"Parkland’s long COVID struggle"

STORYTELLING CATEGORY

The Dallas Morning News
02/09/2021

In the midst of an ongoing pandemic, Sharon Grigsby of The Dallas Morning News has focused on telling stories of patients and health care workers at Parkland Memorial Hospital, one of Texas’ largest hospitals. She has shown how Parkland has been central to the battle against COVID-19 in North Texas through narratives that grip the reader with their detail and nuance.

For instance, she told readers about the heartbreaking last days of a young mother who died just weeks after giving birth in the hospital’s COVID ward. She gave an inside look at the strain on doctors and nurses as they watched cases tick up again after a decline. Because she was keeping tabs on life in the ward constantly, she was able to track the moment that some staff members said they almost gave up the fight.

Through her stories, Sharon Grigsby was a barometer for readers of how the state was handling the crisis. She also put a face on some of the tragedies that were suffered by Texas families from a wide diversity of backgrounds. She often received feedback from readers thanking her for bringing home what the true toll of the pandemic was across our communities.

Stories with this kind of impact come not only from dogged reporting and skillful writing but also from the deep sense of empathy that Sharon Grigsby has for her subjects. Her connections with the people and communities of North Texas made sources feel they had someone they could trust telling their stories. Her ability to give voice to the pain of those grieving and showcase the bravery of those fighting to save lives made these stories stand out as the pandemic wore on.

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Submitted by Arnessa Garrett.