Dignity Health commemorates ongoing COVID-19 pandemic with special observances

Hospitals honor health care workers 1 year after start of pandemic

Dignity Health hospitals in Arizona are lit up in blue, as officials honor health care workers who have worked hard during the pandemic, as well as lives lost due to COVID-19.

PHOENIX - March 11 is the one-year mark for the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the day when the World Health Organization declared the virus a pandemic, and a declaration of an emergency outbreak was made in Arizona.

"The last year has been a bit of a blur," said Dr. Janice Johnston, Chief Medical Officer for Redirect Health.

For frontline workers, it may also feel like an eternity.

"I think all of us have gone through periods where we’re just physically exhausted," said Johnston. "People had a lot of questions and they didn’t understand what to do, so it was exhausting. Dealing with people that lost a family member or having a long-time patient pass. We had several staff members where their parents passed away. It takes a real emotional toll."

What Johnston knew was this was what she was meant to do.

"I truly felt this was our time to step up and do the job that you signed up for, and that was what we’re meant to do. We truly wanted to help people," said Johnston.

To commemorate everything that the people have been through during the ongoing pandemic, special observances were held by Valley hospitals.

At Dignity Health, the hospital is lit up in blue, and that is just one thing they are doing though to honor health care workers and the lives lost during the ongoing pandemic.

"This is really about taking a moment to honor our staff, to remember each other and colleagues we lost, as well as members of the community we have lost," said Dignity Health Arizona President Linda Hunt.

To say thank you and honor the lives lost, Dignity Health hospitals in Arizona held special events, including one where health care workers made a wish, and tied it to a tree. They are also holding moments of silence, handing out prayer cards, and lighting candles, all in an effort to honor what has been done, and what still lies ahead.

"Everyone would like for this to be over," said Hunt. "Everyone. The caregivers, the community, and we know it is not over. It is a matter or saying thank you, keep doing a great job."

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