As local mass immunization COVID-19 clinics wind down, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health has recognized the community partners who helped make them happen.
This week, Public Health representatives presented certificates of appreciation to staff at immunization clinics in Belleville, Prince Edward County and North Hastings, thanking them for their invaluable contributions to the vaccination rollout.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ethan Toumishey says community partners have continuously adapted to meet the ever-changing needs of the vaccination rollout, and worked tirelessly to ensure protection through vaccination was made available to the community.

HPEPH presents certificate of recognition to City of Belleville Mayor and Staff – L-R Alisha Hanes – HPEPH Manager, Clinical Services, Dr. Ethan Toumishey – HPEPH MOH and CEO, Mitch Panciuk – Mayor City of Belleville, Patti Swoffer, HPEPH Public Health Nurse and Clinic Site Lead, Tracy Newton – City of Belleville Recreation, Culture and Community Services Marketing and Customer Services Coordinator, Peter Lyng – City of Belleville Recreation Culture and Community Services Acting Director. (Photo: submitted)
Since March 2021, over 105,000 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered through the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre in Belleville, more than 26,000 in Prince Edward County and over 19,000 in North Hastings.
The mass clinics will close by the end of the month as Public Health transitions to a longer term vaccination strategy.
“The support and dedication of our community partners made it possible to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines have been available throughout our extensive geographic region, as quickly and efficiently as possible,” says Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at HPEPH. “Community partners have continuously adapted to meet the ever-changing needs of the vaccination rollout, and have worked tirelessly to help ensure essential protection through vaccination was made available to the community. These efforts have resulted in an 88% vaccination rate for adults in HPEC, and this protection continues to help reduce severe illness related to the virus in our region.”

HPEPH presents certificates of recognition to Bancroft Community Family Health Team (BCFHT) and QHC North Hastings Hospital – Front row L-R Sandra McGrath – BCFHT Executive Director, Shelly Brown – HPEPH Director of Community Programs, Tammy Davis, QHC NH Hospital Site Lead and Manager Patient Services, are surrounded by BCFT clinic staff. (Photo: submitted)
In the coming weeks, HPEPH will be recognizing the contributions of other community partners who have contributed to the vaccination rollout, including the City of Quinte West, Township of Madoc, Loyalist College, and other Quinte Health Care sites.