The Boston Globe reports this week on a unique way that a new organization, with local ties to the Berkshires, is helping healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 crisis:
“Skiers and snowboarders, like other sports enthusiasts, had their season cut short by the measures to counteract the spread of COVID-19. But thanks to a newly created New England-based organization, they can help pitch in to remedy the shortage of protective medical equipment.
Goggles For Docs is helping companies and individuals donate ski and snowboard goggles to hospitals for use as personal protective equipment (PPE). It was started by Jon Schaefer, co-owner and general manager of Catamount and Berkshire East ski areas.
Schaefer, who led the charge to close ski areas due to the threat of the coronavirus, noted that his heightened awareness was because of direct connections with the healthcare world.
“‘My wife is a physician’s assistant at Berkshire Medical Center, and there was an early outbreak in Pittsfield,” Schaefer said. “I know a lot of the doctors there. I have a friend who intubated patient zero in Vermont, so I guess I had a direct line to the stress.'”
Visit the Goggles for Docs website…
Photo: KEVIN FRAYER/GETTY
