grant to raise awareness and access to COVID-19 vaccine among traditionally marginalized communities.
“RockCountyShot.com is yet another example of what we can accomplish when thoughtful, caring community members come together,” said Fanning-Penny. “United, we want to help rebuild healthy, strong and equitable communities.”