Area health organizations recognized for 75% staff vaccination

(GF Public Health release:)

Grand Forks Public Health announced today that several area health organizations are being recognized for having more than 75 percent of all staff members receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

“We are proud to report that several facilities have vaccinated more than 75 percent of their staff members,” said Debbie Swanson, Director of Grand Forks Public Health. These area health care organizations have been working together since January to reach this goal and to provide vaccinations to their residents and the public.

“Our health care organizations recognize that getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to protect the people we care for against this deadly virus. Since day one of the pandemic, health care providers have worked day and night to keep our most vulnerable citizens safe. We saw a drastic decline of positive COVID cases and deaths, which indicated that the vaccines are working. However, now that the delta variant is circulating, it is even more important to have high levels of vaccination in our community.”

Healthcare providers were placed first in line to receive the COVID-19 vaccine because of their essential role in fighting this pandemic. Vaccinating all healthcare providers will help protect them from getting sick and protect residents who are at risk for severe illness.

In addition, staff can serve as role models in their communities. By getting vaccinated first, they positively influence the vaccination decisions of coworkers, residents, friends, and family.

Great Plains Quality Innovation Network has recognized the following Grand Forks County health care facilities as COVID-19 Vaccination Ambassadors: The Arc Upper Valley, Grand Forks Public Health, Northwood Deaconess Health Center, Spectra Health, Valley Senior Living on Columbia, and Valley Senior Living on 42nd. The Great Plains QIN was enlisted by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services to help increase COVID-19 vaccination rates in North Dakota and South Dakota.

“Kudos to these outstanding health facilities for their efforts to ensure city residents, staff, and county residents are protected by encouraging and promoting vaccination among their staff. It is critical for healthcare professionals to be confident in dispelling myths and addressing questions from their patients and residents of the community,” stated Dee Kaser; RN, CDCES; Great Plains QIN Quality Improvement Advisor.

“Each of us have been impacted by the pandemic; and through vaccination, we can prevent the spread to our friends, family and community. We applaud these efforts and are pleased to recognize the many Grand Forks areas facilities for this accomplishment,” added Tammy Wagner, RN, LSSGB; Great Plains QIN Quality Improvement Advisor.

“While we remain optimistic, our work does not stop here. The virus is still a very real threat, and we must continue to do all that we can to protect others” added Swanson. “We will continue to encourage vaccinations, as well as follow all safety guidelines such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when indicated and conducting regular testing. With the help of our organizations, our community members, and the public health sector, we are confident we will come out on the other side of the pandemic.”