20
THEVOICE • rockfordchamber.com
November 2020
IGNITE: YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
CARMEN BRENZ IGNITE
COVID-19 saliva testing delayed at College of Medicine Set up for testing site continues to move forward in Rockford The roll-out in Rockford of SHIELD Illinois’ COVID-19 saliva testing, developed at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and originally targeted for use in Rockford at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford in late October, tentatively will take place in January 2021 – possibly earlier. The saliva-based COVID-19 test has been used since July to test students and staff at the Urbana campus in the hopes of allowing it to safely reopen. Saliva samples have been analyzed at the U of I’s own labs. By the end of September, more than 400,000 tests have been processed and 2,000 positive COVID-19 cases identified since the beginning of the semester. The delay in getting testing out to partner sites has occurred after the FDA notified the university that UIUC’s lab never received emergency use authorization, which would allow UIUC to make the testing broadly accessible throughout the country. The authorization process is underway, and expectations are for approval shortly of the test for diagnostic and screening purposes. The first Shield Illinois lab will open at the SIU School of Medicine campus in Springfield to validate each aspect of the testing process.
Answering questions you might have of IGNITE Professional development; community engagement are key
IGNITE is the region’s young professional group and is a part of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. IGNITE members do not have to be Rockford Chamber members to join, but IGNITE members are always welcome to learn more about being a member. Our mission is to attract and retain young professionals to the Rockford region. We do this by connecting and engaging young professionals with leadership, professional and personal development and volunteer opportunities. IGNITE’s program is suitable for individuals between the ages of 21 to 40; however, all are welcome in our group! Young professionals can be found in a wide variety of careers and IGNITE is not limited to any specific line of work. Our group is full of diversity, and we would love to keep it that way!
Our community is
Alex Stagnaro-Green MD, MHPE, MHA, regional dean at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, wrote in a letter to the community of his belief that availability of the saliva testing in Rockford and northwest Illinois will be a “game-changer” in allowing the area and economy to return to more normal operations. The College of Medicine is continuing to move forward on minor modifications to its lab for the secure receipt and processing of specimens. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing equipment has arrived and is being tested by ThermoFisher. Laboratory technicians are being hired. For those interested in starting testing sooner, there may be opportunities to collect samples locally and send them to the lab in Springfield once the emergency use authorization is received. Contact Carol Schuster, assistant dean for operations, at schust@uic.edu or 815395-5642.
constantly changing and so
Low Cost
Fast Notification
Widespread Testing
Ease of Use
High Accuracy
The SHIELD Illinois test costs $20-30, compared to $100+ for a standard nasal swab test Current notification time for the saliva test is only 6-12 hours compared to a 2-3 day turnaround time for most currently-available tests Through advantages in cost, speed and accuracy, the saliva tests can increase access to testing and control spread by identifying pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers The saliva-based test is non-invasive and does not need medically-trained personnel to collect samples. The saliva test has a specificity rate of 99.8-99.9%, with very few false positives. High specificity, combined with frequent testing makes the SHIELD saliva-based text extremely accurate.
opportunities listed on the IGNITE website or you can check United Way. Community: We are constantly looking for new ways to keep YPs engaged in the community. This is an ever-expanding and changing task, but IGNITE is up for the challenge. We are committed to encouraging our members to be a part of their local community. This could mean encouraging YPs to attend a city council meeting or becoming a mentor for seniors through Alignment Rockford. It could mean writing a column in the Rockford Chamber’s newspaper, The VOICE, or getting involved with Transform Rockford. Our community is constantly changing and so is our involvement, but our commitment to Rockford stays the same. We are always
Moving Forward
Benefits of the Saliva Test
resumes. There are multiple volunteer
is our involvement, but our commitment to Rockford
in 100%. Social: During COVID-19 times, our social aspect of IGNITE looks a little different compared to before. Our focus has been on virtual events and trying to engage our members without
stays the same. We are
adding to the Zoom burnout that we
always in 100%.
are all currently facing.
What Can IGNITE Provide Me? IGNITE focuses on professional development, volunteering, community and social aspects of life. Professional Development: Professional development is a key area for YPs. While in the beginning to middle stages of our careers, it is important that we grow as engaged members of our community as well as professionals. At IGNITE, we provide opportunities to meet key leaders in our community through our Lunch with a Leader series. Our Leadership Team is always happy to help make connections such as jobs, board seats, business opportunities and more. We have a job board and open community board positions listed on our website. Volunteering: As young professionals, it is important that we give back to the communities we live, work, learn and play in. Not only does this help our communities grow stronger and healthier, but it also allows YPs an important chance to expand their networks, engage in the non-profit side of our community, learn more and even improve their
Before COVID-19, we had multiple social events, including our After 5 series. This series introduced IGNITE members to local (or locally owned) establishments that frequently also are Rockford Chamber members. This provided a chance for YPs to kick back, enjoy great food and beverage and get to know one another. Over past summers, we hosted IGNITE
Cup,
a
summer-long
tournament. While we long for these “good old days,” we also have learned that virtual events can be just as fun and engaging. Stay tuned for some future virtual events that are sure to be a blast! To learn more about IGNITE, check out our website (igniterockford.com), our Facebook at IGNITE Rockford or our Instagram (igniterockfordyp). If there are ever any questions or if you are interested in joining IGNITE, please contact me at info@igniterockford. com. Carmen Brenz is coordinator for IGNITE and event & program coordinator for the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
