In a heartwarming initiative that has blossomed into a community-wide effort, nurse practitioner Sarah Skinner is bringing joy to patients at UMass Memorial Medical Center through a unique floral delivery programme known as “Dahlia Day.” This initiative, which started three years ago, centres around the delivery of homegrown dahlias, aiming to uplift the spirits of those undergoing treatment in the hospital.
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On October 8, Skinner and her team delivered an impressive 850 dahlias to patients at the Worcester-based medical facility. Reflecting on the positive impact of her work, Skinner stated, “Being a patient in the hospital is not fun — no one wants to be there. The shift in patients’ faces and demeanours from this small act of kindness is palpable.” Her efforts have undoubtedly made a significant difference, as patients express their appreciation for the flowers and the thoughtfulness behind the initiative.
The origins of “Dahlia Day” stem from a simple idea that has evolved into a broader community mission. It now engages various local organisations, including the New England Dahlia Society, a 4-H club from West Boylston, as well as local mothers’ groups and community gardeners. Skinner noted, “Working in healthcare, particularly in critical care, can be challenging. Many of our staff have developed different hobbies to help balance the grief and challenges of working in the ICU environment, and many of us started growing dahlias.”
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic when stress levels were exceptionally high, Skinner and her colleagues found solace in growing flowers. She explained that the activity provided an outlet for them to escape from the burdens of their profession, giving them a chance to enjoy the outdoors and cultivate something beautiful. “We passed around tubers and shared tips, and as the stress of the pandemic worsened, the idea of sharing these flowers with patients became ever more appealing.”
Initially harbouring the thought of distributing flowers to patients for several years, Skinner approached hospital leadership with her idea in 2020. She was pleasantly surprised by the instant support and encouragement she received, which laid the foundation for what has become a much-loved tradition in the hospital.
The dahlias, known for their ability to self-propagate, serve as a perfect metaphor for Skinner’s initiative. She elaborated on how planting a single tuber can yield dozens more blooms the following year, paralleling how a small act of kindness can spread joy exponentially within the community. “This one small idea and act of kindness has self-propagated and allowed us to spread joy to hundreds of patients across the Medical Center,” she stated.
As the programme continues to grow, Skinner has received overwhelming support from her colleagues and the hospital’s administration. Initially uncertain about the undertaking, she is now amazed at how much it has expanded, with close to 50 participants and nearly 1,000 blooms shared since its inception. “Dahlias are unique in many ways. Their ability to self-propagate makes them the perfect flower for this event,” she added.
Looking back on her journey, Skinner has seen the tangible effects of her floral outreach. She recalled how a patient, amid a particularly distressing time, expressed that the delivery of a flower and a heartfelt card had lightened her burden. Such stories continually inspire Skinner to press on with her efforts.
For the future of “Dahlia Day,” Skinner envisions expanding the initiative to include other campuses of the Medical Center, thereby ensuring that even more patients can experience the joy that these flowers can bring. Her dedication to uplifting others, coupled with the community’s support, suggests that this unique blend of gardening and compassion will continue to flourish in the years to come.