DCSD teachers get first round of COVID-19 vaccinations
Nearly 700 Darlington County School District teachers and staff members were scheduled to get their first round of COVID vaccinations March 6 at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center in Hartsville. Carolina Pines said in a news release Friday: “Through a valuable relationship with the Darlington County School District and after months of strategic planning, Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center is excited to offer the COVID-19 vaccination for district employees on Saturday, March 6.” Nearly 700 teachers and staff members were to receive the first round of the Pfizer vaccination at Carolina Pines. The clinic is possible due to the state’s transition to Phase 1B of vaccination distribution and a waiver to begin early from the office of Gov. Henry McMaster, Carolina Pines said. “Our teachers are at the front line working with nearly 10,000 of our community’s students each and every day,” said Tim Newman, DCSD superintendent. “We are pleased to be able to begin vaccinations quickly and efficiently due to the professionalism and outreach from Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center. “This clinic did not happen overnight. Relationships matter, and Carolina Pines’ willingness to work with us and focus on the safety of our students and employees is so appreciated. The Darlington County School District extends our thanks to everyone who made this possible.” “Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center values our partnership with Darlington County School District, and we are honored to be able to provide vaccines to its employees,” said Bill Little, CEO, Carolina Pines. “Moving into Phase 1B of our state’s vaccination plan puts us one step closer to ending the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope that by receiving the vaccine, teachers will feel more comfortable transitioning back into the classroom setting.” As soon as McMaster announced the state’s transition to Phase 1B, DCSD and CPRMC began enacting the district’s vaccination plan, which was put on paper weeks ago, the hospital said. All DCSD employees who indicated they wanted a vaccination by the deadline earlier last week were to receive one Saturday. By vaccinating hundreds of DCSD employees this weekend, DCSD and Carolina Pines hope to help clear up long lines for vaccinations to other members of the community who fall into Phase 1B.
