By Rep. Derrick Lente
D-Sandia Pueblo

SANDIA PUEBLO – Today, with the distribution of a life-saving coronavirus vaccination on the horizon, a letter to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on behalf of the state’s native elderly seniors implores her office not to overlook some of the state’s most vulnerable populations.

The letter, sent by Rep. Derrick Lente (D-Sandia Pueblo), asks the Governor’s office to take seriously the challenges facing New Mexico’s Tribal citizens, minority multigenerational family households, and rural New Mexico seniors that use elder daycare and senior care facilities.

The impacts of COVID-19 have hit these groups exceptionally hard, and without access to more typically urban senior care facilities, there is a real worry that vaccine distribution will not reach those residing in rural parts of the state.

“This is not a debate on who is more worthy than another for the vaccine,” Rep. Lente said. “Many in our Tribal, Hispanic, and African American communities find comfort in keeping our elderly in our family homes. But for many, socioeconomic status, and rural barriers make access to nursing or healthcare facilities unrealistic to obtain a vaccine.”

To date, no plan has been made public addressing the vaccine’s distribution to the vulnerable populations outlined in the letter, but Representative Lente acknowledges the possibility that there may be ongoing discussions to do so.

To date, more than 1,700 New Mexicans have died due to COVID-19, with a substantial majority coming from the state’s native and elderly populations whose lack of access to health care, basic hygiene, and public health resources has worsened the deadly effects of the virus.

The letter was sent to the Governor’s office Friday afternoon. A scanned copy of the letter can be found attached to this press release.