Efforts are underway to make sure Hoosiers experiencing homelessness aren’t left out of the vaccine distribution. Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Secretary Dr. Jennifer Sullivan says the state has been connecting shelters with local health departments, hospitals, and health centers.
“Indiana has an estimated 5,500 Hoosiers experiencing homelessness who rely on congregate emergency shelters,” Sullivan said during Wednesday’s COVID-19 press conference. “Many of these individuals also have underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk for severe illness or death with COVID.” Sullivan said the program helped vaccinate 724 Hoosiers in its first 10 days.
Meanwhile, efforts to vaccinate residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities continue. Sullivan said roughly 4,000 Hoosiers living in congregate settings were set to start getting their second doses this week. “One of our providers told us about a nurse who, when arriving with a tote full of vaccines at one group home in Indianapolis, was greeted to an ovation from a cheering group of residents,” Sullivan said. “They were grateful for the opportunity to get their vaccine and the ability to try to resume a more normal life.”
Those getting home- and community-based services are getting individualized links to register online.
Sullivan also reported that more than 3,400 residents are signed up to get vaccinated in their homes through the Homebound Hoosiers program. She said Indiana 211 has taken over 800,000 vaccination-related calls, while also helping Hoosiers apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program and connecting individuals to mental health services through the Be Well Crisis Helpline.
