Tulsa Public Schools board member fighting COVID
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — At last week's special school board meeting about authorizing legal action over mask mandates, Dr. Jerry Griffin's absence was noticeable. The reason behind it?
"I’ve got COVID. I’ve already been in the hospital for ten days and doesn’t look like I’m going to get out anytime soon," said Griffin.
An inpatient at St. Francis, he says it started off as a cough and within a few days he found himself lying on the floor unable to move. He shudders to think what might have happened had he not been vaccinated.
"If I wouldn’t have had my shots, the next school board meeting they’d be giving a moment of silence for Jerry Griffin service. I have no doubt I would be dead right now. And I’d get that moment of silence, quite a deal," he said.
He describes the staff at St. Francis as angels, and a sea of COVID patients everywhere as sobering.
"When they brought me to a room people are lined up, you know, you see it on TV, but it’s not the same. They’re lined up in the hallway gurney to gurney, both sides of the hall, pain in their eyes. You feel so sorry for them," he said.
Now, with school get ready to start, this TPS board member is hoping his story will move people to action.
"I encourage people, first of all, and teachers and staff. I understand only 47% of our staff have got shots. We’ve got to get that number up there. If you’re twelve or over get your shot. And also wear a mask, there’s nothing wrong with wearing a mask," he said.
