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. 

2021 Mary Edna Cargill Scholarships Announced

This June, RVNAhealth was delighted to honor our 2021 Mary Edna Cargill Scholarship recipients. The Mary Edna Cargill Scholarships are awarded each year to deserving Bethel residents who are enrolled in, or pursuing, degrees in a health-related field.Continue reading

Welcome Sophia!

On June 8th, we welcomed a very special addition to our RVNAhealth team —  Sophia, our very own therapy dog! There have been lots of ooohs and aaahs around the RVNAhealth offices since she arrived and several weeks later, it still takes Sophia quite a while to get to her desk in the morning — what with all the greetings and affection.

Sophia, a golden retriever, is two years old and has been in training since her birth.  She was originally intended to be a seeing eye dog, but her calm demeanor and mild pace ultimately destined her to be the perfect facility/therapy dog.

Prior to her arrival in the office, our three RVNAhealth handlers, Stephanie Peppe, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator; Stephanie Collins, BeWELL Coordinator; and Garrett Walkup, Hospice Pastoral Care Coordinator received extensive training with Sophia at ECAD — Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities.  They all passed their final exams, and graduation took place on June 16th. It was a lovely ceremony with four other graduates alongside our Sophia. It wasn’t announced officially, but we suspect she was the valedictorian. She’s awfully smart. 

Since her arrival, Sophia has been busy getting acquainted with the RVNAhealth Ridgefield and New Milford offices, her working role, and her handlers. She has been on hospice patient visits, has visited Ridgefield Crossings and Wilton Meadows, and has chaperoned at COVID-19 vaccine appointments. We’re looking forward to bringing her to all the towns we serve. Sophia truly comes to life when she’s doing her job.  As should we all! 

In the weeks and months to come, she’ll be going to volunteer events, bereavement groups, and community education and outreach events.  As Sophia’s schedule fills up and we introduce her to society, we’ll keep you posted on opportunities to say hello. She’s quite a darling. Check out the photos below.

RVNAhealth Heads to the Ball Fields

We all need children in our lives, which is why RVNAhealth was especially honored and happy to sponsor a minor league team in the New Milford Youth Baseball and Softball League this past spring. RVNAhealth and New Milford Visiting Nurse & Hospice merged last November, opening the way for expansion teams and brand new sponsorships. Go team! Continue reading

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

On the Road with COVID Vaccines

It was a busy weekend for RVNAhealth as we took our show on the road bringing COVID-19 vaccines — and food — to local events in Danbury and Ridgefield.  In Danbury, we administered over 40 vaccines at the Assembly Church of God alongside our friends at the Community Food Rescue CT, who arrived with a refrigerated truck of food. After receiving COIVD-19 vaccines, attendees at the clinic received bags filled with goodies to take home with them.  

In Ridgefield, we joined the We All Shine On festival, offering COVID-19 vaccines to kids right there on Main Street and serving up delectable energy bites and chia seed pudding, handmade by RVNAhealth registered dietitian and nutrition educator, Monica Marcello, MS, RD, who was on hand with recipes and education. 

RVNAhealth to Host COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for Children with Special Needs

Beginning Thursday, June 10th, RVNAhealth will begin offering COVID-19 vaccine clinics for children with special needs, ages 12-18. The clinics will be held at RVNAhealth in Ridgefield each Thursday in June (6/10, 6/17, and 6/24) from 9:00am – 10:30am. Additional clinics will be added in July if needed. These limited appointments are reserved especially for kids with special mental, physical, or emotional needs.  The light, clean environment of the RVNAhealth Center for Exceptional Care, paired with the skill and experience of RVNAhealth nurses, offers a calming environment and experience for vaccine recipients.

Appointments may be made here.

Please contact Stephanie Collins at 203-438-5555 x1012 with questions or for further information. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine will be administered, and second dose vaccines will be offered three weeks following the first dose.

These clinics are being offered as part of RVNAhealth’s mission to bring the COVID-19 vaccine to individuals and communities without easy access, or with more complicated situations.  This initiative is made possible by the generosity of the Barker Welfare Foundation, Ridgefield Fresh Air Fund and the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation.