Homeless people

Though they are identified as 1B, the homeless guests we serve through the Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team (NEST) program are not readily able to find access to the COVID-19 vaccine. To date, existing clinics require online registration and an active mobile number and/or email address. Few of our guests have access to technology and registering online would be almost impossible for nearly all. Additionally, transportation to a public event is challenging, if not impossible, for most of our guests. It is a critical catch22 with no obvious solution.

Enter Sentara. On the evening of March 9, a team of nurses and staff arrived at First Presbyterian Church to administer a limited clinic through their Health Equity Division for our homeless guests who had indicated interest in receiving the vaccine. The clinic was scheduled to allow time for guests to receive their second shot at the end of the month, before the program ends for the spring.

Though it was likely the smallest clinic Sentara has done or will do, its impact couldn’t be greater. In choosing to dedicate valuable resources and time to helping the marginalized few, this consumer heath powerhouse exemplified the best of what it means to care: to wit, every person counts.

We are deeply grateful that such a consummate medical community calls Norfolk home. Their commitment to serving all of our neighbors with equity and dignity doesn’t just bring health, it brings healing.

Jim Wood, Norfolk