While many workers across the country have been ordered to work from home during the current Coronavirus pandemic, our healthcare professionals continue to go into the hospital every day to protect and care for our communities and they deserve a big “thank you.” They are putting their own safety and the safety of their families at risk every day to deliver aid to those in need. It’s easy to take our good health and the sacrifices our healthcare workers make for granted, but it’s important to recognize their hard work and show gratitude, not only during hard times like now, but all year long.
Say “Thank You”
It’s as simple as just two words — thank you. That one message of gratitude could make someone’s entire day. Medical workers are facing difficult working conditions at this time that are keeping them away from dinners with their families and they are not always met with kind words. Patients who are frustrated, scared, impatient, or confused may take out their emotions on the people caring for them, even if it’s not intentional. Hearing that they are appreciated and their hard work is worth it may give nurses and doctors the push they need to keep going. It’s free, fast, and easy. Just say “thank you.”
Share Your Appreciation on Social Media
There’s a lot of difficult news and negative posts circulating social media right now. Adding some positivity with a #ThanksHealthHeroes message could put a smile on the faces of many of your followers, especially those who work in the medical field. Tag anyone you know who works in medicine in the post and share some words of appreciation for all they do.
Buy Lunch for a Healthcare Worker
While a simple “thank you” is greatly appreciated and goes a long way, if you’d like to do even more, consider buying a nurse or doctor lunch or running favors for a neighbor that may work in the health field. Long hours tending to patients on the hospital floors takes top priority to many over lunch for themselves. Some restaurants are offering specials that allow you to buy a meal for a medical worker. While you may not be able to deliver the lunch personally, many restaurants are offering delivery services or gift cards. If you know someone who works in a hospital, set a meal outside their front door to still obery by the social distancing guidelines.
Follow Healthcare Recommendations
Perhaps the most important way to thank the healthcare workers is by following their recommendations, which includes social distancing and staying home whenever possible. Many healthcare professionals have joined in on a social media campaign where they post pictures of them at work with the caption, “We go to work for you. So please stay home for us.” By following health guidelines and staying home, you’ll be minimizing the risk of contracting the illness or passing it onto someone else and therefore lessening the risk of hospitals becoming overloaded with cases.
Be Kind
Be kind, show compassion, have patience and lend a helping hand when you can. While healthcare professionals are on the frontline of fighting this pandemic, there are other professions that deserve our praise at this time as well. Grocery store clerks, pharmacists, restaurant workers, truck drivers, farmers, sanitation workers, warehouse workers, government officials, and teachers are all playing a vital role in helping us get through this difficult time. Show your gratitude whenever possible and always be kind.
