TEMPLE, Texas — While many people across Central Texas are working from home to avoid COVID-19, local doctors and nurses are on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak.
Baylor Scott and White Director of Community Benefit Tara Stafford said the constant threat of exposure is taxing on staff.
"They are tired, anxious about things to come. Just not sure what the future holds for us," Stafford said. "They are sacrificing time with their family and time with their loved ones to take care of those that are needing it."
Last week, around five local churches met with Scott and White to find out how they could help and Stafford shared that they could use some support and encouragement.
Vista Community Church Pastor Jon Stroker told 6 News Sunday that the Churches got together and accepted the challenge.
"While there was not a direct way we could get involved, they said there was an indirect way. We could find ways to encourage the medical community during this time." Stroker said. "We put our heads together and worked with other churches on a campaign to thank our healthcare heroes."
Vista Community Church is now working with Temple Bible Church, First Baptist Temple, First Baptist Belton, and Bethel Church to promote three different ways of encouraging local healthcare workers.
Vista Community Church took the lead on a yard sign campaign where local homeowners can order a sign for their front yard. The sign reads, "Thank you healthcare heroes!" and says #BellCountyHeroes right below.
Stroker said the church ordered 300 signs and nearly all have already been claimed. Now they are going to order another 200.
You can order a sign for your home or business by going to the church's website. The church will be placing the signs Wednesday.
Stroker said local churches are also asking people to get on social media and share pictures and stories with local healthcare workers while adding #BellCountyHeroes to encourage healthcare staff the community every day. Meanwhile, Temple Bible Church reached out to Lamar Advertising to display messages thanking the medical community on the company's digital billboards.
"I know that they have long days and have an incredibly difficult job," Lamar Advertising VP Mat Naegele said. "We just want to encourage them and their families. Encourage the community to stop and say a prayer for them, or call them or text them and tell them to hang in there."
Naegele said he would display the messages on five digital signs in the Temple area and many more in Waco and Killeen.
Stafford told 6 News Monday that the wave of support will make a big difference to the doctors, nurses, and support staff that still work on the front lines every day.
"I know our staff will appreciate seeing the support that the community is giving. We are all in this together," Stafford said. "Hearing from friends and neighbors and community members that they appreciate the hard work being done really will lift spirits"
Local businesses that want to help with the signage campaign can contact Vista Community Church at Jon@thevista.tv.
People who wish to donate masks or other needed supplies to Baylor Scott and White can do so here.
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