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By Michelle Fortune

Healthcare Umbrella

 

May 10-16 is National Hospital Week. It intersects with National Nurses Week which began May 6 and ended May 12 on the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s Birthday. This year’s theme for National Hospital Week is “Where Health Comes First.”

The value of healthcare systems and providers has become clearly evident during the Covid-19 pandemic. The National Hospital Association encourages communities to embrace this week as a week of thanks!

We have felt the thanks from many of you in various ways already, but there are some things you can still do this week from the safety of your own home to honor our team and all healthcare heroes across the nation. Please engage in our social media platforms and send well wishes to our teams. We have a very active Facebook page, and your encouraging comments and photos are so meaningful to our teammates. Cards or letters sent to the hospital are another fabulous way to thank our staff. We share these letters and cards with all our employees. Some of you have even ordered food for our healthcare workers, and those goodies are always appreciated and enjoyed!

In addition to Hospitals and Nurses being recognized this month, May is also National Mental Health Awareness Month. As we all have experienced, the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted our connection with one another. Connecting with others is often a wonderful way to feel encouragement, find the positive during challenging times and experience support that is so often needed as we journey through difficult seasons.

St. Luke’s has worked diligently to remain connected with our community during this tough time. This diligence has enabled us to stay focused on why we do what we do, and that is why your ongoing support has meant so much to us. Your kind gestures empower us to stay centered on our true north of caring for our friends and neighbors.

Especially during Mental Health Awareness Month, please check on your loved ones and friends. A Facetime call, an Instagram message or a call to offer a listening ear and a supportive voice means so much.

Because of all the stresses created by this pandemic, we know that our community also needs support. Our intensive outpatient psychiatry program, Senior Life Solutions, is here to provide intensive outpatient counseling for you or your loved ones experiencing anxiety, depression or loneliness. Senior Life Solutions has many methods to assist you remotely, from the comfort of your own home. Contact Paula Hipp at 828-894-9890 or Paula.Brooks1@slhnc.org for more information.

As you fill out that card to the St. Luke’s Nursing team, perhaps choose a friend who may need an encouraging message and send them a note as well! You will bring joy not only to our team and your friend, but also to your day.

Until next time, thank you for your support, and we hope to see you following us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn and posting photos of yourself in your favorite face mask! #StLukesNCStrong

Questions or comments? Send them to Michelle.Fortune@slhnc.org.