Robotic pets, Washington Monument, senators vaccinated: News from around our 50 states From USA TODAY Network and wire reports, USA TODAY
Alabama
Auburn: Auburn University’s nursing school is publishing a free book to tell the stories of some of its alumni and their work during the coronavirus pandemic. Titled “Auburn Nursing – Living the Creed During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” the book includes stories of Auburn-educated nurses who worked both in their hometowns and places including New York to care for COVID-19 patients. The stories show the difficulty of working in an overwhelming situation, said nursing dean Gregg Newschwander. “At Auburn, we often say, we make leaders,” he said in a statement. “In this book, you will see how true that is.” The university statement said the nursing school marked its 40th anniversary during the 2019-20 academic year, and stories began coming in about the work being done by Auburn alumni during the pandemic. The ann
In Missouri mental health facilities, COVID surged. Staff say policies are patchwork
By Tessa Weinberg
More than 1,500 coronavirus cases have been reported across Missouri’s Department of Mental Health offices and facilities since the start of September a figure that’s nearly five times larger than the previous six months combined.
Those cases represent staff and patients in state-run mental health hospitals and department offices in roughly 20 communities throughout Missouri.
The outbreaks have affected care, causing group therapy sessions to be temporarily suspended at some locations. And at least 11 patients have died, including seven deaths since mid-November.
Four staff have also died.
More than 1,500 coronavirus cases have been reported across Missouriâs Department of Mental Health offices and facilities since the start of September â a figure thatâs nearly five times larger than the previous six months combined.
Those cases represent staff and patients in state-run mental health hospitals and department offices in roughly 20 communities throughout Missouri.
The outbreaks have affected care, causing group therapy sessions to be temporarily suspended at some locations. And at least 11 patients have died, including seven deaths since mid-November.
Four staff have also died.
Three of those patient deaths have been at the Southeast Missouri Mental Health Center in Farmington â one of the stateâs largest facilities and the one with the highest number of cases. Since March, 330 staff and 97 residents have contracted the virus â with over 250 of those cases reported in November alone.