There are many ways to quantify the tremendous amount of work you have been doing during this COVID-19 pandemic. 2,100 COVID-19 patients treated. 155,000 tests performed. But those numbers only tell part of the story. They don’t show the hands you’ve held, the tears you’ve dried, the tears you’ve shed, the words of comfort you’ve spoken to patients and their families, nor the knowledge you’ve shared with others about the serious consequences of this illness.
I know this takes a toll on you, yet you keep going, showing up to work and giving these vulnerable patients the empathy and expert care they need to recover. They don’t always get better, and when that happens, I know your heart breaks every time.
This is an especially demanding time for you, as we’re treating more COVID-19 patients in almost every area we serve. I wish I could tell you when this will be over, but I can’t. What I am doing is praying for your strength, every day. Advocating for you with our local, regional and national leaders. And I’m marveling at how you manage to keep our hospitals, physician offices and other entities running smoothly while everything is changing so rapidly.
You are an exceptionally strong team. But even the strong need help sometimes. And we have resources you can use when you need emotional support. Our CONCERN Employee Assistance Program offers counseling for you and anyone living in your household, free of charge. Our pastoral care team is just a phone call or email away – 901-226-5025 or pastoralcare@bmhcc.org – to provide spiritual guidance.
Please take advantage of these well-earned benefits when and if you need them. We want to help care for you so you can care for others. Your health is important, too, and it matters to me. You matter to me. And you and your health are among my top priorities.
What is helping you get through the COVID pandemic? Tell me by email, tweet me @jason_m_little or find me on LinkedIn.
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