On Dec. 14, President and CEO Rod Hochman, M.D., led an important discussion about the COVID-19 vaccine during a system update with senior leaders. He was joined by Chief Clinical Officer Amy Compton-Phillips, M.D., and Chief Value Officer Joanne Roberts, M.D. Kim Williams, chief executive for Northwest Washington, offered the reflection.
Watch the recording and see the slide deck to learn more.
Please read a message from Rod about caregiver benefits and mental health resources:
Dear caregiver,
This has been a momentous week with the arrival of the first COVID-19 vaccine. Thank you to everyone at Providence and our family of organizations for helping us mobilize so that we can get the vaccine to the front lines as quickly as possible.
This has been a massive effort, and it would not be possible without your extraordinary teamwork and coordination. At the same time, we are face-to-face with the biggest surge yet, and I am well-aware of the weariness and fatigue out there. That’s why I want to call your attention to some of the benefits we have added or extended to support our caregivers through this tough time.
NEW OR EXTENDED CAREGIVER BENEFITS
· New – Up to two days of paid pandemic administrative leave for caregivers who miss scheduled shifts due to COVID-like vaccine side effects.
· New – For non-exempt caregivers who need to schedule their vaccination on their day off, they will receive one hour of pay as recognition for the inconvenience associated with vaccine availability and limited appointment times.
· Extended through March 31 – 100% coverage of in-network medical claims for COVID-19 treatment for caregivers and their dependents enrolled in our medical plans.
· Extended through March 31 – Paid pandemic administrative leave when applicable for exposure or symptoms.
· Extended through March 31 – Pay assurance for COVID illness time. Continued COVID 65% pay for caregivers who test positive for COVID-19, are not on employer-provided short-term disability, do not qualify for workers’ compensation, and have exhausted their other forms of time off with pay.
Note: Changes for union-represented caregivers may be subject to bargaining.
EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING RESOURCES
I also want to remind you of the many free resources we are offering to support our caregivers emotionally, mentally and spiritually. This includes virtual access to mental health professionals through our Behavioral Health Concierge or through Talkspace. Caregivers can also find on-demand support for stress, anxiety and depression through programs, such as Sanvello. Please take a moment to learn about all our emotional well-being resources. I encourage you to take advantage of them.
The next two months will be among the toughest we’ve ever faced, and our communities have never needed us more. Everything we’ve ever experienced in our careers has led us to and prepared us for this this moment. By continuing to support each other and by keeping the faith that our Mission will lead the way, we will get through this. Thank you for being a steadfast presence for our patients in this unparalleled time of need.
Rod Hochman, M.D.
President and CEO
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