Friends,
As many of you have heard, the Biden Administration has announced plans for sweeping vaccine mandates. This impacts our organization on a couple of different levels. While the mandates are still in the rulemaking process, and we anticipate legal challenges, we are moving forward with preparing our community for what we anticipate will impact at least some staff.
The wellbeing of our residents and staff is a top priority. As an organization we have been fortunate to offer and ensure all staff who wish to be vaccinated have had the opportunity to do so. Additionally, we have provided resources to ensure staff are educated and have the information needed to make the decision that is right for them.
Through the pandemic we have done everything possible, carefully following guidelines and educating staff, residents and families, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone in our community. Despite our efforts, we know that staff in a clinical setting are at a high risk of contracting COVID-19 due to the nature of the work we do. We also care for a very vulnerable population.
The COVID-19 vaccinations have undergone rigorous testing to prove both safety and efficacy and, like all drugs on the market in the US, are highly regulated. It has been the stance of UV leadership that every staff member should have the opportunity to elect whether this path is right for them. Should personal choice no longer be an option, we have a responsibility to each of you to ensure you have all of the needed information on hand to make the decision as to whether you remain a part of our UV “family”. We also want to ensure each of you are informed of the requirements as they relate to applying for medical or religious exemptions and the process of consideration for these requests.
In the coming weeks we will offer a series of vaccine education sessions which are open to all but mandatory for those who are unvaccinated. The overlying goal is to present facts and answer questions from an objective stance. Please be looking for information on when these meetings will be held as we will be sure to offer options during all shifts.
I want to close by saying thank you and how truly grateful we are for the incredible effort each of you have given in response to the challenges this pandemic has brought. It is an honor and a privilege to work alongside each and every one of you.
Please do not hesitate to stop by or reach out with questions.
Sincerely,
Wynter Hill-Ferrell, Human Resources Director
Phone: 918-298-3488
Email: whill@uvrc.com
