LETTER TO RESIDENTS

SUSAN WHEELAN EL PASO COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR El Paso County Residents,

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) team has demonstrated tremendous skill and fortitude in facing challenges and meeting the needs of the communities we serve. As highlighted in this report, we achieved several accomplishments in 2021 which will serve as a framework to guide our continued pandemic response in which recovery and rebuilding - especially long-term community resilience - are at the core.

In anticipation of the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine in late 2020 - a key component of our response and recovery efforts during 2021 - we recognized the need to build an infrastructure to broaden the reach of vaccine into El Paso County communities and swiftly established a robust Vaccine Consortium with partners across health care, hospitals, military, elected leadership and more to build the vaccine distribution mechanisms necessary to serve a community our size. We navigated the vaccine rollout and the changing conditions throughout 2021 by providing technical expertise and resources across the county to individuals, business owners, schools and local leaders who worked to balance health and safety guidance with the goal of optimizing community and economic health.

Throughout the different phases of our pandemic response, and continuity of critical EPCPH services during this time, I have been inspired and impressed by our Public Health team and health care workers who have been on the front lines, community partners, schools and businesses for their innovative spirit during a constantly changing environment, and the residents we serve who have stepped up to protect themselves, their loved ones, and the community. We are a proud community, and this has not changed despite the formidable challenges over the past two years.

We will continue to build upon the successes we have achieved in 2021 to expand strategic partnerships to help our community continue to heal and thrive.

Thank You,