San Antonio, TX - One of San Antonio’s leading center city hospitals is sending a message of hope and hygiene to the residents of the city.

Last week, Methodist Hospital Metropolitan debuted a new display on the side of the hospital – a set of praying hands and the simple reminder to “Wash ‘Em.” Emblazoned on a side wall of the facility, the message is visible to those traveling along 281/I-37 South. It is also visible to the residents of the downtown area.

The display is made possible by a gobo – a stencil that is placed in front of a light source to create a large image or pattern. Methodist Hospital Metropolitan has utilized the technology before – including using it to display a large heart on the same wall during American Heart Month in February.

The COVID-19 crisis spurred in Metropolitan Hospital Chief Executive Officer Greg Seiler a desire to create a positive message for those his hospital serves.

What better way to do that than by reminding all of us about the two greatest tools for staying healthy, physically and spiritually during this pandemic – prayer and hand washing.

“It is a reminder of one of the most crucial steps we can take to stem the spread of this virus,” says Greg Seiler, CEO of Methodist Hospital Metropolitan, one of several hospitals that make up the Methodist Healthcare System in San Antonio. “It is also our reminder to the people of San Antonio of the power of prayer, and the fact that we are here for them, and we are praying for them.

The message will be visible at Metro every night and every day during the pandemic.

It is a message that has already – pardon the term – gone viral. The display and the sentiment behind it has made headlines among TV stations here and across the country – including outlets in Jacksonville and Orlando, Fla; and Atlanta and Athens, Ga.

Other facilities within the Methodist System are taking part in the campaign as well, with the message becoming a prominent feature on the digital billboards at Methodist Hospital Texsan, Methodist Hospital Northeast and Methodist Hospital South.

tags: covid-19