Love thy neighbor. Those three words have more meaning now than ever. As someone whose family has been devastated by the loss of seven loved ones to COVID-19, and even as we face insurmountable uncertainty at a time when “COVID-19 fatigue” is plaguing our country, I remain thankful and hopeful, but vigilant.
I represent a district with more than 29,000 uninsured residents and an overall poverty rate of 19.2 percent. I knew the impact of a pandemic and economic downturn would be severe. I was afraid the residents I represent would not be able to afford health care, would not get the message on time nor be able to endure a global pandemic. Even before the first community-spread case occurred in San Antonio, I asked for “plans” (plural), because things affect communities differently and it was critical to have targeted messaging strategies.
When we first started tracking the number of cases and deaths in our city, it surprised some to see the high number of cases on the South and West sides, but the escalating number of deaths in communities of color further solidified the sad reality that most of us knew. These folks, who represent our most vulnerable populations, need targeted outreach and a robust network of support unlike any we have ever envisioned to get through this pandemic. These were the folks who already felt left behind and now feel even more lost.
But I am thankful that the residents of San Antonio have stepped up to help their neighbors who are most in need. That is why I want to share this message of gratitude and hope, even if it is small in comparison to all that is happening around us.
The way San Antonians have come together to help folks they’ve never met, and may never meet, fills me with cautious optimism that reminds me just how resilient we are as a community. Organizations like the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council, Bexar County Medical Society Alliance, Mitchell Chang Foundation, United Healthcare Dental, Southwest General Hospital, the San Antonio Food Bank, Valero, H-E-B and others have partnered with us to do their part to help our most vulnerable.
I’m happy to report that from September to October, we saw nearly a 10 percent drop in COVID-19 cases in District 4. I attribute this in part to the targeted messaging and direct outreach of Metro Health’s Community Heath and Prevention team and its community partners who modified a “ground” plan for an area experiencing a high number of positive cases. Along with this work, we must credit the residents, businesses, churches, schools and community organizations that have done their part to minimize the spread of COVID-19. We must keep our guard up, follow the guidelines that our health care experts share, and show our respect and love for our neighbors by wearing a mask.
I am grateful to those who have followed the guidance of our public health officials. Whether that meant attending a virtual prayer service, partaking in safe learning environments or postponing milestone celebrations until the day comes when we can all celebrate together, I thank them for taking care of our community. Together, your actions have saved lives by preventing the spread of COVID-19.
This holiday season has been different. From drive-thru Halloween events, a prerecorded Día de los Muertos river parade and a virtual Diwali celebration to this week’s Thanksgiving activities, families have found creative ways to celebrate the blessings in their lives with their loved ones without putting their lives at risk.
I am appreciative of family and friends who will continue to see how they can celebrate the upcoming holidays — Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s — all while keeping the safety of their loved ones and neighbors in mind. The support we provide one another may look different physically — we may refrain from hugging and greeting one another with a kiss on the cheek, but our love is just as strong. It is the love we have for our family, friends, neighbors and entire community that keeps us going even when the future seems bleak.
For eight months, we’ve come together to show the love we have for our city, so let’s continue to do our part to keep everyone safe. It will take courage, strength, patience, faith, hope and love to get through the rest of this pandemic, but together, we will.
Remember that this holiday season, saying I love you is as simple as wearing a mask. This holiday season, I ask you, please, love thy neighbor.
City Councilwoman Adriana Rocha Garcia represents District 4.
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November 28, 2020 at 07:00PM
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Commentary: Love, support during COVID keeping community going - San Antonio Express-News
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