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November 18, 2021As the pandemic continued to put a strain on hospitals, the morale of medical professionals began to wither.
“When it first happened, everybody was on board and the health care workers were the heroes, and EMS were the heroes. People brought food and they brought supplies and they made clackers and signs. There was a lot of support. But, as the pandemic dragged on, there wasn't as much support. People got fatigued with it,” said Mary Pinzon, a former nurse at Integris Southwest Medical Center, who also taught stroke education in her community.
“There is a spiritual attack going on right now, and there is a lot we can do.”
When Pinzon visited with her friends in the medical field, they shared their stories of having a low morale affecting them and COVID-19 patients.
She asked her medial friends about bringing pictures to staff to help. Pinzon had done something similar in the past to help boost morale at nursing homes.
“Around Thanksgiving, I found some of the kids at Christ the King in Oklahoma City, and asked if some of them would be willing to color pictures that I could take to the nursing homes. It was for the staff as well as the clients and the residents, and they were over the moon,” she said.
Using that same concept, she asked the students if they were willing to do that again. She named the project the Good News Chronicles. She said she found the coloring pages on Pinterest and other websites.
Students at Saint James Catholic School in Oklahoma City joined in, coloring pages for medical staff and first responders to help cheer them up.
“The school took it on as a project, and every teacher in every class decided to do something different. Some of the cards went to only Integris Southwest Medical Center because many of the parents work there. I made copies and shared them with all seven hospitals in the metro.”
Some of the students dressed as doctors and nurses and teachers took photos for Pinzon to share with hospital staff. Some students added prayers and poetry to the color pages.
“They caused a few moist eyes, and you saw the kids understand clearly what's going on, and one of the students put on their photo ‘I'm sorry you have to see people die,’” she said.
A public charter school in Oklahoma City also had their art students make different kinds of pictures and creations to give.
Pinzon said she envisions The Good News Chronicles spreading around the state. She called on others to support the medical staff at hospitals, law enforcement, firefighters and EMS.
“I want to encourage people to reach out to share something good. There's so much good out there, so if you see something good, share it. It’s easier when it’s not faced alone.”
Jolene Schonchin is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
