Public health staff from 11 county and tribal public health departments have partnered on an intiative called Project Blue Light to honor frontline workers who have been working to keep the community safe during the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the week of Jan. 24-31, public health staff from Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis counties — along with Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage and Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe — are asking businesses and individuals to light up the exterior of their home or business with a blue light bulb or string lights.

Across the region, landmarks, businesses, and front porches will be illuminated for Project Blue Light. In addition, employers and schools are encouraged to designate a day of the week for everyone to wear blue, businesses are encouraged to display signs or banners, and residents are encouraged to hang a poster in a window. Everyone is urged to share a photo of how they are participating with the hashtag #thankyouwithblue on social media.

“Frontline workers not only include medical professionals, law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, dispatchers and border patrol agents, but also the invisible infrastructure that may not get the same attention,” said Willi Kostiuk, emergency management coordinator in Koochiching County. “Some of these are grocery store employees, fast food and restaurant workers, food and supply distribution center workers, mail and package delivery workers, school administration and staff, sanitation, custodial, janitorial, and cleaning service workers, railroad workers, and other professions critical to the life, health and safety of residents. They deserve our recognition and appreciation.”