The Alabama State Legislature recognized AUSON’s efforts in the Capital vaccine/testing clinics this Spring. More than 30 second semester students assisted in the clinic that lasted 8 days. On April 27, 2021, Rep. Mike Jones passed the attached resolution commending the efforts of so many.

“This is just one of the many occasions that makes me so happy to be a part of our AUSON family,” said Hope Carroll, coordinator of the clinic.

The HR243, 27-APR-2021, Joint Rule 11 was sponsored by Reps. Jones (M), Allen, Baker, Ball, Bedsole, Blackshear, Boyd, Brown (C), Brown (K), Carns, Clarke, Clouse, Coleman-Evans, Collins, Crawford, Dismukes, Drake, Drummond, Easterbrook, Ellis, Estes, Farley, Faulkner, Faust, Fincher, Forte, Gaston, Gray, Greer, Grimsley, Hall, Hanes, Hill, Hollis, Hurst, Isbell, Jackson, Jones, Ledbetter, Lee, Lipscomb, Lovvorn, Marques, McCampbell, McCutcheon, McMillan, Meadows, Mooney, Moore (M), Moore (P), Morris, Nordgren, Oliver, Pettus, Poole, Reynolds, Rich, Robbins, Robertson, Rogers, Rowe, Sanderford, Scott, Sells, Shedd, Shaver, Shiver, Smith, Sorrell, Sorrells, South, Stadthagen, Standridge, Sullivan, Wadsworth, Warren, Wheeler, Whitt, Whorton, Wilcox, Wood (R), and Wood (D).

COMMENDING ALL WHO PROVIDED SERVICE AND SUPPORT FOR COVID-19 TESTING AND VACCINATION DURING THE 2021 LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

WHEREAS, it is an honor to thank and commend everyone who provided service and support for COVID-19 testing and vaccination during the 2021 Legislative Session; and

WHEREAS, affectionately referred to as "Tunnel Testing," approximately 500 COVID-19 tests were administered during each of the five testing sessions that took place typically three weeks apart during the 2021 Legislative Session; altogether, approximately 2,500 tests were administered; and

WHEREAS, Tunnel Testing did not incur any additional cost to the State of Alabama, thanks to Governor Kay Ivey allowing for the use of the tunnel; the Capitol Operations staff for assistance with the tunnel setup; the State Troopers posted at the Capitol for easy access to the tunnel for the testing staff; the Alabama Department of Public Health for donating the tests; Auburn University and Reid State Technical College for sending its nursing and pharmacy students to administer the tests; and the State Employees' Insurance Board and the State Wellness Center staff for organizing, managing, and operating the testing site; and

WHEREAS, State House staff and legislators were also provided an opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through a vaccine clinic operated by the State Wellness Center and the State Employees' Insurance Board in downtown Montgomery, which also did not incur any additional cost to the State; in just three months' time, the vaccine was administered to 10,000 state officials, state employees, retirees, and their dependents; Reid State Technical College, Central Alabama Community College, Auburn University at Montgomery, Auburn University, and Troy University loaned students to help administer the vaccine; the State Wellness Center organized, managed, and operated the vaccine site, and the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency posted State Troopers to ensure safety and security; and

WHEREAS, the individuals who provided service in the tunnel and at the vaccine clinic did so in addition to their usual duties as assigned, which exhibited a tremendous amount of extra effort; their assistance to the State of Alabama is indeed greatly appreciated; now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA,

That everyone who provided service and support for COVID-19 testing and vaccination during the 2021 Legislative Session is heartily commended and honored, and we hereby dedicate this resolution to each of them with utmost gratitude and admiration.