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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