Benefit Funds and Union Ramp Up COVID-19 Vaccine Education Campaign |
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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the Benefit Funds, in partnership with the Union, have continued an intensive education campaign to keep your 1199SEIU employees and members informed on developing news about the vaccines, the Delta variant, booster shots and more. The Funds regularly update their website’s COVID-19 resources page, including a vaccine FAQ section in five languages. The Benefit Funds’ Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Van H. Dunn, hosts frequent webinars to answer questions about the vaccines and participates in Tele-Town Halls conducted by the Union. Members may also email questions to Dr. Dunn directly at HealthyLiving@1199Funds.org. In addition, the Funds are employing social media channels Facebook and Instagram to feature 1199SEIU members who have been vaccinated. On August 18, the Funds joined the Union for an Instagram Live event, with Dr. Rafael Lantigua from NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, who answered questions from members about the vaccines in both English and Spanish; you may view a replay of the event here.
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Benefit and Pension Funds Issue Their 2020 Annual Report |
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The 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds have issued their annual report on the Funds' work in 2020. Through careful stewardship of employer contributions and strategic asset management, the Funds support almost 450,000 covered lives with comprehensive healthcare coverage and a defined benefit pension. The 2020 report spotlights key initiatives overseen by the Trustees’ Care and Value Improvement Committee, advancing quality care while maximizing employer contribution dollars. Read the full report. |
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Training and Employment Funds Help Address Respiratory Therapist Shortage |
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While the demand for respiratory therapists (RT) has been high for many years, the need is even greater as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. The 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds are helping address this shortage through an accelerated 15-month (five-semester) Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy program offered at the Mandl School: The College of Allied Health. For all National Benefit Fund members enrolled in this or another RT program at an accredited school, tuition assistance of up to $17,340 per calendar year is available.
TEF collaborated on another RT program exclusively for your 1199SEIU employees and members working at One Brooklyn Health, which includes Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Interfaith Medical Center and Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center. This grant-funded program, in which 10 workers are currently participating, is also held at the Mandl School: The College of Allied Health, is paid in full, and includes work release and a weekly stipend.
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1199SEIU Members’ Children Gain Work Experience Through Employment Program |
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The 1199SEIU Child Care Fund held its second WorkForce 2000 Summer Youth Employment Program from July 6 through August 14. A total of 49 students took part in the program, which was funded through a generous multi-year grant from the New York City Department of Youth & Community Development. Students worked in person at 10 locations, including four healthcare facilities: Maimonides Medical Center, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, Triboro Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, and The New Jewish Home. Students also worked virtually at six worksites, logging in to their devices daily to complete their tasks. All students worked up to 25 hours per week for six weeks and were paid $15 an hour. At the Triboro Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, students assisted with small recreational group activities, worked with the security team, escorted older patients to and from activities within the building, worked with the Human Resources department, and conducted other tasks as needed. For more information about the program or to learn about hosting a student next summer, please email WF2000@1199Funds.org.
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After a trying year—both physically and emotionally—MaryGrace Colobong reflects on the peace of mind her 1199SEIU health benefits afforded her.
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1199SEIU Funds News is a monthly email produced by the 1199SEIU Funds. Copyright 2021.
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