Celebrating workers we count on
by Liz Mathis Iowa Senate · May 7th, 2020


This coronavirus pandemic has put a spotlight on our essential workers-and it has strengthened my commitment to continue fighting for all working Iowans.

I am grateful and impressed with how folks have stepped up to take care of family, friends and community during this crisis. It turns out, this week is the perfect time to celebrate many of them.

May 6 to 12 is National Nurses Week. I've never appreciated our nurses (and all health care professionals) more than I do right now. Their burden over the last couple months has been even greater than usual, with many serving long days in crisis care, working with inadequate equipment, and caring for sick and dying individuals who are separated from loved ones.

Each year during National Nurses Week, we recognize 100 Great Iowa Nurses who have made meaningful, lasting contributions to their patients, colleagues and the nursing profession. The program identifies nurses whose courage, competence and commitment stand out above all others.

This year, their awards dinner was cancelled due to the pandemic, but I can't let this special honor go unnoticed at a time like this. Congratulations to these Great Iowa Nurses:

Amy Ellsworth of Ely, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics; Kerri Feldhaus of Hiawatha, UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's Hospital; Laurel Foht of Marion, Mercy Medical Center Cedar Rapids; Jake Matzen of Marion, UnityPoint Health - Jones Regional Medical Center; Jessi Steege of Marion, Iowa City VA Health Care System; Mary Jo Allan of Cedar Rapids, Oaknoll Retirement Residence; Kim Bro of Cedar Rapids, Mount Mercy University; Molly Eilers of Cedar Rapids, UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's Hospital; Dee Ann Hebrink of Cedar Rapids, University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital; Paula Levett of Cedar Rapids, University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital; Rebecca Miner of Cedar Rapids, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics; and Julie Wiebold of Cedar Rapids, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.

May 4 to 8 is Teacher Appreciation Week. Iowa teachers are always adapting to the changing needs of their students and communities-and now they're doing it virtually. I know many parents have gained a new appreciation for a teacher's work, as parents partner with them to help educate their kids at home with new tools and techniques. Thank you, teachers.

May 3 to 9 is Public Service Recognition Week. Our public workers have remained on duty throughout this pandemic, performing jobs that often put them in harm's way. Our peace officers, trash collectors,

emergency responders, maintenance and utilities workers, government office staff, child welfare workers, safety inspectors-the list goes on.

We rely on these folks to keep life-as-we-know-it going. Their work is often invisible, but imagine our communities without them and the essential services they provide. Thank you, public workers.



As always, contact me with questions and concerns at [email protected]