COVID-19 Roundup: Weekend Of April 18th-19th 2020

As the weekend draws to a close, there's ample time to reflect on the past 48 hours of what has hopefully been a period of rest and relaxation for most of my readers. For those of you who, like me, are following an unconventional schedule or an unusual routine, I hope you've managed to find at least a little block of time for yourselves. It's important to lean into support, to practice self-care, but it's also helpful to simply - at times - do nothing at all.

To watch and to wait, to mark time carefully and mindfully. The songs of the sparrows in the trees paired with the rising sun make for a suitable canvas of inspiration - and there are other ways as well. We each deserve peace, tranquility and a measure of hope to balance out and ultimately deploy countermeasures against the forces of fear, uncertainty and doubt.

Now, here are your stories:

Boston Medical Center (BMC) Is Not Only Healing On The Frontlines - They're Winning Hearts and Minds

The photo above was complemented by a stirring quote provided by Jesse, whose sister Libby Schultz is a Healthcare Hero who proudly wears the inspiring uniform of a nurse:

"My kind, loving, and patient sister, Libby, is a nurse in the ICU at Boston Medical Center. She is truly my hero and I am in awe of her positivity and strength during this challenging time. As a small thank you, I thought it would be fun to treat Libby and her team to their morning coffee. Thanks to the support of my friends, family and co-workers, I was able to sponsor Libby and her team’s coffee fix for the next few weeks!"

This content is but a small sample of what the BMC (Boston Medical Center) Linkedin page has been producing over the past several days. Highlighting the contributions of their personnel, the efforts of outside individuals and organizations, as well as providing countless examples of COVID-19 related positive content paired with the kind of credible intelligence which is so essential in the fight against the equally insidious Infodemic.

BMC isn't alone in this multifaceted accomplishment, as other hospitals throughout the Commonwealth and around the world have been following suit.

US Navy, Virginia Tech, Carillon Health Team Up to Build Better Masks

With hearty thanks to COVID-19 Military Support, a joint effort put together by Booz Allen Hamilton, the Association of Defense Communities (ADC) and Blue Star Families, as well as participants from the White Oak Collaborative, the following coverage of a collective effort, was released Friday:

“This command is finding unique ways to adapt our technology and resources to aid in the fight of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ashley Johnson, technical director of the Navy team involved. “I’m proud that we are continuing to think outside of the box in finding ways to support both the community and the fleet in this fight.”

Additional information on this joint information can be found by accessing a report provided in a NAVSEA News Article published by the NSWC Indian Head EOD Technology Division Public Affairs.

Do Good to Do Well: The Story Of Scott Davidson, Captain Zachary Iscol, and Resilient NYC

It all started with a Linkedin post which struck me deeply with its resonant sincerity and which very much speaks for itself.

Speaking of his Headstrong Project Founder USMC Captain Zachary "Zach" Iscol, Scott Davidson sets the scene for us:

"...Anticipating a tidal wave of COVID-19 patients flooding New York City hospitals, the New York National Guard teamed up with the Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and dozens of state and city agencies and turned the Javits center into an alternative treatment center.

Zach could have stayed outside of the city to run multiple businesses and non profits but he chose to put himself back in harms way to help where he could. Exactly what you would expect from a Marine."

7th Parachute Riggers Adapt Their Skills In Service To Others

Michael Snyder from the Daily News: Specialist Mavrick Graves with the Army’s 7th Special Forces Group at Eglin Air Force Base, sews the face and backing for protective masks in the parachute rigger shed on the group’s compound. The riggers make nearly 500 masks per day which are being sent to military hospital workers and other military and Department of Defense personnel. The soldiers are wearing completed masks.

In an article written by Jim Thompson from The DestinLog, the story of the 7th Parachute Riggers provides an example in retooling, reframing and ultimately rising to the occasion as this unconventional COVID-19 conflict continues to bring out the best in many.

Outstanding Work HoneyWell, N95 Masks Now Made in Rhode Island

Commenting on the statement provided by Honeywell on its website, Coalition Partner and top-tier information sourcer Mike Grandinetti observed:

"Well done Honeywell & the great state of #RhodeIsland. 5 weeks is extraordinary to build a new #manufacturing capability. The normal set up time is normally 9 months or 36 weeks. Sense of purpose and a high level of autonomy allow teams to defy gravity. Just 1/7 the normal time!"

Philanthropy Finds Harmony: New York Real Estate Cares Presents A Virtual Benefit Concert for Frontline Healthcare Workers

Happening Tuesday, April 1st and running from 6PM to 7:30PM, the Virtual Benefit Concert put on by New York Real Estate Cares is set to provide a star-studded experience packed with entertainment and value:

Featuring: Jimmy Buffett, Joshua Bell and Larisa Martinez, Scott Harris, The Yale Whiffenpoofs, Joey Niceforo, Alisa Weilerstein, Jorge Glem and Sofia Rei, The New York Youth Symphony, Greta Feeney and other amazing artists!! These talented artists have come together with the Real Estate Council of Carnegie Hall and the YMWREA Foundation to benefit healthcare professionals doing extraordinary work to help others in an unprecedented crisis. They have personally dedicated their time and performances to the unsung heroes fighting on the frontline. Funds received will benefit frontline healthcare workers at Mount Sinai Health System. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. The non-tax deductible portion of each ticket is $10.00.

Further info can be found by clicking here.

The Heartfelt and The Homespun:

See you at the next Roundup!