Local hospitals are inviting you to write encouraging notes to worn out workers. Here’s how
Health care workers are swamped.
The current COVID-19 surge is putting a lot of pressure on the entire health care system.
Intensive care units are reaching capacity levels. Hundreds of health care workers are battling COVID-19 themselves or stuck trying to clear the virus at home. And with the state of Kansas pivoting towards managing the pandemic as an endemic, there are clearly a lot of obstacles yet to surmount.
But there are a number of ways to show frontline health care workers that the community appreciates them and sees the effort they are making to overcome this COVID-19 wave.
For starters, wearing a mask, following social distancing guidelines and using extra caution to avoid any accidents where you might get hurt are a few ways to help out during the omicron surge.
As hospitals fill up with people battling COVID-19, staying as healthy as possible is just one way to do your part. If you are healthy and able, donating blood is another way to support the health care system.
Give blood
On Tuesday, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced that the state’s hospitals are experiencing a critical blood shortage. A lack of in-person blood drives and a fear of COVID-19 infection are just a couple of the factors contributing to the shortage, according to the Community Blood Center.
“Blood donation helps ensure our hospitals can continue their operations and has the ability to save lives,” DHE Acting Secretary Janet Stanek said in a statement. Considering January is also National Blood Donor Month, giving blood is a powerful way to give back during this COVID-19 wave.
Send special messages and goods directly to health care workers
University of Kansas Health System
The University of Kansas Health System has invited people to send “well-wishes and words of encouragement” to its health care workers. People can send a thoughtful email to spreadjoy@kumc.edu.
Those who want to show their appreciation can also write a note or sign a card and sent it in the care of Patient Relations to 4000 Cambridge St., Mailstop 1021, Kansas City, KS 66160.
If you’re not sure who to send the note to, you can ask that it be given to the person or department that needs it the most.
Advent Health
Advent Health, Kansas City announced last week that notes of encouragement go a long way during such a challenging time. The hospital is accepting support in four different ways.
Notes and cards can be shared on social media by tagging @AdventHealthKC, emailed directly to shaw.kcwebmaster@adventhealth.com or mailed to AdventHealth, 9100 W. 74th St., Merriam, KS 66204.
Community members can also purchase a cup of coffee for AdventHealth employees, as a part of the hospital’s Cups for Caregivers campaign.
St. Luke’s
St. Luke’s also encourages community members to keep health care workers energized by showing support. The three major ways that people can support are by sending a monetary gift to the hospital, sending an encouraging note to employees or even donating a snack or meal. To learn more about how to support health care workers at St. Luke’s visit this website.
Social media appreciation
The Olathe Chamber of Commerce kicked off its #HealthcareAppreciationChallenge last week. The social media challenge tasks local businesses and organizations in the Kansas City Metro Area to show their appreciation for healthcare workers on social media and then tag three additional businesses or groups to participate next.
The post can include a simple thank you, a photo or a virtual hug. “Just something to let them know we truly appreciate their dedication,” the chamber’s Facebook post reads.
Be kind
Most importantly, people can continue to be patient and kind to those who are working in the health care system or as first responders.
Frontline workers are stretched thin and the health care system is overwhelmed by the ongoing surge. Being kind is an easy way to show support.
“Kindness is the easiest thing that people can extend,” Dr. Sam Antonios, Chief Clinical Officer of Ascension via Christi Health in Wichita said in a briefing on Wednesday, Jan. 12. “It costs nothing to be kind and show grace to our healthcare workers who despite all the adversities are showing up to work and doing a very tough job.”
Do you have other questions about Kansas City’s latest wave of COVID-19? Ask us at kcq@kcstar.com or with the form below.
