HUD's Region II's HUD and HRSA Team Up to Provide COVID-19 Vaccinations in Poughkeepsie, NY

HUD Region II Deputy Regional Administrator Stephen Murphy and HRSA Regional Administrator Cheryl Donald traveled to Poughkeepsie, NY, on June 30th to host a free COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Poughkeepsie Housing Authority. Sun River Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), provided a mobile van and health professionals to administer the vaccine and answer patients' questions. In addition, YH Ice Cream brought an ice cream truck and gave away free ice cream to anyone receiving a vaccine or attending the event to receive answers to health concerns and questions. The event was held at the Poughkeepsie Housing Authority's Martin Luther King, Jr., Gardens site and was open to all area residents.

Dutchess County and the City of Poughkeepsie were identified as priority communities by HUD's Region II office, due to low vaccination levels and a demonstrated need to increase access to the COVID-19 vaccine for HUD-assisted residents.

This effort took intensive planning and work by HUD and HRSA staff, Sun River Health, and the Poughkeepsie Housing Authority. Acknowledgments go to Dr. Chandak Ghosh and Commander Wanda Pamphile of HRSA; Sandra Boothe, Executive Director, Poughkeepsie Housing Authority; Shirley Adams, Board Chairwoman, Poughkeepsie Housing Authority; Dr. Sonia Simpson, Sun River Health; Allison Dubois, Chief Operating Officer, Sun River Health; Angela Aloia and Olga Alvarez of the HUD Office of Field Policy & Management; and Ping Yip of the HUD New York Office of Public Housing.

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