“HEALTHCARE HEROES”: New Jersey artist Joe LaMattina’s homage to frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic has been donated to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton.

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton was recently presented with the donation of a piece of multimedia artwork, Healthcare Angels, by its creator, New Jersey-based artist Joe LaMattina. This original piece, an homage to frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, will be placed on display throughout the hospital units for all staff and patients to enjoy before it finds its permanent home in a place of honor in the hospital’s main building.

During the COVID-19 quarantine in early 2020, LaMattina felt compelled to create something to thank health care workers. He says, “I, like most people, found the commitment, dedication to service, and bravery of our first responders and all healthcare workers to be extraordinary. While some people clapped every night in their honor, and some people put up signs and lights, I decided that the very least I could do was to create a piece of art in their honor.”

Healthcare Angels was the artwork that came from this desire to recognize those bravely caring for COVID-19 patients. Richard Freeman, CEO and president of RWJUH Hamilton said, “This artwork is more than paint and materials. It is a reflection of the dedication and hard work put forth by our employees during this pandemic. It will inspire our staff for years to come.”