Legislative Preview, Navajo Nation Fights COVID, Vaccination Rollout | 1.15.21

New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)

This week on New Mexico in Focus… The Navajo Nation is one of the largest tribes in the United States, both geographically and by population. The Navajo have been hit hard by COVID-19, with more than 25,000 positive cases and more than 800 deaths. Jonathan Nez, president of the Navajo Nation, has been fighting the pandemic with curfews and lockdowns and has aggressively ramped up vaccination efforts. Correspondent Antonia Gonzales talks with President Nez about plans for the new year.

Dr. Tracie Collins, the secretary-designate of New Mexico’s Dept. of Health, and a group of medical experts from Presbyterian, Lovelace and UNM hospitals held press conferences this week to explain the roll-out of vaccinations so far. They also talked about moving into the next phase of vaccinations for older New Mexicans and those with underlying conditions. New Mexico in Focus includes part of that discussion.

Gene Grant and The Line opinion panelists preview the two-month session of the New Mexico Legislature that is set to start next week. COVID protocols will dictate the process of holding a full session during this pervasive pandemic, and while finalizing and approving a balanced budget is a number one priority, there are many other bills that will be on the docket. The Line also looks at how the COVID vaccine is being delivered – and how the message of its importance is being communicated. For their final topic, the Line panelists voice their opinions on how New Mexico’s conservative leaders have responded to violent rhetoric from President Trump.

Host: Gene Grant

In Focus Interviews:
Fighting COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation
Correspondent: Antonia Gonzales
Guest:  President Jonathan Nez, Navajo Nation

Health Secretary, Medical Experts on COVID Vaccinations
Guests:  
Dr. Tracie Collins, New Mexico Dept. of Health secretary-designate
Dr. Denise Gonzales, medical director, Presbyterian Medical Group
Dr. Vesta Sandoval, chief medical officer, Lovelace Health System
Dr. David Pitcher, executive physician, UNM Health Sciences

The Line Opinion Panel:
Merritt Allen, Vox Optima 
Cathryn McGill, NM Black Leadership Council  
Dan McKay, capitol bureau reporter, Albuquerque Journal 
Dave Mulryan, founder, Everybody Votes

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