Nov. 14, 2023. Reno/Sparks, Nev. A documentary showcasing the COVID-19 response in Washoe County was selected and confirmed for screening at the American Public Health Association’s 2023 Public Health Film Festival, which is currently happening in Atlanta.

The documentary, which can be viewed here, gives a behind-the-scenes look at the COVID-19 regional response that was led by Northern Nevada Public Health (formerly Washoe County Health District), with support from the City of Reno, City of Sparks, Washoe County, Nevada National Guard, REMSA Health, Reno Fire, Sparks Fire, Truckee Meadows Fire, Medical Reserve Corp and Community Emergency Response Team volunteers,  area hospitals and many more organizations.

“This documentary was made and will be archived for historical purposes to show the significant contributions of our agency, local organizations and volunteers to help people in Washoe County,” said Kevin Dick, District Health Officer for NNPH. “Sadly, we have lost nearly 1,400 people in Washoe County because of COVID-19 and many more who are experiencing side effects of COVID-19 that are negatively impacting their quality of life.

“When I reflect on the damage that COVID-19 did, it’s heartbreaking. But I can’t help but think about how much worse it could have been if not for the efforts of many dedicated people, whether it was with administering vaccines or tests, disease investigation, our call center, communications, administrative services and so much more. I’m proud of the work we did!”

Current COVID-19 data and information (in English and Spanish) is still available at www.COVID19Washoe.com. For COVID-19 vaccines, please visit vaccines.gov. If you are uninsured, NNPH can help.

Please note the Washoe County Health District changed its name to Northern Nevada Public Health on Aug. 31, 2023. More information is here.

Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making District Board of Health. NNPH consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.