Health care workers are being rightfully hailed for their heroic response to COVID-19. But that bravery comes with a price: it increases their risk of exposure to an extremely contagious disease. Penn Medicine has prioritized personal protective equipment for its workers, but these cumulative risks take a toll of fear, uncertainty, and isolation.
Penn Medicine stands behind all essential workers at this critical time and, with the partnership of friends and generous donors, is launching initiatives that put the health of these courageous people in the forefront.
SPORTS LEADERS WITH THE Assist
In April, Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid, Managing Partner Josh Harris, W’86, PAR’23, and co-Managing Partner David Blitzer, W’91, PAR’24, joined forces with Penn Medicine for COVID-19 relief with a cumulative $1.3 million gift. With the help of this gift and a portion of a $1 million gift from philanthropist Jeffrey Lurie to establish the COVID-19 Immunology Defense Fund, Penn Medicine launched serology studies conducted by Scott Hensley, Ph.D., Gr’06, Associate Professor of Microbiology at the Perelman School of Medicine.
Serology studies examine a person’s blood plasma for antibodies, indicating prior infection with the COVID-19 virus. Identifying staff and health care providers with antibodies can influence staffing decisions and help ensure that essential hospital employees do not contribute to further spread of the disease, whether at work or at home.
These tests also identify those who might have immunity, which can inform new directions for research. Lessons learned from analyzing these samples—collected from a pool of more than 2,000 tested employees and counting—will be critical to other Penn studies testing potential treatment options.
“Our essential personnel are heroes,” says Hensley. “Our findings might lead to a breakthrough in understanding the immune response to COVID-19, and will only add to the legacy of bravery demonstrated by those on the frontlines of this battle.”
Hensley’s group has already published important work on COVID-19, highlighting disparities in transmission among pregnant Black and Hispanic women in a study supported by the generosity of Harris, Blitzer, Embiid, and Lurie.
“In all my interactions with Penn—as a student, alumnus, and parent—I continuously find exceptional minds, exceptional talent, and an exceptional ability to perform above and beyond expectations,” says Josh Harris, who serves on the Board of Overseers at the Wharton School. “Supporting this groundbreaking, innovative, and critical work to help those who risk their lives every day is not only an honor, but a responsibility—one that my wife Marjorie, David and Allison Blitzer, and I take very seriously.”
Leaders at Work
Serology tests require deep expertise in immunology, and with more than 200 experts, Penn has the largest single-institution immunology community in the nation. Their work has included the first FDA approvals for CAR T cell therapies for pediatric and adult blood cancers, as well as vaccine research that is paving the road to functional cures for HIV. Now, they are putting the power of their expertise to work on COVID-19.
As the search for a vaccine for COVID-19 continues, Penn salutes those who put their lives at risk every day, as well as the community of support that has grown in response to an extraordinary and urgent time. A range of opportunities are available for those who wish to share their support.
