Letter to the Editor: Submitted by Susan O’Hare

To the Editor:

In small communities across our state, news travels fast - and sometimes not in the most helpful way.

Recently there have been several long term care facilities that have made the news. While it’s important that situations are handled properly and that accountability exists, I also think it’s just as important to remember something else:

There are so many good, hardworking people in these buildings who show up every single day with compassion, patience, and genuine care for the residents who call it home. Not every story makes the news - like the quiet kindnesses, the laughs during morning care, the extra time spent comforting someone who’s lonely, or the staff who go above and beyond without ever asking for recognition.

One incident doesn’t define an entire team or the countless positive moments that happen there every day.

Before we jump to assumptions or let gossip take over, let’s remember that the staff are human, they’re hurting too, and most are doing their absolute best in a challenging field. If anything, they deserve our support now more than ever.

Small towns can come together in powerful ways - let’s choose to lift up the people who care for our loved ones with heart and integrity.

Susan O’Hare
Waukon