Forward Watch, December 18

New COVID-19 Response Operations

Vaccination Support

As COVID-19 vaccines receive FDA approval, Team Rubicon is identifying services that can facilitate vaccination efforts and take pressure off the nation’s overwhelmed healthcare system.

Greyshirts stand ready to support the delivery and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines so that healthcare workers can focus on administering vaccinations and providing primary care. The organizational structures that Team Rubicon has built to enable food support and testing operations will be directly applied to this new mission.

In order to fully understand the most effective ways to help, Team Rubicon will participate in four vaccination pilot programs.

Navajo Nation

·Greyshirt Terri Whitson, a nurse and Navy veteran, administered the first rounds of COVID-19 vaccinations to the Gallup Indian Medical Center’s medical staff on December 15.

Since then, more than 265 people have received vaccinations.

Tuscon, AZ

Team Rubicon is supporting the Pima County Health Department’s two drive-thru vaccination centers at the Tucson Medical Center.

Greyshirts are aiding staff at the medical center by managing client flow and providing post-vaccination monitoring. 

Maricopa County, AZ

Team Rubicon will support the Maricopa County Department of Public Health’s vaccination centers beginning on December 21.

Charlotte, NC

Team Rubicon is preparing to support Atrium Health’s vaccine distribution site in Charlotte, NC beginning January 2021.

 

Continuing COVID-19 Response Operations

Gallup, New Mexico

The Indian Health Service requested Team Rubicon’s assistance to provide relief to healthcare workers after an increase in COVID-19 related hospitalizations at the Gallup Indian Medical Center. 

As of December 17, 17 Greyshirts have deployed to the Navajo Nation including two paramedics, four nurses, and three EMTs. 

They have performed over 763 hours of medical service, seen 1,224 patients, and helped test 1,539 people for COVID-19.

Carson City, NV

The Quad County Public Health Department and Carson City Fire Department requested Team Rubicon’s assistance for mobile testing clinic support services in the area.

On December 8, 10 Greyshirts began conducting initial patient screenings and performing essential logistical support tasks. Their responsibilities include site set-up and break-down, directing traffic, and the loading and unloading of testing equipment.

This operation is expected to last until December 31.

Chicago, IL

Team Rubicon is partnered with Top Box Foods to deliver supplies to at-risk Chicago-area residents who are unable to leave their homes because of the spike in COVID-19 cases.

As of December 17, Greyshirts have delivered 119 boxes of food to people in need.