June 3, 2021
In today’s update, you will find important information, including:
- Searching for Truth and Answers: Why I Got the Vaccine
- Vaccination Goal: 70% of Members by July 4
- Join Tuesday’s Live Audio Broadcast
- J&J Vaccine at Oregon Convention Center
- Battle Ground Latest Medical Office Building to Reopen
- COVID-19 Child Care Grants and Paid Leave Coming to End
- KPNW Superhero Award Winner: Katherine Chou Noble
Searching for Truth and Answers: Why I Got the Vaccine
As a medical assistant in the Pulmonology department at Sunnyside Medical Center, Sandy Mata knew the wisdom of making health decisions based on scientific facts from trusted sources, as opposed to believing the “noise” on the internet.
Still, she waffled a bit regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, until she saw several doctors with whom she works getting vaccinated. “If my pulmonologists, obstetricians, and family practice doctors think it’s OK, then I’m comfortable that it’s the right decision for me, too,” Mata said. “The vaccines are safe, effective, life-saving, and free.” Read her story here.
Vaccination Goal: 70% of Members by July 4 | Vaccination Quick Facts
Kaiser Permanente has been active in vaccinating our members and the communities we serve for these past six months. Now is the time to push to achieve the goal of having 70% of Americans vaccinated by July 4, 2021. KP’s robust acceleration plan starts tomorrow and includes grants to community-based organizations, the ImmUNITY Sweepstakes eligible to anyone vaccinated by KP, and a social media campaign to engage 18 to 30-year-olds. Details about the sweepstakes will be posted on KP.org on Friday. Tune into Tuesday’s audio broadcast to hear what’s happening in the Northwest to reach our goal—70% of KPNW members vaccinated by July 4.
Here is a snapshot of the most current vaccination data as of June 2. Visit the COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard for up-to-date, key data on the virus and vaccines.
Join Tuesday’s Live Audio Broadcast
Plan on joining the next LIVE audio broadcast on Tuesday, June 8, starting at 12:10 p.m. We’ll be sharing the latest COVID-19 community and clinical vaccine updates, as well as answers to your most frequently asked questions.
https://sparkstreetdigital.zoom.us/j/91660184663 (Audio only)
Webinar ID: 916 6018 4663. If you’re unable to join, a recording will be provided on Wednesday.
Submit your questions or suggestions for future audio broadcast topics.
J&J Vaccine at Oregon Convention Center
Until it closes June 19, the All4Oregon Mass COVID-19 Vaccination Site is offering anyone age 18 or older the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The Oregon Convention Center site also offers second, or booster, doses of the Pfizer vaccine to anyone 12 and older.
Battle Ground Latest Medical Office Building to Reopen
In KPNW, we continue to align our care delivery model with the current state of COVID-19 and vaccinations in the community. The complete list of services at open buildings is here and in the attached document. Latest changes:
- Battle Ground (BTL) reopens on Monday, June 7.
- Care Essentials Pearl is being remodeled and will open in early fall with expanded space.
- West Salem MOB is currently open for Audiology and scheduled to reopen for Primary Care in September.
As previously communicated, we are ending the leases on 4 MOBs to consolidate our services in KP buildings. Those 4 MOBs are One Town Center, Lake Road (except for Davita hemodialysis services), Hillsboro, and Murrayhill.
COVID-19 Child Care Grants and Paid Leave Coming to End
Now that we have moved into what is hopefully the end of this pandemic, the child care grant and paid leave benefits will expire on June 5, 2021, as planned and previously communicated. Please see HRconnect for the latest information on these benefits, including eligibility and how to file any remaining claims.
We are thankful we could provide these benefits to our front-line staff for 14 months during an incredibly challenging time. And we are proud to have done this in partnership with our labor unions.
KPNW Superhero Award Winner
Katherine Chou Noble, Physical Therapist Home Health, Montgomery Park
While on light duty, Katherine has helped to design and implement the homebound vaccination program. Her passion for ensuring all members have access to the COVID-19 vaccine has made the homebound program a success. Read more.
The KPNW Superhero Award celebrates this excellence by recognizing the creative and collaborative ways your teammates support our company, our members, and community. Help spread the word! Post the KPNW Superhero Award flier in break rooms, and wherever teams gather for meetings / huddles and nominate your hero today!