UK Healthcare, College of Nursing join ribbon campaign to support Kentucky nurses, frontline workers

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 22, 2020) – UK HealthCare and the UK College of Nursing are partnering with Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton and other local health providers to participate in the Kentucky Nurses Association’s Apricot Ribbon Campaign. 

The campaign is a way for Kentuckians to visibly, and at a physical distance, show support for Kentucky nurses and all frontline workers who are battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As the fight against the novel coronavirus wages on, so must our strength and support for those who are sacrificing on the frontlines each day.  What may seem like a simple gesture of displaying a ribbon, can be a beacon of support for someone who sees it,” said UK College of Nursing Dean Janie Heath.  “Thank you to all of our Kentucky nurses along with the many people, businesses and organizations across Lexington and Kentucky who are supporting their efforts to keep us all safe and healthy.”  

The ribbon campaign officially launched earlier today at UK Chandler Hospital, where Mayor Gorton joined KNA Bluegrass Chapter members and UKHC and College of Nursing leadership and nurses to recognize the first apricot and white ribbons being placed in Lexington. 

“I am so proud of our nurses, and all of our frontline healthcare workers,” said Mayor Gorton, who is a UK College of Nursing alum. “Their contribution to our community is enormous, and we thank each one for everything they are doing to fight this pandemic and safeguard our citizens.”

"The ribbons are an acknowledgment of the dedication of our teams to continue our mission of caring for our patients, our families and our community. We, the nurses at UKHC and the nurses of Kentucky, appreciate the sign of support during this crisis,” said Gwen Moreland, chief nurse executive at UK HealthCare.

Both the apricot and white ribbon colors are significant in meaning. The apricot ribbon represents nursing and is the color of optimism and warmth, while the white ribbon is a universal color of faith and hope that represents all others on the frontlines who are delivering essential services each day. 

In addition to Chandler Hospital, ribbons will be placed at the UK College of Nursing, Good Samaritan Hospital, Eastern State Hospital, the Lexington VA Hospital, Baptist Health and CHI St. Joseph Health.  Other Lexington health providers are expected to join.

The general public and Kentucky businesses are also invited to participate in this important cause. 

Kentuckians can show their support by hanging and/or wearing their own apricot and white ribbons. KNA also encourages supporters to post photos of ribbons on social media using the hashtags: #ThankYouNurses #TeamKentucky #TogetherKy​

Delanor Manson, MA, BSN, RN, chief executive officer, Kentucky Nurses Association, says, “We are thrilled to see Mayor Linda Gorton and the Lexington medical community join us in this statewide effort to recognize the tireless efforts of nurses and all frontline healthcare workers.  We can’t thank them enough for their unwavering commitment to the health of Kentuckians.”

The Lexington ribbon campaign effort would not be possible without the support of the KNA Bluegrass Chapter, the office of Mayor Gorton, Kentucky Utilities (who are helping place ribbons), and the local florists who have donated ribbons and bows: Howard Designs Florist, Oram’s Florist, Ashland Florist, Bella Blooms, and The Best of Flowers.   

For more information on the Kentucky Nurses Association, the voice for all Kentucky nurses since 1906, and other ways to support Kentucky nurses, visit kentucky-nurses.org.

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