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Happy birthday, Kansas!
Kansas became a state January 29, 1861. Special Kansas Day treats are headed to all locations tomorrow to celebrate.
Take a look at the Kansas facts at left (click to expand) to refresh your knowledge of our state.
Here's to 160 years of statehood!
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Reminder: What to do if you're sick
If you or an associate you manage are sick, please be sure to follow the correct process.
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Associates: CALL YOUR MANAGER to report COVID-19 symptoms or exposure or to report other illness. You do not need to contact Employee Health directly.
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Managers: Fill out an Employee Illness Report and email it to employeehealth@chcsks.org. This is a CMS requirement!
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ICYMI: COVID-19 Testing
CHCS has several options for COVID-19 testing. Please find a table below that clarifies the different types of tests. Click the table to expand or to download a printable PDF. (This table also appeared in Monday's COVID-19 update.)
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CHCS clinics recognized as Patient-Centered Medical Home
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“The PCMH designation means that our clinics are set up to offer a higher quality of care. When a patient visits, our care teams focus not just on one episode of care they are providing during an appointment, but on the overall health of the patient,” said Merica Surdez, CHCS chief of provider and clinic operations.
CHCS is one of 82 PCMH practices in the state. Only 10 practices in the state are recognized as a Level-3 PCMH facility, and six of those are CHCS clinics in Onaga, Frankfort, Holton, Centralia, Westmoreland, and St. Marys. The clinics were initially certified in 2017 and have pursued and achieved annual renewals since then.
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This is quite an achievement! Thank you to our associates for their dedication to providing excellent patient care, preventing illness, tracking chronic condition management, and engaging in continual process improvement. Special thanks to PCMH Coordinator Manda Thompson for her work with tracking and process improvement.
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Dr. Nick Cahoj sent the following note about a patient's appreciation of Kayla Suther, RN, from the Westmoreland Clinic.
"A patient in Westmoreland sent me a letter of appreciation this week regarding one of our nurses, Kayla Suther. The patient had a COVID PCR swab performed on a Friday and needed negative test results so he could attend an important stockholder's/director's meeting on Monday. Kayla made a special trip to clinic on Sunday afternoon and called the patient at home to notify him of the negative result."
"The patient stated, 'Her action was greatly appreciated and is above and beyond what most staff would do, and so I would like to commend Kayla for this action.'"
Thank you to Kayla for delivering the WOW experience to patients, and thanks to Dr. Cahoj for taking time to share.
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Fighting winter skin woes
Because healthcare workers must wash their hands frequently they sometimes get dry, cracked or red skin that can also be painful. This is known as cumulative irritant contact dermatitis—resulting largely from the frequent hand washing required to reduce the spread of germs and prevent infections.
Maintaining healthy hands is extremely important and is a barrier to infection, whereas compromised skin is vulnerable to the pathogens prevalent in healthcare facilities. The physical structure of dry, cracked skin makes it easier for pathogenic organisms to take up permanent residence. Regular, scheduled use of a hospital-grade hand cream or lotion is the key to maintaining healthy skin and can have an important impact on patient care. The three general ingredients needed to achieve these goals are emollients, humectants, and skin nutrients.
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Living Well Together programs
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K-State Research and Extension Family and Consumer Science Agents and guests are providing "Living Well Together" programs. February topics include the following.
- A Parent’s Guide to Social Media
- Love Languages
- Make Active Habits Stick
- Living Well With Diabetes
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Super Bowl LV is Sunday, February 7! GO CHIEFS!
The Spirit Squad hopes everyone will wear jeans and team shirt on Friday, February 5. Each location will be hosting a celebration, including a prediction game.
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Prediction sheets and collection boxes will be available at each location. Know nothing about football? Don't worry--you can still play!
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Entries are due by close of business on Thursday, February 4. Boxes should be sent back to Onaga via courier on February 5.
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ONE ENTRY PER PERSON, and be sure you write your name at the top!
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The Spirit Squad will score the entries and award prizes to the winner from each location. Good luck!
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Here's to our associates with February birthdays! Join us in wishing them all the best as they celebrate.
Christie Perry, Allison Perry, Carolyn Kennedy, Kandi Whitman, Marcy Evans, Heather Sergent, Brock Wedman, Katie Kufahl, Siena Watts, Caroline Cain, Jenna Sauer, Joely Jellison, Meranda Schmitz, Matthew Stallbaumer, Sheila Talley, Jennifer Hutfles, Maria Landolfi, Jeremy Brandt, Hali Jasko, Stacey Pearl, Monica Holthaus, Amanda Palmeri, Haley Bonilla, Chelsea Huerter, Krista Childs, Matthew Salerno, Lura Flentie, Laura Geist, Beth Pagel, Shaley Hipp, Mary Schwan, Nikki Marten, Brandi Argabright, David Allen, Mollie Hiltibrand, Suzanne Lundberg, Kate Elliott, Donny Leger.
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Learn Mental Health First Aid
A Mental Health First Aid course is available for associates on March 2.
This special blended course requires two hours of self-paced online instruction and a five-hour in-person, instructor-led class. The course is limited to 8 associates to allow for social distancing.
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The in-person portion of the class will be March 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Walsh Room in Onaga.
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Online coursework must be completed before participants attend the in-person class.
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Instructors are CHCS's own Angie Sauvage, Licensed Master Social Worker, and Roz Lewis (recently retired); both are certified MHFA instructors.
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CE credits are available!
The registration deadline is February 16; email Marlene at marlenewolfe@chcsks.org or call extension 5002 to register.
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Redbud vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine was met with enthusiasm from Redbud residents on January 22.
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Share the love: Give blood
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Coffee Shop special
February 1-4
Crunched for time
- White chocolate and macadamia nut
- 16 oz., $4
- Hot, cold, or frappe
We have a surprise special planned for Kansas Day on January 29! Hint: The label at right is from PT's John Brown blend.
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CHCS Gift Shop Valentine's Day Gift Guide
For guys
- Duke Cannon personal care items: Hot Shave Warming Shave Gel, Beard Balm, soaps or body wash.
- Britt's Knits gloves
- BBQ sauce, dip mixes, or blackberry jalapeno jam
For the ladies
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Flowers (Take a look at the flyer and order form.) PREORDERS REQUIRED! ORDERS ARE DUE FEB. 5.
- Natural Inspirations foot balm, lotion, bath bombs, body creme, and more (buy three products and get a free gift box, spa booklet, and chocolate heart!)
- Handmade soaps from Route Step Farm
- Sparkly heart stud earrings
For kids
- Small helium balloon with candy
- Bracelets, lip gloss, and other girly things
- Puzzles, activity sets, and games
- Plush toys
For anyone
- Handmade cards
- Fine chocolates from Abdallah
- Helium balloons
- Small teddy bear with Lindor truffles
- Coffee mug with PT's coffee beans
Come in and take a look! Not in Onaga?
Call extension 5059 and let us know how we can help.
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CHCS menus: Onaga and Eastridge
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Note: St. Marys menus are available each morning through the Activities chronicle
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Did you miss your Connection?
Important information is relayed every week in the E-Connection. If you miss it in your email, an archive is available on our website. Visit the For Associates page, then click E-Connection Archive.
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Send items for the E-Connection or for sharing with our broader social media audience to sarahhancock@chcsks.org. Please send items by close of business on Tuesdays when possible. Ideas are welcome!
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