The Hot Springs Sweethearts, in small groups, were recently able to tour the cardiac catheterization labs at National Park Medical Center's Heart and Vascular Center in person, the hospital said in a news release.
Over the course of three afternoons, small groups of Sweethearts had the opportunity to learn the inner workings of the cath lab and to learn more about why patients might require cath lab intervention due to heart disease or symptoms, the release said.
"This tour is always a highlight of the Sweethearts program, so we were excited to welcome the groups safely and in-person this week," NPMC's director of marketing and communications, Mandy Golleher, said in the release.
This year, the pandemic has limited some of the usual activities of the program participants.
As part of the Hot Springs Sweethearts program, young women who are high school sophomores and juniors from the Garland County area adopt heart-healthy lifestyles and commit to learning about cardiovascular disease.
Sponsored by NPMC, the Sweethearts have been fundraising for the American Heart Association and having fun with special events, although most events were very different for this year's group of Sweethearts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the release said.
While there was no opportunity to volunteer inside the hospital, the Sweethearts found unique ways to uplift hospital employees, support patient programming and brighten experiences for hospital patients. From handmade comfort pillows to hand-beaded bracelets with inspirational messages, many Sweethearts used their creativity to support patients and staff.
Others helped by assembling patient packets, bringing snack packs to employees or writing notes of encouragement and thanks to staff members.
"We are so proud of this group of resilient and creative young women who despite the challenging times and limitations to protect our Sweethearts, patients and communities, have found ways to volunteer their time and talents to bring hope and smiles to our patients and staff," Golleher said.
Many Sweethearts also attended a series of virtual seminars led by physicians and health care professionals that gave them insight into different health care careers including cardiovascular surgery, pediatrics, ER and surgical nursing, respiratory therapy and radiology.
"Several of our Sweethearts have an interest in medical careers -- one even aspires to be a cardiovascular surgeon -- so we were excited for them to have the opportunity to learn virtually and then safely welcome them in-person to the cath lab tour," Golleher said.
Additional Sweetheart activities and events have included a tour of the Survival Flight-10 EMS helicopter at NPMC, Infant and Adult CPR Certification and Automatic Electronic Defibrillator training, a father-daughter barbecue, a mother-daughter luncheon and a cardiovascular fitness day.
The culmination of the program is the Hot Springs Heart Ball, where the Sweethearts will be presented by their fathers at the virtual event.
On the night of the Heart Ball, which is chaired this year by Dr. Eric and Lori Bowen and scheduled for June 12, the one Sweetheart who scores the highest in the program through volunteerism and fundraising will be named "Sweetheart of the Ball" and awarded the $2,000 Caroline Grace Russell Memorial Scholarship and a piece of custom "sweetheart" jewelry by Lauray's The Diamond Center.