Caregivers at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital delivered heart-shaped cookies to patients on Friday and make a fresh commitment to extending kindness each day to the individuals and families they serve.

The hospital, which launched its Kindness Matters campaign on Valentine’s Day, is one of the newest Kindness Ambassadors participating in the City of Arlington’s Kindness Initiative. Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital leaders say the initiative serves as a reminder about the importance of providing a comforting touch, a warm smile or a listening ear to those who come through their doors.

Chief Nursing Officer Shonna Bracco initiated the Kindness Matters campaign, which includes posters around the hospital that read: “Today you could be standing next to someone who is trying their best not to fall apart. So whatever you do today, do it with kindness in your heart.”

“This is who we are here at the hospital. This is what defines us,” said Bracco, who moved her family to Arlington last year. “This initiative really is just a reminder that will help us be intentional in our kindness.”

During the kickoff event, Mayor Jeff Williams proclaimed Feb. 14, 2020, as “Kindness Matters Day” in Arlington. Williams applauded the hospital’s long-standing service to the community and its commitment to helping make Arlington a welcoming city for all.

“One of the best medicines is to be kind,” Williams said.

The Community Relations Commission has been working to promote acts of kindness among our residents, visitors and business community since Mayor Jeff Williams announced the Kindness Initiative in 2017. People are encouraged to report acts of kindness that they perform, witness or were the recipient of through the City's Ask Arlington mobile app, on the Acts of Kindness website, or by posting on social media using #ArlingtonKindness and @CityofArlington.

Click here to read more about Acts of Kindness occurring throughout The American Dream City.

The Community Relations Commission is seeking local businesses to provide rewards that can be used to recognize youth for their acts of kindness. Those who are interested in becoming a sponsor can email the commission at [email protected]. Kindness Ambassadors include the Texas Rangers, Chick-Fil-A, the Parks Mall, Prince Lebanese Grill and the Jim Ross Law Group.