Montco staffing firm launches ‘Our Heroes Wear Masks’ program
Honors nurses with donation to Direct Relief
PLYMOUTH MEETING » General Healthcare Resources (GHR), a Montgomery County-based healthcare staffing firm, has introduced its “Our Heroes Wear Masks” philanthropic initiative.
Announced in conjunction with Nurses Week (May 6-12), the initiative is a year-long effort to raise funds for Direct Relief, a non-profit organization focusing on securing and distributing masks, gloves and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to healthcare facilities and clinicians in need across the globe.
“I, and all of us at GHR, are humbled by the selflessness and commitment of nurses during this crisis,” Laura Magner, president of General Healthcare Resources, said in a press release. “We turn to nurses in times of need and count on them for their experience, knowledge and compassion. Imagine going through something like COVID-19 without this incredible group of people there to help. By any definition, these people are truly American Heroes.”
General Healthcare Resources recognizes nurses every year during Nurses Week, according to a company spokesman, who said the recognition typically includes thank you notes, emails, social recognition and gifts of some kind.
“This year, with all that is going on and the heroic efforts of
nurses and other clinicians, the normal routine just didn’t feel like enough, we wanted to make the celebration more meaningful and relevant,” Mike Dunagan, chief marketing officer, said in an emailed response to questions. He added that supporting Direct Relief, and its PPE distribution efforts is a way to “give back to the healthcare community in a much more impactful and personal way.” To kick-start the program, General Healthcare Resources will make its first donation to the organization on May 12, in celebration of Florence Nightingale’s birthday.
“We put thousands of nurses and other healthcare professionals to work in hospitals and health systems every day,” Cheryl Wilhelm, president of General Healthcare Resources Travel Nursing, said in the release. “Nurses Week is the perfect time for us to kickoff the ‘Our Heroes Wear Masks’ program. We hope
“We turn to nurses in times of need and count on them for their experience, knowledge and compassion. Imagine going through something like COVID-19 without this incredible group of people there to help. By any definition, these people are truly American Heroes.” — Laura Magner, president of General Healthcare Resources
that as we continue to raise funds for Direct Relief and their PPE distribution, that we also raise awareness of how critical our clinical workforce is to making the world a healthier place.”
Dunagan added this is the first time the organization has taken on a year-long philanthropic effort. Planning for how the fundraising initiative will roll out is ongoing. However, the company plans to make additional donations in honor of other healthcare recognition events, and is continuing the initiative as its common cause for support during the holidays. He added that the company is working on plans for a company employee matching program.
The program will be supported across the entire family of GHR staffing brands, according to John Quirk, CEO of General Healthcare Resources.
“All of our seven operating brands are involved in putting qualified candidates to work in healthcare and community-service based organizations. They are all heroes. This program is an opportunity to honor those we put to work, while doing our part to make a difference,” he said.
General Healthcare Resources specializes in sourcing, recruiting and placement of behavioral health, healthcare IT, travel nurse and educational personnel in healthcare and human services environments including hospitals, long-term care facilities, emergency care clinics, nursing homes and outpatient clinics.
Magner said the company has 200 internal employees and 2,200 to 2,700 employees working in those facilities on a weekly basis.
Recently, General Healthcare Resources was chosen to provide staffing needs for Temple University’s Liacouras Center, which was designated as a surge facility for Philadelphia COVID-19 patients that were recovering. It opened on April 16. Magner said the company’s placements at the center included acute care registered nurses, CNAs, medical assistants, pharmacists, pharm techs, respiratory therapists and other clinical support staff.
Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley announced April 29 that operations would be scaled back as the number of cases stabilized and due to the availability of sufficient capacity at the city’s hospitals.
For more information about General Healthcare Resources visit www. GHRHealthcare.com.