Wednesday, March 24 was an important day for 170 Tompkins County residents who received their second dose and are now fully vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19. These individuals live in Titus Towers and McGraw House, two of the County’s largest senior housing facilities. Titus Towers, part of Ithaca Housing Authority, is home to 230 residents, while McGraw House has 105 residents. Some residents received the vaccine at other locations or were able to provide their own transportation.
Partners involved in this vaccination effort included Ithaca Housing Authority, various senior living facilities across Tompkins County, TCAT, Gadabout, Cayuga Health System, and the Tompkins County Health Department.
“This pandemic has shown us time and time again how fortunate we are to have partners who come together to solve challenging situations, stated Frank Kruppa, Public Health Director. Several months ago we met with senior housing facilities in our County. The thinking at the time was that separate mobile clinics at each location would be necessary because of potential transport difficulties. Our team approached these challenges head on; we asked TCAT and Gadabout if they could help us. Our transportation partners were quickly on board and we had a plan.”
Kruppa continued, “I want to thank all of the agencies involved in this effort, especially the staff at Titus and McGraw who registered their residents for appointments and made sure everyone got to and from the vaccination clinic at the mall. As of last week, all of our senior housing facilities have been offered vaccine, some through the mall clinic, some through smaller mobile clinics.”
Brenda Westfall, Executive Director of Ithaca Housing Authority stated, “I want to thank my staff for their efforts to register our residents as well as the Health Department, Cayuga Health, and our transportation partners for creating a coordinated and safe process. Our residents were excited to get vaccinated and have the experience of going to the mall site. The opportunity to receive the vaccine has given the residents newfound hope and comfort after what has been a very long year for everyone.”
Viki McDonald, Executive Director of McGraw House stated, “By the end of this month, all but six McGraw House residents will be inoculated with the COVID-19 vaccine. I would like to thank the Tompkins County Health Department and Cayuga Health for their contributions in achieving that tremendous goal. We can finally see the light at the end of this very long tunnel and that is a beautiful moment to celebrate.”
Scot Vanderpool, General Manager of TCAT stated, “TCAT has worked tirelessly to provide safe, reliable rides throughout the pandemic. 211 has also been a great partner in assisting individuals without personal transportation with options to get to the testing and vaccination sites. We were happy to be part of this effort and continue to serve our community.”
Kristen Wells, Executive Director of Gadabout Transportation Services, Inc. stated, “A majority of our Gadabout drivers are over the age of 60 and were thrilled to provide this service to their peers so they could be vaccinated. We have worked closely with the Health Department throughout the pandemic to provide a safe environment for our drivers and riders.”
TCHD continues to urge everyone who is eligible to sign up for the Tompkins County COVID-19 Vaccine Registry.
The Tompkins County Health Department is your partner for a healthy community. Find us online at TompkinsCountyNY.gov/health, and follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/TompkinsPublicHealth and on Twitter at @TompkinsHealth.
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