State Department of Health Services Honoring Front Line Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Tuesday, March 15th, 2022 -- 11:00 AM

(Bob Hague, WRN) The state Department of Health Services is honoring all those who worked on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 has been a trying time for the state’s public health workers, who Governor Tony Evers calls “heroes of the pandemic.” Evers grew emotional, relating a conversation he had during the depths of pandemic. “One of the public health officers said, ‘the worst thing that happened to me, was I was disinvited to my granddaughter’s birthday.’ Think about that.”

Evers noting it’s been especially tough on the state’s public health workers. “For all the things that you have done well, and all the things that happened to you, that you just kept to yourselves.”

Janel Heinrich is Director of Public Health Madison & Dane County. “Our healthcare workers have shown up every day, and have cared for the people in our community who needed care. They have held our loved ones hands, when we couldn’t hold them ourselves.”

Adjutant General Paul Knapp spoke at Monday’s kickoff event in Madison. “In the National Guard we have a motto – ‘always ready, always there.’ Never have I seen our motto proven so true. I am proud to say the adaptability and professionalism of our service members was on full display over the past two years as well.”

The state Department of Health Services will also launch a webpage where people can post notes of appreciation to frontline workers.

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