Stockbridge, Ga. (May 4, 2021) – Karen Watkins, a Locust Grove resident, and her mother were patients at Piedmont Henry Hospital in January of this year. They had both been diagnosed with COVID-19 and had hoped to recover at home, but both women’s conditions deteriorated enough that they had to be hospitalized. Watkins entered the hospital 12 days after her mother and was discharged before the end of the month, but her mother unfortunately passed away from the disease.

“I know my mother received tremendous care, because I got to see first-hand how amazing everyone on the hospital staff was as they cared for me,” Watkins said. “They kept me informed and encouraged me. Everyone, from the doctors and nurses to the technicians and environmental staff, were just so compassionate. I felt like I had to do something to say thank you for all they did for my mother and me and to do something in her honor.”

Watkins decided to thank the staff by providing boxes of produce that could be enjoyed by staff members and their families. She and her family brought 100 boxes to the hospital on Saturday, May 1 to distribute them and express her gratitude.

A letter inside each box read, in part, “Your kindness, nurturing, compassion, and empathy, especially during these uncertain times of COVID-19, are sincerely appreciated. We could never give you enough for the long, tiresome hours, and for all that your positions entail, so these produce boxes are just a small token to express our gratitude for all you do.”

The boxes were extremely popular with staff members, several of whom talked with Watkins and her family during the event. Watkins told them that this was also a part of a partnership between Say YES Community Outreach, an organization she founded with Taneshia Wilson, and People Help Exchange, founded by Tonya Lewis. Say YES does a lot of outreach in the community and Watkins has notebooks full of things she would like to do for people and groups in the community.

Watkins is still dealing with some complications from COVID-19, but is feeling stronger by the day. She knows this has been an extremely challenging time, but says she is listening to God and trusting in him. She believes that led her to starting Say YES two years ago and it led her to Piedmont Henry last weekend.

“I believe it is important for the community to recognize how important the hospital is and how much we appreciate all that they do,” said Watkins.

To learn more about Piedmont Henry, visit piedmont.org/henry.