Bang some pots again in honor of Wichita health care workers | Commentary

In the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, people throughout the world participated in nightly celebrations of health care workers. Standing on their front steps, porches and balconies, they clapped, cheered and banged pots and pans. They hailed health care workers as heroes for putting their own health at risk to care for others.

As the months passed, it was not surprising that the celebrations faded. Unfortunately, however, the exhausting work continued for health care workers. After a difficult winter, the delta variant led to another surge of patients, including children. For the past three months, the numbers of COVID-19 patients at Ascension Via Christi and Wesley Medical Center have been at critical levels.

This strain, made worse by staffing shortages, has been difficult to bear for health care workers both here and nationally. A recent survey of nurses in California found that nearly 13 percent left their jobs because of “moral distress” suffered during the pandemic, and 15 percent reported having suicidal thoughts in the prior month.

What can we do to support those who have sacrificed so much to care for our community? The best thing is to get vaccinated — both for COVID-19 and for the flu. More than anything else, that will help reduce the number of patients in hospitals and intensive care units, relieving some of the burden from overworked staff. It’s also important to follow protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on masks, social distancing and quarantines.

But don’t discount the simple act of telling health care workers that you appreciate them. It makes a big difference in lifting spirits.

If you know a nurse, physician or other health care worker, take time to thank them for all they are doing. This includes those who don’t work in the hospitals, such as school nurses, home health or nursing home aides, and first responders. Many of them also care for COVID patients or have faced increased pressures from the pandemic.

I was heartened to hear about the recent service celebrating health care workers at the Chapel of the Sorrowful Mother, located on the Ascension Via Christi St. Francis campus. The annual service was especially meaningful this year given all that these workers have endured. Other houses of worship might plan similar recognitions.

Groups – businesses, civic clubs, Sunday school classes, etc. – might consider providing a meal to those who work in the COVID units at Via Christi and Wesley (about 150 total each day). The Medical Society of Sedgwick County did this recently and included a note of appreciation.

There also could be other ways to share appreciation, including thank-you cards, social media posts, donating blood or paying for the coffee of someone in scrubs at Starbucks.

Most everyone enters the health profession to serve others. They consider it a calling and high honor to help those in need. But sometimes the caregivers could also use some care and support.