LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — It is no question that nurses and other healthcare workers deserve to be shown the deepest and sincerest appreciation for putting their lives on the line to save others. The city of Lexington has teamed up with the Apricot Ribbon Campaign, which is run by the Kentucky Nurses Association, to do just that.
“It’s the International Year of the Nurse, and what a challenging year nurses and all healthcare experts and frontline workers are having with the COVID-19 pandemic,” registered nurse Mayor Linda Gorton stated.
Through the campaign, Lexington is placing ribbons of honor near healthcare facilities downtown.
“We are thrilled to see Mayor Linda Gorton and the Lexington medical community join us in this statewide effort to recognize the tireless efforts of nurses and all frontline healthcare workers," MA, BSN, RN, chief exectutive officer, Kentucky Nurses Association Delanor Manson said. "We can’t thank them enough for their unwavering commitment to the health of Kentuckians."
Those involved in the campaign are the University of Kentucky HealthCare, Good Samaritan Hospital, the UK College of Nursing, Eastern State Hospital, The Lexington VA Health Care System, Baptist Health Lexington and CHI Saint Joseph Health.
The year 2020 was named "The Year of the Nurse" to acknowledge founder of modern nursing Florence Nightingale's 200th birthday. Although the title is suitable for this year, it was decided some time before the outbreak of COVID-19.
“I am so proud of our nurses, and all of our frontline healthcare workers,” Gorton said. “Their contribution to our community is enormous, and we thank each one for everything they are doing to fight this pandemic and safeguard our citizens.”
“As the fight against the novel coronavirus wages on, so must our strength and support for those who are sacrificing on the frontlines each day,” UK College of Nursing Dean Janie Heath said. “What may seem like a simple gesture of displaying a ribbon, can be a beacon of support for someone who sees it. Thank you to all of our Kentucky nurses along with the many people, businesses and organizations across Lexington and Kentucky who are supporting their efforts to keep us all safe and healthy.”
Wednesday, the campaign officially began at UK Hospital. UK Healthcare nurses and members of the Kentucky Nurses Association Bluegrass Chapter were accompanied by Mayor Gorton to acknowledge the first white and apricot ribbons bestowed in Lexington.
The colors of the ribbons have significance according to officials. Apricot serves as the color of nursing, and displays warmth, while white is the color of hope as well as faith, representing all healthcare workers on the frontline.
"The ribbons are an acknowledgment of the dedication of our teams to continue our mission of caring for our patients, our families and our community," chief nurse executive at UK Healthcare Gwen Moreland explained. "We, the nurses at UK HealthCare and the nurses of Kentucky, appreciate the sign of support during this crisis.”
If you would like to show your support, you may do so by hanging up or wearing your own apricot and white ribbons, as well as posting photos of the ribbons on social media using hashtags: #ThankYouNurses #TeamKentucky #TogetherKy
For more information on the KNA, or to support Kentucky Nurses, visitkentucky-nurses.org [kentucky-nurses.nursingnetwork.com].
