A Hospital and Community Face COVID-19 Together

COVID-19 arrived in the small town of Cynthiana, Kentucky – an unlikely target for the first case in the state. The residents of this hardworking community refused to let fear set in. They leaned on Harrison Memorial Hospital to provide accurate and easy-to-understand information about the virus and its potential spread, education and resources to stay safe and a sense of calm to help people cope.

In return, the community responded. Local businesses and residents donated personal protective equipment. Restaurants provided hot meals. Signs with words of encouragement lined neighborhood streets. Children crafted beautiful artwork for health care staff. And people sent more than 100 thank-you messages for the hospital's "wall of praise."

"Being a close-knit community made it natural for us to work in unison. The sentiment was that it's here and now it's time to show the world how effective we can be," said Sheila Currans, Harrison Memorial Hospital CEO. "And the community delivered!"

Within days of the first case, the hospital devised a temporary walk-in Cough Clinic for those unsure of their symptoms. Harrison Memorial Hospital and its town exemplify tenacity, grace and compassion.