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From left: Camye Barker, Caelie Hilgartner, Brooke Power, Kelsey Bustos, Michelle Johnson. CGH courtesy photo
GRANTS, N.M. – Cibola General Hospital reported that 1,167 people got a flu shot at the Cibola Family Health Center drive-thru clinic. Approximately 80 area residents assisted medical staff with the annual event.
Volunteers included Cibola General Hospital and Cibola Family Health Center staff, Chief Robert Hayes, Grants Fire Department, New Mexico State University - Grants Nursing Program, Entrust Home Healthcare, and the New Mexico Department of Health - Cibola County Public Health Office; the Cibola County Emergency Management Office donated traffic cones and vests and Silver Lining SVC, LLC allowed medical staff and volunteers to park in their lot, according to Cynthia Tena, CGH marketing director.
Community participation has increased each year since the hospital began offering the flu clinic in 2016. Medical staff vaccinated 902 people at last year’s Sept. 27 clinic and 94 community volunteers assisted with that one-day event.
Last month’s flu pod was the only one planned for this year, according to CGH officials.
"I enjoy participating in the flu pod every year. It is an opportunity to serve my community outside the ER. COVID made it more difficult with [wearing] all the personal protective equipment during the hot day, but overall, it was a great event and well worth wearing the PPE to protect our community," commented Camye Barker, RN, CGH.
“COVID-19 made the process lengthier, but we kept both patients and staff safe with the proper precautions,” said the marketing director.
Community members noted that medical staff were professional, efficient, and treated each person with kindness. Several people said they were impressed with how well organized the event was – “just in and out” commented several participants.
“A flu vaccine this season can also help reduce the burden on our healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and save medical resources for care of COVID-19 patients. The end of September and October are good times to get a flu vaccine,” said Chief Nursing Officer Maria Atencio, Cibola General Hospital.
Area residents can schedule an appointment for a flu shot at any time by calling CFHC, 505-287-6500, according to hospital officials.
(The CFHC is the CGH clinic; it is located on East Roosevelt Avenue in Grants.)
Visit cibolahospital.com or call 505-287-5208 for more information.