CHICAGO - The Chicago Department of Public Health announced today that it has selected Prism Health Lab through a competitive bid process to operate COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Chicago. Through the $15 million contract, Prism will operate new mass vaccination sites in the coming months and assume operation of City-funded points of dispensing sites (PODs), with an option to also conduct mobile vaccination programs as needed.

With the awarding of this contract, CDPH will transition operation of City-operated PODs to Prism, a minority-owned, Chicago-based company, to expand the capacity and flexibility in City vaccine operations.  The contract period continues through the end of 2021, with possibility of a one-year extension if needed.

“We are very pleased to partner with Prism Health Lab to expand our vaccination distribution program in the weeks and months ahead as vaccine supply increases. They’re a Chicago company with significant experience operating COVID-19 mass testing sites and conducting vaccination campaigns,” said Christina Anderson, CDPH Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Operations, COVID Response. “We are making good progress, with 1 in 4 Chicago residents 65 and older having received at least their first dose, but we have a ways to go, and Prism will help get us there.”   

Prism’s proposal stood out for its diversity in staffing, their operational experience with testing, and their plans to conduct community-based recruitment to fill new staff positions, from licensed healthcare providers to non-clinical administrative positions. The company is also planning training  programs to support local hiring. In addition, Prism also boasts strong partnerships with diverse community-based organizations, such as Habilitative Services, Pilsen Neighbors Community Council, Healthy Hood, and Chicago Medical Society, which means the City’s investment in COVID-19 vaccine operations will benefit local communities.

A community-based medical practice that has served Chicago residents since 1987, Prism Health Lab is a 100 percent minority-owned business. Seventy-five percent of Prism employees are Black, Latinx, Indigenous or people of color. 

“We’re excited for this partnership with CDPH so Prism can rapidly deliver culturally competent access to life-saving vaccines to the communities that have been most severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Zul Kapadia, President and CEO of Prism Health Lab. “This partnership is also an opportunity to offer vocational skills and build-out healthcare capacity within the communities that we are slated to serve. Together we will bring long lasting equitable healthcare to the people of Chicago.”  

To further expand COVID-19 vaccination clinics and programs, the City will issue a second $5 million Request For Proposals next week and invite community-based providers to submit proposals to operate additional mobile teams in various community settings.

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