Memorial Health System Posts Video Interviews to Provide Information on Coronavirus

[April 22, 2020]   SPRINGFIELD — Memorial Health System has launched a new series of video interviews to inform the public about topics related to COVID-19, including updates on testing and ways for the public to protect themselves and others.

The video interviews are available online at bit.ly/COVID-19Conversations, according to Aimee Allbritton, system senior vice president and chief transformation officer.

“Our goal is to make sure the public has a source of reliable information about COVID-19,” Allbritton said.

In one interview, Linda Jones, system vice president of ancillary operations, described the evolution of COVID-19 testing. Jones discussed Memorial Health System’s efforts to institute a new “rapid-testing” kit that can be processed in its own labs.

Other videos include an interview with Diana Knaebe, system administrator of behavioral health, offering advice on how to deal with stress and the “paralyzing fear” that some in central Illinois are feeling during the pandemic, and a discussion with Allbritton about how the public plays a “frontline” role in stopping the spread of the virus by staying at home and following “social distancing” guidelines if they must go out.

Gina Carnduff, system director of infection prevention, gave tips in another video about how people can avoid spreading COVID-19 by wearing homemade masks when in public settings, such as supermarkets.

“This will form some kind of barrier to keep those germs contained within the mask and not being spread to others, as we know COVID-19 is spread primarily through the air, through droplets when someone coughs, talks, sneezes, laughs,” she said.

Ed Curtis, president chief executive officer of the system, complimented community residents in another video interview, saying, “Sheltering in place is making a difference.”

Curtis emphasized that community residents play a key role in helping prevent the spread of the disease by taking basic actions like practicing good hand hygiene.

Curtis also noted that while some postponable procedures have been delayed, residents should continue to consult their healthcare providers if they experience any medical issues. “Nothing is being deferred for people who need essential services,” he said.

More video interviews will be added to continue to inform the community.

[Memorial Health Systems]