While cases are climbing nationally, regionally and locally, many agencies continue to partner to support in responding to medical needs of COVID-19. The County works with local and regional hospitals, other counties, the State, local businesses and organizations to create a network of supports and response to the current Coronavirus pandemic.

Recently, Tahoe Forest Hospital System, the Truckee Tahoe Airport, Mountain Lion Aviation and Nevada County worked with Stanford University Medical Center and Santa Clara County to deliver Remdesivir, a life-saving medication that could shorten the duration and severity of illness related to COVID-19, to a local patient with COVID-19. This medication is a scarce resource. Distribution throughout the state of California is extremely limited and highly sought-after. Nevada County had only been allotted 5 courses of Remdesivir, all of which were promptly used by patients in critical care. 

When Tahoe Forest Hospital had another critical care patient in need of the medication, they called Nevada County Public Health’s Medical and Health Operational Area Coordinator (MHOAC) who helped coordinate with our State regional support, Region IV Regional Disaster Medical Health Specialist (RDMHS) to see if there was Remdesivir courses available in the region. Santa Clara County’s MHOAC responded to the statewide request and helped to coordinate with Stanford University Hospital who generously offered a course of Remdesivir from their own limited allotment to Nevada County and Tahoe Forest Hospital System.

Early during the Coronavirus pandemic in April, Nevada County received an offer from the Truckee Tahoe Airport to donate fuel, aircraft, and pilot services for any COVID-19 emergency needs. They helped coordinate with Mountain Lion Aviation to arrange a flight to quickly retrieve the Remdesivir in San Jose. With a flight time of under two hours, the Remdesivir was able to be quickly delivered Tahoe Forest Hospital and administered to the patient in critical care.

This success story was dependent on every single agency and person who volunteered to make this extraordinary effort happen. Thank you to our partners at Tahoe Forest Hospital System, Truckee Tahoe Airport, Mountain Lion Aviation, Santa Clara County, and Stanford University Hospital for their contributions in this life-saving effort.