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In the earliest days of the coronavirus pandemic, a grandmother, mother, and two young children were all hospitalized at Downey Medical Center. All except one child tested COVID positive. Their situation demonstrated the chaos that the virus wrought; spotlighted the complexities of managing this novel situation; and exemplified the heroics of three KPSC social workers who had to resolve this high-pressure, multi-faceted case: Salman Husainy, LCSW, Inpatient social worker; Alyson Kassorla, LCSW, ICU social worker; and Claudia Lucio, LCSW, Pediatric social worker.

All four family members were separated by this awful circumstance. The mother and her 6-year-old could communicate by Facetime, but sadly she could not embrace her toddler. A kindly KP maternal and child nurse held the young child each day, despite the danger it posed to her own health.

All the while, the mother was making difficult medical decisions on her own behalf and that of her family members. Salman, Alyson, and Claudia and Assistant Department Administrator Sandra Maldonado-Aviles, LCSW, helped ensure that she had the information necessary to do so. The grandmother required intensive care and intubation. Unfortunately, she did not survive the virus. The other three were soon well enough to be discharged to quarantine.

More Fast, More Furious

That was when the challenges started coming faster and more furious.

As Salman recalls, “We usually focus on emotional health and well-being, but concrete, task-oriented things were needed for 3 very different patients. We all jumped in,” he recalls, describing the team of KP colleagues, ADAs, the Emergency department, city and county Public Health officials and the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS). “Everyone had an interest in doing the best for this family.”

At that point, very little was known about the virus. Fear was rampant, and organizational systems and support services were just ramping up. But a family needed help now – with food, clothing, and shelter.

Support from relatives was limited. Isolating at home, where other as-yet untested family members lived, was not an option. Other relatives feared contracting the disease or passing it to the older child who was still negative. DCFS offered temporary foster care, but the mother adamantly refused. Finally, a grandparent was able to house the older child.

Just days before discharge, the county designated a housing unit for coronavirus patients who could not isolate at home. The team worked hand-in-hand, moment-to-moment to prepare the unit. Seemingly simple tasks became intricate projects:

• Crib: Who purchases a crib? Who transports it to the housing unit? Can it ride in the ambulance with the patient? Will it fit? Who assembles it?
• Clothing: How can the mother get clothes from home to her temporary housing unit? If a relative packs a suitcase, is it safe to handle and transfer?
• Movement: Mother and child, both with coronavirus, must move from their hospital rooms to an ambulance, for transfer to their new living quarters. How can a pathway be designated and halls cleared?
• Formula: The young child required diapers, supplies and specialty formula for 2 weeks of planned isolation. Who would find and obtain it? One nurse sourced the allergy-safe formula and drove across town to make the purchases.

4 Heroes, 4 Days, 1 Family, 25 Team Members

All told, Salman, Alyson, Claudia, Sandra and around 25 people navigated and even established new, complex processes to solve these once-mundane matters. And solve they did: “The mother was crying, knowing she was going to be at peace, that everyone was going to be safe. She was so happy and thankful,” said Salman, looking back.

Home health, supplies, coronavirus education, testing, and supportive counseling were arranged. The residence was prepared for the family’s ultimate return, which recently took place. Today, all are together – and healthy.

“Just letting them know they’re not alone and we’re here for them gives them comfort,” recalled Salman. “That part of my work is most gratifying – knowing we make a difference. I still get goosebumps.”

With tremendous coordination and collaboration, this family was successfully discharged with their needs in place. Overcoming the unknowns and the fear is what makes these social workers heroes. Their extraordinary commitment to meet our patients’ needs is what makes these heroes social workers.