When we were children, the adults in our lives stressed the importance of saying “please” and “thank you.” Simple words, yet so powerful. I found this quote online that encapsulates how strong those two words are: “A simple thank you has magic. It warms the heart and creates a moment of connection and peace between two people.”

With that, I want to thank you for what you do day in and day out to care for patients and their loved ones, as well as each other.

Working in health care is not easy, whether you provide hands-on patient care or support those who do. It’s a 24-hour business, and the stakes are high. We can see incredible joy one moment and deep sorrow the next.

No matter the challenge, we choose to stay here because we know what we do really matters. We have many people who have worked here for decades and seen a lot of changes. In all, 95 hospital employees celebrate milestone anniversaries in 2019.

Two of those employees, Theresa Lightner and Odessa Walker, have been with us since 1969. That same year, Apollo 11 launched into space and Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the moon. Also 50 years ago, “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye, “Come Together” by The Beatles, “Everyday People” by Sly and the Family Stone and “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond made Billboard magazine’s Top Hot 100 songs list. How about that for perspective?

Congratulations and thank you to each of these employees for their many years of service. Your contributions to UF Health are invaluable.

Sincerely,

Leon L. Haley Jr., MD, MHSA, CPE, FACEP
CEO, UF Health Jacksonville