UK HealthCare

Parade of Vehicles Shows Gratitude to COVID-19 Front-line Workers

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 10, 2020) A parade of nearly 30 vehicles slowly made their way down South Limestone and back Friday morning pausing briefly at both UK Chandler Hospital and UK Good Samaritan Hospital in a show of support and to honor front-line workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The usually bustling Lexington street now sparse with traffic was filled with UK Police cruisers, trucks and other vehicles with both signs and sirens to show appreciation to front-line workers including those at UK Chandler Hospital, Kentucky Children's Hospital, UK Good Samaritan Hospital and Shriner's Hospital for Children as well as local police, fire and EMS.

The parade was organized by Rick McDonald, Concrete Superintendent at Gooch Construction, who worked with UK Police in coordinating it within a few days.

“If I get sick or if any of us get sick, these are the front-line workers who will care for us,” McDonald said. “As a construction company we have big hearts and we all love giving back to the community.”

McDonald added that he has met so many good people during his career when working on campus projects that he was inspired to do something special after seeing recent school parades, birthday parades, etc.

“UK Police Department is excited and appreciative to participate in this parade to honor those in our community that are front-line workers in the fight against the COVID-19 crisis,” said UK Police Chief Joe Monroe. “We hope that this brings some joy and positivity to all first responders and health care employees working hard every day to keep this community safe and healthy. As first responders we are honored to continue showing our support for all of those working on the front line.”  

Gooch Construction also is giving away $2,000 to a front-line worker. For more information and to nominate someone, go to https://www.facebook.com/Gooch.Construction.Inc.

“Throughout this time of crisis, our health care workers as well as custodial and support staff are showing up every day to make sure we can take care of every patient that needs our help,” said Dr. Mark F. Newman, UK Executive Vice President for Health Affairs. “We appreciate this show of kindness and continued support from the community for our team.”

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As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

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