ARIZONA 360

Episode 318

ANTIBODY TESTING: With the launch of the Univeristy of Arizona’s antibody testing initiative, researcher and immunologist Deepta Bhattacharya (BOT-uh-CHAR-EE-a) explains how the test works and what the findings may reveal about the spread of COVID-19 in Arizona. TUCSON MEDICAL CENTER: The return of elective surgeries in Arizona also translates into additional revenue for hospitals. Tucson Medical Center COO Mimi Coomler discusses how reducing some services in response to the pandemic led to furloughs at TMC, as well as how the hospital is now welcoming back those patients who had their appointments postponed. NONPROFITS IMPACTED: Tony Paniagua reports on the varying challenges facing nonprofits in Southern Arizona. He visits with a handful of organizations to hear how they are coping with significant drops in donations, or, in some cases, an increased demand for services. LEARNING LOSS CHALLENGES: We learn more about the challenges facing both educators and students as a result of the extended time away from the classroom during the pandemic. Lorraine Rivera discusses the issue with Francesca Lopez, assistant dean of the University of Arizona College of Education, and Margaret Chaney, president of the Tucson Education Association.