On March 13, 2020, the COVID-19 global pandemic was declared a national emergency in the U.S. Since then, life as we knew it has dramatically changed, and hundreds of thousands of lives have been lost across the U.S.
During this time of change and loss, however, there has also been healing and hope. From testing and treatment to vaccines and more, the medical community has made tremendous leaps forward, and our OSF HealthCare Mission Partners (employees) have been there every step of the way.
On Saturday, March 13, the one-year anniversary of the national emergency declaration, the exterior of OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa, OSF Saint Paul Medical Center in Mendota, and the OSF Center for Health-Streator be washed in pink lights. Pink is the color that signifies thanks, appreciation and gratitude.
The lights are a way to give thanks to our Mission Partners for bravely serving with the greatest care and love over the last year of the pandemic.
OSF Saint Elizabeth, OSF Saint Paul and the Center for Health are part of the many OSF HealthCare facilities across the state of Illinois and in Escanaba, Michigan taking part in lighting up the night to say thank you to our Mission Partners across the OSF HealthCare Ministry. The lights will remain up for a week.