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 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.

“This virus is like a hurricane without the rain,” says Twila Carter, executive director and senior vice president of community relations for The Astros Foundation. “In a hurricane, everyday heroes rescue people from floodwaters. In this COVID-19 storm, the Houston Methodist team keeps people healthy and saves lives. We were glad to do our small part.” Support from within the hospital was also impressive, with Houston Methodist President and CEO Dr. Marc Boom donating the proceeds of his endowed chair position. In addition, more than 1,600 Houston Methodist physicians, scientists and staff contributed more than $1 million, including 10,000 hours of donated paid time off. Six employees donated 80 hours, or 10 vacation days each, to their colleagues on the front lines. The leadership and example of Dr. Stanley H. Appel was pivotal in rallying support among Houston Methodist physicians, who not only exempted themselves from receiving any benefits from the appreciation program but also donated generously.

“Houston Methodist is the best because we have the best team in health care,” says Dr. Appel, the Peggy and Gary Edwards Distinguished Chair in ALS Research, chair of the Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, director of the Ann Kimball and John W. Johnson Center for Cellular Therapeutics at Houston Methodist, and professor of Neurology at Weill Cornell Medical College. “As physicians, we are privileged to work alongside such talented and committed nurses and support staff. In a time of crisis, they stepped up for our patients.”