Myra Bhathena: Connect Against COVID

Date

April 20, 2020

Post by

arZan

Category

News

 Myra Bhathena writes in

I have created a website for people to donate devices such as iPads and Samsung Galaxies to hospitalized patients in isolation. These people are not only unable to see their families, but are also often without their phones or tablets so they can’t even stay connected to the people they love. I would be very appreciative if you could help me spread the word about this issue. Thank you!

Why do patients need these?

When a patient is hospitalized in isolation, they are not allowed to bring personal belongings such as their smartphone or tablet with them. However, donated tablets will be sanitized by the hospital and placed in each room for patients to use safely. One of the biggest concerns of COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital is the immense isolation and loneliness they feel. Each day, they have limited contact with the outside world and desperately wish to connect with their loved ones.

Together, we can help them.

It all started when my mother, a physician in the Greater Boston area, received an email from a coworker asking if we had any old but functioning tablets at home. My mom explained to me that patients suffering from COVID-19 in hospitals are completely isolated from their families and loved ones in order to stop the spread of the virus. They are even unable to use their phones to make calls or FaceTime because they are often without their devices in the ICU or isolation units. Many on their deathbed are unable to spend their last few days with the people they love. But with your help, even one iPad can change that. During these scary times of quarantine and isolation, it is important to keep people connected. This is why I created “Connect with COVID” – together, we can spread love, not the virus.

Find out more

Connect Against COVID