Piscataquis County Ice Arena to be mass vaccination site

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Libra Foundation, Northern Light Health, Foxcroft Academy and Piscataquis County Ice Arena would like to announce that the PCIA will be the site of a clinic for COVID-19 vaccinations starting later this month. The facility was determined to be big enough to accommodate large numbers of people from Piscataquis County and surrounding areas who want to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

Libra Foundation and Foxcroft Academy are pleased to be able to offer the building to Northern Light to aid in its efforts to keep the vaccination efforts in Piscataquis County moving forward as smoothly as possible. Unfortunately, this measure will require the removal of the ice surface for the coming months. 

Accessibility, parking, location and ample floor space are reasons why the PCIA is the desired location to support the significant vaccination program. 

“We do appreciate that we have an opportunity to play a role in assisting in bringing the pandemic to an end as soon as possible,” said Arnold Shorey, Foxcroft Academy head of school and PCIA curler. “It is not missed that this initiative will result in PCIA programming, which is very important to the community, ending earlier than planned.” 

Arena staff are working closely with staff from Northern Light Health to prepare the building to open as a vaccination site as soon as possible. Accordingly, current PCIA programming will end on Sunday, March 7 to start preparing for ice to be taken out of the facility. 

“Northern Light Mayo and CA Dean Hospitals are grateful for the partnership with Foxcroft Academy and the Libra Foundation that has made it possible for us to use this space,” said Marie Vienneau, senior vice president of Northern Light Health. “Using this location as a vaccination site will significantly enhance our ability to efficiently vaccinate more residents of Piscataquis County and the surrounding region. It’s another step in the battle against COVID-19!” 

The building opened its doors for programming in September of 2019 and has been busy with activities, even amid the global pandemic. As of publication, the plan is for ice to return to the PCIA in August in order to support efforts for fall programming.