Collaboration Between Meridian Housing Authority and Greater Meridian Health Clinic to Address COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence and Accessibility

Meridian, Mississippi
Housing Authority: Meridian Housing Authority
Health Center: Greater Meridian Health Clinic

The Greater Meridian Health Clinic (GMHC) has a long-established partnership with the Meridian Housing Authority (MHA) to provide comprehensive primary care to public housing residents. GHMC and MHA leveraged their networks and relationship to improve vaccine hesitancy for COVID-19. They utilized Resident Advisory Board Support (RAB), public figure endorsements, addressed concerns about vaccination with residents during RAB meetings, and provided vaccine education through ROSS and Public Housing Coordinators. To improve COVID-19 vaccine accessibility, MHA team members set up tents on each site to accommodate residents and coordinated schedules with GHMC’s mobile unit to vaccinate residents.

The key to their successful collaboration is establishing resident buy-in. The RAB’s President provides positive testimony on GMHC services, RAB’s building captains promote COVID-19 vaccination, and MHA’s grounds crew assist with mask distribution.

For more information on this partnership, go to Health Center 101: Building Housing/Health Partnerships.