As the United States has grappled with the pandemic for the last 14 months, many individuals have stepped up to do their part to assist others in various ways. Members of the Bishop Carroll community have played a large part in bettering the world, in the past and especially with the current global situation. Current Bishop Carroll board member Jerry Moschgat, and his sons, Jeff, and Jack, are leading the charge with vaccinations against Covid-19.
Jerry is a pharmacist and the owner of Mainline Pharmacy. His sons, Jeff (BC class of 2006), and Jack (BC class of 2009), also work with him as pharmacists at Mainline. Along with pharmacist John Pastorek, they have established mass vaccination sites all over Pennsylvania, where over 120,000 people have received their Covid shots. Jerry’s wife, Laura (Latterner) Moschgat (BC Class of 1978), has also been instrumental in organizing the endeavor.
“This last year has been tough on everyone,” said Jerry. “Individuals and businesses have been turned upside down and have struggled. When the development of a vaccine began to ramp up last summer, we began preparing to do our part to administer them. We are in a position to do so, and it is a moral and ethical responsibility to help others.” The first mass vaccination clinic run by Mainline Pharmacy was started at Saint Francis University, with other clinics occurring at UPJ, Pitt-Greensburg, Saint Vincent College, Clarion University, the Monroeville Mall, the Indiana Mall, Mount Aloysius College, the Jaffa Shrine, Somerset High School, the Greater Parkview Church, and Saint Barbara’s Catholic Church in Harrison City. In June, the pharmacy will shift from clinics to walk-in appointments at all pharmacy locations.
To pull off something of this magnitude takes an army. Jeff remarked, “It is wonderful to be able to vaccinate so many people, but we could not have done this without the support of so many. We have had great support and it is impressive to see everyone come together to make this happen.” In addition to their paid employees, they have relied on thousands of volunteers.
Mainline Pharmacy also employs many Bishop Carroll students to help with data entry. “The kids are all doing very well, and I am grateful for the hard work and many hours they have put in for us,” said Jerry. Jackson Hudkins, BC senior, is one of those students who has worked at Mainline Pharmacy doing data entry and has also volunteered at the clinics. He said that working at the pharmacy has put into perspective the amount of work and dedication that goes into everything. “I can only start to imagine the amount of stress and pressure that Mr. Moschgat and others feel, yet they still show up to work every day and give their best. I have the utmost respect for those who have given their time and money for the betterment of the people.”
Jackson is not the only member of the BC community to assist Mainline Pharmacy in the vaccine clinics. Among the several BC Community members who gave their time to work the clinics are Jackson’s mother, Dr. Amy Hudkins (BC Class of 1993, SFU professor), BC Alumni Director Mrs. Annalisa McCann, and Dr. Kerri Golden (BC class of 1993, SFU professor, and current parent of BC students). Kerri’s eldest daughter, Lily (BC class of 2019), is a current student at Duquesne University and was a vaccinator as well.
Kerri’s parents, Dennis and Jackie Beck, have also spent countless hours volunteering. They spoke very highly of their experiences with Jerry Moschgat and Mainline Pharmacy. “Our experience volunteering at the Mainline Pharmacy vaccine clinic at Saint Francis University was truly a rewarding one for us, said Denny and Jackie.” “We had not been to any outside places for over a year; we lost friends who died alone in a hospital, and we saw our grandchildren’s daycare centers and schools close as they transitioned to “Zoom” school. Covid-19 disease raged in a few close family members as they struggled to manage family and job responsibilities. We saw first-hand the impact of isolation of family and friends due to Covid-19 especially around the holidays. The bottom line was that we also realized how lucky we were that our scientists produced a vaccine, and we were proud to be part of the solution to this crisis. Just seeing our communities come together to ensure health and safety for everyone was truly a blessing. The people attending the vaccine clinics were so grateful and many came in very poor health. We are so fortunate that local health care professionals such as those from Mainline Pharmacy showed tremendous leadership to provide the vaccine here in central PA where so many people live in rural areas. Many thanks to those at Mainline Pharmacy for everything they have done for our community!”
As the vaccination leader in the area , and one of the leaders in the entire state, Mainline Pharmacy is doing what is required of them as health care professionals. Jerry remarked, “This is why all of us got into this business – to help others. I saw an opportunity to make a great impact on the world. My team was completely on board and I could not be more thankful.” Jerry also added that, “It is not only the moral and ethical thing to do, but it is the Christian way. I have faith in God to lead us through this process, and I’m grateful for the opportunities presented to me.”
Jerry believes that the education that his children received at Bishop Carroll has helped to lay a foundation for them in their lives. In addition to his sons, Jeff and Jack, his daughter, Dr. Megan Moschgat (BC class of 2003), is a veterinarian. “My children received an outstanding education from great educators. The ethics and morals that Bishop Carroll instilled in each of them is so much a part of who they are today. I could not be prouder of my children, and I thank those at the school that helped them grow.”
As a BC Board member, Jerry sees so much potential in the school moving forward. “I hope that more people see the value in a Catholic education. What is taught at Bishop Carroll goes so far beyond academics. The education includes character building. Just as our pharmacy has stepped up to the plate to do our part this year, Bishop Carroll has done the same. The school has excelled in the face of much difficulty this year, and I invite families to look into the school and fill the seats!”
Thank you to the Moschgat family, the entire Mainline Pharmacy staff, and the countless volunteers who have helped in getting shots in the arms of so many Pennsylvanians. With the help of Mainline Pharmacy, Cambria County is near the top in Pennsylvania in the number of people vaccinated. Jerry adds, “If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, I encourage you to do so. Reach out to me, and I will help you find a location and a time that works for you. We can all do our part!”