Today’s update includes good news of innovation and a way for the community to collectively share support for one another.
#TheHattiesburgWay includes stepping outside of the box to solve problems with creative solutions. Over the course of the last few weeks, The University of Southern Mississippi, Forrest General Hospital and Hattiesburg Clinic have collaborated on two fronts to fill gaps where needed – testing and masks.
To read the full stories – click the links below. Hats off to our medical and university community for their innovative and collaborative spirit.
USM Team Creates Respirator Mask to Aid Nationwide Deficit
“In so many ways, scientists at USM stepped up and forward when the healthcare community had a need,” said Dr. Stogner. “For example, we need special face masks for personal protection –and what did they do? They went to their labs—and what did we get—just what we needed!”
COVID-19 test shortage: How a clinic stayed local for solutions
“The virus has unleashed a spectacular spirit of cooperation and creativity in our community,” said John Fitzpatrick, MD, nephrologist and president of Hattiesburg Clinic, the largest private multi-specialty clinic in Mississippi”
Show your red!
Right now, red ribbons and other presentations of red are popping up in communities all across the country as a unified display of hope, faith and determination to show that we will get through this public health crisis. The color red is often associated with energy, strength, power and determination – all which embody #TheHattiesburgWay.
As a community, we will get through COVID-19, and we will be stronger for it. For these reasons and more, Forrest General and the City of Hattiesburg are encouraging the community to join together to place a red ribbon on a tree, a mailbox or door at a home/essential business or to wear red (even while at home) in solidarity for this effort.
From red ribbon leftovers from the Christmas season to the red shirt in your closet, all can be repurposed for this initiative. To amplify the effort, we encourage you to share photos of how creative your family/colleagues or business is by using what is on hand to display red in support – tag us by using #hburgwearsred. From a safe distance, we can all share the collective spirit of Hattiesburg’s hope, faith and determination.
Additional details for a city-wide “day” for Hattiesburg will be shared soon. Let’s unite and show a symbol of hope to our health care teams, first responders and others as we stay home and stay stronger together.