High River to celebrate health-care workers with special shout-out
A special celebration for healthcare workers in High River is taking place Friday as the town tackles a large outbreak of COVID-19 at the nearby Cargill meat-packing plant and cases in long-term care facilities.
The High River District Health Care Foundation, along with the Town of High River, has declared Friday as High River Health Care Heroes Day to acknowledge the dedication of their front-line workers, including home care employees, cleaning staff, lab techs, nurses and physicians.
“We kind of need that right now,” said Dr. Adam Vyse with the Calgary Rural primary care network.
“We’re inundated in a connected world with images of hardship and struggle and a lot of anxiety, worry and fear. To know that in one little part of the world people are working really hard and ... have it under some sense of control — it’s gotta be a really positive message and boost to people.”
Currently, there are outbreaks at Seasons High River and the High River Long Term Care facilities, in addition to Alberta’s largest outbreak at the nearby Cargill meat-packing plant where more than 821 staff have tested positive.
The town reacted quickly to a sudden spike in cases earlier this month by creating a drive-thru testing facility and call centre to combat the outbreak.
And now Vyse said the numbers are showing progress in controlling the spread of COVID-19.
Jennifer Morton, Alberta Health Services site manager at the local hospital, said the pressure on health-care workers has been heavy but noted that the community has rallied to support those who need it.
“A lot of people would be running away from something like this — there’s a lot of fear — but I have not seen anyone refuse. There are people running into this battle and ready to put themselves on the front line to make sure this community is well cared for,” said Morton.
“The pride we have in this community is really amazing.”
On Friday, people are encouraged to share their appreciation for High River’s front-line workers by posting on social media with the hashtag #Hrhealthcareheroesday, posting signs at home and businesses, and making noise at 7 p.m. for what they hope to be their biggest shout-out yet.