MAPS-MCRC has been a model in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only has it distributed over $750,000 in direct relief services (food, rental/utility help, housing, etc.) to those in need, but through its community clinic has also promoted safety guidelines to the community at large, converted its community health services to a telehealth model with additional services, offered COVID testing at its facility, and is now participating in the vaccine rollout.

The MAPS-MCRC community clinic mobilized when COVID hit to provide immediate support to those impacted by the pandemic. In addition to the numerous other forms of assistance and relief provided, it modified its free monthly community clinic to an online “telehealth” format, and launched services to address the mental, emotional and behavioral needs of the community at large. “A vital component of community care is identifying and adapting to the needs of the community in real time,” said Nehath Sheriff, the Director of the MAPS-MCRC clinic. “This pandemic has tested our community in an unprecedented way and our goal as a community clinic has been to address the COVID-19 crisis as it evolves.”

In addition, MAPS-MCRC partnered with local and state health departments to offer free COVID testing at MAPS, and is now engaged in the vaccine distribution. MAPS-MCRC is one of only 16 community clinic sites nationwide that partnered with the Albertsons Group of Pharmacies to administer COVID-19 vaccines to those eligible in Washington State. Through this partnership, MAPS-MCRC was able to administer close to 300+ single doses of the vaccine since January 2021, with appointments scheduled for second doses in the next 28 days. All vaccines have been administered at a Safeway pharmacy closest to the individual's place of residence for safety, efficiency, and ease.  This has made it easy for seniors in the community, including members of the MAPS-MCRC Golden Times Senior programs, to schedule appointments for their vaccinations.

The next phase, which is currently underway, is open for sign-ups with high demand once again for the vaccine.  Seniors in the community have expressed gratitude to MAPS-MCRC for making the scheduling and availability of the vaccine easy for them, especially those who otherwise might have cultural, linguistic, or technological impediments to obtaining the vaccine.

All of them described how registration and scheduling was very well organized and how they had a good experience in getting the vaccine.  “MAPS-MCRC is deeply appreciative of the staff and management of the Albertsons Group of Pharmacies, especially Mr. Omer Gajial, Senior VP of Health and Pharmacy, for their partnership and community engagement. We also commend the MAPS-MCRC clinic director Nehath Sheriff and her volunteer team for working closely with the Albertsons Pharmacies team to quickly mobilize and execute on this.” said Nickhath Sheriff, who leads MAPS-MCRC.

MAPS is also in discussions with local and state health departments to hold pop-up mass vaccine distribution sites at its 45,000 square foot facility, once the state has a larger vaccination supply. The state Department of Health website has the most accurate, current information about vaccines in Washington. Interested individuals should continue to check this site to determine eligibility and for more information about the vaccine.

The resources provided by MAPS-MCRC serve and benefit the entire community at large, regardless of religion, race, nationality, documentation status, gender, sexual orientation, etc. For more information about MAPS-MCRC, visit www.mapsredmond.org/mcrc.

Partnering with local, state and national resources to address the pandemic, and support the most marginalized and vulnerable, is part of the ethos of MAPS and driven by the Islamic mandate to help those in need and stand firmly for justice.