COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on the work and service Fred Brown Recovery Service offers our patients. The past year has proven to be a daily challenge for all. Whether it was outpatient groups transitioning to online telehealth services, residential staff monitoring the quarantine of new patients, and management keeping up with ever-changing state and county guidelines, the agency has proven that we are adaptable and successful under pressure.

During the pandemic, the agency has worked hard to offer three on-site vaccination clinics for staff and patients. These clinics provided hope that our programming will eventually return to some sense of normalcy. Additionally, we continue to work with two laboratories to conduct COVID-19 testing in our facilities. Testing ensures that any exposure is dealt with quickly to minimize our risk to patients and staff.

The ability to provide on-site testing is critical to miti-gating the spread of COVID-19. The agency has maintained a healthy stock of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) throughout the facility. As the county moves to the least restrictive tier, FBRS will consider transitioning back to in-person services. With proper infectious disease prevention protocols and adherence to guidance, FBRS can continue to be COVID-19 free.

I hope that as we move forward, we can learn from the circumstances we have all navigated this past year. I am confident our work during the pandemic will help us continue to evolve as an agency and serve Fred Brown’s Recovery Services’ mission.