COPA HEALTH EMPLOYEES RALLY TO MAKE MASKS
APRIL 6, 2020: MESA, AZ: When faced with a shortage of masks, local healthcare organization Copa Health, took matters into its own hands. CEO Dr. Shar Najafi-Piper sent a company-wide email Saturday and by Monday, Copa Health employees were busy sewing masks for themselves and their colleagues.
Hundreds of masks are pouring in as employees not only started sewing themselves but enlisted family members, friends, church groups and anyone with a sewing machine. They are making the masks using guidelines approved by the CDC and hospital systems. Masks have been provided to staff in Copa Health group homes, employment and day programs, and outpatient sites.
“I am never surprised by our amazing employees. Every day the staff at Copa Health goes above and beyond the call of duty and the mask project is no exception. When we put the call out, their response was an immediate, ‘How can I help?’” said Najafi-Piper. They worked through the weekend sewing masks.
Monday morning, masks were being delivered to Copa Health for delivery to sites around the Valley. Though most patients are being seen via telehealth, there are essential medical and counseling patients that need to be seen in person. Protocols throughout the organization include handwashing, screening of members and staff, recording data, masks, personal protective equipment, incident reports and constant disinfection.
“The safety and health of everyone at Copa Health, employees and members, is foremost in our minds. Our Executive Leadership Team meets every 24 hours to get updates and make decisions regarding Copa Health safety,” added Najafi-Piper.
It’s not the first time Copa Health has gone above and beyond during the COVID crisis. Just last week, they announced they would provide no cost counseling not just to members but to the general population that may be struggling emotionally during this time. Through their dedication to innovation, Copa Health has also partnered with other health organizations to make telehealth available.
Copa Health, powered by Marc Community Resources and Partners in Recovery, has been a staple in the Valley for over 60 years. The company provides educational, therapeutic, rehabilitation and social services to children and adults with developmental, intellectual, physical, and behavioral health conditions.
Copa Health is dedicated to inspiring health, hope and happiness by delivering world-class solutions to individuals, families and communities. They work under six values: people first, compassion, integrity, perseverance, accountability and innovation.
