Hearts For Healthcare Heroes Rallying Support For CRMC Workers

Some Cookeville residents plan to gather on Thursday to support the men and women inside CRMC fighting against COVID.

Hearts for Healthcare Heroes Organizer Lendzi Chandley said the idea came after a friend who works in the hospital felt beaten down after last week’s protest. Chandley said rallying for the people who want to save lives in the community is what being Cookeville strong is all about.

“All we want to do is be there to support the staff and show them that we love them,” Chandley said. “If we could build a wall of love against these people, all around the hospital. That would be my goal.”

Chandley said that former Cookeville Mayor Dwight Henry will begin the rally with a prayer, to start with positivity and not react to the mistrust. Chandley said they will meet at the corner of 4th Street and Cedar Avenue at 2:00 PM.

“I’ve had so many facilities reach out and beg me not to forget them during this,” Chandley said. “The ones that are doing the blood tests LabCorp, The Blue Roof Outpatient and Inpatient Rehab, that’s just off of the CRMC campus. Those guys have been taking in overflow patients to help relieve the staff at CRMC. These guys are heroes and they deserve the respect and love of their community and they need to see it right now.”

She is asking people to wear masks, keep their distance and to not bring small children. Chandley said there will be yard signs coming to show support for CRMC workers.