This month marks one year since the COVID-19 virus began to impact our Nevada and Utah communities, and communities around the world. I don’t believe any of us would have imagined back in March 2020 how the pandemic would eventually affect our lives in so many ways and for so long. Facing the threat of a novel virus like COVID-19 requires patience, caution, diligence, perseverance and, for many, heartache. It has been one of the most challenging years that many of have ever endured and I’m proud that our Roseman family has remained steadfast in fulfilling our institutional mission – to teach, learn and serve.
Today, the pandemic is showing signs of easing, with lower positivity rates, hospitalizations, and deaths reported in our communities. The increasing number of individuals receiving vaccinations is also a positive sign that we’re getting closer to beating the pandemic. Our communities are loosening some restrictions to allow increased capacity at restaurants and events, and to allow children back into schools. We’re also just days away from the spring season and Daylight Saving Time, both marking the approach of warmer weather and the desire to enjoy the great outdoors. While I’m hopeful that the easing threat of the pandemic and increased numbers of individuals vaccinated will allow many of us to seek out opportunities to experience some normalcy, I urge everyone to still take appropriate precautions, such as the wearing of facemasks, hand washing and sanitizing, and social distancing. We’re taking the same precautions on our Roseman campuses. With the emergence of virus variants, we’re not out of the woods yet. Even those vaccinated need to remain vigilant. Let’s all work together to stay safe and healthy.
To help our communities return to resiliency, Roseman’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts continue in Nevada and, more recently, in Utah. You can read more about how our students, faculty, staff, administration and even many family members are volunteering their time and talents to vaccinate the public in this issue of spectRUm.
I’d like to close this month’s message by encouraging everyone to sign up for our virtual Neighborhood Health Series presentation on Thursday, March 18. Many of us know someone impacted directly or indirectly by dementia. It’s a devastating disease that affects not only the individual, but everyone in their family. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, in 2020 dementia caregivers provided an estimated 15.3 billion hours of unpaid care valued at nearly $257 billion. The burden of care is substantial. In this month’s presentation, Roseman Medical Group’s Dr. Eric Farbman, along with Michael Kling of Kling Offices, share what’s behind this tragic disease, how can we treat and prevent it, and how we can financially and legally protect our loved ones who are diagnosed. I invite you to register at speakers.roseman.edu.
As always, I wish you the best.
Renee Coffman
President & Co-Founder