Salt Lake City, Utah – The Metrodora Institute, React19, and the Long COVID Foundation announce the launch of a unique and urgently needed collaboration to provide specialized medical care, research, and support for patients affected by complex chronic illnesses such as Long COVID and post-vaccine complications. These patient populations are currently severely underserved and overlooked in the conventional healthcare landscape.

At the heart of this collaboration is the Metrodora Institute, a state-of-the-art medical and research center based in Salt Lake City, which delivers tailored medical support to patients. 

Through this partnership, React19 and the Long COVID Foundation, leading patient advocacy groups that have been vocal champions working to increase awareness and education around COVID-related chronic illnesses, recognize Metrodora Institute as a leading Center of Excellence for Long COVID. 

Key initiatives will include patient referral programs for the underserved, ground-breaking research, targeted fundraising efforts, and the development of educational content for both healthcare providers and patients.

“This partnership really is a breakthrough in providing individualized, comprehensive care for some of the most vulnerable patients,” says React19 Co-Chair, Dr. Joel Wallskog. “Together with the Metrodora Institute and the Long COVID Foundation, we’re establishing an unprecedented care network that will not just meet the immediate needs of patients but also pave the way for long-term solutions.”

Dr. Douglas Jones, a leading physician at Metrodora Institute, will play a central role as a physician advisor to React19, lending his expertise in COVID-related chronic illnesses to drive patient care initiatives and research advancements. "Our goal is to bring evidence-based care to underserved patients and advance clinical knowledge,” says Dr. Jones. “By working with React19 and the Long COVID Foundation, we can create meaningful, lasting impacts in the lives of those affected by these conditions, which have historically been understudied, under-reported, misdiagnosed, and undertreated.”

“Tens of millions of people have suffered from the debilitating effects of Long COVID, and that is on top of the many millions who were sidelined by chronic illness in the decades prior to COVID,” says Devin Russell, the Founder and Executive Director of the Long COVID Foundation. “This partnership will ensure patients do not fall by the wayside and opens up exciting possibilities for accelerating research and delivering crucial support to address the urgent needs of the COVID-impacted community.” Russell notes that Long COVID has had a nearly $4 trillion impact on the US economy, yet very little meaningful investment has been made into prevention and treatment of the illness.

Key objectives of the partnership include:

• Improved Patient Access: The collaboration will work to expand access to specialized care for individuals with COVID-related chronic illnesses, ensuring more patients can access needed medical and support services.
• Collaborative Research: The partnership will prioritize research initiatives that align with the mission of each organization, aiming to improve scientific understanding and treatment options for Long COVID and post-vaccine complications.
• Education, Awareness, and Support: Through coordinated efforts, the partners will develop and distribute educational resources to improve public understanding and healthcare provider knowledge of Long COVID and chronic illness stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. The parties will also collaborate on targeted fundraising efforts to support shared research objectives, patient advocacy, and educational programs. 

This collaboration with the Metrodora Institute includes a unique partnership with the nonprofit research organization, The Metrodora Foundation. The Foundation is committed to building a landmark dataset and working with best-in-class organizations to fuel rapid scientific advancement and discovery for complex chronic conditions.  Based on this collaboration Metrodora Institute emerges as a center of excellence targeting chronic conditions arising out of the pandemic. 

Looking Ahead

This partnership is an important step toward addressing the complex needs of individuals affected by Long COVID and post-vaccine injuries. By working together, React19, Long COVID Foundation, and Metrodora Institute aim to transform patient care standards, drive forward research, and foster a supportive community for those impacted.

For more information, please contact: 

Brianne Dressen
Co-chair, React19
media@react19.org

Summer Dashe
VP of Marketing and Communications, Metrodora Institute and Foundation
media@metrodora.co