MADISON — Throughout the pandemic, SSM Health has experienced numerous challenges and witnessed the strength found within its community. This week, the health system has a unique opportunity to share, with its broader community, the story of SSM Health and its incredible team members in a powerful documentary called Behind the Mask. Hall of Fame broadcaster Bob Costas narrates the film.

A 60-minute version of the documentary aired on Thursday, Oct. 14 in primetime from 7-8 p.m. on NBC-TV affiliate stations in Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Jefferson City, and Paducah. The film also featured on SSM Health internal and external websites. 

Behind the Mask features some extraordinary stories of courage, resilience and sacrifice that have occurred across our healing ministry throughout the past 18 months. 

“The documentary calls all of us to remember those we’ve lost and those who are still suffering,” said SSM Health President and CEO Laura S. Kaiser. “Most importantly, these stories remind us to join our hearts in gratitude for one another, and all those who walk with us in this journey.”

Behind the Mask honors SSM Health’s heroic team members who are following in the footsteps of its five founding sisters who arrived in St. Louis nearly 150 years ago, initially serving amid a devastating smallpox epidemic. The SSM Health team has carried their perseverance, dedication and compassion forward to the present day by caring for more than 80,000 people with COVID-19, while simultaneously bringing hope and healing to countless others.