Volunteers and staff recognized for COVID-19 efforts

The Cook County Public Health and Human Services Advisory Council, a multi-sector group of medical and service providers and community members, recognized, at their July 6 meeting, the contributions of staff and volunteers during the community response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nearly 200 community members volunteered a combined, over 4,000 hours since March 2020 through Minnesota Responds including: *1,527 hours at vaccination events including registration, cleaning, and observation. *240 hours at nutrition assistance events including Ruby’s and AEOA food distributions. *4,083 hours assisting shoppers with curbside pick-up and food delivery during the in-store shopping restrictions at Cook County. Food Whole Foods Co-op, Gene’s Foods, and Johnson’s Foods. *372 conducting case investigation and contact tracing. *1,896 hours staffing the Community Support phone line.

“As the volunteer coordinator for the Cook County Emergency Operations Center, I had the opportunity to meet so many amazing community members who really stepped up to support our efforts through the pandemic,” said Andrea Orest, Statewide Health Improvement Partnership Coordinator. “The dedication and commitment of the volunteers were essential in our response, and I am so proud to be a member of this community.”

Public health staff are planning an event for the fall to thank and recognize the many volunteers who contributed to community response efforts.

The Council also recognized the staff and medical providers at Grand Portage Health Services, Grand Portage Human Services, North Shore Health, Sawtooth Mountain Clinic, Public Health and Human Services and members of the Cook County Emergency Operations Center who worked to provide leadership and essential services to keep the community safe including: *Case investigation and contact tracing. *Outreach and education *Mass vaccination *Maintaining essential health and support services during the pandemic.

“It is incredible what this community was able to accomplish in the last sixteen months, due in large part to the dedication of local public health, medical staff and service providers,” said Alison McIntyre, Cook County Public Health and Human Services Director. “As of this date, Cook County maintains the highest vaccination rate and lowest cumulative COVID- 19 case count in the State of Minnesota. The collaborative efforts of health care providers, service organizations, businesses, and community members over the last year is emblematic of the work that goes on in Cook County all the time. These partnerships and our ability to work together were crucial to keeping community members safe.”

The Cook County Public Health and Human Services Advisory Council seeks input about the public health and human services delivery system. The council makes program and service recommendations to the Public Health and Human Services Board and to the Public Health and Human Services department. For more information and to apply for council membership, visit the Cook County website: www.co.cook. mn.us.