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During the month of October, the we can say thank you to local healthcare heroes simply by turning on our porch lights.

The Light Up Friday Nights campaigned, sponsored by the Alabama Hospital Association, begins today statewide. Its goal is to say thank you in a visible way to healthcare workers who have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 response.

“Seven months later, and here we are,” said Rick Smith, CEO of Troy Regional Medical Center. “When the pandemic began, I don’t think any one of us would have thought we would still be fighting this cruel virus once the Fall rolled around. But October has begun, and our healthcare employees are still at it, caring for those with COVID, while continuing to provide healing for those with broken bones and heart attacks.”

Smith said he is “constantly amazed” by the dedication and compassion among Pike County’s healthcare workers. “The virus has brought all types of challenges, yet our staff have risen to the occasion, working long hours, taking on new tasks and quietly comforting patients experiencing an unknown disease.

“Too often, we take these men and women for granted.  And, during this unprecedented time, it’s made me wonder what our community would be like without them.  What if, back in March when this all began, our healthcare employees threw up their hands and said, ‘this is too much’? What if they had begun looking for other jobs?  The good news is that they didn’t.  In fact, the difficulties they faced only seemed to make them more determined.  They’ve remained laser focused on protecting us from COVID-19 while keeping critical services going for those who need other types of care. “

During the month of October, the hospital association wants residents statewide to honor these heroes with a Light Up Friday Nights Campaign.  “You can show your support by turning on your porch light each Friday night in October to say ‘thank you’ to our local healthcare heroes,” Smith said. “Let’s light up our community and the paths that lead our heroes home.”