We are thrilled to share with you the recent adventures of Nina Juntereal (PENN ’23),…
Stephen Bonett (PENN ’21) and Clare Whitney (PENN ’20) joined dozens of members from the Philadelphia Medical Reserve Corps and helped to staff the South Philadelphia COVID-19 drive through testing site. The Corp is an all-volunteer group of medical and nonmedical professionals who act as backup for the city health department during health crises and large-scale events.
“I was really inspired by the patients we saw. Some people waited for hours in their car, while feeling very sick, to get tested at the drive-through. Even though it wasn’t comfortable, they did what they had to in order to keep themselves and those around them safe and healthy.” Stephen Bonett, BSN
Their work coincided with several news stories about the virus and the city’s response in The Philadelphia Inquirer print article “The CoronaVirus: From Bad to Worse,” and online in Philly.com, “Pennsylvania asked FEMA for nearly 500,000 N95 masks. It’s still 380,000 short.” Photos of the volunteers including Stephen and Clare were showcased in both of the stories and in an expert opinion piece by Penn Nursing professors, “Coronavirus nursing shortage? Three ways to get more nurses.” The professors discuss the need for tapping into the talented reserve of senior nursing students to quell the current shortage.