Cattaraugus County, Seneca Nation of Indians Partner to Host Vaccine Clinic in Salamanca
By Mark Goshgarian, Salamanca | Mar. 25, 2021
Friday marks one year since the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in Cattaraugus County, and now health leaders are working with Seneca Nation to lower the number of new cases.
What You Need To Know
– Cattaraugus County and Seneca Nation of Indians hosted vaccine clinic Thursday
– Event was held at the Seneca Allegany Events Center in Salamanca
– About 24% of the county has had at least one dose, 1500 Nation members fully vaccinated
– Patti Holsinger of Frewsburg and her 25-year-old son Joshua were waiting to get his second dose of the Moderna vaccine Thursday at the Seneca Allegany Events Center inside the resort and casino in Salamanca.
“He’s a very busy athlete with Special Olympics,” said Patti Holsinger.
Joshua is developmentally disabled, and according to his mom, is looking forward to getting back to participating in sports.
“And I know Special Olympics is working hard to get athletes back in their programs. So, we’re hoping for swimming soon and golf all summer,” said Holsinger.
Cattaraugus County Public Health Director Dr. Kevin Watkins was on hand, and says more than 18,000 people — or 24% of the county’s population — has received at least one dose of the vaccine.
The county teamed up with the Seneca Nation of Indians to offer the clinic at the center, since it can accommodate a large number of people at one time in a rural county.
“The Nation has been a great neighbor during this pandemic and has been working right alongside Cattaraugus County. This bond, this relationship that we share has become even stronger during this pandemic,” said Dr. Watkins.
“The Seneca community, like so many others, felt the pain and loss that COVID can bring. We have lost treasured and respected community members,” said Ricky Armstrong, Seneca Nation of Indians treasurer.
Armstrong says he’s also pleased to partner with local health leaders.
The Nation gets its vaccine supply from the federal Indian Health Service, and has fully vaccinated about 1,500 members at clinics inside its healthcare facilities on its territories.
“We’ve come too far to stop now. The lives you protect could be your own. Your family, friends, and neighbors. And this virus doesn’t know geography. So let’s all roll up our sleeves and work together,” said Armstrong.
Joshua is now fully vaccinated, and had to wait a bit before he could leave.
“Oh, so thankful. It really…it hits the mark. And it shows that they care,” said Holsinger.
Seneca Nation EMS were on standby for anyone who needed it.
