Heroes at work

A photo story

As UF Health confronted the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, everyone throughout the health system rose to the challenge. They continue to work tirelessly to care for patients, advance research into therapies and a cure and support those on the front lines. Here are some behind-the-scenes views of patient-centered health care in action.

Occupational Therapist Joyce Severance proudly wears her allegiance to the Gators on her face mask. Louis Brems

UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine has been hosting Facebook Live all-request concerts featuring musicians in residence. Participants make song requests by commenting in the Facebook Live feed, and the requests go to the artists, including Michael Claytor, who play the song if they know it or suggest another if not. Jesse S. Jones

Child Life Specialist Caroline Erwin teaches 5-year-old Benjamin, a patient at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, how to create art by syringe painting before taking a break for an exciting game of Foosball. Jesse S. Jones

UF College of Dentistry faculty and staff took time from their busy schedules to volunteer to sew face masks, gowns and other personal protective equipment. Jesse S. Jones

Researchers at the UF Health Medical Lab – Rocky Point are laser-focused on finding treatments and a possible cure for COVID-19. Jesse S. Jones

Local businesses, including Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza, have donated food for front-line workers during the pandemic. A-Turner Moving & Storage of Gainesville got an excited reception when they showed up with a sweet surprise: 20,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies.

Members of the Chinese community in Gainesville and surrounding areas collected donations of personal protective equipment they then brought to UF Health Physicians. Jesse S. Jones