Updated: 3/17/2020
In the wake of the rapid spread of the new strain of coronavirus, COVID-19, Gift of Life Michigan has taken steps to help protect patients, our staff and the communities we serve.
Like organizations throughout the state, we are taking these steps out of an abundance of caution in order to ensure the health and safety of staff, our hospital partners and the patients they care for. Their welfare is our top priority as we work to manage this rapidly changing situation.
Here is a breakdown of our recent actions:
- We have closed our administrative offices to visitors, and most support staff are working from home through March 29.
- We have postponed our annual Championship Gala until later this year, with a date to be announced when it is available. The Michigan Donor Family Gathering (scheduled for May 3) will be postponed to later this year, as well.
- We already maintain a clean, sterile environment in our lab and surgical center and are redoubling our efforts to ensure they meet the highest standards of infection prevention.
- We are suspending business travel for 30 days.
- We are working closely with our hospital partners and transplant centers to ensure we adhere to the most rigorous standards of safety regarding donor referrals.
- We are reducing our community outreach and education events to virtual/digital only in order to protect the health and welfare of our wonderful volunteer corp.
- Inside our office, we are encouraging current practices of social distancing and mandating thorough handwashing among staff.
We will evaluate these steps and determine if others are needed on a daily basis, again with the health and safety of staff and the community at large at the forefront.
This is obviously a serious health concern in the short term and a major challenge for all of us to overcome. At Gift of Life Michigan, we believe these commonsense practices will help alleviate the issue and make us better prepared for other emergencies in the years ahead.
As we meet this challenge, we are committed to our purpose of honoring life through donation. We will continue to work diligently, safely and compassionately with our healthcare partners to save lives and help those who depend on us.
As always, we thank you for your support.
