Posted by: Elizabeth Richardson on April 28, 2020, No Comments
With ESU’s strong health services programs, it’s not surprising that Warriors are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. But alumni with criminal justice, social work and other degrees are also responding to this unprecedented national crisis.
Here are just some of their stories.
Caitlyn O’Connell ’16
Bachelor of science, nursing
Caitlyn O’Connell is experiencing the pandemic head on since her hospital surgical unit started treating COVID-19 patients in March. Staffing shortages are real, so she also works at Mount Sinai South Nassau on Long Island, where started her career.
This winter, the Poconos have often seen temperatures plummet below freezing.
December saw an average low temperature of 27 degrees Fahrenheit at night in Stroudsburg. January saw an average of 25 degrees.
Meanwhile the first two weeks of February have barely reached an average temperature above freezing. The lowest nighttime temperature clocked in at 5 degrees on Feb. 10.
According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, people experiencing homelessness have a much higher risk than the general population of developing exposure-related conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite.
These conditions can be immediately life threatening and may also increase the risk of dying from unrelated conditions in the future.
Prepping for the storm: Cold weather shelters in Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg
Anyone in need of shelter in Monroe County is asked to call 2-1-1, the county s social services number.
Specialists are available 24/7 to direct callers to assistance and local resources. They can help with food, temporary warm shelter, housing or utilities.
Stroudsburg Wesleyan Church is the only overnight Cold Weather Shelter in Monroe County.
The church is located at 915 North 5th Street in Stroudsburg, and is open Monday-Friday 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., and weekends 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Call 570-872-0126 for more information.
Street2Feet Outreach Center is a homeless day center open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon. Services range from showers and laundry to case management and more. The center is located at 130 North 1st Street in downtown Stroudsburg. Call 570-369-1299 for more information.