Leading National Behavioral Healthcare Provider
Call 1-800-345-1292

Printer Icon Mail Icon Linkedin Logo Twitter Logo

Building a healthier tomorrow: Erin Clemens explains why she wanted to receive the COVID-19 vaccine

 

Erin Clemens, who receives services through Devereux Pennsylvania, recently received the COVID-19 vaccine to protect herself and others.

Erin Clemens, who receives services through Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Pennsylvania, waited the recommended two weeks after receiving the second dose of her COVID-19 vaccine to do something she had not done since the beginning of the pandemic – give her mother, who also was fully vaccinated, a great big hug.

Clemens says she decided to roll up her sleeve and get the vaccine for three reasons:

  • To do her part to end the pandemic
  • To protect herself and others
  • To safely see her family in person once again

She describes the moment she hugged her mother as a bit surreal. “It seemed like I shouldn’t be hugging her, but I knew I could,” Clemens said. “Being able to do that gave me hope that maybe we can get through this. We all just need to follow the guidelines – and get vaccinated!”

Adjusting to a new reality

Clemens participates in Devereux Pennsylvania’s Community Adult Autism Partnership Program (CAAPP), which provides individualized and innovative community-based support services for adults with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities.

She admits the past year has been challenging, but with the support of her CAAPP team, she has learned how to cope with the stress of daily life.

“Some tasks, such as using the drive-thru at the bank or making doctors’ appointments, were easy enough that I was able to figure out how to do them on my own, or with virtual support to help me do them on my own,” Clemens explained. “However, other tasks like maintaining my apartment proved to be more difficult without in-person guidance. I decided to take it easy and wait for that support. Also, in the beginning, I really thought I needed to stick to a routine. Then, I finally understood that I needed to create a brand new routine. While I still followed my morning schedule – waking up at the same time every day, taking my medicine, getting dressed and putting on my shoes – I had to find new hobbies like sewing face masks and studying braille to keep myself busy.”

Optimistic about the future

Clemens says she is grateful to all those who have been working on the front lines to combat the pandemic, and now that COVID-19 vaccines are available, she remains hopeful about the future.

“I miss a lot of things,” Clemens shared. “I would love to visit the Franklin Institute Science Museum in Philadelphia. I want to take a trip to New York City with my friend. I want to see the professors and staff at Delaware County Community College where I graduated just a year before the pandemic began. Most of all, I miss visiting my family, especially my grandma who lives in Kentucky and my niece and nephew in Colorado. I’m hopeful that if enough people continue to follow the guidelines and get vaccinated, I’ll be able to do those things again soon.”

Learn more about Devereux Pennsylvania. Learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

 

Latest News

Volunteers helping after hurricane   Devereux FL team works seamlessly to keep youth safe during active hurricane season

Devereux Florida team members did not just weather recent storms in the Sunshine State, they emerged even stronger. During an active hurricane season, staff banded together to ensure the safety and well-being of the youth in their care.

Family going on a walk   Staying curious: A new approach to making a New Year’s resolution

As 2024 comes to a close, Devereux Center for Resilient Children Director Susan Damico encourages us to make a commitment to staying curious in 2025. Learn the positive benefits of curiosity, including how it can make you healthier and happier.

NASET School of Excellence   MA/RI’s Devereux School earns NASET ‘School of Excellence’ distinction

Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island (MA/RI) is thrilled to announce the Devereux School in Rutland, Massachusetts, was recently named a “School of Excellence” by the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) for the 2024-25 school year.

Quality and Safety Handbook   Devereux releases 2024 Quality and Safety Report

Devereux recently published its latest Quality and Safety Report. The report outlines the organization’s steadfast commitment to progress and innovation, as well as its most recent initiatives centered on safety and quality.


More Stories