As the holiday season approaches, gift giving may be foremost on our minds. But we may be wondering how do we give in the most uncertain of times? The definition of gift is an item given without any expectation of payment. A gift is something special given to friends, family members, or loved ones. It can be something paid for or created by the giver. But what if you could give a gift to your family that was free? Sometimes, the greatest gifts are those that don’t cost anything.
As COVID-19 continues to be a long and weary journey, many are wondering if another holiday season will be affected by COVID-19. The weariness of the length of the pandemic has taken a toll on our health both physically and emotionally, and for some even financially. The tension between longing for a sense of normalcy and also continuing to follow public health guidelines can cause moments of frustration and discouragement.
As Robert Cormier, American author, says “I am weary of the battle. But a tired fighter can still be a fighter.” As the pandemic continues, we must persevere by taking one step at a time to ensure we are doing everything we can to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. Whether it is by wearing a mask or getting a vaccine, these are steps we can take daily to help with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Recently, with a collaboration of Disability Rights Tennessee, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, The Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities, UT Boling Center, The Statewide Independent Living Council of Tennessee (SILC), TN Disability Coalition, and The TN Department of Health, Tennessee is now offering in home COVID-19 vaccines for individuals with disabilities, who are 18 years and older, and their caregivers. The program is a statewide program that brings healthcare workers into your home to administer the COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals with a disability or their caregivers can schedule an in-home COVID-19 vaccine. There is no requirement to provide proof of a disability, age, or citizenship prior to receiving a vaccine and the program has a provision for anyone else living in the same home to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. Contact Disability Rights Tennessee at 1-800-342-1660, to schedule the vaccine for you and your loved ones.
Also, contact Tennessee Disability Pathfinder if you need additional assistance with COVID-19 resources or questions. Their helpline is 1-800-640-4636. Professional information and referral coordinators are happy to assist you and provide individualized resources that align with your needs.
As the weather gets cooler and the holidays approach, would you be willing to give a gift, by getting a COVID-19 vaccine to help keep you and your loved ones safe? Well now, you can receive a vaccine from the comfort of your own home, and it’s free! Sometimes the greatest gift we can give, costs nothing at all, but is a healthy version our of ourselves.
Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Winston Churchill once said, “Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have.” We must take care of ourselves and our loved ones so we can all continue to offer our best to our family, loved ones, and communities. COVID-19 vaccines is one way we can continue the fight against the pandemic…a gift that keeps on giving.