Combatting the COVID-19 pandemic has required an all-hands-on-deck approach, especially among higher education union members from all across New York state. From campuses in the heart of New York City, to community colleges in the more rural counties, these dedicated public servants are among those who have helped conduct testing and administer massive numbers of COVID-19 vaccines.
As of mid-May, more than 1.5 million vaccines had been provided at State University of New York campuses. More than 420,000 New Yorkers have been vaccinated at City University of New York campuses.
SUNY and CUNY four-year colleges, community colleges, university centers and SUNY hospitals continue to house vaccination sites, as well as ongoing testing locations to help track and stop the virus.
Carolyn Kube (pictured above) is president of the 5,000-member UUP chapter representing health care professionals at SUNY Stony Brook University Hospital. “Many of my members have been redeployed to work at PODS (points of distribution); some are volunteering on their day off, and some retirees are volunteering at the Suffolk County PODS.”
Campus-based coronavirus testing helps check for clusters, and helps stay ahead of any possible outbreaks, said Ed Quinn, United University Professions/Stony Brook University chapter president. Stony Brook University, as of mid-May, reported administering 200,000 shots on campus as well as 350,000 vaccines throughout Long Island. — Liza Frenette