The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic turned hospital systems upside down, and Stoughton Health was no exception. It altered many aspects of our lives from work, travel, education, exercise to seeking medical attention. The nature of the pandemic was unprecedented. 
Stoughton Health took the lead in public education, sharing CDC-approved messaging through social media, television, billboards, video, radio and its website that encouraged masking, washing hands and social distancing. Within a few weeks, Stoughton Health began offering COVID-19 testing –providing fast results to help contain the virus as much as possible. 
Stoughton Health initiated a task force of community leaders including the city government, the chamber of commerce, police department, school district, and Stoughton Health who met weekly in the midst of the pandemic. This joint task force collaborated in not only planning testing protocols, vaccinations, and safety restrictions, but also facilitated safe 2020 Presidential Election voting, back-to-school efforts, and discussions around sustaining economic development. The team continues to collaborate and meet monthly. 
In January 2021, Stoughton Health began facilitating vaccination clinics in an effort to vaccinate as many people as possible. Tears of joy and relief were witnessed throughout the hospital halls. In April 2021, Stoughton Health recognized and celebrated the recipient of the 5,000th vaccine given. The work done by Stoughton Health over the past 17 months is a testament to their culture of selflessness, empathy, versatility and focus on strong community partnerships.