Our Viewpoint

In the age where just about anything can be delivered to your doorstep in a couple of days, it's important to remember the importance of vital services such as medical care.

My brother and I were born at Clark Fork Valley Hospital. When I was 8 and broke my foot in a snowmobile accident, Dr. Randy Lovell met us at his clinic on a Sunday to x-ray it and put a cast on. When my friend had an accident a few years ago that resulted in a huge gash on his forehead (also on a Sunday), the physician at the hospital that day said he could find a plastic surgeon in Missoula the next day or he could suture the injury himself. He didn't leave a scar.

We're lucky to have such great medical care in a rural area. When critical care is needed, our providers are there.

Last Saturday I got my first COVID-19 vaccination. The day before, someone commented on how excited I seemed to get the vaccine. Of course I was. That little shot is something I can do to protect myself and others. Now that most of the high-risk population is vaccinated in the county, I felt very fortunate to get that call.

If you've spoken with anyone who has received their vaccination at the hospital, you've heard how smooth the process is. I saw that for myself on Saturday. They had employees about every 5-10 feet ushering residents through the process. It was so efficient and the positive energy was such that it reminded me of a group of kids waiting in line to see Santa Claus.

Many rural areas still don't have access to critical care. We're thankful that we do, and that our providers are constantly striving to provide more services and the best care to the residents of Sanders County.