Lower Bucks Hospital Hosts COVID-19 Commemoration Event For Staff

BRISTOL, PA – Lower Bucks Hospital commemorated the two-year anniversary of its first confirmed coronavirus case with a ceremony honoring healthcare workers who have spent the past two years fighting on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday, March 24.

Held in the lobby of the hospital's Dee Brown auditorium, the event celebrated the heroism and resilience of frontline workers, giving them the opportunity to gather with community leaders and enjoy a meal, which was donated by the Gene & Marlene Epstein Humanitarian Foundation.

43,845 Bucks County residents have died as a result of the COVID-19 virus since the first case over two years ago, according to the county’s Department of Health website.

“It is certainly hard to believe that two years have passed since our world was upended,” said
Lea Rodriguez, the chief nursing officer of Lower Bucks Hospital. “We are incredibly grateful to our healthcare heroes for the tremendous courage and resiliency they have shown time and time again to our patients, our community, and above all, to each other.”

Rodriguez also expressed gratitude for community support and donations throughout the
pandemic.

“We know our healthcare heroes are tired, but they continue to put others first and care for the
sickest patients in our hospitals,” Rodriguez said. “Having local support from the Gene &
Marlene Epstein Humanitarian Foundation is an emotional boost to our employees who have
sacrificed and worked tirelessly for all of us.”

Lower Bucks Hospital CEO Michael Motte welcomed all in attendance at the beginning of the event.

“Today, we take the opportunity to publicly honor the Lower Bucks Hospital healthcare heroes
that we continually hold dear in our hearts,” said Motte.

The ceremony featured the Harry S. Truman High School band led by Keith Krelove, the school’s director of Instrumental Music. The band played inspirational and uplifting tunes, while healthcare workers and community members listened. The Washington Crossing Fifes and Drums lead the crowd inside.

During the event, Jim Sell, campus dean of Bucks County Community College, presented the
healthcare workers with thank you cards and posters made by the students. After the
presentations, the employees and guests were offered meals donated by the Foundation.

"I applaud our community leaders here today for acknowledging the healthcare heroes of
Lower Bucks Hospital who were affected by COVID-19," Sell said. "Every day, these employees are putting their best foot forward, and today’s event is a reminder of our gratitude to them."