Orlando Health donates sign to onePULSE Foundation

ORLANDO, Fla. — In response to the Pulse nightclub tragedy on Sunday, June 12, 2016, Orlando Health has treated nearly 50 patients.

Now, the Orlando Health corporate sign that became a place of reflection and remembrance to honor the 49 people killed will become part of the collection of the National Pulse Memorial & Museum.

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On Thursday, the sign, located on the southwest corner of Orange Avenue and Miller Street, was dismantled and was donated to the onePULSE Foundation.

According to a news release, the sign will become part of the onePULSE Foundation’s mission to create and support a memorial that opens hearts, a museum that opens minds, educational programs that open eyes, and legacy scholarships that open doors.

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Orlando Health donates sign to onePULSE Foundation

“Inside our walls, the Orlando Health team came together to deliver medical treatment to the critically injured and to provide support to patients’ family members and loved ones, as well as each other,” said David Strong, president and CEO, Orlando Health. “Outside our walls the support continued as many would gather at the site surrounding our sign. For team members and the community at large, the area became a memorial site to mourn and reflect. Individuals expressed their emotions by leaving candles, flowers, balloons, teddy bears, messages, and other items to remember those whose lives were taken and to help the community mourn and heal.”

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“Orlando Health has been a valued partner to the Pulse-affected community since June 12, 2016, and that commitment hasn’t wavered since then in supporting us in our journey of healing,” said Deborah Bowie, executive director of onePULSE Foundation. “It’s what they do best and this sign will forever be a reminder of the critical role that the Level One Trauma Center team members at Orlando Health ORMC played in responding to the tragedy.”

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Plans are also underway to donate the 49 commemorative pavers that line the Pulse memorial garden at Lake Beauty. The pavers, each of which is engraved with the name of someone whose life was taken the tragedy, will be removed and treated with sealants to be preserved and donated to the onePULSE Foundation.

In July 2016, Orlando Health donated 49 Pulse Tribute Crosses to the Orange County Regional History Center.

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