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2020 has certainly had its ups and downs -- from the pandemic lockdowns to the overwhelming presidential election. But that doesn't stop our local health care workers, business owners, nurses, doctors and community members from having high hopes going into 2021.
"My biggest hopes would be that the world turns back into somewhat normal life … and that nurses, doctors and every frontline worker receive the recognition that they deserve," Ciboney Krape, UPMC Muncy CNA, said.
"Our top two priorities for 2021 are first to help the region fight the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic while simultaneously meeting our communities' critical non-COVID health needs. Our second priority begins as the pandemic fades and that is to help our communities recover physically, financially and emotionally," Steve Johnson, president of UPMC in the Susquehanna region, said.
"I hope that a combination of the vaccine and the new more effective means of prevention and treatment will allow us to put this pandemic in our rear view mirror and begin renewing relationships with loved ones and reestablish our routine lifestyles," he continued.
He remains hopeful that the general public will eventually get the vaccine in 2021 and said "our first priority with the COVID-19 vaccine is to vaccinate all caregivers, first responders and nursing home residents, then assist the Department of Health to educate and vaccinate all of those who live in our region."
He also said that UPMC has many goals to provide excellent care and experiences for patients, consumers and employees as well as to work and "implement new models of care that make services easy to access and transform how services are delivered."
"Hopefully a widespread confidence develops with the unveiling of the COVID-19 vaccine, its introduction into healthcare communities, and the continued non-stop commitment of those ensuring the health and safety of all. And that together, we can defeat COVID-19," said Jan Stephen Winther, UPMC Williamsport ICU professional staff nurse.
"We hope that as many people as possible choose to receive the COVID-19 vaccine when it's available to them," James Young, MD, Geisinger north-central region chief medical officer, said. "We hope that as more people receive the vaccine, we will see the trends change in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, but it will take time. A vaccine will help, but as we begin 2021, it's still critical to keep following the preventative measures we've followed in 2020, to keep ourselves and those around us safe. This means continuing to wear a mask, good hygiene, and continue to avoid gatherings -- large and small."
Geisinger also said that they are very excited about advancements and expansions coming in 2021 including Geisinger Medical Center Muncy in Muncy Township, hopefully opening in late 2021, and Geisinger Medical Clinic in Lock Haven opening in the spring.
"It's my goal for 2021 to help people not lose sight of all the hard work and dedication our front-line healthcare workers have put through in 2020," Young added. "They will continue to be here to care for us and we can't afford to forget their sacrifices in the new year."
As a soon to be first-time mother, Krape as well as another new mom and Trimmer at Terrapin Care Station, Hannah Bodle, also have a lot of excitement for what 2021 can bring.
"I want to get my (nursing) degree," she added. "My goal this year will be trying to balance working mainly full time and school full time as well as trying to be around my son as much as possible. I am going to be putting a lot of my free time into my family and trying to do family trips (if able to) and creating as many memories as I can from the start of the year."
"I want to continue to be the best mother I can be … to continue to grow in my job and health…to watch my baby grow and be able to grow as a mother with him," she said.
Barry Rake, independent insurance agent and Lycoming County Brotherhood Alliance president, and Ron Frick, Lycoming County United Way president, said they both hope to continue to make a difference in their work with the county's communities.
"I am always excited about life," Rake said. "I will continue to always look for ways to give back to all of the communities in the county…you can never give enough."
"My goal has always been to do something better than the day before," he continued. "And to strive to do better in my communities and in my profession."
"My biggest hope for the United Way is that our friends and neighbors be as generous as possible, with our organization and others," Ron Frick, Lycoming County United Way president, said.
He added that this year more than ever there have been challenges; from mental health to hunger and homelessness as a result of the ongoing pandemic.
"All of those things are still going to be important or more important in 2021," he said. "We are going to continue to work to support our 38 programs…and also looking at new programs."
"I am amazed at how the community has come together," he continued. "We tend to focus on the negative things that have impacted us in 2020, but there was a lot of great work done. There is a lot of hope around the fact that our community has come together in new and different ways. I am looking forward to continuing to support one another."