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DAYTON–Columbia County is opening a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Fairgrounds Pavilion beginning Wednesday, January 27 and Thursday, January 28. According to Public Health Administrator Martha Lanman, individuals aged 65 or older should call the Public Health office at 509-382-2181 to be scheduled for a time slot.
The Commissioners approved the use of the Fairgrounds for a vaccine clinic for the week of January 25 at the BOCC January 19 meeting. Lanman announced the news at the Columbia County Commissioners' meeting January 25.
Lanman said the local Health Department plans to schedule vaccines to be administered based on how much they are told they are receiving by the State. "I ask for everybody's patience because we are only getting a certain amount of vaccine into our community," Lanman said. "I'm hoping the allocation will continue to increase over the coming weeks and we can have a steady flow of vaccine in and vaccine out. We are scheduling the vaccines as we get them and doing the best that we can. The hospital is doing a fantastic job getting this vaccine clinic set up added to their work load of everything that they do–to be able to do these vaccination clinics long term in our community."
Lanman also reported that COVID case numbers rose from zero last week to four by Tuesday, January 26.
Commissioner Chuck Amerein questioned Lanman about choosing a local Public Health Officer to use in place of Larry Jecca, M.D., who is retiring but will continue through the next several months of the pandemic. Walla Walla also used Dr. Jecca and have replaced him with Dr. Kaminsky who practices there. Amerein spoke specifically of the interest in the position by Lewis Neace, D.O. Amerein claimed after speaking with him that Dr. Neace understands the rigors of pursuing the position.
Lanman, while open to the possibility of having someone local to serve as the Public Health Officer, stated that she thought it might be too much training for a position that will not have much purpose locally after COVID recedes. She also emphasized wanting someone who has shared view, not in direct correlation with Neace.
A health officer provides expertise, helps craft policy and health orders, and guides the Board of Health on its health strategies and concerns.
Lanman said that she would talk directly Neace and continue the conversation with the Commissioners.
Discussions at the January 19, 2020 meeting were about the Resolution 2021-46, the renovation progress made on the Public Health office, and House Bill 1029.
The County has been working on the renovation of the offices at 112 North Second Street for the Public Health office to move to by the end of next month. Chelsey Eaton, Public Health Program Coordinator, said that the offices will provide additional separate office spaces particularly with COVID-19 guidelines limiting co-workers sharing work space. At the current location, some employees have to work in alternate locations because of the limited separate offices. Additionally, the new space will offer the potential for vaccinating on site.
The Commissioners discussed Resolution 2021-46 put out by Benton County requesting State lawmakers to limit the exercise of emergency powers without legislative approval by Governor Inslee. Several states have these legal limits in place and the legislatures have held emergency sessions to address the pandemic. Inslee has not called on lawmakers for approval of emergency action since COVID hit the State in March last year.
Also, the Resolution asks for the local health officials to decide about closures due to COVID which opposes Inslee's regional approach. All three Commissioners affirmed their support of a similar resolution coming from Columbia County at the next regular meeting. Other counties around the State are filing their own resolutions all with the hope to make their positions known.
At the same time, Representative Jim Walsh of Aberdeen is sponsoring House Bill 1029 which would limit the Governor's emergency powers to 14 days, after which the legislature has to approve any extension. The Bill would also require a separate emergency proclamation for each county in the State. Two other similar House bills are being introduced as well. All the Bills are sponsored by Republicans in a House that has a Democratic majority making their success questionable.
