CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – It all started with a simple desire to stay cool, but what began as a summer vacation craft project for one Parkridge Medical Center Emergency Room nurse has quickly developed into a community outreach effort coordinated by the entire Parkridge ER.
While enjoying some time off on a hot summer day a couple of weeks ago, Parkridge ER nurse Malena Condon decided to get crafty and make cooling neck bandannas for herself and her family. After watching a tutorial on YouTube, Condon went to work creating neck wraps with a moisture-holding substance sewn into them to retain water and keep the wearer cool. She finished a batch of the wraps for family and friends, then began thinking of others. “It’s just so hot outside, and I started thinking about all the homeless people in our area who don’t always have the opportunity to seek air-conditioned shelter,” explains Condon. She ramped up her production and soon had 60 bandannas to take to the Community Kitchen.
When she arrived at the facility and began handing out her creations, the response was immediate. “Before I knew it, I’d handed out all 60, and I realized that this is something that these people could really use.” Condon went back to her supervisor at Parkridge, ER Director Robin Marsh, and explained the need. Soon, the entire Emergency Department was ready and willing to help Condon produce neck wraps. Physicians and staff have joined the initiative and the group plans to continue production of the cooling apparel throughout the summer. The wraps will be distributed to agencies that work with Chattanooga’s homeless.
“With these 100+ degree days, it’s very easy for people to get overheated, and that can be dangerous,” notes Marsh. “Malena had a great idea, and we are happy to support it. We hope that our bandannas will provide many homeless individuals with some relief this summer.”
Parkridge ER staff show off a few of the neck wraps. L — R: Liz Lopez, RN; Susan Ruth, Unit Secretary/PCT; Malena Condon, RN; Dawn Sisson, RN; Consuelo Salud, RN
About Parkridge Medical Center
Parkridge Medical Center, a 275-bed hospital in Chattanooga’s Glenwood neighborhood, has been providing advanced medical and surgical services with compassionate care to area patients since 1971. The Parkridge advantage is a focus on individualized service, quality care and convenience for patients and physicians. The Sarah Cannon Cancer Center at Parkridge, an American College of Surgeons approved and commended oncology program, offers the latest in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Parkridge, an Accredited Chest Pain Center, provides 24-hour emergency care, intensive care, and comprehensive cardiac care including diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitative services. The facility also offers advanced surgical services including endovascular care, orthopaedics, and the area’s most experienced robotic surgery team. Parkridge Medical Center is a part of the Parkridge Health System. For more information, visit ParkridgeHealth.com or call MedLine at (423) 622-6848.