A Response to the COVID-19 Crisis

A Response to the COVID-19 Crisis

A Response to the COVID-19 Crisis 960 640 Jason D. Ramsey

Dearest friends,

I am writing to you from the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. As only some of you know, I manage a respiratory care department at a large regional hospital in southwest Michigan. We are one of only two hospitals in a 50-mile radius that is a ‘funnel’ for all patients under investigation for the novel coronavirus. Collectively, we have been developing and implementing emergency preparedness plans to be able to identify, treat, and contain the novel coronavirus spread in our areas. As such, I have been involved in all-day meetings with hospital leadership, local incident command, and state-level authorities to ensure that we as a region are as prepared as we possibly can be for the impending outbreak in our communities.

It has been an exhausting and eye-opening experience, to be sure, and it is only just beginning. I can tell you that healthcare leaders and personnel are at the forefront of this, and that you should take every precaution. And, by all means, take this seriously.

Also, don’t believe everything you hear in the media or on social sharing sites. Take due diligence to seek the truth, especially in times like these.

We at Barren Magazine fully support the efforts of our medical communities, and we encourage all of our readers to social-distance themselves. We also encourage you to lean on the art industry. Create. Embrace. Be bold. Express. Read. Write. Paint. Photograph. Illustrate. Sing. Capture this time in history with your own vision and perspective. Capture this time in history so that we may never forget the feeling of widespread fear, anxiety, loneliness, and uncertainty.

While Barren Magazine will not ‘close’ during this time, please be aware that our timelines may be extended due to time limitations and mental strains. A large portion of our Masthead are involved in the healthcare industry, the education industry, or both. All industries are being hit. We are struggling as you are, and we ask for your patience with our operations. Our print versions are being postponed at this time, but they will be available down the road. All of our issues will forever remain available to read online at no cost. Please know that we will do our absolute best to continue to engage and uplift the writing and arts communities. We adore you. And we are in this with you.

Much love to each and every one of you.

 

Be safe,


Jason D. Ramsey
Publisher / Editor-in-Chief
Barren Magazine

(and Respiratory Services Manager / Ascension Borgess Hospital / Kalamazoo, MI)

 

(Header photo by Icy-Blu Daniel.)

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5 Comments
  • Beautiful message thank you! Much love and strength to you! X

  • Eileen Vorbach Collins 05/01/2020 at 10:38 am

    Stumbled in here and I’d like to share my little poem with you. Thank you to all the RTs and all the rest of those on the front lines.

    https://www.nnereview.com/ode

  • Henry Marchand 04/23/2020 at 2:09 pm

    All good thoughts and gratitude to you and all who are in this struggle on behalf of all.

  • May you be blessed as are those you tend to, and those of us you provide the beauty of art to do freely.

  • Dear Jason,
    Sending healthy vibes to you and yours. And everyone.

    Thank you for your message:

    “We at Barren Magazine fully support the efforts of our medical communities, and we encourage all of our readers to social-
    distance themselves. We also encourage you to lean on the art industry. Create. Embrace. Be bold. Express. Read. Write. Paint.
    Photograph. Illustrate. Sing. Capture this time in history with your own vision and perspective. Capture this time in history so
    that we may never forget the feeling of widespread fear, anxiety, loneliness, and uncertainty.”

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