As the novel coronavirus pandemic continues, many people are itching to get out of the house and do something.
The Northeast Georgia Medical Center might have just the thing - the hospitals are looking for different types of volunteers to help manage things during the pandemic.
Chris Bray, President of the Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation and the system's Chief Development Officer said they are looking for volunteers with a medical background, and for those without.
"We're looking for physicians who might not be practicing right now or advanced practice providers who are not practicing right now who want to volunteer to help out in the clinical area," said Bray. "Also, looking for people with clinical backgrounds - maybe some of the school nurses in the community that aren't working right now in the schools - maybe if you're a nursing student in the later parts of your education. People who may have a background who can help us."
Bray said they need volunteers because, according to the models that anticipate the surges in COVID-19 cases, the hospital will need help striking a balance and to prevent becoming overwhelmed.
Those without any medical training are encouraged to apply. Bray said citizen volunteers can help with social distancing, transporting items, or even just getting a fresh cup of coffee medical staff.
Of course, there are some safety regulations in play, like being over 65 or having a high risk illness. But other requirements and the form to use to apply can be found here.
Bray said, in the end, it's really about the community coming together.
"Really I think what we're looking for people that can just kind of help stabilize the chaos that could come, should the hospital be ramped up to a point where there are a lot more people in ICUs, in the hospital for the treatment of the coronavirus," said Bray. He said that so far, the hospital system has seen the same numbers that everyone else has.
"I know that the concerns, some of the models show a dramatic increase, at a point where we haven't hit our peak yet... if we do hit that peak, if the numbers hold according to the model, we could see some, we could see a large percentage of the people in the hospital who are dealing with the virus," Bray said, indicating why those extra volunteers could make a difference.
Bray said the best thing you can do, regardless if you want to volunteer, is to stay home if you can. But, if you want to help, apply to volunteer online or make a gift to the COVID-19 Relief Fund.
