November has been a busy month for our COVID response which was highlighted by mandated COVID vaccinations for people working with vulnerable people. Our programs work with vulnerable people which meant all our staff needed to be fully vaccinated to work with LNAC. We’re pleased to say LNAC is 99% vaccinated. This has been a huge effort from all the staff and goes so show how our commitment to keeping our clients and the broader Darwin community safe. Well done!
Our Return to Country team has started working with their clients to help with storing and making available vaccination certificates as well as setting up an alert system on the client’s account to remind when follow up vaccinations are due. In the last four days 36 clients have accessed this service which is critical to making sure some of the most vulnerable in Darwin are able to protect themselves against COVID and prove they are vaccinated.
Earlier this year HEAL and Danila Dilba Health Service made an agreement to provide vaccinations without appointment for people living rough around Darwin. It’s been a challenge to encourage long grassers to attend appointments for vaccinations, and this flexible approach of offering the service through the weekly Arts in the Grass breakfast catchup has meant 53 clients have had their first vaccination and 23 are fully vaccinated.
Our Tenancy Support Program has been working with NT Housing’s Community Vaccination Program promoting vaccinations for people living in public housing. This is another vulnerable group who have been slow to vaccinate, and positive influence from our trusted and respected TSP team is a smart approach to encouraging vaccinations.
Patrol have been busy throughout the last 12 months handing out masks when mandated. In the last week our patrol team have handed out 2000 masks and 600 doses of hand sanitiser. Throughout the year the team have worked hard at educating clients about vaccinations and how to protect against transmission which is certainly a challenge for people sleeping rough or without permanent accommodation.
Throughout this year LNAC has worked closely with NT Government to support initiatives to protect against COVID and value add where necessary. We have been a brave and committed organisation that has proven time and time again we will go the extra mile for our clients. Stay safe you mob.