GRIC Rolls Mobile Vaccine Units to Districts, More Dates to Come

Emma Hughes

Gila River Indian News

The Gila River Indian Community remains committed to combating the COVID-19 pandemic through increased access to COVID-19 vaccines. On May 17, GRIC held a vaccination event at Rawhide Event Center from 1p.m to 8p.m to provide boosters to those who received their first dose on April 26 where GRIC also introduced the Mobile Vaccination Unit (MVU), designed to bring vaccinations, testing and information directly to Community members and provide outreach.

The MVU has been deployed in District 5, District 6 and most recently at locations in District 1 and District 4. GRIC staff have been leaving door hangers at residences to inform households of the MVU times and locations, including Saturday, May 22 at the Mawid Subdivision in District 2 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and at St. Peter Indian Mission School on Sunday, May 23 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in District 5. 

On May 14, GRIC’s Health & Social Standing Committee made an official motion to expand the vaccine to federally recognized tribal members, GRIC essential and enterprise employees including household members. All recipients must be at least 16 years of age or older. 

Tribal Health Department’s May 18 Data Report revealed that GRIC cases are decreasing. Five cases were reported from May 3 to May 9, which decreased to two cases reported from May 10 to May 16. A total of 2,953 have tested positive for COVID-19 with 79 deaths due to COVID as of May 18.