The COVID 19 Response Initiative Team
COVID 19 INFORMATION
The Pandemic
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness which has recently been declared by the WHO as a pandemic. This virus was first identified in Wuhan, China and has spread across the world. Compared to the seasonal flu which scientists have been studying for years, coronavirus is a recent and dangerous virus that researchers know very little about. However, despite the efforts made in the United States it is clearly not enough. Research has shown the intensity of COVID-19, it has reached over 454,000 illnesses in the world and over 20,000 deaths worldwide. The true danger of the coronavirus is unlikely to be the death toll. Many experts say that the health systems and the domino effect of COVID-19 is what people should be concerned about. Some have lost their jobs and no longer have a source of income, while others are at the frontline fighting this invisible war. New York City, alone, has the most cases in the world overrunning hospitals and medical facilities. Governor Andrew Cuomo has made it obvious that there is a pressing need for ventilators and PPE equipment for hospitals which are at the brink of collapsing.
Jamaica Hospital
Recognized as one of the leading hospitals in Queens New York since 1891, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has proudly served the community for over a century. Today, we continue to meet the needs of our diverse population by providing a wide range of quality healthcare services. Our mission is “To serve our patients and the community in a way that is second to none.” Our vision is, “To be the premier integrated healthcare delivery system by providing the highest quality, most cost effective service, which is accessible and sensitive to all.”
If you would like to learn more:
For More Information
If you would like to know more about COVID-19, visit:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
​
World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Raising Funds
It is important to raise funds for our local communities, which we value so much. At this time, healthcare workers, specifically those who are at the front line, are in need of protective equipment to continue treating for the ill. By creating this fundraiser, we want to inspire people to understand that this is a group effort. No amount is too little; every cent counts and we are counting on you to make a difference.
​
DONATE HERE!
We have decided to start our own fundraiser in order to ensure that the funds go where they must! Donate on our Edco page:
​
https://ed.co/teams/townsend-harris-high-school/covid-19-response-initiative-team-crit
Things to Know Before Donating
- The minimum donation amount is $5.
- Although there is an option for a check payment on Edco,
check donations will be accepted after the quarantine.
Therefore, we would highly prefer payments through
credit card.
- 100% of the donations will be sent to Jamaica Hospital
Where the Money Goes
As of right now, all funds raised will go to Jamaica Hospital in Queens, New York. These desperately needed resources will go to obtaining necessary equipment and supplies such as PPE, and providing medical workers with meals, lodging, and transportation as they put their lives at risk during this crisis. With this support, the hospital will be able to more effectively save lives within the epicenter of the pandemic.
Our Fundraiser
2020
$5,000
$5,164
83
Year Established
Fundraiser Goal
Amount Donated
Number of Donors
(to be updated every day at 4 PM EST)
Personal Testimonials
COMING SOON
ABOUT US
Townsend Harris Model UN Team
The Townsend Harris High School Model United Nations Team is a team that participates in competitions in which students work together to simulate United Nations meetings and create resolutions to pressing world issues. We participate in simulations of all sorts of committees, including the World Health Organization. However, rather than simulating the actions of the United Nations, we have decided to take our own action against the dangerously spreading pandemic.
Team Leaders: Why CRIT?
Shawn
"My grandma is my only living grandparent and is one of the most important people in my life. She has been like a third parent to me and has always been there for me at my most difficult moments. However, as an older person she is part of a high risk group to COVID-19. She is a constant reminder to me that this crisis affects all of us, and if we are not careful the impacts can be even more devastating than they already have been. It is extremely difficult not being able to see her and other family members during this crisis, but many other families are being torn apart by the virus. I am fortunate that none of my family members have been infected with the virus yet, but I know that if it does happen we will rely on the brave health care workers on the front lines to keep us together. This reality is faced by countless families around the world right now, which is why we must come together as a community to support our hospitals."
Andrew
"For myself, I have seen the magical work that hospitals have done. I have personally volunteered at a hospital and have seen countless lives saved and the dedication that these healthcare workers have towards their work. I have befriended nurses and doctors and realized that they are always working under stress and come to work for the sake of others. I, myself, may not be able to help with most pressing problems but I have witnessed the work and the perseverance of nurses and doctors in high intensity situations. It is important to acknowledge the courage and the influence that they have on everyone’s lives. Without doctors and nurses this world would be so much more different and concerning. Their ability to not only comfort those who are in pain, but to also have the knowledge to help those in need is something that everyone should value and thank them for. This pandemic has tested our healthcare system and has shown the flaws and the incapability of the federal government to fend for their own healthcare workers. Healthcare workers have helped us in the past and will help us in the future. Thus, now it is necessary for us to take the initiative to help them for all they have done for this country."
Edison
"Personally, I have seen my family have to go to the hospital many times. From car accidents to mental health issues, doctors have continuously saved my family. However, this pandemic has put these saviors on the front line against this invisible enemy. It pains my heart to see these hard working people be put in this critical situation. I have seen so many stories of doctors suffering, from not being able to greet their kids when they come back from work to being in hospital beds themselves, dying to preserve resources for other patients. For them, I want to be able to do the best that I can in order to save the people that saved me. Aside from this, my family and I have worked hard individually to protect ourselves, including bringing my grandmother from Korea in fear that she would be at risk of the virus. However, the virus has come to the United States, and we had essentially brought her into what would be the epicenter of the virus. Due to this inability to track the virus, I decided that we should take some action into our own hands. Sometimes, instead of running, we have to fight."
Contact Us
​
Xu
"My mother has always been the voice of reason in my life and has gone out of her way to spend time with me even during the toughest of times. But while she is mentally just as strong and graceful as she has always been, her physical health has been deteriorating with age. When the pandemic hit, my number one concern was my mom. Every time she went to work, I would always fear for the worst. I knew that she was taking the proper precautions however there is still so little known about COVID-19 that it makes me uneasy. Thankfully, none of my family members has been infected yet due to our valiant medical professionals. While they do not wear capes, each one of them are courageous heroes that defend us from the Novel Coronavirus. However, our country’s medical reserves are running out and hospitals are being overwhelmed with new patients daily. Their life-saving work is putting their own lives into jeopardy. This is why we need to support our doctors and nurses and provide them with the resources to combat this pandemic."