By: Tom Williams | Oct 9, 2024
Clarksdale, Mississippi – The Clarksdale Nursing Center recently hosted its 1st Annual Coffee with a Cop Day, a community-building event that connected residents with local law enforcement. Organized by Phaedra Wright, the Director of Activities, the event aimed to foster relationships between the nursing center’s patients and the Clarksdale community. Wright, who has held the position for four months, is dedicated to making the center a more engaging and supportive place for its residents.
“This event was designed to create a closer bond between our patients and the local community,” Wright said. “Since COVID-19 began, we’ve seen a drastic decline in visits, and we want to change that.”
Several law enforcement officers attended and were honored with gifts, including Sheriff Mario Masby, Clarksdale Police Department (CPD) Chief Robbie Linley, Investigation Officer George Johnson, former CPD Chief Sandra Johnson, and Sgt. Sherica Griffin from the Coahoma County Sheriff’s Department and other officers participated in the day’s events.
The success of Coffee with a Cop Day has motivated Wright to introduce a new program called “Adopt a Grandparent.” The program will allow community members to “adopt” a resident, spending time with them to play games, share stories, or simply provide companionship. Wright believes this initiative will help combat loneliness among the elderly, especially after the challenges of the pandemic.
In addition to the event, the nursing center is extending an open invitation to the community to visit daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to participate in activities like bingo and other games with the residents. Wright hopes these efforts will encourage more frequent visits and help rebuild the sense of community that was diminished during the pandemic.
With the 1st Annual Coffee with a Cop Day in the books, Wright and the Clarksdale Nursing Center are excited to continue building strong connections between their residents and the broader Clarksdale community.
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