In a follow-up conversation with Dr. Michele Arnold, chief medical officer at Swedish Issaquah and Issaquah Highlands resident, Dr. Arnold described the current situation at Swedish Issaquah as “underwater, but not drowning,” in both the number of cases of COVID-19 and the status of hospital staff.
The good news is that hospitalizations for COVID-19 at Swedish Issaquah are down from January. Dr. Arnold points to the light at the end of this tunnel – vaccinations – as “our path to safety, reducing severity of illness, hospitalization, and death.” Thanks to Eastside Fire and Rescue and other partners, a mass vaccination site in Issaquah appears to be coming soon. Many volunteers will be needed to manage this location. (Link with volunteer information coming soon.)
In our second conversation, Dr. Arnold made recommendations for safely sending kids back to the classroom and praised the Issaquah School District for their diligence in following and preparing safety protocols.
Swedish Issaquah leadership is not only focused on the pandemic. Watch the video to learn about the Healthcare Community Needs Assessment that evaluates the social wellness of our area every three years, and how Swedish Issaquah can best serve the healthcare priorities of our community.
We remain “Stronger Together.”
Check out the first interview with Dr. Arnold from January 2021 here >>
Christy Garrard is the Highlands Council executive director and a Dahlia Park resident.
