Backup Documents 05/25/2021 Item #16H2 PROCLAMATION 6H
WHEREAS, in January, 2021, Naples Senior Center President/CEO, Dr. Jaclynn Faffer met with
Commissioner Penny Taylor and explained that seniors were having a tremendous
challenge accessing the COVID-19 vaccine in our community. Dr. Faffer shared that
seniors, particularly those age 80 and older, had difficulty with the technology needed
to secure an appointment with the Florida Department of Health (FDOH); and
WHEREAS, further discussions among Commissioner Taylor, Senator Kathleen Passidomo, Dr.
Faffer, and Kimberly Kossler, Administrator and Health Officer, Department of
Health-Collier, led to the establishment of a pilot program whereby the Naples Senior
Center would be given a link to register 100 seniors for the vaccine. The pilot
program was a success and the Naples Senior Center continued the partnership with
the FDOH until April 16, 2021, when saturation was reached; and
WHEREAS, once it became known that the Naples Senior Center was securing vaccine appointments
for seniors, gated communities, and civic groups, local hospitals began referring seniors
to the Naples Senior Center. When the number of incoming calls exceeded capacity,
additional phone lines were added. The Naples Senior Center staff and volunteers
worked evenings and weekends to answer calls. Everyone who called and left a
message received a return call from an individual who not only registered him/her for
the vaccine, but provided words of support and encouragement; and
WHEREAS, the Naples Senior Center contracted with a home health care company to provide
transportation to more than 100 seniors who could not otherwise get to the vaccination
site; and
WHEREAS, through the diligent efforts of staff and volunteers at the Naples Senior Center,
7,400 seniors obtained a vaccine appointment, including six seniors over the age of
100, and more than 700 veterans;
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed that the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County,
Florida, recognizes and expresses deep appreciation for the tireless efforts of the
leadership, staff, and volunteers of the Naples Senior Center who exceeded
expectations, demonstrated efficiency and compassion, and assisted thousands of local
seniors in obtaining COVID-19 vaccine appointments during this global pandemic.
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 25th bay of May, 2021.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
3 \/' COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
PENNY T LOR HAIRMAN