April 8, 2020 – Center community residents united on the evening of Monday, April 6 to show support for the healthcare workers at the Nacogdoches Medical Center (NMC) Shelby County Emergency Department (ED).
Several residents met in the parking lot of the ED to show appreciation for the staff during a shift change. To respect social distancing, the residents stayed in their vehicles while honking their horns and flashing their lights in unison.
The community efforts were reportedly formed by a public Facebook group called the 'Pop-Up Parking Lot Tribute,' a place where group followers share information when they will be visiting the ED and showing support for the healthcare workers.
According to Tammy Hanson, RN at NMC Shelby County ED, sharing publicly on her personal Facebook page and giving Shelby County Today permission to reprint, “Tonight (Monday, April 6), I got to witness something pretty amazing from Shelby County that brought me to tears. Family and friends of Shelby ED came out to support us at shift change. You have no idea how much this means to us. We are working hard and tireless often unnoticed. Love you all for caring. Thank you, Shelby County!"
The description for the page says, "Please join us for a celebration to honor our local health care workers during their shift change with a pop-up parking lot tribute. This will take place at the Shelby Emergency Department on Monday and Thursday (April 9th) at 6:35 PM. Fill the parking lot with our vehicles for an applause (honk) parade! These men and women are risking their lives to help our community get through these trying times. Lets gather in our vehicles to show our appreciation!"
Shelby County Today would like to advise anyone coming out the Parking Lot Tribute today, please make sure you don't park in a place which will block the flow of traffic. ACE Hardware's parking lot is across the street and can accommodate any over flow. Be safe!
