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Supporting Our Compassionate Caregives, #WorldMentalHealthDay

World Mental Health Day is a perfect time for Central Floridians to honor the men and women who dedicated their lives to care for our mental and physical health throughout this pandemic. These compassionate caregivers faced the same fear and uncertainty that we all have over the past 18 months. They have done this while also taking on the responsibility of caring for the health and well-being of those around them.

These professionals have dealt with constant and often abrupt changes in their workplace, including new regulations and stricter procedures. All of them have faced unique stresses and responsibility on an unprecedented scale, many of which they could not have prepared for. They have maintained their professionalism while attending to the needs of unprecedented numbers of sick patients. This was often amidst staff shortages that resulted in many long hours. Their support to us came at the risk of their own mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.

I’d like to especially recognize First Responders and those in the healthcare industry, including professional staff and support teams. These individuals have consistently given their all for over a year and a half and are now grappling with the consequences. Despite these challenges, they have continued to serve and support us.

As many of us move toward a sense of normalcy, our compassionate caregivers are still facing and coping with pandemic-induced trauma. We must not forget those who did not forget us. We salute them today, but we should also remember their sacrifices with a commitment for each of us to now serve, thank and appreciate them in return.

At Aspire, we see firsthand how many healthcare workers continue to struggle with the trauma of the continuing pandemic. The Central Florida community must now come together to give them the credit, support and help they need to recover and heal.

If you know and love a healthcare worker or first responder, remember to give back to them some of the support they provided all of us. Acknowledging their experiences and providing a safe space to be heard can make a huge difference. They have taken care of us. It’s our turn to care of them and give them the support they need.

As a community, we have talked a lot about the bravery and heroic actions of these essential workers during this pandemic. On this World Mental Health Day, let us recognize and thank those who have been leading the way in caring for our community.