Brooklyn Center Hosts ‘Big Thank You’ for Health Care Workers
Instead of healthcare workers helping patients, on Thursday in Brooklyn Center, there was an opportunity to help caregivers help themselves.
More than 500 healthcare workers from across Minnesota registered for the Minnesota Cares Workshop program.
The conference was hosted at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center.
More than 500 healthcare workers from across Minnesota registered for the Minnesota Cares Workshop Program. The conference was held at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center on Thursday.
Conference Features Variety of Breakout Sessions
The healthcare conference offered more than 30 breakout sessions for attendees.
“We have sessions on nutritious food,” said event co-chair Kerry Appleton. “We have an artist here that is focused on self-expressions through painting. We have creative writing. We have a session on post-traumatic growth, because we know that people have experienced a lot of trauma during these last few of years.”
Speakers encouraged healthcare workers to focus on their wellbeing — something they tell their patients to do, but don’t always make a priority for themselves.
“We want people to know from the moment they walk in, today has nothing to do with their patients.” said Appleton. “Now, their patients will reap the benefit of a well health care worker. But, we want them to wholly focus on themselves.”
Timeliness of Conference
The conference comes at a time when healthcare workers are doing more due to staff shortages.
“Just like when you go out to your restaurants, and things are a little bit slower because there aren’t enough workers, well that’s true in our hospitals and clinics and community health centers as well,” said Appleton.
But healthcare workers aren’t just facing a heavier workload — they’re also dealing with violence in the workplace.
“None of our workers put their uniforms on and go in to do their best work and expect to be hit or verbally assaulted by somebody who is angry about a situation and that is what many caregivers unfortunately deal with every day,” said Appleton.
In light of these troubles, Appleton hopes the conference will encourage healthcare workers.
She also hopes it gives them techniques to help them on their wellness journey.
“Events like this are really geared towards giving people some time and space to think about themselves,” said Appleton. “Think about how they are wearing or carrying the stresses that are a part of their job and how they can care for themselves in a different and meaningful way.”
Event participant LaTreasure Dickson appreciate the support.
Participant LaTreasure Dickson appreciates Minnesota Cares Workshop Program.
“Every breakout session, or part that we attend here is focused just on us, and so it’s kind of weird to step back and have that for us,” said Dickson.
This is the second year of the Minnesota Cares Workshop Program.
Organizers hope to host the event again next year.
