Direct Line from Steve Edwards: 10/29/21

Oct. 29, 2021

COVID-19 update

We remain thankful that the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients continued to remain low this week. We are currently at 40: 40 people of 5,080 who have been hospitalized with the virus since the pandemic began.

As we work to move through the pandemic, we continue to look to vaccinations as an incredible tool. We are now at 98.9% compliance with our employee COVID universal vaccination program, and still have two weeks left until the final deadline. Among other things, this means our employees and health system are safer than they’ve ever been from the virus.

Booster and pediatric COVID vaccinations

Information is emerging around booster and pediatric COVID vaccinations. We now offer booster shots for employees and the public who are eligible to receive them. Dr. Trotman shares more specifics about who should consider boosters in this video, if you are interested in more information. You may also schedule a booster with us by calling 417-269-1300.

Additionally, our team is working to prepare to offer pediatric COVID vaccines for children 5-11 when they are officially approved. We will share more information about this opportunity as soon as it is available.

Board of Directors updates

Looking back at last night’s Board of Directors annual meeting, I want to again thank all of our members for the time and energy invested in our health system. I also want to specifically thank Rob Fulp, our new chair, and Chuck Chalender, our outgoing chair. Both Rob and Chuck have deep ties with CoxHealth, and I greatly appreciate their time and service to our employees and patients.

I also want to thank Bob Cox, Dr. Nana Gaisie, Dr. Susan Graves and Dr. Daphne LeMon, who have joined the board. They fill the big shoes of Dr. Patricia Dix, Dr. James Gibson, Jan Harris, Bob McDowell and Dr. David Zolfaghari, who have transitioned off of the board. I thank all for their service and look forward to the year ahead.

October charity of the month: domestic violence awareness, iCare

Domestic violence is a devastating reality in our community. To raise awareness around the issue, we are participating in today’s iCare domestic violence awareness event. Employees in various areas of the health system are wearing symbolic eye patches and buttons to show their support for this heartbreaking issue.

Voice of the Patient

Patient feedback from one of our CoxHealth colleagues: “I went in for a procedure yesterday at the Martin Center. Everyone -- from the registration personnel to the transporter, Glenn, to the nurses, Angela A., Ashley and Laura, to the doctor, Dr. Hegde -- was friendly, professional and it was an overall pleasure to be there. I can’t thank you all enough. God bless you.”

Thank you for all you do,
Steve