April 13, 2021
Hi Team –
Sunshine, spring flowers, and warmer weather are now trending here in Cincinnati, and so is the rise in community vaccinations – bringing renewal, hope, and optimism for a summer that ushers in the return to a more normal and enjoyable way of life!
COVID Update
Thankfully, COVID cases at TriHealth and within the community remain low and relatively stable (see sidebar for latest statistics). However, we continue to monitor the spikes seen in other areas of the country, and remain fully prepared to respond, should another wave emerge in our region. Just as important, we are doing everything possible to help our region get vaccinated – which is the safest and most powerful way to build herd immunity and bring this pandemic to a halt! In addition to our own vaccination program – now with seven clinics across the region – we are also participating with others throughout the community in the region-wide, collaborative “Get Out the Vax” (#GetOutTheVax) program, which kicked off this past weekend.
Our aim is to expand community-wide vaccination by building greater awareness, providing accurate information to allow for informed decision making, and removing barriers (like access and transportation issues). Today, approximately 35% of our region’s adult population is vaccinated. The goal of the campaign is to get to 80% by July 4th. To do so, we are conducting “Get Out the Vax Weekends” every 2nd and 4th weekend in April and May to provide community members with convenient, widespread access to vaccine appointments across the region at mass vaccination sites (Duke, Cintas, Wilmington Air Park, Northern Kentucky Convention Center) and over 20 additional community sites, including TriHealth’s vaccination clinics. Additionally, Free Metro and TANK rides will be available for the Get Out the Vax Weekends with support from Fidelity Investments, as well as free Lyft rides courtesy of United Way 211 of Greater Cincinnati and our regional hospitals, led by TriHealth and UC Health. If you or your loved ones have not gotten a vaccine yet, now’s the time to sign up! Visit testandprotectcincy.com to schedule an appointment and learn more.
TriHealth Launches Partnership with Meharry Medical School
As part of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) commitment to foster greater diversity within our provider community, I’m pleased to announce our new strategic partnership with Meharry Medical School, one of the most respected Historically Black Colleges & Universities in the nation. In recent weeks, we proudly welcomed our first cohort of six Meharry medical students to TriHealth (pictured below) for four-week clinical rotations in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, OB/GYN, and other specialties. Early feedback from students has been very positive – with a few comments noted here...
“I had no idea TriHealth was such an advanced health system.” “Everyone at TriHealth has been warm and welcoming.” “This is one of the friendliest organizations I have ever worked in!” “I am planning on sharing this great experience with other Meharry students.”
Special thanks go out to Dr. Steve Johnson, Vice President of TriHealth Academic Affairs, Jeremiah Kirkland, TriHealth Interim Chief Diversity Officer, the program directors, and the Graduate Medical Education (GME) team for all of their hard work in getting this partnership off the ground! I’d also like to give a shout out to our own inspiring Meharry alumni, Dr. Thomas Shockley, Jr., Dr. Leon Reid, Dr. William R. Buckley, Jr., and Dr. Rochelle Buckley who joined us at the welcome reception for students. This is just the beginning of what we hope will be long-standing relationship with Meharry, and the model for other college partnerships which are now being explored.
Happy 125thBirthday Bethesda!
Today, April 13th, we celebrate the 125thbirthday of Bethesda Hospital, which was founded in 1896 by seven German Methodist Deaconesses and Rev. Christian Golder. The hospital’s opening was a humble one focused on charity and community service. Deaconesses walked up and down the steps of Mt. Auburn, carrying picnic baskets full of medical supplies to care for those in Cincinnati who were denied access to healthcare at other institutions. TriHealth’s founding sponsors, the Methodist Deaconesses, along with the Sisters of Charity, set the standard for providing compassionate faith-based healthcare to all in need, especially the most vulnerable – a mission we proudly carry on today. To learn more about how we are celebrating this milestone birthday, click here.
Mark Your Calendars – Next Team Member Town Hall on April 20that 12pm!
Next Tuesday, April 20th, we’ll conduct our next monthly Team Member Town Hall, live streamed on Facebook and Bridge, and you don’t want to miss it! Back by popular demand are fun prizes for 
participating in the conversation! All you have to do is attend the Town Hall and submit your name during the meeting for the chance to win really cool TriHealth branded gear! We’ll announce prize winners at the end of each session, so be sure to stick around! After the Town Hall, winners will be sent a link to claim their prize.
Each day, because of your efforts and the amazing teamwork evident throughout TriHealth, things are getting a little brighter!! And I know I speak for our entire greater Cincinnati community, when I say how proud and grateful I am for your boundless energy, compassion and dedication to bring better health and better days to everyone we serve! THANK YOU!!
Finding Hope: Overcoming Pandemic Sadness, Loneliness and Loss
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on many people’s mental health. Whether the virus has taken someone you love and/or isolated you from your family and friends, there is hope. Local 12’s Liz Bonis and the TriHealth team take a look at overcoming pandemic sadness, loneliness and loss in “Finding Hope.” This program explores the high cost of COVID-19 to our mental health and where to find help and healing, airing Sat., April 17 at 7 p.m. on Local 12.
So helpful, After Pandemic , job loss and then my four legged beat friend passed-had great sadness , I call it Situational depression. Found my way out , with the help of friends,family and exercise. True blessing being hired by Tri Health and thankful God had a plan.
Posted by: Pamela Boland on April 15, 2021
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