LifeSciences BC launched COVID-19 response program

LifeSciences BC (LSBC) launched an integrated COVID-19 Response Program in March. In response to the challenges faced by the emerging and growing presence of COVID-19, stakeholders from across the Life Sciences community were coming forward to offer the assistance of products, services, supplies, etc. While these initiatives were representative of the commitment, generosity, and leadership of many within the sector, they were uncoordinated and ran the risk of not being effective.    

As a result, LSBC took on a leadership role to coordinate the activities on behalf of the broad Life Sciences stakeholder group. There were five COVID-19 Response workstreams to address gaps and excess capacity in various supply chains. The five workstreams represented the following areas: PPE & Products/Supplies, People & Services, Clinical Trials, Laboratories, and Manufacturers. The workstreams were led by leaders from the Life Sciences community.

Working with the CDL (Creative Destruction Labs), tools were developed to consolidate offers of needs and requests of assistance.   As the organization received offers and requests, they were recorded and handled through matching and redeployment or redirection to appropriate channels.

A collaboration platform (Slack Workspace) was also been set up to facilitate community engagement as well as expeditious communication and action.