Providing Hope and Inspiration

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Natalie Madere, a critical care clinical pharmacist working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic at Community Hospital North in Indianapolis, Indiana, was seeking ways to offer hope and inspiration during this stressful and uncertain time. She asked members of her community and pharmacy department to donate cards, letters, pictures, and words of encouragement. She was overwhelmed by the number of contributions she received and proceeded to identify ways to share them with patients and healthcare workers. A group of pharmacists helped to arrange and deliver kindness bags filled with cards and letters for caregivers on every unit throughout the hospital. She sought to reach the many patients who were recovering alone and unable to be in touch with their families. In doing so, she engaged health professional colleagues for help. Physical and occupational therapists distributed bags of donated cards, pictures, and newsletters to patients during their therapy sessions. These efforts had a powerful impact on both patients and staff. Staff members no doubt reflected on the well-needed inspiration generated by these activities and, as Natalie noted, “Our patients were beyond grateful for the words of hope!”