By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle Post
COVID-19 cases continue to increase throughout the northwest portion of the Panhandle. Chadron Community Hospital and Health Services CEO Nathan Hough sent a letter to citizens pressing them to do their part to help protect themselves and those around them.
The letter from Hough is below.
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Dear Dawes County and surrounding area,
We Midwesterners are strong independent people. We are used to relying and providing for ourselves and would do anything for our neighbors. In difficult times, we are known for pulling together as a community, we can handle any situation and don’t like to be told what to do. These traits are a legacy we are proud of, but something has come along that is out of our control. As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to rise in our community, we have growing concerns as to what the future may bring unless our community works together in acting very soon.
The impacts of this pandemic can put both our families, patients and our healthcare workers at risk. Chadron Community Hospital and Health Services is here to take care of our communities.
Our hospital staff is currently working very hard with the COVID-19 surge that is upon us and everyone at our facility is greatly concerned for the well-being of the local population. We have a loyal and dedicated team of men and women working here and as can be imagined, are being strong both mentally and physically in providing the care needed. Working in full personal protective equipment is not easy and can be extremely draining for our health care workers; however, it is necessary to protect their own health so that they can continue to care for our patients.
We, as with all hospitals across the state, have limited supplies and a limited amount of space. If the virus numbers don’t slow down, we’ll be faced with extremely difficult decisions. This makes me very concerned as to availability of resources to serve patients, whether they have contracted COVID-19 or not.
So, what can be done to improve this situation? It’s actually very simple.
Wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, maintain six feet of social distance and avoid the 3 Cs (crowded places, close contacts and confined spaces). These preventative measures are important and can significantly curb the spread.
Remember we would do anything for our neighbors and when difficult times happen, we are known for pulling together as a community. Now is the time to do your part to protect yourself and your neighbors.
With the holidays fast approaching, it’s even more important to do your part. By taking preventative actions now, we can protect our family and friends from this potentially deadly virus.
I implore you as residents of your community to work together and help us control COVID-19 in our communities.
Sincerely,
Nathan Hough
CEO
Chadron Community Hospital and Health Services