Those with medical conditions that make travel difficult, or are homebound, are also eligible for Bellaire Police Officer Pickup, a program designed to pick up groceries and medications and deliver them to those groups, said John Edwards, a Bellaire crime prevention and community resource officer.
The idea for the program spawned from sheriff departments in Georgia grocery shopping for at-risk residents, Edwards said.
“We brought the idea up in one of our meetings, and everyone thought it was a good idea,” Edwards said.
The program started March 19, helmed by Edwards, though only three households in Bellaire have taken advantage of the opportunity, he said.
“We’ve had a lot of people call and say that they appreciate it and don’t need it at this point,” he said.
The program preceded more stringent social distancing guidelines when Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner issued a mandatory order on March 24, which was later extended to April 30, requiring all Harris County residents to stay home if they do not work at a job that is considered essential to the health and safety of the community.
Those eligible for the police officer pickup must be Bellaire residents, have special needs that make travel difficult, or are 65 years or older. Pickups are only available from Bellaire Market H-E-B, Edwards said.
To prevent contamination and “limit the number of hands,” only Edwards and grocery store staff are touching the groceries.
The program has shifted away from prescription pick-up because pharmacies are now offering free deliveries, Edwards said. CVS began offering free prescription delivery March 9. CVS, along with Randalls, is offering its free deliveries until May 1. Walgreens also offers free deliveries, though no end date has been specified.
And as the viral outbreak continues its course, the pickup program will do the same.
“We’ll continue this until this is all over,” Edwards said. “As long as we have the manpower and the stores are still open, we’ll continue doing it.”
Days and times of delivery are limited and must be scheduled with Bellaire Police by calling Edwards at his direct line at 713-662-8103, or through email at [email protected].
West University Place
The City of West University Place has continued grocery and medication pickup and delivery to its senior residents while the disease outbreak is ongoing, said Susan White, the city’s parks and recreation director.
For qualifying seniors, the city’s Senior Services staff has been providing the weekly deliveries.
In addition, West University’s Good Neighbor Team has been maintaining contact with seniors as they stay in their homes during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The team is a group of caring and concerned neighbors that gives back by offering friendships and assistance to homebound senior residents, according to the city’s website. They do this through acknowledging special occasions with cards and small gifts, making telephone contact or home visits, and providing resource information.
“Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, the Good Neighbor Team and Senior Services staff have heightened efforts to keep these seniors stay connected and to assist with special needs,” White said.
