JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colorado. – The frustrations that have been boiling recently came over the weekend in Jefferson and Gilpin County.
Jefferson County Executive Director of Public Health Dr. Dawn Comstock had to close several of the mobile vaccine clinics after a driver ran over their sign, others called the vaccine staff desecrated and a driver fired water to a nurse.
“Unfortunately, this is not new,” Comstock said. “We made someone throw live fireworks. We got someone up the sidewalk towards a member of the vaccination staff.
Comstock says she’s fed up.
“I respect everyone’s right to their own opinion. What I don’t respect is violence and contempt and acting abusively towards Jefferson County public health personnel, ”Comstock said.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement Wednesday saying, in part, that it is “aware of cases of misconduct.”
The statement goes on to say that the sheriff’s office has increased patrols around the sites, “however, our investigations have not resulted in criminal charges. We will continue to investigate any threats that have come to our notice and we will file the relevant charges against persons involved in criminal activities “.
Comstock says he’s seen enough.
“I’m sick of being polite and calling it misinformation,” Comstock said. “They are lies and these lies contribute to the continued loss and suffering in our community.”
Cara Bradbury, executive director of the Colorado Association of Local Public Health Officials, said the job alone already “severely affects” health workers, but the added division has made it even worse.
“It’s very distressing when you think your whole goal was to make your community stronger and better and to have people in your community who don’t see the value your community has or what you’re doing.”