AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center and Health Services are reporting three (3) new cases of COVID-19 -- making 15 total active cases under the Tribe’s jurisdiction. Two (2) community members have resolved however, 26 family members and friends are in quarantine at home in Akwesasne’s southern portion. We extend them best wishes for a safe recovery and ask that they please remain at home until cleared by public health.
Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services is asking individuals who are contacted during the process of contact tracing to please answer the telephone call and provide honest responses to all questions. There is no shame in cooperating, as it helps to locate and isolate the virus to prevent further infections. More importantly, a good telephone number provided during testing helps public health representatives to contact you right away to protect your own health and those that you love.
For individuals who receive isolation or quarantine orders, please follow all guidance from public health -- including staying at home. With the more transmissible Delta Variant, it is highly important that you help prevent community spread; which can result in severe illness and possibly death. Please self-monitor for symptoms that include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
Those individuals under the Tribe’s jurisdiction who are in isolation or quarantine that require basic food items, please contact the Office of the Family Advocate at (518) 358-3021. You may also contact their staff directly by calling Everett Lazore at (518) 333-8450, Kerry Jacobs at (518) 651-9150, or Crystal Stehlin at (518) 651-1435. They are here to help you through your recovery.
Trained staff at the Tribe’s Mental Health Services are also available to provide support. If you or a loved one need someone to talk to, please contact Mental Health at (518) 358-3145 or call their After-Hours Crisis Center at (518) 651-4475. It is okay to not be okay and there is always someone here to help.
COVID-19 VACCINATIONS:
Individuals who are unvaccinated are highly encouraged to attend the Open Walk-In Vaccine Clinic being held every Wednesday, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the former-IGA Building in Akwesasne. The vaccine clinic is open to anyone ages 12-years old or more, with a parent/guardian presence required for minors. This is the only time for walk-in vaccinations. To receive a COVID-19 vaccination directly at Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services, individuals are asked to please schedule an appointment by calling the tribal clinic at (518) 358-3141.
The COVID-19 Vaccine is also available from healthcare providers and pharmacies outside of Akwesasne and can be found by texting your ZIP code to 438829, or calling 1-800-232-0233. Community members who receive vaccinations outside of Akwesasne are asked to please call the Tribe’s Outreach Program at (518) 333-0230 to have it documented with the tribal clinic. Documenting vaccinations locally is an important way to help track and build community immunity.
Those who are 18 years or more and choose to get vaccinated will receive a $100 gift certificate from the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort. The gift certificates are being provided to tribal members and employees of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Akwesasne Mohawk Casino, or tribal enterprises for each dose received. The gift certificates can be redeemed at the casino for cash, while individuals under 18 years will receive a $100 Walmart gift card.
The casino gift certificates and Walmart gift card will be provided for new vaccinations only. Individuals who previously received the COVID-19 Vaccine are automatically eligible to receive a monetary prize at two vaccination milestones. Five (5) $1,000 Milestone Incentive Drawings will be conducted when the Tribe’s vaccination rate reaches 50% and 60%. As of August 27th, the vaccination rate is 47.2%.
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