Methodist Healthcare System | Keeping Well | Summer 2020

Display inspires student artwork AS COVID-19 CONCERNS caught our attention in March, Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan sent a message of hope and hygiene to the residents of the city. Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan debuted a new display on the side of the hospital—a set of praying hands and the simple reminder to “Wash ‘Em.” Emblazoned on a side wall of the facility, the message is visible to those traveling along U.S. Highway 2 8 1/Interstate Highway 3 7 South. It is also visible to the residents of the downtown area. The display is made possible by a gobo—a stencil that is placed in front of a light source to create a large image or pattern. Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan has utilized the technology before—including using it to display a large heart on the same wall during American Heart Month in February. The COVID-19 crisis spurred in Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan Chief Executive Officer Greg Seiler a desire to create a positive message for those his hospital serves. What better way to do that than by reminding all of us about the two greatest tools for staying healthy, physically and spiritually, during this pandemic—prayer and hand washing. “It is a reminder of one of the most crucial steps we can take to stem the spread of this virus,” said Seiler. “It is also our reminder to the people of San Antonio of the power of prayer, and the fact that we are here for them, and we are praying for them.” The message has been visible at the hospital every night and every day during the pandemic. It is a message that went viral. The display and the sentiment behind it have made headlines on TV stations here and across the country. Other facilities within Methodist Healthcare took part in the campaign as well, with the message becoming a prominent feature on the digital billboards at Methodist Hospital | Texsan, Methodist Hospital | Northeast and Methodist Hospital | South. The message of hope and hygiene also inspired artists around the city—including students who live near Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan. Three pieces of sidewalk chalk art were created at the entrance of Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan—courtesy of students who live in the downtown area. The first piece of artwork was the praying hands and the message “Wash Your Hands,” an homage to the campaign made famous by the light display on the wall of the hospital. Next to the hands was the Cross and Flame that are part of the Methodist Healthcare logo, and a message to staff to “Keep the Faith.” Above those two pieces at the hospital entrance was a picture of the sun shining above the clouds—a reminder that the gloominess of the COVID-19 crisis will come to an end, noted Alejandro Romero, Chief Operating Officer for Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan. The student artists took this task upon themselves, said Romero, adding that there are plans for additional displays. “These thoughtful messages have already done so much to lift the spirits of the dedicated women and men who walk through our doors every day, ready to fight the good fight,” said Romero. “We are honored to be the canvas for goodwill in our community.” MESSAGE OF HOPE METHODIST HOSPITAL | METROPOLITAN SENDS AND HYGIENE WITH LIGHT DISPLAY S U M M E R 2 0 2 0 K E E P I N G W E L L 3 N E W S , V I E W S & T I P S H E A L T H T A L K