New nonprofit aims to support healthcare workers, first responders

A new Greater Cincinnati nonprofit aims to provide support to healthcare workers and first responders across the region by offering a range of self-care resources.

Moved by Their Compassion supports the mental, emotional and physical well-being of healthcare workers and first responders. It offers wellness opportunities like cooking classes, art therapy, equine therapy, nature center visits and yoga.

The nonprofit partners with local organizations like La Soupe, TRI Ohio, the Cincinnati Art Museum and Great Parks to create customized experiences.

“We are committed to fostering a healthier, more loved healthcare workforce by offering resources and support tailored to their unique needs,” said Monya Wyatt, a co-founder and a treasury professional with a 30-year career spanning both for-profit and nonprofit industries. Her previous nonprofit experience includes serving as the e-commerce and treasury coordinator for the national headquarters of the Disabled American Veterans and as the director of finance and operations at the SCPA Fund.

“It’s time we take care of those who have dedicated themselves to caring for others,” she added.

About the organization

Moved by Their Compassion came about in response to the personal traumatic experiences by one of its founders, Brittany Brinson, a pediatric intensive care nurse, in December 2021. 

After a three-month maternity leave, Brinson suffered a devastating experience with a patient, who coded twice after a liver transplant patient.  Later that morning, Brittany’s newborn son fell seriously ill and was later diagnosed with a rare liver disease.

The organization pointed out that Brinson’s story showcases the special challenges healthcare professionals face, especially those working in high-pressure settings like pediatric intensive care units.

The COVID-19 pandemic made these challenges even harder, and they still exist today.

Although the organization plans to set up a physical base near Cincinnati’s hospital district in the future, it currently focuses on taking its efforts directly to the people it helps. This includes working with groups like UC Health-West Chester ER, Cincinnati African-American Firefighters Association, Cincinnati Children’s PICU and The Christ Hospital Outpatient Center – Springfield Township, according to Wyatt.

Moved by Their Compassion welcomes other healthcare workers, healthcare organizations and volunteers to join its efforts.

“Our hope is to take some of the burden off these workers so they can come to us instead of searching on their own,” Wyatt said. “What’s unique is that the participants have similar life experiences and can support each other in these small group settings.”