Local Teen Creates Posters of Appreciation for Front-Line Health Care Staff at French Hospital Medical Center

Artwork was presented to Emergency Department and ICU staff and leadership

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – October 26, 2020 – As a gesture of appreciation for the dedication of local front-line health care staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, San Luis Obispo high school sophomore Jennifer Michel created posters to be hung in the French Hospital Medical Center Emergency Department (ED) and Intensive Care Units (ICU). As a tribute to what she describes as “health care heroes,” Michel presented the artwork to hospital staff and leadership, along with words of appreciation for their sacrifice. 

“My main goal for this project is to show the physicians and staff that they are appreciated, and to bring them a little bit of joy each day they are at work,” says Michel. “I know that the attention on our front line workers has slowed a bit, and I want them to know that our community is still thinking of them and appreciates the work that they do.”

Jennifer’s father, Ross Michel, MD, is a pulmonologist in the French Hospital Medical Center ICU, so she knows firsthand the toll that COVID-19 has taken on health care workers. 

“I see how hard my dad is working, and how hard the entire team has worked since the beginning of the pandemic, says Jennifer. “I feel very passionately about this project, because it affects my family.”

Jennifer’s love for art encouraged her idea to create colorful posters with markers, paint, and stickers to display in each department and serve as a reminder of the community’s gratitude for their ongoing efforts.

[Photos: Top-Jennifer presents French ER Staff with posters; Middle-Jennifer presents ICU Staff with posters; Bottom-Jennifer Michel holding one of her posters]

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About French Hospital Medical Center
French Hospital Medical Center, located in San Luis Obispo, California, is rated among the top hospitals in the nation. The Copeland, Forbes, and Rossi Cardiac Care Center provides the latest innovative cardiac and imaging technology, and is home to the Hearst Cancer Resource Center offering free education, resources and support to cancer patients and their families. French is a Dignity Health Central Coast hospital which also includes Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, CA, Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, CA, St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard, CA and St. John’s Pleasant Valley in Camarillo, CA. Dignity Health Central Coast is an integrated network of top quality hospitals, physicians from the most prestigious medical schools, and comprehensive outpatient services, including primary care offices, premier surgery centers, technologically-advanced laboratories, imaging centers and a full service home health agency; all recognized for quality, safety and service.