3 | 22 | 2021
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
HII Family Health Center Celebrates Five-Year Anniversary This month marks the fifth anniversary of the HII Family Health Center opening its doors on Washington Avenue.
Thousands of doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered at Newport News Shipbuilding. Photo by Ashley Cowan
NNS Offering COVID-19 Vaccines Saturday, March 27 NNS will hold special Saturday hours March 27 at its vaccination site for the convenience of employees. Some employees may find it difficult to take the time during the weekday to get the vaccine so we decided a Saturday opening could make it easier,” said Donta Sharpe, an X82 construction supervisor who manages the site. The site at the old Apprentice School gym will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Register for an appointment on MyNNS. Supervisors are responsible for registering shipbuilders without company email access. Volunteers will also be at some of the shipyard’s cafés this week to help register those without computer access. Shipbuilders can also call the COVID Hotline at 1-844-243-8749, option 6, to register. Sharpe said it has been an “absolute pleasure” to be part of the effort. “The true highlight is the teamwork shown by the entire group,” he said. “Communication is second to none and everyone pulls together to assist any manner, regardless of size or importance.”
Like all complex undertakings, it has challenges, he said. “It’s extremely complicated to administer thousands of vaccines to our shipbuilders in an efficient manner, then do it twice with a mixture of second round and first-round shots on the same day.” To make the process easier, remember: • If you sign up and do not receive confirmation, do not sign up again. Report at your scheduled time. If confirmation is needed, email COVID19vaccine@hii-nns.com. Employees need their NNS badge and either a confirmation email or their name on the vaccine center’s list to be admitted. • It is imperative to keep your appointment. If you can’t make it, email COVID19vaccine@hii-nns.com to reschedule. • Don’t arrive more than five minutes before your appointment to prevent long waits.
In the last five years, the health center has served thousands of Newport News Shipbuilding employees and their families and has expanded to offer vision care, dental services and more. “When we first started the health center the purpose was to serve as a place for your primary health care,” said Susan Jacobs, vice president of Human Resources and Administration. “However, the health center has expanded to so many different areas. The fact that we have so many health care providers co-located really makes this place very unique.” Since March 2016, the HII Family Health Center has seen more than 19,400 unique patients and fulfilled nearly 103,000 appointments. The satisfaction rate is 97% among patients. “Since my first exposure to the health center I’ve seen the services grow,” said Ben Hudson (E83). “I’ve used so many services here. I really appreciate the feedback I get from the health coach. It’s nice to have someone care and have some accountability.” Find out more on the video available on Huntington Ingalls Industries’ YouTube channel and the NNS To Go app. The Family Health Center is available to Newport News Shipbuilding employees and their dependents enrolled in an HII medical plan. To schedule an appointment, call 757-327-4200.