We appreciate nurses, let’s do more than clap

#InternationalNursesDay is celebrated around the world every May 12th, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth. This year, however, our appreciation and celebration of the more than 28 million nurses worldwide is more important than ever.

We can all learn from the words of Florence:

I think one's feelings waste themselves in words, they ought all to be distilled into actions and into actions which bring results.

She asked us to not just talk about action, but do something that will create a tangible impact and improve the lives of others. 

So today, I am encouraging you - our customers, our partners and our fellow business leaders - to step up and actively thank healthcare professionals, front line workers and the millions of people who are working every day to keep our communities safe and healthy. What do I mean by "actively thank"? Well, let's say, clapping or an IG post is not enough. While it is an excellent way to show your appreciation, we can do more. If you can offer discounts, provide donations to hospitals, make masks, find necessary equipment or otherwise support those who are helping so many, I encourage you to do so.

In partnership with City of Los Angeles and Eric Garcetti's office, we are donating more than 20,000 meals to LA County Hospitals to support our hometown healthcare professionals. Shout out to the incredible staff at Cedars Sinai, UCLA Health, Avanti Hospitals, Valley Presbyterian Hospital, Emanate Health, Dignity Health, Northridge Hospital Foundation, Adventist Health White Memorial Charitable Foundation, and San Gabriel Valley Medical Center - we are honoured to be able to support you and your work. You rock!

Beyond LA, we have also had the honour of providing Soylent to incredible healthcare workers at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Johns Hopkins, and in Canada to my beloved McMaster University Department of Medicine Emergency Staff. We are making more donations each day, so if you know of a hospital in need, please let me know.

This is our way of acting, saying thank you and providing some quick healthy meals to those who are doing so much for all of us. We know not everyone can make large scale donations, but you can still do something. If you are looking for an easy way to act - this is a great place to donate money that will support nurses in a variety of ways through the American Nurses Foundation.

Florence was more than a nurse ... she was a scientist, a leader, a statistician and a change agent. Today, on the anniversary of her birth, we think of the men and women around the world who went to work and put themselves and their families at risk to protect and save someone else's lives and families. We not only think of them, but we also act.

We are grateful for nurses, for doctors and for every healthcare worker who is on the frontlines, today and every day.

With thanks, Demir

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