Daily printout: Oct. 9

The Postal Service held a special dedication ceremony for the new Thank You, Healthcare Community stamp on Oct. 3, honoring those workers who dedicate their lives to our health, safety and well-being.

“The Thank You, Healthcare Community stamp is special — it recognizes the tremendous work by all health workers across the country. And it comes with our memory of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the critical role that health workers played, still fresh in our minds. Having a stamp issued to commemorate the work of those across the health sector is a tremendous honor. It is an honor that is well deserved,” said Xavier Becerra, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which joined USPS in releasing the stamp.

“We understand the importance of recognizing those in the helping professions because that’s how we think of the Postal Service. Like those in the health care community, our employees are also committed to serving others,” said Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. “They know the habits of their customers and the rhythms of their communities. They are often the first to notify emergency personnel when something is wrong, and because they are literally on every street in every neighborhood, they can often provide initial comfort and care before first responders arrive.”

The ceremony was held in Washington, DC, at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Other speakers included Dr. Loretta Christensen, chief medical officer for Indian Health Services, part of HHS; and Dr. Andrea Anderson, an associate professor and associate chief of the division of family medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

The health care community encompasses physicians, surgeons, dentists, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, lab technicians, orderlies, home health aides, hospital custodians and emergency medical workers, among others.

It also includes public health professionals such as epidemiologists, microbiologists and data analysts.

The biggest health care occupation by far is nursing; almost 23 percent of all health care workers are registered nurses.

Facing sick, injured and dying patients — and distraught family members — on a daily basis can be tremendously challenging, but health care workers also experience considerable rewards.

Research shows that scientists, doctors and nurses are some of the most highly respected professionals because of their dedication to helping other people.

The stamp artwork consists of health-related icons spelling out the stacked words “thank you” against a white background.

Running across the lower right edge of the stamp are the words “Healthcare” in gray and “Community” in surgical green.

The stamp is available in panes of 20 at Post Offices and usps.com.

The Postal Service has recommended deadlines for the holiday mailing and shipping season.

The suggestions, released Tuesday, Oct. 8, are for expected delivery by Dec. 25.

Here are the deadlines for items being sent to addresses in the lower 48 states:

• Wednesday, Dec. 18: USPS Ground Advantage

• Wednesday, Dec. 18: First-Class Mail, including greeting cards

• Thursday, Dec. 19: Priority Mail

• Saturday, Dec. 21: Priority Mail Express

Here are the deadlines for items being sent to addresses in Alaska and Hawaii:

• Monday, Dec. 16: USPS Ground Advantage

• Wednesday, Dec. 18: First-Class Mail  

• Thursday, Dec. 19: Priority Mail

• Friday, Dec. 20: Priority Mail Express

Customers sending packages internationally, or to military addresses, can access the complete list of recommended mailing and shipping dates at usps.com.

Tips on preparing shipments, including packaging guidelines, ordering free shipping supplies and information on local Post Office location hours, can be found at about.usps.com.