May 2022
LETTER FROM MELANIE
Inside this issue:
It is officially springtime in the Mid-South. Unfortunately we've seen our fair share of severe weather already. Please keep in mind that proper preparation is always key to making it through storms. Be sure to have a plan in place for yourselves, your families and those you see in the community.
Elder Abuse - 2 Apelah HCBS - 3 Meet the Board - 4 New Staff - 6 Promotions - 7 Birthdays - 8 Anniversaries - 9
Thank you to everyone that was able to attend the agency town hall, participate in the DEI survey and also the agency "Pulse" survey. We appreciate your time and input. We do review responses and use those as a guide for agency benefits and overall employee satisfaction. The DEI workgroup continues to work with our consultants to plan and implement change based on the results. I recognize an ongoing concern for staff is the cost of health insurance. Unfortunately, this is a cost that is out of our control. Over the past few years, the agency has absorbed most, if not all, of the insurance plan cost increases. We are working to see if there are any options for our agency that are less expensive. We will keep you posted on any changes. I understand it a few months down the road, but keep in mind open enrollment for benefits will be in October. If you missed the town hall and following email updates, we do have changes in our mask policy. Masks are now optional in agency offices. We always need to be sure to respect others' choices. If you are in the community and those you visit ask that you wear a mask, it is our policy to abide by those requests. If you have an approved exemption, you must continue to wear a mask in the office and during community visits. In the event of another surge, the agency may once again require masks. Boosters remain available in the Memphis office. You can have a booster if it has been 5 months since your second vaccine dose. If you are interested, please email us at vaccine@meritan.org. We will let you know a day you can come to the office for your shot. Flu shots continue to remain available in Memphis. Flu season is NOT over. While flu typically peaks in February, the flu season lasts through May. We are happy to give you either or both vaccines. You can get both shots on the same day. Thank you so much for all that you do each and every day. Please be safe and don't hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions.
