Reno-Sparks Indian Colony to sign historic agreement with Health District

Agreement will fast-track medications during public health emergencies

RENO, NV – Leaders of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony (RSIC) and Washoe County Health District officials will sign a historic Memorandum of Understanding providing use of tribal facilities as a Point of Dispensing (POD) during public health emergencies. The agreement will be signed at a 10:30 am ceremony on June 1 at the Reno-Sparks Tribal Health Center located at 1715 Kuenzli Street in Reno.

According to health and tribal officials, the agreement will provide continued collaboration and regional partnership between RSIC and Washoe County Health District by increasing infrastructure and resource sharing for the distribution of prophylaxis medications in a public health emergency. PODs can quickly provide massive numbers of life-saving medications to large numbers of people during emergencies. Additionally PODs can be set up in neighborhoods and community centers that people can get to easily.

“This Memorandum of Understanding is the product of coordinating emergency plans between RSIC and the Health District that also will provide training and exercise opportunities for our agencies,” said Washoe County District Health Officer Kevin Dick.  “Public health preparedness depends on working together to plan and practice our response efforts so we can save lives when emergencies happen,” Dick said.

Several tribal and local officials are expected to attend the ceremony according to RSIC spokesperson Stacey Montooth. VIPs will include Arlan D. Melendez, Chairman of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony and Mr. Kevin Dick, Washoe County District Health Officer.  Members of the Reno-Sparks Tribal Council present will include Theresa Coffman, Robin Eagle, Daryl “Doug” Gardipe, Shawna Kirsten, Jody McCloud, Verna Nuno, Jacqueline Quoetone, and Ruth Sampson Guerrero.

Members of Washoe County District Board of Health expected to attend include Chair and County Commissioner Kitty Jung, Reno Council Member Oscar Delgado, and Dr. John Novak, City of Sparks Representative. County Commissioner Bob Lucey is also expected to attend.

Andrea Johnson-Harper, Director of the Reno Sparks Tribal Health Center and staff will also be participating in the function. For more information, call 775/842-2902.