COVID-19 Phone Connect Emergency Fund
A PHONE IS A LIFELINE FOR A VULNERABLE PATIENT
In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, UHN's Emergency physicians launched PHONE CONNECT, a program spearheaded by Dr. Andrea Somers to distribute cellphones to vulnerable patients who are under investigation of COVID-19 infection but do not have access to a telephone.
PHONE CONNECT is a physician-led, innovative solution to a systemic need, where vulnerable populations, such as homeless peoples, have limited or no access to a phone to stay connected to resources, and are unable to reach or be reached by medical professionals. The current pandemic and the small window of time to slow the spread of the virus have exacerbated their need for connectivity.
Keeping in contact with these individuals, if they are under investigation or test positive for COVID-19, also assists health officials focused on contact tracing to track, and hopefully minimize the spread of the virus within the community.
"We’re addressing the issue of health equity, which is vital during a pandemic, but is also equally essential at any time," says Dr. Somers. "It’s important to realize how disadvantaged people can be, with respect to their physical and mental well-being, when they lack connectivity."
Emergency departments serve as the safety net of the healthcare system, and the Emergency Medicine team at UHN have mobilized to go above and beyond their regular duties, inspiring each other to find new innovative ways to best serve the community during this public health crisis.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has been a driving force for this project, the team is hopeful this project will continue well beyond. Patients come through the ED and are discharged without the ability to reconnect; being able to connect with people will make a difference to their overall health in the long-term.
Please help vulnerable patients stay connected during this critical time by making a gift today.
To send an e-card, click donate now. This will lead you to the donation page where you can select "Yes, I would like to send an eCard" with various options to choose from.
