USA Health unveils 'Bee Kind' theme at MLK Prayer Breakfasts at each hospital
Those who attended received a biscuit, a reflection, an opportunity to write a letter to a fellow employee, and a treat. Several hundred letters of kindness were written.
By Michelle Ryan-Day
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More than 2,000 USA Health employees across the health system gathered to honor the life, legacy, and enduring message of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. during MLK Day Prayer Breakfasts held at University Hospital, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, and Providence Hospital.
At each event, the USA Health Spiritual Health and Counseling Department unveiled its annual theme: Bee Kind – Kindness is the spark that ignites joy, hope and peace. Those who attended received a biscuit, a written reflection, an opportunity to write a letter to a fellow employee, and a treat. Several hundred letters of kindness were written.
Each breakfast featured meaningful prayers, reflections, and music from a diverse group of community leaders, students, and chaplains. Here are the recaps from each location:
University Hospital
- Attendance: 800
- Special guests offering prayers and reflections: Miriam Lewis, president-elect of the Azalea Kiwanis Club and co-founder of Graced2Care; retired Marine Ray Lewis; and Miss Alabama 2023, University of South Alabama graduate and children's author Bri Burrell. Burrell, an accomplished vocalist, also shared a song during her remarks.
- Prayers and blessings also offered by: USA Health chaplain Kim Crawford Meeks, manager, Spiritual Health and Counseling; USA Health chaplains Henry Thomas and Brady Powers, and Tim Hughes, manager of security.
Children’s & Women’s Hospital
- Attendance: 675
- Special guests offering prayers and reflections: Miriam Lewis, president-elect of the Azalea Kiwanis Club and co-founder of Graced2Care; Victoria Howell, Baker High School senior and 2025 Juneteenth Queen; Maddie Brown, Baker High School senior; Maj. Scott Speight, U.S. Army chaplain; and Tony Lagear, chaplain, City of Mobile Police Department.
- Prayers and blessings also offered by: Crawford Meeks and USA Health chaplains Thomas and Powers.
- Special thanks to: Shellyn Poole, Spiritual Care extender, and Taylor Hamm, USA counseling intern, for their support.
Providence Hospital
- Attendance: 675
- Special guests offering prayers and reflections: Annette Turner, chaplain, Saad’s Hospice.
- Prayers and blessings also offered by: Crawford Meeks, USA Health chaplains Thomas and Powers.
- Special thanks to: Food services, facilities, EVS, and all employees whose kindness and teamwork helped make this breakfast a meaningful morning of peace, joy, and connection.
