Pacific Grove, Calif. – June 2, 2021 – Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula (MOWMP) announced today its successful partnership with the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA), Monterey Salinas Transit (MST), and Independent Transportation Network® Monterey County (ITN) to provide COVID vaccinations to local homebound seniors.
“Vulnerable seniors are at great risk amid the pandemic, and we’ve been on the front lines since day one,” says MOWMP Executive Director, Christine Winge. “Our focus remains on doing all we can to keep seniors safe and nourished across the Monterey Peninsula.”
The program arose from a MOWMP/VNA-led vaccination clinic at the Meals on Wheels Community Center in Pacific Grove, which underscored the need to find a way to get doses to the homebound.
“Many of our clients are not online and don’t have the ability to leave their homes,” Winge continues. “This is a group that cannot easily get themselves to a vaccination clinic. We found a workaround.”
MOWMP volunteers worked with homebound clients to schedule vaccination appointments and transportation through MST’s Mobility Services team and ITN.
“Our partnership with the VNA, MST, and ITN provided a convenient and cost-free vaccination solution for local homebound seniors.” Winge says, “This partnership aimed to solve logistical hurdles and decrease the burden for our clients. Along with our partners, we are proud this program advanced vaccination availability for our area’s most vulnerable seniors.”
MOWMP’s core programs have continued despite a 63% increase in demand for its services. Without interruption, volunteer drivers continue to deliver freshly prepared meals and socialization to homebound seniors and disabled adults across the Monterey Peninsula.
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