This holiday season, I am extraordinarily grateful for the commitment and courage of our Penn State family during this pandemic.
Around the clock at our three hospitals, and daily at our nearly 100 outpatient practices, Penn State Health employees continue to work on the front lines, putting aside their own safety concerns to care for our community. Our population of patients battling COVID-19 is higher than ever, but we also are still delivering newborns, performing emergency surgeries, administering cancer treatments and helping people manage chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension.
And as we do this, we feel the unwavering support of our colleagues across Penn State.
You investigated how to create, 3D print and manufacture crucial personal protective equipment (PPE) and equipment including masks, face shields, disposable stethoscopes and ventilator parts. You developed ways to sterilize our PPE so we could preserve our supplies. You transitioned your research to focus on preventing coronavirus and treating those who have it. You led clinical trials that could improve outcomes for patients.
Your innovation has met so many of our needs, and your compassion has lifted us on our hardest days.
Our hearts overflowed when College of Medicine students volunteered their time to tutor our employees’ children so the kids wouldn’t fall behind while their parents worked.
I’m often asked how our workforce is doing. The answer is, we are stressed, but we remain committed to ensuring the best outcome for every patient who comes to us for care. We couldn’t do it without our Penn State family supporting us every step of the way.
Thank you.
— Penn State Health CEO Stephen Massini