Community organizations will host three socially distant events at National Park Medical Center starting on Sunday as a way of supporting health care workers who are serving at the front lines of the pandemic.
Events include two "Park and Pray" gatherings in the NPMC parking lot on Sunday and Tuesday, and lunch and dinner provided to workers by Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort on Wednesday.
Encounter Church will host the Sunday gathering from 7:30-8 p.m., and Grace Apostolic Church will host the Tuesday gathering from 6:30-7 p.m.
NPMC Interim CEO Joann Ettien said in an email that as hospital workers continue to fight COVID-19, it has been "so encouraging" to see the outpouring of support from the Hot Springs community for the hospital and its "incredible" team of nurses and health care professionals.
"We have always striven to be a place where you choose to come for health care, and we take our responsibility as a community leader very seriously," she said. "As our neighbors have come together to do everything possible to slow the spread of this vicious virus amid challenging times, we have never been more proud to be a part of this community."
Ettien said her request for the community is to take a moment -- whether through a Park and Pray event, social media, or another "socially distant" medium -- to thank a "health care hero."
"At NPMC, we honor all our providers and employees working hard to ensure a safe place of care and a healthier community for all of us," she said. "I hope you will join me and add your voice to the chorus of appreciation for our community's health care heroes by posting your own message, with the hashtag #ThankAHealthCareHero to show our hometown heroes how much we appreciate their incredible and inspiring efforts to keep us safe."
Ettien said having community support and positivity to reflect on during what was otherwise a very difficult day, week or month can give "health care heroes" the strength and initiative they need to keep going and to maintain a positive outlook.
"Some moments ask more of us as a society, as a community and as individuals. Moments like those need heroes. From grocery store employees and delivery workers to educators teaching remotely and those keeping our infrastructure and essential services running, this current moment has no shortage of heroes," she said. "And that includes our heroes on the front lines of this crisis -- our health care workers."
Ettien continued in saying, "Our health care workers are not only a cornerstone of our hospital's mission of Making Communities Healthier, they are integral members of our community. They are moms and dads, brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors. And -- today especially -- they are heroes, fighting on the front lines to provide compassionate, quality care when it's needed most."
Events like "Park and Pray," she said, are a great way to bring the community together while maintaining a safe social distance.
Ettien noted it is "more important than ever" that people continue to take the important steps necessary to keep the community as safe and healthy as possible, including staying home as much as possible, practicing social distancing and following sound medical guidance.
"So if you wish to participate in one of these 'Park and Pray' events, we ask that you follow the latest (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and Arkansas Department of Health guidelines and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others in attendance, or remain in your vehicle with the windows up," she said. "If you are sick, please stay home except to receive medical care."
Ettien stressed people should wash their hands often and for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public, blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, and to be sure to use proper technique when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue or the inside of the elbow.
"Our hospital is committed to providing the highest quality care and ensuring the safety of our patients, employees, providers, volunteers and visitors," she said. "You can rest assured that our providers and clinical teams are well-trained and prepared to manage outbreaks of viruses and infectious diseases, including COVID-19."
Local on 04/04/2020