Mercy partners with Cedar Rapids shelters to provide COVID-19 vaccination clinic

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa  – Individuals experiencing homelessness in the Cedar Rapids area were vaccinated today, April 15th, through a partnership with Mercy Medical Center and local shelters.

It’s part of the community’s ongoing effort to get vaccinations to those who may have difficulty receiving them otherwise.

Mercy’s Director of Community Benefit, Melissa Cullum, says individuals in these situations often live in congregate settings. This puts them at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19.

“We realize that people experiencing homelessness may not have phone or internet access to schedule an appointment.  Transportation may be another barrier,” said Cullum. She adds, “We want our community to come out of this pandemic and we can do that by getting the vaccine to as many people as possible.”

Many of those who received a shot in the arm today, were clients at the following locations.

• The Willis Dady Shelter
• Waypoint Services
• The Catherine McAuley Transitional Housing Program
• Catholic Worker House and Safe Place Foundation

Shelter staff members were also offered vaccinations.

A similar vaccination clinic will take place April 20th at the overflow shelter in northwest Cedar Rapids. Follow-up clinics will be scheduled so individuals can receive their second dose.

Mercy says it will continue to work with Linn County Public Health and local shelters to vaccinate those who may miss these opportunities.