Healthcare professionals on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic risk their lives every day to save patients. They are the heroes. But, amidst the pandemic, they are dealing with their own crisis.
Many healthcare professionals are facing an imminent shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). The need for PPE is especially dire in cities bracing for or enduring surges in COVID-19 cases.
CloseUp360’s “Hoopers Meet Heroes” video series connects NBA players with healthcare professionals. In each video, a player discusses the pandemic and the PPE shortage crisis with a healthcare professional in their city.
In this video from the series, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope chats with Dr. Nina Shapiro. Dr. Shapiro is a pediatric ear, nose, and throat—or ENT—physician at UCLA Medical Center. She is also the acclaimed author of Hype: A Doctor’s Guide to Medical Myths, Exaggerated Claims and Bad Advice. Dr. Shapiro is on call to handle patients’ emergency airway issues and to manage intubations and endotracheal tubes. These needs are pressing for coronavirus patients who often experience respiratory problems.
Healthcare professionals like Dr. Shapiro need our help. Lack of PPE— including safety goggles, N95 masks, face shields, and gowns—is a serious concern for medical facilities. Those on the front lines need this gear to stay safe while they help patients battling this virus.
Please visit GetUsPPE.org to donate.
#PPEisKEY
#HandCheck (wash your hands)
#HomeCourtAdvantage (stay at home)
