Medical resources stretched thin

Dear Sanders County Citizens,

We are currently experiencing a resurgence of COVID-19 infections. Over the last few weeks, we have cared for an increased number of patients who are very ill with COVID-19. Many are younger and previously healthy. It is clear that COVID-19 is back with vengeance.

We care deeply about our neighbors, friends, family, patients, and community. Most of the severe COVID-19 infections we are seeing are in unvaccinated individuals. About 90% of people who have been hospitalized with COVID-19 in Montana over the past 2 months are unvaccinated. During this time, nearly all of the severe illness and death we have witnessed from this was preventable. Please keep in mind the indirect consequence of hospitalizations for COVID-19: If all the hospitals are full caring for a preventable hospitalization, you or your loved ones may be unable to access critical care for routine treatable conditions such as heart attack, stroke or motor vehicle accidents.

We strongly urge you to get vaccinated if you have not done so already. Vaccine options are now widely available — at Clark Fork Valley Hospital & Family Medicine Network, Sanders County Public Health and our local pharmacies. These vaccines have a good safety profile, especially when compared to the hazards of COVID-19. Medical resources in Western Montana are again stretched thin, and getting vaccinated is one thing you can do to help.

Ronald Black, MD

Robert Blease, MD

David Boharski, CRNA

Donald Damschen, MD

John Drye, MD

Alexandra Flerchinger, APRN

Gregory Hanson, MD

Nicholas Lawyer, PA-C

Benny Lindeman, PA-C

Matthew Madden, APRN

Erik Nevatt, MD

Jennifer Strine, PA-C

Jessica Valentine, MD

Jeanne Williams, MD, PhD