Media Coverage for February 2021

^{KTSM - Feb. 4, 2021}

With mental health being at the forefront during times of uncertainty, Emergence Health Network, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso and The Meadows Foundation EHN is collaborating on a new wellness podcast. This is Wellness with Emergence Health Network is the name of this new podcast. Their first season will include COVID-19 topics. “The goal is to address all aspects of our lives that make up our well-being, which is especially important these days. Season One will include 11 episodes related to COVID-19.  Our mental health professionals will explore topics such as grief, parenting, patient care, the importance of self-care and financial wellness during times of uncertainty,” said Celeste Nevarez, Emergence Health Network Clinical Services Chief.

^{El Paso Herald-Post - Feb. 4, 2021}

“The goal is to address all aspects of our lives that make up our well-being, which is especially important these days. Season One will include 11 episodes related to COVID-19.  Our mental health professionals will explore topics such as grief, parenting, patient care, the importance of self-care and financial wellness during times of uncertainty,” said Celeste Nevarez, Emergence Health Network Clinical Services Chief. The ‘This is Wellness with Emergence Health Network’ is produced via a collaborated effort between Emergence Health Network, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, and The Meadows Foundation.

^{KVIA - Feb. 4, 2021}

Every week, ABC-7 anchor Mauricio Casillas will speak to Dr. Edward Michelson. Dr. Michelson is the chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso.

^{El Paso Matters - Feb. 3, 2021}

Dr. Fabrizzio Delgado, division chief for the psychiatry consult service at Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso, said other ways those caring for family members or loved ones with mental health conditions can take care of themselves are to take at least one hour of time to themselves, adhere to a schedule and routine, exercise, eat healthy and get a good night’s sleep. Delgado said those steps can be challenging to balance with daily life. He likens self-care to boarding an airplane. “They tell you right away, first you put the mask on yourself, and then you help your children or whoever’s next to you,” Delgado said. “You need to take care of yourself, because otherwise you’re not going to be able to take care of your family member, and they do require extra support.

^{KVIA - Feb. 3, 2021}

How much of El Paso County is immune to Covid-19 right now? A rough estimate suggests 15 percent of residents have reached some what of immunity. Out of the 840,000 residents in the county, more than 114,000 have been infected, 13 percent of the overall population. More than 21,000 residents have also gotten both doses of the vaccine, more than two percent. However, there are still many unknowns. There could be a much number of residents who've had the virus. Dr. Armando Meza, chief of infectious diseases at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, said that's one way to calculate immunity. Another is to check for antibodies on the entire population, however that's "probably not going to happen because of logistics."

^{KFOX - Feb. 2, 2021}

A $210,000 emergency grant will be providing some much needed help to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso frontline healthcare workers. COVID-19 cases in El Paso skyrocketed in November. The surge in cases impacted capacity at hospitals. Nearly 1,400 outside health care workers were sent to El Paso to help with the crisis. “Front-line health care professionals at TTUHSC El Paso have borne the brunt of COVID’s devastation for almost a year,” said Peter M. Miller, President and CEO of The Meadows Foundation. “Not surprisingly, it has taken an enormous toll on mental health and wellbeing. We are honored to be able to provide this grant in gratitude for their care of our community.”

^{KVIA - Feb. 2, 2021}

Poor oral health could lead to worse outcomes among Covid-19 patients. A study, published in the Journal of the California Dental Association, suggests hospitalized Covid-19 patients with gum disease may be at higher risk for respiratory failure. The Dean of the Hunt School of Dental Medicine at TTUHSC El Paso said there's a relatively simple explanation. Dr. Richard Black says the body's response to Covid-19 is inflammation in the lungs and organs.