Vaccine Updates
Vaccinations at Unity Care NW
Unity Care NW is happy to have begun providing vaccinations to our patients but please note that the number of eligible patients far exceeds the vaccine supply at this time. While we anticipate this will improve over the upcoming months, we are currently prioritizing our most vulnerable community members first for vaccination. All patients should be able to receive the vaccine in the upcoming months. Vaccine supply remains low at UNCW. Please do not call to inquire about vaccine appointments. Our phone system is overwhelmed at this critical time. Appointments are required in order to receive a vaccination, but we are contacting eligible patients to schedule vaccinations as we receive more vaccine. Thank you for your patience.
More information is available here.
State COVID-19 Information Hotline
The Washington State Department of Health offers a state COVID-19 information hotline where specialists can answer questions on a variety of COVID-19 topics, including symptoms and testing, exposure to the virus, recommended isolation and quarantine periods, and WA Notify (the state’s exposure notification app). Additionally, hotline specialists may be able to make COVID-19 vaccination appointments for eligible Washingtonians who do not have internet access, or need help using Phase Finder and online appointment scheduling tools.
Hotline information is available on the state’s COVID-19 contact page. To reach the state COVID-19 information hotline, dial 1-800-525-0127, then press #. Language assistance is available.
Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at BTC
Beginning in March of 2021, Unity Care will partner with other healthcare providers and the county Health Department to provide a mass vaccination site for Whatcom County residents at Bellingham Technical College. Appointments will be required in order to receive a vaccination and the site will only provide vaccine to those in the current phases and tiers identified by the WA Department of Health. Find your phase with Washington’s Phase Finder tool.
Read a press release about the planned Vaccination Clinic here.
If you think you may have Coronavirus
If you have a fever, a cough, or feel short of breath, you can still be seen at Unity Care NW. Please call ahead of time at (360) 676-6177 before coming to our offices. We will take extra precautions to protect staff and other patients. Currently, all patients are being screened at the front entrance before entering the building. Screening includes a temperature check and several questions. Failure to respond truthfully to screener questions could result in denial of future services.
If you are experiencing severe shortness of breath or symptoms of a severe illness, call 911.
Our After Hours Nurse Line is (360) 255-5334. If you are uninsured or have insurance coverage through Community Health Plan of Washington, you can call the Community Health Plan of Washington’s Nurse Advice Line at (866) 418-1002.
Community Resources
Housing Assistance
There are two new housing assistance programs to help people having difficulty with rent and mortgages payments because of COVID-19. Find more information about eligibility about these programs and how to get help here.
Food Assistance
Bellingham Food Bank News
The Bellingham Food Bank is now offering pre-packed food boxes at updated drive-up locations below, until further notice. You can visit twice a week and choose any location. There is car, walk-up, and bike accessibility. You can pick up food boxes for up to two families. For more information about dates, times, and locations, click here for flyers in English, Spanish, and Russian.
WIC Program
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is open for business! Benefits are delivered remotely. To find the WIC clinic near you, call 1-800-322-2588 or text “WIC” to 96859. If your situation has changed due to COVID-19, you may qualify for WIC. Find out by calling 1-800-322-2588. Families who don’t use WIC could help our WIC families by leaving WIC products on the shelf and choosing something else if possible. The products marked with a WIC shelf tag are the only things WIC families are able to buy with their WIC benefit.
Food and Meal Resource Guide– Whatcom County food bank information
Basic Food Emergency Supplement – Information about extra benefits for SNAP recipients
Relief Resources and Services
Parenting Academy – Virtual one-on-one and group support
WECU – Crisis Relief
Transportation Resources
Whatcom Transit Authority (WTA) – COVID-19 protocols
Interested in Donating Supplies for Health Care Workers?
Information on making donations through the Whatcom County Unified Command can be found here.
Wellness Resources
Coping with COVID
View Unity Care NW’s class “Coping with COVID” here. Learn about resiliency, positive thinking, and other strategies for optimizing your mental health during the pandemic. Contact megan.stephenson@ucnw.org or call 360-296-7185 for more info.
The class resource packet is available here.
Additional resources for taking care of your mental health:
- The state of Washington has created a website which includes mental and emotional support resources for Washingtonians. The Washington Listens program will provide supportive counseling to anyone who needs it during this heightened time of stress. You can call as often and you want, and talk as long as you need. 1-833-681-0211.
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