New U.S. issue dedicated to healthcare workers expresses gratitude

By Scott Tiffney

On Oct. 1 the United States Postal Service will give thanks to the nation’s healthcare community and the role it plays with the issuance of the Healthcare Community forever stamp.

The nondenominated (73¢) stamp will be issued in panes of 20 that include the text “Thank You, Healthcare Community” in surgical green across the pane’s wide top selvage.

Due to a scheduling conflict the first-day ceremony originally planned for Oct. 1 has now been rescheduled as a dedication ceremony on Oct. 3.

The official first day of the Healthcare Community stamp is still Oct. 1. The stamp is available for preorder from the USPS.

The special dedication event will take place at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time at the office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the Hubert H. Humphrey Building, Great Hall, 200 Independence Ave. SW, in Washington, D.C.

For security reasons, all those wishing to attend the dedication ceremony must RSVP online with the USPS by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Oct. 2.

Postmaster general Louis DeJoy and Xavier Becerra, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will participate in the dedication ceremony.

Coming on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, the issue recognizes the tremendous sacrifice that healthcare professionals make each day. “These individuals dedicate their lives to protect our health, safety and well-being, often at great personal risk,” the Postal Service said.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vital Sign’s website, “Health worker jobs in the U.S. involve demanding and sometimes dangerous duties, including exposure to infectious diseases ... the COVID-19 pandemic presented even more stressors. These included a surge of patients, longer working hours, and shortages of supplies and protective equipment. Health workers are reporting feeling fatigue, loss, and grief at levels higher than before the pandemic.”

The issue serves as a timely reminder highlighting the challenges and benefits for workers in the healthcare system.

“Facing sick, injured, and dying patients — and distraught family members — on a daily basis can be tremendously challenging, but healthcare workers also experience considerable rewards. Research shows that scientists, doctors, and nurses are some of the most highly respected professionals due to their dedication to helping other people,” the Postal Service said.

Postal Service art director Bryan Duefrene designed the new forever stamp as an expression of gratitude to all the various healthcare vocations.

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