Weekly update on Washington National Guard COVID-19 relief efforts-2107211

CAMP MURRAY, WA, UNITED STATES

07.21.2021

Story by Sgt. Adeline Witherspoon      

122nd Theater Public Affairs Support Element

Release No. 2107211

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – Joint Task Force Steelhead, the Washington National Guard’s COVID-19 response force, continued community support efforts in vaccine administration, food distribution, and medical support operations. In order to meet the changing needs of our state and our communities, JTF Steelhead is continuing the gradual reconsolidation of our service members for demobilization.

During the week of July 12 - July 18, 2021, the follow actions happened:

• 207 COVID-19 vaccines were administered by Washington National Guard medical personnel.
As of July 18, a total of 255,805 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered by Washington National Guard medical personnel. As of July 18, there are currently two mobile vaccination teams in operation supporting Spokane and Benton Counties. We continue to work in support of the Washington State Health Department to ensure that every person that wants a vaccine has access to a vaccine until the conclusion of our COVID-19 vaccination response mission.

• 262,359 pounds of food and 5,570 meals were packaged and distributed by National Guard service members.
JTF Steelhead supported 27 food banks and distribution centers across the state. Since April 2020, we have helped package and distribute more than 98.3 million pounds of food and over 6.7 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.

• 28 individuals were provided isolation and quarantine services by the Medical Surge team.
The Washington National Guard’s Medical Surge team received 15 personnel at a Department of Health isolation & quarantine facility in Lewis County since July 13. Food, shelter, and medical screening are provided to the patients during the isolation and quarantine period. 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 until the conclusion of the MedSurge mission.

The Washington National Guard's JTF Steelhead continues to provide support for state and county emergency managers in their unified efforts during the COVID-19 response, until support is no longer requested.

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: 07.21.2021
• Date Posted: 07.21.2021 14:39
• Story ID: 401398
• Location: CAMP MURRAY, WA, US