Doctors, nurses ‘beat down’ by surge; fund established to feed healthcare workers

DIXON - City and health officials are pleading with the public to help curb the spike in COVID-19 cases, and a city councilwoman is raising funds to feed healthcare workers overrun at KSB Hospital.

KSB Hospital reported 5 COVID-19 deaths last week. There were also 208 new cases in Lee County, and 185 were not vaccinated.

It’s a trend that has been growing across the region, state and nation during the last few weeks, more so with the recent threat of the omicron variant.

Mayor Li Arellano Jr. said KSB is hitting a critical point, and cases in Dixon and Lee County are at some of their highest levels, compared to surges last year before vaccinations became widely available.

“It is at a level in Dixon we haven’t seen since Halloween or Thanksgiving of last year,” he said.

The Lee County Unified Command Team issued a statement Wednesday speaking of the strain on KSB and area hospitals and the need to become fully vaccinated.

“Our nurses, doctors and support staff are beat down. Some are working 80-plus hours a week and are short staffed. They are completely exhausted,” according to the statement. “KSB Hospital and all hospitals in our region are overrun by serious COVID cases.”

According to KSB data, 37 people are hospitalized, eight are in the Intensive Care Unit, and four are on ventilators.

Non-COVID patients who would normally be transferred to other hospitals for advanced care cannot be transferred because those hospitals are overrun by serious COVID cases as well.

The need for treatment for COVID cases is at an all time high in our region, and people who have serious medical conditions not related to COVID are being forced to wait.

“We really can’t afford to wait. We know that the 3 shot vaccination approach works,” KSB CEO Dave Schreiner said. “Becoming vaccinated doesn’t stop you from getting COVID, but it significantly reduces the chances of getting really sick.”

Last year, there were groups that raised funds to buy meals for healthcare workers, and Councilwoman Mary Oros wanted to create a fundraiser to feed healthcare workers throughout the month of January.

“They are overworked and short staffed and we continue to have high numbers coming in that they’re trying to serve,” she said.

“These heroes have had our back every step of the way and now they need us to have their back.”

Oros is partnering with the Dixon Chamber of Commerce and Main Street to raise $6,000 for the meals. They’re reaching out to community members and businesses to contribute.

Go to helpingdixon.com to make a donation.