Right now, our health care workers need support. I know it’s been said before, but perhaps they need our support maybe now more than ever.

Yes, we’ve gone through a whole year and a half of the COVID-19 pandemic, but as the pandemic drags on and the number of local cases and hospitalizations rise, it’s enough to make anyone weary. It must be particularly taxing for those who work in health care.

In an effort to combat the exhaustion and demonstrate support of local health care workers, a group surrounded the exterior of Butler Memorial Hospital with a “Ring of Light” on Monday evening. Their intention to provide a bright and noticeable show of support to health care workers within.

The Butler Clergy Network organized the event, inviting people to illuminate the hospital in an effort to uplift the tired hospital staff.

People gathered once at 6:30 a.m. and again at 7:30 p.m., the beginning of some shifts and the end of many shifts. They came with posters and flashlights. They sang songs and waved at staff through the windows.

“Healthcare workers need to know we support them,” said Judy Gould, of Chicora, at the event.

She’s right. They need our support. Everyone seems under extra stress lately as COVID-19’s delta variant spreads, but hospital employees are working directly on the front line. They treat sick and dying patients, and then they get back up and do it again the next day.

So let’s not let the show of support stop here.

Also in Monday’s edition of the Butler Eagle, we covered a program that allows residents to show their support for health care workers with notes, posters, lunch, dinner or something else creative.

The Embrace a BHS Department program seeks to lift the spirits of tired workers.

To participate in the Embrace a BHS Department, email EmbraceBHS@butlerhealthsystem.org and include the following information: what will be donated, number of staff the donation will embrace, and day and time the donation will arrive.

Small acts of kindness can make a difference. Our health care workers are tired. If you can make a difference, we encourage you to reach out to the program. Provide lunch or send in cards.

We need to say thank you for those who take care of us when we are ill.

— TAL