Quick Take:
The MAH news comes as the county announced that SCCPH is partnering with the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County to provide funding and support to local businesses and organizations interested in providing COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine information to their staff and the community.
With nearly 60% of the population fully vaccinated, Santa Cruz County is on par with the rest of the state.
But as concerns about the Delta variant grow alongside concerns about a stall in getting the other 40% of the populace vaccinated, health officials are ramping up their efforts to push that percentage.
In that vein, Santa Cruz County Public Health and the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) are teaming up for a “Vax Up Santa Cruz!” event next week.
The MAH will host a vaccination clinic outside in the museum’s “Secret Garden” area adjacent to Abbot Square from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, July 23.
The MAH news comes as the county announced that SCCPH is partnering with the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County to provide funding and support to local businesses and organizations interested in providing COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine information to their staff and the community. Interested organizations can fill out a vaccine program interest form.
“From addressing senior isolation to documenting the experiences of foster youth, the MAH is always seeking to expand the role of museums in their communities,” MAH Executive Director Robb Woulfe said in a statement. “Turning part of our space into a community-serving vaccination clinic while honoring the experiences of all who lived through the pandemic continues that tradition.”
Santa Cruz County Health Officer Gail Newel added: “Vaccines facilitated the reopening of many of our fine arts and cultural institutions, including the MAH. The MAH has always been an innovator when it comes to partnerships that demonstrate the role art plays in addressing social issues, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no different.”
Currently, 67.92% of Santa Cruz County residents have at least one vaccination. About 59% of residents are fully vaccinated, according to Santa Cruz County Public Health records.
Both the Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer vaccines will be available for free for attendees 12 and older.
The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History is located at 704 Front St. The Secret Garden is located at the rear of the museum.
Funding from the SCCPH/Community Foundation partnership is available to businesses and organizations for vaccine education and outreach, enrollment of priority groups for vaccine appointments, to support the establishment of pop-up vaccination clinics or provide incentives for those getting vaccinated. Incentives may include benefits such as gift cards, food, prizes or other giveaways. Funding may be used to offset any outstanding expenses related to providing vaccination services and information.
“We are hoping to work with trusted community partners to help reach those who have had barriers in getting vaccinated,” Jennifer Herrera, Assistant Director of the Health Services Agency said in a statement.