Adams County Health Department Stands on Business

As I am sure you’re aware, the Trump administration and his conservative following have been throwing a lot of hate and hostile legislature at not only our LGBTQ community but our POC and disabled folks as well. With things like Trump’s executive orders and the ICE raids happening all over the country, it has been greatly emphasized to put focus and effort into our local communities. But that is easier said than done when you don’t know what places and organizations are around you and what’s safe. Dr. Kelly Weidenbach, the executive director of Adams County Health Department, has made it clear to OFM and their other media partners that the ACHD is a safe place for us. Dr. Weidenbach says in a statement that ACHD is dedicated to protecting the “health of all residents regardless of their status, origin, native language, or sexual orientation.”

Trump pulled the U.S. out of the World Health Organization with an executive order on January 20, and that raises concerns for folks who know that the COVID-19 Pandemic is not a “hoax” and is very real and still currently happening along with the rise of RSV, Norovirus, and Bird Flu cases. The ACHD emphasizes “the importance of evidence-based science, particularly regarding vaccines,” and it’s comforting to know that there are still people who want to stay safe against these various diseases. (Remember that masking still works and protects against these newer viruses, things like the common cold, and poor air quality particles.)

While the current government and administration are promising to do whatever they can to harm and further disenfranchise our communities, the ACHD promises to refer to people by their preferred pronouns, continue to address and undo historical disparities through their health equity initiatives, and “protect(ing) clients and families from harmful external activities, including those targeting individuals based on status, origin, or language.”

And with new executive orders and legislature coming to light every day, ACHD will be sure to keep their community informed and stay transparent about things like budget changes. Amidst all the bad news, remember that there are still people looking out for you. And we will continue to be loud about who those people are.