As healthcare organizations around the world are fighting the battle against Covid-19, Circle the City is also doing what it can to help protect our Valley’s most vulnerable neighbors facing homelessness. In late January 2021, Circle the City received its first shipment of the Moderna vaccine, and immediately implemented a distribution roll-out plan. The plan was created in conjunction with federal, state and county guidelines. Circle the City has also been offering Covid testing at all of its sites, as well as at partnering organizations that also care for individuals facing homelessness.
As of March 2021, more than 1,400 Covid vaccinations were administered through our outpatient clinics, respite centers, and mobile medical outreach teams. 62-year-old Beverly Holt was one of the first Circle the City Medical Respite Care patients to get the vaccine. "I've never been homeless a day in my life, but I'm homeless now," says Holt. She has been recovering at Circle the City's Downtown Respite Center from surgeries on both of her legs due to blood clots. The procedures left Holt with bandaged legs, confined to a wheelchair, and no home to recover. For her, Circle the City's Respite Center and getting the vaccine have been a lifesaver. "I'm relieved to get it," says Holt. "I'm really glad there are places like this."
In addition to vaccinations, Circle the City has administered nearly 5,500 Covid-19 tests across Maricopa County. “Our providers are working double, even triple time to ensure our patients experiencing homelessness are being tested and vaccinated wherever, whenever possible,” says Heidi Ward, Chief Operating Officer at Circle the City.
A key component to Circle the City’s efforts to meet the needs of patients in hard-to-reach areas is its Mobile Medical Outreach Program. Circle the City now operates four mobile medical units that provide healthcare services to all parts of Maricopa County, including Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Avondale, Glendale, Sunnyslope, and north Phoenix. According to Stephanie Martinez, Director of Community Outreach, “All of our outreach teams are testing patients for Covid-19 throughout the community in congregate settings, residential treatment facilities, dining halls, churches, and community services to ensure we are providing much-needed services..we are grateful to be able to provide vaccines to our patients in all of the same settings.”
Circle the City also continues to offer healthcare to Covid positive patients quarantined or under investigation for symptoms at the Phoenix Inn. Formerly vacant, the Valley hotel was leased by Maricopa County last year in a successful partnership with Circle the City, to temporarily house patients facing homelessness and battling Covid-19 and possible symptoms. Since then, approximately 1,250 patients have received healthcare at the hotel.
THANK YOU for your continued support during these challenging times. It has allowed us to keep providing ALL the services our patients desperately need and rely upon.
