Desire to return to family fueling Choteau man s COVID recovery
By: John Riley
and last updated 2021-05-03 21:11:14-04
Since COVID-19 first appeared in the Treasure State back in March of 2020, more than 5,000 Montanans have been hospitalized because of the virus. Choteau resident and U.S. Army veteran Ron Daley, 57, has spent the last six months in a hospital bed because of how the virus has ravaged his body. What started as a lingering cough would eventually lead to hospitalization, being put on a ventilator and paralysis. Under the care of the staff at the VA Medical Center at Fort Harrison, Daley has relearned to talk and gain the function of his left arm. He still has significant challenges with his other arm and is unable to walk at this time. He also has some memory difficulties.
Thatâs according to U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont.
On Tuesday afternoon, Tester and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough toured the veterans home during a stop in Butte.
People in Butte never give up, Tester said.
Regional veterans teamed up with politicians and others to bring the $20 million project to fruition. Tester, current chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, had helped secure funding for the project, as had other politicians from both parties.
âThis is good for our veterans,â he said.
Some of those veterans were turned away Tuesday afternoon when they came for the visit by Tester and McDonough. They were told that attendance at the indoor meeting had to be limited because of COVID-19.
Red Cross donates hundreds of items for four Montana VA programs kbzk.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from kbzk.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Montana VA receives first doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
By: Eric Jochim
and last updated 2020-12-23 11:22:46-05
HELENA â The VA Medical Center at Fort Harrison in Helena received its first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday.
According to a release, the shipment of the vaccine arrived right around 8 a.m.
Courtesy: Montana VA Health Care System
VA officials say it will begin administering the vaccine within several hours of its arrival. The Moderna vaccine requires two doses to be administered 28 days apart to be effective. The vaccine s manufacturer says it is about 94 percent effective.
As vaccines become available for more groups of veterans, MTVAHCS care teams will contact eligible veterans to schedule vaccinations. There is no need to preregister or come to a facility to sign up.
Montana VA physician/MT ARNG colonel shares his thoughts on COVID vaccine
By: John Riley
and last updated 2020-12-18 21:08:51-05
HELENA â Millions of frontline workers are receiving their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this month. Vice President Pence received his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine Friday morning on live television, President Trump has supported vaccination efforts, and former presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton have said they d be willing to get vaccinated on camera.
Even with that support, the recommendation of the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and some of the most peer-reviewed data ever regarding the safety and effectiveness of a vaccine, the frontline workers taking the vaccine are stepping into a bit of the unknown. A act in the service of their patients and community.