Baptist Health
The past two years have been challenging for Jackson Hospital and Baptist Health staff in the River Region. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the physicians, nurses, and other front-line healthcare professionals (custodians, cafeteria attendants, security guards, gift shop workers, data analysts, etc.) have all risked their lives, spent endless hours away from their families, and worked relentlessly to protect our community and heal their patients.
The Wellness Coalition recognizes every single employee at these organizations. Times are still stressful, and without their sacrifice and commitment, we would not be able to get through this point in time as well as we have.
Twenty years ago, the challenge of treating the healthcare needs of uninsured adults in the Montgomery area was falling on the local emergency rooms and straining medical resources. To withstand this challenge, a group of nine safety net healthcare providers came together to share information about seeking solutions to reduce the impact of serving the uninsured and increase patients’ quality of life. Jackson Hospital and Baptist Health are both part of that group of nine organizations that joined forces to birth what is now known as The Wellness Coalition.
HOW THEY ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Jackson Hospital
During this pandemic, Jackson Hospital and Baptist Health have shown that they are indeed a safeguard for public health. These organizations have also shown us countless times their passion for the community.
In October, Jackson Hospital partnered with the Alabama Department of Health and Human Services to expand access to monoclonal antibody treatment to undeserved communities, allowing them to treat up to 180 patients per week as part of the expansion. By expanding, the treatment showed their community that they are committed to improving the health of their neighbors by providing superior, patient-centered, and cost-effective care in a safe, compassionate environment.
During the pandemic, Baptist Health has also been a pillar in the community by opening multiple vaccination clinics around the Montgomery area. Baptist has chosen locations that are convenient and safe to vaccinate as many in our community as possible. Opening multiple clinics also allows people ages 16 and up to volunteer their services.
FOCUSING ON THE INDIVIDUAL AS WELL AS THE COMMUNITY
When we are sick, we often forget that healthcare professionals and front-line workers are people too. Taking the time to stop, reflect, and thank those for their continuous service to the community is the least we can do.
Hospital administrations say the most significant need healthcare workers and hospital staff have right now is the support of their communities. Here are some ways to say “Thank You” to your River Region essential workers
Stay Home If You Are Sick
The most important thing we can all do to thank our front-line workers is to stay home. When you are feeling sick, stay home. If you have to go out, wear a mask to protect your neighbors.
Limit Your Outings
Limit outings unless your trips are essential. Examples of essential trips include doctor’s appointments, getting groceries, picking up prescriptions, and helping the vulnerable. Avoid large crowds and continue to wear your mask in public areas.
Be Kind
The entire world is currently short-staffed, so be kind to those who continue to show up every day. Yes, wait times have grown longer, however, small acts of kindness can help workers feel appreciated and help them push through these difficult times.
Send a Thank You Note
After a long shift at work, a simple thank-you note lets front-line works know how much they are appreciated. An expression of gratitude can go a long way to lift a person’s spirit.
Send Them Treats
Ordering the staff coffee, donuts, or even lunch is a small, thoughtful gesture that can help them get through their day. Often, hospital staff are so busy tending to their patients that they forget to eat.
Make a Sign
Make someone’s commute to work brighter by posting a sign in your window or yard thanking them for their service on the front-lines. This would also be a fun project for kids!
PROOF OF COMMITMENT
Although we are two years into this pandemic, we must continue to show our healthcare workers in the River Region that we appreciate all they do! Again, to the healthcare workers in the River Region, your commitment is proof that we are stronger together as we unite in our fight against COVID-19. We can’t thank you enough.