Lending a Helping Hand

The COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented need for healthcare workers that has continued for the last year and a half. People from all over the world left their homes to serve areas that were heavily impacted by the virus.

Since the COVID-19 vaccines became readily available to the public in early 2021, the rollout of these vaccines required a similar call to action from the medical community.

Throughout the trials of this year, the CU community stepped up to help in every way possible. As a member of the National Guard, Dr. Elizabeth Cooper, associate professor of nursing, was deployed from March 2020 until January 2021 in support of COVID operations. Dr. Cooper played an integral part with initial COVID testing operations and led an Infection Prevention and Control Team. Dr. Griffith was presented with her award surrounded by colleagues at a small celebration at the nursing school earlier in the semester.

During her deployment, Dr. Cooper was able to continue teaching her courses with the help of Dr. Mary Bess Griffith, the dean of the Jeanette C. Rudy School of Nursing and Health Professions.

“Because of her support through my deployment, I nominated Dr. Griffith for the Patriot Award,” said Cooper. “The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide range of measures. Dr. Griffith was incredibly deserving of this award because of her understanding and the accommodations she made for me during my time away from campus.” “This is the best recognition I have ever received even though I believe all of Cumberland University deserves the recognition,” said Dr. Griffith. “I am so proud to have supported the effort to protect our citizens’ health through support of Dr. Cooper’s work with the Guard.”

Upper-level nursing students also lent a helping hand during the pandemic. Since February, clinical students have volunteered at the COVID vaccination center at College Hills Church of Christ administering thousands of vaccines.

“It’s been a great experience for our students,” said Jake Whicker, instructor of nursing. “Getting to see public health in the field and give back to the community has been extremely beneficial for them, even when they’re working and learning in a pandemic.”

Students were even able to give vaccinations to Cumberland staff provided locally from Gibbs Pharmacy.

“It’s been a great opportunity to give back to the community,” said 2021 graduate Tammy Johnson. “Not to mention it’s been such great practice for the real world!”