February 25, 2021
We are pleased to share news of an important and timely opportunity for our University to serve the people of Spokane during this global pandemic, and live out our mission of being people for and with others who are committed to social justice and service for the common good.
CHAS Health is a non-profit, federally qualified health center (FQHC) that provides high-quality health care services to families and individuals of all ages, throughout the Inland Northwest. As a FQHC, CHAS Health was chosen to receive a delivery of federal supply doses of COVID-19 vaccines to serve their patient population. This initial delivery was larger than could be managed through CHAS Health’s clinic locations without adversely impacting other patient care. CHAS Health reached out to Gonzaga University about the use of one of our large areas to efficiently and effectively distribute this vaccine to their patients while maintaining proper social distancing.
As indicated in previous communications, Gonzaga has applied through the State to become a point of distribution (POD) for the COVID-19 vaccine. In light of the work already done in support of the POD proposal, we have accepted the opportunity to support CHAS Health. Many colleagues are working to prepare the Field House in the Martin Centre, as well as parking lots adjacent to the McCarthey Athletic Center and School of Law to accommodate this vaccine clinic for CHAS Health patients starting Friday. CHAS Health will be coordinating directly with their patients on scheduling their vaccine appointment; vaccines are available by appointment only, there are no walk-ups. The on-campus hosting of the CHAS Health vaccine clinic will take place as follows:
DATES: Friday, February 26 through Tuesday, March 2, 2021
TIME: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with set-up beginning 7:30 a.m. daily
LOCATION: Field House, Martin Centre and the adjoining parking lot to the South
As you might expect, there will be some impacts to campus to accomplish this important task
- Traffic – Extra traffic is expected to create congestion in the vicinity of Trent, Cincinnati and Hamilton Streets. Students and employees are advised to be prepared for additional traffic and if possible avoid this area during clinic operations.
- Parking – Campus parking in the lots next to McCarthey Athletic Center and the Law School is discouraged during this time to provide parking for approximately 200-300 visitors at a given time, and up to 1,300 visitors daily. Students and employees are asked to park in the BARC or other locations on campus. Ticketing will be suspended during this time.
- Information – All requests for information regarding vaccine distribution will be directed to CHAS Health.
- Call for Volunteers – CHAS Health is inviting Gonzaga University faculty, staff and administrators to volunteer in the clinic if schedules allow. Volunteers are needed Friday through Tuesday, from 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., to accommodate the clinic schedule. Volunteers will be responsible for sanitation, observation, and traffic flow. Please reach out via email to Ashley Martin (martina3@gonzaga.edu) if you are interested in volunteering. We would be grateful to know of your interest in volunteering by 5:00 p.m. today, if at all possible.
We are deeply grateful to everyone on campus whose extra efforts enable us to embrace this opportunity to partner with local health providers to care for the people of our community. This is a critical time for our community, and our country. Swift and efficient delivery of vaccinations is a key component of driving infection rates downward, and preventing more precious lives from being lost. Thank you for your support, cooperation, and understanding in doing our part to help the people who need it most.