“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” — Dalai Lama
During the holiday season, we look forward to annual traditions and time spent with loved ones. While many of us gather around our tables this season, we are all aware of individuals who sacrifice this special time with cherished company to keep the places of healing in our communities open.
Hospitals don’t close for the holidays. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Emergencies don’t check the calendar, and neither do the people who dedicate their lives to responding to them.
Every hospital in Michigan can provide round-the-clock service because of the remarkable network of professionals working there. There are teams of highly skilled clinicians ready at the bedside, but there is also a deep bench of essential staff working diligently behind the scenes. Nurses, physicians, medical assistants and countless other care providers are able to deliver comfort and support when it matters most thanks to the help of many colleagues whose work often goes unseen.
There are environmental services teams who ensure every room is safe and clean, maintenance workers who manage essential systems for heat, power and water, food service workers making meals for staff and patients, and lab technicians providing fast, accurate, results. Our hospitals employ accountants, attorneys, communications and IT professionals, and so many more.
And these individuals aren’t strangers. They are our neighbors, our friends and our family members. They are the people we see at the grocery store, at school events or in line for our morning coffee.
Their commitment means that when a baby spikes a fever or a parent slips on ice, help is always there. Their presence brings reassurance to every family in our community: no matter the hour or the day, hospitals stand ready.
To all those working this holiday season, thank you. You are there when we need you most, and our communities are stronger because of you.
As always, I welcome your thoughts.
