FHN Experts Share COVID-19 Update, Give Thanks

December 17, 2020 – FHN President and CEO Mark Gridley, MBA, FACHE, and FHN Foundation Executive Director Tonya Thayer talk about how our communities have come together during the COVID-19 pandemic in the latest FHN COVID-19 update video.

“The community has responded overwhelmingly to the pandemic, donating everything from much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) to treats and even meals for our healthcare workers,” Thayer said. “We have really appreciated the help, and of course, everyone on staff appreciates the treats!”

The FHN Foundation raises money to support healthcare in our communities in many ways, from equipment like the HANA surgical table and PPE to funds supporting staff education. It is a 501c3 organization, so all donations are tax deductible. There are numerous ways to donate:

• Call the Foundation office at 815-599-6900 to arrange the donation of physical items like PPE or food for the staff or to donate by credit card
• Click the “Give Now” link at the top right of www.fhn.org
• Send a check to the FHN Foundation, 1045 W. Stephenson Street, Freeport IL 61032

FHN President and CEO Mark Gridley reports that FHN Memorial Hospital staff have been busy caring for COVID-19 patients in the past few weeks, but they are ready to adapt if there is a new surge of patients.

Hospitals and healthcare systems across the state are working together to help their communities through the pandemic, Gridley said.

“FHN is part of Illinois' Region 1, which includes all of northwest Illinois,” Gridley said. “We connect with each other daily, sharing data and working out how we can help each other. We really all are in this together.”

He confirms that FHN is working with the state on a COVID-19 vaccination plan. The first doses will go to front-line healthcare workers, long-term care residents and the staff at those facilities.

Gridley said that for his family, this holiday season is quieter, but much more meaningful. “We're sharing how grateful we are for our safety and our health, and focusing on celebrating all that we have and how we can help others in our community.”

The video, along with all of the previous weeks' videos, is available on FHN's COVID-19 information site, www.fhn.org/coronavirus.