Primary Health Network Gets Mobile Health ‘Aardvark’

SHARON, Pa. – Primary Health Network has acquired a new mobile health unit. Among its first tasks will be administering coronavirus testing and vaccinations across Pennsylvania.

Dubbed the “Aardvark,” the mobile unit can be set up in 15 minutes and is able to process a high volume of patients while requiring less personal protective equipment.

“This mobile unit elevates Primary Health Network’s COVID response to a new level by providing our clinical staff the ability to test for COVID-19 and administer the vaccine at a high capacity,” said Carl Sizer, the health-care system’s acting finance director, in a statement. “Additionally, PHN can respond to needs of the communities we serve by driving this unit to the areas where we can make the greatest impact. Our priority is always providing the highest level of care in the safest environment, and we believe this unit accomplishes both of those goals.”

The acquisition of the vehicle comes as Primary Health Network begins administering its allotment of the COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, the health-care organization is part of Pennsylvania’s Phase 1A, which includes health-care workers with exposure to patients or infectious materials.

“Primary Health Network has been classified as a prepositioned vaccine site and will assist in administering the COVID-19 vaccine to community. Vaccines will be administered in a phased approach based on guidance from the CDC,” said chief medical officer Dr. George Garrow. “Primary Health Network, in partnership with our public health authorities, is working to make the COVID-19 vaccine widely accessible to our communities.”

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.