Riverview Health Foundation recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic is a difficult time for health care employees. So, Operation Cheer took was created.
The hospital’s senior executive group wanted to let employees know how much they are appreciated.
“COVID numbers have been increasing throughout central Indiana and the United States, and we have more and more patients we are treating, so our staff levels are increasing,” Riverview Health Foundation Executive Director Megan Wiles said. “What can we do to recognize or give little pats on the back for our employees to let them know how much we appreciate everything?”
The foundation began recognizing Riverview employees the week of Thanksgiving, and Wiles said the plan is to continue the effort at least through New Year’s Day.
“We took baskets and tubs of candy and snacks to all the different departments with a sign about how much we appreciate their help and support,” Wiles said. “On Dec. 1, we launched 12 Days of Health Care Heroes, which is something the foundation has sponsored. We randomly select two staff members in the morning shift and two in the evening shift, and they can select between different prizes available.”
During another time, Dilly bars were distributed to all staff members, and other snacks have been delivered.
“So many businesses and restaurants were so kind in the early stages of COVID and donated meals to hospital staff, so we are reaching out to those to ask for another donation because stress levels are so high right now,” Wiles said.
The foundation is helping by paying for the items to give to employees.
“The idea is really just a pick me-up and how can we help keep our staff going,” Wiles said. “It’s stressful here at work and stressful at home because of what everybody’s dealing with.”
