On the Front Lines

Samantha Quackenbush works hard coordinating the in-patient care program at Excelsior Wellness Center, which offers behavioral health care for teens and young adults. But that hard work rose to a whole new level when Quackenbush and nine other staff members at Excelsior committed to “hunker down” and live on campus with the clients amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Paraeducator, Elisha Price, continues to go to work every day in the Mead School District to provide child care for children of first responders and health care professionals during the coronavirus pandemic, all while caring for her own five daughters.

Rick Fairbanks, a social worker at Hospice of Spokane, aims to create “heartfelt moments” for patients and their families as they move toward the end of their lives. Even with the coronavirus pandemic, “life and death continue to go on,” Fairbanks said.

If not for the COVID-19 pandemic, Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center physician assistant Theresa Schimmels would be preparing to head to Seattle to receive a lifetime achievement award from MEDEX Northwest, the University of Washington School of Medicine program where she received her education.

Cathy Long started volunteering at Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels as a way to feel closer to her community. She’s still trying to do that, even while maintaining social distance with clients who are at a high risk of contracting COVID-19.

After more than a decade as a fire dispatcher, Jason Molina knows what questions to ask so callers can get the help they need and feel better for getting it.

Just like health care providers, Lilly Haeger walks into the rooms of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center wearing gloves, a gown and face protection – then a second pair of gloves. But she isn’t there to provide hands-on care.

There are people in need in every community, and Veronica Haymore is an expert at finding them.

While many people are spending more time at home with their pets, veterinarian Cindy Purvis is spending more time at work keeping them healthy.