In Mississippi - Laurel and Meridian Housing Authorities Offer COVID-19 Vaccines with a Side of Fun

Leading by example, Meridian Housing Authority Executive Director Ron Turner receives the vaccine.

Laurel residents got ready for school, including receiving the COVID vaccine.

About 50 miles apart from each other, the housing authorities of Laurel and Meridian were facing the same challenge: Find the most efficient ways to offer their residents and surrounding community accurate information about the COVID-19 virus and provide the vaccine to those ready to accept it. Both partnered with local health centers, local leaders, and each chose engaging activities to encourage their communities.

Laurel Housing Authority worked with a team from South Central Regional Medical Center to offer the vaccinations at their annual Back 2 School Safety Day. In addition to access to information and vaccinations, more than 250 attendees were able to play games, eat good food, and receive gifts before the start of the new school year. Executive Director Ailrick Young was pleased with the results and proud "to be part of the community and thankful for the many partners we work with to enhance our overall service delivery to our residents and those we serve."

In Meridian, vaccinations were offered by the Greater Meridian Health Clinic in conjunction with the housing authority's Strong Families event held in June at the Frank Berry Court Center. Residents enjoyed fun activities and learned about the importance of COVID-19 vaccinations. Housing authority employees and residents received monetary incentives if they were fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated residents also had an opportunity to receive vaccinations and have their names included in a drawing for a cash prize. Executive Director Ron Turner encouraged all their residents and neighboring community to consider taking the COVID shot. "We know life means a lot. This is a way to help preserve it."

The Meridian Housing Authority held several vaccination activities at different public housing sites. At an August 12 vaccination event, ROSS Coordinator Gretchen Luvene noted a significant increase in the number of Meridian citizens wanting the vaccinations. Said Luvene, "I was pleasantly surprised to see City workers dressed in uniforms coming to get vaccinated on their breaks."

The HUD Mississippi team contributed to these efforts by sending notices about the vaccination clinics and transportation offered through the Mississippi Department of Transportation directly to affordable housing sites in Lauderdale and Jones counties, and to the Continuum of Care that serves these counties. HUD also supported the local events translating the notices into Spanish for distribution and promotion in Hispanic communities to ensure that they were aware of these events.

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