Recognizing the impact of the pandemic and working to promote community healing, Salinas Valley Health and Healing Together hosted the Monterey County dedication of the Rose River Memorial in March 2023. The ceremony showcases a wall of more than 2,500 handmade red felt roses created by individuals from throughout Monterey County and adhered to recycled fishing nets. As of the March 6 dedication date, the Monterey County Health Department had recorded 827 official deaths from the virus. The original goal was to make one rose for every life lost. However, the outpouring of interest far exceeded expectations.
“Healthcare workers were on the frontlines of the crisis; yet so were many others,” says Nadine Semer, MD, Medical Director of Palliative Care Services, who led the effort. “The emotional impact of COVID-19 was experienced in every corner of our communities: patients, families, business owners, schoolchildren, and the list goes on. The Rose River Memorial is a therapeutic outlet to recognize the impact of the devastating loss, isolation and financial hardships and to heal together.”
In addition to the Rose River Memorial displayed for the public to visit on the medical center’s grounds on East Romie Lane, a traveling exhibit is available upon request by emailing roserivermemorial@SalinasValleyHealth.com.
