Partnership work aims to protect Springfield residents from COVID-19

The Springfield Housing Authority (SHA) has partnered with the City of Springfield's Health Department and Brightwood and Mason Square neighborhood health clinics to host six COVID-19 vaccine clinics since March. To date, these clinics have vaccinated more than 345 residents, over 400 if you count the vaccinations made available to residents outside of the SHA clinics, and they're not done yet with focus now turning to offering booster and youth vaccines to their residents.

"We're thrilled that we are able to help our residents protect themselves against the COVID-19 virus," said Denise Jordan, Executive Director, Springfield Housing Authority. "These vaccine clinics would not have been possible but for the collaborative effort by all four entities."

The SHA had 14 volunteers who received training from a health department nurse to assist with vaccine clinics. "We were all on hand for both clinics and had a great time, taking pride in the fact that we were able to assist our residents in getting the vaccine," said Jordan.

Part of the SHA efforts including making the vaccine process convenient for residents. "We targeted especially our residents who are elderly and who have physical limitations, with locations close to where they live to help eliminate transportation as a hindrance to getting the vaccine."

"We're happy to help," said SHA District Property Manager Sandra West. "We want what's best for our residents and for our city."

Residents appreciated the opportunity to get vaccinated. Saab Court Apartment resident Jose Santiago said, "They called me and of course I said yes, I don't want to get COVID. I know this will help."

Emma Torres, a resident of Jennie Lane Apartments, said getting her first vaccine left her feeling one way, "I'm so happy. This is for my health."

City Health and Human Services Director Helen Caulton-Harris said the vaccine events were smoothly run and very effective. "This is just great," she said. "The wonderful thing about SHA is that you all are doing this to help out yourselves and each other." Alt Tag: A Springfield Housing Authority resident receives their COVID-19 vaccine during one of the six clinics hosted by the SHA in partnership with City of Springfield Health Department and Brightwood and Mason Square neighborhood health clinics. Alt Tag: SHA residents, staff and local health officials at a COVID-19 vaccine clinic.

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