Dear Cooper Team:
We hope everyone is doing well and having a safe and healthy week. We appreciate your unwavering dedication to our patients, community, and one another.
What You Should Know This Week:
- Data Breach. Cooper recently had to inform approximately 57,000 patients about a data breach that took place in May 2024, when one of our network security vendors noticed suspicious activity of outbound data leaving a Cooper server. This activity was quickly detected, stopped, and the issue was fixed. Unfortunately, after significant investigation, it was determined that files with patient PHI were affected. While there is no evidence that any of that data has been misused, Cooper was required to inform those patients, and we have offered free credit monitoring services for them. There have been a few media stories about this incident largely being driven by a law firm that has filed a class action lawsuit. We feel this lawsuit is premature since there is no evidence that any PHI from this incident has been misused. The good news is that our data security monitoring quickly identified this incident, and our team was able to stop it quickly. The bad news is that health systems remain a top target of hackers. We must all remain vigilant to protect patient data.
- AI @ Cooper, Part 2. Last week, we reminded team members that everyone has access to the Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat AI platform to assist with your work. However, for clinicians, we want to clarify that AI used for patient care information must be limited to Microsoft Dragon Copilot (DAX) or the AI built into Epic, as both platforms are HIPAA-compliant. More AI information is coming soon – stay tuned.
- Teddy Goes to Cooper. Last Friday, Cooper University Hospital hosted 120 kindergarteners from KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy for a hands-on learning event to reduce anxiety about hospitals. The children helped diagnose and treat their teddy bears, exploring X-rays, safety tips, nutrition, and therapy stations along the way. Thanks to our dedicated team, the young learners gained valuable knowledge in a fun and memorable way. Click here to read more.
- Gun Violence Awareness Day – Wear Orange. Friday, June 6, 2025, is Gun Violence Awareness Day. At Cooper, we are committed to raising awareness and preventing gun violence through our Level 1 Trauma Center, Trauma Prevention Outreach team, and SafeKids Southern New Jersey. Wear orange Friday to show unity in our fight against gun violence. For information, click here.
- Camden Residents Celebrated at “Draft Day.” Last week, 35 Camden residents were honored during a “Draft Day” celebration marking their acceptance into local building trades unions for Project Imagine. These individuals represent the inaugural cohort of the Camden/Cooper Trades Gateway Pre-Apprenticeship Program — a transformative workforce development initiative preparing residents for lifelong careers in the skilled trades. To read more, click here.
- Learn Life-Saving Skills During National CPR and AED Awareness Week. Quick action saves lives. When more people are trained in CPR and AED use, survival rates improve dramatically. For details on Cooper’s Center for Resuscitation Education and Community Engagement Basic Life Support (BLS) courses, click here.
- Updated Annual Tuberculin and Respirator Fit Testing Schedule. To view updated schedule Click here. Team members working at Cooper Cape locations will receive a separate email and have a separate schedule. To learn more, click here.
- Monthly Wellness Tips. As part of Cooper’s health benefits, team members enrolled in Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Delta Dental, or EyeMed have access to monthly newsletters filled with helpful tips and insights to support your overall wellness. Click here to read more.
- Celebrating and Understanding Differences. Cooper team members have access to Optum Emotional Wellbeing Solutions, a comprehensive employee assistance program (EAP) designed to support mental wellness and work-life balance. Click here to read Optum’s monthly newsletter.
Reminders:
- Pamela Kauffman Nursing Education Fund. The Cooper Foundation in partnership with the Center for Trauma Surgery established a new fund in memory of Pamela Kauffman, a former trauma nurse. Click here to donate.
- South Jersey Health Collaborative Community Forum. Cooper will host a forum alongside health departments from Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties to present key findings from the 2025 Community Health Assessment on June 18, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, at the Cooper University Hospital Conference Center. Space is limited, and registration is free. Click here for more information.
- Join the 2025 Engagement Fair. Team members at some of our ambulatory locations are invited to discover the many initiatives and resources available across Cooper and take part in giveaways and interactive activities. For details, click here.
- Pride Month. June is Pride Month and there are a variety of Pride events and activities. For information on June’s events, click here.
- PTO Sell Back. Complete your request in the iCooper Team Member Space between now and June 9, 2025. For more information, click here. Cooper Cape team members will receive information on PTO cash-out separately.
- Second Annual Linda Brand Golf Tournament. Tee up on June 19, 2025, at Valleybrook Country Club in Blackwood, NJ, for the Second Annual Linda Brand Golf Tournament, which supports team member scholarships. Click here for details and to register.
- New and Improved Cooper Company Store. Two vendors, more options for apparel, accessories, and more. Click here to shop.
- Cooper Events From Cape to Camden. See them all here.
Other News:
- Click here to read the most recent Daily Dose, “LGBTQIA+ Wellness Week 1.” As always, you can view the Daily Dose archives here.
- We love positive patient feedback. Kudos to all who are making The Cooper Experience a reality, including Carline, Drs. Khrizman and Rouche, Sherry, Colleen, Ashley, Jessica, Nicole, Kim, Ms. Sue, and Angela. Click here to read more.
- Movie Quote: “There’s no such things as an unsolvable problem.”
Please email CEOQuestions@CooperHealth.edu with any questions or comments.