What an unprecedented couple of years this has been! The only constant we have been able to count on – is change. That change has been rapid, on-going, and it sometimes seems out of our control. Many of us are just trying to catch our tails in our day-to-day lives all the while working to endure this pandemic. There have been many individuals, businesses and industries that have had to alter their delivery of resources, goods and/or services to meet the ever-changing needs of their communities – often based upon declared instruction, and with little notice. One of those industries has been healthcare – in extraordinary ways. And the people who are making these things happen, who are working in conditions not seen in our generations, are our family, friends, and community members. They continue to show up and deliver the best care possible while working in unique and challenging conditions that remain in a constant state of change. Through all of these challenges, they remain driven to provide care and ensure the physical plant remains running and operable for all patients, with all ailments.
Over the last few months, there have been efforts made to extend gratitude to the employees by leadership, the hospital’s P.E.A.N.U.T.S. Committee, and the DRHC Volunteers. In an effort to show gratitude to our frontline healthcare workers, Forward Health Foundation, in partnership with these entities, provided t-shirts to Deer River and Grand Rapids Essentia Health employees to be worn on Friday’s as acknowledgement of their hard work and dedication to the delivery of care with this message from hospital Director of Nursing, Kristin Linn:
“In the next few days, you will see your leader handing out shirts. These shirts are yours to wear every FRIDAY. They are to say THANK YOU for the amazing and hard work you do each and every day. Your work does not go unnoticed. There are not enough ways to express our appreciation for all you do, or to show you how grateful we are to have each one of you representing our FRONTLINE HEALTHCARE TEAM. So, please know you are recognized, appreciated and valued. The last year and a half have presented some unique challenges, and we have been in awe of the DEER RIVER TEAM that comes together whatever the challenge may be.”
Additionally, Forward Health Foundation provided Thanksgiving gift baskets, Christmas gift cards from local businesses, hot beverage cart service, and caramel apple treats in an effort to demonstrate our appreciation for their dedication to service in our community.
