Elders, Safe and Free
Although eligible for vaccinations, it has been clear that many of the seniors receiving food have little prospect of getting vaccinated. Without computer access and efficient transportation, frequently with compromised mobility and often in an atmosphere of misinformation and doubts, their challenges are insurmountable. We decided to reduce the process of getting vaccinated to a simple “Yes.”
Working with Clinton Hill/Fort Greene Mutual Aid and Ambar Keluskar, pharmacist at Rossi Pharmacy, to set up a local pop-up vaccination site. On the 13th, 15 volunteer drivers picked up any willing senior who couldn’t readily get to our site at a local community center. They were welcomed in their own language, into an atmosphere of love and respect and guided through the immunization process by 47 more volunteers. Clients were vaccinated and ready to go home in 30 minutes. In the post-vacc waiting area, snacks and beverages were served. Information about other programs was shared and people got ample bags of produce and other groceries as they left.
With continuous phone banking and another pop-up this past weekend we have now helped 300 seniors get vaccinated so far. These efforts are ongoing as we want to see as many seniors get vaccinated as possible, in the process becoming safe and free.
Read more on this event in the New York Times article from 3/16/2021 or learn more about the Dose 2 event in this BK Reader article from 4/12/2021.