There is a saying that goes “Those who feel appreciated will always do more than what it expected,” and I can tell you, the appreciation shared from the community and the Save Our Hospital group has been felt, and the citizens are responding beyond anyone’s expectations. I would like to say thank you.

I wrote a letter early on asking for prayers for the hospital. Then I wrote a letter to share what our nurses in the hospital do and experience and why we need to keep it here. Now I’d like to say thank you.

Thank you to the community, including all the small towns, the rural folks and the Iowa residents. Thank you to the Save Our Hospital committee and subcommittees. Thank you to the local media for covering our concerns. Thank you to the Albert Lea Tribune for showing you are committed to Albert Lea and the residents that utilize the town and its services. Thank you to the unions for uniting employees and engaging with our community. Thank you to my coworkers for providing excellent care each and every day as we continue to share concerns for the future.

I will say it again: The nurses are 100-percent committed to providing quality care.

Lacey Koopal

Hartland