Kentucky CASA Volunteers Now Eligible to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine

From National CASA/GAL

January 20, 2021

Kentucky CASA volunteers are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Earlier this month, Steven J. Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, issued a memo defining and designating “behavioral health providers” as part of “health care providers” under Phase 1A for vaccine distribution. As a result of this update to Kentucky’s inoculation plan, Phase 1A now includes foster care agencies. This memo presents an opportunity for volunteers to resume in-person visits and attend court safely, while also taking any additional required precautions.

To date, five local programs in Kentucky (Heartland, River Region, Bluegrass, Lexington, Madison) have reached out to its respective health departments requesting appointments for volunteers. River Region has 135 appointments scheduled this week; Bluegrass had 75% of their staff and all of their volunteers vaccinated last week. Madison County was also able to get vaccines administered for its volunteers. Heartland has submitted paperwork and is awaiting approval from Hardin County, and Lexington has approval from Woodford County.

Through virtual meetings, driveway and sidewalk visits at least six feet apart and a host of other ways, local programs across the country have found innovative and safe ways to continue to serve children. Kentucky CASA staff members look forward to working with volunteers who are interested in receiving the vaccine.