In a tribute to healthcare workers during Nurses’ week, representatives of the county’s first responder agencies held a parade for several healthcare facilities. On May 4, 2020, they visited the Hernando County Health Department.
Vehicles piloted by members of Hernando County Fire / Rescue, Sheriff’s Office, MedFleet, and the Emergency Operations Center toured the parking lot of the Health Department office on Forest Oaks Boulevard, entertaining the approximately 70 staff members with chirps and wails from their sirens.
On the forefront of this Nurses’ Week is the global pandemic that has changed the lives of healthcare workers, and the way they practice their profession.
Director of Nursing Ginni Crandall said of the current healthcare climate, “This is what we prepare for. This is what we do. We’re just doing it at 150 miles an hour.”
Crandall spoke of changes in the day-to-day life at the health department, which is described in a separate article: Lockdown in Long-Term Care (https://www.hernandosun.com/article/lockdown-long-term-care).
“This team has such a can-do attitude. Whether it’s Hepatitis A or Ebola or a shelter for a hurricane, they just step up and they do what they’re asked to do. We’re very blessed that way.”
HCFR Division Chief Alex Lopez works closely with the Health Department, and commented on the staff’s dedication and commitment to the community. “We’ve always worked together, but I don’t think we’ve ever worked together to this scale. It’s unfortunate, but it just proves how well and how much we can come together to take care of one another. So it was an honor to be able to do this and show our appreciation to them for everything they’ve done.”
Correction 5/26/2020: Nursing Director’s name was corrected to Ginni Crandall.
