Millions of frontline workers put their own lives at risk every day to deliver special support and care to those who are in need. During these unprecedented times, healthcare workers have been masked and shielded to protect themselves and their patients from COVID-19. As a result, patients have had a hard time making a personal connection with the hero that has helped save their life. To help patients recognize their healthcare heroes behind the mask, registered nurses at Cohen Children’s Medical Center, part of the Northwell Health system, thought of a quick solution – to create oversized laminated photo badges that caregivers can wear clipped to their PPE: Project Unseen Heroes.

Northwell Health’s Huntington Hospital was looking to replicate this project for its caregivers. With help from a local Long Island print technology provider, LDI Color ToolBox, and Canon’s imagePRESS C810 solution, custom laminated badges were created to help patients recognize their “unseen heroes.” Utilizing Canon’s PRISMAprepare software to simplify the task and its imagePRESS C810 to print the badges, the combined team was able to produce, laminate and slot punch 2,500 badges for the hospital’s caregivers.

“Interestingly, I came across many of the issues that our production clients face on a daily basis,’’ said Michael Schloss, production solutions director, LDI Color ToolBox. “We received over 60 files that needed to be cleaned and reformatted for print as well as imposed and prepped so they can easily be cut to size, and being able to use the tools that we provide and recommend to improve our clients’ workflow by scripting and automating the cleanup and layout process was a huge plus. It gave me and our team of volunteers great joy to see the faces of all the frontline healthcare workers who are tirelessly fighting this deadly virus during the pandemic, and it was all with the help of Canon’s high-quality technology.”

All stemming from the value and power of print, Northwell Health’s Project Unseen Heroes has led to virtual discussions headed by healthcare professionals who provide further insights into the pandemic, and even an online concert series -- #HealthCareHeroes.

“At Huntington Hospital, we care for the whole person which includes having our caregivers make a personal connection with our patients,” said Nick Fitterman, MD, executive director of Huntington Hospital. “That personal connection can be difficult to make when a patient can’t see the face of the person caring for them. We are very thankful for Canon and LDI Color ToolBox for helping us enhance our patient experience while we provide compassionate care during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

To get a better glimpse into Northwell Health’s Project Unseen Heroes, check out this video featured in Newsday.