GRHC Hosts Vaccine Event & Health Fair

October 21, 2022

Kyle Knox

Managing Editor

The Gila River Health Care (GRHC) hosted its second Vaccine Event and Health Fair Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Red Tail Hawk facility.  

With mask mandates being lifted, recently, and the Community allowing for more in-person events, GRHC hosted the event to ensure Community members were up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations by administering vaccines and the third or fourth  COVID-19 booster.  Health care providers also offered this year’s flu vaccine.

The event took place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and drew about 150 patients, that received at least one of the two vaccines available at the event.

“We are encouraging everyone to stay safe and get a COVID vaccine as well as a flu shot because this flu season is predicted to be severe,” said Robin Henry, GRHC Nurse Practitioner, during a Facebook Live segment.

While the Community removed the mask mandate from Amended Comprehensive Executive Order No. 16, Henry reminded everyone that masks are still required in and at all GRHC facilities and events.

The intake process was streamlined for families as medical records were easily accessible by the GRHC staff.  These steps allowed for the Community to receive the correct shot and booster dose.  The process allowed easy access from patient registration to receiving a shot, all within 20 minutes of the visit. 

“The importance of getting a vaccination is you, because we need wellness,” said GRHC board member Victoria Allison.  “We’ve been talking about illness for the last three years and it’s time that we put the ‘we’ back in there and talk about the wellness we need for our Community.” Whether it was a COVID or flu vaccine, Allison strongly encouraged everyone to care for themselves and their families by protecting the Community against all forms of illness.

Part of the event included a health fair. GRHC departments and Community programs were present to share information about their services and monthly programming.  Patients also walked away with dozens of incentives and received a box lunch. 

GRHC’s first Vaccine Event and Health Fair occurred in 2021 at the Boys & Girls Club, Gila River-Sacaton Branch, where dozens of GRHC departments, GRIC and Community programs were present. The fair helped reacquaint the Community with departments and share the activities each one hosts throughout the year.