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Statement by Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, D-N.M.
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Year of turbulence comes to an end
Editor’s pics : Top 5 story categories for 2020
Because the COVID lifecycle generated many stories in many categories in 2020 from the declaration of the global pandemic to how it impacted the economy, closed the schools, overwhelmed the hospitals and medical centers, the competition to get personal protective equipment and ventilators, the realization that certain populations were hit harder due to poverty, race-related factors and pre-existing medical conditions, alcoholism, homelessness and cultural issues found on the reservations, including lack of running water and crowded lifestyles, it was hard to choose a single story to represent all of these and more.
So, I chose TWO: The...
Because the COVID lifecycle generated many stories in many categories in 2020 from the declaration of the global pandemic to how it impacted the economy, closed the schools, overwhelmed the hospitals and medical centers, the competition to get personal protective equipment and ventilators, the realization that certain populations were hit harder due to poverty, race-related factors and pre-existing medical conditions, alcoholism, homelessness and cultural issues found on the reservations, including lack of running water and crowded lifestyles, it was hard to choose a single story to represent all of these and more.
So, I chose TWO: The...
2020 Local story # 1: McKinney asks governor to proclaim a state of emergency
![Outgoing Gallup Mayor Jackie McKinney. April 30 was his final day as mayor. File Photo](/images/resized/images/news/2016/301_jan08/13_100_100.jpg)
Gallup’s outgoing mayor Jackie McKinney asked for a state of emergency within the City of Gallup April 30. McKinney called on the governor to declare a state of emergency pursuant to “the Riot Control Act” (NMSA 1978 12-10-16 through 12-10-21) within the boundaries of the City of Gallup.
In his letter, McKinney said, “This request is being made as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak in our community, which constitutes an unprecedented health crisis. The virus has caused many deaths, stretched our medical facilities and resources to their capacity, and adversely impacted the welfare of the City of Gallup. Our community...
2020 Local story # 2: COVID vaccines roll out across Gallup, Navajo Nation
When the first coronavirus vaccines were distributed to Crownpoint Health Care Facility Dec. 14, it created “a lot of excitement” and “anxious feelings,” according to U.S. Public Health Service Lt. Kali Autrey, a pharmacist clinician.
But more than that, a health official at the hospital in McKinley County was compelled to have the vaccines “blessed.”
“It was beautiful,” Autrey said.
Within minutes, she volunteered to be the first to take the COVID-19 vaccine. The shots were the first to be distributed to health care centers around the country, including those within the Indian Health Services, thanks to the Trump Administration’s Operation Warp Speed.
“I guess I...
But more than that, a health official at the hospital in McKinley County was compelled to have the vaccines “blessed.”
“It was beautiful,” Autrey said.
Within minutes, she volunteered to be the first to take the COVID-19 vaccine. The shots were the first to be distributed to health care centers around the country, including those within the Indian Health Services, thanks to the Trump Administration’s Operation Warp Speed.
“I guess I...
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