Creating a lifeline for those grappling with COVID

Long COVID affects patients in multiple ways – cognitive dysfunction, sleep disturbance and fatigue, among other symptoms.

In the early days of the pandemic and afterward, Dr. Matt Light deeply empathized with patients and families who were coping with long COVID. He is a pulmonary disease and critical care medicine specialist at UCHealth Pulmonology Clinic – Greeley, and he recognized that some patients were experiencing isolation and limited resources.

He envisioned a space where those suffering from long COVID could connect with each other, share experiences and receive support and valuable information to help navigate their conditions.

“There is simply not enough time or structure in the clinic for all of this,” Light said.

Over time, his idea evolved from a simple support group to a comprehensive program that includes education components and discussion forums. He sought help from others.

He carefully selected a clinical and spiritual care team to help bring his vision to life, which included Michaela Martinez, a registered nurse and clinical educator and Maggie Hinz, a registered nurse. Together, they started the UCHealth Long COVID Information, Discussion and Support Group in northern Colorado.

“We want to provide an extra layer of support for this population,” Martinez said. “(People with long COVID) often get lost in the system. They go to an appointment and talk through their symptoms, but then they are told, ‘OK, we will see you in six weeks.’”

Each month, Light and his team volunteer their time to facilitate the support group, offering lectures and discussions to help attendees better understand new treatments, research and findings. More than 50 people attend each session, either virtually or in person, in the Longs Peak Conference Room at UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies.

Through his leadership and dedication, Light has created a lifeline for those grappling with long COVID, providing them with the resources and community they need to heal and move forward.

More information: https://www.uchealth.org/today/long-covid-support-group-in-northern-colorado/