New ‘Light Up Strong’ Initiative Shows Our Support for Patients, Families

Today, many health-conditions and illnesses are known by name, and by color. That’s just one reason Strong Memorial Hospital—thanks to the generosity of Friends of Strong—recently installed high-efficiency LED light fixtures that can wash the SMH entrance (near the main lobby) in tones of red, blue, green, gold or any endless assortment of colors.

“Thousands of our patients and their families are touched by these illnesses and it’s important we support them wherever we can,” says Jackie Beckerman, chief patient experience officer and senior director of the Strong Commitment. “This is a thoughtful and visible way to appreciate their challenges, sacrifices and triumphs.”

For example, pink is well-known for representing those touched by breast cancer, and red typically is used by those who want to show their support for heart disease—especially during American Heart Month in February.

Pictured above, the hospital was bathed in a mixture of orange and green in August to recognize both breastfeeding awareness and immunization awareness. In September, SMH will sport light blue and gold in observance of prostate cancer and childhood cancer. At other times, the front lobby will be adorned with the University’s blue and yellow colors.

“While this isn’t the typical initiative we fund, we felt it would be a great way for us as an institution to raise awareness and show our solidarity and support for those we serve,” says Sandy Arbasak, director of the Friends of Strong. “Not only does it add to the beauty of our hospital, it also serves as a conversation starter—bringing awareness to the complex illnesses we’re known for treating.”

SMH’s new “Light Up Strong” committee oversees the selection of observances chosen for the year, ensuring they are representative of health conditions treated at UR Medicine. To learn more, visit the ICARE corner on the URMC Intranet home page, which will post more information soon. Our ambassadors in the Main Lobby also will have information to share with staff, patients and visitors about the “Light Up Strong” program and what the current colors represent.

The new system’s LED light fixtures produce 1,471 lumens of rich, saturated color, making it possible to project more than 200 feet toward the sky. It also pays salute Rochester’s national reputation as a photonics hub.

Please direct any questions to the Office of the Patient Experience and the Strong Commitment at (585) 275-8794.

Special thanks to John Bruner and his Facilities and Services team, as well as Billitier Electric for installing and programming the new computer-controlled lighting system.

Every day.  Every year.  Every purchase you make at the Friends of Strong Gift Shop, Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters, and other Friends of Strong fundraising events helps support patient- and family-centered care initiatives at Strong.  Since 1975, Friends of Strong has given more than $15 million to departments and programs throughout UR Medicine's Strong Memorial Hospital.

Susan Sullivan | 8/30/2017

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