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Citizens of the Month: Logan County Department of Public Health team

Daily Ledger - 2/13/2021

Feb. 13—They knew something bad was coming and it was only a matter of time until Logan County felt the impact.

Team members of the Logan County Department of Public Health have put in extra effort for the last 11 months in the fight against protecting its citizens against the COVID-19 virus. The Courier honors their dedication to health and safety and is naming the team as Citizens of the Month.

Back in March 2020 an announcement was made warning the public of an approaching deadly virus. Kara Davis, assistant administrator of LCDPH, sent a statement to the public saying they were postponing services at the Health Department due to the Center for Disease warning of the virus spreading from person to person.

The first death in Logan County due to COVID-19 came in August which brought the reality of the situation in focus for all.

"The first death was hard. I spoke to the wife and got tearful. It just made it real," said Davis.

Mary Anderson, who handles communicable diseases and a registered nurse, said at first some were in denial about the virus.

"People I would call on the phone to tell them they had tested positive didn't believe it was true. They would question the test results," said Anderson.

Anderson said she found it interesting to learn about the Spanish Flu in Logan County and how they dealt with the situation in the 1800's.

"If you look back at the photos and see those in our same capacity, they were wearing the same cotton masks that we are wearing today," she continued.

Fay Allison, who is the emergency response coordinator/environmental health specialist, said even though no one ever anticipated living through a pandemic she was amazed by the amount of support she witnessed while going to work each day.

"I am blown away by the amount of support that we gave each other. We pulled together and endured a lot. I feel we stood together as one and built each other up. We make a great team," said Allison.

Tara Comstock, who serves as the support services supervisor, shook her head in agreement.

"We are more than a team, we are more like a family," said Comstock.

Five months into the pandemic the department felt the loss of Ryan Williams who once served as the director of environmental health and played a role in the clinics.

"That was very tough and we leaned on each other," said Allison with many team members wiping away tears from their eyes.

Dana Oltmanns and Sara Notto, who handle the Women, Infants and Children program, said many changes were made due to pandemic.

"We serve over 400 families and all appointments were moved to over the phone. We created a pick up station in the parking lot so clients would not go without," said Oltmanns.

"Our work load increased overall and it was amazing how we adjusted to the situation," added Notto.

One thing the team stressed was on top of their pandemic duties they also had other duties to complete at the agency.

Katherine Yaple, who handles the finances for LCDPH, said the public didn't understand the pressure they were put under.

"People think we go untouched by this. People think the day ends and we go home, but we just can't forget about those who we have encountered," said Yaple.

Allison was grateful for those in the medical profession who had retired or those who simply volunteered their time to support.

"I can't thank those who came to help us with the clinics and offered support when we felt overwhelmed," said Allison.

Yaple said she enjoyed when a person in the community would bring something to eat or drink for the group that reinforced the message that they were appreciated.

"One day at a clinic someone brought us coffee from Guest House," said Yaple with a smile.

Comstock added to Yaple's statement.

"It's a morale booster when you feel you are appreciated," she responded.

Davis said one of the most frustrating things about this is listening to the snide comments being made to her team mates.

"I understand we are all facing the fear of getting the virus but people need to be nice. We are doing the best we can," said Davis.

Kari Slager, who is a licensed practical nurse working with the communicable disease area, is monitoring the vaccines given in Logan County.

"Since the start of 2021 we have made headway in the process. We have given 1,400 vaccines since New Year's Day," said Slager.

Notto said she as well as her family have survived the COVID-19 virus but worries about the lasting effects of the contagion.

"I don't think people realize the seriousness of this. I have an uncle that had it and is still going to physical therapy due to the virus," said Notto who added one of her friends who likes to run told her she couldn't do it like before having the virus.

"There is more to consider because at this point we just don't know what is in the future."

Davis said she is encouraged by the vaccine and hopes everyone will consider the option.

"Right now we have gotten through the first round shot and will start working on the second. I ask for everyone's patience."

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