In today’s uncertain times, it’s more important than ever to give back to the essential workers who are giving their all on the front line. Facing long days and stressful situations, our nation’s healthcare professionals are working relentlessly to provide the care we need in this unprecedented situation. If you’re looking for ways to help make their life a little bit easier, here are some ways you can help.
Drop Off Essential Home Supplies
With many grocery stores operating under reduced hours, it can be hard for healthcare workers to get to the store when it’s open. What’s even more frustrating is that crucial items like toilet paper and disinfectant wipes might be gone from the shelf by the time they do get a chance to shop. Make it a priority to support them by grabbing these items and delivering them to local hospitals. Once they know they have what they need for their family, our nurses and doctors will be much less stressed about being away from home for long hours.
Have a Meal Delivered
With little time to take a break and make a healthy meal, our essential workers are struggling to eat right and take care of themselves. Go above and beyond and order them something more nutritious than pizza! Both DoorDash and GrubHub are offering free delivery on your first order, and they’ve reduced or done away with their commission fees for many local restaurants. Better yet, organize a “Lunch for Clinicians” campaign like many cities are doing. This solution is a win-win for small restaurants and healthcare workers alike.
Donate New Scrubs
After an exhausting shift, the last thing many medical professionals want to do at the end of the day is a load of laundry. However, they also don’t want to track any germs into their home, and they may only have a few pairs of scrubs at their disposal. Purchasing new scrubs for our hospital workers will allow them to go a little longer between loads and give them a much-needed break from chores. See if your hospital has any regulations about the type of scrubs or colors they need, and drop off a vital donation.
Start a Babysitting Co-op
Many cities are jumping on the babysitting bandwagon and offering childcare to workers who might be away from home due to longer shifts or self-imposed isolation. With schools and many daycares closed, they are lacking the resources they need to care for their families. Places like Philadelphia and St. Louis have created a co-op to connect college students with healthcare professionals who need child care. On a small scale, you can offer your own services, but by organizing a large movement like the one in Pittsburgh, you’ll be able to help many workers all at once.
Give Financial Support
GoFundMe has launched a page that lists all of the fundraisers that directly support our frontline workers. Many campaigns raise money to help purchase crucial protective items like gowns and masks, while others rack up donations to feed hungry staff members. There are many innovative organizers who are using their expertise to manufacture items like face shields and hand sanitizer, and each one is going to a great cause. Peruse the list of campaigns until you find one that speaks to you, and give what you can. Even small donations can help make a difference.
Offer to Take Care of Their Pets
No one likes being away from their beloved pets, but it can be especially hard on healthcare workers to know their animals are at home all alone for long stretches of time. Volunteer to be a dog walker who looks in on their animals a few times a day. Chances are, they’ll still want Fido at home to snuggle with during their limited off-hours, but knowing their pets are being fed, watered, and walked regularly will give them a lot of peace of mind while they’re at work.
There are so many ways to help out our medical professionals during this trying time. However, the biggest way you can give back is to stay home and prevent the spread of the virus. Do your part to flatten the curve so that our nurses and doctors can stay safe and healthy.
0
0