The Mary Jane McDonald Building a Healthier Community Award was presented to Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS) employees in recognition of their selfless devotion to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH) Development Council created this award in 2005 to honor an individual, group or organization in Licking County with an ongoing work or project that reflects LMHS’ mission to improve the health of the community.
 
The dedicated LMHS employees consistently served above and beyond their regular duties to care for patients and provide a safe environment for visitors.  Working on the front lines, their diligent efforts to provide outstanding care to their neighbors, friends, and families proved invaluable during this unprecedented time.  Within a few days, mostly over the weekend, a team of LMHS employees proactively and tirelessly worked together to establish one of the first drive-through clinics in the Central Ohio region.  Effective March 16, 2020, the Clinic, located at 131 McMillen Drive, opened for patients experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.  As of February 26, 2021, LMHS staff has provided testing to over 24,000 people. 
 
Employees from a variety of departments assisted with 12-hour shifts to provide needed services including 24-hour N95 mask distribution, drive-up pharmacy assistance, testing transport and more.  They continually anticipated the needs of the staff and community and implemented procedures to limit the possible spread of COVID-19.  A safe environment was created throughout LMHS facilities through visitation policies, screening, frequent sanitization and additional personal protective equipment utilized by staff in contact with patients and visitors.  Staff established isolation areas for COVID-19 patients and provided caring medical support to those individuals, without regard to personal risk. 
 
A COVID-19 Committee, which included physicians, Director of Safety, Director of Infection Prevention and Administration, was formed and met routinely to discuss processes and procedures as well as coordinate and implement visitation guidelines.  Staff and leadership planned an extensive strategy that adapted a variety of hospital areas and other locations for a potential surge of coronavirus-stricken patients.  Employees also provided leadership and insight to other organizations, such as schools and local businesses, regarding best safety practices during the pandemic.
 
LMHS acted proactively to provide pervasive antibody testing, not only to staff, but also first responders.  Employees willingly accepted the high risk associated with facilitating testing.  Employees organized and completed an antibody population-based study in Licking County.  The study aimed to estimate the proportion of the population exposed. Serological surveys are a valuable tool to assess the extent of the pandemic in a given area, thus better enabling the community to prepare and respond together.
 
Mary Jane McDonald was a member of the LMH Board of Directors from 1981 to 1987, and a member of the LMHS Board of Directors from 1988 to 1999.  She was elected as the first female chair of the LMHS Board in 1991 and received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001.  Mary Jane dedicated her time and talents to enriching the lives of countless Licking County residents through her charitable and selfless acts of volunteerism.