Kaiser Permanente to Honor ‘Health Care Heroes’ During Rose Parade TV Special

The cancellation of the 2021 Rose Parade means Kaiser Permanente will not have a flower-adorned float rolling down Colorado Boulevard for the first time in 16 years, so the company is planning to broadcast a message of thanks to “Health Care Heroes” worldwide during the TV special that will air in lieu of the iconic parade on New Year’s Day.

The two-hour “Rose Parade’s New Year Celebration presented by Honda,” special will feature a 90-second video produced by Kaiser Permanente with the theme: “Honoring health care heroes and a healthy, thriving world,” the organization said in a written statement.

“This unique and inspirational video will highlight health care heroes while reinforcing the importance of proper safety and hygiene measures as we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to the statement.

Kaiser Permanente Southern California and Hawaii, Health Plan and Hospitals President Julie Miller-Phipps said during the pandemic, health care workers “are doing so much more than stepping up and going the extra mile.”

“They are recommitting themselves daily to their calling of providing clinical care, support services and human connection to the 4.7 million people who have entrusted us with their lives in Southern California,” she said.

Southern California Permanente Medical Group Executive Medical Director Dr. Edward M. Ellison said the health care workers “show up with bravery and commitment every day to ensure that only the highest possible patient care and medical excellence are provided in our communities across Southern California.

“Day after day, and throughout the pandemic, they have gone above and beyond the call of duty to deliver high-quality, equitable and compassionate care,” Ellison said. “That commitment is particularly meaningful during these unprecedented times, but we can’t do this alone. We are all in this together and need everyone to wear a mask, wash your hands with soap frequently, avoid large and small gatherings, and practice physical distancing. Along with the vaccine, putting these actions into practice will not only protect the health of your family and communities, but also help us return to a more normal life.”

The video presentation will include testimonials from eight Kaiser health care workers

The TV special will include pre-recorded performances, celebrity appearances and more to ring in the New Year, organizers said.

It will air at 7:00 a.m. on Univision and at 8:00 a.m. on ABC, KTLA, NBC, RFD TV and the Hallmark Channel.