This summer has gone by so fast – it feels like we were just celebrating Memorial Day! But, here we are in September with Labor Day weekend before us. There’s really two things we think on Labor Day – American workers and the end of summer/beginning of Fall.
 
So why do we celebrate Labor Day? On this day, September 6 this year, we pay tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. Labor Day was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. This year, in particular, is a time for us to reflect and honor the achievements of workers, particularly our healthcare workers who have toiled endlessly caring for patients, COVID and others, during the past 19 months. What you have accomplished and continue to do has been nothing short of amazing – a heartfelt thank you.
 
Many of us take the long Labor Day weekend to relax, have a barbeque with friends and family and enjoy the last vestiges of summer. I hope you all have a chance to kick back a bit and enjoy – but please, please do so safely. This highly-transmissible Delta variant is wreaking havoc in our community, please remain vigilant while you have some fun! And, for those who will be here caring for our patients, our thanks for your commitment and caring.
 
Happy Labor Day to all!

To help employees and medical staff members access COVID-19 vaccines, we are holding vaccine PODS on all campuses, and every POD has the three different vaccines – J&J, Moderna and Pfizer. Here’s the schedule: 

• St. Elizabeth Campus - Mondays and Tuesdays, 7 a.m. to noon, Sisters Conference Rooms
• St. Luke’s Campus – Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7 a.m. to noon (and Friday, September 3), AC 1&2
• Faxton Campus – Friday, September 10, 7 a.m. to noon, Former Urgent Care Waiting Room
• Center for Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Services (CRCCS) – Friday, September 17, 7 a.m. to noon, Soggs Room
• Sister Rose Vincent Family Medicine Center – Friday, September 24, 7 a.m. to noon, Dr. Warfel Multi-Purpose Room 

As I said in my memo to you all yesterday, I know that the NYS vaccine mandate has created an enormous amount of stir and uncertainty in our organization as it has in hospitals all across Central New York. While we continue to believe that the vaccines are the best way to protect our employees, our patients and family and friends, we are concerned about how this mandate will impact staffing. So we have joined with other Central New York hospitals to support our workforce and estimate the impact of the vaccine mandate on our staffing levels and bring that information to the state. We will keep you updated as information becomes available.

Here are answers to employees’ frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

And, a BIG THANK YOU to our partners, Upstate Family Health Center and the Central Oneida County Volunteer Ambulance Corps, for staffing our employee vaccine PODs. Also a shout out to them for also being the team that has been vaccinating at local community events – we are very grateful for your support and partnership!

Today’s safety huddle was held in the Nutrition Services office at the St. Luke’s Campus. Thank you for your hospitality and the goodie bags – you are always so thoughtful!

The OB offices of Dr. John Lovier are now located in the Professional Office Building on the St. Luke’s campus! If you or someone you know is looking for an OB/GYN, you can contact his offices at 315-624-6848.

Each morning at the site of the future Wynn Hospital, all of the workers gather to stretch before starting their day. This is one of the many safety initiatives taken by Gilbane, our construction management company. This week, one of our four-legged friends even joined in on the stretching!

Last Friday, we held a ceremony remembering those whose gave others the most precious gift through organ, tissue and eye donation. The ceremony was held in the Donate Life Garden which was created by John Weakly, a heart receipt who devoted many years of his life educating and raising awareness related to organ and tissue donation. He felt it was extremely important to remember those donors and families who gave or made the decision to give the gift of life. Plaques were placed in the garden with the names of those who gave the gift of life this past year so that we would always be reminded of these amazing people. Family members of many of the donors were in attendance with some sharing a few words. It was very touching.

Thanks to all who made it happen and a special thank you to Susan McKinstry for organizing this wonderful event.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in American men. Approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Early diagnosis of prostate cancer significantly increases the likelihood of survival.
 
Drs. Fleischer, Sura and Goldberg are providing free prostate cancer screenings throughout the month of September in recognition of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
 
Call 315-624-HOPE to schedule an appointment or click here for more information.

I’m excited to announce that MVHS is now registered with Amazon Smile – a program where Amazon donates 0.5 percent of the price of eligible smile.amazon.com purchases to our healthcare system! In order to help support our patients with your purchases, click on the unique charity link for MVHS and let your shopping make a difference: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/22-3124162.