St. Joe's Chelsea partnered with CRC to vaccinate Manchester seniors

Photo of Manchester residents Elaine and Barry Osterbur after they received their vaccines at St. Joes Chelsea.

In coordination with the Washtenaw County Health Department and other leading community organizations, St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea continues to promote COVID-19 vaccination efforts across the county, including the proactive outreach to local community organizations to help identify those local residents most vulnerable. One organization they partnered with was the Manchester Community Resource Center (CRC). With the CRC's help, St. Joe's Chelsea has been vaccinating Manchester seniors and others eligible according to State guidelines for the past six weeks.

"With the help of St. Joe's Chelsea, we were able to offer vaccination appointments to our staff and volunteers, as well as others in our community who are eligible," said Lesley Dearhammer of the Manchester Community Resource Center. "When I have called folks, they are shocked to learn of a vaccination opportunity – so many are trying all avenues to be vaccinated. To be given an opportunity is a huge weight off their shoulders and such a gift."

Although they were able to call and schedule clients and other vulnerable Manchester residents over the past few weeks when St Joes offered spots to them, the CRC does not currently have any open vaccine appointments and they do not maintain a list of residents wanting the vaccine. Manchester residents who have not been vaccinated should add their name to the Washtenaw County Health Department's list at https://www.washtenaw.org/3269/COVID-19-Vaccination.

If you live in Washtenaw, are age 65 and older, and are not vaccinated yet but want to be, email L-wchdcontact@washtenaw.org or call 734-544-6700 and leave a voicemail.

by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.