Partnering with WA Dept of Health & Yakima County Public Health

(Seattle, WA) JULY 15, 2020— COVID-19 cases in Yakima County have now soared past 8,600, and Pacific Northwest-based Medical Teams International (Medical Teams) has been called on by the Washington State Department of Health and Yakima County Public Health to expand their testing program into Yakima County. As part of Medical Team’s broader testing efforts in the region, the organization’s staff and local professional volunteers will test Yakama Nation members this Wednesday. 

Date: Wednesday, July 15
Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Place: 520 Signal Peak Road, White Swan (Yakama Reservation), WA  98952

Medical Teams is an “official testing agent” and partner for both Seattle and King County as well as the Washington State Department of Health.  The organization, experienced at working in critical and emergency situations, has been testing underserved communities throughout the Pacific Northwest in order to stem the spread of the disease and ensure that those in need of care are able to receive the proper treatment.

“Medical Teams is actively responding to COVID-19 across the region,” said Cindy Breilh, Executive Director, US Programs.

“We are on the ground where we’re most needed and are proud to partner with the Yakama Nation and Yakima County Public Health to expand and enhance testing.”

Testing in Yakima County began in late June and already 300 people have been tested, supplementing testing currently underway. Medical Teams has also been requested to test in Benton and Franklin Counties.

NOTE TO MEDIA:

  • Reporters interested in coming to the testing to interview Medical Teams’ volunteer medical personnel or the Executive Director should call or email in advance to Lee Keller [email protected] at 206.799.3805.
  • No identifying video of any tribal member may be taken without their permission.
  • Interviews with tribal members being tested may be granted. Please work with Medical Teams staff on-site to obtain permission.

About Medical Teams International

Founded in 1979, Medical Teams International provides life-saving medical care for people in crisis, such as survivors of natural disasters and refugees. We care for the whole person— physical, emotional, social and spiritual. Daring to love like Jesus, we serve all people—regardless of religion, nationality, sex or race. Because every person—no matter where they are or how desperate their situation—matters. Learn more at medicalteams.org and on social media using @medicalteams. For more information and donations for Medical Teams’ work on COVID-19, please visit  https://www.medicalteams.org/how-we-heal/natural-disasters/covid-19-response/

 

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