Thursday, May 27, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen visited Pine Hall Brick Company’s vaccine clinic in Madison, where the company is holding an on-site vaccine clinic and offering incentives to encourage employees to get vaccinated.
As Cooper arrived, a steady stream of employees was entering the clinic to get their shots. Cooper chatted with them for a few moments before participating in a press conference nearby.
“We are so grateful for everyone who has stepped up to get vaccinated, for a safer workplace, a safer family life and a safer community,” Cooper said. “We want you to know that we will emerge stronger from this pandemic than we were before.”
Left to right: Dr. Mandy Cohen, North Carolina Secretary of Health and Human Services, Walt Steele, president of Pine Hall Brick and Governor Roy Cooper.
“We believe the vaccine is both safe and effective and getting vaccinated is paramount to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees and helping minimizing COVID-19 in our communities,” said Steele.
Additionally, the company created a monthly incentive program where all fully vaccinated employees are eligible to win monthly cash prizes of up to $1,000, including a drawing for a grand prize of an week of additional paid vacation in October.
Nancy Tulloch-Moore, human resources manager at Pine Hall Brick Company, said that of the 170 employees on the Madison campus, 48 have been vaccinated thus far. The vaccinations will be offered again from June through October, if need be, to give everyone the opportunity to get vaccinated.
“COVID-19 has shed light on the importance of public health in our community,” said Trey Wright, Rockingham County Health Director. “We are in the business of helping people, but also helping one another. Our commitment to serving local agencies and industries is exemplified here today by providing vaccine to workers so they can protect themselves on the job and at home.”
Governor Cooper visits Pine Hall Brick vaccination clinic, Thursday, May 27.
Both the governor and Secretary Cohen encouraged other companies to promote vaccinations through incentives.
“There are a lot of reasons to get vaccinated, like protecting yourself and your community, bringing summer back and getting back to the people and places you love,” said Cohen. “Outreach efforts like these make it even easier to get your free vaccine.”
On Monday, the state Department of Health and Human Services announced it will offer $25 Summer Cash Cards at select vaccine sites in Guilford, Rowan, Rockingham and Mecklenburg counties, both to people receiving their first of the vaccine and the person driving them. The pilot program, which will run next week through June 8, is designed to reduce financial barriers to getting the vaccine such as transportation costs.