COOL AID ON THE FRONTLINES OF COVID-19
Outreach team composed of powerhouse frontline workers
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues its firm grasp on our community, organizations like Victoria Cool Aid Society continue to adapt. Just ask Anne Drost, Clinical Nurse Lead at Cool Aid’s Community Health Centre who, along with her team, is on the frontline caring for some of our region’s most vulnerable citizens.
“Most of the patients we see have extremely complex medical and psychological needs, and adapting to this new reality is particularly challenging for both patients and staff. But we have a dedicated and creative team and we’re delivering healthcare safely and effectively.”
Some of these modifications include installing virtual kiosks at Cool Aid’s shelters and housing sites for live meetings with doctors, providing healthcare by email and phone, and using personal protective equipment with a number of social distance protocols for patients who need to come in for physical appointments.
Cool Aid is also pivoting its strategy to accommodate the population of homeless encampments being dismantled at Topaz Park and along Pandora Avenue. With 360 individuals being relocated into new hotel rooms organized by BC Housing, Cool Aid is stepping up to serve as their main healthcare provider.
Three hotels will each be set up with their own clinics staffed primarily by Cool Aid nurses, which will operate six hours a day, seven days a week. This very team will also be taking on other medical outreach at smaller sites, including Cool Aid’s newest shelter on Yates Street for women.
We are grateful to have a whole project outreach team composed of powerhouse frontline workers. This includes top-notch physicians, nurses, pharmacy services and even partnerships with peer and harm reduction workers. A total of eight nurses will offer on-site primary care, such as wound care, general medical care and making the connections needed to other specialized services.
From the moment a patient walks into the clinic, even during this time of distance and isolation, nurses are providing the human connection, care and comfort people need to help manage their illness, anxiety and fear.
Now more than ever, nurses and all healthcare workers deserve our support and respect as they put their own lives at risk to help others. It is their resilience, their courage and their conviction keeping all of us safe and healthy during this pandemic.
This National Nursing Week, please join Cool Aid in extending our heartfelt gratitude to nurses everywhere, and to all the other frontline heroes who are going above and beyond to support Greater Victoria’s most at-risk neighbours. Right now, donations are making a big difference in our ability to support Cool Aid’s vulnerable clients and frontline staff. If you would like to contribute to the effort and make a donation, please