Monongalia County Health Department staff members got to take out their frustrations against COVID-19 on pinatas on Friday during a socially distanced Ice Cream Social held to pause and reflect on the work done in the past 70 days to combat the virus.
Joining in were members of the West Virginia National Guard stationed at MCHD, as well as members of the Monongalia County Commission and the Board of Health.
“This is Day 70 of the response,” said Dr. Lee B. Smith, MCHD executive director and county health officer. “MCHD staff members have been working long hours. Some of you, seven days a week. The people of Monongalia County and the state of West Virginia appreciate that.”
Smith passed out “challenge coins” with designs unique to the organization they represent, to all staff members. The coins feature the MCHD logo on one side and on the other, a depiction of the coronavirus as well as the words “Protect, Prevent, Promote — COVID-19 Response.”
“We’re are not over COVID-19, not by the slightest imagination,” Smith said. “But at Day 70, I thought it was a good time to reflect on what we’ve done and celebrate each other’s work.”
There were pinatas — filled with candy, gift cards and, toothpaste, toothbrushes and dental floss — for a member of each MCHD programs to hit. The programs include MCHD Clinical Services, MCHD Dentistry, MCHD Environmental Health, Threat Preparedness, the business office and maintenance, as well as one for the West Virginia National Guard.
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Dr. Lee B. Smith gives MCHD staff a pep talk on Day 70 of the COVID-19 response. 
Jason Nguyen, a nutritionist with MCHD WIC, takes a swing at a pinata.
