A city-backed Vax HOU Community Event in early April provided free COVID-19 tests and vaccinations, bagged lunches, and grocery giveaways in Fort Bend Houston.

The event at New Hope Baptist Church on April 4 was a collaboration between the Houston Health Department, the Mayor's Office of Complete Communities, and Houston Health Foundation.

On behalf of the Houston Health Department, Nomi Health provided convenient, on-site, no out-of-pocket cost COVID-19 tests to anyone over 6 months old. Free COVID-19 vaccinations were provided, and the first 25 people vaccinated received $25 gift cards.

Kids' Meals Inc. provided free bagged lunches and grocery giveaways. 

“Serving the community, alongside the Houston Health Department allows our team to continue to provide resources to combat the spread of COVID-19,” Boe Hartman, CTO & co-founder of Nomi Health, said.

“Throughout the pandemic, the Houston Health Department partnered with trusted organizations to extend outreach deep into historically underserved communities where people are more likely to die if they get COVID-19,” said Stephen L. Williams, director of the Houston Health Department. “Nomi Health continues to be a valued partner by providing access to the tools that help save lives, reduce spread, and get us closer to normal.” 

“Vax HOU is a collaborative effort that combines the work of the Complete Communities initiative and the Houston Health Department with funding from the Rockefeller Foundation to bring COVID-19 vaccines to Houston residents who are hesitant or resistant to protecting their health by getting the shot,” said Shannon Buggs, director of the Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities and a leader of the Mayor’s Heath Equity Response Task Force. “This work is crucial to moving Houston forward.”

The Houston Health Department offers free COVID-19 vaccinations and testing at sites across the city. Visit HoustonHealth.org or call 832-393-4220 to find nearby free sites.