Oct. 15, 2021

Employee universal vaccination deadline

Today is the deadline for our universal COVID-19 vaccination policy for employees, and we are grateful that we have reached 96% compliance, as of Friday morning. We expect that number to be near 97% by the end of the day. Employees who have not been vaccinated, or received an exemption or deferral, are being placed on a 30-day unpaid administrative leave while we work through any last-minute issues that might keep them from being vaccinated. We believe that this is the right decision to help protect our patients: It is our duty in health care to do all we can to help keep them safe. This team is growing, too, as we added a record 457 employees in September and 400 in August.

COVID-19 update

We are thankful to share that, for another week in a row, COVID-19 hospitalizations continued to decline. This week also brought a moment of reflection, as we passed 5,000 patients with COVID who have been hospitalized with us. We are thankful for the current decline, but continue to closely monitor the situation to be ready in case numbers increase. There are many factors this season that were not present this time last year – including a lack of disease mitigation strategies in our communities, such as masking, and renewed gatherings – that make us cautious, yet optimistic that things will continue to improve.

Staff flu vaccination deadline extended to Nov. 5

As we work to protect our staff and patients through vaccination, we are extending the deadline for staff influenza vaccination to Friday, Nov. 5. Even though we have focused heavily on COVID-19 in recent months, protection against influenza remains a priority as well. We are urging staff to use this extension to get vaccinated.

CoxHealth EMS named Emergency Medical Service of the Year

We were honored that CoxHealth EMS was named Emergency Medical Service of the Year by the Missouri Emergency Medical Services Association (MEMSA). This recognition means a great deal given the EMS team’s immense effort over the pandemic to care for unprecedented levels of needs in our communities. For more about their work during the pandemic, click here.

Dr. Trotman selected for CFO’s 2021 Humanitarian Award

Dr. Trotman has spent a great deal of time and energy working on behalf of our communities and beyond throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to his selection for the Community Foundation of the Ozarks’ 2021 Humanitarian Award. I am so thankful and impressed with his dedication and countless hours in service to others. He is so deserving of this honor. For more on the award, click here.

Teresa Coyan appointed chair of the Missouri Mental Health Commission

Teresa Coyan, VP of Public Affairs, was recently appointed chair of the Missouri Mental Health Commission by Gov. Mike Parson. Teresa will lead the commission as it conducts a search for the next Director of the Missouri Department of Mental Health, who will step into the role in January 2022. This is a crucial time for mental health care in our state and I appreciate Teresa’s leadership.

CoxHealth ALS Clinic receives $30,000 donation

I wish to express my appreciation to the Ozarks Neurological Foundation for their $30,000 donation to the CoxHealth ALS Clinic. Funds raised at the event will serve ALS patients through the CoxHealth clinic, which offers coordinated care and support for individuals in the Ozarks dealing with this terrible disease.

October Charity of the Month: Domestic Violence Awareness
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, and it is tragically something that is common in our communities. We are raising consciousness around this important issue by recognizing several organizations through our Charity of the Month program, including Harmony House, Freedom’s Rest Domestic Violence Center and The Victim Center. These important organizations are ones we need to support to help others in our communities who are caught in tragic situations.

Voice of the Patient
From inpatient feedback at Cox Medical Center Branson: “My visit was during the COVID-19. The nurses were great. They were working long shifts and keeping up with what was needed. All of the staff members were excellent.”

Thank you for all you do,

Steve

Direct Line from Steve Edwards: 10/15/21