Honoring MCSO Deputy Ruiz, Congressional Testimony, Opioid Settlement, COVID-19 Update

Maricopa County, Arizona sent this bulletin at 10/28/2021 03:46 PM MST

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October 28, 2021

Message from Supervisor Gates
Tribute to Sheriff's Deputy Johnny Ruiz
Congressional Testimony About Election Integrity
Opioid Settlement Will Bring Funds for Treatment, Prevention
Burn Cleaner, Burn Better
Fall In Love And Bring A New Pet Home
"Missing in Arizona" Update
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Update
Quick Links to Helpful COVID-19 Resources
Maricopa County is Hiring!
Update on District 3 Community Events
Looking for a Maricopa County Contact?
Follow Supervisor Gates on Social Media

Message from Supervisor Gates

Dear Friends,

We deal with some tough stuff in our job as Supervisors, but to me, there is nothing more difficult than having to attend a service for someone who has been lost in the line of duty. Last week I joined some of my colleagues for the funeral and memorial service of one of Maricopa's finest, Sheriff's Deputy Juan "Johnny" Ruiz..

My fellow Board members and I offer our deepest condolences to his family and our full support to the Sheriff’s Office and its staff as they continue to serve and protect. We know they do so with heavy hearts.

Please read on for a tribute and video honoring Deputy Ruiz.

With regards,

Bill

Tribute to Sheriff's Deputy Johnny Ruiz

Maricopa County Sheriff's Deputy Juan "Johnny" Ruiz was laid to rest on October 19. Deputy Ruiz was killed in the line of duty.

Ruiz was born in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, the youngest of six children. He immigrated to the United States with his family in 1980 and became a citizen after he turned 18. He was a proud American who never forgot his cultural roots.

Johnny was a fan of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Las Vegas Raiders and loved animals, especially his lab, Zumba. He shared a passion for geeky things with his nieces and nephews and loved spending time with family and friends. He left his career in the insurance industry to pursue his dream of working in law enforcement in 2018 and worked for MCSO for three years.

"The deputy will forever remain in the hearts of his law enforcement family," Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone said. He also expressed admiration for the Ruiz family and their decision to donate his organs. “His family made a selfless act of donating his organs so that many others will have a chance to live on and represent his legacy. In his last act, he saved their lives.”

Deputy Ruiz’s end of watch was October 11, 2021.

Honoring Deputy Ruiz

Congressional Testimony About Election Integrity

On October 7th, I traveled with Chairman Sellers to Washington, DC, to testify before the United States House Oversight Committee regarding threats to American democracy. Our testimony detailed steps taken by the County to ensure election integrity, and we expressed our concerns with the recent "audit" of Maricopa County ballots and equipment by Arizona Senate Contractors. It was really a privilege to speak under oath about what our folks have done in elections. I want people to know that's the faith we have in our elections workers and that we were more than happy to go back to DC and answer questions from congressional members. I encourage you to watch the congressional hearing.

Opioid Settlement Will Bring Funds for Treatment, Prevention

Maricopa County has reached a settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors for their role in unlawfully marketing, promoting, and distributing prescription opioids. The settlement will bring more than $80 million to Maricopa County. The money will be used to treat, prevent, and help people recover from opioid use disorder and support organizations working to address this issue. Statistics from Public Health show opioid overdose deaths per 100,000 people have more than doubled in Maricopa County since 2010. Since 2019, opioid overdoses have made up 2/3 of all overdose deaths in the county.

Learn More About the Settlement>

If you or someone you know is suffering from opioid addiction, please reach out for help. FindTreament.gov is run by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association and provides information and resources for those seeking treatment and their families.

To watch the news conference held on Oc. 20, 2021 about the announcement, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWb0xccic2E

Burn Cleaner, Burn Better

Keep our air clean and our neighbors healthy: don’t burn wood on a No Burn Day! In addition, convert your wood burning fireplace to natural gas or electric, or switch to other cleaner-burning alternatives. To find out the latest air quality forecast and No Burn Day status, download the Clean Air Mobile App, visit CleanAirMakeMore.com, or call 602-506-6400.

Fall In Love And Bring A New Pet Home

Interested in helping our shelter pets this holiday season?
Please visit our Donation page for our most needed items and to view our Amazon Wish List.

Search for adoptable dogs and cats: If interested in adopting one of our shelter pets, please schedule an appointment via our online calendar.

"Missing in Arizona" Update

The Office of the Medical Examiner had to cancel their annual “Missing in Arizona” event due to COVID-19. However, they still want to help the community find missing persons.

If you have a missing loved one or have information that could help identify a missing person, you can submit information about a case here.

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Update

Boosters Authorized for Certain Populations, All

Three Vaccine Types

Boosters have now been authorized for Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines. Boosters are recommended if:

You received the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna at least six months ago, AND you are:

Age 65 or older, or
Age 18 or older living in a long-term care setting, or
Age 18 or older with an underlying medical condition, or
Age 18 or older who work or live in high-risk settings

You received Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago and are age 18 or older

Your booster dose may be either the same type of COVID-19 vaccine you received before or a different COVID-19 vaccine.

Either one is recommended. All three vaccine types continue to be effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.

MCDPH is already offering Pfizer boosters and will begin offering Moderna and Johnson & Johnson booster doses at its events this week. You can also contact providers on the COVID-19 Vaccine Locations map for booster availability.

COVID-19 Spread Update

Community spread of COVID-19 is significantly higher than last year heading into holidays. Right now, the 7-day case average is around 1,200 cases per day. At this time last year, we were averaging around 740 new cases per day. Overall, cases are declining somewhat, and the percentage of COVID-19 tests coming back positive is also trending down. However, we are not seeing as dramatic of a drop in cases as we have seen after previous waves. The transmission rate is still considered high, and people are encouraged to take proven, preventive measures to keep from getting or spreading COVID-19.

View epi curve and case trends >

Safe Vaccines (And More) For Safe Fall Gatherings

We’re entering the time of year where family and friends get together to share holiday food, fun, and traditions. Take care of the people who are important to you by getting vaccinated against COVID-19. The vaccines are safe and effective, especially when it comes to preventing serious illness. And remember: that’s just one layer of protection. Public Health recommends masking up indoors and limiting group size, if possible. Social distancing still works, too.

To find a vaccine near you, visit Maricopa.gov/COVID19VaccineLocations.

If you have questions about vaccines, visit Maricopa.gov/COVID19VaccineFacts.

Need a COVID-19 test? Visit Maricopa.gov/COVID19Testing for locations in your area or consider getting a rapid test at your local pharmacy.

Quick Links to Helpful COVID-19 Resources

Maricopa County is Hiring!

Maricopa County is always looking for motivated individuals to join our team. Click HERE to see what jobs are currently open.

With great benefits, fun health challenges, and amazing people, the Human Resources department at Maricopa County continues to do an amazing job of finding, attracting, and keeping great talent. Is your next career waiting for you at Maricopa County?

Update on District 3 Community Events

Supervisor Gates is eager to restart District 3 community meetings. Unfortunately, the COVID pandemic has limited in-person interaction with constituents. With the utmost concern and respect for the health of our residents, District 3 meetings are on hold as COVID-19 transmission remains high in our community. As soon as it is safe for all in our community to meet and participate, meetings will resume again.