Editor’s Note: The following letter, dated Jan. 10, was addressed to Matt Denner, director St. Lawrence County Emergency Services.

I appreciate the conversation we had a week or so ago.

I write again fearing the public and government agencies are not prepared enough for hospital closures. I reviewed the “Comprehensive Emergency Plan” updated 8-5-2021 and found the Public Health section lacking in specifics to hospital closures and the staff shortages that are occurring in other areas of the state.

Is there an active “ Emergency Medical Public Health Group” in operation now? Is this the weekly phone meeting you mentioned, or is it not yet that severe a crisis? As the county plan defers to local government, is there a Potsdam emergency planning group?

My major focus and concern is the lack of information being distributed of any consequence. Yes, the head of health facilities wrote a one page ad in This week and promotes awareness and education.

We need more specific plans on what will we do with Army tent field hospitals that have no one to carry out treatment and care of our residents. Where do you apply for FEMA burial assistance? Explain CSC crisis standard of care and Triage in detail. here to look for accurate public health information in a crisis? How can citizens prepare now for hospital closures? Let the public know you meet weekly with health agencies and discuss…… hospital closures, ambulance diversion, ……. On and on.

I’m not an expert in this field, but I want the public to have advanced notice, and what’s being done. There may be areas I mention that are not specific to your department, but pass along my concerns and suggestions to those who are in charge. Have a weekly story in This Week, NCPR, WPDM. Get the word out. Again, I sincerely appreciate you responding to me and sharing what you could of the situation, but please share and implement some of my suggestions.

Richard Paolillo

West Stockholm