 National Forests in North Carolina, in collaboration with AmeriCorps, is excited to announce that it is hiring for two full-time temporary VISTA positions for the Appalachian and Cheoah-Tusquitee Ranger Districts. With support of the United States Forest Service Southern Region Volunteers & Service Programs, VISTAs will further partnership and resource development opportunities. Additionally, VISTAs will assist with the recruitment and management of volunteers and service participants as well as support integrative projects for different program areas (recreation, biology, fire, archeology, etc.) in their assigned national forests. VISTAs engage the community they serve to generate interest and commitment to impact-driven activities. These positions stand to benefit local communities by increasing sustainable recreation, workforce developments and resource development. Current AmeriCorps VISTA member Lindsey Nelson says, “This position has given me the tools and experience needed to move forward with my career while providing opportunities to engage in hands-on work at some of the most beautiful sites in western North Carolina." Successful applicants will receive a non-compete hiring authority for Forest Service positions, a benefit which expedites the hiring process by allowing qualified candidates to be placed into positions following the completion of their service. In addition to the direct hiring authority, VISTAs will receive a living allowance, training, professional development funds, a relocation allowance, health care benefits and childcare assistance for those who are eligible. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in joining the Forest Service or working in natural resource management. Interested applicants can apply online for the Appalachian and Cheoah-Tusquitee positions. The priority application deadline is February 11, 2022. The positions will begin April 11, 2022. VISTAs will have the option to serve one to two years. Applicants must be 18 years or older. For more information, please contact Patricia Silva at 304-860-0371 or psilva@conservationlegacy.org.  Current AmeriCorps VISTA, Lindsey Nelson, holding a native phenotype grass plug at a planting event organized by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy on Max Patch Bald. The event was attended by Carolina Mountain Club and Appalachian Trail Conservancy volunteers as well as local community members.  The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today updated the COVID-19 vaccination dashboard to better show how many people in North Carolina are up to date with current COVID-19 vaccination recommendations.
NCDHHS has added state-level and county metrics on people who are vaccinated with at least one booster/additional dose. The "Fully Vaccinated" metric is now "Vaccinated with Two Doses or One Dose J&J." The dashboard shows the percent of people who have: received at least one or two doses of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccination series (Pfizer and Moderna); one dose of a one-dose series (Johnson & Johnson); and, now, vaccinated individuals who have received at least one booster/additional dose. The booster/additional dose data will be shown by population (5+, 12+, 18+ and 65+) to reflect the percent of the vaccinated population who is eligible and has received at least one additional/booster dose. The county map on the "Summary Data" tab now allows users to view county-level data on total booster/additional doses administered. These additional data will help NCDHHS provide better transparency for vaccinations and additional and booster doses administered across the state. North Carolinians can go to MySpot.nc.gov to find a vaccine location near them. The North Carolina Vaccine Help Center at 888-675-4567 can also help you make an appointment. It is open 7 a.m.–7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. on weekends. The FDA now authorizes and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends individuals who received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine get a booster dose after five months. This announcement from federal agencies comes just three days after the announcement of a shortened wait time for a booster from six months to five months for individuals who received the Pfizer vaccine. Current recommendation for COVID-19 boosters is:
Adults may receive any brand of the COVID-19 vaccine for their booster, while children 12 to 17 can only receive Pfizer. NCDHHS encourages individuals to speak with a doctor, nurse or pharmacist if they have questions about what booster is right for them. Boosters are available anywhere COVID-19 vaccines are available. People do not need a doctor's note to get a booster shot. Individuals who want to receive a booster will need to know the dates of any past COVID-19 vaccinations as well as the vaccine brand they originally received. Paper vaccination cards are helpful but may not be necessary. At-home vaccination and free transportation may be available. More information about COVID-19 vaccine boosters is available on NCDHHS’s website. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines in North Carolina or to find a vaccine location, visit MySpot.nc.gov or call the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Help Center for free at 888-675-4567. El tiempo de espera para recibir la dosis de refuerzo de |