Two Opportunities to Help Those Affected by COVID-19

TUPELO, Mississippi.—The Health Care Foundation of North Mississippi is offering two opportunities to help those affected by COVID-19 at North Mississippi Health Services hospitals.

Christmas will be especially difficult for families who lose a loved one. The NMHS COVID-19 unit staff is working to bring comfort to families who are experiencing grief this holiday season. HCF is accepting donations toward the purchase of items to fill Christmas Care Baskets for bereaved families on the COVID-19 units. Baskets will include items such as journals, snacks, photo frames, ornaments, candles, coffee mugs, devotional books, notepads, and words of encouragement.

“This is just one way we can support families who are grieving a loss,” said Beverly Russell, RN, nurse manager on one of the COVID-19 units. “Visitation is so limited right now in order to keep everyone as safe as possible. Often we do not get to meet our patients’ family members until they are coming to say their goodbyes. We hope these baskets will be a small comfort and show them how much our staff and our community care about them.”

A Christmas Care Basket can be sponsored for $50, but donations in any amount are appreciated.

In addition, HCF is accepting donations to help feed the front-line staff at NMHS.

“Our nurses, respiratory therapists and all the patient care staff at NMHS are true warriors,” said Steven Blaylock, HCF president. “They have been working so hard and facing challenges most of us cannot imagine. Bringing them a meal during their shift is one way we can lift their spirits, fuel their efforts and show them that we are still behind them and still care about them.”

For more information or to donate to either project through the Community Fund, visit www.nmhsfoundation.org/community-campaign or call (662) 377-3613.