New Jersey can ‘Be a Light’ to first responders, health care providers

In inner Southeast Portland, a string of lights hangs from a home, extending over the sidewalk and onto a nearby street tree. Virtua Health in South Jersey is asking those in the community to 'Be a Light' by putting out lights to support first responders and healthcare providers.

Everyone is looking for a sign of hope as the coronavirus crisis continues to plague New Jersey, the nation and the rest of the world.

Virtua Health, South Jersey’s largest health care provider, is hoping to provide some of that optimism with its “Be a Light” initiative.

The initiative calls on people around the state and beyond to place a light outside of their place of residence in support of first responders, health care providers and everyone else affected by the pandemic and the ensuing shutdowns.

Virtua Health is asking people to display lights of any kind, either a lamp in the window or a string of Christmas lights to “brighten everyone’s life.”

Virtua Health is inviting those on social media to share photos of those lights with the hashtags #BeALight, #UniteTheNight and #HereForGood and to tag the company @VirtuaHealth.

“Lighting the night is a simple act of togetherness we can all experience safely while apart,” Chrisie Scott, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, said. “The benefits of staying connected through symbolic gestures like this cannot be overstated.

“The community response to this pandemic has been extraordinary. It has revealed our inherent need as a society to be there for one another and to want to help when we see others hurting or in need."

Virtua Health is a non-profit health care system operating hospitals, surgery centers and other healthcare facilities in South Jersey. Virtua hospitals are located in Berlin, Mount Holly, Marlton and Voorhees.

Andrew Koob may be reached at akoob@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @AndrewKoobHS. Find NJ.com on Facebook. 

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