USask unites: USask med students organize PPE donation drive
Since the first cases of COVID-19 were announced in the province, members of the USask community have come together to support one another in these uncertain times.
By Darla Read | The Saskatoon StarPhoenixExtraordinary circumstances have brought out extraordinary responses from members of our USask community. From frontline health-care workers to researchers looking for a solution to this global health threat, there are so many stories about people are working to make our home communities safer and healthy. Here are a few of the inspiring stories of our students, staff, faculty and alumni.
USask medical students have created a personal protective equipment (PPE) donation drive to help Saskatoon and Regina hospital staff grapple with dwindling supplies and growing COVID-19 caseloads.
“As future health care professionals, we want to advocate for health in any possible way we can,” said Mckinley Smith, in an interview with the Saskatoon StarPhoenix. “Right now, the best thing we can do is help out people working on the front lines.”
Smith is one of several students who are working to make a difference in health care in the province, as well as their home communities, noting that the health of both patient and health provider matters.
“As first- and second-year medical students, we can’t do much on the front lines,” but we can support the doctors, nurses, pharmacists and others who are, Smith said.
Read more about Smith and his USask colleagues at the Saskatoon StarPhoenix.
Share your stories with us: We are collecting the stories of resilience and good spirit from our USask community. Please send story ideas and photos to news@usask.ca.
As a community it is critical that we support each other and remain respectful during what is a difficult time for all of us. Please follow all guidelines and take all precautions to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in our community.
How you can help our students during the COVID-19 pandemic: https://alumni.usask.ca/news/2020/covid-19-how-you-can-help-our-students.php
For the latest developments and information about the University of Saskatchewan's response to COVID-19, please go to www.usask.ca/updates.
The University of Saskatchewan is undertaking critical research and contributing to global efforts to combat COVID-19. The University of Saskatchewan's Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO-InterVac) is a world leader in developing vaccines and technologies to combat infectious diseases. Your support of the COVID-19 Research Fund supports the increased efforts of researchers at the University of Saskatchewan to develop vaccines and treatments for COVID-19. Donate now.