By Beth Durban
It was a productive and busy year for the Wellness Collaborative. Many thanks to our supportive Big Canoe residents for taking part in the various health events that were offered.
Here is a quick recap of what took place in 2021 and a peek ahead for 2022.
The two drive-through COVID-19 vaccine clinics offered in May were a first for Big Canoe. Sixteen people received their first dose of the vaccine – and their second shot a month later. Thanks to Jack Dunn and Jasper Drugs for agreeing to provide this opportunity.
September was no doubt was our busiest month with several new additions.
A new Wellness Collaborative program is the Grief Support Group, which operates with the theme of “A time to mourn, a time to heal.” For four consecutive Wednesdays, I met with five residents who had recently experienced the loss of a loved one. Each person grieves in their own unique way and in their own time frame. Understanding and sharing one’s feelings with others can help reduce the pain of grief by providing hope and support instead.
September also saw the start of our fall vaccine clinics offering COVID-19 boosters and vaccines for the flu and shingles. Over 100 people took advantage of the September clinic. We ended the month with a very successful blood drive: We had 57 donors and that translates into 173 lives being saved. This was definitly a fantastic way to end the month.
October saw another vaccine clinic with 164 residents taking advantage.
By November, the momentum of the COVID-19 boosters and flu vaccinations continued as we reached a record with 187 participants.
Looking ahead at the Wellness Collaborative programs for 2022:
January – Caregivers support group for those caring for dementia patients
24 –- Blood drive at the Chapel
March – Grief support group
June – Blood drive at the Chapel
Fall – Vaccine clinics and October blood drive
CPR training (TBD)
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