Doing Your Part – A Reflection from Our Intern on Her Experience During the Pandemic

Mar 24, 2021 | Staying on Top, UpstateVibe365

Sandy Abdelnabi, Ten at the Top Intern

Living in a global pandemic, times look much different for us all. None of us are or will ever be fully adapted to this new and distanced world and the effects it has had on our everyday lives. Whether it’s the way we speak to friends, the way a fun outing looks, or even a work/school setting. But, these changes have opened many doors to new and exciting opportunities! 

People have been able to experience things they never thought they would. For example, students have the opportunity to participate in their classes from the comfort of their own home rather than in a physical school setting, most businesses now consist of a staff of remote workers encouraging them to make a “home office”, and people are motivated to create fun and exciting activities in their homes. For me, one of the most beneficial and memorable outcomes of this pandemic was being able to work for a company that dealt with the virus directly.

Beginning March 25th, 2020, I started working at a medical facility located in Greenville, SC called Vessel Medical. Founded in 1991 Vessel Medical originally put together surgical trays, sent them to sterilize, then shipped them off to surgeons around South Carolina. 

During the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, Vessel medical, like many companies, switched gears in what they were producing and they began putting together at-home COVID-19 testing kits. In a white conditioned room, we dressed in lab coats, hairnets, and shoe liners and began packing. We would fill seven-foot racks with almost 1000 kits each. Because little was known about the virus, the testing kits looked much different than they do now. The kits consisted of a specimen cup, catheter, and a syringe filled halfway with saline. The kits were sent off to people and certain companies with a set of instructions that walked them through the process. 

One had to put the catheter on to the tip of the syringe, put the specimen cup under the empty nostril and push the saline solution through one nostril out the other and into the specimen cup. They would then ship the sample back to the Vessel Lab where it would be tested for COVID. After enough kits were prepared (almost 10,000 a day) we switched back to the trays.  Although, with a spike in cases, this did not last long. 

The second time we switched back we were putting together swab test kits as they had proven to be more efficient. These kits consisted of a singularly wrapped swab and a tube filled with saline. The company slowly created a testing tent in front of the facility to process rapid results and ensure the employees had a safe, convenient, and affordable place to test as often as needed. They also began training nurses to travel around to universities in the upstate and provide testing for students. 

Helping put together testing kits made me feel as though I was able to make a hands-on difference with the cases in SC in a time where one can’t do much besides mask up, social distance, and stay safe. I was able to learn more about the virus and ways to prevent it to keep myself and others safe. 

It was an amazing experience seeing this company quickly adjust and grow in order to combat the swiftly adapting virus. What began as an unknown business has now bloomed into an entire community of people working to stop the spread of COVID-19. I was extremely thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this community and I am proud to share this experience with others. To learn more about Vessel Medical visit https://vesselmedical.com/about/. 

GSP International Airport (GSP) Response to COVID-19

Mar 24, 2021 | Staying on Top, UpstateVibe365

Scott Carr, VP Commercial Business & Communications, GSP Airport District

The one-year anniversary of the declaration of COVID-19 as a national emergency was on March 11, 2021. Passenger numbers at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) declined by 96% at the peak of the pandemic and remained down 60% from pre-pandemic levels throughout 2020. However, as coronavirus cases continue to decline, more people are vaccinated, and restrictions around the country are lifted, we are seeing more passengers returning to the skies and airlines increasing flights to popular destinations.

On November 5, 2020, Southwest Airlines began new nonstop service to Houston, TX and on March 11, 2021, Silver Airways launched new flights to Jacksonville, FL, Orlando, FL, and Tampa, FL. At the same time, airlines that had suspended service due to COVID restrictions have started restoring those flights from GSP.  American Airlines reestablished nonstop service to Miami, FL and Washington, D.C. United restored nonstop flights to Denver, CO. Delta brought back service to Detroit, MI. All six of our airlines have increased frequencies on current routes and GSP now serves 21 nonstop cities, which is the most in the airport’s history.

To accommodate returning passengers, we have reopened restaurants and retail stores in the terminal building. The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, Baskin Robbins, Chick-fil-A, Dunkin Donuts, Flatwood Grill, Hudson, Tech On-The-Go, and Palmetto Distillery are all open for business. We anticipate the MAG Escape Lounge to reopen in the second half of 2021.  Thomas Creek Grill and RJ Rockers Flight Room will reopen when passenger demand warrants.  However, most likely, that won’t be until sometime in 2022. In addition, we plan to open a totally new restaurant concept in the Grand Hall during the second half of 2021. Stay tuned for more details on that exciting announcement.

While passenger numbers have been reduced during the pandemic, we are experiencing a significant increase in cargo activity; particularly to and from GSP and international destinations. In 2020, cargo activity at GSP increased by 12%, setting a record for cargo tonnage at the airport. In fact, GSP now ranks #20 in the U.S. in terms of international freight and accounts for $4.37 billion in trade value. Over the past few months, GSP has welcomed a number of new cargo airlines to the region including British Airways, TUI, Mas Air, and more.

To ensure that the airport remained positioned to serve the region’s needs once air travel demand returned, work continued on several significant capital improvement projects during the pandemic. In November 2020, we opened a new Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting (ARFF) facility and we expect to take delivery of two new ARFF trucks in April 2021.

Enhancements to the airport entrance road and work to relieve roadway congestion at the airport also concluded during the first quarter of 2021. The improvements included the construction of a new 1,500-space economy parking lot and upgraded roadway signage. This summer, we will launch a new program allowing travelers to pre-book airport parking on our website. This program will provide customers with discounts on parking, rewards points, and a way to guarantee a space in their lot of choice for their trip.

Maintaining a high level of safety, convenience, and efficiency has been and continues to be our priority. Our goal is to always provide a better airport experience for our customers. That is why we were so honored to be recognized as the “Best Airport in North America” serving 2-5 million passengers annually by Airports Council International. This recognition represents the highest accolade that an airport can achieve, as it is based on feedback gathered from customers using the airport over the past 12 months. Receiving this award is a high benchmark any time. However, receiving this recognition during a global pandemic speaks volumes for the support we enjoy from our passengers and the Upstate SC region.

It may be a few years before we are again reaching our pre-pandemic passenger activity levels. However, rest assured that GSP remains committed to providing the region with a safe, clean, efficient, and modern airport offering convenient air service to the people and places that matter most to them. Thank you for supporting GSP during this unprecedented time and we look forward to serving you on your next flight from your hometown airport.

Please join us for an upcoming TATT Chat on April 15th, 2021 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. for “Latest News from GSP Airport” with guest speaker, Scott Carr! Register here.

Maintaining Mental Health

Mar 19, 2021 | Staying on Top, UpstateVibe365

Dr. Michael Hedgecock, Program Manager, AnMed Health Behavioral Health Center

Guest Speaker, Dr. Michael Hedgecock, AnMed Health

Please watch the recording of the meeting to hear all of Dr. Hedgecock’s comments, and read his article in the TATT newsletter here.

Tips for maintaining mental health:

Drink plenty of water, eat well, and get enough sleep.

Don’t let yourself get to H.A.L.T.; hungry, angry, lonely, or tired.

Give yourself breaks. Step away from the desk, take a walk outside, listen to music, read a book, talk to a friend, connect with colleagues.

Communicate Constructively; compliments can be very powerful, problem solving feels good. Approach your boss with creative solutions more than with complaints. Connect with family and loved ones and tell them how they can help. Respect others’ differences and how they handle stress; some need to talk, some need quiet time.

Stay updated and rely on trusted resources and be mindful of time spent watching upsetting images on TV or computer.

Check in with yourself, watching for sings of depression, and reach out to peers, use EAP programs.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 800-273-8255

Focus on what you can control and change.

Have open communications to build trust, reduce fears, and sustain the workforce.

Create opportunities to collaborate to increase innovation and connections.

Take time for yourself! Consider a mental health day.

Warning signs to watch for in loved ones and staff: irritability, isolation, not interested in job/grades, self-care.

County Updates

Laurens County – Dr. Asa Briggs, Program Director of Rural Psychiatric Services at Prisma

Goal: integrate psychiatry into primary healthcare

Prisma is expanding services to rural clinics for adults, children, young adults

Open four days a week in Oconee and Laurens – Connect Center Referral for both adolescent and adult services, 864-455-8988

Laurens County Healthy Initiative: healthy communities and looking at patients holistically; including mental health, starting conversations about mental health care (in a non-threatening way) in these areas, including telehealth options

Pickens County – Jessica Varney, Executive Assistant to County Adminstrator:

We have been selected as one of 10 sites in the country to participate in a project called Crisis Intersect Mapping. The team includes local, regional and state level people (military and civilians). It is a coordinated approach to offering more services to communities. Military and veteran populations are often overlooked and are at risk of suicide. September 2020 was Veteran suicide prevention month. The project is moving ahead and members are looking forward to spreading the word.

TATT Updates

Welcome to our new intern, Gracie Sandidge!

Greenville Chamber’s high school intern program – https://www.greenvillechamber.org/launchgvl

Check out our upcoming events at https://tenatthetop.org/events/

Join us for the next TATT CHAT: April 1 at 3pm: Health Care Update with Guest Speaker Dr. Sara Saccocio, Prisma Health. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYofuuhqz8iHdUWk6BBTjyls0ucfffJBe1l

A New Beginning

Mar 9, 2021 | Staying on Top, UpstateVibe365

Dr. Michael Hedgecock, Program Manager, AnMed Health Behavioral Health Center

The famous lyrics, “Times like these we learn to live again.”, from the Foo Fighters have rang true this past year. People have experienced immense stress and anxiety.  I do not believe we have even begun to scratch the surface on the ramifications of the coronavirus on mental health issues.  We have lived in uncertain times for the past year.  Some people are understandably fearful, anxious, and stressed to the point that it starts to manifest in everyday life.  We know that 1 in 4 people are affected by mental health issues prior to the pandemic that has taken more than a half a million lives in the United States alone.  So many people have experienced loss of a family member or friend.  There has been increased unemployment, downsizing of jobs, and businesses closed causing more families than ever struggling with food insecurity.  People are isolated working from home or attending school classes virtually from home.  A sense of normalcy is gone with sporting events cancelled, weddings postponed, and graduations limited.  Anxiety has increased due to inability to see and celebrate with friends and family.  Having a family member die alone in a hospital due to COVID-19 has made the grief process more trying.  The question is what can we do to help ourselves, family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers get through this.

We need to be able to work together, be flexible and more collaborative than ever.  This is a time, that we need to take care of ourselves first in order to look after others.  We need to take care of basic needs such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and drinking plenty of water.  If you deprive yourself of any of these basic needs, you place yourself at high risk for increased anxiety and depression.  The stress will compromise your ability to function in turn leading to decompensation.  You must be mindful to take breaks during the day.  When it is possible you should do something unrelated to work or school.  Try and get outside to take a walk, read a book, listen to music, talk with a friend or family member.  By giving yourself a break, it enables you to recharge and come back to a task with renewed energy and clarity.  You should make it a point to reach out to colleagues and hear what they are doing.  We have created an environment of isolation which can create an increase of anxiety and fear.  By staying connected with colleagues you can receive support and learn from them what they are doing.

We know that there has been varying degrees of information that has been reported to us.  It is often very helpful to stay informed with trusted sources of information.  By receiving correct data this will help you make informed choices and help to reduce your stress.  You should attend and be part of any company meeting so you can stay informed on current situations and any new changes that might be coming.  You should limit your exposure to social media.  Very often you will get mixed messages that could cause you to worry more and in turn increase your stress and anxiety. Be sure to have check ins with yourself and people important to you.  Monitor yourself over time and look for signs of increased sadness, problems sleeping, irritability, or hopelessness.  With these warning signs, it would be an ideal time to reach out to a peer, friend, supervisor or seek professional help from a mental health specialist.

When trying to take care of mental health issues, avoid working too many hours solo without having any check in points with colleagues.  Try to limit the intake of sweets and caffeine but certainly reward yourself when needed.  Remember to take time for yourself.  Ask for space if you need it.  Seek outside professional help through your companies EAP program or an outpatient mental health professional in your community.

This has been a tough year.  We will get through this together by fostering open and transparent communication with one another which will help reduce anxiety, fears, and stress.  We need to look at the positive, complement each other, celebrate success big or little, as well as listen to and connect with family members, friends and colleagues.

Dr. Michael Hedgecock will be the Guest Speaker for our next TATT Chat “Maintaining Mental Health” – Register now!