PARK CITY, Utah (Aug. 24, 2021) - The Park City Rotary Club, well known for its annual Citizens of the Year Awards, went a step further in 2021 showing its appreciation for the work done by local citizens during the pandemic. The club created Community Appreciation Awards recognizing Gary and Debbie Crandall of the Utah Film Studio, a host of Summit County Health leaders including Derek Moss and Chris Crowley, and the entire Summit County Mass Vaccination Volunteer Force - all for their unique support of the community’s battle against COVID-19.
“As Rotarians, we are proud to be a part of a community that is so focused on volunteerism to help others,” said Park City Rotary Club President Ryan Dickey. “Over the last 18 months, our community has continually come together to help each other. There are some in our community that played a very special role and Rotary is proud to honor and thank them for all they did to keep their neighbors safe.”
In the early stages of the pandemic, Summit County was among the leaders in the nation in number of infections per 100,000 people. But by spring 2021, Summit County led in a more notable role with one of the largest numbers of vaccinations per capita. Today, Summit County is best in state and well over the Utah averages in vaccinations - even when counting down to 12 and older.
During the pandemic, Summit County took a unique approach to vaccination by mobilizing a literal volunteer army from the community. With a small county management staff of 10, the Mass Vaccination Volunteer Force grew to 450, all giving their time freely. The volunteer team included medical professionals to administer vaccine, administrators to process records, and volunteers to manage traffic flow and recovery areas while all the while working keeping a focus on safety.
A typical day at the Utah Film Studio Clinic consumed 90 volunteers at maximum vaccine traffic times. While many counties and municipalities relied on paid staff, in Summit County over 15,000 volunteer hours were contributed by community members. It provided what some called a special ‘community feel’ when they went to the Utah Film Studio clinic for their vaccination. They were often greeted by friends and neighbors who made their visit more comfortable.
What made the volunteer force possible was the generous donation of a mass vaccination facility at the Utah Film Studio just east of Park City by owners Gary and Debbie Crandall. The Crandalls offered their facility to Summit County free of charge for five months. It became one of the most efficient and effective mass vaccination centers in America. Not only did they donate full access to their studio for drive-though vaccinations, but they also handled any building modifications to ensure it was both suitable and comfortable for citizens.
Largely because of the efficient operation, by June 1 a remarkable 99% of Summit County residents 50 and older had received at least one dose, and 89% of that population was fully vaccinated.
Former County Health Director Rich Bullough, who retired this month, spoke to Rotary about his team - which began planning for an eventual mass vaccination effort before most citizens even knew about the oncoming pandemic. Bullough, who was recognized a year ago as Rotary’s Professional Citizen of the Year, lauded his staff for their ingenuity and hard work on behalf of the community.
Among those recognized were Summit County Health’s Nursing Director Derek Moss and Public Health Emergency Preparedness Manager Chris Crowley. They were recognized for their ongoing forecasting, planning and preparing the mass vaccination site. Against the backdrop of a challenging pandemic, they kept focused on the outcome and helped lead Summit County through the pandemic and an efficient vaccination program.
By June, 2021, Summit County had the best vaccination rate in Utah, and one of the top three counties in America for vaccinations per capita - a milestone reached three months earlier than expected.
Others recognized from Summit County Health included newly-named Public Health Director Dr. Phil Bondurant, who had been Bullough’s right hand deputy, as well as new Deputy Health Director Shelley Worley, who had been health promotion director. Rotary also acknowledged the work of former public health employee Katie Mullaly, who came back on a project basis. Bullough and County Manager Tom Fisher cited the work of the entire team in making sure they developed a vaccination program that worked for all residents of a very diverse county.
“Our community has a great story to tell about how we banded together to help each other,” said Dickey, whose Park City Rotary Club engaged frequently throughout the pandemic in community outreach efforts. “We’re proud to recognize these members of our community, especially the hundreds of volunteers who helped us stay safe.”
The awards were presented at a special Park City Rotary Club meeting Tuesday, August 24 at Rotary Park. Their names will be embossed onto the Citizens of the Year plaques that are on permanent display at the Park City Library.
The awards were presented at a special Park City Rotary Club meeting Tuesday, August 24 at Rotary Park. Their names will be embossed onto the Citizens of the Year plaques that are on permanent display at the Park City Library.
The Park City Rotary Club was the original Rotary Club in the community, starting in 1980. Today there are three. It started its citizen of the year awards program in 1981, adding the professional category in 1993. The club was named Utah Rotary Club of the Year in 2014. It is widely recognized for its service projects in the community and its support of local nonprofits. Among its many activities in the annual Miners’ Day festival, set this year for September 6. The day will feature a parade, daylong festival for the community in City Park and the annual Running of the Balls, which raises upwards of $50,000 for local causes. Checkout information on how you can participate at www.parkcityminersday.org.