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When Darth Vadar walked through the doors at Lompoc Health - Hematology-Oncology, the staff knew it wasn’t going to be a typical appointment for the man behind the mask.

The Lompoc Valley Medical Center Medical Staff recently presented two colleagues with plaques recognizing special care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the monthly Med Staff meeting, Dr. Christopher Taglia and Dr. William Pierce were honored for their roles in the hospital’s response to the global pandemic.

Dear Lompoc Valley Community:

California and Santa Barbara County are in the midst of a second wave of COVID-19. The Lompoc Valley Community has, for the most part, been exempted from this second wave. However, with COVID-19, the situation seems to change on a dime, for better or for worse. So, as we are hopeful that the second wave crashes and fades away, we must all be diligent in doing everything we can to help make that happen. But, for this weekend, let’s put COVID-19 in the back of our minds and celebrate Independence Day, and the amazing County in which we live!

Lompoc Valley taxpayers will see a savings on property tax payments for years to come, following the recent refinancing of LVMC general obligation bonds. The refinancing comes 10 years after Lompoc Valley Medical Center relocated on June 29, 2010 to the newly constructed hospital at 1515 East Ocean Ave.

In honor of the 10th anniversary of the opening of Lompoc Valley Medical Center hospital at 1515 East Ocean Ave., hospital staff, physicians, current and former Board members, and Lompoc Hospital District Foundation trustees celebrated with the installation of a time capsule on Monday, June 29, 2020.

Dear Lompoc Valley Community:

Those of you who pay close attention to these weekly updates (if any!) might notice that I changed the heading from COVID-19 Community Update, to just Community Update. That is because, beginning with this edition, I have included updates on some matters in addition to COVID-19. I know we are all looking forward to a time when COVID-19 no longer consumes us. Although it may not seem like it now, I firmly believe that time will be upon us sooner than we think.

In this time of social distancing, Lompoc Valley Medical Center offers one-on-one TeleVisits with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Virtual lactation support provides the opportunity to address questions and concerns related to infant feeding, without having to leave your home. Using a cell phone, tablet, or computer, our IBCLC provides "face-to-face," individualized attention using a secure platform that does not require patients to sign-in or download an app. 

Dear Lompoc Valley Community:

Today, I will provide some analysis of COVID-19 statistics, based upon Santa Barbara County Public Health Department data.  All of the figures below exclude data pertaining to the Federal Correctional Complex. For those who are getting “COVID-19 Fatigue,” next week I plan to include updates regarding other “happenings” at LVMC. 

Testicular cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of one or both testicles. It is the most common cancer in men aged 15 to 34 years, and it can usually be cured.

“Wash your hands before eating dinner!” is something many of us grew up hearing from our parents. We may have grumbled, but we learned from an early age the importance of washing our hands. But what we may not have learned is exactly why hand hygiene is so important.

Dear Lompoc Valley Community:

You are probably aware that the Santa Barbara County Public Health Officer issued an Order indicating that effective today, businesses in the following classifications may reopen, if they have implemented the required infection prevention measures: Family Entertainment Centers; Hotels, Lodging, and Short-Term Rentals for Tourism or Individual Travel; Childcare Programs and Providers; Zoos, Aquariums, and Museums; Campgrounds, RVs, and Outdoor Recreation; Cardrooms, Satellite Wagering Facilities, and Racetracks; Music, Film, and TV Production; Professional Sports; Gyms and Fitness Centers; Restaurants, Wineries, and Bars; Day Camps; Schools and School-Based Programs; and Higher Education.

National Cancer Survivors Day is commemorated today as a celebration for those who have survived through a cancer diagnosis and as a way to outreach to the community about key cancer issues. 

Most Americans are hunkering down and staying home as much as possible due to the novel coronavirus in order to stay safe and healthy. But even with stay-at-home orders issued by state officials, essential errands such as trips to the grocery store are still an important and unavoidable part of life for those of us living in Lompoc Valley and throughout the country. 

Dear Lompoc Valley Community:

This week, Coronavirus has taken a back seat in the 24/7 news cycle. Although serendipitously, the timing coincides with the slow return to normal for the Lompoc Valley Community and Santa Barbara County. Personally, this week I had three dine-in meals, partially to support our local restaurants, and partially because I can’t cook! The restaurants were not crowded and there was plenty of space to social distance. I felt very safe, and I think you would, too.

Dear Lompoc Valley Community:

Below, please find an update regarding the COVID-19 situation from the Lompoc Valley Medical Center perspective. 

This has been a rather “slow news week” in regard to Covid-19 in the Lompoc Valley Community, but I will update you on a few items.