How to thank health care workers at Mount Nittany 2 years after the pandemic started

Community members can share thoughts of gratitude and hope with health care workers as Mount Nittany Health marks two years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The health system will hold an event for employees during which hundreds of luminaries will be displayed at sunset. The luminaries will have messages from staff and the community.

The luminary bags are available at the offices of Centre Foundation, Downtown Bellefonte Inc., Philipsburg Revitalization Corp. and the Downtown State College Improvement District. The bags can be returned with messages by April 15.

“After two years, it’s important for us to take a collective deep breath and recognize, remember, and thank our frontline healthcare workers and all of our employees affected by COVID-19,” Mount Nittany Health President and CEO Kathleen Rhine said in a statement. “Although the event is for health system staff, we welcome community members to participate by writing a message on one of the hundreds of luminaries that will be lit during the event.”

The event at Mount Nittany Medical Center’s Healing Garden will also include music, stories from the pandemic, a luminary procession and remarks from Mount Nittany Health leaders.