In the United States, New York state is currently experiencing the full brunt of COVID-19. With a total of roughly 14,600 fatalities as of today, New York has more fatalities than all the rest of the states in the US combined.
At the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic in New York is the Elmhurst Hospital Center, a 545-bed public hospital in Queens that is now solely dedicated to COVID-19 patients. Due to the high number of fatalities, a refrigerated truck for the bodies is parked outside.
“Our hospital has never, ever, ever seen anything like this,” said Dr. Rikki Lane, an emergency room doctor at the Elmhurst Hospital Center.
Overwhelmed by the number of patients, the sick are left waiting for beds and there is a desperate need for ventilators, PPE, and even medical staff. “The need grows exponentially every single day,” stressed Dr. Lane.
In support of the patients and medical staff, a group of distinguished New York-based photographers have assembled to hold a print sale fundraiser where all proceeds are donated directly to the Elmhurst Hospital Center.
All of the prints measure 8.5 x 11 inches and are priced at $150 each.
“Elmhurst Hospital Center is grateful to the Pictures For Elmhurst fundraising initiative. As has been reported in multiple news outlets, the hospital has been flooded with Covid-19 patients and is struggling to keep up with demand for both medical personnel and PPE,” reads a statement by the Elmhurst Hospital.
“Longtime Elmhurst clinicians state they have never seen anything like it—comparing today’s situation to ‘being at war’. As of early April, patients and difficult outcomes have skyrocketed. This has taken a devastating toll on front-line staff. In addition to the sheer exhaustion of caring for so many critically ill patients, our doctors and nurses fear for their own safety and that of their families. Many are also experiencing moral distress in the face of so many lost—in many instances, with family members never having a chance to say goodbye.”
“The Pictures For Elmhurst project adds desperately-needed supplies for those on the front lines fighting this virus. It is inspiring to know that such talented photographers and artists ‘have our back’ and are keeping our staff and community in mind during this terribly difficult time.”
Down below are some of the notable prints available for purchase.
To purchase prints for the Elmhurst Hospital Center fundraiser, click the link below.
