Open Letter to Jackson Parish

Dear Jackson Parish Residents:

Allow me the opportunity to clear up some rumors and misinformation. On the first day of issuing the Stay at Home Order from Gov. John Bel Edwards, Jackson Parish formed an Early Response Team to allow us to communicate with all departments in an effort to be productive in protecting our residents.  This team consists of Jackson Parish Sheriff, Andy Brown; Jackson Parish Homeland Security OEP Director, Mark Treadway; Jackson Parish Hospital CEO, John Morgan; Jackson Parish Healthcare Provider, Kim Brunson, NP; Jackson Parish Sheriff Officer, Donovan Schultz; and myself, Jackson Parish Police Jury President, Amy Magee.  This team has met on multiple occasions, discussing and reviewing information sent to us from the Governor’s office, Louisiana Dept. of Health, and GOHSEP (Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness).  We have also been in contact with pharmacies trying to monitor the amount of medicines on hand to treat residents touched by COVID-19 and oversee tests with results that have yet to be reported.  A major concern for us is hospital capacity resources available such as PPE and test kits.  These will help protect our healthcare workers and emergency responders by providing supplies that they need to stay safe while fighting this virus.

This team is trying to be extremely proactive in providing the most urgent care and safety of our residents.  I know that many people believe that this is an overboard reaction.  I pray that you are correct, and I completely understand many of your complaints.  Yes, most people are making a full recovery from this terrible virus.  However, the fact is that no one truly knows the all facts about COVID-19.  This virus is not being taken seriously by some people, and the fact remains that until the virus touches someone in your family, it never will be taken seriously.  By then, it may be too late.  Whether we save one life or 100 lives, the efforts are worth it in my estimation.

As usual, it may take a few irresponsible actions to adversely affect the lives of others who are doing their part to follow guidelines and directives.  Closing the public boat launches was due to information given by the Sheriff’s Office concerning 10 or more people gathering around boats and vehicles.  This lack of concern to abide by the Governor’s order now becomes our responsibility to do whatever we can to discourage this type of congregation on public property—especially considering the deaths under investigation in our parish.  Caney Lake is still open, and everyone is welcome to fish.  Private boat launches are still permissible under self-monitoring as people are responsible for their gatherings while following the restrictions given by Gov. Edwards. 

Most of our residents are doing exactly what has been asked of them; as a result, our parish numbers are still low.  The sooner that the COVID-19 virus disappears, the sooner we can get back to our normal lives.  

As for as my political feelings are concerned, I fully support the decisions made by the Early Response Team during this pandemic.  I know that my heart is in the right place, and my greatest concern is the health and well-being of Jackson Parish residents.  When I ran for public office, I knew that it would be impossible to make everyone happy.  I take my position very seriously, and I will continue to work hard for every single resident of Jackson Parish.  We live in an amazing community, and your health and safety are a priority with every decision made by me and the Early Response Team. 

Please stay safe, stay home, and stay together.  We will beat COVID-19.  This, too, shall pass.

Sincerely,

Amy Magee