Photo: Dr. Bobby Mukkamala
As Genesee Health System (GHS) and Genesee Community Health Center (GCHC) made plans to go into the community with mobile outreach teams to provide COVID 19 testing to group homes, missions, shelters and other congregate settings, they received a call from Dr. Bobby Mukkamala. Dr. Mukkamala, a well-known local otolaryngologist and president of the Michigan State Medical Society, offered his services for staff training as well as being part of the mobile team that provides COVID testing for the Flint community, including the individuals that GHS and GCHC were serving.
“We were thrilled that Dr. Bobby reached out to us,” said Danis Russell, CEO of Genesee Health System (GHS).
“We were greatly appreciative of his expertise and his willingness to share his knowledge and skills with us,” Russell added. “We work with a very vulnerable population who don’t always have the ability to come to a location to be tested, and may be at greater risk of contracting the virus due to their housing situation. Working with Dr. Bobby added to our ability to reach these individuals.”
In addition to his assistance with staff training and his work with GCHC and GHS for collection of 100 plus test samples from the most vulnerable populations, Dr. Mukkamala also donated clear face shields to staff for use.
“Especially when working with the deaf population, many of whom read lips, the use of a mask only has added a barrier when providing testing and mental health services in this environment,” Russell said. “The use of a clear mask allows individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to feel confident in the communication and subsequently the treatment and testing from the health care workers.”
Both GHS and GCHC are grateful and pleased to work with Dr. Mukkamala and for his generous offering of time and resources.
Genesee Health System promotes hope and health by recognizing the interconnectedness of the body, the mind and the community. Services include primary health care and a medical home through the Genesee Community Health Center, mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, assessment and referral for the Genesee County community for all ages. For details, call 810-257-3705, or go to www.genhs.org
