Mickey Starling
reporter3@greenepublishing.com
In a time when many hospitals are struggling to keep up with the demands placed on them during the current health crisis, a little love goes a long way to ease the stress and tension that medical professionals are feeling on a daily basis. The staff at Madison County Memorial Hospital (MCMH) has certainly been feeling that love as doctors, schools and local businesses have showered them with lunches and needed supplies to let them know that their community appreciates what they are doing to keep Madison County residents safe and well.
Throughout the last several weeks, lunch has been easy to come by for hospital employees. McDonald's has provided lunch on one occasion. Anchor Faith Church, in Valdosta, provided breakfast for staff, along with several encouraging prayers. Bobbie Jo Middleton and Kindred at Home supplied pizza for lunch one day. Pizza returned to the menu again as Brad and Jennifer Johnson delivered lunch from Cucinella's Brick Oven Pizzeria on another occasion. Dr. Blaine Payne D.O. added to the support of local businesses by providing lunch from Norris Cafe.
Members of MCMH staff jumped in on blessing the employees as well. Dr. Jerry Padrta manned the grill and Gerry Roberts and the dietary staff gave hospital employees a delicious lunch featuring grilled hamburgers. Roberts and the dietary staff were back a few days later, serving boston butt with plenty of fixings.
Needed masks were donated by Michelle Wheeler and Angela Bussey who are part of a group of local women, busy sewing and delivering masks throughout the community. Browning and Sons donated small bottles of hand sanitizer to help keep the staff safe. North Florida College donated vital personal protection equipment which could easily become short of needed supplies if things were to worsen in the area.
The staff at MCMH is grateful for the outpouring of love and support they continue to receive from throughout the community. They would also like to encourage everyone to support the Red Ribbon Mission by posting large red ribbons above the entrance to your home or business. The ribbons are a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness to deliver His people from the current plaque that has covered the earth. Just as God protected the Israelites who put lamb's blood over their doorpost during the plaques of Egypt, He will be faithful to us as well. Thomas Dixon, Resident Chaplain for MCMH, has done a great job covering all the entrances of the hospital with the bright red ribbons that remind everyone to trust God through this pandemic.