Health experts turn to Troy for support

Troy Mayor Dallas Carr offered the city council’s help to health care professionals building a local public awareness campaign aimed at curbing the spread of the novel coronavirus.

“Is there a place if we do have ideas, we can get a hold of you?” Carr asked Dr. Gregory Rice of Libby Clinic, a leader of the campaign, during an Aug. 19 council meeting. Rice had come to petition Troy for support after making earlier trips before Libby City Council and the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners.

Rice told city councilors that the campaign is designed to unify Lincoln County’s communities in the fight against COVID-19. As residents struggle with controversial requirements such as Gov. Steve Bullock’s face covering directive, Rice hopes to channel their frustration away from each other and towards solutions that may reduce the spread of the virus.

Organizers of the campaign held their first brainstorming session on Aug. 18. Thirty-five members of the community, whom Rice characterized as “creative, innovative doers” discussed ways of amplifying public health solutions to the virus. Suggestions included making videos of students and posting signs within sight of U.S. Highway 2 and state Highway 37.

Councilor Shawna Kelsey said she noticed that the signs businesses have posted on their storefronts have been effective at raising awareness.

“I think we do pretty good here in town,” Carr said. “We’re not perfect … but I’m seeing a lot more people around taking it seriously.”

Rice conceded that Libby and Eureka have faced the brunt of the pandemic in Lincoln County.

Just days earlier, Rice, along with a group of other local medical professionals, went before the Libby City Council to discuss the campaign. Libby Mayor Brent Teske offered City Hall’s support in promoting the public health message.

Several weeks ago, health workers pitched the campaign idea to the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners. While the commissioners initially were lukewarm in their reception of the plan, Rice said they have since shown more support.

Rice also gave Troy City Council an update on the state of COVID-19 in Lincoln County. After an increase in cases in July, Rice said transmission of the virus seems to have slowed. Rice reported that the health department had recorded 11 cases so far in August.

Rice said that 10 cases a month would be a manageable number for the county. At this number, schools likely could stay open and it would be safe for residents to conduct business.

City Councilor TJ Boswell asked Rice if health care workers have seen a spike in suicide and substance abuse due to social distancing and isolation during the pandemic.

While there may be an uptick in some of these statistics, Rice said that Lincoln County is the ideal spot to weather the pandemic.

Instead of being locked in apartments like many city dwellers, residents have access to the outdoors year round.

To increase community involvement in the campaign, Rice said he was working to organize a group of health care providers that will be able to meet with the Eureka City Council.

“Thank you for what you do doc,” Carr said in closing.