Healthcare – The Other Side Dallas

February 6, 2024February 6, 2024

Garland PillMill Doctors Convicted

Garland pillmill doctors convicted by a jury after an eight day trial which showed they illegally prescribed powerful opioids.

A jury convicted Leovares A. Mendez, a 58-year-old doctor on all counts. Mendez co-owned and operated Cumbre Medical Center, LLC in Garland.

The US Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton charged Dr. Mendez for multiple crimes. The charges Mendez received conviction for include one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and six counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance.

Codefendant Cesar Pena-Rodriguez, 56, entered a guilty plea on January 17, 2024. This was five days before trial would begin.

According to evidence presented at trial, both physicians issued numerous prescriptions without a legitimate medical purpose. They did so outside the usual course of professional medical practice.

The defendants repeatedly issued prescriptions for controlled substances. Those medications include hydrocodone, alprazolam, and tramadol.

The prescribed these medications to undercover agents posing as patients in exchange for cash payments.

The defendants sold medically unjustified prescriptions to undercover agents in 24 undercover visits.

At trial, evidence showed Dr. Mendez issued prescriptions despite performing only minimal or perfunctory medical evaluations during short visits. Some of these visits only lasted one minute.

Video and audio recordings of the visits made by the undercover officers. these recordings show a pattern of officers requesting the medications by name with no complaint of pain.

On multiple occasions, Dr. Mendez coached undercover officers as to what to say if ever contacted by law enforcement regarding illegal prescriptions.

Garland PillMill Doctors Convicted, Sentences Upcoming

Dr. Mendez now faces up to 140 years in federal prison – twenty years per count.

Mendez will receive his sentence at an unannounced later date.

Pena-Rodriguez pleaded to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Dr. Pena-Rodriguez will receive his sentence on April 22, 2024.

Other Side Dallas will continue to bring breaking Dallas news on crime, politics, and education. Other Side Dallas will follow up when sentences are the court issues them.

January 20, 2024January 25, 2024

Healthcare High School Coming

Healthcare High School coming to Dallas after Mike Bloomberg commits $250M to ten campuses across the United States.

The Dallas high school will have a focus on the healthcare industry.

It will be similar to Dallas Independent School District and their magnet high school and their Townview health school.

Baylor Scott & White Health and the public charter school system Uplift Education are collaborating to transform the West Dallas’ Uplift Heights Preparatory campus.

They also plan to establish a health science pathway at Grand Prairie’s Uplift Grand Preparatory.

“These innovative programs … have the potential to not only change the trajectory of young lives, but the economic health of families and neighborhoods we serve,” leaders from Baylor Scott & White and Uplift said in a joint statement.

The local partnership will receive about $14.6 million from the pool of funds to roll out its offerings.

Another healthcare school is opening in the Houston Area partnering with Memorial Hermann Health System.

Healthcare High School Coming Fill Employer Gaps

Through dedicated high schools and new pathways, students will get training, credentials and experience.

Leaders anticipate students can get certified as surgical technologists, radiology technicians and respiratory therapists.

Officials aim to get students working with partner healthcare providers straight after graduating.

Other Side Dallas will continue to bring breaking Dallas news to our readers on the community, education, and economy.

July 12, 2023July 12, 2023

West Nile 2023

West Nile 2023 has claimed its first Dallas victim per Dallas County Health and Human Services staff. This is the first human case of West Nile virus this season.

The Dallas man was diagnosed with West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND) – a more severe variant of the disease.

West Nile 2023

West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States.

The most common form of infection is from the bite of an infected mosquito. Cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall.

Fortunately, most people infected with WNV do not feel sick.

Almost one in five people who develop the infection develop a fever and other symptoms. About one in one hundred fifty infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.

There is no vaccine for West Nile virus.

This time last year health officials were following a case of monkeypox that arrived in Dallas through Love Field.

Mosquito Protection Options

Dress in long sleeves and long pants when outside. You can also spray thin clothing with repellent for extra protection.
DEET: Make sure this ingredient is in your insect repellent.
Drain standing water in your yard and neighborhood: Mosquitoes can develop in any water stagnant for more than three days.

July 27, 2022July 27, 2022

Clay Got COVID19

Clay Got COVID19 and his political foes wasted no time attacking him.

In a statement released Tuesday, Dallas County Judge said he tested for COVID19.

Political opponents like Barry Wernick came out immediately to wish Jenkins well. They also hoped he would take his own medicine and isolate.

Clay Got COVID19 – Ignoring Own Warnings

Four sources confirmed that Jenkins most recent routine did not include masks or social distancing.

Several of those sources believe Jenkins was isolating before the diagnosis given his recent work habits.

The same sources say Jenkins wanted to run for Governor. They say he has no fire to be Dallas County Judge anymore.

One county staffer said, “he is going through the motions, but isn’t there mentally anymore.”

COVID19 Stats

Cases are on the rise again though down from last year. Dallas County is currently on an “Extreme Caution” warning level.

At this time last year, Dallas County was exeriencing its highest infection rate totals since February 2021. In early August 2021, Dallas was experiencing 700 new cases per day. We are just over half that number now.

Mayor Eric Johnson was diagnosed with COVID19 in October 2021.

Locally, school protests at Dealey Montessori led to unmasked students in classrooms and brought a spike in cases there.

June 8, 2022June 8, 2022

Monkeypox in Dallas, Texas

Communicable disease disasters are back on the frontburner as monkeypox in Dallas was announced yesterday afternoon in a combined press conference by Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and Dallas County Health officials.

DSHS is actively working with Dallas County Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate the current single case of the virus infection in a Dallas County resident who had traveled to Mexico recently.

The patient is isolated at home. The public health investigation has identified a few people who may have been exposed in Dallas and are monitoring themselves for symptoms of infection. The illness does not currently present a risk to the general public thought there are multiple cases happening in Europe indicating it may be community spread.

The CDC are tracking multiple cases of monkeypox that have been reported in several countries that don’t normally report monkeypox, including the United States. DSHS and the CDC urge health care providers in the United States to be alert for patients with rash illnesses consistent to monkeypox.

Monkeypox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal.

It can also be transmitted from person to person by inhaling large respiratory droplets or through close contact with body fluids and lesions, as well as bedding and other contaminated materials. Those infected may experience fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes, as well as more serious complications.

Monkeypox in Dallas – Again

Last July, a patient returning from international travel was diagnosed with monkeypox. That diagnosis and the presence of Candida Auris – an untreatable fungal infection – led to concerns about additional infections on top of the coronavirus pandemic.

January 4, 2022January 4, 2022

Dallas Adds New COVID19 Test Sites

Dallas adds new COVID19 test sites this week to battle a rising Omicron vairant infection rate locally. Dallas County Health and Human Services, in partnership with Dallas Independent School District and Dallas Parks and Rec, is opening two new COVID testing sites this week.

Ellis Davis Field House will open tomorrow at noon.

Ellis Davis Field House is located at 9191 S Polk Street, Dallas, Texas 75232.

Operations will begin on Wednesday, January 5, 2022. Operations will run Monday thru Sunday from 8AM – 8PM.

Appointments preferred, but walk-ups also accepted. Appointments can be made at: https://testing.nomihealth.com/signup/texas

Samuell Grand Aquatics Center will open Thursday at 8AM.

Samuell Grand Aquatics Center is located at 3201 Samuell Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75223.

Operations will begin Thursday, January 6, 2022 and run Monday thru Saturday, 8AM – 5PM

Appointments at Samuell Grand Aquatics Center are required. Appointments can be made at www.mycovidappointment.com OR 469-536-0807.

New COVID19 Test Sites

The new testing sites come on the heels of DCHHS sites added the week prior to Christmas.

Yesterday Governor Abbott pleaded for federal resources for Texas afetr avoiding policies to limit the spread of COVID19.

January 4, 2022January 3, 2022

Abbott Begs For Help Again

Texas Governor Greg Abbott begs for federal socialist help again per a statement from his office.

The Texas governor, who has opposed COVID19 vaccine mandates and other preventive measures, said on Friday that his state had requested federal help with testing sites.

Abbott said in a press release that the state requested “resources for federally-supported testing locations and medical personnel and additional federal allocations of monoclonal antibodies.”

In June 2020, Governor Abbott blamed young people for the rise in COVID19 cases only to be diagnosed with the virus himself. He used monoclonal antibodies – a high dollar treatment option when he was diagnosed with coronavirus himself just a day after being at a fundraiser event the day before.

In October, Abbott issued a state executive order that barred Texas entities, including private business, from issuing COVID-related vaccine mandates. That came after the federal government announced a plan requiring private businesses with more than one hundred employees to require vaccinations or weekly testing.

Abbott was accused if playing politics at the time.

His statement against President Biden stated, “In yet another instance of federal government overreach, the Biden Administration is now bullying many private entities into imposing COVID19 vaccine mandates, causing workforce disruptions that threaten Texas’ continued recovery from the COVID19 disaster.”

Abbott is facing a primary challenge from both former Congressman Allen West and former Texas Senator Don Huffines.

Huffines has attacked Abbott on issues ranging from government administration to illegal immigrants, the coronavirus response, and blaming the governor for last year’s February power outages which he called “ridiculous.”

Abbott Begs Like Last Year While Denying Local Assistance

In August 2021, Abbott denied coronavirus response resources requested by Dallas area hospitals battling increasing hospital admissions.

Hospitals in Dallas and throughout North Texas said they needed hundreds of additional emergency staff to deal with the surge of viral cases of coronavirus. The state denied their request for emergency personnel.

January 3, 2022January 3, 2022

Masks Stay In Dallas ISD

Mandatory masks stay in Dallas ISD after a Sunday night email to parents.

Dallas County like much of America is in a coronavirus Hot Zone as the Omicron variant is causing a rapid rise in COVID infections. Beyond Dallas ISD it is unclear on what steps state or federal government can take in light of the pandemic.

Masks Stay Thru Spring Break – At Least

The full statement to Dallas Schools’ parents is here:

Dallas ISD Parents,

Happy New Year. As we prepare for classes to resume this week, we continue to monitor COVID19 data and prepare for a safe return. Dallas County recently returned to level Red as the new Omicron variant has proven to be more easily transmitted than previous strains. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) anticipates the number of positive cases will increase over the next few weeks.

Dallas ISD’s mask requirement, along with other safety measures, has helped keep the number of positive cases down across the district. As staff return to work and classes resume, adhering to the mask protocol will be critical to controlling the spread and keeping students in classrooms. We will continue our mask and quarantine protocols and reassess at spring break. In-person classes will resume Wednesday January 5, as scheduled.

We remain committed to following established safety measures:

requiring masks
encouraging vaccinations
practicing social distancing
continuing cleaning and hygiene efforts, and
frequent testing.

Campus nurses will be available to test campus staff and students. We will also have a central testing site at the William H. Cotton Service Center, 3701 S. Lamar, from 8AM – 1PM on Monday, January 3 and Tuesday, January 4.

Those who have been fully vaccinated and are deemed a close contact will not be required to quarantine if they are not displaying symptoms. As always, anyone who displays symptoms of COVID19 should stay home and contact their health care provider.

The safety and well-being of our students and staff continues to be our top priority. Thank you for your support and commitment to helping keep everyone safe.

Mask Debate Continues

The ongoing discussion of masks in schools will likely continue a debate about students wearing masks beyond just NextDoor groups.

Most notably a group of upper middle class white individuals have been pushing back against the mask mandate at Dealey Montessori. The protests were pushed by Lauren Davis who has worn masks regularly in public spaces. They also come despite President Trump stating he has taken both the vaccine and booster leading some of the Alex Jones style sycophants to describe him as a “sell out.”

December 29, 2021December 29, 2021

Sudden COVID19 Restaurant Closures

Mask and vaccine mandates are not the cause of the recent COVID19 restaurant closures – it is a lack of staffing.

Governor Greg Abbott has pushed to stop mask mandates and defied recommendations on school learning, but has tried to extend his reverse mandate to private businesses too. Abbott later became infected with COVID19 and was COVID19 positive while attending an event locally in McKinney.

Those businesses are now feeling the crunch of employees testing positive for COVID19 in a wave of Omicron variant infections which have propelled numbers past last year’s highs.

Dallas Independent School District and other local ISDs are defying the Governor leading to protests against local schools by QAnon “truth warriors.”

Ongoing COVID19 Restaurant Closures

Local restaurant favorites like Amor Y Queso in Deep Ellum and Uchi Dallas have temporarily closed their doors after the COVID19 outbreak.

Theresa Gubbins at Dallas Culture Map recently posted a comprehensive list of Dallas bars and restaurants that have shuttered during the pandemic.

December 22, 2021December 22, 2021

Dallas County HHS Announces COVID19 Test Center Locations

Dallas County Health and Human Services announce new COVID19 test center locations at local health centers, clinics, and some pharmacies at no cost to the patient.

Please always call ahead to check availability and make and appointment if required.

Recently, Southwest Airlines Chief Executive Officer Gary Kelly was diagnosed with COVID19 after telling Congress mask mandates did not work. More recently, former President Donald Trump told a crowd in Dallas he had received the vaccine booster.

Dallas has attempted a number of programs to incentivize vaccines including Dallas Independent School District providing cash cards to students who receive the vaccine. That program was recently expanded to any student age five or up.

Previously, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson was diagnosed with COVID19 and several outbreaks have occured in local schools after mask mandates were ignored by principals.

COVID19 Test Center Locations

This is a partial list of testing locations.

Mountain View Campus – Monday-Saturday, 7:30 am.-6 p.m. (Ends Monday, Feb. 28). More info here: https://www.dallascollege.edu/coronav…/pages/vaccines.aspx

Richland Campus – Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. (Ends Monday, Feb. 28). More info here: https://www.dallascollege.edu/coronav…/pages/vaccines.aspx

Additional locations can be found here.