In the News – Combating COVID-19 in New York City

On the Ground with Samaritan's Purse host Kristy Graham begins with a phone call to Dave Philips. Dave is the deputy director for Samaritan’s Purse international projects. Kristy asks Dave for an update on both of our deployed Emergency Field Hospitals – one in Cremona, Italy and the other in New York City. He notes how God has been preparing the ministry for months to respond to this unprecedented situation. COVID-19 has also affected our teams around the world, and our field offices are alert to the specific needs in their communities.

The Samaritan’s Purse International Health Unit has been monitoring the virus since the outbreak began, and both operational and medical personnel have been standing ready to respond. Dave shares with Kristy the magnitude of detail and advance planning that is required to deploy an Emergency Field Hospital at a moment’s notice.

“God is always acting in history. It’s amazing to be a part of Samaritan’s Purse right now as we are a part of Him doing things to respond to this outbreak.” – Dave Philips

Dave informs Kristy about the current endeavors of the Emergency Field Hospital mobilized in Cremona, Italy. Listen as he shares news concerning the Italian patients and our teams on the ground.

Kristy then asks about the set-up of the Emergency Field Hospital in New York City. The 68-bed unit was trucked from North Carolina on six tractor-trailers. Samaritan’s Purse is now working hand in hand with the Mount Sinai Health System to bring critical added capacity to the city as their hospitals are overrun with patients suffering from the coronavirus. Tune in as Dave sequentially explains the logistics of setting up a field hospital in the middle of a city with almost nine million people.

“God has always been here; He always will be. This does not surprise Him. He doesn’t often bring pain into our lives, but He can walk us through it.” – Kristy Graham

The episode wraps with practical ways to help and uplift those who are fighting COVID-19. Thank you for partnering in prayer for the Samaritan’s Purse teams on the ground in New York City and Cremona, Italy.