Yurok Tribe Public Health Task Force Plays Critical Role in COVID-19 Response

April 25, 2020

Yurok Tribe Public Health Task Force Plays Critical Role in COVID-19 Response

The Yurok Covid-19 Incident Command has designated a Yurok Public Health Task Force to assist in initiating prevention, protective and response measures related to the Covid-19 virus.

The task force consists of the following: Dr. Tracy Thompson, United Indian Health Services, Stephanie Weldon, Yurok Social Services, Kate Fischer, Yurok Planning Department, Peggy O’Neill, Yurok Indian Housing Authority, Rod Mendes, Yurok Deputy Incident Commander and Elly Hoopes, Yurok Executive Director. The task force meets daily through Go-to-Meeting conference calls to discuss health issues related to the spread of the Covid-19 within Humboldt and Del Norte Counties.

Dr. Thompson collaborates with both the Humboldt County Public Health Officer and the Del Norte County Public Health Officer to ensure the task force is well informed and that the reservation community has ample care and services as it relates to Covid-19.

The Yurok Public Task Force juggles a variety of topics such as Covid-19 testing, contact tracing, behavioral health, elder care, community access to food, collaborating with outside agencies, identifying essential funding opportunities and services and promoting the safety of tribal employee and community.