Publisher’s Letter

This summer is like none other, filled with paradoxes, weariness, and confusion as we wonder when this nightmare will end. I am thankful to our state and local leadership for the clear direction that has helped us emerge from quarantine but watch in horror at resurgences elsewhere in the country. To date, 4 million people have tested positive and over 142,000 have died due to poor decisions and recklessness of those who believe that wearing masks is somehow a political statement. It’s not. Researchers say if 80 percent of people wore masks, it would reduce the virus’ spread more than would a lockdown and save 33,000 lives by October 1.

We are also witnessing a movement long overdue — Black Lives Matter, which is central to what the pandemic has uncovered — the disproportionate number of people sickened and dying from COVID due to racial disparities. Black Lives Matter has unearthed racial disparities in health, employment, law enforcement, and more. As our nation mourns the death of lifelong civil rights leader Rep. John Lewis, who risked his life to right these inequities, we wonder who will replace him, and how anyone could possibly argue against equality.

Now, as everyone awaits a vaccine there is more confusion. The New York Times reports that despite billions of dollars being poured into developing one, distrusting people say they won’t get the vaccine when it becomes available. This type of thinking will result in a pandemic that never ends. Imagine if we had not had a polio, smallpox, or typhoid vaccine! Reaching phase III of a clinical trial requires positive results in thousands of people. As a result, I’ll be listening to the scientists and be first in line with Dr. Fauci to get it when it’s here.

Here’s to a hopeful August and truly understanding our role in saving lives and creating positive change for ourselves and others.

Sincerely,