For the Tomahawk Leader

TOMAHAWK – Tomahawk Pharmacy was among six Wisconsin healthcare organizations and workers who were recognized as “Rural Health Heroes” as part of National Rural Health Day.

National Rural Health Day falls on the third Thursday in November each year and recognizes the efforts of those serving the health needs of an estimated 57 million people across the nation.

“Roughly 1.5 million people — one in four Wisconsinites — live in rural and frontier communities throughout Wisconsin,” the Wisconsin Office of Rural Health stated. “These communities are facing a public health crisis and fiscal difficulties by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”

Despite the staffing shortages and ever-changing regulations, Wisconsin’s rural hospitals and clinics have shown great resiliency and creativity, the office said.

The Wisconsin Office of Rural Health asked health care workers to nominate colleagues or organizations who have been “COVID heroes” in their communities. Nearly 20 nominees were received.

Alex Peterson, Waushara County EMS; Tony Gonzalez, Outreach Specialist, Marathon County Health Department; Kristine Fuge, CAO, St. Croix Regional Medical Center Respiratory Illness Clinic; Stoughton Health; and Netzali Pacheco Rojas, Mobile Health Practice Manager for Family Health La Clinica, Wautoma, were recognized alongside Tomahawk Pharmacy.

“When COVID-19 started to show a presence in the community, Tyler and Kayci Stevenson of Tomahawk Pharmacy responded,” a post on the Wisconsin Office of Rural Health’s Facebook page stated. “Resources such as testing and vaccination were not commonplace, especially in northern rural Lincoln County. Tomahawk Pharmacy has provided 4,500 vaccines and utilized all three approved COVID-19 immunizations. They were one of the only places in Wisconsin to have the J&J vaccine. This is a phenomenal feat for a small, locally-owned business.”

To learn more about the other Rural Health Heroes, visit www.facebook.com/wi.ruralhealth.