The Compass Summer 2020 | Page 4

FOUNDATION NEWS Meeting is Virtual, but Dedication is Real Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation Board connects in all-new way s Chairman Norm Bagwell opened the May meeting of the Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation’s board of directors, he thanked everyone for attending the group’s first-ever virtual board meeting. It was a fitting way for the board to meet and discuss the many ways that Baylor Scott & White Health is navigating COVID-19, a pandemic that has forced many North Texans into their homes and away from one another to help reduce infections and “flatten the curve.” But while board members were physically farther apart than usual, they came together in mind and spirit with a singular focus: to better understand how one of the largest health systems in Texas is battling a pandemic that has claimed tens of thousands of lives across the country. “COVID-19 is one of the toughest challenges we have faced. This group’s professionalism and experience are serving us well as our teams fight this virus on all fronts. They have earned my utmost respect and admiration for their hard work and dedication.” —Rowland K. Robinson Here is a sampling of the updates the board heard from leaders across the system: Mark G. Susan M. Steve N. Kyle A. Mark Grace Susan McSherry Steve Newton Kyle Armstrong Chief of mission and ministry Vice president of development President of Baylor University Chief operating officer of for Baylor Scott & White Health, for the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, gave a Baylor University Medical offered an invocation and Dallas Foundation, highlighted compelling report of how Center, explained how BUMC discussed how pastoral care nearly $5 million that has the 6,000 employees and prepared for the surge. professionals have provided been raised across the BSW physicians at BUMC are He highlighted the staff’s comfort and support to Foundations for COVID relief applying their values of dedication to effectively using patients, their families and efforts, including more than serving faithfully, acting and conserving personal staff who have been $2 million for the Employees honestly and never settling to protective equipment (“PPE”) challenged by the issues 1st Emergency Assistance Fund. guide them as they navigate and ventilators to meet of the day. This effort supports frontline uncharted territory. He expected demand. The caregivers by helping them gave reports about the hospital has reconfigured the with meals, medical expenses, numbers of patients treated beds in its facility to bring the family member care and in the pandemic and talked total critical care beds to 250, psychological support. about how staff is combining if needed. Kyle also described their unique gifts and talents to the detailed process that make a difference for patients. caregivers go through to help ensure they are protected. This is a complicated 45-minute donning and doffing process 4 that must be followed for PPE to be effective. THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE FOUNDATION NEWS / SUMMER 2020