By Michael Dowling, CEO of Northwell Health
As we near the one-year anniversary of when Covid-19 consumed New York and the rest of the country, emotions are still raw as we vividly remember the fear and anxiety of the pandemic’s initial days and, of course, the hundreds of thousands we lost. But in reflecting on all that has happened during the worst public health crisis in our lifetime, I also maintain an incredible sense of pride in the healthcare workers and other essential employees whose personal sacrifices and courage have enabled us to persevere.
March 2 is the anniversary of when Northwell Health — the health system I lead — admitted its first Covid patient. And as of late last week, we had treated 163,000 Covid patients across our 23 hospitals and large ambulatory network of 830 practices. Holding the line of resistance against this silent killer were thousands of caregivers and other frontline workers who put themselves at risk each day to protect our communities.
For me, this anniversary marks a special moment to think about not only what happened but how we can move forward. We are in no way out of the woods yet, but it appears our darkest days are behind us.
Covid has upended our daily lives and disrupted our communities, professions, finances, schools, and children in ways we could have never imagined. But I am also reminded of the famous words from the late preschool TV host Mister Rogers, whose mother told him: “In times of tragedy, look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
Last March, we saw the very best of humanity joining together with a common goal of beating a disease most of us never heard of. Nightly clap outs echoed across Long Island’s normally bustling towns. We were together, reinvigorated with our families and neighbors, and understanding that we needed to rely on another now more than ever.
We also experienced great innovation. New digital tools are changing the way we communicate and work. In healthcare, telehealth has connected us with patients in ways we never imagined years ago.
The one common thread throughout the past year, though, has been hope. We never lost it and we gain more of it as vaccine efforts slowly but surely continue to ramp up.
Today, one in 20 Americans are fully vaccinated with one in eight having received their first vaccine. The vaccines — combined with mask wearing and social distancing — are paying dividends, as the daily positive cases continue to decline significantly.
So, as you reflect on the past year, remember the helpers — those who made sacrifices to keep our communities going. Have hope. And, most importantly, continue to embrace your families, friends and neighbors because they are the ones who have ultimately carried us through this crisis.
