We take great pride in our relationship with Mercy Health in Muskegon and the thousands of people who make the organization what it is. We have world class health care available to all of us, right here in a fairly small community and the fact that we don't have to travel far for much, is a great blessing to all of us.
Gary Allore is the President of Mercy Health in Muskegon and he's written an Op/Ed that he'd like to share with the entire community about the pandemic and how it's effected all of us in Muskegon. Thank you for taking a minute to read what Gary has to say and our sincere thanks to Mercy Health for helping us work to continue to provide Muskegon with the work we do.
MUSKEGON/LAKESHORE COMMUNITY ANSWERS THE CALL DURING PANDEMIC
Op-ed by Gary Allore, president, Mercy Health Muskegon
COVID-19 has altered the ways in which we do almost everything, not only in Muskegon, but throughout the world, and it is important that we take time to reflect on how the community and Mercy Health Muskegon have adapted to this “new normal” we find ourselves in. We have endured two very significant COVID surges, but throughout these peaks, Mercy Health Muskegon still provided safe, quality health care for our region - in both the fight against COVID-19 and the necessary medical care, surgeries and well-visits that keep our community members healthy and safe.
Mercy Health Muskegon has been and continues to be fully open for business.
Throughout the pandemic, our teams were able to complete the consolidation of our two hospitals, open the new 10-story tower on the Mercy Health Muskegon campus and roll out a community-wide vaccination process. While our community is currently working to stop the spread of COVID, we must remind each other that no one should put off any routine or necessary health care needs. Mercy Health Muskegon is still performing surgeries, delivering babies, managing trauma cases and can safely handle all of your medical care.
Our team has created the safest-possible environment by following CDC guidelines to protect our patients and visitors. Protocols are followed for sanitizing facilities and creating boundaries that allow for socially-distanced spaces. Patients and colleagues are screened and tested for COVID-19 and personal protective equipment is always worn.
I personally want to thank all of you for coming together and following CDC guidelines such as wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands and staying home when not feeling well. By adhering to these guidelines, we are now seeing the fruits of our labor - as the curve is bending in the right direction and COVID-19 numbers are declining. I know this was a tough task, especially during the holiday season. We are not out of the woods quite yet; we are asking that you continue following these guidelines as the vaccination process continues to roll out.
We are extremely grateful to be part of the Muskegon community and for our partners who have supported us every step of the way. Through partnerships with Public Health of Muskegon County, we have been able to vaccinate over 14,000 individuals in our area, which will help contain and control the spread of the virus.
The Muskegon community has come together to fight this virus with the unique spirit that makes this area special. We are humbled by the outpouring of support we received, especially community members who continue to sponsor meals, send notes of gratitude to those serving on the frontlines and for those who participated in the “1000 Ways to Take Stock or Stockings Holiday Program.”
Please know that Mercy Health Muskegon’s 4,000+ colleagues are here because of you and stand ready to serve whenever you need us.
