Community ‘comes together’

Hospital-chamber event calls for unity during crisis

About 60 people gathered on the Ridgecrest Regional Hospital lawn the evening of Aug. 31 for “Come Together Tuesday,” an event co-sponsored by the Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce to call for unity during a time of division.

“We are coming together, acknowledging the past 18 months of separation and the impact this has had on our lives has been unparalleled,” said Michelle Whalley, Rural Health Clinic administrator. “Yet our dedicated healthcare teams here at Ridgecrest Regional Hospital continue to weather the storm.

In a community such as ours, it is important to remember the teams behind these walls and our first responders in the field. They are not faceless — they are our neighbors, our friends, and in many instances, our family.”

Whalley called on members of the community to uplift these hospital heroes who have continued to work through the pandemic crisis. “What a blessing it is that they rise to their calling, serving and caring for us during our time of need.”

Tim Smith, executive director of the RCC, reminded those in attendance that for many in local healthcare, the crisis began with our earthquakes two years ago and never slowed down.

“Come Together Tuesday is an opportunity for us to recalibrate, to refocus. It’s been an exhausting season, and with that many of us have lost our patience and perspective. So let’s take this Tuesday to remember who we are, where we come from, and what it means for us to be Ridgecrest.”

Tara Packer, RRH hospice chaplain, prayed during the ceremony. Farris Family Singers sang. Attendees also had an opportunity to write messages to encourage hospital staff.

Click here for the event photo gallery 

You can watch a recording of the 'Come Together Tuesday' event here: