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Truman Med's Winter Preparations | College Life Under Pandemic

By Steve Kraske,
Luke X. Martin, Mackenzie Martin
Published October 27, 2020 at 2:22 PM CDT
A coronavirus tester at Truman Medical Center Lakewood approaches a vehicle in the drive-through testing tent in Lee's Summit on Monday.
Carlos Moreno
/
KCUR 89.3
A coronavirus tester at Truman Medical Center Lakewood approaches a vehicle in the drive-through testing tent in Lee's Summit.

How a Kansas City medical facility is preparing for a seasonal surge of coronavirus cases, and what college life is like when pandemic precautions are changing nearly everything.

Segment 1, beginning at 4:55: In October, eight area hospitals have had to divert ambulances due to a high number of COVID-19 patients.

Doctors and hospital administrators are dealing with an incredible amount of uncertainty right now, and current conditions at a hospital could change quickly. How Truman Medical Centers are prepared for an expected surge of coronavirus cases, compounded by the start of flu season.

  • Charlie Shields, president and CEO of Truman Medical Centers
  • Dr. Mark Steele, chief medical officer of Truman Medical Centers

Segment 2, beginning at 30:18: Coping with a college senior year like none other

You could say this is a pretty weird year for college students, especially those on the cusp of graduating and entering the job market. For an honest portrayal of what campus life is like, we asked the people who always know what’s going on on — student journalists.

Tags
Up To Date Talk ShowKansas City Missouri (KCMO)University HealthCoronavirusinfluenzapublic healthUniversity of KansasUMKCcollegeyouthLawrence
Steve Kraske
When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
See stories by Steve Kraske
Luke X. Martin
As culture editor, I help you embrace what makes Kansas City fun and vibrant, whether it’s a championship sports franchise or a little-known wonder. I work with reporters to ensure KCUR stories on art, culture, and race fully reflect our diverse home so readers and listeners can take full advantage of what the metro has to offer. Email me at luke@kcur.org.
See stories by Luke X. Martin
Mackenzie Martin
As senior podcast producer for KCUR Studios and a host of A People’s History of Kansas City, I interview everyday people and dig through old newspaper articles to unearth stories of the visionaries and renegades who created this region. I focus on bringing the past to life, so we can all better understand the city we live in today. Email me at mackenzie@kcur.org.
See stories by Mackenzie Martin