On May 12, 2020, Fennimore Area Health Services Committee convened a virtual “Zoom” special meeting to discuss a response to the Covid-19 pandemic and how FAHS could best meet our mission statement of “promote the health and safety of the community of Fennimore.
Since 1983 FAHS has been active in promoting the health and safety of the community. Examples are: building a clinic, recruiting physicians, awarding scholarships to students entering health care fields, donating to local fire, EMS and library, owning and leasing a building for a local pharmacy and donating AED’s to schools.
In early 2020 the Center for Disease Control (CDC) announced that the United States was beginning to experience an outbreak of coronavirus initially seen in Wuhan, China in late 2019, thus Covid-19. This viral pandemic spread quickly and 36 countries, including the US, were impacted in February. (from Morbidity/ Mortality Report CDC March, 6, 2020) In March Wisconsin began seeing cases resulting in a Safer at Home Order March 19.
With “Safer at Home” schools and businesses closed, employees were furloughed, child care was affected, hospitals experienced personal protective equipment shortages, and nursing homes and hospitals were closed to visitors. Wisconsin is now entering “Bounce Back” phase. The virus has not been eliminated and there are people who are more high risk than others.
During this difficult time, Fennimore Area Health Services has continued its efforts to protect the health and safety of our community.
Examples are:
- Monetary donation to the local food pantry and the Fennimore Food Ladies to assist local families in need of food
- Donations to fire dept and EMS for purchase of needed personal protective equipment
- Fabric purchase and making of masks for distribution to local businesses
- Scholarship awards
- Ads in local papers encouraging use of masks and social distancing when needed
Although not everyone agrees with recommendations from the CDC or local health dept., we are all in this together. FAHS wishes to continue to promote the health and safety of our community.
If any reader has ideas for the committee please contact a board member…John Wells, Sally Rosemeyer or Vicki Marish