Mother Nature can be unpredictable. Fortunately, what is predictable is how well our communities come together in times of crisis to ensure that our residents are safe and well cared for. The severe weather that swept through western Connecticut on Tuesday, May 15, significantly impacted greater Danbury. Our many dedicated community partners worked tirelessly to help residents in need. Neighbors were helping neighbors and in many cases, complete strangers too. The level of compassion shown across the region was extraordinary to witness.

Our deepest sympathies are with those who have lost loved ones or endured challenges with their homes or property due to the storm. There are no words to describe these losses, but please know you remain in our thoughts. If you are struggling, please don’t hesitate to call our crisis intervention hotline at 1-888-447-3339 or dial 211 for other support services.

Immediate recovery from the storm required precise coordination and communication with all of our community partners. First Responders and Emergency Management, Public Health and Public Works crews diligently worked to help those in need and alleviate barriers caused by the storm. Many volunteer Fire Departments from our community and across the state assisted those in need and participated in search and rescue. The Danbury Fire and Police Department, Danbury Emergency Medical Services, and Western Connecticut State University established a functional needs shelter for area residents. Emergency medicine physicians, paramedics, nurses, and WCSU student nurses from the area volunteered their time and the American Red Cross provided needed supplies to help make each person as comfortable as possible. This lifesaving shelter was a safe haven for residents without power who are dependent upon electric-powered medical devices. Thank you all for your commitment to caring for our communities.

Danbury Hospital and New Milford Hospital staff continued to provide exceptional, quality care to our patients and their families despite challenges from the storm. We feel privileged to serve these great communities and we will make every effort to care for you no matter what the circumstances.

I am incredibly proud of Danbury Hospital and New Milford Hospital’s staff, clinical expertise, and teamwork. Our compassionate clinical staff remained focused on caring for our patients despite their own personal hardships — many working extra shifts or staying overnight to ensure each patient received the care and support they needed. Each department at the hospitals worked together and developed creative solutions to provide excellent care despite limited resources.

We were thankful for Norwalk Hospital and other hospitals’ support as they offered to accept patients if transfers were necessary. Case Management and Pharmacy provided well-thought-out discharge care plans to ensure patients were going home to safe environments with everything they needed to stay well. Our Emergency Operations Center kept staff well informed and supported. Facilities, Food Services, Environmental Services, and Materials Management were integral to providing accommodations and sustenance to our patients and staff. Our dependable Emergency Services Team and Security Team transported patients to safe locations, whether it was to their homes or other care facilities. Western Connecticut Home Care made every effort to confirm the whereabouts of their patients and that they were safe.

Major snowstorms this past winter, the water main break in Danbury just a few weeks ago and now this recent storm have unquestionably tested all of us. As a community, we continue to rise to the challenge, overcome obstacles, and move forward together. This is a testament to the remarkable resilience of our greater Danbury community. Thank you for demonstrating the courage to weather any storm.

Dr. John M. Murphy is President and CEO of Western Connecticut Health Network, which includes Danbury, New Milford and Norwalk hospitals.