The Ross County Health District (RCHD) has found new ways to address vaccine hesitancy in the homeless population within its community.
RCHD has begun bringing COVID-19 vaccinations directly to homeless encampments throughout the county. Along with vaccinations, RCHD employees are also providing the homeless population with Naloxone, mosquito/bug spray, hygiene kits, food, and clean water.
“It was important to us to bring other resources to the encampments, not just COVID-19 vaccines,” said RCHD Health Commissioner Garrett Guillozet. “There is a high level of hesitancy, and we wanted to utilize the opportunity of the visit to provide additional wraparound services.”
RCHD has also provided onsite clinics at local free-meal and food pantries in their area, and will continue to provide these clinics on a weekly basis to help better reach otherwise underserved populations in their community. Around 25 people have received vaccinations through these efforts.
Innovative Ideas is a new feature from the Ohio Department of Health highlighting ways providers and organizations are encouraging COVID-19 vaccinations. You can find more featured examples on the Ohio Department of Health’s Innovative Ideas page HERE.
If you are interested in hosting a vaccination clinic, the Ohio Department of Health has a toolkit for businesses and organizations available HERE. This toolkit contains a collection of resources vaccine providers and Ohio employers and organizations can consider using to build partnerships across the state to offer convenient vaccinations to their employees and members.
All Ohioans age 12 and older are currently eligible to be vaccinated. Ohioans can find additional vaccination opportunities and schedule appointments by visiting gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov or by calling 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). Walk-in appointments are available at many providers statewide. Anyone with questions regarding COVID-19 vaccination within the state of Ohio can learn more at coronavirus.ohio.gov/vaccine.