An Ode to RVNAhealth

It’s not everyday someone writes a ❤️ poem for you!

Nick Wolf of Danbury, CT received his Covid vaccine with RVNAhealth earlier this year. He was so impressed with RVNAhealth’s vaccine program, nurses, and staff that he penned An Ode to RVNAhealth!

Nick is seen here with RVNAhealth’s BeWELL Program Coordinator, Stephanie Collins, who was and still is key to helping get our communities throughout Connecticut vaccinated.

 

An Ode to RVNAhealth

I got my shots nine miles from home;
That’s really not that far.
And were the crew well-organized?
I say they were, and “R.”

The people whom I dealt with there,
They did all right by me.
And would I recommend them now?
Do geese fly by in a “V”?

To rate the whole experience,
I’d give a “9” or “10.”
Were there unpleasant side effects?
I checked the box marked “N.”

But now it’s time to wrap things up.
In conclusion, let me say
That if I were a teacher,
I would give this group an “A.”

                                    ~ Nick Wolf 

COVID-19 Vaccine: Taking it to the Streets

After a successful run at Yanity Gym in Ridgefield, administering over 11,000 COVID-19 vaccines from January through May 2021, RVNAhealth took the show on the road this June, bringing the vaccine and education to individuals where they live, work — and sometimes even where they play. We’ve administered vaccines in homes and we’ve set up shop at street festivals, schools, churches, libraries, and, of course, the Danbury Farmers’ Market!

And individuals and families have come. Many who want to learn about and receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Connecticut have not yet had the opportunity. Real-life obstacles — time, transportation, access — have gotten in the way. “Our work this summer,” says Laura Shulman Cordeira, Director of Community Health & Wellness at RVNAhealth, “is not about volume. It is about finding the pockets of individuals and families who want the vaccine – or want to learn about it – and simply have not had access or opportunity. This work is very important. Everybody who wants the COVID-19 vaccine deserves to get it.”

Whenever possible, RVNAhealth works to offer nutrition along with the vaccine. We’ve partnered with Community Food Rescue, conducted food drives, and at the Farmers’ Market, vaccine recipients are given $10 vouchers to shop at the Market following their shot.

RVNAhealth’s work in Danbury is made possible through the generosity of the Danbury Health Equity Grant and in collaboration with the many Danbury partners who support it, including: Danbury Health Department; Connecticut Institute for Communities (CIFC); Community Health Center of Danbury; Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut; and RVNAhealth. 

Danbury Farmers’ Market and RVNAhealth Team Up for Vax + Veggies

RVNAhealth and the Danbury Farmers’ Market are teaming up to host Vax + Veggie this summer. Vax + Veggie is simple — every Friday from June 25 through August 27, RVNAhealth will be on-site at the Danbury Farmers’ Market to provide COVID-19 education and vaccines for all those interested, ages 12+.  No IDs or Insurance are required — everyone can just come as they are!Continue reading

Themba

Elaine Hriston-Zech

Themba

Hometown: Waterbury, CT

Above and Beyond Nomination: “We are nominating Themba for his excellent care of his clients in Norwalk and in Danbury. He is attentive, patient and caring, and did a tremendous job putting one of his clients at ease during his recovery time.” – Jessica and Danielle, RVNAhealth Staff

Andi

Andi Employee at RVNA

Andi

Hometown: Bridgeport, CT

Above and Beyond Nomination: “We are nominating Andi for her dedication to her clients. She recently volunteered to stay with her client during a snowstorm, when the next shift relief was delayed. Andi was committed to ensuring her client had peace of mind and no interruption in assistance.” – Jessica and Danielle, RVNAhealth Staff

Luz and Elizabeth

Luz and Elizabeth

Hometown: Bethel and Danbury, CT

Above and Beyond Nomination: “I am pleased with the compassionate care my dad has received from both Elizabeth and Luz. I appreciate Luz’s ability to anticipate his needs and wants ahead of time. It feels like she really cares. (RVNAhealth note: She does!) Both Elizabeth and Luz put a lot of effort into preparing great meals that he enjoys and helps him maintain his weight. Overall, they treat him like family and take excellent care of him.” – Richard Scallion, New Fairfield

Margarita

Margarita

Hometown: Danbury, CT

Above and Beyond Nomination: “We would like to recognize Margarita for truly going above and beyond, even in times of extra challenge. Margarita walked to a client’s home in one of our recent snowstorms to be there for her. She arrived and found the client in need of medical care, which was thankfully received in a timely manner due to Margarita’s steadfast devotion to her clients.” – Jessica, RVNAhealth Staff

Meisie

Meisie

Hometown: Derby, CT

Above and Beyond Nomination: “I want to recognize Meisie for the help she provided to our client and their family while I took time off from work. I am always concerned about taking time off because I have a very good rhythm with our client, and I don’t want her to experience any stress. But the client’s family was so happy with the care that Meisie provided while I was gone. It felt as if I never left. I want Meisie to know what a great job she did and how much everyone appreciates it.” – Fiona, fellow RVNAhealth Caregiver