The new possible: COVID-19’s legacy

"One more step to normalcy."

That's one of many happy comments from people vaccinated through Operation Safe in the last eight weeks. Clinicians at the events have delivered more than 34,720 first doses and 18,860 second doses so far, with many more to come. I recently had the honor of volunteering at the operation – easily a career highlight – and witnessing hope breathe life into a building that’s been oddly quiet the last year.

I experienced the joy of a 90-year-old veteran skipping toward his second vaccine, excitement bobbing through his U.S. Air Force jacket and hat.

I was inspired by the bold, brave energy of a cancer survivor who tie-dyed her newly regrowing hair in celebration of her second vaccine.

I had the privilege of hearing “bless you” and “thank you,” and seeing more masked smiles than I could count.

The heart of health care pulsed from the parking lot to the recovery room, reminding me why I love supporting this industry and our clients — and why there’s never been a more critical moment to do so.

Amid the pandemic’s countless challenges, our clients have redefined what’s possible and shown how quickly we can collaborate to solve complex problems.

When the virus spread quickly and disrupted health care access, our clients developed effective testing strategies and rapidly expanded virtual care.

When the world grew more unpredictable each day, they built temporary hospitals to prepare for the unknown, adapted tools to address new challenges and predicted staffing needs through COVID-19 surges.  

When the pandemic derailed plans, they flexed with virtual trainings and virtual implementations.

When their communities were vulnerable, they proactively engaged high-risk individuals, coaxed people back to care and shared data to support care continuity.

Each day, they continue persevering through pressure, surviving setbacks and enduring more loss than anyone should.

And while they're working hard to end the pandemic through mass vaccination, it’s a privilege to support them any way we can — with our solutions or volunteering alongside them.

We're grateful for each step toward normalcy, but we know that normalcy is relative. Health care will never be the same, and neither will we.

While I look forward to putting this challenging season behind us, I hope that its imprint on our organization  — redefining what’s possible through unprecedented urgency, innovation and collaboration — never fades. 

Special thanks to North Kansas City Hospital, Liberty Hospital, Clay County Public Health Center and many other organizations supporting Operation Safe. And at Cerner, thanks to Shanna Adamic, Eva Karp, Dr. Nill, Tricia Geris, Kari Baldonado, Wes Ketcham, Sara Meinhard, Josh Stahl, Scott Barton, the Cerner COVID-19 Taskforce and countless others who have supported the event in some way.