“All the things we have to be thankful for”

As we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s important to take a minute and step back from our hectic everyday lives to think about to all the things we have to be thankful for. This is especially true if you are an organization or an individual in a time of financial hardship, when it’s much easier to focus on the problems than on the wonderful gifts that many have.

And the GBMC family needs to think about the wonderful gifts and abundance we have  - a beautiful campus, state-of-the-art technology, and great doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and support service staff. Generally we have nice facilities, although there are some areas we’re working to spruce up a bit.  Our GBMC family is very strong, with many longtime loyal employees, 36 of whom were recognized earlier this fall for careers of 30 years or longer here.

We’re serving a community who can pretty much access us and has the resources available that they need which is not true for all health systems, such as those who are serving underserved communities where people have phenomenal needs outside of healthcare.  While we do have some of that need amongst our community, the Health Services Cost Review Commission generally pays us less so they can apply more money to other organizations and provide resources where they are needed more.

I also want to extend a “Thank You” to the employees who worked on Thanksgiving, or who are working during the extended holiday weekend, caring for our patients and helping support their loved ones and visitors. Healthcare is a 24/7/365 business, and it can be especially difficult for people to be hospitalized during the holiday time.  I know our staff and volunteers went the extra mile to make sure our patients felt like they were being treated like family, and that is greatly appreciated and valued.

A “Thank You” also to all the GBMC HealthCare system employees who generously donated to the organization’s recently-completed United Way drive.  It’s too early for us to have a total amount of money raised, but with the various fund raising activities (candy sales, raffle, jeans days, basket bingo) we know that those who are less fortunate in our community will benefit from your generosity and support.

Finally, on behalf of GBMC HealthCare, I’d like to extend best wishes and good luck to our neighbor and Towson Four partner Towson University, whose football team takes on Lehigh University on December 3 in the second round of the NCAA Football Division I playoffs.  Go Tigers!

What are you thankful for during this time? Please share your thoughts below.