I need to express my profound loss and sadness regarding San Juan Basin Health Department.

I was a registered nurse at SJBHD for over 20 years. I resigned abruptly without notice because I could no longer represent our agency and maintain my integrity.

The administration has created an atmosphere of trepidation for employees who question administrative decisions. I observed those who questioned, were identified as disgruntled and placed under corrective action or “separated without cause.” This administration clearly values adherence to directives far more than they value employee diversity, professional competence and a caring environment.

My own devastating experience is this: I was part of a group that fed, watered and cared for two cats born on the Health Department property 12 years ago. Our local hero Padgie Kimmick assisted with these cats over years to get them neutered, vaccinated and veterinary care when needed.

Those of us called “the feeders” loved these cats. We built a warm house for them, and they greeted us in the parking lot every morning. They were no harm to anyone. Over time, we made the error of leaving uneaten food out, which attracted some skunks around our back employee entrance.

One morning, it was announced that the administration had called an exterminator to get rid of the skunks and the cats. Not one person from the administration had the integrity to notify “the feeders” to problem solve. A trapper appeared, and all hell cut loose on these poor, innocent cats. The skunks were an excuse to exterminate “the cat problem” – two poor, old cats.

We were instructed to halt feeding and watering the cats immediately – cruelty by any measure of humaneness. Quitting a valued job with excellent benefits is not something one does lightly, but it was the only right thing to do.

It really is about the cats because it demonstrates vividly the lack of values and sensitivity toward other inhabitants of our world – whether they are cats or co-workers – by an administration that is insecure and more interested in having its own way than doing the right, kind thing.

I ask colleagues who know me and my professional credibility to demand accountability from the Board of Health about the recent exodus of excellent employees. It is because there is no trust in the leadership, no open communication and little caring.

Rita Fowler

Durango