Heroes in the community

I have been at Eastern State Hospital for six weeks and I have noticed the staff is professional and treats patients and each other with respect, dignity, kindness and patience regardless of age or race.

Whoever hired these people really chose the right people for the job. The housekeepers make sure everything is clean and sanitized. Every day our bathrooms, floors, dining rooms and dayrooms are cleaned and sanitized. I consider the housekeepers, the cooks; the nurses and the whole staff all heroes. With the virus, they take a chance and risk their lives for us. The patients are tested regularly and not one has tested positive. They are doing a great job and following all precautions to keep us safe.

They also give us the tools and coping skills to prepare us to go back into the community. They teach us about medication, addiction, managing stress and our disabilities. They give us resources in the community and tell us about safe living situations. In other words, they give us all the tools we need.

Eastern is not only a hospital but a seminar for life. They turn us from handicapped people to handicapapble. All of the nurses and staff know and demonstrate unconditional love to all of us.

This is not just a mental institution but a place of healing mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. I wish with all my heart that someone would recognize their good work and the sacrifice they give.

Each of them deserves a medal, and I would like the all world to know. God bless the nurses and this hospital.

Arturo Gutierrez

Medical Lake