In response to the global coronavirus pandemic, thousands of healthcare workers have stepped up and put their own lives on the line to continue providing treatment to patients. More than anyone, healthcare workers are the people on the frontlines fighting the COVID-19 outbreak.
Doctors, nurses, medical assistants, patient care technicians, pharmacists, and all other kinds of healthcare professionals are risking their health and lives to care for the thousands of people infected by COVID-19 in the U.S. alone.
According to a compilation of the latest reported numbers, at least 5,400 healthcare workers responding to the coronavirus pandemic have been infected by the disease.1 Inconsistent tracking and testing means the true number is much higher. Unfortunately, a number of healthcare professionals have died due to COVID-19.
As a healthcare vocational school in Miramar, some of our graduates have become these very heroes over the last few months. They are the healthcare providers that are currently working long hours in crowded hospitals. They are the ones risking their lives, covered head to toe in personal protective equipment (PPE). They have become essential workers.
FVI School of Nursing and Technology would like to say – Thank You Healthcare Workers! Thank you to the front-line pandemic fighters and the miracle workers. Thank you to the doctors, nurses, medical assistants, nursing assistants, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and all other healthcare professionals and medical facility workers doing their part to fight COVID-19.
How You Can Support Your Local Healthcare Providers
The first and perhaps most important thing you can do to support the healthcare workers in your local area and all around the world is by doing your part to stop the spread of COVID-19. If you can, stay at home as much as possible and wash your hands often.2 If you need to go out to work, get groceries, walk the dog, or do other essential tasks, wear a mask and gloves if you have them and stand at least 6 feet away from other people.
Another way you can say Thank You Healthcare Workers is to donate much needed masks, PPE, and other medical supplies. In many locations and facilities around the nation, healthcare workers are facing shortages of masks, face shields, gloves, and gowns needed to protect themselves while caring for COVID-19 patients. The hashtag #GetMePPE is raising awareness about this issue on social media.3
If you have extra masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, or disinfecting wipes, you can donate them to your local hospital or public health department. You can even give them to a healthcare worker you know. If you own businesses in realty and home renovation, chances are you have an extra supply of masks, safety glasses, and even shoe covers, which are all needed.
Some businesses are using their resources and factories to manufacture vital PPE while there are a growing number of individual volunteers sewing face masks. Whether you are a business owner or individual person, you can research local PPE donation drives happening near you. Go to getusppe.org to find out where to donate in your area.
Sources
- Zahra Hirji, Buzzfeed – Thousands Of US Health Care Workers Have Been Infected By The Coronavirus. This Is How Each State Stacks Up.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – How to Protect Yourself & Others
- Victoria Forster, Forbes – Healthcare Workers Fighting The Coronavirus Outbreak Are Running Out Of Vital Protective Equipment
