A show of support for the workers at LIJ Valley Stream

With hospitals across the metropolitan area inundated with Covid-19 patients, the state’s nurses and doctors have become front-line soldiers in the fight against the pandemic, doing all in their power to keep those worst afflicted by the virus alive. At LIJ Valley Stream, it’s been no different.

That was why the New York State Nurses Association organized a car caravan rally outside the hospital on April 14 to show support for workers there.

“It was an honor to stand on the steps of LIJ Valley Stream and receive the applause and warm messages from our community leaders and the nurses association,” said Terry Pando, LIJ’s chief nursing officer.

As the caravan of more than a dozen cars drove past, Pando, along with a crowd of her fellow nurses and hospital workers in protective gear, gathered outside, many recording the event on their cellphones.

“We drove through to just tell them that we love them, and to thank them for being there for us,” said Nancy Joly, NYSNA representative for LIJ.

As a registered nurse, she said she understood the stresses of working in a busy intensive care unit while staying in protective gear through 12-hour shifts. “It’s a really tough place to work,” she said.

Michael Chacon, the lead NYSNA program representative for Long Island, said the union’s advocacy during the coronavirus crisis is tailored to the nurses’ needs. In some cases, the organization has sought additional protective equipment at hospitals where supplies are running low; in LIJ’s case, he said, the parade was to show support.

“We’re trying to take a custom approach to each facility,” he said, noting the organization is also willing to take part in rallies organized by community members as well.

The hospital is near the Nassau-Queens border, at the intersection of Valley Stream, Elmont and Franklin Square, which have a combined 2,920 confirmed coronavirus cases, according to county Department of Health figures. The area is among the hardest-hit in Nassau.

Northwell Health reported Monday that LIJ remains the only hospital in its network with an ICU capacity rate over 90 percent, despite the steady downward trend of hospitalizations in recent days.

“That area is really under siege,” Joly said.

Among the well-wishers was State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, who was invited after working with NYSNA to advocate on their behalf for more protective gear.

“I thought it was important for me to be there to represent the community . . . to show our appreciation for the health care professionals at LIJ Valley Stream,” she said, noting the hospital serves patients from a wide range of economic and racial backgrounds within her district, and that in addition to the physical dangers the nurses are exposed to caring for Covid-19 patients, there is a psychological toll too as they watch many die of the disease, despite their efforts.

“It’s important to tell them that we know what you’re doing, to keep up the good fight and to let the authorities know that they need more support,” she said.

Pando expressed gratitude for the outreach.

“Thank you on behalf of our leadership team to everyone for your smiles, applause, food, flowers and care packages” she said. “We are Valley Stream strong together.”