Hey Neighbors,
First, I’d like to take a moment to thank all of you for your proactive self-care in getting the COVID-19 vaccination, wearing masks, and keeping gatherings small as we all know too well, this is the only way to stop the pandemic and save the lives of thousands of Idahoans.
| Crisis Standards of Care |
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare explains, “Crisis standards of care are guidelines that help healthcare providers and systems decide how to deliver the best care possible under the extraordinary circumstances of an overwhelming disaster or public health emergency.” They go on to explain that “The goal of crisis standards of care is to extend care to as many patients as possible and save as many lives as possible.”
When I heard the news last Thursday that Idaho has now enacted crisis standards of care across the state, my heart sank. In this moment of sorrow and mourning for our community, I felt filled with rage and passion for a better Idaho; now more than ever, we all must continue the struggle, continue to fight because we will never be safe if we don’t. We will never see the changes we need to see in Idaho if we aren’t constantly engaged and working towards a common goal because, as Sun-Tzu stated in the art of war, “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” We are actively living in a world of chaos, and the opportunity is ours to seize.
| Get Involved |
For the last year, the Ada County Democrats have been working around the clock to enact the changes within our party structure to make a real, meaningful difference in Idaho by electing individuals who listen to science and care for the health of our community. But without you, we can’t get there! Below are active and upcoming opportunities to donate and volunteer for the Ada County Democrats!
JFK ONLINE AUCTION
Closes Thursday, September 30 8pm
The Online Auction is still happening, and we have a lot of great items!
Check it out here:https://adademocrats.afrogs.org/#/browse/onlineItems
Boise Bench Voter Registration
Saturday, Sept 25th, 9:30am – 12pm MDT
Local democrats are registering voters this month!
Check out volunteer opportunities here: https://www.mobilize.us/adacountydemocrats/
Contact our Field Director Ian Pannkuk for more information regarding Volunteer opportunities at: field@adademocrats.org
| Opposition Misinformation |
A large piece to where we are now with Crisis Standards of Care is the Misinformation constantly spread by the opposition; GOP elected officials are at the forefront of this movement in Idaho with the appointment of Dr. Ryan Cole to the Central District Health Board. In a statement following the vote to appoint Dr. Cole, the Idaho Medical Association said, “Dr. Cole has publicly made numerous unfounded and dangerous claims about the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 that do not align with the Idaho standard of care,” unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there…
Instead of fighting to protect the lives of their constituents, far-right legislators want to gather to prevent vaccines and mask mandates, a move that will and has most certainly already cost many they claim to serve their lives.
| Redistricting |
Because of the gross use of power by members of the GOP and their leadership, focusing on the fight to come will be indispensable, and paying attention to what is going on with redistricting will be vitally important.
For more information regarding Redistricting, please visit: https://www.wedrawidaho.org/
We are in this fight to elect sensible individuals who care for the wellbeing of our community, our people, and Idaho. Democrats across Ada county from Volunteers, County and District Leadership, our candidates, and our Elected Officials have been putting in the hours to change the political footprint in Ada County, and we hope you will join us!
Best Regards,
Oliver Johnson-Waskow
Vice-Chair, Ada County Democrats