Exhibit in Miner Atrium a Timely Reminder that ‘UR Loved’
Community gratitude comes to life in “UR Loved,” a collaborative effort showcasing appreciation for all of our health care heroes throughout the pandemic.
“Health care workers need public support and encouragement now more than ever, after experiencing physical and emotional exhaustion during this prolonged pandemic,” reads a plaque centering the exhibit located in Strong Memorial Hospital's Miner Library atrium, which features cards, letters, photos and other expressions of thanks collected in response to our recent invitation for the public to send in signs of support and encouragement for health care workers.
The response was quick. More than 3,500 individual messages of appreciation flooded in from across New York and several other states as far afield as Minnesota and Florida. The majority were distributed directly to departments and units whose staff work most directly with the public and who keep our operations moving forward each and every day.
In early October, the Miner Library team came up with the idea to use the atrium’s 22 display cases to post the messages. They partnered with the Office of Patient Experience and ICARE Commitment, and Friends of Strong Memorial Hospital to make this vision a reality.
“We have completely filled our exhibit space with the cards and posters. It looks so great and it’s been wonderful to see people taking time to look and read through all of these moving messages,” says Darcey Rodriguez, MLIS, engagement and outreach librarian at the Institute for Innovative Education’s Miner Libraries. “I hope everyone gets a chance to take a few minutes to stop by and absorb the magnitude of support we’ve received from our community.”
Jackie Beckerman, chief Patient Experience officer and senior director of the ICARE Commitment, said it’s crucial to show signs of support however simple they may be. “We have seen time and again that a simple thank you, whether it’s a handwritten note from a stranger or a kind word from a colleague, can make all the difference. You never know what people are struggling with, and simply acknowledging that they are seen and appreciated can help ease the burden they’re carrying.”
This sentiment was echoed by Miner Library Director, Jennifer Raynor, who was happy to see the exhibit come together. “With submissions from all over, we wanted to make sure there was a central place where everyone could experience the collective love and support of the community. This vision was a team effort, and we are thrilled that it came together so beautifully, thanks to the hard work of everyone who made it possible.”
Friends of Strong continues receiving hundreds of cards and letters in the mail. Having the chance to share them in a central location has been wonderful, said Sandy Arbasak, director of Friends of Strong. “It’s been a long road for our health care workers and this exhibit is a simple way to remind them that there are many people – of all ages and professions – behind them, cheering them on when they need it most.”
Matt Ulakovic | 11/24/2021
