Amber Deardorff, Vice President of Clinical and Support Services at Mary Greeley Medical Center, spoke recently at Ames Golden K’s weekly Thursday meeting, currently being held virtually. Amber is using her experience in a variety of roles as an 18-year member of the Mary Greeley team to currently serve as the incident commander for MGMC’s COVID-19 emergency management planning.  The following are highlights of Ms. Deardorff’s presentation.

–The latest statistics for COVID treatment in MGMC’s 13 county service area were shared.

–The Iowa Dept. of Public Health statistics are awesome–nearly real time.

–75% of area positive COVID cases are currently in the 18-40 age range.

–MGMC Employees are subject to rigorous testing. Of 21 confirmed positive since March, 18 are back at work.

–Elective surgeries were resumed April 28 and continue today.

–An effort is underway to ensure that a TEST IOWA site is available in Ames prior to the start of ISU classes in August.

–To date, there are no concerns regarding the available supply of Personal Protective Equipment {PPE}.

–Contact Tracing is a big challenge. Story County Public Health and Iowa Dept. of Public Health are helping Mary Greeley. MGMC contact traces all of their Employees who have been exposed.

–MGMC finances are in fairly good shape due to Federal CARES funding, and other assistance from state and federal agencies and the MGMC Foundation.

–MGMC leadership has been meeting often with ISU leaders. All dormitory student residents will be screened for COVID.  No direct testing for other students is planned, but other mitigation measures will be available, including the hoped for Test Iowa site.

–MGMC is heavily involved with the Ames School District in planning for a safe return to school this Fall.

Ms. Deardorff loves working closely with partner organizations, staff and physicians.  This was very evident in her presentation!