In an effort to raise awareness for and promote the importance of vaccination, a total of 500 vaccinated healthcare workers from Ochsner Health and LCMC Health have been selected to attend this weekend's contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
During the Saints Wildcard victory against the Chicago Bears, the Saints hosted a total of 250 vaccinated healthcare workers from Ochsner Health and LCMC Health.
Each week, as part of the game day celebrations, the Saints along with Ochsner Health select an "Ochsner Hero" of the game. This week, Dr. Veronica Gillespie was surprised via Zoom call by Saints Legend Jabari Greer. Dr. Gillespie serves as the Section Head at Women's Services at Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner and was among the first at the hospital to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
"This is just a small gesture to recognize the incredible work these men and women have completed over the last year," said Saints Owner Gayle Benson. "These front line workers are absolutely critical to the health and safety of our communities and we could not be happier to have them join us in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome this Sunday with the other 3,000 Saints fans while we take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers."
"Getting the COVID-19 vaccination is one of the most important tools to ending this pandemic, and we greatly appreciate the New Orleans Saints' efforts to drive awareness to the importance of getting the vaccine," said Warner Thomas, President and CEO, Ochsner Health. "We cannot thank the New Orleans Saints enough for their continued support of our healthcare heroes over the last 10 months and for recognizing their heroic efforts with a special invitation to attend this weekend's playoff game. Our Ochsner Heroes are excited and ready to safely cheer on the Saints!"
"As many health care heroes complete their vaccinations, it is a wonderful gesture for some of them to be offered tickets to the Saints playoff game this weekend," said Greg Feirn, CEO, LCMC Health. "Getting the COVID-19 vaccination will move us closer to the day when we can all stand together and bring back true home-field advantage."
