It is a little ironic. A worldwide pandemic has demanded that we physically distance ourselves from each other, but our community is closer than ever.

At UCHealth hospitals across the state, we are seeing steady increases in the number of patients who have COVID-19. Our health care teams are working around the clock to care for each of these patients with expertise and compassion as we also prepare to care for even more patients, should this be needed.

But, as our nurses, staff and providers tackle what may be the toughest few weeks of our careers, we know that we are not alone. We are grateful to have the support of the community behind us.

We’ve seen our community respond in ways we’ve never seen before. There are food deliveries to our hospitals, thank you signs and chalk drawings at every entrance, thousands of emails and messages sharing love and support, and even clowns dancing outside our windows and people howling in the streets with appreciation. And others are donating new personal protective equipment or other supplies or contributing to our COVID-19 emergency response funds to help our front-line workers with their critical needs as well.

Most importantly, people throughout our state continue to follow stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines. This remains the best way to reduce the spread of the virus, support hospitals and keep our communities as healthy as possible.

It means the world to every doctor, nurse and staff member in every corner of our hospitals to know that everyone is thinking of them and supporting them during this challenging time.

We thank you for this outpouring of support and ask that you continue to keep us in your thoughts. Because together we are stronger.

Kevin Unger
President and CEO, UCHealth Northern Colorado Region

Lonnie Cramer
President, UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital

Erica Siemers
Regional Executive Director, UCHealth Northern Colorado Foundation

Hospital volunteer and foundation supporter Margaret Hornacek made this special video for LPH staff. She says, "Our Peak's Pals therapy dogs miss being able to visit the nurses, doctors, and staff during this COVID-19 pandemic."