Virtua Health Asks Community to ‘Be a Light’ During Coronavirus Crisis

Everyone is looking for messages of hope and solidarity as we struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why Virtua Health is encouraging people across South Jersey and beyond to light up the night through its new “Be a Light” initiative.

As one of New Jersey’s largest health systems, Virtua is asking people to place a light — or many lights — to shine outside their home each night in support of first responders, health care workers, and all others affected by the coronavirus.

Whether it’s a lamp in a window, a string of bulbs on a porch, or a driveway lined with luminaria, these lights will brighten everyone’s life. The more people who participate, the brighter we will all shine, noted Chrisie Scott, senior VP and chief marketing officer for Marlton-based Virtua Health.

“Lighting the night is a simple act of togetherness we can all experience safely while apart,” she said. “The benefits of staying connected through symbolic gestures like this cannot be overstated.”

Virtua also invites people to light up social media with photos of their lights, accompanied by these hashtags: #BeALight, #UniteTheNight, and #HereForGood.

And if you tag @VirtuaHealth, Virtua will be able to share your post with its workforce and other supporters.

“The community response to this pandemic has been extraordinary,” added Scott. “It has revealed our inherent need as a society to be there for one another and to want to help when we see others hurting or in need.

“Let’s show our solidarity and lift up all of our first responders, health care heroes, and neighbors through this crisis,” she urged. “Let’s light up the night every night to remind each other of brighter days ahead.”

About Virtua Health:

Virtua Health is committed to helping the people of South Jersey be well, get well, and stay well by providing the complete spectrum of advanced, accessible, and trusted health care services. Virtua’s 14,000 colleagues provide tertiary care, including a renowned cardiology program, complemented by a community-based care portfolio.

In addition to five hospitals, two satellite emergency departments, and more than 280 other locations, Virtua brings health services directly into communities through home health, rehabilitation, mobile screenings, and its paramedic program.

Virtua has 2,850 affiliated doctors and other clinicians, and its specialties include orthopedics, advanced surgery, and maternity. Virtua is affiliated with Penn Medicine for cancer and neuroscience, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for pediatrics.

As a not-for-profit, Virtua is committed to the well-being of the community and provides innovative outreach programs that address social challenges affecting health, from addiction and other behavioral issues to lack of nutritious food and stable housing.

A Magnet-recognized health system ranked by U.S. News and World Report, Virtua has received many awards for quality, safety, and its outstanding work environment. For more information, visit ThisIsVirtua.org. To help Virtua make a difference, visit GiveToVirtua.org.