Don’t let your guard down

Nate Blackford President of Mosaic Medical Center – Maryville

Spring has arrived. As I write this, it’s 65 degrees and sunny, with the noise of lawn mowers in the background, but life feels a little different this spring.

We are all modifying our routines to help each other. We are operating with an abundance of caution as the COVID-19 virus moves closer to us each day. We are pleased by indications that social distancing seems to be having an impact and that the curve of infection rates can indeed be flattened if everyone does their part. However, we also see a number of examples in the world and national news about the tragic things that happen when the virus spreads through a population.

We at Mosaic Medical Center – Maryville continue to prepare for the arrival of COVID-positive patients, and we pledge to care for them (and others who need us, as always) with professionalism and compassion.

At the time of this writing, we have not yet identified a confirmed COVID-positive patient in Nodaway County. That makes me happy, but my fear of human nature also prompts me to send this reminder.

Just a few short weeks ago, area schools experienced tremendous volumes of seasonal flu among their student and staff populations.

Some even took days off to try to slow the spread of that seasonal illness. Even though we live in a rural area and are working hard to distance ourselves as recommended, we can’t let our guard down.

It’s tough to keep modifying our routines and staying away from each other. The beautiful weather and our desire to interact socially make it even tougher, but we will continue to ask for your help. Please follow the social distancing and shelter in place requests that have been communicated throughout our area. We believe it is making a difference. Keep it up!

Since our local papers have been so generous as to offer us column space during this important time, I want to end on a very positive note. The attached comments come from Dr. Mark Laney, CEO of Mosaic Life Care.

“I’ve been in the health-care profession for more than 40 years. For the first time, I am witnessing a global pandemic that has affected our city, neighborhoods and homes in ways never seen before. With the shock and fear of the unknown, comes something you may not see: kindness, hope, generosity and extreme thoughtfulness.

Let me share with you what I’ve been honored to witness:

• An outpouring of support and encouragement from the community that recently brought a nurse to tears after a donation drop off
• Families calling restaurants to donate food to caregivers in the emergency department to make sure they have the energy they need
• Caregivers standing in line to treat potential COVID-19 patients
• Courage and resilience from caregivers with marks on their faces from protective gear
• People willing to help in areas they’ve never worked before
• Departments like nutritional services, environmental services and others embracing procedure changes with grace and calm
• Nursing homes and churches writing thank you cards and notes of encouragement

There are many unknowns with this pandemic, but this I know: Mosaic caregivers have already risen to the challenge to meet this need, will continue to do so, and I have every confidence, more than anything, that we are equipped to do this together.”

I am blessed to report that our local caregivers have felt similar love from all of you and that they absolutely continue to rise to these challenges. You can and should be proud of them.

With that, I wish you a healthy and safe spring.

Editor’s Note

COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. To help our community combat the outbreak, we are providing this content for free. Please consider supporting our efforts in providing local coverage by subscribing to The Maryville Forum.