If you are looking to book an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine, the City of Hyattsville has a local site at First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville (Belcrest & Queens Chapel) that is now available. Click here to request an appointment. For vaccine updates and other information about Maryland’s COVID-19 response, visit the state’s covidLINK website. Walk-up/drive-up testing continues to be available at First United Methodist Church, too; no appointment necessary.
Hyattsville Aging in Place is committed to helping senior citizens live active, engaged, and independent lives. While the current pandemic changes how we work it does not change our mission. HAP continues to work to combat social isolation, help with transportation to necessary medical appointments, and provide support services, such as grocery and supply delivery.
HAP is using Zoom to host online social and educational events for seniors. The first of these events was an online discussion of COVID-19 and how seniors can safeguard themselves by gerontologist Dr. Stephanie Trifoglio. Click here to review a recording of the event and the subsequent Q&A. We have also launched in partnership with our fellow villages in University Park and College Park a monthly series of Zoom events, Corridor Conversations, which feature Route 1 experts talking about everything from local history to art to nature and outer space.
In 2020, the Greater Washington Community Foundation awarded HAP a grant to provide limited financial assistance to seniors and their households. You can download a report outlining what HAP accomplished thanks to this grant. For 2021, a second grant has been awarded and we are working with other area efforts to secure food aid for seniors in need.
With declining infection rates and increasing vaccination rates, HAP is once again engaging our wonderful volunteers to provide rides for members for medical appointments, grocery shopping, and other necessary travel. While funds allow, HAP also has a partnership with GoGo Grandparent to provide transportation to medical appointments. This new service connects seniors with a rideshare driver via telephone. They do not need Uber, Lyft, or any other app, and HAP will cover the cost of the ride.
To request a ride or other services from HAP, please fill out our Get Support form. In general, HAP services are focused on residents of the City of Hyattsville. These plans are based on current safety guidelines and health projections. We are monitoring these guidelines as the Delta variant increases infections and will adjust our services as needed if the guidelines change.
HAP also continues to need volunteers to support our Neighbors in ways that maintain social distancing. HAP Volunteers help deliver groceries, masks, and supplies; make telephone check-ins; and help seniors troubleshoot household and yard problems. To learn more about volunteering with HAP, visit our Get Involved page. Another way to support HAP’s work is with a tax-deductible online donation.