Compassion in Government
In February 2020, the world watched as confirmed COVID-19 cases peaked in China, nervously wondering where the next hotspot would arise. For a time, it seemed the US was somehow sheltered from the virus other than a few scattered cases, but we know now, that was only the calm before the storm. By late February, the US started to see cases of community transmission rise, and then the first death related to COVID-19 in the US was reported on February 29.
That first reported death, and many confirmed cases and deaths that followed, occurred in a lakeside suburb east of Seattle. The community did not choose this fate, it happened to them, primarily driven by the rampant spread of COVID-19 in a single nursing facility. Suddenly, this modest suburb was faced with the possible exposure of police and fire personnel to the virus, a worried community, and nonstop media attention.
I had the honor and privilege of providing communications support while this Washington city was the epicenter of coronavirus in the US. What the city leaders and staff members did – and continue to accomplish – is extraordinary.
Not only did the city jump immediately into action to protect health and safety and provide valuable information to the community, they did so with professionalism and integrity. At every turn, I saw leaders looking for what they could do to help next. From providing support to businesses before it was readily available on a state and national level, to ensuring people were connected to critical services, to constantly driving home messages of inclusivity and fighting discrimination, the city acted swiftly and with sensitivity.
Through every action, it was obvious how much city leaders and staff care about their community. The pandemic has created a challenging time for everyone – people are balancing work life with children out of school, closed businesses, and the risk of getting sick. It’s no different for city staff. Yet, they continue to give their all to their jobs.
I have worked in city government for about 16 years now. I believe in the power of local government to connect directly with the citizens they serve, to protect them, and to ensure they have a voice in their future. It is always my hope that those who are elected and hired to conduct city business do so with compassion for all people in their community. The city that was, for a few weeks, the US epicenter of a deadly virus proves that it’s possible to act with compassion at all times, and especially in the midst of crisis.
The Writer: Joy Johnston
Joy Johnston is the founder of Life Wants to Live and CEO of Mojo Strategies. Her inner Public Information Officer would like to remind everyone to always refer to the Centers for Disease Control and state and local health departments for the most current and accurate information about COVID-19.