Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1241073
www.HartfordBusiness.com • April 27, 2020 • Hartford Business Journal 31 CONNECTICUT HEALTH CARE: LEADERSHIP IN A TIME OF CRISIS The last few weeks have been unprecedented, inconceivable and, quite frankly, surreal. COVID-19 has taken a toll on all of us in so many ways. Adversity, however, has a way of bringing people together. Despite sheltering, we have found ways to move. Despite social distancing, we have kept in touch. The human spirit cannot be contained. As caregivers, we are always on duty — there are no holidays in health care. Our concern from day one has been for the safety and well-being of our patients and employees. It has taken an enormous amount of planning, coordination, communication, resilience, dedication, and good humor to pull off — and continue to execute on — what needs to get done under emergent circumstances. We are blessed to have a superb team of dedicated and selfless people, and we are grateful to have unfaltering support of a great organization such as Optum. As a physician, I understand the importance of being there for patients. Very early in the crisis, even before the virus had spread internationally, our team began to prepare for the possible. That's why when it arrived at our doorstep, we were ready. We quickly established Respiratory Evaluation Centers throughout Connecticut; we opened two outdoor testing sites; we launched phone and video visits; we converted our ExpressCare centers into virtual sites; and we shared data, playbooks, and best practices with other local providers and health care organizations. Although many unknowns lie ahead, one thing is certain: We've got each other, and together we shall overcome. There are many pieces of the puzzle constructing the road to success — both now and into the future — and at ProHealth Physi- cians we are determined to play our part, steadfast in our com- mitment to help people live healthier lives and make the health care system work better for everyone. This means providing the communities we serve throughout the great state of Con- necticut with the highest quality compassionate care. I would like to thank the brave men and women serving in the COVID-19 front line, from providers to nurses, to tech- nicians, first responders, and maintenance personnel. On behalf of the ProHealth Physicians organization, I salute you. May we always remember your service, sacrifices, and dedica- tion to our friends, neighbors and families. Thank you for the trust you have placed in us. Please keep your heads up and spirits high. We are here for you and shall get through this as one. Sincerely, Benito A. Alvarez, MD, MBA, JD, FACOG, FACHE President & CEO ProHealth Physicians, Part of OptumCare ProHealthMD.com