Last week, it was announced that there will be a door-to-door vaccination “outreach”.
Check out a document titled “Community Health Ambassador Outreach Door Knocking Project to Increase COVID Vaccine Acceptance” found on the Lake County, IL, health department website. It is merely five pages and contains helpful hints and scripts for volunteers. It’s gold.
Let’s look at a few snippets.
You don’t need to have all the answers. If you are unsure of an answer, be honest. Tell the person asking that you are a volunteer, and you will take down their question so that a health department staff person can get them the correct answer. …
Firstly, it is established that these people are merely volunteers. Oh, and that they should be honest. Right.
Ignore no soliciting signs. You’re not soliciting! You’re offering critical information and resources. What you are doing is not illegal.
Ignore “no soliciting” signs. Well, that’s nice.
Use your script. … Make clear up front that the building has let you in and you’re from the health department.
Not only are “no soliciting” signs to be ignored, but they can insist that the building has to let them in. (This is presumably in the context of an apartment block.) And while we’re at it, just claim to be from the health department, which is a very strong claim from a volunteer. Not sure which version of honesty they’re on here.
Report on your work! Be sure to fill out the Doorknocking Spreadsheet with the counts of who still needs a vaccine, who is already vaccinated, who needs more info, etc. This is important information that the Health Department is relying on!
Oh yes, and don’t forget to report on “who still needs a vaccine”.
As for the reassuring script for dealing with the Property Manager (PM) or the Community Association Manager (CAM) before one turns up, the below is worth reproducing here.
PM/CAM: What information will you need from the residents?
CHM: Absolutely nothing. I won’t be asking for any personal information, not even their name. I just want to see if they have any questions or concerns about getting the vaccine that I can answer. And to provide them with information if needed.
“I won’t be asking for any personal information…” That isn’t a lie. It’s just that they will be recording the address followed by a mark under the columns “Vaxed”, “Need Vax” or “Not interested” on the report sheet (on the last page). This is reiterated in the instruction for when one turns up.
After you enter the building, orient yourself so you systematically proceed from floor-to-floor, covering each wing. Utilize the tally sheet to keep count of those interested in getting the vaccine, those who refuse and those with further questions.
All we’re missing is for them to circle back with a tactical unit.
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