CULLMAN COUNTY, Ala. – As people “hunker down,” “shelter in place” and create “social distance,” there are volunteers in Cullman County who are making it their job to get out and see to the needs of area seniors, who are the most vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19. Cullman County Commission on Aging (COA) Director Dusty Baker shared some good news with The Tribune Thursday about modifications to the agency’s feeding programs at its senior centers, and about its still-full-speed-ahead Meals on Wheels delivery program.
Drive-thru service
Baker said that, for seniors who usually come to centers, “We’ve created a drive-thru at all of our senior centers, so those that did come could still get a meal. And what they do is they just circle through and we hand it to them through the window, and they take it home or whatever they want to, to eat it. We’re basically doing the same thing (in terms of food); we’ve just eliminated the gathering part.”
Baker said that turnout has been good for the drive-thru program, and all meals prepared are being picked up by participants.
Meals on Wheels
Baker told The Tribune, “Of course, our top priority during all this was making sure the homebound are taken care of; that’s the greatest need, obviously, and the most helpless. We’re still serving them, but as far as the ones who came to the centers to eat and fellowship, we’re still taking care of them, too, fortunately.”
Asked about the food delivery program, Baker responded, “It’s strong. Right now, the Meals on Wheels program, we serve about 150 clients a day.”
Baker also said that the program has plenty of volunteers to help with the delivery, commenting, “You know, one thing about Cullman is that this community knows how to band together. From the first day that we let it be known that we were going to be closing to the public but still operating, we had industries, businesses, individuals, multiple people reaching out to us, wanting to know how they could help, and some to even cook food- but, fortunately, we don’t have to cook it here. But, yeah, we had a tremendous amount of support and people reaching out, wanting to know how they can volunteer their time to help us out.”
New Senior Citizen Medication Delivery launched
Said Baker, “We’re going to start a medication delivery for folks that can’t pick up their medications. We’re working with the pharmacies in the area to see if we can’t work out something where we can pick up their medicine and deliver it to their doorstep, so they don’t have to get out and expose themselves to the public.”
Baker issued the following notice:
The Cullman County Commission on Aging will now deliver medications to senior citizens of Cullman County free of charge. There is no obligation and the only requirements are to be 60 or older.
Certain medications will be unavailable for pick-up and payment arrangements must be made with your pharmacy. It is encouraged that you contact your pharmacy first. We look forward to continuing to serve Cullman County and its senior citizens any way possible. For more information, contact the Commission on Aging at 256-734-1241
COA statement on COVID-19
COA previously posted this notice on its website:
Given the vulnerability of the demographic in which we serve, the Cullman County Commission on Aging will be closing all full-time senior centers in the county effective immediately for the next 30 days. During this time, making sure our homebound continue to receive meals is our top priority. Additionally, meals will be available to current congregate participants for pick-up only. Participants that rely on C.A.R.T.S. will be added to a dedicated home delivery route.
The Cullman County Commission on Aging’s front office will remain open but will serve via telephone or email only. If you have documentation that needs to be submitted, we ask that you call first to receive drop-off instructions. We are taking every precaution necessary during this pandemic to limit exposure to our beloved seniors. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the C.O.A. at 256-734-1241, or by visiting www.cullmancoa.com.
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