PHOENIX — New cases of COVID-19 continue to fall after the sharp peak in January where cases skyrocketed.
Valleywise Health is welcoming a 7-person U.S. Navy team to join Phoenix front-line healthcare workers led by Valley native Commander Russell Miller through next month.
This comes at the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). One doctor, five nurses, and a respiratory tech are joining front-line healthcare workers in their fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Defense is sending 30 teams across 18 states, including Arizona, to battle COVID-19.
“We continue to have a shortage of healthcare workers within the state of Arizona, certainly within Maricopa County, this provides with that much-needed relief that we need,” said Valleywise Health Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Michael White.
Like many hospitals, Valleywise has experienced high turnover throughout the pandemic.
“We turnover about 150-200 people a month. The team being here now gives us a chance to have a rest,” said Dr. White.
The Commander leading the FEMA team is a Valley native.
“I’m from Phoenix," said Navy Commander and physician Dr. Russell Miller. "I went to Sunnyslope High School. I’ve never heard my mom so excited to hear I was getting deployed. My parents live here. My sisters live here.”
Commander Miller expects his team to help with both COVID and non-COVID patients throughout the next month. Although new cases are dropping, he encourages everyone to get the COVID-19 vaccine and booster.
“Get the vaccine," said Commander Miller. "I’ve seen a lot of horrible situations where people lose their loved ones. They ask about the vaccine. Can I get the vaccine now and the reality is it’s too late."
About Valleywise Health
"Located in Phoenix, Arizona and named one of the 100 Top Hospitals in the nation by IBM Watson Health in 2020, Valleywise Health (formerly Maricopa Integrated Health System) has a proud tradition of being the public safety net health care system with a mission and commitment to serving the underserved. Valleywise Health consists of Valleywise Health Medical Center, Arizona’s only public teaching hospital, Level I Trauma Center and Arizona’s only nationally verified Burn Center serving the entire Southwestern United States.
Other services include the McDowell Healthcare Center, the largest provider of HIV primary care in Arizona, the Refugee Women’s Health Clinic, three behavioral health centers, and a network of 12 community health centers located throughout Maricopa County. To learn more, please visit valleywisehealth.org"
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12 News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.