EvergreenHealth Prepares for Second Arm of Clinical Trial After Initial Findings Show Promising Results for Remdesivir as Potential Treatment for COVID-19

Kirkland, Wash. – Following yesterday’s announcement from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), EvergreenHealth is preparing to move forward with the next phase of clinical research studying the anti-viral Remdesivir as a potential treatment for COVID-19. The trial known as the Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial, (ACTT), sponsored by the NIAID, part of the National Institutes of Health, is the first clinical trial launched in the United States to evaluate an experimental treatment for COVID-19. 

The second phase of the trial, ACTT II, will eliminate the placebo group, and instead provide all study participants with Remdesivir to further evaluate its effectiveness against the virus. The new protocol will also allow for patients currently enrolled in the study and receiving the placebo, to roll over into the group receiving open-label Remdesivir. This means that the nine patients currently in EvergreenHealth’s care and enrolled in the study will now all be eligible to receive open-label Remdesivir, as opposed to the placebo. 

According to Gilead and the NIH, results from the trial’s primary ACTT phase, which included 1,063 participants across 68 trial sites, showed that hospitalized patients with advanced symptoms of COVID-19 who received Remdesivir recovered 31% more quickly than those who received the placebo. Results also suggested a survival benefit, with a mortality rate of 8.0% for the group receiving Remdesivir versus 11.6% for the placebo group.

“We are very pleased by the initial findings of the Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial, and incredibly honored to contribute to this significant body of research in the fight against COVID-19,” said Jeff Tomlin, MD, CEO of EvergreenHealth.

Kirkland, Washington-based EvergreenHealth was the first site on the west coast, and the second site globally, to enroll qualifying patients in the Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial (ACTT) in partnership with the NIH’s Division of Microbiology and Infectious Disease (DMID). Normally an eight- to 12-week onboarding process, the hospital was able to launch the trial within only six days in collaboration with DMID partners, who arrived on site on March 7. EvergreenHealth has remained one of the top-enrolling trial sites throughout the first arm of the study, with 34 patients enrolled at present.

“From the very beginning, I’ve been inspired by the way every one of our staff members has jumped into action to come together and launch these research efforts as quickly as possible,” said Dr. Diego Lopez de Castilla, EvergreenHealth infectious disease specialist and lead investigator for the ACTT. “From our nursing to pharmacy teams, it is amazing and humbling to witness this level of teamwork and dedication to exploring new opportunities to potentially advance our ability to provide treatment options for critically ill COVID-19 patients.”

Summer Events Cancelled

Redmond, WA – Out of an abundance of caution, the City of Redmond has canceled all City produced summertime events, including Derby Days, the Rockin’ on the River concert series, So Bazaar, and Big Truck Day. All permitted special events scheduled through August 31, 2020, are also canceled, and the City is working closely with the event producers to cancel or postpone their events. In addition, the previous cancellation through April 30 of all spring camps, activities and rentals, has now been extended through June 20.

Sammamish River Goslings

Photo Credit/ John Reinke

Geese with their five goslings - swimming on the Sammamish River, Redmond

A Message From Mayor Birney - Coronavirus Update

The safety of the community and our employees is always at the forefront of all decisions being made by the City during this unprecedented and rapidly evolving situation. Recently the media has reported several inaccuracies related to the City’s response to employees that tested positive for COVID-19. To provide the Redmond community with continued transparency, I’d like to take this opportunity to provide you with the facts.

First COVID-19 Positive Case: (Employee 1)

The City was made aware of the first employee positive COVID-19 case on March 12. Employee 1, who tested positive, was off work starting on March 6 and did not show any symptoms until March 9. Prior to March 6, the employee was symptom-free. 

At no time did the City instruct the Fire Command staff to stay quiet. 

Redmond Fire Chief Told To Stay Quiet About Having Coronavirus

https://www.kuow.org/stories/redmond-covid-19-leaders-told-to-stay-quiet-about-their-positive-results-sources-say

Those who got coronavirus were Redmond Fire Chief Tommy Smith, emergency manager Pattijean Hooper, deputy fire chief Don Horton, program coordinator Janeen Olson, and battalion chief Tom Langton.

Mayor Birney said she was limited by the Americans with Disabilities Act, and that she couldn’t require staff to inform her of their positive results, and couldn’t share the number of positives, even when withholding names, with people.

Councilmember Varsha Kahn said,"In a time of public crisis, our city leadership could have aspired to a higher bar by being transparent and honest, but instead decided to function behind closed doors and by lying," Khan said. "Disregard for the public and the truth is not governance."

Excerpts from--KUOW, NPR, 4/8 article

Goose Nesting On 95th Street Pond Tree

Photo by John Reinke 

This is one "smart" Redmond goose!

Carol Helland Appointed City Of Redmond's New Director Of Planning And Community Development

Redmond, WA – At last night’s meeting, Redmond City Council approved Mayor Angela Birney's appointment of Carol Helland as the new Director of Planning and Community Development. Carol previously served as deputy planning director and began serving as interim planning director after Erika Vandenbrande announced her retirement in January this year.

“In her time with the City, Carol has shown she has the experience, knowledge, and dedication to positively lead Redmond’s Planning and Community Development Department,” said Mayor Angela Birney. “She has provided effective guidance, advice, and counsel to the Mayor, City Council, and staff on community development and land use, and we look forward to her continued contributions to the Redmond community.”

Before joining the City of Redmond in 2019 as the deputy planning director, Carol served the City of Bellevue as its Land Use Director. She has over 30 years of land use, planning, environmental, governmental affairs, and legal experience in local government and as a practicing attorney. As an attorney, she focused her practice on land use and environmental law, and during the 1990s, she served on the City of Redmond Planning Commission. Carol and her family have lived in the City of Redmond since 1989 and feel a deep connection to the people and places that make Redmond a wonderful place to live.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to lead the dedicated and talented Planning and Community Development staff as their Director. “I am also excited to join the City’s executive team in service to the community where my husband and I have raised our children and lived for more than 30 years.”

A Comedy Video

Chasing An Otter

I finally got out this afternoon for a walk along the Sammamish River, starting at the south end of the Opportunity Bldg.  I headed south toward Marymoor Park.  As the weather was mild and somewhat sunny, the trail was fairly busy.  I had almost reached the Redmond Way Overpass when I noticed a young couple intently staring across the river at the fairly steep and wooded west bank.

I approached them and asked them what they were looking at.  When they whispered "otter", I immediately began getting my camera in gear.  Sure enough, I quickly spotted a solitary otter about ten or twelve yards uphill from the water's edge.  With its thick dark brown fur coat, it was the largest one I have ever seen in this area. It briefly nosed and shuffled about with its typical slinky gait, before suddenly ambling downhill and launching itself into the river.

I snapped off a few shots as it did so, hoping that at least one of them would turn out well.  It began swimming north (with the current) at a rapid rate.  The young couple scrambled out ahead of me and followed it north at a fast pace along the trail.  I got going behind them, pushing myself to keep up with them.  We constantly glanced over to the river to see if the otter was still moving ahead, or had decided to stop.  However, it continued paddling quickly and we did our best to stay even with it.

We eventually rushed out onto the promontory that overlooks the river at the south end of the Opportunity Building, believing we had managed to get a few yards ahead of it.  However, we failed to see any further sign of the otter and had to give up the chase.  It was a marvelous experience, and certainly provided me with a more strenuous outing than I had originally anticipated.

Photo and story by John Reinke

Cabin Fever? Try a 7 Minute Workout

Adjust the cadence to meet your needs.

New York Times slideshow 

Dr. John Holmen Hired LWSD Superintendent

The Lake Washington School District (LWSD) Board of Directors has selected Dr. Jon Holmen to be the next Lake Washington School District Superintendent. They announced their decision on Monday, March 23, 2020.

Dr. Holmen is currently the Deputy Superintendent of Lake Washington School District. He started his career in 1999 teaching third grade at Benjamin Rush Elementary, located in Redmond, Wash. During his career in Lake Washington, Dr. Holmen has worked in a variety of positions serving students, staff and families in all regions of the district. Dr. Holmen has served as an Elementary Principal, Associate Director of Special Services, Director of School Support, Associate Superintendent, and, for the last three years, Deputy Superintendent.

“I am fortunate to have had the tremendous opportunity to grow, learn, and serve alongside outstanding staff, remarkable families, and amazing students,” said Dr. Holmen. “I am humbled and honored to take on the role of Superintendent and continue fostering growth and change as we continue to address the needs of each and every student we serve.”

Dr. Holmen has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Seattle Pacific University, a Masters in Teaching from City University, a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from Seattle Pacific University and a Doctorate of Education from Seattle Pacific University.

“We are excited to offer the position of Superintendent to Dr. Jon Holmen,” stated LWSD Board President Siri Bliesner. “Dr. Holmen brings both experience with our district, and in educational leadership, to continue the progress of our district towards meeting our vision of ‘Every student future ready.’”

The next step in the process is to finalize an employment contract between the Board and Dr. Holmen.

Dr. Holmen will replace Dr. Jane Stavem, who has resigned from Lake Washington School District, and is moving to a Superintendent position in Sioux Falls, South Dakota effective July 1, 2020.

OneRedmond Supports Nonprofits

A Note from OneRedmond Executive Director Kristina Hudson Click here to read OneRedmond Executive Director's message to the Redmond and greater Eastside community, giving updates on what we are doing and how you can help, particularly with the non-profit community.

#BuyRedmond Campaign in Partnership with Experience Redmond To help market the City of Redmond's businesses to the greater Redmond and Eastside community, OneRedmond and Experience Redmond are partnering on a #BuyRedmond campaign. Over the next few weeks, coordinated marketing efforts will be rolled out to assist those industries most affected by the recent State of Washington requirements. Please contact us if you want your business to be highlighted in the campaign at info@oneredmond.org.

Click here to visit the Experience Redmond website for more details.

Featured Non-Profit: Bloodworks NW Bloodworks NW is an independent, non-profit organization harnessing donor gifts to provide a safe, lifesaving blood supply to more than 90 Northwest hospitals. The Pacific Northwest’s blood supply is at risk of collapse in coming days. The accelerating number of blood drive cancellations due to the closure of schools, businesses, and events over coronavirus concerns has put nearly 60% of the community’s blood supply in jeopardy. With exponentially decreasing opportunities for the public to donate, our community blood supply is in real danger. For the safety and care of current and future patients, Bloodworks is urging the community to step up to donate and spread word of the current need.  Learn more and donate today.

A Call For Blood Donors

FROM: Jeanne Kohl-Welles, King County Councilmember

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As I have mentioned in previous updates, growing COVID-19 concerns and closures have led to canceled blood drives and 2,500 lost donations, putting our local blood supply in danger of collapse. While inventories are now holding steady as faithful donors and first-time donors respond to the urgent need, donations will continue to drop in the days and weeks to come.

New donors are needed now to step-up and save a life, and for donors to make this a generous and consistent habit. All types of blood are needed for cancer treatment, trauma cases, and many other situations. The process only takes an hour and actual donation time is about 10 minutes.

Donating blood is a safe activity, and there is no risk of contracting coronavirus from the blood donation process.

Bloodworks Northwest has more information on coronavirus, who is eligible to donate blood, and donation locations at www.bloodworksnw.org/coronavirus. You can make an appointment for donating at a center or drive to minimize wait time.

As a reminder, the county has many COVID-19 resources for the general public, the business community, workplaces and employers, travelers, healthcare professionals and links to information at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Washington state Department of Health.

Please visit the Public Health website and find additional information available on the Public Health Insider.

Also, if you have a moment, I encourage you to read this article that appeared in today’s Washington Post that show through animation how viruses like COVID-19 spread so quickly and what we can do to “flatten the curve”: https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/corona-simulator/?wpmk=1&wpisrc=al_trending_now__alert-national&utm_source=alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=wp_news_alert_revere_trending_now

--Jeanne Kohl-Welles, King County Councilmember

Feeding Redmond School Kids During Covid-19, Organized By Kristen Muscott

Open Kitchen, a ministry of Redmond United Methodist Church, partners with Redmond Nourishing Network to fill the gaps when food is scarce for our most vulnerable neighbors.  Nourishing Network’s School Break Food Box Program depends on community donations, and we need your support more than ever as we commit to serving over 100 families living in the Education Hill area.

Please Help Families By Donating Here.

Your donation will help us fill over 400 boxes with hearty soups, crackers, peanut butter, fresh produce, and more!  More importantly, your gift will lessen stress on families, provide hope, and sustain kids so they are ready for distance learning in this unprecedented time and for their eventual return to the classroom on April 27th (we hope)!

Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing our belief that NO ONE, especially a child, should ever go hungry!

A Respite on a Sunny Day from the Cares of the World

Sunday was sunny but somewhat chilly as I hiked north along the Sammamish River Trail.  I was happy to be out and about, finally able to free my mind from thinking about the great coronavirus pandemic.  I was headed for the shallow seasonal pond that lies parallel to the trail, not far north of the rusty foot bridge that spans the river about a half mile north of the 90^th Street Bridge here in Redmond.

As I approached, a flock of American widgeon swooped around one end of the pond and then landed in the water, joining others that were already there.  I could then hear a steady stream of soft whistling sounds, as they began communicating with each other.  There must have been well over one hundred of them, males and females.

I soon spotted a few other waterfowl species that were sparsely represented: northern pintails, green winged teal, a few mallards and a couple of northern shovelers.  They all got along quite amicably as they foraged for food, or simply swam about.

The photo that accompanies this brief tale shows a male northern shoveler swimming between a pair of resting American widgeon and a second female widgeon in the foreground.  A male widgeon has a black head. The shoveler has what appears to be a blade of grass in its bill that it retrieved by dabbling for it underwater.

-- Photo and Story by John Reinke

Financial Information From King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert

INFORMATION

Unemployment and Workers’ Comp

Anyone who has lost their job due to coronavirus or has had to take time off to self-quarantine or care for a sick relative (and does not get paid sick time from work) may apply for UNEMPLOYMENT insurance. Info on that here.

Anyone whose job has brought them into direct contact with someone with coronavirus (for instance, a first responder or a health care worker) and has become ill or are required to quarantine can file for WORKERS’ COMP. File for that here.

If you or a friend or family member are out of work, Washington State's Employment Security Department provides support services as well.

OTHER ISSUES

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions has developed a list of financial resources for Washington consumers impacted by the Coronavirus. We will add to this list as more resources become available.

Trouble Paying Rent or Mortgage

If you don’t have enough money to pay, contact your lender or landlord immediately. Help includes:

• Washington Homeownership Hotline (877-894-HOME)
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau suggestions
• Rental assistance & counseling (800-569-4287)
• List of Housing Counseling Agencies
• For Seattle renters, the Mayor has issued a 30-day moratorium on evictions – through mid-April

Student Loans Deferment

If you need help with your student loans, you may be able to temporarily suspend your payments by applying for a deferment or forbearance from the US Department of Education.

Paying Utilities

If you need help paying your utility bills, contact your service provider immediately.

• Puget Sound Energy will not disconnect customers, will waive late fees, and offers payments plans.
• For Seattle residents, Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities will not shut off service during the emergency. They also offer deferred payment plans and discount programs.
• The Utilities and Transportation Commission offers energy assistance programs.
• The federal government also has assistance programs to help with telephone and heating bills.
• Comcast is offering free WiFi hot spots, unlimited data, and no disconnects or late fees.

Food Assistance

If you’re looking for help feeding yourself or your family, visit the Food Lifeline website to find a partner food bank, food pantry, or hot meal program in your neighborhood. This food is free and available to you, even if you don’t qualify for SNAP or EBT.

Insurance Issues

The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner has resources and information available for consumers who have insurance related questions.

• Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner - COVID-19 Resources Information from the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

FOR BUSINESSES

• The federal Small Business Administration (SBA) is providing low-interest loans of up to $2 million to help with operating expenses.

• The Washington State Department of Revenue can provide extensions on taxes or waive penalties.

• For businesses in Seattle, the City of Seattle has delayed B&O taxes for small business and established a small business stabilization fund to provide grants of up to $10,000.

Additional Resources

• COVID-19 resource list for impacted Washington businesses and workers
Information from the Governor’s office.
• Protect Yourself Financially from the Coronavirus
Information from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
• Job Interrupted —A To-Do List for Tough Times
Information from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
• Financial Peace of Mind in the Age of Coronavirus
Information from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
• Avoiding Coronavirus Scams
Information from the Federal Trade Commission.

Stay healthy!
Kathy
3/16/2020