MGI is a non-profit organization with a mission to make a significant difference in improving the lives of the elderly and to make our region a center of excellence for elder well-being through specialized health care and education.
We residents of Southeastern Connecticut survived the first wave of COVID-19, but not without the loss of lives. The virus hit the Northeast early and hard. We all hunkered down. We played by the rules. Here in our immediate area we did well compared with the rest of the region. What we learned was that the elderly are the most vulnerable. We learned that the airborne pathogen is far more important than surface pathogens. We learned that crowds are bad and that social distancing is good. We learned that outdoor activities are a lot safer than indoor activities. We learned that testing is important and there is not enough of it. We learned that masks are the single most important factor to prevent disease in oneself and to prevent spreading the disease to others.
We now face a new challenge. As the country reopens we will tend to relax those very rules we have learned, the rules that have kept this area relatively free of disease. To re-engage in society we must keep our guard up. We must recognize high-risk circumstances and avoid them if possible.
Hartford Health Care* has given us examples of stratified risk, and here is the link:
https://hartfordhealthcare.org/about-us/news-press/news-detail?articleid=26936&publicId=395
These may change as our understanding of the Corona Virus evolves.
COVID-19 will be with us indefinitely. Vaccines will eventually become available, but their efficacy, their ability to sustain immunity, and their safety are unknown. Herd immunity is not likely to occur with this disease. The best defense is a pro-active strategy to avoid high-risk exposures and to employ proven defensive techniques: masks, social distancing, and the use of sanitizers and hand washing. Questions and comments are welcome.
Christopher Morren, MD
President
Create an organization in our region to foster the development and communication of effective geriatric care.
Coordinate responses to elder issues, broadcasting effective strategies to invested audiences though workshops, conferencing and symposia.
Educate and collaborate with communities to establish infrastructure and services that promote elder well-being.
CHRIS MORREN, M.D.
President
Board Certified Geriatrician
MICHAEL FELTES, M.D.
Vice President
Board Certified Geriatrician
Mystic Geriatrics, LLC.
ROBIN ELY, R.N., D.N.P.
Secretary
Mind Matters, LLC
SANDRA A. SHARR, ESQ.
Treasurer
State of Connecticut (Retired)
JEAN HENDREN CEDDIA, ESQ.
Elder Law Attorney
NANCY CHAPUT
Director of Community Relations
Academy Point at Mystic
ROBERT LOWELL, Ph.D.
U.S. Navy (Retired) and Engineer
CURTIS LYNCH
Business Consultant
REP. KATE ROTELLA
State Representative, 43rd District
REV. MARK A. SANTUCCI
Episcopal Priest (Retired)