The SARS-Cov-2 (COVID 19) virus continues to wreak havoc on our lives,
our community, and our country. The only silver lining in our misery is
that we have plenty of company. The virus, and the world’s response
to it, is unprecedented in most of our lifetimes. It has had a unique
way in magnifying whatever weaknesses we have, whether personally, at
the business level, and for the country in general.
For the elderly and those immunocompromised or with multiple chronic illnesses,
there has been significant morbidity and mortality. For those financially
challenged, the impact has been threatening bankruptcy. For those emotionally
labile, we have seen significant issues with depression and anxiety. Likewise,
for patients with substance abuse, the fear and stress of the virus has
waylaid many success stories of the gains they had made in battling their demons.
Our industry of healthcare has been far from immune to these challenges.
It is certainly ironic, that in the midst of a pandemic, there has been
estimates of 1.4 million or more healthcare workers furloughed or out
of work completely. Hospital systems, across the country, are on target
to lose $200 billion (that is with a “B”) through June. This,
of course, pales in comparison to the healthcare professionals who have
been stricken with the virus and some who have lost their lives, battling
to serve and protect others who have also been ill.
The weaknesses of our society have also had the spotlight shown directly
upon them. The worsening political divide is even more apparent and the
social injustice that has been pervasive in our society for centuries,
now has the spotlight laser focused by the recent horrific death of George
Floyd in Minneapolis.
We have, however, been fortunate in Fredericksburg and the surrounding
counties. The number of cases to date have been few compared to other
areas of the country. The death rate has also been relatively low, <2%,
in part a credit to excellent care. Mary Washington Healthcare and its
associates have been shown to be nimble in their ability to respond to
a pandemic event, and of course, compassionate in their care of those
stricken with the disease, as well as weather the financial impact, to
date. The White Coats for Black Lives event held on June 10th showed empathy for the BLM and solidarity with our African American co-workers
and patients we serve.
Although our Mary Washington Health Alliance has been developed for physicians
and healthcare system to remain financially competitive, it also serves
to efficiently promote the health and well being of our patients and community
as a whole. Our mission statement, for those who do not recall:
“To provide superior healthcare and value through an integrated partnership
among patients, providers and community resources.”
We have seen the COVID-19 virus disproportionately impact persons of color
and amplify even more the role we play in population health.
Please continue your good work and more importantly, “Lets be careful
out there”.