Ohio’s Regional Psychiatric Hospitals Welcome COVID-19 Vaccine

More than 2,300 doses of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine arriving this week

(COLUMBUS – Dec. 22, 2020) The first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine began arriving at Ohio’s regional psychiatric hospitals this week. The six, state-run facilities, which provide around-the-clock care for nearly 1,000 Ohioans impacted by mental illness, were among the groups identified by Governor Mike DeWine as a priority population to receive the much-anticipated vaccine.

“We are grateful to be among the first to receive the vaccine. This truly is a gift for our patients and staff,” said Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) Director Lori Criss. “Our hospital employees have worked tirelessly to maintain safe environments for patients throughout this crisis. This vaccine will provide peace of mind as they continue their mission to provide high-quality clinical services to Ohioans in our care.”

OhioMHAS operates regional hospitals in Athens, Cincinnati, Columbus, Massillon, Northfield and Toledo. The 2,310 doses arriving this week were manufactured by Moderna. OhioMHAS is coordinating with local health departments to receive the vaccines. Hospital staff will administer the vaccine to all patients and staff who choose to be vaccinated. After the initial dose, a second dose is given approximately one month later. The hospitals prepared for the vaccine by purchasing refrigerators, which will store vials between the recommended 36-46F temperature range.

A break-down of proposed doses by hospital:

OhioMHAS is also working with health department officials on coordinating the distribution of vaccines to other high-priority populations, including Ohioans in congregate living settings such as those in adult care facilities, residential addiction treatment programs and recovery housing. Individuals with severe and persistent mental illness who live in congregate settings were identified as a priority population in accordance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. That work is ongoing.

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Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Director Lori Criss greets a staff member from the Columbus Public Health Department as he delivers the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to Twin Valley Behavioral Healthcare in Columbus on Dec. 22, 2020.

OhioMHAS Director Lori Criss and Twin Valley Behavioral Healthcare CEO Frank Beel welcome the delivery of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine on Dec. 22, 2020.