[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 147 (Tuesday, August 17, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E904]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE ANDROSCOGGIN VALLEY AREA COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANN M. KUSTER

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 17, 2021

  Ms. KUSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the valiant 
efforts of the COVID-19 Response Team of the Androscoggin Valley Area 
of Coos County, New Hampshire. This group was formed in the early days 
of the pandemic in 2020.
  Recognizing that this would take an all-in effort, the team consisted 
of healthcare professionals, regional social service organizations, 
community EMTs, educational professionals, and both the state and 
Federal detention facilities in the area.
  While working together, this group was able to rapidly assess the 
spread of the pandemic and quickly formulate plans to mitigate further 
transmission. Initially this group concentrated on testing and contact 
tracing for positive tests. Soon after, local hot spots were quickly 
determined. Their work to promote quarantine efforts helped to slow the 
pandemic's progress. This outreach took in local nursing homes, social 
services, schools, local businesses, and more.
  Maintaining social distancing mandates, the team met virtually, 
almost daily, to assess current county and state statistics and decide 
on what the next steps would be; all the while waiting on the creation 
and release of a vaccine.
  Throughout the pandemic, this multi-disciplined group of individuals 
has met every challenge and managed to stay ahead of every curve. While 
there have been recent spikes in cases, case counts remain below state 
and national percentages.
  It is with pride and my honor to recognize this community-minded 
group of individuals as heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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