Through each wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers have persevered, and have rightfully earned the term “frontline healthcare heroes.” They have gone to work to serve their patients despite the risk. Kaiser Health News has had an ongoing investigation during the pandemic, which has found that in some states, medical personnel account for as many as 20% of known coronavirus cases. Many have lost their lives. In November, L.A. Care Health Plan, the nation’s largest publicly operated health plan, is launching a Gratitude Project to thank its more than 22,000 providers.
“Our more than 2.2 million members need these providers now more than ever,” said John Baackes, L.A. Care CEO. “They have not let our members down, and we want to express our deepest gratitude.”
For the next few months, L.A. Care is going to be conducting a series of activities that will show immense appreciation to these tireless healthcare warriors. The health plan is dedicating a web page to this project that will include a video with L.A. Care leaders sending their personal messages of thanks. L.A. Care social media channels and external newsletters will have a special focus on providers. Additionally, each of L.A. Care’s providers will receive personalized thank you notes from the health plan.
The Gratitude Project will culminate in February with a weeklong Provider Recognition Awards celebration. For the past two years, L.A. Care has held in-person events for its top providers, based on its proprietary scoring application. This year, an in-person event is not possible, so L.A. Care is working on creative ways to celebrate the top providers. There will be a recorded virtual celebration, a social media campaign, and top providers will be recognized on billboards in the neighborhoods where they practice.
Of course, the top providers will also receive an actual award listing their specific honor.
L.A. Care appreciates its providers every day of every year, but 2020 has been extra challenging, and the health plan wants to let providers know that it is standing with providers to ensure members continue to get the same high quality health care.