*Missouri Governor Michael L. Parson*

Office of Communications

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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

April 14, 2020

*Governor Parson Highlights Innovation of Missouri Hospitals to Meet COVID-19 Challenges*

*(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) *In todays COVID-19 briefing, Governor Mike Parson highlighted the innovation of Missouri hospitals in the face of the COVID-19 crisis.

Governor Parson was joined by Truman Medical Centers President and CEO Charlie Shields, Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Sandy Karsten, and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Dr. Randall Williams.

Im so proud of how Missourians have pulled together to help and find solutions during this time of crisis, including our health care system, *Governor Parson* said. Our hospitals across the state have responded to COVID-19 without hesitation. From converting ICU beds to training health care personnel and establishing remote testing sites, they have adjusted operations and come up with creative ways to meet the demands of COVID-19.

Truman Medical Centers (TMC) is one of many health systems across Missouri making innovative changes to meet the challenges of COVID-19.

Notably, TMC has discovered research showing that a robot used to disinfect rooms at its facilities using ultraviolet light can also be used to disinfect N95 masks the most difficult type of personal protective equipment to source.Additionally, TMCs lab has discovered a way to make its own testing kits. TMC has tested over 1,700 patients so far and has significantly revised its operations in order to test even more.

TMC is also working with organizations in the community to create much needed materials. For example, Cerner is making frames using 3-D printing for eye protection, and the Kansas City Art Institute has also reached out to TMC wanting to make similar face shields with its 3-D printer.

On top of these efforts, TMC has made several other changes to respond to COVID-19:


* Establishingdrive-thru testing
* Identifying workers who can do jobs other than the ones theyve been trained for
* Sourcing from new vendors not previously considered, such as Ace Hardware and Home Depot
* Creating the ability for virtual visits and tours of the TMCs Mother/Baby Unit for expectant mothers
* Pool of 25 nurses now answering TMCs COVID-19 hotline

To view Governor Parsons remarks from todays briefing, please see attachment. Pictures from the briefing are available on Governor Parsons Flickr page [ [link removed] ].

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* 4-14-2020 BRIEFING.pdf [ [link removed] ]
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*Contact: Kelli R. Jones*

Communications Director

Work: 573-751-0765

Mobile: 573-508-9072

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.governor.mo.gov


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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Office of Governor Michael L. Parson PO Box 720 Jefferson City, MO 65102 (573) 751-3222 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]