September 2021
ASSOCIATE NEWS A N E W S L E T T E R F O R T H E E M P L O Y E E S O F A M I TA H E A LT H
ABIDE Promotes Inclusivity, Equity AMITA Health launched the ABIDE Engagement Committee last month as part of its ongoing commitment to promote inclusivity and equity throughout the organization. ABIDE advances AMITA’s commitment to a more inclusive and just society as part of its Mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus. “Everyone touched by our ministries – associates, patients and caregivers – should feel the love of Jesus through our actions and our words,” said Cristal Gary, AMITA’s chief advocacy officer and executive sponsor of ABIDE. “As we continue this journey, the ABIDE Hallmarks will give us a common language and common practices to live out that vision in our day-to-day work.” The ABIDE Hallmarks are: • Appreciation, which occurs when individuals feel valued, recognized and understood.
See ABIDE in Action on page 3
• Belongingness, which occurs when people feel they are a part of something through connections with people, groups or communities. Belongingness is expressed through welcoming behaviors and treating others with respect and dignity. • Inclusivity, which is how people welcome and invite each other into a conversation, a team or a community. It’s about acknowledging varying perspectives and identities and understanding how others’ experiences contribute to decision-making and working together, which can lead to growth. • Diversity, which is commonly defined as variety or a range of differences. In ABIDE, diversity includes our racial, ethnic, gender, sexual and cultural identities, beliefs, values, personalities, dispositions and abilities. • Equity, which occurs when all individuals are treated fairly and barriers are removed so everyone can take part fully in a group or community. Equity is not the same as equality. ABIDE calls for all AMITA Health associates to Listen, Pray, Learn and Act on matters of disparities and inequities, and to foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all. The ABIDE Engagement Committee – which is composed of representatives from each ministry who have different types of roles and perspectives for carrying out this work – will help associates learn more about ABIDE and will create opportunities for ongoing dialogue and activities. “We recognize that in order for this work to be transformative, it requires participation from everyone within AMITA Health,” said Samantha Alonistiotis, system director of Equity, Inclusion and Language Services. “The first step is to make sure all of our associates learn about and begin to experience ABIDE.”
AC C O U N TA B L E • AC C E S S I B L E • W H O L I S T I C
AMITAFORWARD
AROUND THE
SYSTEM
AMITA Refines Vaccination Policy Since AMITA Health required COVID-19 vaccinations for its
On Sept. 19, 2021, unvaccinated associates, including those
workforce in August, the health system has refined the policy to align it with vaccination mandates for healthcare workers later announced by Governor J.B. Pritzker and President Biden.
who have applied for or received an exemption, became responsible for submitting to their supervisor a weekly negative COVID-19 test, in accordance with the state vaccination mandate. AMITA is not providing on-site testing for unvaccinated or vaccine-exempt associates, who should undergo testing at community-based testing locations. Weekly testing will not replace the vaccination requirement for those who fail to receive an exemption.
Under the policy, all associates, physicians, vendors and volunteers must receive their first vaccine dose by Oct. 12, 2021 and must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Nov. 12, 2021, unless they receive a medical or religious exemption. The policy applies to everyone from people providing direct patient care to those working remotely, including associates employed by AMITA and its subsidiaries and partners; physicians and advanced practice providers, whether employed by AMITA or independent; and volunteers and vendors entering AMITA facilities. Everyone who works at AMITA also must receive their flu shots by Nov. 12, and AMITA has established clinics offering COVID-19 vaccinations and flu shots at all of its hospitals, said Carla Casia, Illinois regional manager, Associate & Occupational Health. “Clinic hours have been set to accommodate different shifts,” she said. “We’re trying to make it as convenient as possible for everyone.”
Beginning in October, AMITA will be required to submit data each month on the numbers of vaccinated and exempted workers in the system to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, in accordance with the federal vaccination mandate. Requests for exemptions from the COVID-19 shot and for any new flu-shot exemptions must be submitted by Oct. 1, 2021. Associates employed by AMITA who want to request an exemption should log in to iAMITA and click on myHR, where exemption information will be listed under Quick Links. Associates employed by vendors should apply for exemptions through their employer.
It Starts with Us Kicks Off October 4 People give because there’s a need. They give because of the mission. They give because it’s satisfying to help others with whom they work with every day.
WATCH
Whatever reason motivates each of us to give, all AMITA associates are again encouraged to participate in this year’s It Starts with Us Associate Giving Campaign, which launches Monday, Oct. 4, and concludes Oct. 29. Every gift, no matter its size, makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
Learn more about this year’s campaign.
VIDEO
WATCH IT NOW!
This year, as in years past, associates can make their gift to support fellow associates who need financial assistance, or they can choose instead to support the greatest need at the local ministry that is nearest and dearest to their heart. Gifts designated to priorities other than your legacy associate relief fund must be outright — cash, credit card or check — and cannot be made through payroll deduction. Associates will receive a letter and donation form in the mail the week of Oct. 4. Associates who make a gift or pledge of $25 or more will be entered for a chance to win one of 20 great giveaways; leaders are exempt from this drawing. Learn more by visiting the Foundation’s iAMITA page.
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AROUND THE
SYSTEM ABIDE is a framework for ensuring that people feel valued, honored and heard. Here, two people who recently joined AMITA Health share how their colleagues welcomed them and how that welcome made them feel respected and included.
Eric Rhodes
Samantha Alonistiotis
President/CEO AMITA Saint Francis
System Director of Equity, Inclusion
Start Date: Aug. 8, 2021
and Language Services
After I accepted the role of president and chief executive officer at AMITA Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston, the hospital leadership team decided to align the employee appreciation meal with my start date. The ability to meet and engage with hospital associates from all levels of service on my first day as president/CEO was very special. I greatly appreciated the leadership team welcoming me in a way that is consistent with the people-first culture we are building at AMITA Saint Francis.
Start Date: July 12, 2021 I started at AMITA Health in July 2021 in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and shortly before my daughter turned 1 and was able to start at her new daycare. Transitioning to a new job is difficult without these circumstances, but my colleagues made me feel comfortable with being my authentic self and expressing what I need, such as time and space to pump. Executive leadership has welcomed my perspectives even when those perspectives challenge their own worldviews, which makes me feel seen and heard. I am thankful that leadership has modeled vulnerability and made me feel safe to do the same and have more grace with myself.
What Our Patients are Saying At AMITA Health, we define Wholecare as caring for the body, mind and spirit. Ultimately, how well we put that definition into action is measured by how our patients perceive their care. Watch this video to see the feedback our patients are posting on social media about the care they have received at our ministries.
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HISPANIC HERITAGE
MONTH
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage The United States celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 to honor the culture and achievements of Americans whose ancestors came from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America to Spain. The commemoration started with Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 and was expanded to a full month in 1988. Hispanics have made and continue to make major contributions to all aspects of American life. At AMITA Health, our Hispanic colleagues are involved throughout the system in serving our patients and our Mission. These three associates explain how their heritage guides their work.
Rosa Perez-Cuevas Vice President, Operations AMITA Saints Mary & Elizabeth As a child, I celebrated important events with family and friends. In the summer, we went to the park and made corn tamales. This was a family activity, and everyone had a designated responsibility. We children did not like making corn tamales. We felt it cut into our playing time, and we were embarrassed that others who were not Hispanic would see us. But it taught us to share responsibility, collaborate, team build, develop work ethic and many more attributes that made us who we are today. I paid more attention to my heritage in high school. My parents offered my assistance with translation because I was bilingual. I helped with translations and filling out paperwork for our non-English-speaking relatives and friends. I realized that I was privileged to be bilingual because there were limited resources to offer assistance to our Hispanic community. Working at AMITA Saints Mary & Elizabeth has allowed me to reflect more on my heritage and understand how I am able to align it to the community we serve. I understand our community, and I embrace the gifts that my heritage holds.
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Fabiola Zavala Regional Director, Community Health South Region Perseverance, hard work and resilience are values modeled by my grandfather and mother. My grandfather came here under the federal Bracero farmworker program, and my mother immigrated here to give me a better future. Our family gatherings centered around traditional foods and music. My family came from the Mexican state of Jalisco, where mariachis come from. When I was a child, my mom dressed me in traditional charra clothing, and I participated in Mexican Independence Day parades. I’ve continued that tradition with my son. At a very early age, I knew about my heritage and its part in my identity. I started school in a dual-language program at Ruben Salazar Elementary in Pilsen, where our celebrations featured folkloric dances and traditional foods. Now I work to elevate the Latino community by serving on several boards and mentoring Latino students. I recently completed the Mujeres de HACE Leadership Program with the Hispanic Alliance for Career Advancement, and I am committed to celebrating the contributions Latinos make to this country.
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Ivette Gottlieb Spanish Medical Interpreter, AMITA Saints Mary & Elizabeth My own childhood memories are scenes of the extended family – grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins – around the table on Sundays, and the joy, the songs, the kids running around, the adults laughing and catching up with family news. As we grew up, we gathered around a less-crowded table as cousins moved away or grandparents passed. But the togetherness, love and good times were always there. I was born in Uruguay and moved to the U.S. when I was 44. Our Hispanic stories have made us who we are: strong, hardworking, enthusiastic and family-oriented. These values show who we are and what we do for the community. I am grateful for how the United States of America is a land of possibilities.
Minerva Emeric, RN AMITA Saints Mary & Elizabeth
ABIDE Framework The ABIDE framework (Appreciation – Belongingness – Inclusivity – Diversity – Equity) reflects AMITA’s commitment to Listen – Pray – Learn – Act on matters of disparities and inequities, including systemic racism and social injustice, as well as to foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment. Watch this video to hear from associates across AMITA talk about diversity in our workplace.
WATCH
VIDEO
Heritage can be defined in many ways. For some, heritage is inherited ethnicity and culture or values. But to me, my faith has been my foundation. My roots stem from many vascular connections – European, African, Native Taino – which have woven a beautiful tapestry of unique customs, language, music and food. But my faith has been the heartbeat of my heritage. As a child, I learned that Jesus, the son of God, did many miracles and made sacrifices, and how He endured the cross for our salvation and redemption. I recall marching in a children’s parade carrying colored banners, bibles and flags with different cultural backgrounds. How proud I felt marching down crowded streets with bystanders applauding, voices echoing and chanting, “Jesus is Lord.” In those moments I felt a connection with people of all creeds and backgrounds who made up my spiritual family. My faith has shaped who I am. I’m Puerto Rican, a daughter, sister, nurse, caregiver, beacon of hope to the disillusioned, compassionate to the sufferers. But most importantly, I am a daughter of the Most High.
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HISPANIC HERITAGE
MONTH
Jeniffer Farfan Contact Center Supervisor, AMITA Saints Mary & Elizabeth When I was a child in Guatemala, I was impressed by Semana Santa or Holy Week. During this week, streets in Guatemala City are adorned with colorful carpets or alfombras, different types of flowers, and colorful sawdust made by devout Catholics for the processions of huge floats displaying scenes of religious figures. The floats can be up to 18 meters long, and they require 50 to 100 men and women to carry them. The bright colors, smells and flavors of the foods made during this season are engraved in my mind, but mainly I remember the devotion demonstrated in the faces of the people carrying the floats. That demonstration of strength and humility made me understand that if you really care, you put forth all your effort. When I arrived in the United States when I was 12, I realized that I was different and that my heritage made me who I was. I appreciated my differences and in turn appreciated everyone’s differences. My heritage resonates in me every day, when I remember the strength and humility that shaped me as a child and that I hope now shows in how I care for my patients.
AMITA Adventist La Grange Physical Therapy Named Clinic of the Year Seven years ago, AMITA Adventist La Grange started a partnership with PT Solutions Physical Therapy, a nationally recognized practice. The goals of the partnership were to enhance the patient experience and to grow into new markets where patients are demanding convenient, evidence-based therapy, coupled with superior clinical quality. Each year, PT Solutions Physical Therapy formally celebrates the achievements of team members whose efforts embody the practice’s core values in an award ceremony called the Unstoppable Awards. Along with selecting 12 outstanding individuals, they also announce an award for the clinic that demonstrates exemplary performance, selected from 275 national points of service. This year, the award went to PT Solutions of Paulson La Grange! The La Grange clinic, located on the AMITA Adventist La Grange campus, has made remarkable contributions in providing excellent service and patient outcomes. The clinic offers outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and several other niche therapies. During the peak of COVID-19, the clinic could treat fewer than 20 patients a day. Now they’re helping more than 80 people overcome pain each day – and with a 99.2% satisfaction score!
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DAISY AWARDS
Congratulations to our recent AMITA DAISY Award winners! Thank you for all you do for our patients.
Diane Leonard, RN Diane was honored with a special DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award for nursing excellence. Diane retired after 39 years in nursing. She served as the patient liaison and director of Labor and Delivery for the past 14 years at AMITA Adventist Bolingbrook.
Christina Alvino, RN, Wound Care – AMITA Saint Joseph Elgin
Virginia Logan, RN, Emergency Department – AMITA Resurrection
AnnMary Kachappilly, RN, ICU – AMITA Adventist GlenOaks
Darshika Patel, RN, Med/Surg (5W) – AMITA Adventist La Grange
Nafisa Patel, RN, Acute Rehab Unit – AMITA Saints Mary & Elizabeth
Timothy Blaney, RN, Med/Surg (2 Medical) – AMITA Adventist Hinsdale
Katarzyna Doroz, RN, 5W Oncology – AMITA Alexian Brothers
Heather Barry, RN, ICU – AMITA Adventist Bolingbrook
Jaclyn Burda, RN, NICU – AMITA St. Alexius
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September is Hunger Action Month More than 42 million Americans, including 13 million children, face hunger. In Illinois, 1.2 million people struggle with food access. Through AMITA’s collective efforts in 2020, more than 31,000 people were assisted by one of the many food access programs offered through community benefit. “Hunger and low food access touch every community, including our own AMITA community. Many of our programs assist not only our vulnerable external communities, but many of our own AMITA associates and their families,” said Shannon Jermal, system director, Community Benefit. Due to identified community need, many AMITA hospitals have started programs targeted to increase access to healthy foods. Initiatives ranging from 24/7 micro pantries on hospital campuses to mobile food pantries, backpack programs, community gardens and food markets have begun in recent years to increase food access points. To help coordinate efforts and grow programming, a systemwide internal food access team was created last summer. “Working together has really been instrumental in identifying best practices and scaling programs,” said Jermal. The team is composed of associates and leaders in Community Benefit, Community Health, Food and Nutrition, Residency Clinics, Mission Integration and more. Associates interested in helping should consider volunteering as individuals or groups at the food banks that service AMITA: Greater Chicago Food Depository or Northern Illinois Food Bank. Other ways to help are to donate food to your hospital micro pantry or another pantry in your community.
Qualified Interpreters Bridge Language Barriers for Patients Sept. 30 is International Translation Day, a day set aside to honor those who help ease communication among people who speak different languages. Communication of all sorts is always important in healthcare. But when there is a language barrier between the patient and the caregiver, it can be a serious problem. AMITA Health can provide qualified interpreters in a variety of ways: • Patients can contact an interpreter by telephone using a bedside dual-handset phone. • Bedside iPads can be used to provide video interpreters in most languages. In the case of a rare language or dialect, it is possible that only audio interpreting might be available.
• AMITA can request that a vendor send a qualified interpreter to come on-site for an assignment. • Five AMITA ministries have staff interpreters: AMITA Mercy (Spanish only), AMITA Resurrection (Spanish and Polish), AMITA Saints Mary & Elizabeth (Spanish), AMITA Saint Joseph Elgin (Spanish) and AMITA Saint Joseph Joliet (Spanish). Florita De Jesus Vázquez, system manager of Interpreter Services, said it is critical that AMITA associates contact interpreters when needed. “These people are trained in interpreting for healthcare and provide the best opportunity for communication between patient and provider,” she said.
Send Us Your Stories Associate News is published by the AMITA Health Marketing & Communications Department. Have a story about an innovation or a Mission moment you’d like to share? We’d like to hear it! Please email Julie Busch, editor, at communications@amitahealth.org.