COVID-19
HEROES
At the height of the COVID-19 outbreak, Houston Methodist frontline workers demonstrated courage, unity, commitment and resilience in the face of adversity that made the Greater Houston community proud and inspired people everywhere. These trying times also brought out the best in the community, with an outpouring of generosity to express gratitude to the medical and support staff who — almost two years later — are still fighting to save the lives of critically ill COVID-19 patients. The Houston Methodist COVID-19 Front Line Heroes Appreciation Program raised more than $2.7 million to provide roughly 5,000 front-line staff — including nurses, respiratory therapists, health care assistants and sanitation
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Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation
workers — with a paid day off and a $100 bonus to treat their families to a “Meal on Us.” To recipients, it was more than a welcome benefit. It was a touching and morale-boosting recognition of their efforts. “It feeds my soul to be appreciated,” says Sandy Poffinbarger, a nurse on Main 8, the first COVID-19 floor. Poffinbarger was born at Houston Methodist, as were her three children, and she cannot imagine working anywhere else. “I can earn a paycheck anywhere, but I cannot make more time,” she says. “I’m glad to give my finite amount of time to this institution.” The front-line heroes worked extra shifts, adapted and innovated
to deal with rapidly changing circumstances. They put themselves on the front lines against a deadly virus and coped with the associated mental health stresses, all while never compromising Houston Methodist’s unparalleled standards of quality and safety. The generosity in honoring these historic efforts came in many forms. Gifts from more than 140 community benefactors totaled $1.7 million, thanks in part to a challenge fund established by Wendy and Ben Moreland, Mary and Ron Neal, the Jerold B. Katz Foundation, The Astros Foundation, Pat and Steve Chazen, Christine and David Underwood, and Great Southwest Paper Co. to match gifts to the COVID-19 Front Line Heroes Appreciation Program.
