LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — The University of Kentucky College of Nursing and Agriculture, Food and Environment have launched a letter writing campaign to show support to healthcare workers on the frontlines of COVID-19.
The campaign has been titled "Heart-2-Heart."
“Day-in and day-out, health care workers risk their own lives to provide care to patients fighting COVID-19. The weight of that risk combined with witnessing constant suffering is enough to take a toll even on the strongest among us,” Camille Burnett, professor at UK College of Nursing and founder of Heart-2-Heart. “The Heart-2-Heart campaign is a way for us to compassionately say, we see you and are with you. It is a simple act of kindness to help replenish and give strength to our healthcare workers by turning the tables and offering them care through messages of gratitude and hope.”
“4-H members in Kentucky are staying healthy at home but are looking for ways to support friends, family, and their communities,” said Mark Mains, assistant director for 4-H Youth Development. “This partnership allows our youth to have an active way to support the front-line health care workers by providing valuable moral support and encouragement. 4-H members are connected to medical professionals and both are able to benefit.”
Both colleges have called upon their networks to write letters, make cards and draw pictures to offer support for healthcare workers. Members of the public are also invited to participate.
Guidelines include:
- First names and last initial only
- No last names and no addresses
- Can identify your occupation or other qualifier (i.e. UK nursing student, 5th grade student, teacher, UK employee, small business owner)
- Can identify your county and state
Beginning Friday, April 24 letters can be dropped off at designated boxes outside Lexington locations.
- Fayette County Extension Office, 1140 Harry Sykes Way
- Meadowthorpe Elementary, 710 N Forbes Rd.
- Sandersville Elementary, 3025 Sandersville Rd.
- Athens-Chilesburg Elementary, 930 Jouett Creek Rd.
- Tates Creek Middle School, 1105 Centre Pkwy
- James Lane Allen Elementary, 1901 Appomattox Rd
- Southern Elementary, 340 Wilson Downing Rd. (behind the building by the NTI packet drop off)
Letters will be picked up from all locations each Friday, then mailed out to hospitals throughout Kentucky, and across the U.S.
“The College of Nursing is proud to partner with the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment for a heartfelt project that we hope will have a meaningful impact on the lives of health care workers,” said Burnett. “By partnering with CAFE, we’re able to tap-in to an enormous outreach network that is willing and ready to offer support to those fighting COVID-19 on the frontl ines.”
Officials say the campaign will continue for as long as support is needed for healthcare workers.
