Lehigh Valley Health Network’s front line health care providers are working tirelessly to care for patients with COVID-19. The following is a consolidation of quotes shared with The Brown and White from healthcare heroes at LVHN, who hope to share their advice and encouragement to the greater community.
“I encourage every person to take care of yourself so your body can take care of you. Do everything you can to support your immune system.”
– Amy Lloyd, RN, Intensive Care Unit
“The COVID-19 pandemic will bring out the best and the worst in people, but I believe people are inherently good, and we often don’t get to see how a crisis can bring people together. We’ve seen such great community support at LVHN, how loving everyone has been and how much of a blessing their support is to us.”
– Hoonani (Nani) Cuadrado, PA-C, Valley Health Partners Street Medicine Program
“I am heartened by the outpouring of love. The endless demonstrations of support (thoughtful cards, food, medical supplies) make each day at work a little less stressful. I am sure that I am not alone in the sentiment that no words could truly express our appreciation for all the community has done.”
– Richard Chow, DO, Emergency Medicine
“Stay the course. We’re doing what we need to do to protect ourselves, and it is working. Continue to be vigilant of when you’re out in public even though we’re starting to open up again. This virus is something that’s going to be here, and we need to learn to live with it. We don’t want to be fearful, but we want to be mindful. Practicing good personal hygiene in your home and in your workplace, wearing a mask and using your best judgment when you leave your home are so important. If we stay positive and help each other, we will get through this, and we will be better for it.”
– Dennis Ganc, Lehigh Valley Health Network EMS
“Do not minimize your role in this. Some of us fight by staying home. Some fight by standing on the front lines. Some fight by supporting others by delivering groceries to neighbors, showing up to work, and sending encouraging notes and meals. We are in this together. Stay strong in your role because it supports us all. We will get to the other side of this, and I want you and your family safe when we get there.”
– Jennifer Hess, RN, Infection Preventionist
“People shouldn’t lose hope. We are likely to have a new normal for many months to come. But in the end we will get through this and learn some lessons about promoting public health along the way. I’m hoping we will realize how important those human connections are that we may be taking for granted. Maybe we’ll know there’s a silver lining in all this, and we shouldn’t let go of it.”
– Timothy J. Friel, MD, Infectious Diseases
Most importantly, continue to do your part. Although COVID-19 vaccines aren’t available to everyone in the community just yet, there are still ways to help slow the spread of COVID-19 – wear a face mask when you are near others, wash your hands often, create distance between yourself and others when possible and stay home if you feel sick.
Comment Policy
Comments posted to The Brown and White website are reviewed by a moderator before being approved. Incendiary speech or harassing language, including comments targeted at individuals, may be deemed unacceptable and not published. Spam and other soliciting will also be declined.
The Brown and White also reserves the right to refuse the publication of entirely anonymous comments.