UPDATE 2/13/21 9 AM: The Tri-County health departments say they're scaling back vaccination appointments as the state drastically reduces the allocation of
The battle for Peoria City Council’s 3rd District involves the incumbent, a former seat-holder and a political newcomer.
The field includes Tim Riggenbach, who has won the last three elections to represent the district; Gale Thetford, who held the seat for two terms; and activist and writer Lawrence Maushard.
Gale Thetford
Thetford, 68, served 21 years as general counsel for the Illinois Department on Aging. She served two terms as the representative of the district, from 1997 to 2005, before losing the spot to Bob Manning.
Thetford touts advocating for Heartland Health Services, for which she sits on the board of directors. Two recent actions by the agency the purchase of the Wisconsin Plaza and its presence alongside OSF HealthCare at the former Cub Foods site not only have boosted medical care of the East Bluff but helped stabilize the 3rd District, she said.
Tory Dahlhoff / WCBU
OSF HealthCare administered just over 4,000 first doses of COVID-19 vaccines in the last three weeks in the Tri-County region, according to Chief Nursing Officer Sarah Overton.
OSF began vaccinating patients in mid-January in the 1B category that includes people 65 and older. Overton said nearly 100% of those patients in Peoria County have received an invitation for their vaccine appointment.
“So now we’re pivoting into second doses which means we got to have the capacity to bring everybody we just vaccinated in and also stay up with our allotment,” said Overton.
Those allotments are awarded by the county health departments to vaccination sites and rely on distribution at the state and federal levels.
Peoria, IL, USA 104.9 The Wolf
1470-100.3 WMBD/Kristina Leahy
PEORIA, Ill. Area health officials continually emphasized patience regarding COVID-19 vaccinations during the Peoria City/County Health Department’s weekly COVID-19 news conference on Thursday.
“The keys for vaccination at UnityPoint Health is number one, we are going to call you,” said Dr. Samer Sader, Chief Medical Officer at UnityPoint Health. “Wait for our phone call when we call you.
“If you miss it, just call us back. We will get you on the line to get vaccinated. The supply of vaccine is short, so don’t come if we don’t call you. It’s not an open window or a walk-in clinic.”