03/19/2020 School Update Video Transcript

Good evening Hamblen County.  As we begin to approach the onset of the Coronavirus in Hamblen County, we are in the process of preparing to help our citizens through this ordeal.  It appears the solution to containing the virus is social distancing to flatten the curve of contagion.  While self-isolation will help decrease the impact of the virus, it will also have a detrimental impact on many of our citizens.  The vast majority of us want to be part of social group to interact with others.  Our efforts to contain the virus will eliminate many of the opportunities to socialize with family and friends.  It will not be as easy to dine out, watch movies in the local theater, attend church, participate in civic organization, shop, or simply spend time with our friends.

This social isolation may have the greatest impact on our elderly.  There are two primary concerns associated with our elderly citizens.  First, many of our senior citizens may not have the ability to purchase food, pick up prescriptions, take care of pets, or have transportation to medical appointments.  Second, our senior citizens may become extremely lonely, isolated, depressed, and disconnected from our community.  In the best of times, many of our seniors have limited social networks and our current situation will only further restrict these connections. 

We are asking our students and staff to participate in Hamblen County Connects.  In this program, we will have students and staff make daily phone contact with our seniors. It is our hope this daily touch point will serve three primary objectives.

First, we will make sure that our seniors are physically doing okay and make sure they don’t need anything.  Participating staff and students will contact Mrs. Kellie Smith if an individual needs anything like food or prescriptions.  We will ensure that an adult gets those necessary items to that individual. We will make sure that students fully understand they are never to make a personal visit to a home without an adult.  Student safety would always be our primary concern and we would not want students making visits to an unknown house.

Second, our school family will spend a few minutes with that individual over the phone just talking.  Having some type of communication will help to reduce the sense of isolation and help our senior citizens connect.  I don’t think this need can be overstated.  National statistics estimate that nearly 25% or our nation will have some type of diagnosable mental illness in their life.  Many within our community are struggling with a sense of being alone and disconnected.  This communication and contact will help these individuals feel a sense of connection.  We will work with staff and students on how to improve the effectiveness of these contacts.  

Third, it is our hope this program will help our students better understand the concept of servant leadership and what it means to give back to the community.  Often we don’t take the time to care about others in our community.  We are so consumed with our daily schedules that we fail to take time to reach out to others.  This program make help all of us realize we are interconnected and that we need to slow down and help others in need.  This may serve as an excellent opportunity for students and staff to learn valuable lessons in caring, listening, and taking the time to help others.  It may also be a great opportunity for younger siblings to write letters to our seniors or make them something.  This will actively engage the younger children and give them something to do for a few minutes. 

In addition, we may reach out to our faith-based organizations to assist us in this endeavor.  Many of our elderly may want that spiritual guidance that staff and students can’t provide.  Our leaders can contact specific individuals within the churches.  Pastors, ministers, and priests can reach out to these seniors and provide the necessary spiritual message. 

We are asking the community to provide Mrs. Kellie Smith with the name and contact information of any individual needing this service.  We know many of the assisted living facilities have closed their doors to visitors.  Hamblen County Connects can help to provide a little something to brighten the day of our seniors and to ensure someone is conducting a well check on them.  In addition, we need your name if you are willing to help with Hamblen County Connects.  Please contact Mrs. Smith and provide her with your contact information and we will create a directory.  We will begin connecting our school family with those in need within our community.