Samaritan Begins COVID-19 Vaccinations for Staff December 18, 2020 Samaritan Health Services is now administering COVID-19 vaccinations to employees at all five hospitals. Doug Boysen, president and CEO of Samaritan, was on hand for the first vaccinations on Dec. 18 at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. “We’re at a point now where we can see light at the end of the tunnel,” Boysen said. “I want to thank the entire Samaritan team for their efforts to be there for our patients and communities, and to continue on our mission during this pandemic.” Pam Hayden, an Environmental Services employee at GSRMC, was the first to receive a vaccination. Bill Howden, quality coordinator and retired vice president of patient services at GSRMC, administered the dose. “I got the vaccine for myself, my friends and family,” Hayden said. “I want to show everyone there’s nothing to be afraid of.” Samaritan will continue administering vaccinations to health care workers who work directly with COVID-19 patients, as well as residents and staff at long-term care facilities. Once COVID-19 vaccines are more widely available, Samaritan will work with community partners to vaccinate subsequent groups including essential workers and those with high-risk medical conditions, and eventually to everyone in Benton, Lincoln and Linn counties, with guidance from the OHA.
