News Detail

Franklin County Thanks Our Local Health Care Heroes

Commissioners

March 30, 2021

Above: Jim Frey from CJ’s BBQ Smokehouse drops off meals donated by Franklin County employees to health care workers at Chambersburg Hospital. Photo by Sharon Berbert

The Franklin County Commissioners recently recognized the individuals who have been on the frontline during the COVID-19 health crisis–our local health care workers.

“We’ve heard from many health care workers this week and were given insights into what’s been going on in their lives–personally and professionally. Their stories are nothing short of inspirational,” said Chairman Commissioner Dave Keller. “This is a small token of our appreciation for all the work that they’ve done and that continues to be done.”

The Board proclaimed March 23-30, 2021 as Health Care Heroes Appreciation Week in Franklin County and stated that, “the fortitude of these heroes within Franklin County and around the Commonwealth shone brightly during the darkest days of the global pandemic and continues to shine as a beacon of hope for brighter days ahead.”

The commissioners were sponsors for the Greater Area Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce Health Care Heroes Award ceremony on March 23rd which kicked off appreciation week activities.

Additionally, County employees raised $550 through fundraising efforts and partnered with local organization Community Uniting to donate 70 meals to workers at WellSpan. The SHARE! initiative engages community members in support of restaurants, health care workers, and more recently–school teachers and staff. Business is generated for local participating restaurants who deliver meals at a discounted rate to hospitals and schools. To date, the initiative has provided 1,945 meals and 665 snacks through community donations. Franklin County’s donated meals came from CJ’s BBQ Smokehouse and Veroni Cafe.

“To get through this pandemic is a team effort. It’s really not just the hospital . . . it’s everybody in the community,” John Massimilla, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Administration for WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital.

Above: Monica Mata of Veroni Cafe drops off meals donated by Franklin County employees to health care workers at Chambersburg Hospital. (Photo by Sharon Berbert)