The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the way Wayne UNC Health Care delivers care, challenging teammates to open their hearts to those who are struggling and find new ways for patients to connect with their caregivers and loved ones.

Wayne UNC will host a COVID-19 Memorial Service 4:30 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 12, bringing teammates together to recognize how the pandemic has touched them and the community. Since the first cases of COVID reached Wayne and surrounding counties, through the end of October, Wayne UNC has cared for over 600 patients, including an estimated 637 survivors and 64 who, tragically, succumbed to the virus.

The team will acknowledge how the shared experience has affected them as they have served on the frontlines of COVID-19 – from memorable patient interactions and remarks from frontline teammates to live performances and words of healing.

“The pandemic has brought to the forefront of our minds the importance of the commitment we make to our patients and families every day,” said Wayne UNC Chief Nursing Officer Donna Wimberly. “This service is a critical milestone for our team as we recognize this virus will likely remain part of our daily lives for many more months to come.”

The team will also discuss lessons learned about transmission and how the community can continue to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Wayne UNC will recognize COVID-19 survivors with white ribbons and memorialize patients who passed with red ribbons on six magnolia trees at the front entrance on the campus. Additionally the trees will be lit with white lights representing Wayne UNC teammates who provide hope to others in the darkest of times.

“We have come a long way as a team since this pandemic began,” said Wimberly. “While our response to COVID-19 certainly hasn’t been without challenges, it has also uncovered what we have long known to be true – that our healthcare workers are true heroes here in our community.”

In the event of rain, the event will be held inside. The event is closed to the public, but will be broadcast on Wayne UNC’s facebook page.