During the month of October, Gov. Kay Ivey has urged citizens to leave their porch lights on every Friday night in order to show support for healthcare workers.
Ivey released a proclamation on Thursday, Oct. 9 that encouraged businesses and residents of Alabama to show their solidarity towards healthcare workers who are still working during this time in the fight against COVID-19.
“These men and women have been battling this pandemic for seven months and have not let up,” Ivey said in the press release. “They continue to go to work each day to try to alleviate the suffering from the virus, save lives and prevent further spread.”
In the proclamation, which titles the campaign “Light Up Friday Nights,” Ivey discussed the tireless efforts of those in the medical field.
“Many of these essential workers have gone without vacation,” Ivey said. “They have worked long hours and have sacrificed time with their families to ensure the safety of their patients and the health of the community, and we are all grateful for their dedication and compassion throughout these difficult times.”
Many other departments have announced their participation in this campaign, including East Alabama Medical Center. John Atkinson, public relations and marketing director at EAMC, talked about why it is so important to continue showing healthcare workers support at this time.
“Our community was fantastic to our employees and doctors during the most frightening days of the pandemic in March and April,” Atkinson said. “They provided meals, donated supplies, left hand-painted bricks and stones near our entrances, participated in ‘park and pray’ events on the top of our parking deck and much more.”
According to Atkinson, the hospital was blown away by the generosity, concern and appreciation from the community.
Atkinson recognized that while it may seem like we have returned to a form of normalcy, the hospital is still doing what they can to help those who are battling the pandemic.
“Outside of the four walls of the hospital, life has somewhat returned to normal now,” Atkinson said. “It’s better inside the hospital, too. However, our employees and doctors are still caring for close to 40 patients with COVID. Some of the patients are really sick, and deaths still occur from time to time.”
Because of this, Atkinson talked about why it is so important that residents do what they can to maintain their support.
“That’s why the Alabama Hospital Association is doing these Light-Up Friday Nights in October is appreciated,” Atkinson said. “They know that hospitals still have a long road ahead before we conquer COVID, and they are looking to boost the morale of hospital employees and physicians.”
Atkinson expressed his appreciation and support of the campaign and hopes that people in the community will participate and take time to show hospital workers — especially those on the front lines — how much their service is appreciated.
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My Ly, junior in journalism, is the community editor of The Auburn Plainsman.
