Direct Line from Steve Edwards 4/29/22

Apr. 29, 2022

COVID-19 update

I am glad to report that for another week our COVID-19 numbers continue to be encouraging. As of Friday morning, we have nine COVID-positive patients, six of whom remain infectious. Our seven-day rolling positivity rate stands at 3.63%. We are grateful to see numbers remain low, but we are watching and preparing for a possible increase.

EMT apprenticeship at OTC

On Wednesday, we announced a new apprenticeship program for emergency medical technicians in partnership with Ozarks Technical Community College. I want to extend my thanks to OTC for partnerships like this that help us meet the need for health care professionals. This is a chance to create a career and make a life-changing commitment to serve others. The 12-week program, which begins this summer, will let students will receive training free of charge while being paid an hourly wage during the apprenticeship. You can see details and an application at this link.

Hepatitis outbreak in children

The CDC recently issued a health advisory about a cluster of severe hepatitis cases in children, all with an unknown cause. Hepatitis is an infection that causes liver inflammation and damage. Recent reports detail 169 cases, including 113 in the U.K. and nine in Alabama. The cases resulted in 17 liver transplants and one death.

None of the children tested positive for hepatitis viruses and none of the U.K cases had received COVID-19 vaccines. Several tested positive for adenovirus, but not enough to explain the root cause. It remains unknown if COVID might play a role: This piece from epidemiologist Dr. Katelyn Jetelina explores the mystery.

Medical Mile 5K

Our CoxHealth Fitness Centers team is finalizing preparations for the 31st Anniversary Medical Mile and 5K, which will be held in a virtual format from June 1-19. The race has drawn hundreds of virtual participants in recent years and 100 percent of proceeds benefit CoxHealth Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and the families they serve. Registration is available at this link.

Voice of the patient

From patient feedback at Cox South: “I have just moved to the area from Kansas City, Mo. I am so impressed with my care and grateful to have insurance in the CoxHealth network.”

Thank you for all you do,
Steve