LOS ANGELES COUNTY PARTNERSHIPS HELP PROTECT THE HEALTH OF PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS

More Than 1,300 COVID-19 Vaccines Distributed

Los Angeles County, May 28, 2021 – The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA), in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) and other local organizations, has provided more than 1,300 COVID-19 vaccines to residents across 13 public housing communities.

Collectively, the partnerships helped address the low vaccination numbers and high infection disparities among disadvantaged populations by supplying public housing communities with onsite vaccination clinics. The effort started in February 2020, targeting senior public housing residents, and extended to other residents as eligibility requirements, issued by Public Health, became available. The vaccination clinics allowed residents to secure an appointment and contribute toward the reduction of COVID-19 transmissions.

“It is not with our words, but with our actions that we prioritize the well-being of our public housing residents,” said Emilio Salas, LACDA Executive Director. “Thanks to our committed partners, we are proud to acknowledge that our efforts have contributed toward the milestone of more than 50% of Los Angeles County residents, 16 years of age and older, being fully vaccinated.”

The collaboration consisted of several outreach efforts, including hosting registration clinics to provide educational material and addressing concerns about the vaccine, contacting residents via phone and email, distributing informational flyers to advise about events and help schedule appointments, and creating an online registration process for public housing residents.  For example, dedicated partners, like HOPE Community Church and Medical Mission Adventures, played a crucial role in grassroot efforts for creating awareness of the vaccination opportunity at the Nueva Maravilla Public Housing community. Overall, the events created a seamless provision of services where entire households attended, seniors cheered after getting their vaccines, and even individuals, who had experienced the loss of family or friends, became fully vaccinated.

For more information on the LACDA’s programs, please view the agency’s brochure, LACDA Connected.