HEALTH CARE HEROES

"I ’ve always known that we have the most amazing, resilient and compassionate team here at Morristown Medical Center,” said Trish O’Keefe, PhD, RN, president, Morristown Medical Center, vice president, Atlantic Health System. “Their strength and professionalism under these stressful circumstances continues to be an inspiration and will help get all of us through these challenging times.” The community agreed. The outpouring of messages of encouragement, parades around the Morristown Medical Center campus and lawn signs thanking those on the front line was equally matched by donations. Just months after launching the COVID-19 Support Fund for Morristown Medical Center, community members and Atlantic Health System team members — many first-time donors — gave more than $3 million in monetary donations and in-kind gifts. Donors also gave an additional $369,000 in unrestricted gifts to meet other critical needs throughout the hospital during the crisis. This overwhelming response not only boosted the spirits of those on the front line, but also helped purchase specialized equipment to support critical care patients, including eight machines that conduct quantitative fit testing of respirator masks; Vocera (a digital platform for hands-free communications); a COVID-19 testing machine; IV-drip counters; negative pressure devices; scales and BP kits; ventilators, glidescopes and bronchoscopes. An additional purchase of 100 iPads facilitated socially distanced communication between caregivers and patients. The iPads were also vital in connecting family members and patients during the pandemic. For instance, one 19-year-old patient was unable to see her mother for three weeks. Jeremy Pineda, RN, BSN, a lead analyst for Atlantic Health System Information Services and Support, set her up on a Zoom call on an iPad for a special reunion. “When the patient saw her mom on the screen and heard her voice, they both were in tears,” Pineda said. “It was a very emotional moment for everyone.” In addition to equipment, more than $160,000 of the funds provided meal gift cards for front-line team members through Serve it Forward. This program was created in partnership with Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty’s office and Morristown Medical Center as a way to both support local restaurants and health care heroes. Finally, in-kind donations included personal protective equipment (PPE) — in bulk and individual, homemade masks — and vital medical supplies, as well as team member meals, snacks and personal care items. To learn more about donors or to support the COVID-19 Support Fund, visit f4mmc.org/covid-19-support

Two caregivers test an iPad to facilitate communications with patients.

Perlier donated more than 17,000 units of skincare and bath products, which were delivered to team members across Atlantic Health System locations.