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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (April 18, 2020)
6A | SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 | SIUSLAW NEWS RESPONSE from page 1A People can call the non-emergency lines of WLFEA, 541-997-3212, the Florence Police Department, 541-997-3515, or the Lane County Sheriff ’s Office, 541- 682-4150. In case of an emer- gency, people can also call 911. “All you need to say is, ‘Hey, I need to talk to an MCR member,’” Reyes said. “We’re just trying to get out there in the community so they see our faces and can feel comfortable with us. We’re not big, bad and scary.” Reyes, an EMT who also works at PeaceHealth Peace Harbor, spoke with Siuslaw News about the program, as well as the fears that she’s hearing from the communi- ty, both through MCR and from personal conversations. The discussion led to how people can take care of their mental health, as well as what we do know about the virus, what we don’t, and what a “new normal” could look like as the world adjusts to COVID-19. “I think people are silent- ly struggling with a lot of things,” Reyes said. “They just don’t know what’s out there. That’s why we want- ed to reach out. They don’t know that there are resourc- es. That you’re not going to be seen by the cops or the ambulance. You’re just going to have a friendly face that says, ‘What’s going on, how can I assist you in this horri- ble situation?’” ‘Anxious and depressed’ Of those Reyes has spoken with, “We’re getting a lot of people anxious and panicky about this whole thing,” she said. “We come talk to them. We’re wearing our masks and trying to be as approachable as possible, even though they can’t see our face. We can go for a walk, talk to them a little bit about things that they can still do. We ask questions — ‘What’s causing discomfort right now? Why are you so anxious?’ Try and figure out what’s going on and trying to figure out what’s causing this anxiety.” The concerns are touching all aspects of society — from parents stressed by children at home, to concerns of the EARTH from page 1A Unfortunately, there were few rules at the time regard- ing the collateral destruction of the environment which accompanied this extraction of resources. Industrial production pro- duced millions of tons of air borne particulates which caused widespread “acid rains” that severely damaged vast stretches of forests and rivers across states in the Northeast. Scientists had proven by the late 1960s that many of the chemicals used in the agricultural sector, primar- ily to eradicate insects and small mammals, were poi- sonous and had started to enter the human food chain. These pesticides did more than kill pests; there was a strong likelihood that those same pesticides could kill people as well. Rivers and streams across the nation had measurable levels of nu- merous types of toxins, often released by unregulated in- dustrial operations, many of them related to lumber and newly unemployed, or those of the most important being “They’re very active, and so worried about it.” suddenly isolated. to get outside. Arguments over grocery they shouldn’t just be put in “People are concerned “Everybody needs sun- front of a computer all day store etiquette has become about getting their medica- shine — it’s literally called and be told to play video a mainstay on social me- tions, or have just stopped the happy drug,” Reyes said. games. They need to grow dia, while some instances getting them altogether,” “The sun gives you happiness and be as active as possible.” of threatened violence have Reyes said. “Or sometimes and makes you feel better. Reyes suggested that been reported. There’s been people aren’t taking their Whether it be by yourself or along with remote learning local backlash to anyone medications because they your animals, even if it’s just assignments from school, who lives outside the state forget to.” sitting in the yard reading a parents should find time to — or has license plates from Anxiety has been known to book. It just helps take care of keep children active with elsewhere — while disagree- lead to memory loss, particu- you, and there’s lots of things activities, whether it’s giving ments on the severity of the larly for those disease have with mental created deep “I think people are silently struggling with a lot of things. They divisions. health issues or just don’t know what’s out there. That’s why we wanted to reach dementia. Nat i on a l ly, “Some peo- out. They don’t know that there are resources. ... You’re just going some citizens in ple are getting to have a friendly face that says, ‘What’s going on, how can I assist states that have anxious about been hit partic- people being you in this horrible situation?’” ularly hard by — Camille Reyes, Siuslaw Region Mobile Crisis Response Team the economic in their house all of a sudden. downturn, have They don’t re- begun protest- member why,” Reyes said. we can still do outside while younger children blocks to ing state stay-at-home laws, For some, there’s the stress maintaining social distanc- “build a castle or their dream defying orders and gathering of being around people all ing.” home” or having older chil- at the state capital. the time. For others, it’s the For times inside, Reyes dren “rebuild a car or do car- “People are getting rest- stress of being alone. stressed exercising and eat- pentry.” less,” Reyes said. “They want There are those suffering ing as healthy as possible. “Instead of just having to get back to normalcy. from alcoholism, who are “Stay as active as possible,” them on the computer, have It’s bizarre how we quickly becoming “more secretive,” Reyes said. them build a computer,” stopped everything and now Reyes said. “They’re going For those isolated and Reyes said. “Just keep them we’re wanting to open it back to the liquor store, bringing alone, Reyes suggests reach- motivated.” up just as quickly. It seems it home, and then you don’t ing out to people through For those with clinically like some people are afraid, hear from them. They can phone or social media, in- diagnosed issues with their and some people aren’t. go into a depression that just cluding video calls. mental health, they should There isn’t a happy medium.” spirals out of control.” To begin to find that me- “For our older population “keep in contact with the Then there are concerns who can’t read or see well, people who know you and dium, it’s important to un- about COVID-19 symp- have friends or family make a know you’re cues, what’s go- derstand the facts at hand, toms — people suffering recording of a book they can ing on, let them try and help Reyes suggested; the most from anxiety can get physi- hear. Just keep in contact.” out as much as possible,” glaring of these is, we don’t cal symptoms that mimic the But isolation isn’t the only Reyes said, while stressing know a lot of facts. virus, which in turn makes issue. For some, suddenly that people should keep in “Is it going to come back? them more anxious. full households make it diffi- regular contact with mental Is our being secluded the There are individuals with cult to feel independent with health experts. only thing that’s stopping it?” clinical issues, like depression family members constantly While many of the sugges- Reyes asked. “Are the people and bipolar disorder, who are around. tions Reyes made are good who are healthy carriers of seeing symptoms flare in the “Maybe they can go into measures in a hard time, she COVIF-19? When we get out pandemic. Others, who have different rooms and you stated they are no substitute of this, will they start spread- yet to be diagnosed, are ex- don’t have to spend as much for social interaction. ing this? We have to think periencing symptoms for the time together, but you’re still “At least for a long-term long term. How are we going first time. together,” Reyes said. solution,” she said. “We crave to cope with this if it’s going “It’s frightening when they And everyone should re- that human interaction. to happen again?” don’t know exactly what’s go- fuse to lose sight of the things Whether it just be giving a While scientists do ing on,” Reyes said. that kept them happy before hug, or a simple handshake, know some specifics about And then there’s just a gen- the pandemic. I think we all crave that hu- COVID-19, there seems to eral sense of loss. be more that they don’t. “Do things that you still man interaction.” “We’re starting to see peo- like to do,” Reyes said. “Sit- First, it is unknown if all ple miss what they think are ting out in your garden, carriers can build an immu- ‘Getting restless’ essential to their lives,” Reyes planting things. Doing One of Reyes’ most vital nity, with reports coming said. “But we want people to things that you like to do suggestions was to treat each in from China that people make sure they know we’re while still being mindful of other well. As the pandem- who had caught the virus out there, and we’re there everybody’s health as possi- ic has created devastation once, caught it a second time to talk to if you need any ble. People seem to forget all throughout the world, fear months later. help with anything, if you the things they can still do.” has begun to manifest itself It’s also unknown how start getting anxious and de- long COVID-19 has been Parenting is particularly locally. pressed or suicidal. We are stressful with school build- “I coughed the other day active, with reports stating here to talk through what’s ings closed and many adults because I have allergies, and that it was much earlier than going on and get you help.” either recently unemployed people were just mean-mug- thought. “I read that somebody had ging me,” Reyes said. “I was or working at home. ‘Just keep in contact’ “Kids’ minds still need like, ‘I’m sorry, I have aller- it back in November,” Reyes There are some general to develop and they still gies, I don’t have COVID, said. “How did we not know suggestions Reyes gives, one need to learn,” Reyes said. don’t worry.’ But they’re just about this before?” paper production. Many of the chemicals used in these various pro- cesses were negatively im- pacting fish and crustaceans in waterways, in addition to harming wildlife that lived in riparian areas. Veterans were returning from an unpopular war with health issues which were traced to defoliants used in the jungles of Vietnam and Laos to destroy encamp- ments in enemy territories. These factors coalesced with socially oriented chang- es in racial and gender equal- ity to launch a movement that encompassed not only the environment but many areas of American culture. The focus and attention directed by that first Earth Day coalition towards the way humans use — and often misuse — the Earth was one of the most influential single events in modern American history. The first Earth Day made that point abundantly clear and the event is considered the critical spark which ig- nited today’s Environmental Let me Showcase your property. Movement. It was also a launching point for a series of legisla- tive initiatives that became cornerstones in the fight to save the planet from human actions. The unrest on col- lege campuses and the focus on social justice combined to alter forever the narrative of America — and the first Earth Day was the singular event that framed many of the debates taking place to- day. The Clean Air and Water Acts were signed into law in 1971 by Richard Nixon, who also established the Environ- mental Protection Agency and signed the Endangered Species Act into law in 1973. Each of these developments came as a direct result of the public’s newly discovered in- terest in protecting the bio- sphere. The theme of Earth Day 2020, according to the web- Auto, Home, Life, Business Flood, Antique Auto, RV’s Medicare Advantage Plans Medicare Supplements Health Insurance Phone (541) 997-9497 1234 Rhododendron Dr / Florence site Earthday.org, is “Climate Change.” The Earth Day website is a comprehensive guide to many different aspects of the numerous challenges that face those struggling around the world to deal with thou- sands of instances of envi- ronmental crimes. The web- site also offers stay-at-home options for those wanting to participate in some type of environmentally oriented activities, while practicing social distancing and isola- tion. One of the most visually compelling pages on the site is a map of the world which includes different color cir- cles, indicating different types of events, with circles spreading around the plan- et. The variety of virtual op- tions includes live streaming of films, virtual lectures and numerous online webinars. Earth Day Network Pres- ident Kathleen Rogers em- phasized that times of strug- gle can produce unique and meaningful opportunities for education and action. “This unprecedented time has stopped us all in our tracks,” said Rogers. “As each of us ensures that those around us are safe and well, it is in a momentous op- portunity to examine our individual and collective re- lationship with the natural world and how our activities impact the planet. The way forward is hopeful, and we have an opportunity to for- ever change how we interact with the environment in our own backyard and our com- munity at large.” Another way that interest- ed individuals can help from home is by joining the Earth Challenge 2020, A Citizen Science Initiative and the world’s largest ever coordi- nated citizen science cam- ESTATE JEWELRY AND ANTIQUE FURNITURE!!! County Transfer & Recycling We buy, sell and consign quality estate/heirloom jewelry & furniture. Gold, silver, platinum jewelry with precious & semi precious stones. Call 541-997-8104, Florence Antiques & Coast Jewelers Separating recyclables from your trash reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfi lls, saves energy, and reduces emissions! Items that can go into your recycle cart are: • Cardboard (fl atten) and Paper (magazines, junk mail, newspapers, scrap paper, cereal boxes, egg cartons) • Plastic milk jugs and transparent drinking bottles (rinse – no lids) • Metal food and drink cans (rinse – no lids) Florence recycling picked up on same day as your trash. 541-997-8233 5078 Coastwood Ln, Florence OR wasteconnections.com Since 1983 Aileen Sapp Broker 541 999-5396 Alva Bracey Broker Your goals are my top priority. Let’s get together! LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTERS Tires • Brakes • Shocks Alignments 5475 Woahink Dr – Beautifully wooded, south lakes area property. Come fi nd the perfect spot to build on this rare corner lot! $71,000. #3059- 20014608 1749 Highway 101 • 541-997-1200 Call, Text or Email Cell: 541-505-1180 Insect & Pest Removal 4325 Highway 101 Florence, OR 97439 541-997-7178 Trapping • Mole/Gopher Dead Animal Removal • Honey Bee Removal Crawl Space Cleaning • Exclusion Work Fumigation of Antiques and Commodities. (541) 997-4027 Alva@CBCoast.com 541-997-7777 100 Hwy. 101, Florence, OR COAST REAL ESTATE It is unknown how many people globally have actu- ally been infected, what the full range of symptoms are, the long-term risk factors or even how deadly the disease actually is. “There’s just so much we don’t know,” Reyes said. ‘Who we are’ All the uncertainty na- tionwide adds to the stress of the situation, particu- larly in small communities like those in the Siuslaw re- gion where concerns over COVID-19 can be amplified through speculation and ru- mor among neighbors and through social media. So, what can we do? “That’s a hard question,” Reyes said. “We should be doing things that we were always supposed to be doing — washing our hands, being as clean as possible. Don’t cough out in the open, cough in your sleeve. We just need to be as clean as possible. I think we lost that along the way.” And how do we find a bal- ance between being cautious without becoming mentally immobilized? “I have no idea what it looks like,” Reyes said. “I don’t have all the answers, and I never will. I just want to help the people in this community get back to a happy medium that I have no idea what it looks like.” Some of the best estimates of when a vaccine could be found is one year from now, while other estimates have this “new normal” extend as far as 2022. However, some scientists believe that there will be aspects of the re- sponse that will remain per- manent. “I wish we could go back to how we were, but it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen anytime soon,” Reyes said. To be able to handle the new reality, community members will have to work together, stay mentally healthy and help each other. “The one thing I do know is that people’s interaction is needed. That’s how we sur- vive,” Reyes said. “Going out to lunches and doing those things. We need our friends, our families, our coworkers — the morale that helps keep us who we are.” paign. The initiative integrates existing citizen science proj- ects and builds capacity for new ones — all to grow cit- izen science worldwide. Us- ing mobile technology and open citizen science data, Earth Challenge 2020 em- powers people around the world to monitor and miti- gate threats to environmen- tal and human health in their communities. The challenge is designed to increase the amount of open source sci- entific data which hopefully will add our understanding of complex environmental questions. “Now, people everywhere can help build the most up-to-date scientific assess- ments needed globally, and at the same time take ac- tion locally. Everyone can become a citizen scientist See CHALLENGE page 7A MODEL TRAIN ENTHUSIASTS Over ars 50 Ye ce! rien Expe CALL ME TO BUY, SELL OR TRADE! I’M LOCATED HERE IN FLORENCE. 541-255-9822 - Larry landl316@live.com Us TOO Florence Prostate Cancer Education Support on the Oregon Coast www.ustooflorence.org • Tuesday Evening Group (2nd Tuesday) 5-7 p.m. - Ichiban Chinese/Japanese Restaurant • Urologist Dr. Bryan Mehlhaff attends. • Tuesday Lunch Group (3rd Tuesday) 12 noon – 1:00 p.m. – Ichiban Chinese/Japanese Restaurant • Urologist Dr. Roger McKimmy attends. Contact Bob for more information: (H) 541-997-6626 • (C) 541-999-4239 maribob@oregonfast.net
