Presented through the Orcas Island Health District
The Orcas Family Health Center delivered a Christmas gift to the Community of Orcas, launching a SARS-COVID-19 cell assignment on December 21.
Recognizing the effect of COVID-19 screening on OFHC and UW Orcas clinic staff, OFHC leaders sought to use the budget earned under the CARES Act to help expand network testing. Getting investment was just the first step. An effort of this magnitude required cutting-edge thinking and the help of various organizations. While fitness staff in other rural areas are suffering to get help from their communities, we are lucky enough to have an amazing help network here at Orcas.
As weather situations threatened to slow down (literally) the launch, the OFHC verification team made the decision to conduct the first on-site inspection on the morning of December 21. With a team of volunteers who generously faithful to their time and energy, the assembly began very early, so the controls were able to pass at 8 a. m. to the Orcas Island Artworks car park in Olga. The volume of the first clinic exceeded expectations and the time the clinic at West Sound welcomed more citizens of the city. Island In total, the first 3 events, the cellular clinic reviewed 90 islanders and their circle of family members.
The OIHCD would like to thank everyone involved in screening efforts in clinics and cellular clinics. We were fortunate to have the UW Orcas Clinic and ofHC, any of which has been conducting clinical trials for many months. Aaimee Johnson and Shila Wachtel for proposing the concept and establishing the assignment of the cellular clinic so that verification efforts can expand. A big thank you to Catkin Cafe, Orcas Island Artworks, Orcas Island Yacht Club, West Sound Community Club and Orcas Senior Center for allowing OFHC staff to set up control sites on their properties. We also recognize that a village is needed and may not have combined so perfectly without the help of some special volunteers. A GREAT thank you to Alan Stameisen and Robin Lassen.
The tests will continue over the coming months on a rotating basis and will remain limited to full-time and part-time citizens of the Island of Orcas and its circle of family members. No appointments are required and verification days will likely be canceled at the last minute. due to weather situations (e. g. strong winds, heavy rains, dangerous situations on the road). The tests are held on Mondays at Olga from 8 a. m. 10 a. m, Thursdays in Eastsound from 4 p. m. 6 p. m and Sundays at West Sound from 12 p. m. at 2 p. m. Stop at the OFHC online page for the main points and be sure to stop by the IOHCD online page for data on everything related to COVID and updates on the transition to Island Hospital.
As we look new, we are grateful for the determination of all of our fitness workers, EMS and others interested in supporting the well-being of the Orcas community. I wish you all a very and fit 2022.