Yahoo Finance Damar Hamlin's Cincinnati Health Team Given a Key to the City by Mayor
Timothy T Ludwig/Getty
The city of Cincinnati isn't forgetting the people who went above and beyond to aid Damar Hamlin to recovery.
On Thursday, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval presented the key to the city to the health care team of providers at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, who came to the Buffalo Bills safety's assistance after he suffered a cardiac arrest on Jan. 2.
"The inspirational work done by Damar Hamlin's medical care team is a testament to the powerful impact of UC Health and all our healthcare workers.," said Pureval in a release. "These are true heroes, and they spend every day saving the lives of our family, friends, and neighbors.
ICYMI: Our teams were honored by @HamiltonCntyOH and presented with a key to the city by @AftabPureval for their efforts in treating Damar.
As the region’s only Level 1 trauma center, we are prepared to deliver relentless care for every individual who enters our doors. pic.twitter.com/YYb1Xgvbfw— UC Health (@uc_health) January 26, 2023
RELATED: Bengals' Joe Burrow Talks Concussions, Says He's 'Been Hit and Forgot the Rest of the Game'
"It's been incredible to see Cincinnati rally around Damar, and those who stepped up to help him recover."
In addition to the key ceremony, Cincinnati Children's Hospital received $10,000 worth of toy donations from Fisher-Price and Mattel on Wednesday, with a note of thanks for taking care of Hamlin. Both Fisher-Price and Mattel have partnerships with the Bills organization.
RELATED: Mayor of Buffalo Says City Is Staying United After Damar Hamlin Injury: 'We Are a Strong Community'
Hamlin suffered his injury early in the first quarter of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals when he tackled wide receiver Tee Higgins and quickly stood up, then suddenly collapsed. Medical personnel administered CPR to Hamlin and gave him oxygen; he was then transferred by ambulance to the UC Medical Center.
Hamlin was released from the hospital on Jan. 9 and has improved significantly, but is far from fully healed. On Thursday, Hamlin's close friend and business partner Jordon Rooney told ESPN that the Buffalo Bills safety "still has a lengthy recovery" ahead of him, "despite being out of the hospital."
RELATED VIDEO: Damar Hamlin Discharged from Hospital and Returning to Buffalo: 'Next Stage of His Recovery'
Hamlin "still requires oxygen" and is "having his heart monitored regularly," Rooney said on Thursday. But Hamlin has been able to visit with teammates since his release from the hospital, his friend shared. "He has visited with the team a few times but he still gets winded very easily," said Rooney.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
As he continues on his road to recovery, Rooney said Hamlin remains "upbeat and positive and ready to continue to overcome this."
