SONOMA, CA (April 28, 2021) – The Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance (SVVGA) members expressed their gratitude to the Sonoma Valley Community Health Center (SVCHC) and the Sonoma Valley Health Partners, a collaborative effort that includes Sonoma Valley Hospital, Sonoma Valley Community Health Center, Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue, Schell-Vista FPD, City of Sonoma, Sonoma Valley Unified School District, Sonoma County Department of Public Health, and the Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund for their unwavering commitment and collaborative efforts to vaccinate our Sonoma Valley’s Agricultural and Hospitality employees.
Per Maureen Cottingham, outgoing SVVGA Executive Director, “We worked very closely with Cheryl Johnson, Director of the SVCHC, since January in planning and establishing designated Ag Vaccination clinics and have been able to expand those clinics to the winery hospitality sector as well. The staff, volunteers, skilled nurses and medical professionals have dedicated countless hours to get our community vaccinated during the pandemic and we are immensely grateful for their work. The dedication and strong commitment by our health professionals allowed our Ag and wine community to become vaccinated early on which was imperative in order to keep our employees healthy, employed, and our industry going strong.”
On Wednesday, April 28th, Vintner and Grower Board members and the SVVGA staff gathered to share their deep heartfelt gratitude and present wine contributions to each of the 32 team members that have been working around the clock on these clinics as well as to the 30 planners and medical staff that facilitated the clinics hosted by the Sonoma Valley Health Partners.
First District Supervisor Susan Gorin shared, “We are grateful for the staff at Sonoma Valley Community Health Center and appreciate their commitment and endless efforts in keeping our community safe, healthy and connected during the pandemic. We are especially proud of their devotion and determination in working together with the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers to bring the vaccine to agricultural employees and get this industry vaccinated. Our community appreciates and heavily depends on the contribution of our agricultural workers and access to the vaccine was essential in keeping them safe and self-assured when going to work. Thank you Sonoma Valley Community Health Center and Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers for making this a priority. Thank you to all of the healthcare workers who selflessly give themselves to others. You are true heroes and should be recognized as such.”
About SVVGA
The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance (SVVGA) is a non-profit organization serving over 500 members who share a mission to promote awareness of Sonoma Valley’s grapes, wine and history as the birthplace of the California wine industry. Sonoma Valley comprises six of the eighteen American Viticulture Areas (AVAs) of Sonoma County: Bennett Valley, Los Carneros, Moon Mountain District, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Mountain and Sonoma Valley. To learn more about the SVVGA visit http://www.SonomaValleyWine.com or call 707-935-0803.
