As a result of the pandemic, homeless shelters have had to limit capacity, and some individuals have chosen to stay outside to reduce the chance of contraction.
In August 2021, MultiCare’s Center for Health Equity (CHEW) connected the donor-supported Greater Lakes Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) Program with Medical Teams International to make the COVID-19 vaccine accessible to this growing population, saving lives.
“Already, we’ve had such a robust response,” PATH Program case manager Trisha Munson says.
Early in the morning, Trisha, her teammate Jessica Hall, a Substance Use Disorder accessor, medical provider and residents from MultiCare — along with an RN and volunteers from Medical Teams International — head to an encampment. They bring coffee and snacks, and the nurse administers vaccines to those who want it. Trisha and the medical provider return the next two days to ensure those who were vaccinated are feeling okay.
“The thing that stands out the most to me is the people that wanted the vaccine, but didn’t feel like they had access to it, ” Trisha says. “A lot of the people don’t have transportation, and they may have a fear of being sick and not having someone to check up on them. And, while a lot of the places do pop-up events, those are places that homeless people aren’t able to go.”
She adds, “The work we’re doing tells the people we serve that they are no less of a human. Even if their living situation isn’t conventional, they’re just as worthy to receive the vaccine.”
