May 15 Update: Holding steady & Kicking off Outpace COVID-19!

May 15, 2020


Hello friends,


We are pleased to share with you that we still only have the one confirmed COVID-19 case that was previously identified in our Health & Rehab Center, located on Hershberger Road, earlier this month.  We continue to hold steady and are doing all we can to protect everyone in our campuses.    


We’ve had a couple family members and teammates inquire about the potential of administering tests campus-wide.  We are currently working with our local health department to analyze our ability to do a Point Prevalence Survey for our campuses.  This would be a mass testing effort that would give us results within 48-72 hours for all residents and team members.  We are in discussions with the health department regarding testing supplies and accessibility.  A few states have mandated a similar testing approach for long-term care facilities, but to this point, Virginia has not.  We are trying to see if it is an option, and if so, what all it would entail.  We will keep you updated as we learn more. 


Again, we want to thank everyone for the outpouring of support and appreciation.  It’s certainly a unique time we find ourselves in.  However, even in this unknown, we are encouraged by all the ways we are still able to connect and stay active.  


To that point, we are pleased to announce we are hosting our first ever virtual race – “Outpace COVID-19” and it’s fitting to be kicking it off on May 27, National Senior Health & Fitness Day!   It’s a week-long event that will be held May 27 – June 2 to help offset the costs of Friendship’s efforts to ensure the health, safety and well-being of everyone at our campuses during this pandemic. 


There are a couple different ways to participate: 

•   Run or walk 19 miles the week of May 27-June 2. You can run/walk these miles every day (2.7 miles a day), take a few days to do it, or if you are really motivated, do it all on one day! 

•   Run or walk 1.9 miles the week of May 27-June 2. If you live or work at Friendship, we’re creating some maps you can use to make sure you’re reaching 1.9 miles!

•   Take 19 “steps” to help overcome the challenges of COVID-19. This could be making 19 calls to check on family and friends, sewing 19 face masks for essential workers and residents, writing 19 notes to those you love, etc. 


Go to our RunSignup page, runsignup.com/Race/VA/Roanoke/FriendshipOutpaceCOVID19 to register! Registration is $25, with all participants receiving a t-shirt and other prize opportunities.  Whether you run, walk, sew, call, or promote this event through your social circles, know that Friendship Foundation is so grateful to have your engagement and support. 


Take care and keep doing all you can to stay well.


Sincerely,

Joe Hoff

President and Chief Executive Officer

Back to Coronavirus Updates

Friendship North Campus

367 Hershberger Road, Roanoke, VA 24012

540.385.8720

Friendship South Campus

5647 Starkey Road, Roanoke, VA 24018

540.777.8300

Friendship Salem Terrace

1851 Harrogate Dr, Salem, VA 24153

540.444.0343