Last Wednesday, May 12th, a collaboration of local service providers and volunteers came together to host a vaccination clinic at Kendall Elementary School in Maple Falls. The Vaccine Clinic was a success thanks to the many talented and caring people involved:

• Mt. Baker School District and Kendall Elementary School staff hosted the event.
• Health Ministries Network volunteer nurses oversaw the post-vaccination 15-minute waiting area and were available to answer questions. 
• Fire District 14 staff and volunteers assisted anyone needing extra healthcare support.
• Silver Lake Community Church, along with staff from Unity Care Northwest, offered Spanish translation for those who needed it.
• Whatcom County Health Department staff provided Russian translation during the event and background support for planning and administration. 
• North Sound Accountable Community of Health provided food boxes for individuals after they received their vaccine. 
• North Fork Brewery provided pizza to all staff and volunteers helped make the event run smoothly.
• Finally, Hoagland Pharmacy provided staffing and vaccine for the event!

Together, these partners created a welcoming and inclusive event that made it easier for 33 residents of east Whatcom County to get their shot. 

“I chose to get vaccinated at Kendall Elementary because it was close to where I live and I had a hard time getting into the BTC community clinic. I made an appointment with the staff at the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center. The process at the clinic was smooth and straightforward. There were many volunteers to make the process quick, painless and smooth.” - Maple Falls Resident who received their vaccine at the clinic. 

More clinics are coming to rural Whatcom communities next week, thanks to the Nooksack Tribe. The Nooksack Tribe is once again generously sharing their supply of Pfizer vaccine with the general public next Wednesday and Thursday. Anyone 12 and up is welcome on a walk-in basis. Anyone younger than 18 will need to bring a consent form or be accompanied by their parent or guardian.  

These partnerships are vital to creating successful vaccination events throughout our community, especially in rural areas that haven’t had easy access to vaccination options. When getting vaccinated is easy and convenient, more people get vaccinated. Partnerships like these are vital for reviving our community and ending the pandemic.