AdventHealth locations across the country offer moments of reflection on the past year of the pandemic.
About a year into the pandemic, COVID-19 has contributed to more than a half million deaths across the country with more than 30 million Americans testing positive for the coronavirus since January 2020.
In tribute to the lives lost and the survivors who have battled the coronavirus, AdventHealth locations across the country are holding moments of silence, hosting memorials, illuminating buildings and planting flags of honor and hope. Enduring through incredibly challenging times, team members at AdventHealth also honor each other and the sacrifices made to care for their communities through the incredibly difficult waves and impacts of the pandemic.
“On any given day, our team members see both heartbreak and healing among the people they care for. Both of these emotions are felt strongly as we remember those who have suffered from COVID-19, recognize those who have cared for our communities through the pandemic and look to the hope that shines for a better tomorrow,” said Brent Box, MD, chief medical officer for AdventHealth. “We urge people to stay vigilant and protect themselves and others. There is light at the end of the tunnel, but it can quickly go dim if we let our guard down.”
Hope Shines On
AdventHealth locations across Florida were illuminated in blue, honoring the lives lost and those impacted by the pandemic with the Hope Shines On campaign. This campaign of remembrance invited the community to participate by joining in the illumination of city landmarks, holding moments of silence throughout the week and sharing inspirational reflections on social media using #HopeShinesOn.
A Garden of Healing
AdventHealth Shawnee Mission joined in the message of Hope Shines On in the Kansas City area with the word “HOPE” lit in blue on their hospital tower. Flags were also arranged in the hospital’s healing garden commemorating health care workers and the lives lost to the virus. A memorial service was held, with a COVID-19 survivor delivering remarks.
A Sea of Flags
Texas Health Huguley Hospital, a joint venture of AdventHealth and Texas Health Resources, had their first COVID-19 patient on March 23, 2020. In observance of one year since then, team members spent the week placing colored flags at the entrance of the hospital. White flags were dedicated to the lives tragically taken by COVID-19, blue flags for those who are healing from the impact of the past year and green flags for hope that brighter days are ahead.
