Union members show support with donations nearing $100,000
If only they had time to take a day to celebrate.
For National Nurses Week, it’s important for the rest of the population to recognize the hospital and visiting nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 and other illnesses. It’s a time to thank school nurses working at testing sites, in hospitals, or making sure that students are being cared for even though school buildings are not open.
It’s a time to thank nurses who have traveled from other states to help out in New York City. It is time to thank nurses who are working in field hospitals, in parks, in convention centers, and on board ships — all to treat patients with the coronavirus.
With New York being the state hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, hospital nurses have been especially pressed. They work long, intensive shifts caring for sick and dying patients who are unable to be with their families. And they’ve been fighting for access to enough supplies and personal protective equipment to safeguard themselves and their patients.
National Nurses Week is held annually May 6–12. Let nurses know you are thinking about them and are grateful for their selfless dedication. Donate to the NYSUT Disaster Relief Fund. All proceeds go directly toward providing PPE, food and other supplies for health care workers. Visit nysut.org/healthcareheroes to share your message of support.
Visiting nurses are also on the front lines, caring for COVID-19 patients once they are released from hospitals, but still need after-care at home.
NYSUT members continue to show their care and appreciation for these health care professionals by giving to the NYSUT Disaster Relief Fund, which is using donations to purchase much-needed PPE for doctors, nurses and other medical professionals. To date, the fund has received more than $96,000. NYSUT has donated nearly 200,000 masks to nurses and hospital workers across the state.