Learning how COVID-19 works

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold throughout our communities, California Hospital Medical Center is on the frontlines—providing compassionate, life-saving care to patients impacted by the virus. As a health, education, and recreation resource of the hospital, Hope Street Margolis Family Center is using this crisis as a learning opportunity.

Hope Street recently reopened to provide limited summer programming, with strict protocols in place to protect the health and safety of children, families, and staff. Our Summer of Science students, led by science teacher, Leon Tsuei, have been learning about the physical structure of a virus and how it infects us, what contact tracing is and how it’s performed, and how wearing masks (and proper hand hygiene practices) can prevent the spread of COVID-19.

When asked why he created these projects, Mr. Tsuei said, "COVID-19 created an air of uncertainty that is best addressed through dismantling the aura of the unknown - by recognizing and addressing what we know (through these activities), we are empowering our learners to maintain some control over this situation - whether that's frequently practicing best handwashing techniques, or learning how viruses spread through the air or surfaces, or even rigorously reinforcing our mask-wearing habits. Knowledge, persistence, and our willingness to support and help one another are the very values that are embedded in the Dignity Health mission, and this is what we strive to accomplish in our interactions, our support, and our lessons with our students."

Donors help make it possible for California Hospital Medical Center to serve children and families through our Hope Street Margolis Family Center. Your generosity makes an impact far beyond the walls of our hospital. Thank you!