Churches Ring Bells for Holyoke Medical Center

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center has recently partnered with several local churches to have bells rung during hospital shift changes as a way of showing support and hope during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are incredibly proud and appreciative of the Valley Health Systems employees who are giving 150% of their effort during this time of need,” said Jenny Fischer, vice president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center. “One way the community could show their support is by ringing bells outside their home during shift changes or hanging a heart on their front door or windows to join the #HeartsForHealthcareWorkers campaign that has spread across the country.”

The most common shift changes at Holyoke Medical Center occur at 7 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m. There is a common shift change at 11 p.m., but to honor many people’s quiet time, the hospital is not asking for bell ringing at that time.

Bells at the following Holyoke locations will be rung at designated times: First Lutheran Church, Northampton Street, at 7 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.; Our Lady of the Cross, Dwight Street, at 3 p.m.; and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Jarvis Avenue, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Holyoke City Hall and many other local churches are also determining their ability to join this initiative.