Public Health Director lauds his Senior Services staff for their work

Public Health Director Dana Loomis took time during the May 17 Board of Supervisors meeting to laud members of his Senior Services staff for their efforts during the Dixie Fire and throughout the pandemic.

Of their work during the fire, Loomis said John Rix and his staff worked countless hours making meals for those in the shelter and the staff of the county Emergency Operation Center, as well as conducting transportation of those who needed assistance in evacuations. Senior Services also assisted Seneca Healthcare District in evacuating their skilled nursing residents to an out-of-county facility, and provided non-medical transportation for Plumas District Hospital patients to another healthcare facility. Without their tireless efforts to assist their neighbors and community during this tragedy, the county’s response would have suffered greatly. “Their willingness to take on extra responsibilities and dedication to the residents of Plumas County is without question and should be recognized,” he said.

He also acknowledge their work in general and during the pandemic. “Director Rix and his staff have consistently provided excellent services to the senior population of the county, including transportation to doctors’ appointments, grocery stores, and other vital errands,” he said. Senior Services also provides a warm meal Monday through Friday to be enjoyed in a congregate setting or delivered to those with limited mobility. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Senior Services expanded their meal delivery route extended their services to other high-risk residents in the county. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Senior Services provided an average of 450 meals a week. During the lockdown of the pandemic, they were providing an average of 1400 home-delivered meals per week.

The following were recognized for their valiant and tireless efforts during the Dixie Fire:

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• Senior Services Director John Rix, who staffed the county Emergency Operation Center as transportation coordinator. He was available 24/7 to assist with transportation of those who needed to evacuate. He coordinated with his staff regarding transportation and meals for shelter and county EOC staff. Director Rix also coordinated with the Plumas County School District to station school buses in Chester in the event of a mandatory evacuation.
• Donnika Hamilton, Head Cook for Quincy, who prepared meals three times per day for Quincy shelter and county EOC for 25 consecutive days.
• Katrina Wright, Assistant Cook for Quincy, who prepared meals thre times per day for Quincy shelter and county EOC for 25 consecutive days
• Annette Kelly, Site Manager for Quincy, assisted with the meals and delivery to the shelter
• Charlotte Downey, Quincy Bus Driver, who was available every day during the fire to assist with transportation of those who needed to evacuate. After performing her daily duties, she assisted with Plumas District Hospital’s relocation of patients to another healthcare facility, assisted twice with the evacuation of Greenville, assisted in repopulating the Chester area and provided transportation for shelter residents to complete vital errands. She assisted with the evacuation of the Quincy shelter to the Portola shelter.
• Sherri Coates, Greenville Bus Driver, who was available every day during the fire to assist with transportation needs. After performing her daily duties, she assisted with transportation of residents of Seneca Healthcare District’s skilled nursing facility to another healthcare facility, assisted twice with the evacuation of Greenville and was strategically placed in in the Indian Valley area to be available at a moment’s notice. She provided transportation for shelter residents to complete vital errands. She assisted with the evacuation of the Quincy shelter to the Portola shelter.
• Debbie Housen, Greenville Site Manager, was strategically placed in the Indian Valley area and assisted with evacuations.
• Leroy McClure, Greenville Driver, who assisted with transportation of shelter residents and those who needed to be evacuated. His family’s home was destroyed in the fire; however, he continued to work everyday to continue helping others.
• Raechelle Glover, Chester Driver, who assisted with transportation for Chester shelter and during the mandatory evacuation of Chester she assisted with the evacuation and stayed in Susanville, where she continued to assist Plumas County residents in the shelter. She assisted with the repopulation of Chester.
• Candace Ewalt, Chester Driver, who assisted with transportation for Chester shelter and during the mandatory evacuation of Chester she assisted with evacuation and stayed in Susanville and continued to assist Plumas County residents in the shelter. She assisted with the repopulation of Chester.