COVID-19 spurs research, innovations, care and hope

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February 25, 2021

Elderly man receives COVID-19 vaccination

As we approach the one-year mark since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Ohio, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center continues working to stop it. Our teams rise to the occasion and meet every challenge caused by the pandemic.

Throughout this uncertain time, we’ve been a source for health care, information, compassion, equity and truth. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished with research, innovations and patient care.

In the earliest days of the crisis, we teamed up with Battelle to create a new rapid diagnostic test for COVID-19. We also created our own COVID-19 viral test fluid when there was a national shortage and printed 3D test swabs to expand access to testing.

We’re involved in innovative research for COVID-19 antibody drug testing, convalescent plasma therapy and COVID-19 vaccines. We’re studying disparities in COVID-19 testing among vulnerable communities, hosting Community Day and providing underserved populations with community care kits.

We’ve greatly expanded our telehealth visits to expand access to health care and keep patients safe. So far, we’ve processed more than 450,000 COVID-tests statewide and administered about 60,000 vaccine doses to protect people from COVID-19.

We’re dedicated to our work, to our community and to each other. Watch this video for more highlights from this challenging year.

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More from Ohio State

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown standing with members from the Ohio National Guard and the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center

Sen. Brown tours COVID-19 testing site at CAS

Sen. Brown talks with members of the Ohio National Guard who’ve joined health care workers across the state on the front lines in the battle against COVID-19.

Decades of leadership experience prove vital in the state’s fight against COVID-19

Dr. Andrew Thomas and his decades of leadership experience at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center have been vital in the state’s fight against COVID-19.

Ohio National Guard joins frontline staff at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Dozens of other Ohio National Guardsmen have been sent to assist in non-clinical roles, including environmental services, nutrition services and patient transportation. And more are expected in the coming weeks.

Visit Ohio State Health & Discovery for more stories on health, wellness, innovation, research and science news from the experts at Ohio State.

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