Clay County Expands Operation Safe Through Local Agencies

Clay County’s Operation Safe is expanding its reach in order to help more people receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Operation Safe is now working with Cerner, a global health care technology company, North Kansas City Hospital, and the City of North Kansas City.

it is important that every eligible person in our community gets vaccinated when the opportunity is available to them - Gary E. Zaborac, Clay County Public Health Center Director

Operation Safe was recently founded by Liberty Hospital, Clay County Public Health Center (CCPHC), the cities of Liberty, Gladstone, Smithville, Kearney and Excelsior Springs and William Jewell College. The Missouri Department of Health and Human Services announced today that North Kansas City Hospital and Liberty Hospital were collectively named one of 16 high throughput vaccination providers designated by the State of Missouri.

The City of North Kansas City released a press statement that says, “The goal of the expanded “Operation Safe – Vaccinating our Community, Together” is to provide eligible individuals who work or live in Clay County an opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible within the state’s tiered structure. Initially, the coalition anticipates vaccinating up to 4,500 individuals every other week and is prepared to increase the volume to 3,500 per day as more vaccines become available.”

Clay County Public Health Center Director, Gary Zaborac, announced the Cerner Experience Center located at 2951 Rock Creek Parkway will be used as a vaccination site. This site was made possible by the partnerships of North Kansas City Hospital, Liberty Hospital, Clay County Public Health Center, Cerner Corporation, and the cities of Liberty, Gladstone North Kansas City, and others.

“We can’t stress it enough; it is important that every eligible person in our community gets vaccinated when the opportunity is available to them,” said Gary E. Zaborac, director of public health for Clay County Public Health Center. “Vaccination is the best way to protect your family from becoming ill and the fastest way for our community to return to the way of life we care so deeply about. Along with continuing to wear masks, keeping physical distance, and washing hands, vaccination is one of the most powerful tools in our toolbox to prevent further spread of COVID-19.”

This first vaccination clinic will take place on Feb. 4, 5 and 6 at the Cerner World Headquarters in North Kansas City, Mo. Key information includes:

• Vaccines will be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on designated dates.

• Appointments are required, and walk-up requests will not be accommodated. Individuals who have completed the CCPHC interest form and are prioritized within the current tier will receive invitations to sign up for an appointment in the coming weeks. Invitations will be distributed in the order of form completion.

Individuals who live or work in Clay County are encouraged to complete CCPHC’s COVID-19 vaccination interest form at clayhealth.com/covidvaccine. Information provided through this form will allow the coalition to contact individuals when they are eligible to be vaccinated.

To learn who is currently eligible to receive a vaccine or when you may become eligible, visit CCPHC’s website at clayhealth.com/covidvaccine.

In addition to the organizations listed above, Liberty and North Kansas City School Districts and the cities of Claycomo and Pleasant Valley have offered to provide assistance during this massive undertaking. As more vaccine becomes available, additional partners and locations may be announced.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story