Salinas Valley Health Honors Healthcare Workers

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843

Traditionally, the campus at Salinas Valley Health has a celebratory atmosphere during the month of May. The pandemic however, has altered regular festivities planned to mark National Nurses Week (May 6-12) and National Hospital Week (May 10-16). This year, the message of appreciation is as big as a building - literally.

Like many planned events this year, National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week will not take place in the same way. In lieu of group gatherings, the Hospital Administration and Board of Directors have made their message loud and clear. Dozens of signs, posters and one very large banner can be found throughout the Hospital and Salinas Valley Health Clinics locations. The message: “Our Heroes. Thank You Healthcare Workers. These times are extraordinary. Fortunately, so are you.” Anyone passing by the hospital on East Romie Lane in Salinas can see the 15X20 foot banner hanging on the parking structure.

In past years, Salinas Valley Health has featured a theme filled week of activities including cake delivered to the units, massages, campus-wide BBQ, inspiring guest speakers, live music and the much anticipated Nurse of the Year, Doctor of the Year and Employee of the Year ceremony. This year, the honor goes to all of our healthcare heroes.

In addition to their dedicated efforts on the frontlines, staff members at Salinas Valley Health are also giving back to the community. As part of an innovative plan to avoid layoffs and reduced work shifts, Salinas Valley Health employees are able to participate in the Community and Staff Support Project. The program offers employees facing reduced hours due to the pandemic, another way to earn their regular pay by helping fight COVID 19 through approved community organizations and in other hospital roles focused on community support. Thus far, 93 participants have logged 2,288 hours serving in the Salinas Valley Health Community and Staff Support project.

People wanting to see what it took to erect the Healthcare Heroes banner can watch a video here.