Left to right: Rhonda Adams, Mayor Strick and Dr. Matt Pflieger 

HUNTINGTON – Mayor Richard Strick signed a proclamation recognizing and honoring local vaccination clinic volunteers and paying tribute to Huntington County Health Department Director Rhonda Adams during a Huntington County Medical Society volunteer appreciation open house Wednesday morning at the Health Department offices.

 Adams first came to work for the Health Department in August 2018, following a long career with the Huntington County Community School Corporation. She returned last year after a brief retirement to play a crucial role in the Health Department’s response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

 “The Huntington community has benefitted greatly from Rhonda’s hard work,” Mayor Strick said. “She has been instrumental in planning and leading the local vaccination clinic, and Huntington County’s vaccination rate is among the highest in Northeast Indiana because of it.”

 Adams is now enjoying retirement – again – with June 30 being her last day at the Health Department.

Dr. Matt Pflieger, a medical society member and Huntington County’s Public Health Officer, also praised Adams’ efforts.

 “On a daily basis, Rhonda’s selfless efforts helped our community move past a pandemic that has affected each of us deeply,” Dr. Pflieger said.

The Huntington County Medical Society also recognized the numerous individuals who volunteered at the vaccination clinic, presenting those present at Wednesday’s open house with a small gift in appreciation of their work. The clinic was located inside the gymnasium at Crestview Middle School from the time it opened in January through the end of May, when it moved back to the Health Department offices.

Volunteers have logged more than 8,500 hours at the clinic, worth a savings of more than $213,000, according to Dr. Pflieger.

As of Wednesday, 14,797 Huntington County residents 12 and older have been fully vaccinated, representing 47.2 percent of those eligible.