Friday morning was a very special one at Banner Lassen Medical Center as a nearly spontaneous outpouring of gratitude for local healthcare workers and first responders, featuring a parade of emergency vehicles, paid tribute to those who are on the front lines during this COVID-19 pandemic.
The event, organized by Susanville resident Sandra Horst, was held in the hospital’s parking lot, just outside the main entrance with members of the community, businesses and supporters waving signs and cheering on the health care professionals.
“I had to say thank you to the community of healthcare workers and first responders!” explains Horst who said that she had just been quarantined for nearly three weeks. She approached Banner Lassen CEO Sandy Dugger and hospital spokesperson Pat Monath about her idea.
“I felt that the healthcare community was weary and I wanted to boost morale.”
Horst contacted local agencies and businesses, inviting them to send representatives to the hospital to show support. The result was nearly two-dozen emergency vehicles and a parking lot full of properly, socially-distanced onlookers.
Participants included the Susanville Fire Department, Cal-Fire LMU, the Susanville Police Department, Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, SEMSA air and ground ambulances and the Susanville office of the California Highway Patrol.
Horst thanked Rustic Rancher, Chickadee Design Center, J and J Performing Arts, the Susanville Symphony Society, Bottle and Brush Art Bar, Supreme Graphics and Merry Morsels for their contributions to the event.
Click here to watch the video at YouTube.
