Mississippi Department of Transportation is partnering with regional organizations to provide rides to vaccination sites statewide. Central District Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons says they've driven more than 300 people to clinics. He says the elderly, disabled and young people are taking advantage of the service.
"Although the health department along with our health centers and local medical facilities such as hospitals were administering the vaccine. There were individuals who were not able to get there so we wanted to eliminate that void," said Simmons.
People call a toll-free number where they're connected with a call center in their community to schedule a ride. In the Mississippi Delta, Pam Chatman says some people live 25 to 45 minutes away from clinics. She's partnering with the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, which helps to fund rides. Some residents are reluctant to be vaccinated, so Chatman says they offer incentives like fresh fruits and vegetables and gift cards. She says having the support of ministers and community leaders also helps.
"It has to be an all hands on deck to let the people know that we have been vaccinated. We're still here, nothing has happened to us. So it's a trust factor. If they trust you they will go the extra mile to be vaccinated," said Chatman.
Chatman says they've provided 250 rides so far.
To contact MDOT for transportation to a vaccination site call: 1-866-813-3616 . To reach Pam Chatman, the Delta transportation and vaccination coordinator call: (214) 302-9445.
Chatman has also been partnering with organizations to ensure the Cleveland community has food and sanitation supplies to reduce the spread of COVDI 19. This is a video provided by the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, recorded in April, to show donors what she has been able to accomplish with their help.
