HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – For the second year in a row, Northern Montana Health Care is hosting a “Drive-Thru and Fight the Flu” event where they will be offering flu shots.
Northern Montana Health Care Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator Julianne LaSmith says this event is set for the 3rd floor parking lot of the Hospital on Thursday and Friday from 4-7 PM and Saturday from 10 AM-1 PM.
Please wear layers so that shoulders are easily accessible and wear a mask.
Registration forms are available at NMHCare.org under the documents page. Those unable to print or download the form can have it completed on-site.
COVID-19
As COVID-rates remain high in the area, Northern Montana Hospital continues to see resources stressed.
“The COVID patients are part of the numbers that we’re experiencing currently,” LaSmith says. “We have other patients with other concerns, but the COVID patients definitely take more time and supplies. So it definitely does affect how we’re able to care for all of our patients.”
Other hospitals in the state have postponed elective surgeries and/or enacted crisis of care standards, but LaSmith says they are not at that point yet.
“We aren’t currently (at that point),” LaSmith says. “Last year, when we first experienced the shutdown, we did remove elective surgeries. And the term elective surgeries is misleading, because at a certain point, they aren’t elective anymore. So we really hope to not have to do that. That’s why we keep a tight control on our supplies and our testing and our staff.”
One positive development is that due to high vaccination rates at Northern Montana Care Center, they have not seen large outbreaks of the virus at the care facility.
“Being able to have the residents and the staff vaccinated has helped considerably. We still have cases pop up here and there. Because so many of our patients and residents are vaccinated, it does help with those numbers.”
Travel testing for people looking to have proof of a negative COVID-19 test has been on hold for the most part due to high demand for tests, but people interested in getting a travel test can try and contact NMHC to see if they can be accomodated.
“The travel testing, a determination would be made based on whether we had the testing supplies available at that point,” says LaSmith.
LaSmith says it remains crucial that people take precautions such as wearing a mask, social distancing, and receiving the COVID vaccine. To make an appointment for the vaccine, call 265-7831.
Those experiencing flu-like symptoms are asked to call the flu-clinic at 262-1570. Drive-up appointments and COVID testing are being offered on the east side of their campus.
COVID-19 vaccination education events are being held by NMHC across Havre thanks to a grant.
“It’s our wish that everyone in our community is armed with all the information they need in order to make an informed decision about the COVID-19 vaccine,” says LaSmith.
