Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services Clinic nursing staff have been awarded the Missouri Center for Public Health Excellence’s 2024 Innovative Leadership Award for their work on Comfort Clinics. This award is given to an organization that implements a high-quality program or service line in its community to meet an identified need. 

Comfort Clinics allow community members to get vaccinations in a safe and fear-reducing environment. Since 2022, Comfort Clinics have been a way for community members to get their vaccines in a safe and caring space. The first Comfort Clinic of the 2024 respiratory illness season was Oct. 12, followed by another on Nov. 9.

Public Health and Human Services designed the Comfort Clinics to include medical play, anxiety-reducing activities, extended appointment times, additional staff support, and various environments within the clinics to minimize discomfort and anxiety during the vaccination process.

“We have received tremendous positive feedback from individuals and families who have used our Comfort Clinics, and we have witnessed firsthand the difference these clinics make for our clients,” Trina Teacutter, Community Health Manager, says. “Seeing an individual who has previously struggled with vaccinations have a calmer, more successful experience brings us great joy. By working together, we create an environment of safety and trust, offering personalized and compassionate care to those who need extra support during vaccination visits.”