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December 24, 2020
Heritage Valley Breakfast With Santa At-Home Edition
Although we are apart, we remain uniquely connected! This year, Heritage Valley Health System offered an “at-home edition” of Breakfast With Santa for our employees and their children/grandchildren in place of our in-person event. Pick-up was “drive-thru style” with a socially distanced wave from Santa & Mrs. Claus. Each participant received a kit filled with goodies and fun, virtual experiences. Happy Holidays to everyone!  
COVID-19 Vaccine Administered to Heritage Valley Health System Front-Line Staff
Front-line workers were the focus this week as Heritage Valley Health System administered doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Heritage Valley Health System received 1,950 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 2,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine and immediately initiated a plan to vaccinate staff who provide direct patient care within the hospitals.

To date, Heritage Valley has administered the vaccine to approximately 1,200 front-line workers and has another 1,000 employees scheduled to receive the vaccine prior to the New Year’s holiday.

Heritage Valley will continue to administer the vaccine to front-line and essential healthcare workers. We will proceed with community individuals once additional vaccines become available and as guided by the CDC and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

“Since March, our dedicated physicians, nurses, and all staff have gone above and beyond to provide the best health care to all patients during the pandemic. We’re proud of their efforts and pleased that we are able to begin administering the vaccine to those who have given so much of themselves,” said Norm Mitry, President & CEO, Heritage Valley Health System.

Heritage Valley Health System also developed an automated tool and process for individuals to schedule both their 1st dose and follow-up dose, 21 days later, as well as post the appointments to their respective calendars.

“This automated seamless process allows individuals to schedule their own appointments at their convenience and will also enable the Health System to perform all of the required reporting associated with the COVID-19 vaccine process,” said Jon Zagorski, Chief Information Officer, Heritage Valley Health System.
Heritage Valley pharmacy and materials management staff receive the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine on Dec. 17. Pictured, left to right, Renee McRae, Russ Butwinski, Don Pettigrew and Rose Pettigrew.
Heritage Valley Family Medicine Resident Sana Borda gives a “thumbs-up” as she is one of the first Health System staff members to receive the COVID-19 vaccine administered by Tammy Kelosky.
Nurse Rozan Norris administers the COVID-19 vaccine to Dr. Matthew Woodske, Intensivist with Heritage Valley Health System.
Heritage Valley Continues to Provide COVID-19 Testing

Testing at ConvenientCare
Patients can obtain testing after completing a telehealth/telephone visit with a provider at one of the seven ConvenientCare locations or by calling the Heritage Valley COVID Call Center at 724-773-4285. Once a visit is completed and the test ordered, patients will be directed to a ConvenientCare location for testing. Patients will be able to drive up to any of our seven ConvenientCare locations (Aliquippa, Center Twp., Chippewa, Edgeworth, Ellwood City, Robinson Twp., Calcutta, Ohio) -- and remain in their car while clinical staff come to the car and assist in the collection of the COVID-19 sample. 

Drive-Thru Testing
Heritage Valley Health System continues to offer scheduled drive-thru COVID-19 and Flu testing in Beaver (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays - closed Christmas and New Year's Day) and Moon Township (Tuesdays and Thursdays). Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. An authorized order from a Heritage Valley physician OR Heritage Valley ConvenientCare provider is required for COVID-19 and Flu tests at these locations. After receiving an order, patients may call 1-800-721-6237 for an appointment. Appointments are scheduled every 5 minutes.

Patients must be at least 2 years old to be tested. After having samples taken, individuals are strongly encouraged to self-quarantine at home until the test results are received. To learn more about COVID-19 and Flu testing, click here.
We Are Searching For Healthcare Heroes!
Qualifications are hardworking, compassionate, problem-solvers with a ‘can do’ attitude. Heritage Valley Health System has a number of opportunities available, both clinical and non-clinical, where you can be part of a caring team serving members of your community. Healthcare has its challenges, and with challenge comes reward. The reward is working in an environment where you can make a difference, every day. If you would like to be considered for employment with us please visit the Careers section of our website. We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits package, generous paid time off, onsite parking and more.
Support Heritage Valley through the COVID-19 Response Fund
The COVID-19 Response Fund is used for patient care and funding critically important Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for doctors, nurses, and clinical staff. For more information or to donate, click here.