L- R: Peggy White, Assistant Administrator; Kathy Keller, Quality Assurance; Janice Garner, Unit Manager; Deborah Roberson, Infection Preventionist; Melissa Salas, Asst Director of Nursing; Esther Chico-Gutierrez, Director of Nursing; Rep Louis Terrazas; Rep Rebecca Dow; Jennifer Elizalde-Tafoya, Environmental Services Manager; Todd V Winder, Administrator (Courtesy photo)Representative Rebecca Dow and representative Luis Terrazas present staff at Fort Bayard Medical Center with a recognition from the New Mexico House of Representatives for excellence in service. “I’ve worked with the staff at Fort Bayard for many years,” said Representative Terrazas. “I remain impressed with the quality of care they provide our loved ones.”

Throughout the United States the staff and patients of long-term care facilities have borne the brunt of the impact of COVID-19 with more than 100,000 deaths. In New Mexico approximately 25% of the total Covid related deaths have occurred in long-term care facilities.

Fort Bayard Medical Center has reported only three cases and no deaths or hospitalizations due to the coronavirus. “Few private or state institutions have been able to match the level of achievement and quality exhibited by Fort Bayard Medical Center,” said Representative Dow. “Fort Bayard Medical Center demonstrates a spirit of integrity, pride and compassion and its service to the residents and their families.”

It is for these reasons that representative Dow and representative Terrazas requested that recognition be extended to Fort Bayard Medical Center for excellent service to its communities and that the staff at Fort Bayard Medical Center be acknowledged for their contribution in controlling the spread of the coronavirus.