While people in Ohio have been staying home to help stop the spread of the COVID-19, healthcare workers have been sacrificing time away from their families to fight the virus on the front lines. Medical professionals are truly giving everything they have during this pandemic. At Heller, Maas, Moro & Magill Co., LPA, we want to take the time to give a big thank you to every single one of them.
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Sacrifices Made by Healthcare Workers
Throughout Ohio and across the country, everyone has been making sacrifices in an effort to slow the spread, flatten the curve, and get through this pandemic. Those making the biggest sacrifices are the healthcare workers on the forefront. They work every day to help save lives and minimize the impact of COVID-19.
Even when these medical professionals come home from a long day or night of helping patients infected by the virus, many do not get to see their families. To prevent the spread and keep their families safe, many medical professionals are choosing to stay in RVs parked in their driveways. They talk to their loved ones only from a distance.
These steps may seem drastic, but they are necessary. In early April, when Ohio had only been dealing with the pandemic for a few weeks, there were already 1,300 healthcare workers in Ohio who tested positive for COVID-19. That’s approximately one out of every five positive tests in the state.
A Show of Thanks
The dedication of Ohio’s healthcare workers has not gone unnoticed. The nonprofit company Advanced Methods In Innovation has sent healthcare workers more than 800 FDA-approved face shields that are personalized with messages such as, “Thank you for being an American hero.”
One Ohio man, who became infected with COVID-19, was transferred to the ICU at the Cleveland Clinic. He told the local news that he did not think he was going to beat the disease. But, with the diligent attention provided by his healthcare providers, their promise to him came true. He was able to go home. When leaving the ICU, he left a very special message on the glass that separated him from his care team, simply calling them rock stars.
Additionally, in a very moving YouTube video, first responders took the time to make a special tribute to healthcare workers. The video shows first responders who had gathered to pay tribute to frontline workers at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, flashing their lights and clapping while healthcare workers made their way inside to do their very important work. Toward the end of the video, a sign is hung that says, “Thank you heroes.”
Ways We Can Help
Of course, COVID-19 has not only created a healthcare crisis, but an economic one, too. Businesses have had to shut down to help stop the spread, effectively drying up revenue. Employees in many of those businesses have been laid off or furloughed, while others have lost their jobs because they worked for a company that had to permanently close its doors.
Although this has been a time of crisis, many people have come together to help out in any way they can. That has certainly been the case with the many charities that have created funds to help those who have been most affected. Just a few of these programs include:
- The Rapid Response Fund: The Rapid Response Fund was created shortly after the pandemic hit in March 2020. It is intended to supplement the work of public health authorities and expand the capacity to deal with any outbreak as quickly and efficiently as possible. You can join the fund’s long list of donors through the Cleveland Foundation website.
- OhioGuidestone COVID-19 Relief Fund: This relief fund is intended to help those who have felt the most negative impacts due to COVID-19. The at-risk populations this relief fund is intended to help are individuals with mental health issues, substance abuse concerns, low-income individuals, and families living in communities with economic troubles. Donated funds will help provide diapers, meals, and other basic necessities to those in need. Donations can be made through the OhioGuidestone website, where you can make a general donation or donate directly to the fund.
- Emergency Response Fund: Similar to the Rapid Response Fund, the Emergency Response Fund is intended to help nonprofits responding to the threat of COVID-19 that are experiencing financial hardship. Donations can be made through the Columbus Foundation website, a place where nonprofits looking for help can also apply to receive additional funding. The organization is having a “Big Give” event from June 10 to June 11. Any funds donated during this time will be given a boost, helping even more nonprofits that have been so essential during this very challenging time.
The pandemic has presented many challenges to people throughout the state, and these charities have stepped up to help them through it.
Our Ohio Disability Lawyers Thank Everyone on the Front Lines
At Heller, Maas, Moro & Magill Co., LPA, our firm wants to thank all healthcare workers for their hard work, dedication, and sacrifices while they help us contend with this pandemic. If you are having problems with Worker’s Compensation or Social Security Disability during this stressful time, we also want you to know that we are open and here to help. We can also meet with you virtually to discuss your case. If you feel you or a loved one has been exposed to COVID-19 at work, call us or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.