MT. VERNON – The halls of SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital are filled with small-town heroes. This community of committed health care professionals is recognized throughout Southern Illinois as neighbors, former students, family members, coaches, classmates, and many other roles.
Five years ago, this remarkable team came together to confront the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, stepping beyond their usual roles to tackle the enormous health care crisis head-on.
“The COVID-19 Pandemic was unlike anything we had ever dealt with before. The information surrounding this disease was ever changing. There was a moment where we realized no one was coming to help. So, we embraced each other and leaned on the community of people here within the hospital. It was an unprecedented time that created a lot of fear and anxiety- but it also inspired transformation, connection, and innovation. My staff became warriors as we prayed together and supported each other in our most vulnerable moments. This translated to our patient care approach as we prioritized meeting our patients as people first.” said Maret Visser, RN, unit nurse manager of patient rooms at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital.
Five years later, SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital reflects on the Pandemic as they celebrate a Year of Hope. This dedication is meant to inspire team members, providers, and our community to face challenges with faith and optimism.
Partnering with the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital worked to pass messages of hope to encourage patients along their healing journey. Believing that health care is more than just medicine – the health ministry organized an activity with the local chamber of commerce that allowed community members to handwrite “notes of hope” for the hospital’s patients. These notes were passed along to patients from the hands of caregivers reminding them of the power hope has to create lasting change and strength that comes from a community who cares- especially during uncertain times.
“Our patients need emotional support just as much as they need physical medicine to heal. The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce members writing “Notes of Hope” for our patients is a monument to what we learned as a community 5 years ago. It reminded our patients that there are people who care for them even outside of these walls and gave them hope. Our patients were very touched to receive those cards, many of them teared up as they read the notes. They felt the love and it made a difference,” said Maret as she expressed appreciation for the act of kindness displayed by the Mt. Vernon community.
The Year of Hope is an intentional observance that allows SSM Health to pause, reflect, and connect with its purpose while spreading good news throughout its hospitals and local communities.
“We believe in treating the whole person physically, mentally, and spiritually. We’re not just treating the symptoms. This approach to healing extends to meeting our patients where they are in life,” says Damon Harbison, President of SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital – Mt. Vernon and SSM Health St. Mary’ Hospital – Centralia, as he explained the benefits of working for a faith-based organization. “We will continue to be a pillar within the communities we serve. Being active and engaged in our communities is a high priority for SSM Health.”
Guided by their Mission – SSM Health reveals the healing presence of God through exceptional health care services. This healthcare ministry cherishes the sacredness and dignity of each person as demonstrated through their values of compassion, respect, excellence, stewardship and community.