jsorensen@fairmontsentinel.com
FAIRMONT As the country seemingly begins to see progress in combating COVID-19, local efforts are slowly but surely underway. Community Health sanitarian Tim Langer of Community Health and Human Services of Faribault and Martin Counties recently shared that patience is a virtue when it comes to receiving the vaccine.
Langer has also noted that Human Services would periodically provide updates on local efforts. In keeping with that effort, Langer shared some information from Human Services.
As of Jan. 30, 2021, 1,307 individuals in Martin County have received at least their first vaccination for COVID-19. 6.5 percent of the population has received at least one dose. 903 individuals in Faribault County have received at least their first vaccination for COVID-19. 6.5 percent of the population has received at least one dose. January 26, one day ahead of schedule. All 100 doses were distributed to individuals identified in priority group 1A within 72 h
Cut budgets or raise taxes?
COVID-19 rescue plans have wreaked havoc on federal, state and local budgets. While many of the items in the rescue plans are needed such as the paycheck protection program, eviction protection, K-12 school funding and stimulus checks. Some items are not. Why does someone who has not lost income, get the $600 stimulus check? Why should someone on unemployment make more money than when they were working due to receiving the additional $600 and now $300 per week on top of their unemployment check?
Federal, State and Local officials will be making tough decisions on balancing budgets and raising taxes will be an option. We hope they look at reducing budgets first to fix the ever-growing debt.
jsorensen@fairmontsentinel.com
FAIRMONT With COVID-19 vaccines slowly becoming available, there are a lot of questions as to how distribution works on a local level. According to information provided by Community Health sanitarian Tim Langer of Community Health and Human Services of Faribault and Martin Counties, there is a very limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine in Minnesota. Langer notes that while questions persist, there must be patience.
“The emphasis really is on patience, because we’ve only received a very limited amount of vaccines at this point, and it’s been going to those people in the 1A category,” Langer said. “Over the next month or two I think we’ll hopefully reach the point where everybody who wants to get vaccinated can get vaccinated.”
Man gives to needy
Kudos to Eric Leach for turning a personal negative into a group positive. Put out of work due to an injury, Leach chose to find a way to help others during his own time of hardship, by gathering donations and giving them to the elderly and families in need. As we approach the Christmas season, Leach serves as an example to all of us. While 2020 has been stressful and painful for many, let’s not forget that there are people still willing to help their fellow man.
Mental health aid
Human Services of Faribault and Martin counties will be offering free mental health first aid courses in the first three months of the new year. The courses teach people how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance abuse disorders. The courses are sure to be a benefit to those who take them, as well as their friends and loved ones. Many people have struggled throughout this pandemic, losing businesses and suffering depression. We hope these course
Sentinel Correspondent
FAIRMONT Human Services of Faribault and Martin counties will be offering free mental health first aid courses in the first three months of the new year. The eight-hour course is being offered through the National Council for Behavioral Health.
Mental health first aid teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance abuse disorders.
Caroline McCourt is the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership coordinator for FMCHS. She explained how the courses came to be offered.
“When the pandemic began, some of the ag producers and meat packaging plants were closing down, farmers were having a difficult time and some had to slaughter many of their animals. It all had a ripple effect in our community, along with everything else piling on. There was a lot of uncertainty,” McCourt explained.