Hi Team –

 

Since the onset of COVID-19 in our community – now nearly 18 months ago – we have learned that this virus is anything but predictable. Having now managed our patients and our system through three major surges, we are now witnessing COVID’s volatile nature in action yet again with a new wave of infections surging across the country, just as we had thought the worst of this pandemic was behind us. 

 

Fueled by the more contagious Delta variant, it is apparent now that COVID has evolved into a pandemic among the unvaccinated populations. Across the U.S., new COVID cases have doubled over the past week and hospitalizations have increased by nearly 20% with more than 98% of those patients being unvaccinated. Regionally, and here at TriHealth, new COVID cases and hospitalizations still remain relatively low, but we have begun to see an upward trend in both the R-factor (the ratio of new infections from existing cases) and the number of new cases over the past few weeks. In fact, unvaccinated patients have accounted for nearly all new COVID hospitalizations over the past two weeks at TriHealth. And, with our region’s vaccination rate below 60%, it is likely we will see a further increase in COVID cases among the unvaccinated in our hospitals unless immediate action is taken to slow the spread of the virus. The only proven way to do this, and to ultimately put an end to this pandemic once and for all, is through vaccination. 

 

And so, our multidisciplinary team of TriHealth leaders and physicians is hard at work -- both within TriHealth and across our region – to redouble our efforts to fully vaccinate every eligible team member, physician, volunteer, patient and community member through new and innovative approaches. Our plans call for organizing safe and respectful forums where we can listen to the concerns of those who have chosen not to be vaccinated so we can better understand and help answer questions about the vaccine through open dialogue. We plan to host these group forums, both virtually and in-person, in the coming weeks and will also arrange for more personalized one-on-one conversations with vaccinated peers and trusted colleagues who can share their perspective on why it was important for them to be vaccinated. We know, based on the scientific evidence, that vaccination not only helps protect the individual but all those around them – which in our case means an extra layer of protection and peace of mind for the patients and families we serve and the team members and physicians we work alongside every day. And as the region’s fourth-largest employer, we have the ability to make a tremendous impact on the overall health and safety of our community simply by encouraging more of our own team members, physicians and volunteers to get vaccinated and by serving as “vaccine ambassadors” to our families, friends, and social networks. Stay tuned for more details about our vaccine forums and other programs to learn how you can participate. 

 

As a reminder, given the real possibility of another COVID surge here in the greater Cincinnati region – now more than ever – it is essential that unvaccinated team members, physicians and volunteers continue to wear a mask at all times in all clinical and non-clinical areas of TriHealth facilities. Please do your part to help protect our most vulnerable populations, your colleagues and yourself. 

 

If you’re able, be sure to join us tomorrow, Wednesday, July 21 at 12pm for our monthly Town Hall, livestreamed on Facebook and Bridge. We will cover the latest COVID and vaccine updates, spend time discussing clinical and operational plans and progress related to our Journey from Good to Great, and as always, answer your questions. And, once again, those who participate in the conversation will have the chance to win really cool TriHealth branded gear! Simply attend the Town Hall and submit your name during the meeting for the chance to win. Prize winners will be announced at the end of each session, so be sure to stick around! 

 

Last night, hundreds of TriHealth team members, families and friends cheered on the Reds at the first of 12 games available to all TriHealth team members, physicians, volunteers and trustees as a special recognition for all you do in bringing our mission to life by delivering better care, better health and better value to all those we serve. If you haven’t yet signed up for your tickets, it’s not too late! Great seats are still available for all remaining games and we don’t want you to miss out on the chance to cheer on the Reds and celebrate with your TriHealth colleagues. While you’re at the game, be sure to share your photos on our TriHealth Way Facebook page for a chance to win a $100 gift card to the Reds team store. We’ll be giving away these gift cards – redeemable at the stadium and online for really cool Reds gear – to 15 lucky team members who send us their photos from the Reds game they attend. Visit Bridge for full details…and Go Reds!!!

 

Throughout this pandemic, you have proven beyond a doubt that our collective commitment to Get Healthcare Right for our patients, community and each other will help see us through the turbulence of today. As a result, our organization is stronger and more resilient than ever before, ready to take on this latest battle together as One Team, TriHealth Strong! Thank you for all you continue to do for those we serve.