Social Distancing Index by State

The numbers reinforce concerns that warmer weather and public debate over reopening may be spurring a premature loosening of social distancing behavior, even as COVID-19 cases continue to mount.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (PRWEB)
April 28, 2020

The COVID-19 outbreak is far from over—but some Americans are jumping the gun when it comes to easing up on social distancing, according to new data from the University of Maryland (UMD).

Researchers at the Maryland Transportation Institute (MTI), part of UMD’s A. James Clark School of Engineering, are reporting a decline in the Social Distancing Index (SDI), starting on April 14, 2020. The SDI is a metric that records compliance with restrictions and guidelines meant to contain the outbreak.

It is the first such decline to be recorded nationwide since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in the U.S., and comes after successive weeks of the SDI either increasing or holding steady.

The trend is widespread: as of April 24, 2020, 48 states have seen a reduction in their SDI, with the largest drops seen in Louisiana (-15), Ohio (-13), Indiana (-12), Vermont (-12), Alabama (-11), Michigan (-11), Mississippi (-11), North Carolina (-11), and Texas (-11).

The SDI steadily increased in the United States from March 13 through April 13, rising from 14 to 51. On April 14, however, it began to decline. Week-on-week comparisons show a 3-point drop between April 11-17 and the previous week. And the trend has continued, with a further 4-point drop between April 18-24. Nationwide, the index now stands at 44.

The number of work trips has not changed, and the declining SDI is caused mostly by fewer people staying home, more non-work trips, more out-of-state and out-of-county trips, and longer travel distances, according to MTI.

The index is calculated daily by MTI, using anonymized and aggregated location-based service data from mobile phones and other sources. All results at the state and county levels are publicly available on an interactive COVID-19 impact analysis platform created by MTI in partnership with the Center for Advanced Transportation Technology (CATT) Laboratory.

The platform is accessible at: https://data.covid.umd.edu

The numbers reinforce concerns that warmer weather and public debate over reopening may be spurring a premature loosening of social distancing behavior, even as COVID-19 cases continue to mount.

“The real question is what we should do about this observed shift in social distancing momentum,” said Lei Zhang, Herbert Rabin Distinguished Professor and director of MTI, who leads the study. “To those who decided to loosen up and started going out for non-essential purposes, we need to more effectively communicate the importance of social distancing through customized messaging targeting different population groups.”

“To those who are hurt the most by the economic impact and eager to go back to work, governments may need to consider additional assistance especially if we ask them to stay at home for another month or longer.”

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The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland serves as the catalyst for high-quality research, innovation, and learning, delivering on a promise that all graduates will leave ready to impact the Grand Challenges (energy, environment, security, and human health) of the 21st century. The Clark School is dedicated to leading and transforming the engineering discipline and profession, to accelerating entrepreneurship, and to transforming research and learning activities into new innovations that benefit millions. Visit us online at http://www.eng.umd.edu and follow us on Twitter @ClarkSchool.

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NEW YORK (PRWEB)
April 28, 2020

While coronavirus has swept across the entirety of the United States, many Americans are left scrambling on how and where to access care.

FindaTopDoc has long served as a platform that connects consumers with local physicians and health information. They also manage a dozen online communities focused on chronic illnesses.

“In the last month we have been inundated with requests from patients on where to find local COVID-19 care,” says Siobhan O’Grady, founder of FindaTopDoc. “What they noticed was information about COVID-19 was not only hard to find, but it was changing rapidly and siloed across multiple federal and state websites. What FindaTopDoc has done is to bring all of these resources together and put them in one easy to navigate place searchable by zip code. From testing, plasma donation, clinical trials, symptom screening, telehealth Q&A, and more; the COVID-19 Resource Center helps patients understand what care is local to them and how to take the next steps.”

The goal of FindaTopDoc’s newest tool is to meet people where they are on their COVID-19 patient journey. “For those not feeling well, we give them an easy way to check their symptoms or ask a doctor a question online. On the flip side, for those who have tested positive – we help them connect with promising therapies and treatments in clinical trials or at local doctor’s offices. And for those who are recovered and want to help others, we provide them information on what blood banks are collecting convalescent plasma donations.”

Through its ongoing development, FindaTopdoc is shaping and supporting digital health innovation and bringing together physician expertise to offer health seekers comprehensive resources to meet today’s healthcare environment.

Learn More about the COVID-19 Resource Center:

https://www.findatopdoc.com/covid19/resource-center

About FindaTopDoc

FindaTopDoc is a digital health company that connects patients with local physicians and specialists in their area. Through medical content, telehealth Q&A, and premier content marketing services for healthcare providers, FindaTopDoc’s goal is to guide consumers on their journey towards optimal well-being by providing them with actionable and timely information.

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Caregivers at Allegheny Health Network’s Forbes Hospitals are adopting “maskless” IDs so that patients can see the smile behind the mask during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PITTSBURGH (PRWEB)
April 28, 2020

A warm smile or touch from a caregiver is always a welcome respite for hospitalized patients. With the advent of COVID-19, and care providers covered head-to-toe in protective equipment, some of that human element has been lost.

Thanks to an employee’s initiative, Allegheny Health Network’s Forbes Hospital is taking steps to bridge that gap. Caregivers will be wearing photos of themselves, unmasked and smiling, along with their standard identification badges, so that patients can see the human being behind the protective shield.

Colleen Scarantine, MS, RRT, Manager of Patient Safety and Risk at Forbes Hospital, first learned about the special badges in a national news story. She knew immediately she wanted to make these available to caregivers at Forbes. She took the idea to Forbes leaders, who loved the idea and encouraged her to pursue it.

Employees loved it too and are having “maskless”photos taken with appropriate precautions and social distancing. The badges are being provided both in the form of stickers that can be placed on a disposable gown and thrown away, and as laminated badges

“Human contact is so important to the mental and physical health of anyone who is hospitalized,” Scarantine said. “Being hospitalized is now especially difficult, and even frightening, because of the limitations on visitors, and also because protective measures covering our expressions create a less “human” appearance.

“We want to affirm to our patients that there is a real, caring human being behind the mask. Nothing replaces a real smile, touch, or eye contact, but we hope these IDs can help patients and caregivers make a stronger connection,” Scarantine said.

A variety of employees, from transport drivers to emergency physicians, will have the new additional IDs. Scarantine leads a group of Forbes employees who are arranging and supervising the printing and laminating of the IDs, and employees will begin wearing them as they become available.

“Personalized, compassionate care for our patients has always been a core value at AHN Forbes,” said Mark Rubino, MD, president, Forbes Hospital. “Colleen’s initiative, and our employees’ enthusiasm for getting one of the new IDs, show how Forbes employees are always willing to go the extra mile for the welfare of our patients.”

Plans are underway to expand the initiative to more hospitals within AHN.

About the Allegheny Health Network:

Allegheny Health Network (AHN.org), a Highmark Health company, is an integrated healthcare delivery system serving the greater Western Pennsylvania region.  The Network is composed of 12 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, Health + Wellness Pavilions, an employed physician organization, home and community-based health services, a research institute, and a group purchasing organization. The Network provides patients with access to a complete spectrum of advanced medical services, including nationally recognized programs for primary and emergency care, trauma care, cardiovascular disease, organ transplantation, cancer care, orthopedic surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, women’s health, diabetes, autoimmune disease and more.  AHN employs approximately 21,000 people, has more than 2,500 physicians on its medical staff and serves as a clinical campus for Drexel University College of Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

CONTACT:

Stephanie Waite

Stephanie.Waite@highmarkhealth.org

412.337.5484

Editors Note: For video B-roll and photos supporting this press release, please visit https://multimediacommunications.sharefile.com/

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Local Communities Organize 100K Frontline Meals, $1M to Restaurants All Over the US Through Give InKind’s Free Platform

By showing our gratitude with meals, we not only nourish our care providers, we have an opportunity to put much needed funds back into our local restaurants and small businesses. This is a shining moment for community support, and we believe it should be easy to give that help, from anywhere.

SEATTLE (PRWEB)
April 28, 2020

In just one month, communities across the country have come together to organize more than 100,000 meals for healthcare workers and first responders on Give InKind, putting $1 million directly back into local restaurant economies.

Starting April 28th, National Superhero Day, Give InKind is celebrating these incredible donations by making it easier for anyone to help #FeedTheFrontlines.

Recognizing the impact these meals have not only on healthcare teams, but also on small businesses across the US, Give InKind is making it possible for anyone to sponsor 1, 4, 10, or 40+ meals for frontline heroes. Founder and CEO, Laura Malcolm, is aiming to give new meaning to National Superhero Day this year. “Our front-line teams are working tirelessly to bring our communities back to health. By showing our gratitude with meals, we not only nourish our care providers, we have an opportunity to put much needed funds back into our local restaurants and small businesses. This is a shining moment for community support, and we believe it should be easy to give that help, from anywhere.”

Give InKind, along with regional sponsor Sobi, Inc., is celebrating this tremendous 100k meal milestone by providing meals to thousands of frontline healthcare workers across the country in cities including Chicago, Seattle and Houston, on National Superhero Day.

Jamie Billow, Founder of Chicago Food Truck Hub, says of the opportunity to provide 1,000 meals on a single day in Chicago: “Working with Give InKind for National Superhero Day provides Chicago Food Truck Hub an opportunity to leverage its partner network of over 100 food trucks, restaurants and caterers to do good and make a significant impact locally. In addition to coordinating Give InKind’s initiative to distribute meals to over 1,000 frontline workers across hospitals in Chicago and the suburbs, we are also supporting 16 small businesses, who are instrumental in implementing this effort. This is impactful for each of the businesses involved, who are proud to be part of such a great cause and are also glad to be able to provide hours for their teams in a challenging environment.”

Give InKind is a free platform for coordinating support and is being used by over 160+ hospitals, clinics and volunteer organizers across the country to organize the generous meal donations coming in from community members, businesses, and restaurants.

In addition to feeding hospitals and healthcare teams, Give InKind is used to coordinate support for individuals, families and organizations, whether for Coronavirus/COVID-19 related assistance, or help staying home and healthy with a new baby, after surgery, through cancer treatment or after a loss. Anyone can set up a free page on Give InKind to help loved ones, from near or far.

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Oneinforty

To support our community, Oneinforty’s new webinar series will feature experts in oncology, genetics, and mental health. The series will feature guest speakers from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital and the Virginia Thurston Healing Garden among other organizations.

BOSTON (PRWEB)
April 28, 2020

Oneinforty, a non-profit organization providing education and support to those at risk of hereditary cancer, is launching a new webinar series entitled, “Living with Hereditary Cancer During COVID-19”. Dr. Judy Garber, Director of the Center for Cancer Genetics and Prevention at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, kicks off the series on Thursday, April 30th at 3 p.m. EST.

In these uncertain times, individuals with hereditary cancer or a gene mutation making them at increased risk of cancer, face unique challenges. Many are struggling to get access to a genetic counselor. Many are currently in treatment and worried about going into a hospital. Many are participating in clinical trials that may be paused. Many are experiencing mental distress.

To continue supporting our community, Oneinforty’s new webinar series will feature experts in oncology, genetics, and mental health. The series will feature guest speakers from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital and the Virginia Thurston Healing Garden among other organizations.

All webinars in the series are free of charge and open to the general public. The expert speakers will discuss the impact of COVID-19 on those living with hereditary cancers and their families and caregivers, updates on genetic testing and screening, support for caregivers and their families, and taking care of your mental health.

Registration is now open for all events, please register online at our website. http://oneinforty.org/upcoming-events/.

The first two events in our series:

Thursday, April 30, 2020 at 3 p.m. EST

COVID-19 and Living With Hereditary Cancer: What You Need To Know

Dr. Judy Garber, Director of the Center for Cancer Genetics and Prevention at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

May 12, 2020, 6:30 pm EST

Covid-19 and Hereditary Cancer: Updates on Genetic Testing and Screening

Jill E. Stopfer, MS, LGC, Associate Director, Genetic Counseling, Cancer Center Genetics and Prevention, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

How You Can Help From Home

As the Coronavirus continues to impact the community, we want to extend our heartfelt wishes during these times. Our thoughts especially go out to those who have been directly impacted by the virus, and our gratitude goes out to the healthcare professionals who are on the front lines of this global pandemic.

We at Oneinforty, are committed to continue supporting our community with our public health efforts. Please consider making a donation to help us continue our critical work.

About Oneinforty

Founded in 2017 by Lauren Corduck, a BRCA-positive ovarian cancer thriver, Oneinforty is a nonprofit organization that raises awareness of the one-in-forty risk to Ashkenazi Jews of inheriting cancer-causing BRCA gene mutations and provides the support individuals and families need to effectively manage their cancer risk. Learn more at http://www.oneinforty.org. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Drive through testing at AdventHealth

TAMPA, Fla. (PRWEB)
April 28, 2020

As part of an ongoing effort to increase availability of COVID-19 testing in Florida, AdventHealth will offer free testing at AdventHealth Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544. Testing will begin Wednesday, April 29 from noon – 4 p.m. and will continue each weekday thereafter 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. for a period of 30 days.

While a doctor’s order is no longer required for testing, AdventHealth is encouraging pre-registration at AdventHealthCoronavirusTesting.com or 866-694-5503 prior to arrival. The test consists of coughing and spitting into a cup.

There are no out-of-pocket costs for the test, regardless of insurance status. AdventHealth will cover the cost of those who are uninsured.

“Expanding testing is an important and necessary step to help flatten the curve and keep our community safe,” said Mike Schultz, President and CEO of AdventHealth West Florida Division. “We are investing in these testing sites in strategic community locations to make it convenient and affordable for as many people as possible.”

“Additional testing for COVID-19 is an important part of the plan to re-open our community,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore. “AdventHealth has always been a good community partner, and I appreciate them working closely with Pasco County and the Florida Department of Health on this drive-through COVID-19 testing site for our citizens.”

Anyone who pre-registers will be assigned a designated appointment time. First responders and health care workers who show proper workplace identification will have a designated lane at the test site to shorten wait times for those groups. Test results are available in approximately 2-3 days and will be delivered through the AdventHealth app and the AdventHealth website. Additionally, anyone who is tested will receive a call from an AdventHealth physician or nurse practitioner with their results and any next steps in care, if necessary. Complete instructions on receiving results will be provided at the testing location.

By expanding the number of community testing sites, we’re making it easier for people to be screened, and identify if they need to receive treatment and self-isolate,” said Dr. Rainer Chan, Chief Medical Officer of AdventHealth Medical Group.

“We have always been committed to supporting the local community. When the opportunity to be an essential testing location for COVID-19 presented itself, we jumped on it,” said Gordie Zimmermann, Owner and General Manager of AdventHealth Center Ice. “With AdventHealth leading the charge, we are very excited to bring this opportunity to Wesley Chapel and the surrounding communities.”

This is the second test site AdventHealth has set up in the Greater Tampa Bay area for month-long testing. The health care system also opened testing at Adventure Island in Tampa, FL.

AdventHealth has tested more than 19,000 people for COVID — more than any other health care system in Florida, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

About AdventHealth West Florida Division

The West Florida Division of AdventHealth has some of the nation’s brightest medical minds making lifesaving breakthroughs with surgical pioneers, scientists and researchers using leading edge technology and innovation to deliver our brand of whole-person care. Our network of care includes AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth Connerton, AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth Lake Placid, AdventHealth North Pinellas, AdventHealth Ocala, AdventHealth Sebring, AdventHealth Tampa, AdventHealth Wauchula, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Zephyrhills, as well as five freestanding offsite Emergency Rooms including AdventHealth Brandon ER, AdventHealth Central Pasco ER, AdventHealth Palm Harbor ER, AdventHealth TimberRidge ER, and AdventHealth Westchase ER. We are more than hospitals, as we have a robust system of care including specialty acute care, over 200 primary care and specialty employed physicians, Express Care at Walgreens clinics, urgent care centers, wound care, physical therapy, home care, mobile mammography and more. AdventHealth is a faith-based not-for-profit health care system with a mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ. AdventHealth has hundreds of care sites and nearly 50 hospitals across the United States. For more information about AdventHealth, visit AdventHealth.com, or Facebook.com/AdventHealth.

About Pasco County Government

Pasco County Government employs more than 2,500 employees, representing 57 lines of business, serving more than 500,000 customers and covering 740 square miles of territory. Pasco’s Board of County Commissioners serves as the legislative and policy-setting body for county government; enacts countywide laws and authorizes programs and all expenditures of county funds. Learn more about Pasco County Government at http://www.mypasco.net.

About AdventHealth Center Ice

AdventHealth Center Ice is the largest ice-sports complex in the Southeast United States. At a staggering 150,500 square feet, the 5-rink facility boasts a state-of-the-art heating/cooling system and world-class amenities fit for elite players. Over the past three years, AdventHealth Center Ice has secured many large regional, national, and international sponsors and has hosted some of the largest tournaments and events to hit Florida. The 2018 Gold Medal US Women’s Hockey Team called AdventHealth Center Ice “home” for their training program for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. With the capacity and capabilities to host on and off ice events alongside specialty programs, AdventHealth Center Ice truly is More Than an Ice Rink.

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