Four northeast Kansas healthcare organizations recently collaborated to raise funds for Damon’s Purpose, a grassroots organization dedicated to suicide awareness and prevention and improving mental health. We’re proud to say that employees from Sabetha Community Hospital, Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, Holton Community Hospital, and Community HealthCare System raised $5,813.15 for this amazing cause! We hope it will help Damon’s Purpose continue to do amazing work in our area, particularly in reaching out to youth to remind them that ‘It’s OK to not be OK’ and to seek help with mental health.
Part of the fundraiser was a friendly competition among the hospitals to see which one could raise the most money per capita. We created a traveling trophy, and we plan to engage in fundraising for a charitable cause each year. This year’s winner was Community HealthCare System, which raised $9.65 per employee! We look forward to future competitions with our area healthcare colleagues to benefit other worthy organizations and to presenting the funds we raised this year to Damon’s Purpose!
Nice work, CHCS! Special thanks goes to our Holton staff. They raised more than $1,380 at the Holton location alone!
|
|
CHCS does first knee arthroscopy procedure |
|
Dr. Heidi Smith has been providing orthopedic services at Community HealthCare System since the summer of 2021, including outpatient visits at the Onaga Specialty Clinic and minor surgical procedures such as trigger finger release and carpal tunnel release at Onaga Community Hospital. Knee arthroscopy procedures are the latest addition to services available in Onaga.
Knee arthroscopy uses a small camera to view into the knee joint. The procedure is a commonly used minimally invasive option that is used to diagnose and treat a variety of knee problems.
Congratulations to our Surgery team for reaching this milestone!
|
|
Delivering the WOW experience |
|
Michelle Budreau, Registered Respiratory Therapist, recently took time to send the following WOW experience. She wrote:
"Recently we have seen an increase in children and babies with breathing issues. We have noticed we were lacking in supplies and equipment for staff to help take care of these patients. I have repeatedly sent Lana Sauvage an email [about supplies we need]. Each time, within minutes, I have her finding me to see exactly what we need and get it ordered. We could not take care of these patients without the help of our purchasing department. I want everyone to realize the huge impact they have on patients' lives!"
Michelle also wanted to be sure to deliver a shoutout to Michael Bomberger and Mindy Olberding for getting us back a state ventilator quickly when ours was in use. "It gives me way less anxiety and worry when we have the equipment and supplies we need," she said. Michael even drove to Topeka twice to get the ventilator equipment we needed to be successful!
Thank you to Lana, Michael, and Mindy for going above and beyond to ensure that we have everything we need to care for our patients, and thanks to Michelle for taking time to send her WOW experience. Well done, all!
***********************************************************************
Have you seen a fellow associate deliver the WOW experience? If so, email it to Sarah Hancock or call extension 5133 to share!
|
|
Enter the CHCS Cookie Decorating Contest! |
|
The CHCS Spirit Squad hopes that everyone can take a break and enjoy a little holiday fun next week. We'll be delivering undecorated round sugar cookies along with decorating kits to all locations.
Here's how it works:
-
Take a little time to decorate your cookie (with our supplies or at home with yours).
-
Before you enjoy your beautifully decorated treat, take a photo and send it to info@chcsks.org to enter the Cookie Decorating Contest.
The deadline to submit your photo is 11:59 p.m. on December 12. We will award special prizes based on the array of entries we receive. Show us your festive creativity!
|
|
Holiday stress? Our EAP can help |
|
The holidays can bring unwelcome guests -- stress and depression -- because of the dizzying array of demands. But you can use practical tips to minimize the stress that accompanies the holidays. Click on the flyer at left to learn more.
Our Employee Assistance Program provides Well-Being Resources that include counseling anytime to help guide you through challenges you may be facing. Access resources through the VITAL WorkLife App or call 800-383-1908.
|
|
Give back through Greater Giving |
|
It's a giving time of year, so it's the perfect time to give back to CHCS through Greater Giving! This flexible program allows you to give to the fund you prefer, including Comfort Closet, Wish List, and Scholarships.
|
|
|
|
Greater Giving is sponsoring a special fundraiser for our Scholarship fund through December 9. Buy raffle tickets to win a beautiful handcrafted barn donated by Gordon Beightel, Onaga Maintenance Manager.
Tickets are available during Open Enrollment visits at all locations or at the Coffee and Gift Shop in Onaga. Cost: $1 for 1 ticket, $5 for 6 tickets, $10 for 12 tickets. Cash or checks only! Make checks payable to CHCS.
|
|
The next CHCS blood drive is December 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Walsh Room at Onaga Community Hospital.
Click the green button below to schedule your appointment online, or contact Marlene Wolfe via email or at ext. 5002.
|
|
Sanders family benefit:
Mark your calendar and sign up!
CHCS friends and colleagues have set up a benefit for Tiffany Sanders, Clinical Informatics Specialist in Onaga, and her family. Tiffany's husband, KJ, has been diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma.
Please plan to attend a taco bar meal and silent auction on December 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Onaga Community Center. Click the image at right to view the flyer.
Want to help in other ways? Click the buttons below to sign up to work at the event or donate food items. Questions? Contact Alexis Whorton.
|
|
|
|
Electronic W2 forms
Receive your W2 form more quickly and have easy access to the form for online tax filing by completing the Electronic Consent within UKG. This approach also provides added security for you, as your social security number and address are not traveling through the mail system on a paper form.
Click the image at left for instructions on how to complete the electronic consent in UKG.
|
|
Important reminders
-
We know everyone is excited to decorate for Christmas! Please take a moment to review safety and regulatory compliance guidelines for holiday decorating.
-
Relias courses have been assigned and are available now. All courses must be completed by December 15. Access Relias from the For Associates page of our website. The login page includes a password recovery option. If you need help, please contact HR.
-
The Mental Health Committee is bringing you Screen Sanity, a highly acclaimed program designed to help parents unpack the hottest screen time topics. New groups are forming that will meet at either 7:15 to 8 a.m. or 12:15 to 1 p.m. Days of the week will be determined by participant availability. Indicate interest in joining a group by emailing info@chcsks.org. Tell us what time you prefer and what day of the week works best!
|
|
Community Christmas events
'Tis the season for community Christmas celebrations! Take a look at the list below to find festive fun in your neck of the woods.
Bells of Saint Marys
December 3, downtown, 12 noon to 8 p.m. Food, Christmas Market, prizes, and more. Parade 6 p.m.
Find more info. Note: CHCS provides event sponsorships through our St. Marys Chamber of Commerce membership each year.
Holton Small Town Christmas
December 3. Home Tours, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wreath Auction, The Station inside Trails Café. Parade of Lights, Holton Town Square, 5:30 p.m.; Santa visits afterward at the Jackson County courtyard next to the gazebo
Christmas in Westmoreland
December 3, Westmoreland Elementary School gym, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Santa arrives at 11:00; photos 11-12.
Family bingo, Christmas movies, soup lunch, prize drawings, Wreath Wraffle, and more. Visit the Westmoreland Chamber Facebook page for more info. Note: Thank you to Westmoreland Clinic staff for donating a wreath on behalf of CHCS! CHCS also contributed a sponsorship for this event.
Onaga Christmas Frenzy
December 4, downtown, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, food, vendors, activities, and more. Note: CHCS contributed a sponsorship for this event, plus we are providing a free hot chocolate bar inside Parlor 318. Enjoy!
Frankfort 2nd Annual Sip & Shop
December 3, downtown, 4-8 p.m.
Centralia Night at the North Pole
December 3, Fellowship Hall (west church), 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Soup, relishes, and desserts, kids’ crafts, Santa arrives at 5:15
|
|
Coffee and Gift Shop Delights |
|
 |
Special: December 5-9
English Toffee Latte
- English toffee and vanilla
-
16 oz., $4
- Hot, cold, or frappe
|
|
|
|
Holiday hours
Click the flyer at right to view Coffee and Gift Shop holiday hours.
Please note: We will be open until 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 1!
Don't work in Onaga? We are hitting the road! Look for Popup Gift Shops on the following dates from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
-
St. Marys: Dec. 2 & 6
-
Holton: Dec. 7
-
Westmoreland: Dec. 16
|
|
Want to shop online?
The Gift Shop online store is up and running for the holidays! We can hold orders for pickup or deliver to your CHCS work location via courier.
|
|
CHCS menu: Onaga and Eastridge |
|
St. Marys menus are available each morning through the Activities chronicle.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
