This is what hope looks like: A vaccine and a Dick’s cheeseburger

(SEATTLE – May 14, 2021) – The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Business Health Trust continue to host 20+ community vaccination clinics throughout the region.

This upcoming clinic will provide 300-600 or more Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses. Those who get vaccinated can get a Dick’s Drive-In Restaurants cheeseburger to go.

Students, faculty and staff can schedule appointments through Safeway’s website or simply walk-up from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 17 and 18 at Madrona Hall on the north end of the University of Washington’s Seattle campus.

This clinic site is important because the UW recently announced students must be vaccinated against COVID-19 by fall. Just like the national trends, COVID-19 patients being hospitalized in Washington state are now overwhelmingly young and middle-aged adults.

“Vaccine distribution is essential to recovery of our regional economy,” said Rachel Smith, President & CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. “Our businesses are working hand-in-hand every day to respond to the biggest challenges in this pandemic. This moment in history calls for leadership, partnership and results – and we will continue to take action to drive outcomes that move us forward.”

The UW will provide the space, while Business Health Trust, the Chamber and Safeway will provide staffing and operational support to run the community vaccination centre.

“We’re excited and grateful to see so many in our community choose to get vaccinated!” said Jasmine Donovan, President of Dick’s Drive-In Restaurants. “What better way to celebrate than to enjoy a free cheeseburger with your vaccine? We’re really looking forward to the day when UW students are back on campus and back to normal.”

This partnership has facilitated 20+ clinics so far and will rotate back through previous clinic locations to offer the needed second doses where Moderna or Pfizer vaccines have been Seattle Metro Chamberistered. Clinics are being held across the region in Bellevue, White Center, Everett, Tacoma, Mountlake Terrace, Bothell, Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Tukwila and now the University of Washington. The group is in the planning stages of even more clinics in Bellevue, Tukwila, Des Moines, the UW, and Renton.

“Our partnership is being thoughtful and strategic about where we bring vaccines, so we can reach those in our communities who are experiencing barriers to securing appointments,” said Business Health Trust’s Executive Director, Sarai Childs. “Our higher COVID-19 cases and hospitalization trends for our young adult population is troubling, but more than that, it is a call to action. We will be right on students’ doorsteps with a vaccine, a cheeseburger and the hope that we will beat this virus together.”

The clinics fill up fast.

“Ensuring our students get vaccinated as soon as possible is so important for their health and our return to in-person instruction this fall,” said Sally J. Clark, Director, Regional & Community Relations. “Dick’s burgers have been part of the food pyramid for UW students for generations, so it’s great to have this partnership with the Chamber, Safeway and Dick’s.”

CONTACTS:

Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce – Jillian Henze, APR: 425-785-6731; jillianh@www.seattlechamber.com

Dick’s Drive-In Restaurants – Chelsea Young: 425-457-1407; Chelsea@ddir.com

The UW – Victor Balta: 206-543-2580; balta@uw.edu