BALTIMORE — A local hospital memorializes the work of its healthcare workers during COVID-19.
Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital leaders and healthcare workers placed a time capsule and unveiled a memorial plaque and tree on the hospital's campus Thursday.
“We hope that this memorial will provide a lasting tribute to the contributions of our team, and to those in our community who were impacted by the pandemic,” said Yolanda Copeland, Sr. Vice President Patient Care Services/CNO, Ascension Saint Agnes.
The capsule includes items team members say will help tell their story of caregiving during the pandemic for future generations. Items include personal protective equipment like cloth face coverings, face shields, and materials produced by Ascension Saint Agnes staff, pictures, letters written by patients and the community, press clippings, and essential items that were once in short supply, like toilet paper, rice, and hand sanitizer.
“Ascension Saint Agnes draws inspiration from the legacy of our foundresses, the Daughters of Charity and their response to the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic,” said J. William Cook, IV, MD, FACP, Interim Chief Medical Officer, Ascension Saint Agnes, and President, Ascension Saint Agnes Medical Group. “When future generations look for strength in trying times to come, they will turn to the model of service shown by the healthcare workers of today––those on the front lines, in support services, in our practices, working from home, and our volunteers––and our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The time capsule will be opened during the 200th anniversary of Ascension Saint Agnes in 2062. The event will be held in conjunction with the Feast Day of St. Vincent de Paul on September 27.
