Using food to comfort and heal during the pandemic
“I had a desire to be part of something much bigger than myself,” says Julie Washburn, Food and Nutrition Services manager at Aurora Medical Center – Bay Area in Marinette, Wis. “You have the ability to impact people’s lives when they may be fearful, confused and needing assistance.”
After over 40 years with the hospital, Washburn’s passion for caring for others hasn’t waned. Even in the face of a global pandemic and the many challenges it presented, she continued to perform her duties with great compassion, care and calm.
“Our census increased two- to three-fold during surges in COVID-19 times and better than 60 percent of our patients were placed on isolation,” she says. “Food has a calming, soothing effect for many people when times are challenging. We provide comfort through the service of quality and healthful meals to our patients.”
Food also plays an important role in the patients’ road to recovery. And though food is great, Washburn acknowledges that it unfortunately can’t get us out of this COVID-19 pandemic. To do that, we’ll need the assistance of a studied, scientifically backed vaccine.
“I take pride in my work and have a strong commitment to doing things right the first time. I am always putting forth my best effort,” she says. “I take seriously and practice what is known to be the science. It is the responsible step to take.”
Click here for more stories about doctors, nurses and others working on the front lines.
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health enews staff is a group of experienced writers from our Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care sites, which also includes freelance or intern writers.
