The people on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic are healthcare professionals, everyday citizens risking their lives to save those of their patients. They are the heroes right now.

In CloseUp360's “Hoopers Meet Heroes” series, which connects NBA players with healthcare professionals on the frontline of the fight against the coronavirus in their respective cities, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope chatted with Dr. Nina Shapiro, a pediatric ENT physician at UCLA Medical Center and acclaimed author of Hype: A Doctor's Guide to Medical Myths, Exaggerated Claims and Bad Advice. During the pandemic, she's on-call to handle patients' emergency airway issues and to manage intubations and endotracheal tubes—pressing needs for coronavirus patients who regularly experience respiratory problems.

Healthcare professionals like Dr. Shapiro need our help. So many of them are facing an imminent shortage of PPE (personal protective equipment), especially in cities that are either bracing for or currently enduring surges in COVID-19 cases. The lack of PPE in medical facilities—including safety goggles, N95 masks, face shields and gowns—remains a serious concern in this global crisis. Those on the frontlines need this gear to stay safe and healthy while continuing to help patients who are battling this virus.

Please visit GetUsPPE.org to donate.

#PPEisKEY
#HandCheck (wash your hands)
#HomeCourtAdvantage (stay at home)