The Maine COVID Sitters received the American Osteopathic Association's inaugural AOA COVID-19 Initiative Award. This national award recognizes their incredible service to the osteopathic community by volunteering their time to aid frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing childcare, pet sitting and other essential household services in the greater Portland area. Over 65 UNE students in the health professions joined the cause.
“At the onset of the pandemic, all in-person academic activities were suspended for students," Student Doctor Laura Knapik explains. "As health professions’ students, we felt compelled to help our community, but were not far enough in our training to work at the front line. Establishing the Maine COVID Sitters allowed us to support our future colleagues, and ultimately support our community. We want to say thank you to the families who opened their homes to us so we could care for them while they cared for Maine.”
The Maine COVID Sitters Executive Board include Student Doctors Margaret Calamari, COM '23, Catherine Cattley, COM '22, Colin Fisher, COM '23, Laura Knapik, COM '22 and Lindsey Millen, COM '22.
Award recipients were recognized during the virtual Special Meeting of the House of Delegates.
Learn more about the Maine COVID Sitters.