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In an effort to minimize the risk of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) for older adults, whom health officials have deemed to be at higher risk, Polk County Health and Human Services agency’s division of Senior Services has implemented changes that will take effect on Monday, March 16.

“The safety and wellbeing of our seniors is our highest priority,” says Polk County Population Health Manager Haley Suskauer. We also understand that our seniors count on our centers for vital socialization and nutritious meals, so we are making some changes to ensure our seniors still receive services.”

On-site, congregate meals and programming have been temporarily suspended and replaced with free to-go meals. Adults, 60 and older, can utilize our drive-thru option between 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday starting on March 16. The drive-thru location will be located at The Meeting Place, 75 Carmel Lane in Columbus. Those who will be utilizing this service, are asked to call the center before 10:00 a.m. to reserve their meal at 828-894-0001.

Meals on Wheels or home-delivered meals will continue as normal. “Our home-delivered services will operate as normal, though we are asking our volunteers to take extra precautions to keep our seniors safe” said Suskauer. Polk County Senior Services delivers over 33,000 meals annually to homebound seniors.

Polk County Senior Services will continue to operate their Reassurance Program which provides a friendly phone call to seniors and links them with resources in the community that they may need.

  

Haley Suskauer