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ALABASTER – As medical professionals are hard at work during the COVID-19 pandemic, many residents are wondering what they can do to show their appreciation for healthcare workers.

The Brookwood Baptist Health system’s Thank a Healthcare Hero initiative is allowing residents to do just that. Marketing Director Natalie Fleming said an email account has been set up for each hospital in the Brookwood Baptist Health system: Brookwood Baptist Medical Center and Princeton Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham, Shelby Baptist Medical Center in Alabaster, Walker Baptist Medical Center in Jasper and Citizens Baptist Medical Center in Talladega.

Residents are encouraged to send thank you notes or any type of inspiring message to a specific person or to a certain department.

“People are really searching for ways to give back, and this is just one way that people can do that,” Fleming said.

When messages are received, Fleming cuts and pastes the message into template that the healthcare workers can print out and keep if they’d like.

“They’re so appreciative and surprised to get the messages,” Fleming said. “It’s not always a patient, sometimes it’s a random person who wants to send a special message. It really makes their day.”

A message from, Peggy Turner, a volunteer at Shelby Baptist Medical Center, thanked hospital staff for the dedication.

“I am praying for all of you and your families,” Turner wrote. “I am a volunteer at the hospital and I see your kindness and hard work whenever I am there. You are all loved and appreciated.”

Parent Kathy Ross also sent a thank you message to the staff at SMBC.

“Thank you so much to the healthcare heroes a Shelby, especially to my son Sammi Alsaleh, who works in the Cardiac ICU. You all are selfless and courageous and amazing. Thank you for being brave angels and God bless all.”

To send a message to a Shelby Baptist Medical Center employee, send an email to ShelbyEmployeeCheer@TenetHealth.com.