Weekly update on Washington National Guard COVID-19 relief efforts 2106021

CAMP MURRAY, WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES

06.02.2021

Story by Sgt. Alec Dionne 

122nd Theater Public Affairs Support Element

Release No. 2106021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – Joint Task Force Steelhead, the Washington National Guard’s COVID-19 response force, continues to serve Washington communities by providing personnel and support to vaccination sites, food distribution centers, assisting medical operations, and other relief efforts across the state of Washington.

The Washington National Guard's JTF Steelhead continues to support state and county emergency managers in their unified efforts during the COVID-19 response.

During the week of May 24 – 30, 2021, the follow actions happened:

• 5,533 COVID-19 vaccines were administered by Washington National Guard medical personnel
Guard medical personnel administered 3,201 COVID-19 vaccines at the Franklin, Spokane, Chelan, and Clark county mass-vaccination sites, with five mobile teams administering 2,332 vaccines in Pierce, San Juan, Lewis and Mason counties. As of May 30, a total of 252,442 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered by Washington National Guard medical personnel. We continue to work in support, and at the direction, of the Washington State Department of Health to ensure that every person that wants a vaccine has access to a vaccine.

• 801,349 pounds of food and 119,303 meals were packaged and distributed
JTF Steelhead continues to support 38 food banks and distribution centers across the state. Since April 2020, we have helped package and distribute more than 94.3 million pounds of food and over 6 million meals at 79 locations throughout Washington State. The Washington National Guard continues to support the Washington State Department of Agriculture and community food banks to help alleviate food insecurity caused by the effects of COVID-19.

• The Medical Surge team provided isolation and quarantine services to 23 individuals.
The Washington National Guard’s Medical Surge team transported 23 individuals from Port Angeles, Wash. to a Department of Health isolation & quarantine site. The MedSurge team continues to work in support of, and at the direction of, the Department of Health in providing medical surge capability and logistics support to state and local entities.

Key Events during the week of May 24-30, 2021:

• The Washington National Guard, at the direction of the Washington State Department of Health, concluded operations at the Franklin, Chelan, and Clark county mass-vaccination sites, and stood down one mobile vaccination team, May 28. During the four months of operation, National Guard healthcare specialists administered 165,806 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to members of the community at the mass vaccination sites. The Spokane county mass-vaccination site and four mobile teams will continue to operate and administer COVID-19 vaccines in support of the Department of Health’s vaccination efforts.

• Over the course of the week, the Washington National Guard’s Medical Surge team transported 23 individuals that tested positive for, or were exposed to, COVID-19, from a ship docked in Port Angeles, to a Department of Health isolation & quarantine site. Food, shelter, and medical screening was provided these individuals while they conducted their isolation and quarantine. The MedSurge team provided essential transportation, isolation, & quarantine services to those who may otherwise not have access to medical facilities.

For additional questions please contact the JTF Steelhead Public Affairs Office at [e-mail] or call 253-512-4861.

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• Date Taken: 06.02.2021
• Date Posted: 06.02.2021 19:35
• Story ID: 397987
• Location: CAMP MURRAY, WASHINGTON, US