COVID-19 vaccine is arriving soon!
The FDA is likely to grant Emergency Use Authorization to both Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine candidates very soon. CHCS is working diligently to be prepared to receive and administer the vaccine to associates who choose to receive it and who meet requirements from state and federal authorities.
Please note:
- We do not know at this time which vaccine we will receive or how many doses we will receive.
- Both vaccines require two doses.
- We will use a tiered system to distribute doses we receive and will prioritize those engaged in direct patient care.
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The vaccine will not be a condition of employment. All associates will be able to make their own decision about whether to receive the vaccine.
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To aid the planning effort, we have distributed an electronic survey for all associates to fill out indicating whether they would like to receive the vaccine. The survey is brief and includes links to more information about the vaccine as well as an opportunity to ask questions about the vaccine.
It is very important for everyone to fill out the survey by December 16! Please connect with your manager if you need help with access to a computer to take the survey.
Additional information is available at the survey link, including sources of additional information about the vaccine.
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Quarantine updates
On December 2, the Centers for Disease Control announced options to reduce the length of quarantine for those who are exposed to someone with COVID-19. KDHE adopted the CDC guidance and said counties may choose to op into shortened quarantine periods for individuals who remain asymptomatic following exposure to COVID-19. CHCS associates and others likely have questions about what this means to them if they are exposed to COVID-19.
Counties have not uniformly adopted the guidance, and some have made decisions only to change course a day or two later. In response, CHCS will maintain our 14-day quarantine rule. We will continue to request modified quarantine for those who remain asymptomatic following exposure. Associates on modified quarantine will still be asked to wear a KN95 mask, to wash hands often, and to monitor temperatures and check for symptoms twice each day and record the results.
Please note that both modified quarantine and the new shortened quarantine periods from CDC have in common a requirement that the individual remains asymptomatic following exposure.
An expanded version of this notice was emailed on December 9. Please check your email or ask your manager for full details.
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Connecting with loved ones in long-term care
Do you need ideas for connecting with loved ones who are in long-term care or who are maintaining physical distance to protect their health?
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Choose-your-own adventure
Getting angry from hearing repeated platitudes, losing sleep, feeling maxed out or exhausted, or having panic attacks are all reactions you may be having to the ongoing pandemic. Find resources to help with these problems and many more in this "choose-your-own-adventure" mental health guide.
Visit the article to view a menu of emotional, physical, relational, and situational issues you may be experiencing, then select one (or more) to find resources that can help. Share with your family and friends who may be struggling, too.
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What about the kids?
Safeguarding our children's mental health and helping them talk about and understand COVID-19 can be a huge task. KVC Hospitals offers resources to help.
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Don't forget: Jeans, ugly sweaters, and wreaths! |
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Reminder: Jeans are allowed on Fridays for the rest of December! (No holes or tears, please.)
The CHCS Spirit Squad is also sponsoring "Ugly Christmas Sweater Day" on Wednesday, December 16. Wear jeans and your ugly Christmas sweater or shirt that day, and don't forget to submit photos! Send photos to news@chcsks.org to share the fun.
And don't forget about our Wreath Decorating Contest! Send photos of wreaths by December 11. Review the details. Thanks to those who have already submitted photos and for all the creativity on display!
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Family of Roberta Baumchen, Redbud resident, helped her celebrate her 91st birthday last weekend with a sign and a birthday parade. We wish you many more, Roberta!
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Deer season is open at St. Marys Manor! Those critters don't have a chance with this crew around.
Want more photos? View the whole album. Thanks to Cheryl Herrman for planning and documenting the fun activity!
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Don't miss these deadlines! |
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Important HR deadlines are approaching, so be sure to mark your calendar:
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Open enrollment must be completed by December 15.
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HealthStream must be completed by December 15.
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PTO Cash-in forms are due to HR by December 31. Forms are available in PowerDMS.
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Prepped for teen parenting |
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Learn about the challenges teenagers face and how to support them at a free parenting workshop on January 13, 2021 from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
The presenter is Dr. Shayla Sullivant, Children's Mercy child psychiatrist and suicide prevention advocate. Her presentation will address topics such as self-care, eating disorder prevention, screen time, substance use, suicide prevention, and safe storage of firearms and medications. Dr. Sullivant developed the content based on her experience working with parents after a crisis brought them to the hospital. The hope is that by increasing awareness of challenges teens are facing, parents will be empowered to support their teens.
Registration is required. Click the flyer (above left) to expand.
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If you have recovered from COVID-19, you may be eligible to donate convalescent plasma. If you're interested, visit www.savealifenow.org/cpdonor and complete the online registration form, upload your lab-confirmed positive swab or antibody test, and a Community Blood Center representative will call you to make an appointment.
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Reminder: CHCS Clinic holiday hours
December 24: Close at 12 noon
December 25 (Christmas): Closed
December 31: Normal hours
January 1 (New Year’s Day): Closed
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Coffee Shop special
December 14-18
Black and Tan
- Chocolate, white chocolate, and caramel
- 16 oz., $4
- Hot, cold, or frappe
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Help wanted: The Coffee Shop is looking for a PRN substitute/backup, particularly for February 2021. If you are interested in training, please contact Sarah Hancock at sarahhancock@chcsks.org. If you enjoy customer service and coffee and you have extra hours in your week, this may be a great fit for you!
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Need gifts? We can help!
Visit the Gift Shop in person or online to find classic toys, fun items to fill your stockings, delicious soup mixes to help someone make a quick meal, festive holiday decor and accessories, and more.
Redbud Residents are invited to shop at these special times:
- Wednesday, December 16, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
- Thursday, December 17, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
We hope you find lots of great Christmas goodies (plus CHCS shirts) for everyone on your list. We are open M-F from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. through December 23.
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Christmas cheer
This lovely tree is in St. Marys. Nice work!
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CHCS menus: Onaga and Eastridge |
Note: St. Marys menus are available each morning through the Activities chronicle
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T'was 3 weeks before Christmas,
And all through the town,
People wore masks,
That covered their frown.
The frown had begun
Way back in the spring,
When a global pandemic
Changed everything.
They called it corona,
But unlike the beer,
It didn’t bring good times,
It didn’t bring cheer.
Airplanes were grounded,
Travel was banned.
Borders were closed
Across air, sea and land.
As the world entered lockdown
To flatten the curve,
The economy halted,
And folks lost their nerve.
From March to July
We rode the first wave,
People stayed home,
They tried to behave.
When summer emerged
The lockdown was lifted.
But away from caution,
Many folks drifted.
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Now it’s December
And cases are spiking,
Wave two has arrived,
Much to our disliking.
It’s true that this year
Has had sadness a plenty,
We’ll never forget
The year 2020.
And just ‘round the corner -
The holiday season,
But why be merry?
Is there even one reason?
To decorate the house
And put up the tree.
Who will see it?
No one but me.
But outside my window
The snow gently falls,
And I think to myself,
Let’s deck the halls!
So, I gather the ribbon,
The garland and bows.
As I play those old carols,
My happiness grows.
Christmas is not cancelled
And neither is hope.
If we lean on each other,
I know we can cope!
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Note: This poem has been widely shared on social media. Its original source is purported to be Shawna Hickling in Calgary, Canada. |
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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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