COVID-19 CORNER Campus Mask Protocol Because you could spread COVID-19 even if you are asymptomatic, cover your mouth and nose when outside of your office, study area or cubicle. Free cloth masks have been donated by the Mercer Theater Department and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To request a mask, contact Erin Gill (Macon), Misty Graham (Savannah) and Tualagi Tela (Columbus). Key Card Required Effective Tuesday, May 26 all School of Medicine doors will require an MUID card for building access. This will reduce unnecessary traffic and increase safety. IN THE NEWS Dr. Reddick Appointed to Chair of Community Medicine Dr. Sumner recently announced the appointment of Bonzo Reddick, MD, MPH, FAAFP, as chair of community medicine, effective April 1, 2020. Read More CARES Act Student Emergency Relief All students who meet eligibility requirements for the CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grant were sent an email that provided application procedures and an application link. This link was sent to Mercer email accounts on May 19, 2020. If you have incurred expenses directly related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19, submit the application that was included in that email. Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, unexpected costs for food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and child care. For more information, visit our FAQ page . Students must submit their application by 5:00 p.m. on June 1, 2020, to be considered for funding.

WELL BALANCED

COVID-19 AND MENTAL HEALTH During this time of uncertainly, maintaining your mental health is more important than ever before. While the long-term effects of COVID-19 on our mental health are unknown, there are steps that each of us can take to mitigate our risks. Whether you’re in crisis or just need to talk, there are many resources available. Headspace is an online resource with tools to help you practice mindfulness and meditation for stress, anxiety, sleep and more. A discounted subscription is available for students and American Medical Association members are eligible for two years for free. MaconStrong is another website with a wealth of information and local resources. So, take advantage of the abundance of mental health resources that are out there, but most importantly, continue to take care of yourself.

YOUR VOICE MATTERS

Personal Day Off Policy Changes

The Personal Day Off Policy was created to allow students to take personal time off during Year 3. These requests must be made two weeks prior to the beginning of clerkship to allow us to plan for appropriate staffing and give you the chance to be away from clinical duties for important scheduled events. The two-week rule has not changed but the policy has been updated as follows:   Requests for personal days off which are received after the two-week deadline as stated in the policy, will be considered and granted if the days are available to the student as outlined in the policy as monitored by academic affairs, and then in addition approved by the clerkship coordinator as directed by the clerkship director. The rule concerning restricted dates still applies. Date requests which involve complex schedule changes or raise concerns about student to teacher ratios will be denied.

STORIES OF SERVICE

On May 18, 180 homeless patients were tested for COVID-19 at the Safe House in Columbus Georgia. The screening was led by MercyMed of Columbus and Dr. Grant Scarborough. Several volunteers assisted in this effort including Dr. Alice House and Columbus State premedical student, Martin Wood.

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