Paul Raggio: Say something, not just anything

There is no doubt that 2020 has been a challenging year for all, but most especially those on the front lines caring for those who are gravely ill with COVID-19. It was hard to predict in March how our region would be affected, but those heading up the medical response had been preparing for something like this for a long time.

The leadership and preparedness from SCV medical professionals have been exemplary. The emergency response team at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital had stockpiles of N95 masks and other PPE well in advance of this crisis, and the new patient tower was completed just in time to expand capacity. Hospital officials moved quickly to create a COVID-19 task force and implemented a drivethrough testing facility and isolated floor of the new tower to safely treat COVID positive patients. Ten months later, and now into our second and more serious spike in coronavirus cases, the teams at Henry Mayo and other regional medical facilities are working harder than ever.

This pandemic has brought to light that there is a dire shortage of trained medical professionals nationwide, which is also true in the SCV. College of the Canyons’ acclaimed nursing program typically graduates 50-60 nurses a term. Because of the pandemic, the numbers are down.

Despite the challenges, the COVID -19 has created unique learning opportunities as well; COC programs serving all students have had to pivot to accommodate current conditions as students are dealing with a bevy of health and mental health issues which have provided a way for nursing students to creatively meet some of their requirements as peer counselors. Nursing students have also had the opportunity to volunteer at the campus’ Los Angeles County drive through COVID testing site and can count those hours towards their training requirements and completion.

Overall, those employed in the health care industry in the Santa Clarita Valley comprise about 18% of the total workforce. This number is projected to grow over the next several years to nearly 13,000 jobs. Henry Mayo and Kaiser are large employers of these professionals, as are Quest Diagnostics, Q2 and the state’s new COVID-19 testing lab.

Holly Schroeder is president and CEO of the SCV Economic Development Corp., a unique private / public partnership representing the united effort of regional industry and government leaders. For more information about the SCVEDC, visit SCVEDC.org, or call (661) 288-4400.