What You Should Know This Week:
- Last week Governor Murphy announced that the state of New Jersey has mandated all workers in health systems, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by September 7, 2021 or be subject to testing. Accordingly, all Cooper team members will need to be fully vaccinated in 20 days or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing. It is also important to note that people who have not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are the most at risk. If you have not received the vaccine and still have questions or concerns, please reach out to one of our clinical team members who will be happy to speak with you and answer your questions. You can sign up to get your vaccination today on myCooper.
- Also, last week Cooper adopted the New Jersey Department of Health four-tier COVID-19 Activity Level Index (CALI) score to determine PPE use. The scale is still “red, yellow, green” and the PPE indicated in each color WILL NOT CHANGE. The Southwest region of New Jersey is in YELLOW. Please click here to review PPE requirements for your unit now that we are at Yellow prevalence level, or go to the NEW PPE button on the homepage of the Pulse.
- Nearly all hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 now are among unvaccinated individuals. Unfortunately, some people have regretted not getting the vaccine after they become ill. This was the case for Michael Freedy, a Las Vegas father of five who recently died of COVID-19. Click here to listen to his fiancé’s heartbreaking account of his last words. Remember, you can sign up to get your vaccination today on myCooper.
- Today, Camden High School basketball stand-out DJ Wagner, the number one high school player in the nation, and his coach and former NBA player, Rick Brunson, and teammate, Cian Medley, released a PSA, in partnership with the Camden County Commissioners and Cooper, encouraging people to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Their message to the public – “this is your shot – make it count.” Click here to read more and click here to watch the PSA.
- We love to hear patient feedback about their excellent health care experience at Cooper. Kudos to all who are making The Cooper Experience a reality and who received individual recognition from our patients in recent surveys, including Chris Theler, Melissa Novilla, Connor Cehill, Josh, Meghan Harris, Ruth, Jill Lock, Melissa McWilliam, Dr. Agi, Dr. Shah, Meddie Mynone, Jackie, Rae, April, Marissa, Eva, Elena, Erin, Megan, Anthony, Dominic, Fred, Ro, Brittany M., Samantha, Laura, Carol, Holly, and Nicole. Click here to read more.
- Click here to read today’s Daily Dose, entitled, “Little Habits, Big Differences.” As always, you can view the Daily Dose archives here.
- In a word(s): Joint Commission – The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies more than 22,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. It’s goal is to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. As you likely know, the Joint Commission is onsite this week to perform Cooper’s tri-annual accreditation survey. This a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the excellent care that we provide for our patients, and to gain important feedback on how we can improve. Movie quote of the week: “I’ve been ready for this my whole life.”
We appreciate your ongoing hard work and commitment during these challenging times.