COVID-19 Information and Resources

Independence, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of a Public Health Worker (PHW) position for a two-year contract period within our organization!

This position will address COVID-19 related gaps in services, will offer support, information, resources and referral for various needs that arise during this post-pandemic recovery and endemic periods, will assist in mitigating the risk of Medicaid coverage losses with the ending of Public Health Emergency protections, and address concerns such as Long-Covid, return to work difficulties and needed accommodations for “long-haulers”, consequences of lifted mask mandates and possible repercussions for those with disabilities and/or suppressed immune systems and much more.

Amy Ballinger, Community Engagement Manager, will fill this roll by adding the title of “Social Support and Resource Specialist” to her workload beginning June 1, 2022 and wrapping up by September of 2024.

Whether you are a consumer or community member in need of information or assistance, or an agency or organization wishing to collaborate, partner or share information on COVID-19 related programs, services, research etc., please contact Amy at 785-841-0333 ext. 120 or by email at aballinger@independenceinc.org

We look forward to working with our community in this new capacity!

Our Current COVID-19 Operating Policy

[updated 3/15/22]]

Masks are now optional throughout our building for those that are fully vaccinated.
Social distancing continues to be practiced throughout our building.
We have a new secure enclosure in our lobby reception area to ensure the safety of all. All visitors and consumers must check in at the front desk before being admitted into the building.
Our Computer Lab is now OPEN to the Public. Safety barriers have been installed between computers and we ask that only 2 people at a time utilize our lab and that visitors social distance, keeping one computer in between you
We continue to offer and encourage virtual meetings when possible and ask that you make an appointment for in-person meetings with staff. All staff are available to meet with consumers through Zoom, Chime, phone, email or in-person. We are also available to chat through our Website instant chat and Facebook Messenger. Our office hours are 8:30-5:00 Monday through Friday for walk-in and scheduled appointments.

Get Vaccinated! Vaccine Info and Resources

Getting vaccinated is now convenient (no appointment necessary at most locations), open to everyone 5 years and older – and it’s FREE! If you live in Douglas County and need a ride to your appointment, contact our Independence, Inc. General Public Transportation Department and get scheduled!

► Administration for Community Living (ACL) Vaccine Resources: A vaccine “cheat sheet”, current vaccine and booster guidance and other resources

► Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health Walk-in Vaccine Clinic: Anyone eligible can go to Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health, 200 Maine St., for a walk-in vaccine appointment on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are available from 10:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays. Also find registration forms, COVID facts, resources, guidance and testing locations.

►LMH Health COVID19 Resource Page : Answers to the most-asked COVID-19 questions, vaccine eligibility, where to get your vaccine and more!

►Center for Disease Control: COVID-19 Vaccines for People with Disabilities

►Center for Disease Control: Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines