“Oh my goodness, I love you!”

I can still hear the raw emotion and gratitude in her voice when I called to schedule her COVID-19 vaccine. “I live alone and don’t know how to use a computer,” she continued. “I don’t even have a computer. My daughter lives and works in Chicago and has been trying to help me but the registration process is terribly confusing. I’ve been so worried. I was afraid I would never get vaccinated.”

She was not alone. When RVNAhealth was approved in January 2021 to be a COVID-19 vaccine administrator for the State of CT, the population was ready — desperate even — to turn the corner on the pandemic. But to many, the process itself — which involved speed and technology — was harrowing. This individual was just one of many who RVNAhealth called, personally, to set up COVID-19 vaccine appointments.

Because of you, we were able to dedicate resources to this effort. Because of you, we were able to replace fears with freedom, and restore confidence and hope.

We worked very closely with local social services departments, senior centers, nonprofit partners, and other area municipalities to identify and vaccinate the most vulnerable in our communities, beginning with the elderly and the disabled.

Your support is what sustained our continued pandemic response and allowed us to focus on our public health mission this year. RVNAhealth conducted mass-vaccination clinics from January to June. We brought the vaccine to the homebound. And, thanks to you, we educated and vaccinated area underserved communities, where obstacles such as language, transportation, misinformation, and fear over immigration status were preventing people from getting vaccinated.

And, while we are certainly trending in the right direction, pandemic-related challenges still persist. One of the most troubling is the inability of area children, whose families lack adequate medical insurance, to return to the classroom. Today, more than 20 months after the pandemic was declared, many children in underserved communities remain remote, having lapsed on the fundamental healthcare requirements — like annual physicals and immunizations — that are necessary to enroll in and attend public school.

Together, we can get these kids back to the classroom.

With your help, RVNAhealth is expanding our Well-Child Clinics to serve our communities. Our diverse team of nurses, many of them bilingual, are here to better assist children and families who need basic healthcare. But, as demand grows, so, too, does the need for additional staff, supplies and pediatric medical equipment.

Please help us sustain our Well-Child program, which is offered at no cost, thanks to the generosity of our friends and donors.

When you invest in RVNAhealth, you are choosing to build stronger and healthier communities for all. You ensure our ability to serve every patient with unmatched, compassionate healthcare, regardless of age, diagnosis, or financial circumstances.

We are here to care for you and your neighbors, but we cannot do it alone. Please make a gift to RVNAhealth today and know that every gift – no matter the size – is critical to upholding our mission and improving the lives of those around us.

With deepest gratitude,

Theresa Santoro, MSN, RN, CHCA

President & CEO

P.S. You can make your tax-deductible gift to support RVNAhealth by clicking here.  Your generosity is truly appreciated.