Southcoast Health, Operation Clean Sweep team up for volunteering, vaccinations

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. – Southcoast Health will host Operation Clean Sweep on and around the St. Luke’s Hospital campus in New Bedford’s West End from 8am until noon on Saturday, July 17. The community is invited to join in this event for a day of giving back with fellow volunteers, friends and neighbors.

The Southcoast Mobile Wellness Team will be on site administering the single-shot Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to individuals 18 and over, officials said.

“Southcoast Health understands that the environment in which community members live, work and play is a critical indicator of overall health and wellness in the area. Collaborating with Operation Clean Sweep represents an opportunity to directly contribute to our neighborhoods’ quality of life,” said Rachel Davis, Southcoast Health Director of Community Benefits. “Cleanups are a fun way to get outside and volunteer for a good cause, bringing about immediate results while reminding us to be mindful of our environmental impact.”

Added Davis: “While we are thrilled to welcome our volunteers back and begin hosting community events again, we also know that COVID-19 is still a clear and present concern, so the Southcoast Mobile Wellness Team will be available to vaccinate volunteers and visitors safely, effectively and conveniently.”

Complimentary refreshments, t-shirts, gardening gloves, and hand sanitizer will be available while supplies last. Students and volunteers are also eligible to earn community service hours during the cleanup. 

Operation Clean Sweep is a grassroots organization, run by volunteers who have made outstanding progress decreasing litter in the New Bedford area.

“We are excited to partner with Southcoast Health once again,” said Russ Wotton, co-leader of Operation Clean Sweep. “We always have many volunteers join us, and it’s great to see the community work together.”

Check-in will begin at 8am and is located in the Southcoast Health employee parking lot at the corner of Hawthorn and Page streets near St. Luke’s Hospital.

Please visit  https://www.southcoast.org/event/ocs2021/ for registration and additional information.