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Reflection: One Year Ago

2 minute read
illustration of medical providers

March marks one year since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared. Over the past year, more than 500,000 residents in Massachusetts have contracted the virus and, tragically, more than 16,000 lives have been lost. In the face of this unimaginable challenge, Mass General Brigham has worked tirelessly to support our patients, communities and each other. Over the past year, we’ve accomplished so much under extraordinarily challenging circumstances. 

  • We have cared for and tested more than 65,000 patients infected with COVID-19 including 17,600 who received care in our hospitals. We worked, and continue to work, as never before to ensure we have the necessary resources to meet the needs of our patients and staff. 
  • We quickly scaled up virtual visits for our patients to provide a vital care pathway – starting with just a few visits a day to completing 2.79 million virtual visits to date.
  • We have supported our hardest hit communities by providing testing and delivering more than 413,500 care kits and 3.7 million masks to families in need.  
  • We set up and operated Boston Hope to deliver post-acute care for more than 700 patients in the region.
  • We establish more than 40 clinical trials where our researchers, scientists and clinicians have focused on discovering new tests, treatments and vaccines for COVID-19.

Marking this anniversary causes us to reflect on these difficult 365 days, but we do so with tremendous pride. Our system answered the call and our people were there for our patients and for each other, 24x7. Now, we are filled with the hope surrounding the COVID-19 vaccination effort both locally and nationwide. With each passing day, this immense undertaking continues to grow and offer us promise for the future.