By Mike Hazlip—
The Citrus Heights Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART) is working with Dignity Health to offer COVID-19 vaccinations and a hot shower to area homeless individuals.
In an email to The Sentinel last week, HART spokeswoman Irene Hronicek said the project will begin April 26 and run through April 30, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Antelope Road Christian Fellowship.
“A meal, a shower, clothing and other necessities will be made available each day- along with an opportunity to receive the vaccine,” the announcement read.
Related: Citrus Heights HART receives over $15k in recent donations to help homeless, students
HART had initially planned to offer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, but recent concerns over potential blood clots in some individuals caused the Food and Drug Administration as well as the Centers Disease Control and Prevention to pause use of the vaccine.
The FDA and CDC lifted the pause Friday, citing a “thorough safety review” according to an FDA news release.
Dignity Health is working with HART to determine if the vaccine will still be used next week, according to an update Friday from Hronicek. A final decision Monday, but she said the event will still occur even without the vaccines.
“We will proceed with the April Showers! even if the vaccine is not ‘unpaused’,” she said. “The showers, food and supplies are still needed by these folks, and the event will help build trust with our guests and offer an opportunity to allay concerns for the next time the vaccine is offered.”
Antelope Road Christian Fellowship, where the event will be held, is located at 7951 Antelope Road in Citrus Heights. Additional information is posted at www.citrusheightshart.org.
