One year ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, a moment that would change all of our lives. As we look back, it is difficult to measure the profound impact that COVID-19 has had on our daily lives – how we work, care for our patients, teach our children, and stay connected to friends and family.

It is a significant moment for all of us. The pandemic has touched every aspect of society and every demographic – from young families, business owners, and those living in shelters, to our elderly population separated from loved ones and living in long-term care homes or other congregate settings. The sacrifice and loss has been profound and devastating for many in our community and beyond.

COVID-19 also challenged and changed the way our healthcare system operates – breaking down barriers to take collective action. Over the past year, our staff and physicians, volunteers, and learners have adapted at an unprecedented pace to a rapidly changing environment. Each day brought new challenges, and together, new learnings and creative solutions developed that helped us to better respond to the pandemic and ensure that our patients received the best possible care. Our JBH teams rose to every challenge, from those providing direct patient care, to those working behind the scenes to ensure that JBH could continue to provide safe and quality care.

Over the past year, we have learned that heroism lies in how we respond to the daily struggles that we encounter. Our staff, physicians, volunteers and learners responded with an unrelenting determination to perform their best, pushing aside any thought of themselves to focus on the wellbeing of others. Your contributions in responding to this Pandemic have been nothing short of outstanding and we are very proud of each and every member of the JBH team.

This also holds true for our community, which has shown us overwhelming support. They Joined the J, through generous donations large or small, by placing “We Love Our Hospital” signs on lawns, enthusiastically participating in Friday porch claps, and local businesses offering discounts to say thanks to our healthcare workers, our community has truly shown their unwavering commitment to our hospital during these difficult times. We are grateful for that support and are stronger when we stand together.

We know that COVID-19 will continue to be a part of our lives, and that there may be difficult days ahead. But we have learned a great deal about ourselves and each other, and what we can accomplish when we work together to provide care to everyone who needs it in the moments when it matters most.

Sincerely,