None of us expected the impact COVID-19 has had on our lives. We have so much to be grateful for, and too much to mourn. A bright spot throughout this turbulent time has been the incredible team working on the front lines at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, providing high quality care for every member of our community. When the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation team asked us to create a campaign to encourage our city to show their gratitude, we jumped at the opportunity.

It Takes Heart came to life as a conversation between the community and ZSFG, both as a show of thanks to the hospital workers on the front lines, as well as a recognition of sacrifices that we have had to make to slow the spread. It started with a call to “show your heart” in creative ways, and to write notes of gratitude to the hospital workers at ZSFG. After an outpouring of support manifesting as homemade hearts posted in windows and on doors, chalked on sidewalks, and murals on boarded up storefronts, the campaign culminated in a 200 foot long fence outside of the staff entrance to ZSFG. The fence displayed notes of gratitude and photos that we received from the community.