Navajo Nation Council Delegate Pernell Halona expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the work of Tohatchi Health Care Center staff on Wednesday, May 27, 2020. A luncheon was provided to approximately 50 staff serving the nearly 8,000 residents in nearby communities. Photo courtesy Navajo Nation Council

The 24TH NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL
Office of the Speaker

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 2020

Council Delegate Pernell Halona honors Tohatchi Health Care Center front line workers

TOHATCHI, N.M. — Workers at the Tohatchi Health Care Center received lunches on Wednesday from Council Delegate Pernell Halona in appreciation for their front line responses and community involvement during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Tohatchi Health Care Center Director Fawn Damon said, “The staff and I are very thankful for being recognized for all we have been doing. Every single staff member deserves to be acknowledged for their part in screening patients and handling community health matters effectively.”

“The clinic staff has done an outstanding job in helping to communicate the proper CDC guidelines, which has resulted in no confirmed positive COVID-19 cases at this facility,” said Delegate Halona.

Delegate Halona provided approximately 50 meals to the Tohatchi Health Clinic during their lunch break. He stressed the importance of taking time to care for members of the surrounding communities during the pandemic and encouraged others to continue efforts to demonstrate their appreciation.

Damon also indicated how helpful Delegate Halona has been in health and safety updates to the community over the radio. Since February, members of the 24th Navajo Nation Council have been providing information from ongoing meetings and work sessions aimed at coordinating the Navajo Nation’s response to COVID-19.

Navajo Nation Council Delegate Pernell Halona and Tohatchi Health Care Center Director Fawn Damon at the drive-up screening checkpoint on Wednesday, May 27, 2020. The facility continues to provide limited services to approximately 8,000 nearby residents. Photo courtesy Navajo Nation Council

The Tohatchi facility serves approximately 8,000 residents in the nearby communities. Recently, services have been limited through a regional health care response aimed at alleviating any surges in COVID-19 cases. The staff have continued to provide pharmacy services, laboratory services, emergency responses and more during the public health emergency. Along with nearby health care facilities, staff assignments are coordinated between facilities as part of surge plans developed by the Indian Health Service.

The Navajo Nation Council and the Office of the Speaker encourage members of the public to reach out to front line coordinators via phone or email to find out how they can show appreciation for health care staff, public safety personnel and others. Navajo citizens are also reminded that front line workers are the first responders and to be mindful of Navajo Nation curfews aimed at protecting the overall health of the Navajo People.

Council Delegate Pernell Halona represents the communities of Coyote Canyon, Mexican Springs, Naschitti, Tohatchi, Bahastł’áá’ on the 24th Navajo Nation Council. The Council carries out legislative oversight and related functions on behalf of 110 Navajo Nation chapter communities.

More information about the current COVID-19 pandemic on the Navajo Nation can be found at www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/covid-19.

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