25,000th COVID-19 Vaccination Given

Last week, the local Health Department reported that over 25,000 vaccinations have been given in Floyd County so far. Additionally, this past Tuesday, residents aged 60-64 are now eligible to sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine.

To make an appointment to receive the vaccine, please visit ourshot.in.gov or call 211.

Hours for the IUS vaccination site ran by the local health department are as follows:

Monday 9am-3pm
Tuesday 2pm-7pm
Wednesday 9am-3pm
Saturday 10am-3pm

We are hopeful that within the next couple of weeks, the State will open up the next group of eligibility (residents aged 50 and older) to receive the vaccine.

Please continue to wear your mask, wash your hands regularly, and stay 6 feet apart.

CITY PARTNERS WITH LIFESPRING FOR CLINIC IN COLONIAL MANOR

The City of New Albany has partnered with LifeSpring Health Systems to bring a new LifeSpring clinic to Colonial Manor.

“LifeSpring excels at providing mental and primary health care services to people regardless of their ability to pay,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “We are excited to play a role in helping bring their services to the new Colonial Manor center in New Albany. We are looking forward to their Grand Opening soon.”

Efforts to revitalize Colonial Manor took off in early 2020, as the New Albany Redevelopment Commission approved a partnership with Hoagland Commercial Realtors that would pledge $1 million to Colonial Manor for infrastructure, façade work, lighting, parking lot improvements, trees, and more along Charlestown Road. These public investments have paid off, as new tenants and services are now coming to Colonial Manor.

The latest partnership involves LifeSpring Health Systems, a premier provider of mental health and primary care services. Through a partnership with the City of New Albany, LifeSpring will be bringing a 4557 square foot clinic to Colonial Manor with 10 patient rooms. LifeSpring offers comprehensive primary care services to individuals, regardless of their ability to pay. Services are offered on the LifeSpring sliding fee scale, with costs determined by household income.

"LifeSpring is excited to work with Mayor Gahan and the City of New Albany to expand the availability of affordable healthcare,” stated Dr. Terry Stawar, President/CEO of LifeSpring. “We look forward to offering quality integrated care to the residents of New Albany and Floyd County."

Brian Forrest, a partner with Hoagland Commercial Realtors and owner of Colonial Manor stated, “I’m thrilled about helping the City of New Albany bring new life back to this corridor. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with both the City of New Albany and the neighbors of Colonial Manor. My goal was to convert the center to be service-oriented for the surrounding residents. With the addition of the LifeSpring clinic, and other service-oriented organizations in the works, this is definitely trending in the right direction.”

LifeSpring shall provide to the citizens of New Albany, and to the general public, affordable primary care health services at the facility, which shall include, without limitation, services to prepare for, prevent, and respond to the COVID-19 virus for the low to moderate income person seeking services for a minimum period of 5 years of continuous operation.

LifeSpring offers a wide array of other services, without limitation: General Primary Medical Care, Diagnostic Laboratory, Referral for Diagnostic Radiology, General Medical Screenings, Voluntary Family Planning, Immunizations, Well Child Services, Gynecological Care, Discounted Pharmaceutical Program, Prenatal and Postpartum Care, Integrated substance abuse and mental health treatment, Health Education, Outreach, Nutrition services, Case management services, and Assistance with obtaining insurance.

LARGE WINTER STORM EXPECTED, SIGNIFICANT ACCUMULATION

LARGE WINTER STORM EXPECTED, SIGNIFICANT ACCUMULATION

The National Weather Service is predicting lots of snowfall and icy conditions over the next several days, with snowfall accumulation ranging from 6 to 12 inches. The first wave of snowfall is expected this evening around 10PM, with a second wave of snow expected late Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning.

City crews have been working to clear the previous snowfall from roadways and neighborhoods, and will continue preparing for the expected snowfall. During the winter storm both heavy snowfall and freezing rain are predicted, and motorists are encouraged to stay off the roads if possible to give plow drivers plenty of room to safely clear ice and snow.

CITY OPERATIONS CONTINUE WORKING TO CLEAR SNOW AND ICE

City operations will continue working to make roads and pathways safe for both drivers and pedestrians. Multiple crews have been deployed tonight and crews will continue through the Presidents’ Day Holiday and throughout the week. Please be mindful and aware of many city departments that will be working on roadways and paths, including the Police, Fire Department, Flood Control Department, Street Department, Parks Department, and others.

“I’d like to encourage everyone to enjoy the upcoming snow, but be safe,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan.  “Parks Department and Flood Control crews will work on clearing pathways in our parks for residents to enjoy, and City Operations will be at work clearing and salting roadways to make the roads safer. However, forecasts call for snow throughout much of the week, so please give our drivers a chance to do their work by staying off the roads as much as possible.”

VULNERABLE RESIDENTS

If you or someone you know may need housing assistance during this time, please call the following numbers for assistance:

Homeless Coalition of Southern Indiana: (812) 913-5173 or (812) 913-5278

New Albany Trustee’s Office: (812) 948-5498

The New Albany Trustee’s Office also has utility payment assistance options.

UTILITIES

More rounds of heavy snow and ice are expected from the incoming storm, so tree limbs and trees could be in danger of affecting power lines. Please be cautious of downed wires around fallen trees, and please stay away from any fallen lines.  

PETS

Please be considerate to pets, and bring them inside if possible during the winter storm. If you are unable to do so, please make sure they have proper shelter that is insulated, to replace water bowls often, and/or replace frozen water.

Health Department Continues Vaccination Efforts

Efforts slowed by low supply.

The local health department continues to perform COVID-19 vaccinations as quickly as they are receiving supply. As of this past Saturday afternoon, over 1900 people have been vaccinated through the vaccination site located at Indiana University Southeast. Another 1000 vaccinations are scheduled this week.

“Our local health department, first responders, and health care workers are doing a wonderful job of vaccinating as many residents as possible,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “Unfortunately, we are being held back by the limited supply of vaccine. I will continue to reach out to encourage state leaders to do more to help expedite vaccinations to residents in New Albany and Southern Indiana.”

Vaccine Registration Open for Residents 80 Years and Older

All New Albany and Floyd County residents 80 years and older can register for the COVID-19 vaccine by calling 211 today after 8:00 AM. You can call 211 anytime from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, including weekends. You can also register by visiting ourshot.in.gov

For additional assistance, please feel free to reach out to the following non-emergency public safety phone lines at:

Floyd County Health Department: (812) 948-4726
New Albany Fire Department: 812-948-5311
New Albany Police Department: 812-944-6411

Mayor Gahan encourages everyone that can to schedule their vaccine as soon as possible.

“It’s important for your health and the health of the entire community,” stated Mayor Gahan. “Your loved ones will thank you for it.”

Stay tuned for further vaccine information.