Recently, the Board of Supervisors recognized the healthcare workers in the area on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic as the Jack Dalton Community Service Award recipient, the highest and most prestigious award presented by the Board.
Henry County Supervisors and staff joined representatives of Sovah-Martinsville to visit many of the area healthcare facilities on the frontline to recognize them and say thank you for their heroic and selfless dedication during the pandemic.
“Healthcare workers have done so much for our community during the pandemic,” said Jim Adams, chairman of board. “Words will never be enough to express our gratitude to them for their bravery and commitment.”
Tory Shepherd, Interim CEO of SOVAH-Martinsville, also recognizes the importance of saying thanks to the many healthcare workers in the community.
“I am so proud of the tremendous work and unwavering efforts of the dedicated staff at the hospital,” said Shepherd. “I also know that we couldn’t do it without the help of our community partners. I am thankful for everyone that works in healthcare, and especially those that took on the many challenges presented by the pandemic.”
Working in healthcare brings the inherent risks associated with infectious diseases, but the novel coronavirus exacerbated the risks. Healthcare providers often worked with limited personal protective equipment, provided treatment based on little research, and increased their families’ exposure risk.
“The service of frontline workers is extremely inspiring,” said Deputy County Administrator Dale Wagoner. “The extraordinary efforts do not go unnoticed. We see you and appreciate you.”
Over 5,000 healthcare workers in Henry County and Martinsville work in direct contact with their patients.
