VVCC's Impact during COVID-19

VVCC has positively impacted the well-being of its neighbors during this time of crisis, keeping them safe and connected to their community.

Made reassuring phone calls 

VVCC volunteers and 12 members of the Northern Arizona Retired Nurses In Action (NARNIA) made two rounds of phone calls (during March, April & May) to reassure over 800 neighbors that we are here to help them. Callers also coached and instructed on how to maintain health and safety via VVCC's COVID-19 protocols. Everyday VVCC receives calls from neighbors thanking volunteers and staff for their kindness and thoughtfulness. Here are some neighbor comments:

“It’s like being a part of a family,” said Mary.

“(VVCC) is a wonderful, wonderful organization and I so believe in what you are doing,” said Dorothy.

“I don’t know how this Valley’s residents could get along without you,” said Beatrice.

“Thanks for the very real life-line you have been,”said Roshan. 

While neighbors stayed at home, VVCC staff and volunteers shopped for them, making sure they had enough food, supplies, and medications, and delivered food bank boxes. VVCC also purchased and delivered: food and supplies to people instructed by healthcare professionals to quarantine; food for neighbors who are food deprived and severely low income; and a microwave for a neighbor who had no way to prepare her food. Transportation was provided to essential healthcare appointments in the Verde Valley, Prescott, Flagstaff and Phoenix and for those approved for COVID-19 testing.

The Need:

Meeting the growing demand to provide transportation

Now that healthcare providers are performing surgeries and procedures, many of our neighbors are needing to schedule appointments for regular visits and procedures that have been delayed for two months. Some neighbors are also wanting to venture out and do their own shopping. Over 3,470 rides were provided to neighbors since March. Going forward we are projecting 3.300 trips every four weeks.

Provideing PPE and supplies for neighbors and volunteers

Neighbors and drivers are all required to follow VVCC's COVID-19 protocols.

Providing Food & Supplies

Our most vulnerable neighbors, those with chronic and underlying health issure, are still staying safe at home requiring ongoing shopping and delivery of food, medications, and other needs. VVCC has shopped for 191 neighbors since March 15.

Connecting neighbors to physicians via telehealth

Establishing a telehealth connection between neighbors and their healthcare providers will assist older adults who are homebound, frail, and/or have mobility issures. Physicians can provide patient care throught secure video visits. VVCC staff and volunteers to be trained to help facilitate neighbors/ use of telehealth devices.

Check-in calls and surveying of services

Ongoing phone calls and video calls to check-in with neighbors to ensure their needs are being met suring this on-going crisis and to survey the quality of our services.