Red Cross assisting mass vaccination efforts in the Granite State

by Jennifer Costa, Northern New England Regional Communications Director

A historic race is underway at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Red Crossers are at the starting line.

The American Red Cross staff and volunteers convened at the Loudon racetrack over the weekend to support ongoing efforts to vaccinate Granite Staters against COVID-19. This marks the third time the state of New Hampshire has invited the Red Cross to assist at the mass vaccination site.

“New Hampshire continues to move forward in getting doses into arms at a record pace,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “This weekend is another opportunity for thousands of Granite Staters to be vaccinated as quickly as possible.”

More than 10,000 people were vaccinated, by appointment. Red Crossers filled a variety of roles. Those with specific clinical credentials were administering vaccines while non-clinical volunteers were tasked with taking temperatures, doing vaccine data entry and providing snacks and coffee for those working the clinic.

Northern New England Regional CEO Stephanie Couturier and Regional Disaster Officer Aaron McIntire joined the canteening detail. 

“We are honored to have been asked to lend our talents and resources to this historic public health initiative,” said Couturier, “To battle this pandemic, it is important we utilize all safety measures available to us — including the vaccine — to protect ourselves and those in our community.”

The Red Cross will return to the Speedway on April 24^th to support a fourth clinic. Volunteers who are within driving distance to Loudon, New Hampshire are encouraged to apply.

For more information about how you can volunteer with the American Red Cross of Northern New England, visit: https://www.redcross.org/local/me-nh-vt/volunteer.