Front Line Fighters: Profiles Of Coronavirus Local Heroes

LONG BEACH, NY — As Long Islanders practice social distancing and make personal sacrifices as part of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, many look to those on the front lines as inspiration. Patch will be highlighting Long Islanders who are going above and beyond in their work and community to help during the COVID-19 health crisis.

Marissa Collins is a licensed social worker who's been inspired seeing how coworkers at Mt. Sinai South Nassau hospital are responding to the unfolding crisis. Her friend Bridget Nolan is an emergency room nurse at the Oceanside hospital.

She works in the emergency department seeing the worst of cases and lives ending at ground zero. Even though she is in a place that could quickly become negative she is always positive and never fails to have a huge smile on her face. She will go out of her way to make sure a patient isn’t alone," Collins said

Nolan, who lives in Long Beach, has been reaching out the families of patients via Facebook, offering to visit them and relay messages of hope.

"If my family member was hospitalized I would want Bridget at their side."

If you know someone who should be featured—a health care worker, a first responder, a volunteer or anyone making a difference— email us at jboydsweet@gmail.com to nominate your local hero.