Led by Josh Mosdale, M.D., Chief of Primary Care, a team from Trinity Health Of New England Medical Group set up a two-day influenza vaccination clinic at Enfield Loaves and Fishes. The clinic, which was designed to provide a valuable service to a vulnerable patient population, resulted in the distribution of 25 vaccines to clients who came in for an evening meal.
According to Dr. Mosdale, influenza can cause upwards of 700,000 hospitalizations a year so providing access to the flu vaccine is vital. “The homeless population in particular has difficulty accessing routine healthcare and can be at highest risk for hospitalization and death,” he said.
There can also be long-range benefits for patients who participated in the flu vaccination clinic. “Sometimes programs like this can create positive interactions for these patients with healthcare systems, which will encourage them to seek out healthcare in the future,” said Dr. Mosdale. “The best medicine is the medicine that you actually receive.”
Dr. Mosdale also appreciates the opportunity to “meet patients where they are” and he credits Lindsey Gamble, MSN, RN, Executive Director of Patient Care Services and Operations, Johnson Memorial Hospital, for introducing him to the Enfield Loaves and Fishes team. Gamble had already established a relationship with the organization. Every month, in a demonstration of community outreach, she brings a group of volunteers from Johnson who help serve dinner to those who gather for the meal.