Veterans Use Post-it Notes to Thank VA
From the article:
Monday, December 17, 2018
My care at this VA is the best I’ve ever had.” “I’m alive because of this VA.” “Thank you for dedicating your time and patience in order to keep me healthy.” These sentiments and hundreds of others are featured on Post-It notes now on display outside the Canteen cafeteria at the Houston VA. The new display, called the Post-it Note Appreciation Project, is a collection of more than 1,300 post it notes individually collected by Boston Bostian, a Marine Corps Veteran and patient at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC). The notes were put in a collage and made into banners spelling out “Thank You U.S. Veterans” and “Thank you MEDVAMC staff.” Bostian, who worked tirelessly for several years to personally obtain post-it notes from Veteran patients, family members, community members and MEDVAMC employees for inclusion in the project, created the display after witnessing what she says was an extraordinary increase in the quality of care since she first utilized the medical services of the Houston VA in 2001. “My hope is that the project will illustrate to the public that many Veterans who utilize the MEDVAMC are very happy with their care,” she said. “There are people inside the VA who work relentlessly to give us a good healthcare experience. I believe it’s time we say thank you and hopefully open the door for Veterans who may be considering seeking help to come to the VA.” The display also features numerous contributions from Houston VA employees taking the opportunity to thank Veterans for their service. Messages from staff on the banner include: “Thank you for your dedication and service to our country. We appreciate all that you do.” “I consider it an honor to serve the heroes here at MEDVAMC: our wonderful veterans.” “Thank you for trusting me with your care.” The new Post-it Note Appreciation Project was unveiled just last week and already Veteran, visitor and staff response has been incredible. “I came to the VA today for my appointment and reading all these notes from the staff and from other Veterans here has made my day,” said Christian Blue, a Navy Veteran. “This shows the mutual respect that exists between us Veterans and our doctors and nurses. I wouldn’t go anywhere else for my care.” In addition to admiring the new display, many Veterans are feeling inspired to take out a pen or marker and add their positive comments on the wall. This sentiment is just what Bostian was trying to create. “I love that people are interacting with the display,” she said. “This project is a community conversation between Veterans, those who love and support us, and the staff members at our Houston VA. My hope is that the project will continue to strengthen the healing partnerships between Veterans and staff members at the MEDVAMC, while showing staff that they are appreciated, valued and supported.”
https://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/VeteransUsePostitNotestoShowAppreciationforHoustonVA.asp
