CINCINNATI – University of Cincinnati health providers were awarded a key to the city earlier this month for providing medical care to Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, according to a UC Medical Center spokeswoman.
>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ‘Thankful for the wonderful care;’ Damar Hamlin resigns UCMC after release, back in Buffalo
The ceremony took place Thursday at the UC Medical Center, where Hamlin has been recovering for a week after suffering cardiac arrest at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Jan. 2.
“What is so incredibly special is that, while Damar Hamlin’s case was notable for being on national television, it was not notable for the care he received,” said Aftab Pureval. “Every single person, whether they’re a professional athlete or someone just off the street, receives the same kind of exceptional, first-in-class care. We are so grateful for your heroic work, day in and day out.”
Dozens of UC Medical Center doctors, nurses and clinical and non-clinical support staff joined Mayor Preval and Deputy Mayor Jan-Michele Kearney for the event.
“The immediate impact is the awareness to the community of the care we provide,” said Robert Wiehe, chief operating officer at UC Health. “Our teams are the best in the country as everyone has seen in the past month.”
UC Medical Center is the area’s only adult Level One trauma center.
>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Damar Hamlin doing well, but still faces long recovery, friend says
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital also received $10,000 worth of toys from Fisher-Price and Mattel on Wednesday, all in thanks for supporting and caring for Hamlin, according to our news partner WCPO in Cincinnati.
Included in the gift was a card that said, “Thank you for taking such good care of Damar.”
Cincinnati Children’s said the Child Life team will sort and distribute the toys to children receiving care throughout the medical center, WCPO said.
>>RELATED: ‘The Love Was Overwhelming;’ Damar Hamlin grateful for prayers in social media statement
On Jan. 8, Hamlin expressed his gratitude for the care he received at UCMC on social media and plans to donate proceeds from shirt sales to first responders and the UC Trauma Center.
>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ‘We all won;’ Damar Hamlin posts on social media after Bills win
The shirt features an image of Hamlin’s hands forming a heart and the quote, “Did we win?” which hospital said was one of the first things Hamlin asked when he woke up from his coma.
Hamlin is still recovering from cardiac arrest in Buffalo.
“Grateful for all the SINCERE love, thoughts and prayers from around the world,” Hamlin written on social media Tuesday. “You will hear from me soon.”
©2023 Cox Media Group
