Thanks to all members who completed a quick survey on changes in access to care in the city and county of Pueblo due to COVID-19. We heard from many physicians who, over the past year, have seen trends in patients delaying preventive care and elective surgeries or missing appointments, emergency rooms overwhelmed with people experiencing homelessness and mental health concerns, and stressed health care workers. Access has also been hampered for traditionally undeserved populations by lack of technology or ability to use technology, though respondents noted continued use and necessity of safety net programs like Medicaid. Post-pandemic, PCMS members who responded hope to continue to educate the public on necessary care and public health guidelines, and be reimbursed for enhanced services developed during the pandemic.

I am encouraged -- and I hope you are, too -- by a continued decrease in COVID-19 cases in our area and an increase in vaccinations. Please continue to encourage your patients, friends and family to use a mask in public and practice good hand-washing and social distancing guidelines. Physicians lead the way and lead by example. Keep up the good work.

Hello all! We recently had our Colorado Medical Society board meeting and discussed several key items. Most time sensitive of these topics are two separate meetings on confidential counseling. This issue is extremely important. The first call is Feb. 5 at noon and the second is Feb. 9 at 1400. These meetings are calls specifically regarding the CMS Task Force on confidentiality. You can click on either date above to register to attend.

Also, we discussed the CMS diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) action plan. Systemic racism in medicine, and the culture change we hope to be a part of, will be one of the single most important changes in medicine during our current time. CMS is dedicated to being proactive and influential in pursuing solutions and resources.

The pandemic continues to infiltrate every portion of our daily lives but, thankfully, in our county, vaccination numbers are increasing, COVID cases are decreasing, and our restriction level continues to relax. The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment and PCMS have been working hard to vaccinate our at-risk populations. Most recent changes involve adding scheduling for individuals 65-69 and other phase 1B2 people.

Thank you for your continued diligence. So far in 2021, there appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel, and I look forward to hopefully the near future when we can return to some sort of normalcy. For now, let’s celebrate small victories! Happy Valentine’s Day.

PDPHE and Parkview Medical Center encourage all seniors age 70 and above who have not yet received their first COVID-19 vaccination to register as soon as possible to receive one, before eligibility opens to other priority groups. Registrations can be made by calling 719-583-4444 and press option one or by going online at pueblovaxnow.com. Individuals ages 70 and older who sign up to be vaccinated will be notified by a phone call. The phone call will direct individuals to Parkview Medical Center.

The Pueblo County Unified COVID-19 community vaccination clinic will take a short pause next week from administering first-dose vaccines, while it shifts to providing required second doses for those due the booster. Second-dose clinics currently are scheduled for Feb. 8-11 at the Pueblo Mall. First-dose clinics will resume the week of Feb. 15 if vaccine is available. People age 65 and older as well as teachers and child care staff will be eligible at that time but they must sign up by calling (719) 583-4444 and press option 1 or by going online to pueblovaxnow.com and completing a registration form. Anyone 70 years or older who has not yet been vaccinated may also sign up at any time.

SCEMA wrapped up its Winter Warm Up coats/hats/mittens/books collection for children with a final donation to Catholic Charities this month. Posada was last month's recipient. Thank you to all who participated!

The Southeastern Colorado Area Health Education Center asks members of the health care community to nominate nurses for the 2021-22 Regional Nightingale Nurse Recognition for the southeastern region. Take this opportunity to recognize a nurse deserving of this honor. Southeastern Colorado AHEC, only, is also accepting LPN nominations to be recognized at a regional level in the Pueblo event. The deadline to submit your nomination is June 1. Click here for RN nominations. Click here for LPN nominations.

The next COVID-19 Provider Roundtable will be held Feb. 10, 12-1 p.m. View the agenda here. This series is sponsored by PCMS, the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment, and Pueblo Health Care.

Zoom Meeting URL or join by phone: 888-475-4499; Meeting ID: 913 8115 6388; Passcode: 369554. 1 CME Credit available to providers who attend this presentation.

*Evaluation must be returned to receive CME credit* Return to: Sandra Proud - fax 584-4038 or email: sandra_proud@parkviewmc.com.

Missed the Jan. 20 roundtable? View the presentation slides here. View the meeting recording here.

Parkview Medical Center is accredited by the Colorado Medical Society to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Parkview Medical Center designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s) ™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Substance Use in Pregnancy: Harm Reduction and Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program and Breastfeeding Support

Parenting in Recovery: Parents Share Stories

Family Patterns in Parenting: Ghosts and Angels in the Nursery...Will I Repeat What I Learned From My Parents?

All sessions live-streamed on Facebook @PuebloHealth. Ask a question during the event and be entered into a drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card. One gift card given each week.

Have you and your team had the chance to schedule your COVID-19 vaccine? The Colorado Medical Society has announced a partnership with Children's Hospital Colorado and CDPHE. Vaccine appointments are currently available for you and your team.

The Colorado Medical Society is championing efforts to get our physicians and their teams vaccinated and was able to secure this new opportunity through this new partnership with Children's Hospital Colorado and CDPHE. Thank you for your membership. Join or renew here.

MISSION: Facilitating meaningful collaboration of medical professionals in Pueblo County through social networking, education, and advocacy! 

VISION: To create a medical society that serves as a venue for collaboration for the betterment of healthcare in Pueblo County, and improve the practice of medicine and life of medical professionals, locally.

Board Officers: President: Marcel Junqueira, MD; President-Elect: open position; Secretary: Kathleen Brown, MD; Treasurer: Robert Tonsing, MD; Past-President: Tom Greidanus, MD | Directors: CMS Representative Brittany Carver, DO; Teresa Braden, DO; Jacob Mathew Jr., DO; Ross Patrick, MD; Brad Roberts, MD; Cheryl Walker, DO; and Kevin Weber, MD | Chief Executive Officer: Cheryl Law, MA, MNM

Visit our website at www.pueblocms.org