Volunteering in the Fight Against COVID-19
by Wendy Goldstein |
Since the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines, the community of Valdez has pulled together to vaccinate its citizens through a series of vaccination Points of Dispensing (PODs) clinics. These POD clinics have run smoothly because of foresight, planning, and the hard work of many organizers, health professionals, and volunteers.
Among these volunteers have been several Prince William Sound College employees, who have felt the call to be of service during this public health need. Mo Radotich, administrative assistant in the Office of Administrative Services, explains the background behind POD clinics in Valdez:
“Leading up to 2020, our community, led by staff from Valdez Public Health, Providence Valdez Medical Center, and the City of Valdez, organized an annual POD clinic drill event using the flu vaccine to practice for real life mass vaccination events. This was used both as a way to dispense the flu vaccine to the community and to practice in case there was an urgent health issue that needed to dispense a vaccine. Never did I think that would become a reality, yet here we are with COVID-19.
“I have volunteered several times over the years with the flu vaccine program, and felt driven to volunteer for the recent POD events. I admire the COVID-19 POD planning team that quickly put this together. They evaluate how to do things better and work together calmly to care for our community. It makes me proud and thankful to be part of such a caring and efficient community.”
PWSC Allied Health instructor, George Keeney, has been involved in Valdez POD clinics since 2002. With his experience, George fills many hats during both the annual flu POD clinic and the recent COVID-19 POD clinics, including set-up, greeter, vaccinator, command staff, and briefing/debriefing other volunteers. He works closely with Terri Lynch, the Valdez Public Health Nurse and the POD planning team. George had this to say about the COVID-19 vaccination POD clinics:
“The POD clinics are able to utilize our Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) at all levels during the clinics, including vaccinating, which helps them maintain medic skills. Many of these EMTs have gained their skills in our Allied Health program. I like to give shots and visit with the folks as they come through the lines. We try to get everyone through the lines as fast as we can. It’s always great to be a volunteer at the PODs as we’re helping our community.”
Erin Hickok, PWSC’s Health & Fitness Center Coordinator, volunteers because: “I firmly believe in the science behind the vaccination process and protecting our loved ones. It's been very important for me to get actively involved in Valdez and talk and meet with people since I am newer here still, and there is no better way to do that than meeting people and giving back to the community I love already at the same time.”
Wendy Goldstein, Museum and Community Engagement Coordinator at PWSC, has been volunteering to feel connected and useful to the community. “It’s life-affirming to see friends and neighbors come through. Each one I see means one less person I have to worry about succumbing to COVID-19. This is part of our history, and this is the least I can do to help.”
As COVID-19 vaccination POD clinics continue over coming months, Valdez can be sure there will always be helpers in the community. As Mo Radotich said it best:
“Valdez has had its share of crises and disasters over the years. What I admire about Valdezians is we always rise to the challenge by preparing and responding. It has been inspiring to see how many people are willing to volunteer. We are a small town and know by association almost everyone! It has been exciting to be part of an event that helps our community members; it’s very personal.”