“The lives of Texans are in our hands.”
As I write this President’s Perspective in late June, COVID-19 infection rates are climbing in Houston and other cities around the world. Especially now, months into this global crisis, we cannot let our guard down. We must continue to wear masks. We must continue to practice social distancing to keep the health and safety of all citizens front and center.
Leaders of the Texas Medical Center have been working closely with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and city and county public health professionals since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in China.
At the same time, Texas Medical Center leaders have been meeting every morning to share information and insights related to COVID-19. Even before the pandemic arrived in Houston, we created a war room—all of the CEOs assembled to face the pandemic, to share best practices and to organize the acquisition of essential supplies for our institutions to fight the virus. In the early days of the pandemic, gathering personal protective equipment was challenging. But over the past few months, we have created a supply chain that will keep our hospitals prepared for whatever comes.
The Texas Medical Center has also launched a comprehensive digital data dashboard to provide daily updates on the availability of ICU beds, ventilators and personal protective equipment across our member institutions, as well as to share infection rates and trends across the Greater Houston area. Visit tmc.edu to access this data.
Every member of our community plays a significant role in the fight to end the spread of COVID-19. The lives of Texans are in our hands. Together, we must do everything humanly possible to protect our patients, our families, our region and ourselves.
Houstonians have always united to face formidable challenges, and we will persevere in the days ahead. We must stand apart and work together.
William F. McKeon
President and Chief Executive Officer
Texas Medical Center