Three for free: How to achieve maximum results with minimum funds

With recent budget cuts, new strategies must be explored to reach uninsured, underserved populations while bringing the community together to assist in these efforts. This session will highlight how the local health department workforce can make the best use of available resources by utilizing the entire local public health system. Additionally, this session will demonstrate how the MAPP coalition and resources for one drive through clinic can be used to accomplish a threefold goal. First, the drive through clinic helps ensure coverage of the influenza immunization to adults who would not otherwise be immunized. Second, it is an opportunity to mobilize community partners through MAPP and engage in preparedness training activities. The third purpose of the event is to assist in feeding the hungry. The “fee” for the immunization is three nonperishable food items, which are collected by community partner volunteers at the time of service and given to the food pantry. Overall, the aim of this practice is to ensure the best use of local health and preparedness funds by accomplishing three goals through one event. The outcomes of this event reflect the project goals and include: influenza immunization coverage of 1,400 persons within four hours, collection of five truckloads of food for residents in need, practice of rapid dispensing, and mobilization response of community partners.