Tucson Team,
I know many of you are feeling the weight of our new environment as we navigate the early stages of COVID19. It is a loud reminder of the responsibility we have to our patients and to our community. It is also a beautiful reminder of how people come together during a time of need. Last week, many of our local businesses- unsure if they will open their doors again, showed up on our campuses with food, coffee, PPE, and signs of encouragement for our teams who are here every single day. We are fielding calls at all hours from community members wanting to help by sewing masks, donating money and personal medical devices to help us battle this virus. Staff are here all night, making sure their teams are comfortable and informed before going home to sleep. This is why we do what we do. We show up each day, not knowing exactly what’s coming but confident we are all working towards the same goal.
We are facing what will likely be a marathon and not a sprint. We are social distancing at home and work at a time when personal and emotional connection may be needed more than ever. Soon you will get tired. Emotional and physical fatigue will set in, if it hasn’t already. And I want you to know you have support as we do what is at the core of our work; caring for others. This is not only a test of endurance, but a test of heart. And I know for certain that the only way through this is by leaning on one another. My ask is that you take some time in the coming days to find a buddy in our organization, it could be someone you know or someone you don’t. If you need help finding a buddy, just ask your supervisor and we will find someone for you. The most important outcome is to know you have someone who understands the nature of what we are going through. Someone you can vent to, share a funny story with or ask for advice when things feel uncertain. Whatever opens the line of communication and helps build the foundation of togetherness.
My team has already paired up and I hope you will too.
Sarah Frost, CEO of Banner-University Medical Center Tucson and South and Josh Lee, MD, Physician Executive are Red and Blue buddies. Once you find your buddy, feel free to post a picture and tag #BannerBuddy.
I am truly grateful and in awe of all that we have accomplished in just over one week. Thank you.
Chad Whelan, MD
Chief Executive Officer
Banner–University Medicine Division
March 27, 2020