Ways to support health care workers at the holidays amid COVID-19

For doctors, social media posts are an outlet, sometimes a call to action. But, for the community at large, they also are windows into the lives and thoughts of those dealing daily with the virus in an up close and personal way.

Health care workers have been the heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic.

From nurses to doctors and everyone in between, they’ve worked much longer hours to ensure the health and wellness of the community. Now, with the holiday season here, it’s time for the public to do their part to assist health care heroes.

Henry Ford Health System and Georgetown University’s School of Nursing & Health Studies have some tips on how you can lend your support to health care workers.

Express gratitude

Giving thanks can go a long way. In a season of giving, share your appreciation for a health care worker in your community.

“Simply telling a healthcare worker how much they are appreciated is sure to brighten their day. It can be as simple as sending a text or mailing a card,” Henry Ford Health System’s blog said.

Make a donation — or several!

There are many places you can give donations to aid health care workers. Georgetown University has a list of several organizations:

  • CDC Foundation Coronavirus Emergency Fund: A crowdfunding effort established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s meant to support emergency response needs locally and abroad. They included equitable vaccine administration, staffing and oxygen and surge support.
  • Project HOPE: The international health care organization’s COVID-19 response has involved providing personal protective equipment, medical equipment, hygiene and sanitation supplies to health care workers. It has also trained health care workers. You can help by donating, spreading the word and fundraising.
  • COVID-19 Frontline Health Worker Fund: IntraHealth created the COVID-19 Frontline Health Worker Fund to provide health care professionals with what they need to fight the pandemic and provide communities with essential services.