The kids at St. Jude need you to wear a mask
At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, we have moved quickly to safeguard the health of our employees, families, and the most vulnerable members of our community – our patients.
Even in the midst of a pandemic, pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases don’t stop, and our staff remain committed to researching and treating these deadly illnesses. We need the help of everyone in the community to ensure the lifesaving work of St. Jude continues by protecting the kids at St. Jude and those who care for them.
Inside the hospital walls, we have created one of the safest harbors against COVID-19 in the nation. Safety measures include a first-of-its-kind COVID-19 testing program; campus zoning; reduced personnel and visitor access; and heightened infection-control procedures. But our nearly 5,000 doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, scientists and support staff live beyond our campus in neighborhoods across the Mid-south.
The chance of getting infected has never been higher. At the time of writing this letter, there are now more than 16,000 confirmed cases in Shelby County, and this only accounts for those who have been tested.
Alarmingly, between 40–60% of transmissions occur from those who have not yet developed symptoms. Without a vaccine, the only way we can slow the spread of the virus is by wearing a mask that fully covers the mouth and nose while in public and by adhering to 6-foot physical distancing recommendations.
For more than half a century, the residents of Memphis and surrounding areas have supported the St. Jude mission in ways big and small. Now, during these precarious times, we are asking for support again. Please wear a mask in public.
This small act of kindness will have an immense impact on the lives of children at St. Jude and the many doctors, nurses, scientists and others who work each day to build the brighter future for them.
James R. Downing is the President and CEO of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis