Civil Air Patrol Supports Putnam’s First Drive-thru Flu Clinic

Civil Air Patrol members from the Putnam County Composite Squadron were on hand to support the Putnam County Department of Health during its drive-thru flu vaccination clinic held on September 21, at the health department’s main office at 1 Geneva Road in Brewster.

Squadron members assisted with location set-up and break down, and traffic control inside a very active area of operation. Public Health Nurse Jeanette Baldanza, the clinic’s Immunization Coordinator, noted 195 people received the vaccine during the clinic. “The Civil Air Patrol assisted the Putnam County Department of Health with their first very successful drive-thru flu clinic. C.A.P. members kept vehicles flowing smoothly to allow for quick and efficient public vaccinations,” said Baldanza.

Squadron members joined clinical staff, volunteers from the Putnam County Reserve Corps and Mount Saint Mary College, and officers from the Sheriff’s Department to carry out the event. Second Lieutenant Sharath Babu, serving as the squadron safety officer, noted participants complied with COVID-19 health directives and reported the mission a success.

The squadron works closely with Putnam County in support of such events through the efforts of the Squadron Commander, Major Elena MacDermant. “We are always happy to help the people of Putnam County. Today we aided the wonderful group of health care professionals at the Putnam County Department of Health in giving out flu vaccines to some of our most vulnerable elderly population. I know this will help save lives,” said MacDermant.

Connie Bueti, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for the Putnam County Department of Health, expressed appreciation for Civil Air Patrol support. “All of us here want to thank you and the cadets for assisting at the drive-thru flu clinic. Civil Air Patrol has always been a great help with our events. Please express our appreciation to all for helping to make our clinic a success,” said Bueti.

Additional flu shot clinics are scheduled for residents of Putnam County on October 7 at the Garrison Fire Department and October 16 at the Putnam County Department of Health. For information, call (845) 808-1390.

For information about the Putnam County Composite Squadron contact Major MacDermant at (845) 216-5433, email elenamac@aol.com, or visit ny033.cap.gov.

Civil Air Patrol is the longtime auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and as such is a valued member of its Total Force. In its auxiliary role, CAP operates a fleet of 560 single-engine aircraft and 1,550 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). It performs about 90% of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and is credited by the AFRCC with saving an average of 82 lives annually. CAP’s 66,000 members also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. Operating as a nonprofit organization, CAP also plays a leading role in STEM/aerospace education, and its members serve as mentors to 28,000 young people participating in CAP’s Cadet Programs. Visit www.CAP.NEWS or www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information.