Food is a comfort to so many and this is no exception. AAK provides meals to show our support and appreciation to medical personnel in Stark County Hospitals. At this time we’ve sent meals to the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), Emergency Room, and Long Term Acute Care unit (LTAC) at Aultman Hospital. We hope to soon branch out to all Stark County hospitals.

When asked what would help them feel supported, several Stark County medical staff shared that basic items such as: chapstick, hand lotion, gum, Starbucks gift cards, small snacks, pens and water bottles would be greatly appreciated. AAK is collecting donations of these items from local churches in the community. They will be packaged and donated as care kits.

In addition, AAK is also collecting donations for Code Lavender, a support for patients’ families. The donations include: adult coloring books, lavender sachets, colored pencils, and water bottles to offer comfort and support for the families while they are waiting.

AAK is also promoting acts of kindness by randomly surprising strangers with gift cards in hopes of sparking the flame of giving. We have started this movement at Aultman Hospital giving to random workers both staff and volunteers.

Another Act of Kindness is providing a grant funded retreat for nurses for self-care. This retreat will help to prevent compassion fatigue and burnout which will improve job satisfaction.

AAK promotes education of our future nurses by providing scholarships to local nursing students. This past year, AAK gave out one $1000 and two $750 scholarships to three local nursing students. AAK plans to increase the number of scholarships given every year.