Canyon Vista Medical Center Welcomes National Disaster Medical Assistance Team

(Sierra Vista, AZ – January 28, 2022)  - In light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Canyon Vista Medical Center (CVMC) made the decision to apply for federal assistance and resources to help support facility operations and ensure it can continue providing the best possible care for patients.

On January 27, hospital leadership was notified that application was approved and that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will deploy a team of 14 medical professionals from its National Disaster Medical System (NDMS). The team begins seeing patients as early as this weekend.

“We understand how important it is for people to be close to home and loved ones when they are ill,” CEO Shaun Phillips said. “While this help will benefit our staff, we know it will also benefit our community and help us make our communities healthier.”

The federal team of 14 includes physicians, a respiratory therapist, advance healthcare practitioners, nurses, paramedics, and safety, logistics, and administrative support National Disaster Medical System specialists. They will help care for current patients and provide additional assistance to support the various operational needs of the hospital. The NDMS team will be on site for 14 days. After the initial surge support, the state may submit a request for a second team to deploy for an additional 14 days.

“This NDMS team will provide much needed support to all of our departments and allow us to better serve our patients and community,” said Associate Chief Nursing Officer Cosette Britton. “CVMC has a lot to offer Sierra Vista and Cochise County, and having more clinical staff ensures that we can continue operating at a high level as we navigate this surge of the pandemic.”

The hospital continues to strongly encourage community members to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

“Our message to the community is to take COVID-19 seriously,” CEO Shaun Phillips said. “If you haven’t yet, please get your vaccine and wear your mask when you are unable to maintain social distance. Our facility is still here ready to safety care for you and your family.”