It might be safe to assume that by this point, we’re getting pretty good at celebrating holidays virtually or safely distanced. Every day, we’re getting closer to being able to celebrate our favorite holidays and events with the people we love but until then, it’s just as important to keep wearing masks, washing your hands, maintaining at least 6 feet of physical distance in public spaces and avoiding large gatherings where safe distancing is difficult.

When the pandemic hit, Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) had to quickly reassign and hire people just for the response. One of those people hired for the response was Carma Fuhlendorf. She was hired to work as an administrative assistant in Disease Prevention and Response which, as the name tells you, is right in the middle of the fight against the pandemic in our region. Carma says that as a new team member she had no clue about the stress level, dedication, commitment, and love for the community her coworkers would have. Carma references the 60+ hour weeks and often seven-day work weeks a lot of the team has put in throughout the pandemic.

In late December, nearly a year after the pandemic began, it was announced with great excitement that vaccinations against COVID-19 would begin in Washington state.

New beginnings always seem more possible during springtime. Longer days, warmer temperatures and green shoots beginning to emerge from the cold ground after a long winter remind us that nothing lasts forever. April is national Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention month.