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Wellness programs offered to staff virtually. Four instructors taught various classes that included yoga, mindfulness and therapeutic based guided conversations.
Feedback from staff indicated that these interventions were powerful tools to avoid misinformation, lower anxiety, express fears, and harvest ideas and suggestions from those on the frontlines.
The Emotional Pendulum Swings from a Virus with Unpredictable Outcomes The wide-ranging outcomes of impacted patients are felt emotionally by CCI staff. Experiencing the loss of patients have left scars on clinical teams. CCI Chief Medical Officer Melissa Clark, M.D. recalls working with two families who experienced multiple
being hospitalized for two months due
This loss was the
to respiratory complications caused by
hardest because I have
his diabetes after being able to receive
known this family since my first time working at CCI (2010-2013), and it was my first patient to
COVID-19, a patient gained control of medication regularly. The CCI care team saw this as a chance to bolster the patient’s support. They worked steadfastly to align resources for the patient to receive assistance and supplies through other community programs after his release from the hospital.
die from COVID-19. Dr. Melissa Clark family’s loved one made it home. “This loss was the hardest because I have known this family since my first time working at CCI (2010-2013), and it was my first patient to die from COVID-19,” said Dr. Clark.
family members falling ill. Each family
But there have also been times to celebrate
experienced a hospitalization, but only one
when patients came out ahead. After
Building a Foundation of HOPE As the winter months approach, CCI is preparing its patients and the communities it serves by providing flu vaccines and catching children up on their immunizations. Dental services have returned to all CCI sites. At CCI–Greenbelt, a new pediatrician has been added to the team. This increased access provides moms who receive their prenatal care at CCI a safe place to continue to receive support for the care of their newborns. “What we offer at CCI is more than health and wellness,” says Dr. Bruton. “It’s compassion, it’s understanding, and it’s hope for the future. We have shown that we have the talent and dedication to get through this historical time. Thanks to our supporters, both new and long standing, this community resource will not only survive, but we are poised to thrive.”
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