Parkland staff members collect new socks for vulnerable patients
Parkland staff members collect new socks for vulnerable patients
Donations hope to far exceed 10,000 pairs
Having a clean, warm pair of socks free of holes isn’t something most worry about when getting dressed. They simply grab a pair out of a drawer and don’t give it a second thought. But it’s not always the case for some of Parkland Health’s most vulnerable patients. That’s why members of Parkland’s Professional Excellence in Nursing (PEN) Council decided to step up and put a plan into action.
That plan, which originated in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, was to collect 2,020 new pairs of socks and distribute them to Parkland’s Homeless Outreach Medical Services (HOMES) patients, according to Joanne Muturi, MHA, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Program Director of Professional Practice & Nursing Research, and a founding member of the PEN Council.
“Our goal wasn’t just about collecting socks; it was doing something that would have an impact on our patients. When the drive was over, we were amazed that we exceeded our initial goal by collecting 2,500 pair of new socks for our patients,” Muturi said. “That is when we decided to challenge ourselves and increase the goal to collecting 5,000 pairs of socks.”
With that goal realized, the group decided to double its effort.
“And what happens when you ask Parkland employees to donate to a sock drive for those experiencing homelessness and your goal is 5,000 pairs?” Muturi asked. “You end up with over 10,000 pairs of course!”
Not to be outdone, today the PEN Council and the HOMES Unit Based Council (UBC) is spearheading a donation effort to again provide 10,000 pairs of socks for HOMES patients. The collection effort runs now through the end of December.
“I can’t tell you what a difference the sock drive has made. We see a lot of new patients, many of whom are diabetic,” said Victoria Jimenez, a registered nurse with the HOMES program. “We work closely with our podiatrist to make sure those patient receive new socks, especially the white tube socks because they are the best for our diabetic patients.”
But it’s not just white tube socks that put a smile on patients’ faces. “The reaction from some of our patients who receive the bright, colorful funny socks just makes me smile,” said Dolores Diaz, HOMES Nurse Manager, who noted that 10,000 pairs of socks may seem like a lot, and acknowledged that it is, but the supply still goes quickly.
“We participate in outreach events with our community partners such as those held during the flu season,” Jimenez said. “It’s a perfect opportunity to make sure patients get a new pair of socks to keep their feet warm and dry. It’s not unusual for the supply to run out within two to three months.”
But it doesn’t stop there.
“The summer months are just as important as the winter,” Muturi said. So for two weeks each July PEN Council members spearhead an effort to collect 700 new, reusable water bottles that are distributed to HOMES patients who visit Parkland’s mobile units, and to those individuals in shelters where Parkland staff provides healthcare services. “Keeping hydrated especially when the temperatures soar into the triple digits is critical,” she noted.
And each February, PEN Council members work behind-the-scenes to deliver cards to every hospitalized patient and those in its outpatient clinics for Valentine’s Day. More than 3,500 personalized cards were delivered to patients this year.
The personal touches such as new socks, water bottles and Valentine notes provide an extra something special for Parkland patients, according to Parkland’s Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive Donna Richardson, DNP, RN, NEA-BC.
“Our nurses and staff go beyond traditional medical care and that includes the emotional needs of our patients as well. We want to take their minds off their physical problems, whether it is an injury, illness or a life situation, if even for a moment,” Richardson said. “It is both an honor and privilege to care for our patients. And if by doing something that is unexpected brightens their day, then that means the world.”
For more information about Parkland, visit www.parklandhealth.org.
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