Exciting Announcement!
United Way has convened vaccine providers from across the Blackhawk Region to create a new website that will serve as a one-stop-shop for COVID-19 vaccination information. 

Healthcare providers and public officials are working diligently to keep our community apprised of vaccination updates, yet the sheer volume of information coming from so many different sources can make it difficult for folks to know where to begin.

Working closely with nonprofit leaders and our partners in health care, United Way began to envision a user-friendly website where local residents could easily be connected to information specific to their individual needs. 

With a collective goal of attaining herd immunity and getting as many shots in arms as possible, United Way Blackhawk Region is thrilled to announce the collaboration and launch of RockCountyShot.com.

The centralized website will provide clear, easy answers to the most frequently asked questions about getting the COVID-19 vaccine, including: eligibility, safety, cost, provider details and appointment instructions, registration / registry links, and more. 

United Way has always fought for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community, and has been active in our region’s response to the pandemic since the initial outbreak. 

Thanks to the generosity of our community, this collaborative website and promotional efforts is funded by a $10,000 grant from United Way Blackhawk Region’s COVID-19 Action Fund. Additional outreach totaling $5,000 has also been allocated by HealthNet Rock County from a State of Wisconsin grant to raise awareness and access to COVID-19 vaccine among traditionally marginalized communities.

RockCountyShot.com is yet another example of what we can accomplish when thoughtful, caring community members come together. United, we want to help rebuild healthy, strong and equitable communities.
Health Equity
Health equity is another important focus of the website, so accessibility and ADA compliance have been incorporated into its design, as well as Google Translate for language interpretation.

Furthermore, concerns about the vaccine from communities of Color, which have been disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus, are intentionally represented in the content. 

The site features historical content to help us better understand the level of mistrust and hesitancy in communities of Color, videos featuring doctors and medical professionals of Color addressing questions and concerns, and highlights public figures who’ve publicly committed to getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

There is information for our Latinx community specifically addressing access to the vaccine and clarifying that everyone, regardless of citizenship status is eligible to receive the vaccine
Thank You to Our Health Care Partners & Vaccine Providers
United Way is proud to report all major health care providers are participating on the site:

  • Beloit Area Community Health Center
  • Beloit Health System
  • Edgerton Hospital
  • HealthNet Rock County
  • Mercyhealth
  • SSM Health / Dean Medical Group

Additionally, local pharmacies (Beloit Homecare Pharmacy, Clinton Pharmacy, Edgerton Pharmacy, Evansville Pharmacy, Janesville Hometown Pharmacy, and McGlynn Pharmacy), national chains (CVS and Walgreens), as well as the Rock County Public Health Department are active partners.
Effective Collaboration
Coordinating a vision and mutually-agreed upon material for the RockCountyShot.com site required effective team work from a dedicated committee.

Spearheaded by United Way Blackhawk Region’s Vice President Denise Peters-Kauihou, members of the RockCountyShot.com committee include:

  • Ian Hedges, HealthNet Rock County
  • Megan Timm, SSM Health / Dean Medical Group
  • Britney McKay, Beloit Health System
  • Kim Hesgard, Mercyhealth
  • Kelsey Cordova, Rock County Public Health Department
  • Brooklyn Trumpy, Beloit Area Community Health Center
  • Erica Mathis, SSM Health / Dean Medical Group

Moving forward, website content will be updated regularly by the respective vaccine providers to ensure timely and accurate information is available.
United Way's Response
Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit a little more than a year ago, United Way Blackhawk Region has been focused on helping communities respond, recover, reimagine and rebuild. Our COVID-19 webpage details these efforts and activities.

United Way has always fought for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. But as the pandemic continues, it’s hard to overstate the importance of your generous support in helping the most vulnerable during these toughest of times. 

The fight is far from over. Throughout 2021, we’ll continue fighting for a stronger, better future for all.

United we fight, United we win.