News

With California residents 50 and older becoming eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine this week, and then residents 16 years and older a couple of weeks later, Humboldt County Emergency Operations Center is going to need all the help it can get to vaccinate the majority of adults in the county.

The EOC is currently looking for volunteers to help facilitate the upcoming expanded COVID-19 vaccine distribution at public health clinics.

Last Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine is expanding, beginning with California residents age 50 and older this week on April 1, and a couple of weeks later those 16 years and up. However, officials warn that it will take time to get all California residents vaccinated.

Those with medical licenses are preferred but there are also non-medical positions that need to be filled, including checking in appointments, paperwork and directing people.

“People who want to help their community and can be flexible in their roles are encouraged to reach out to us,” said EOC Logistics Chief Natalie Chapman. "The need will become greater as more supply becomes available, which will enable us to hold more clinics and vaccinate our community faster.”

According to the release, more than 120 Disaster Health Care Volunteers (DHVs) have been sworn in so far to assist with the ongoing vaccination effort.

EOC Director Ryan Derby said this is the largest and most prolonged disaster volunteer effort in Humboldt County history. “Despite there being a large pool of volunteers, we’ll need additional personnel in the coming weeks and months as vaccine becomes increasingly available to residents,” he said. “People answering the call to help their neighbors, friends and loved ones is how we’ll end this pandemic. I couldn’t be more thankful for our volunteers.”

Read the full press release below:

Mar. 29, 2021 - Volunteers Needed in Preparation for Expanded Vaccine Availability

The Humboldt County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is seeking volunteers to help facilitate COVID-19 vaccine distribution at Public Health clinics. Those with active medical licenses are preferred but there are non-medical positions that also need to be filled.

“People who want to help their community and can be flexible in their roles are encouraged to reach out to us,” said EOC Logistics Chief Natalie Chapman. “Anyone can volunteer — we need people to help out with check-in, paperwork and directing people.

“The need will become greater as more supply becomes available, which will enable us to hold more clinics and vaccinate our community faster.”

More than 120 Disaster Health Care Volunteers (DHVs) have been sworn in so far to assist with the ongoing vaccination effort. Retired nurses, physicians, pharmacists, emergency responders and members of the general public have volunteered countless hours to staff the more than 20 Public Health clinics held so far.

EOC Director Ryan Derby said this is the largest and most prolonged disaster volunteer effort in Humboldt County history. “Despite there being a large pool of volunteers, we’ll need additional personnel in the coming weeks and months as vaccine becomes increasingly available to residents,” he said. “People answering the call to help their neighbors, friends and loved ones is how we’ll end this pandemic. I couldn’t be more thankful for our volunteers.”

To volunteer or learn more, contact the Volunteer Line at 707-268-2504 or email [email protected].

For the most recent COVID-19 information, visit cdc.gov or cdph.ca.gov. Local information is available at humboldtgov.org or during business hours by contacting [email protected] or calling 707-441-5000.