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CATHOLIC PROFILE

This flu fighter is full of faith

Jim Murphy is a notable figure at Our Lady of Victory Church in Troy. A founding member of the parish's Knights of Columbus council three years ago, he can also be seen at Mass with his family every weekend. 

However, what Mr. Murphy does on a daily basis has an impact on a much bigger community.

"I just enjoy helping people," he said. "I feel I have a lot of skills I can offer."

Mr. Murphy has used those skills for the New York State Department of Health for the past seven years, where he has worked in the field of Emergency Health Preparedness. His job includes preparing for pandemic flus and deciding when to close nursing homes and hospitals due to potential health hazards.

"We're just preparing for the things that can happen from that," Mr. Murphy explained.

On guard
Recently, Mr. Murphy has been working on matters pertaining to an influenza outbreak. The concern stems from the attacks on the U.S. on September 11, 2001, and the focus is centered around bio-terror threats. Among his duties are stockpiling crucial objects such as anti-viral medications and surgical masks.

Health and medicine have long been a part of Mr. Murphy's life. Prior to his job with the Department of Health, he spent time as director of outreach for the Healthy Schools network, advocating the need for healthier schools. 

After 9/11, he spent time as a flight nurse for the National Guard, transporting wounded and sick soldiers from the Middle East to hospitals in Germany. He has also been a counselor for those struggling with drug and alcohol abuse.

In June of 2006, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Bingham-ton experienced flooding and needed to be evacuated. Mr. Murphy alerted the State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) and together, SEMO and the Department of Health helped find ambulances to move patients to other facilities appropriate for their condition. 

The experience reminded Mr. Murphy of a quote from an old colleague: "'You don't read about the 50 people who didn't die because we did our jobs right.'" 

"I work with a good bunch of people," he added.

Leaning on God
All of Mr. Murphy's experiences have affected his faith - especially his time in the Middle East.

"When you experience something like war, you start to question how man treats man," he remarked; "and you really start to rely more on religion."

Thus, Mr. Murphy recently completed his first year with the diocesan Formation for Ministry Program, a process of preparing parish leaders which he hopes will take him one step closer to becoming a deacon.

In his spare time, Mr. Murphy enjoys watching New York Mets games and spending time with his wife and children, who range in age from 15 to 30. He tries to balance faith, family and work. 

"I'm trying to be a father first, but my job is important and my work with FMP is important too," he said. "You just try to integrate the faith and the commandments into being a good father and husband. It's just about being faithful and putting family first."

That faith and dedication are reflected in Mr. Murphy's work. "It's honorable to help people," he said. "My job has always allowed me to be available to help the weakest of the weak."

Faith, he added, "keeps me on a steady track through this life. It keeps me focused on the life to come."

(07/02/09) [[In-content Ad]]

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