ABOUT THE PROJECT #
With Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Foundation’s (CDCF) support, NSS has launched this project from June 15, 2021 through April 29, 2022. Through this Project, we aim to increase equitable vaccine coverage among Nepali communities in the Pacific Northwest.
Funding for this effort is made possible through a sub-award from the CDC Foundation and is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) financial assistance award totaling $25,660,048 with 100 percent funding from CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government.
Our Project goals and activities align with the following CDC Foundations Principles:
- Authentic community inclusion, engagement and partnerships in prioritizing and accomplishing work
- Build a Vibrant, healthy, resilient and prosperous communities where everyone can live their healthiest lives and contribute to the wellbeing of their families and communities
- Promote the building blocks of individual and community health.
Our Project’s main objective is to reach Nepali-speaking people in Washington and Oregon States who otherwise would not be able to navigate the healthcare system easily, and who have had difficulty finding accurate information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine and influenza vaccine and services. It is of paramount importance to spread awareness of the vaccines and the vaccination process, and to encourage Nepali-speaking people to continue to follow CDC protocols. Furthermore, we seek to encourage our youth members to lead these communication efforts to further empower themselves and their community.
These are the three main objectives that we will be working towards:
- Equip influential messengers in the Nepali communities by providing training and materials.
- Increase COVID-19 and Influenza vaccination opportunities and enhance provider partnerships for Nepali communities.
- Establish NSS partnerships with state and local health departments and other community-based organizations (CBOs)
ABOUT THE TEAM #
Dasharath Budhathoki #
Present President of NSS, Social Affairs Advisor
Maya Magarati, PhD #
Saurav Kakshapati #
Vice President NSS, Technical advisor
Leema Pradhan #
Program Manager
Nitin Thapa, ND #
Rachit Raj Shrestha #
Rachit is the communications officer of the NEYPVAL team.
He did his Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Photography and Cinematography from the Evergreen State College.
Since then, he has been working with local artist in Seattle as well as making short documentaries with NGOs and INGOs in Nepal, India and Bangladesh.
He hopes to use his medium to bring awareness around social issues in our communities and be a voice for change.
Shraddha Malla #
Shraddha is serving as the public health officer for the NEYPVAL project.
She graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health-Global Health in March of 2021.
Since then, she has been working towards healthcare equity and providing services for vulnerable communities.
Her career goals are to improve health outcomes by working with communities and health systems.
She has recently joined the Master’s program at the University of Washington to learn about Healthcare Administration and to further her career goals.
Born and raised in Nepal, she enjoys eating Mo:Mo: and watching shows in her free time.
One of her favorite quotes is:
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style”.
Maya Angelou
Shubhechha Shakya #
Financial and Administrative Assistant
Shubhechha is a financial and administrative assistant working for the NEYPVAL team in NSS.
She is also volunteering in NSS committees like youth, cultural, IT, Nepali translation.
She grew up in Nepal and moved to the US five years ago with her family.
She is currently doing her bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity and System Administration.
She aspires to be a leading security analyst and influence women to join the cybersecurity field.
Apart from that, she likes watching movies with her brother, writing poems, and cooking.
Some of her go-to life advice are:
“When people dig into your past and failure, keep yourself distant from them.”
