A local promotional product manufacturer is partnering with Mercy Health with an idea to spread joy and appreciation to every Mercy Health worker in the Mahoning Valley.

Sherman Creative laid the groundwork and devised a plan that would dress each of the nearly 6,000 employees at Mercy Health in a positive and encouraging tee shirt, to be designed and printed locally.

Brittany Mendez of Sherman Creative said, "It's imperative for Sherman Creative to show our community how appreciative we are of their hard work and dedication to keeping us all safe & healthy during this unprecedented time."

A portion of the Mercy Health Foundation's $1.5 million in grants will go toward the purchase of the shirts.

"It was also important for us to recognize every front-line worker, not just medical staff, because maintenance, food service and other departments in the hospital system are also on the frontlines, risking it all for us," said Mendez.

This week also marked National Hospital week across the U.S.