We All Need A Little More Positivity

“Delivering you the best of humanity since 2012.”

This is the bio of one of my favorite Instagram pages right now, Upworthy. This account is dedicated to sharing heart-warming and positive messages. Recently, they have doubled their efforts to share how, through the current public health crisis of COVID-19, humanity, and humility, prevail. The world is coming together to support their neighbors near and far, as evidenced by the numerous videos of Italians dining “together” from separate balconies and shouting jovial Buon appetito’s. Through outlets like Upworthy, we see compilations of inspiring moments from around the world. There were a group of doctors dancing together in Iran. Health care workers leaving the last temporary hospital in Wuhan, China, removed their masks to reveal radiant smiles. Every night, from their balconies and windows, Spaniards applaud all of the health care workers, grocery store and pharmacy staff, and all the other persons performing essential jobs keeping the country afloat.

However, you don’t need to go to the internet to see the positivity and support. Here in Pittsburgh, numerous organizations and businesses are attempting to alleviate the great strain that this pandemic is putting on many of our neighbors. For example, at my service site, we have modified our food pantry set-up to ensure that everyone feels safe and welcome and have taken extra precautions to protect all of our families, especially those who are vulnerable.

This present time serves as a clear reminder that public health issues impact us all. During my National Health Corps service year, I’ve been privileged to learn about a few of the many components of public health. I applaud the hard work, research, and passion that public health professionals invest ALL of the time, not just when we are facing a global crisis.

In the coming days, weeks, and months, let’s be sure to support others whenever possible and to always be a good neighbor!

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'" - Mr. Rogers (1999)

For some more light-hearted news visit Upworthy.com

This post was written by NHC member Stephanie Washington.

Stephanie serves at the South Hills Interfaith Movement as a Health Educator.