And it was none too soon. On March 19, California’s governor announced the shelter-in-place mandate. We literally went from no telehealth to 85% telehealth appointments. It turned out to be difficult for some of our patients, especially our elderly patients. They did not have adequate high-speed internet, or good computer systems to do the video visits. And so, we adjusted and did audio visits. We really did work hard to adapt. We kept ordering personal protective equipment (PPE), which ultimately prompted our decision to consolidate from 20 clinics to 8 to preserve PPE supplies and resources. That included masks, gloves, face shields, gowns and booties needed to protect ourselves from the infectious disease. Trusting the Messenger I remember the first cases we were getting by telephone—a student at Southwestern College or someone at the mall—wanting to come in to get tested.
I saw the devastation that patients were experiencing with COVID. It seemed like every call or every interaction was with someone who had contracted COVID or needed hospitalization and intubation. There were times in the beginning when medical resources were limited. Vaccines were scarce or shipments were delayed. We had to cancel appointments with our patients, but we called many of them to reschedule those appointments with State or County agencies that could treat them. “Many would say, “No, we’ll wait until you have the vaccine. Call us when you have it and we’ll get vaccinated at your clinic.”
So, trust in us as “messengers” became extremely important during this time. It was a big lesson and a bigger responsibility.
Advocacy We needed help with vaccine hubs. We needed help with testing. There was just so much to do, and we didn’t have the resources. The realization of how much we could do was another lesson learned. Nora Vargas, who had taken office at the San Diego County Board of Supervisors in January 2021, was instrumental in obtaining the support and resources that we needed. Like me, she also grew up in the South Bay and was knowledgeable about our community. In addition, the County’s Department of Public Health included us in a taskforce focused on equity of COVID resources and testing. The resilience of our clinic’s staff was incredible. These were hard times and they remained through the challenges. They worked evenings and weekends to help get as many vaccines in arms as possible. That teamwork must now extend to our communities. I believe it is important that each of us advocates for others—in whatever fields we work—to improve health care for all and ensure equal access to the basic necessities of life.
San Ysidro Health Team administering COVID-19 vaccinations – December 11, 2021 (Photo courtesy – San Ysidro Health)
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San Diego Latino Legacy – Timeline • Milestones • Stories
Chapter 8 – Facing COVID-19
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