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Broward Health Foundation

to Host Tribute to Healthcare

Heroes Presented by Skanska

Throughout these unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare
workers have gone above and beyond day in and day out.
James McCrae, R.N., nurse manager of the Critical Care Unit at Broward Health
North, never considered himself a hero, but his colleagues would disagree. A veteran
who dutifully served in the United States Army, McCrae has worked at Broward
Health North for more than 20 years, taking the lead when necessary while support-
ing his staff and caring for the most critical patients, particularly COVID patients. He
was also the first healthcare worker at Broward Health North to get the vaccine.
McCrae is one of several heroes that will be featured during the Broward Health
Foundation’s Tribute to Healthcare Heroes presented by Skanska. This inspiring vir-
tual event on Thursday, February 11, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., will serve as the
Foundation’s primary fundraiser this year and honor Broward Health’s selfless health-
care workers. Proceeds will benefit the Foundation’s COVID-19 Relief Fund, which
provides ongoing philanthropic support to Broward Health as needs evolve.
Hosted by six-time Emmy Award-winning journalist Laurie Jennings, the tribute
will feature moving patient stories, uplifting interviews with frontline workers such
as McCrae, segments with Broward Health leadership, appearances by special guests
and the debut of an original song written in honor of Broward Health healthcare
workers.
The song was composed and produced by Shelbie Rassler, an accomplished musi-
cian who was born and raised in Broward County and who is currently pursuing a
Master of Music in Composition at The Juilliard School. Rassler worked with the
Foundation and more than 30 high school students in South Florida to produce the
piece.
Visit BrowardHealth.org/Heroes to register for the free event that will be streamed
on Broward Health’s YouTube channel and Broward Health Foundation’s Facebook
page. Donations to the Broward Health Foundation are encouraged and welcomed.
VIP Kits are available for a $250 donation. VIP Kits will be delivered to donor
homes and include appetizers, desserts and wine for two.
Sponsorships are still available. For additional information, please call Amy Miller
at (954) 712-3980 or email abmiller@BrowardHealth.org.
The Broward Health Foundation is the fundraising arm of Broward Health. The
mission of the Broward Health Foundation is to improve the health of the community
by providing resources to promote, support and enhance the programs and initiatives
of Broward Health. For more information, visit BrowardHealthFoundation.org.

When It Comes T o Patient

Care, Balance Safety With Ease

Another doctor visit, another lesson in patient
care. As I pulled into the parking lot for my
semi-annual check-up, I was greeted with a sign
stating: FOR YOUR SAFETY, WE HAVE DIS-
CONTINUED OUR COMPLIMENTARY VALET
SERVICE. Because of the complete lack of park-
ing in this part of town and being a little spoiled
from my past experiences there, I felt momentar-
ily disappointed, but quickly replaced that
thought with a self-reassuring, “I get it” under
my breath. After waiting about 5-10 minutes for
a space to open, I parked, put on my mask, and
proceeded to head to the entrance where I was BY JAY JUFFRE
greeted by a makeshift table and the former
valet brandishing a thermometer like a sidearm. The ping pong dialogue
started. “What is your last name?” “Jay Juffre”. “Did we notify you via text it
was ok to enter the facility?” “Huh?” “Did you get the email?” “No, but I got
two confirmation phone calls, they did not mention an email.” “Did you
download our COVID app?” “I was not aware of an app.” “Did they tell you
to wait in the car until we notify you via the app or text?” “No.” Finally, after
I just stared blankly at the guy for what seemed like minutes, he said to me,
“Well, since you are already in the building and have parked your car, let me
take you temperature and get you in to see the doctor.” Unlike my reaction
to the lack of complimentary valet, I walked in thinking, “I don’t get it … ”
We are still in a pandemic, we are still in trying times, but we need to always
put ourselves in the shoes of the patient. I cannot imagine how my tech-chal-
lenged retired father or countless others would have possibly navigated this.
When it comes to patients, keep them safe, but never make entry to see their
healthcare provider the equivalent of successfully completing a scavenger
hunt. Put them at ease by making it easy.

Jay Juffre is Executive Vice President, ImageFIRST. For more information on
ImageFIRST, call 1-800-932-7472 or visit www.imagefirst.com.

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