HealthWest Employee Newsletter
Staff Updates, News & Reminders
Mask Up Muskegon Website - NOW LIVE
A new website, www.MaskUpMuskegon.org, launched to help provide a one-stop location for important COVID-19 resources for Muskegon County residents.

The website, created by HealthWest in cooperation with Public Health - Muskegon County, the Muskegon Community Health Innovation Region, United Way of the Lakeshore, and Call 2-1-1, provides access to important information like:

·    COVID-19 testing locations and information
·    Local COVID-19 news and updates
·    Sharable videos and social media graphics
·    Stories of local COVID-19 survivors and families
·    Mask donation information
·    And more!

MaskUpMuskegon.org also provides links to the state's most-recent COVID-19 orders so you can keep up to date on any restrictions that are currently in place.

COVID-19 is still surging in Muskegon County, and the number of deaths caused by the virus doubled in November alone. We can all do our part to help protect our community and MaskUpMuskegon.org is here to help.

You, too, can help by spreading the word! We encourage you to share MaskUpMuskegon.org on your social media and share it with those we serve.


How To Plan With Family for Changed Traditions
Holidays can be difficult for many people and may be even more difficult this year due to COVID-19. With that in mind putting together a safety plan prior to the holidays can be very beneficial in anticipating times that may be difficult for yourself and your family members.

In this training, you will learn how to develop a safety plan that includes times to allow for feelings and emotional disruptions. You will also be given the opportunity to explore and develop new traditions that can become meaningful for you and your family, increasing the holidays' positive memories. 

This tool will be something that could be helpful to you personally and in working with the consumers you serve. Please share with anyone who may want to join!

December 9 @ 11 a.m. and December 15 @ 11 a.m.
Register in Relias and join via Zoom at https://healthwest.zoom.us/j/2267982278
HealthWest COVID Operations
HealthWest is regularly monitoring current conditions and working with Public Health - Muskegon County to update our COVID-19 operation plans. Staff can expect to have any changes communicated to them, but you are encouraged to reach out to your supervisors if you have any questions about our current operations.

You can find our current reopening phase plans, as well as other important information at the links below:
Payroll 101 is a great refresher for all staff! 
Our Human Resources Department recently developed a new training module that is part of the training curriculum for new hires. This training is available to all staff and may be a good refresher! The training covers important topics like how to access the payroll portal, Time Out system, and your annual/sick benefits. This training is approximately a half-hour and you can register for an upcoming session in Relias. 
Clinical Documentation - Help is always available
The Clinical Documentation and Support team continues to publish weekly Monday Memos. They are full of important information like data sheets and reports you need to drive your workflow and practices. Please continue to read these weekly emails and You join in the live TA sessions held every week.

Join us during our TA's 8-9:15 on Tuesdays
And now also from 8-9:15am on Fridays!

Join Zoom TA Sessions:
Congratulations FunD Raffle Winners!
We had such a great turnout with the 2nd FunD Raffle in November... and the FunD committee collected $1850!

Congrats to the winners from the November FunD raffle:

  • Sheila Hurtubise won the $25 Wesco gift card
  • Cece Riley won the $50 Starbucks gift card & Yeti Tote Bag
  • Pamela Whitfield won the $50 Meijer gift card
  • Tamara Haase won the $100 Target gift card
  • Melina Barrett won the Ring Doorbell
  • Nicole Skodack won the Stand Up Desk
  • Jeremey Ladronka won the Bluetooth Speaker
  • Gordon Peterman won the Gas Grill
  • Ginger Martinez won the Lewis Farm Season Pass
  • Leon Puterbaugh won the Stand Mixer & Roomba Vacuum
  • Nick Brown won the Hoverboard
  • Coffey Penn won the Powerwasher
  • Brandy Carlson won the Nintendo Switch
  • Lauren Meldrum won the Yeti Cooler
  • Heather Wiegand won the Drone
  • Rebecca St.Clair won the 40 inch TV

NEXT FUND RAFFLE - DECEMBER 17 AT 4PM
The next raffle will be even bigger and better! Bidding will open later this week and we have some favorites and hot new items! PLUS... We'll be giving $1,000 worth of gift certificates to random staff including a $250 grand prize winner!!

All Staff Ugly Sweater Holiday Extravaganza
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HealthWest Holiday Extravaganza – Ugly Sweater Edition is happening Thursday, Dec. 17, from 3-4 p.m.

Join this fun all-staff event for holiday music, games and prizes. 

Stay after the Holiday Extravaganza for another FunD Raffle Party from 4-5pm.

In total, there will be $1,000 in prizes given out between this event and the Fund Raffle, including $50 for “Best Ugly Sweater” so come dressed to impress 😉.

We are looking forward to celebrating the holidays together!
HW COOKBOOKS – ORDERS & RECIPIES
DUE BY DEC. 31:
New this year, we are creating a HW cookbook of favorite staff recipes. These are on sale for $15. If you have not yet contributed a recipe to the recipe book, please Click here to submit a recipe for your favorite dish. All proceeds from this project go back to the FunD Committee.

Support our staff and order a cookbook today:


About the cookbook:

During this pandemic, many staff have been eating at home more and several of us are getting tired of the same old recipes. Please share your favorite go do dish, favorite thing to bake, appetizer, breakfast, snack or whatever it may be and let’s all cook something new this year! The 6×9 plastic coil cookbook includes laminated front and back covers (yet to be designed). It lies perfectly flat on the counter, so you can really cook from it! This will feature HW staff submitted recipes with photos and stories about each dish!
Rising T.I.D.E.
Tide On The Inside
TIDE continues to welcome staff to join its ranks. It’s always recruitment season with TIDE!

Ask a member or reach out to Mickey Wallace for details on how to get informed and involved.
December Events
Hanukkah: December 10th - 18th
The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
Did you know: During the holiday period, over 17.5 million jelly donuts are consumed in Israel throughout Hanukkah - click here to read more.


Christmas: December 25th
Christmas is celebrated on December 25 and is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial celebration.
Did you know: December 25 wasn’t declared a federal holiday in the United States until 1870. Click here to read more.


Kwanzaa: December 26th – January 1st
The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. https://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/index.html
Did you know The first US postage stamp to commemorate Kwanzaa was issued in 1997. There have been 5 designs released since then, the most recent being in 2016. Click here to read more.

 
Diversity Walk: Ongoing Event!
Join other staff of HealthWest in getting in-shape and informed. These "walks" will provide you the opportunity to connect with other staff and also embark on conversations related to equity, diversity and inclusion. Walks are happening every month!
Email interest of participation to the DW Team:
Supporting and Celebrating the Transgender Community
Presented by the SOGIE Committee

The transgender community makes up the “T” in the LGBTQ+ acronym and the GI in the SOGIE acronym. Transgender individuals have been at the forefront of major civil rights movements for sexual orientation and gender equity. It was an African American trans woman who threw the first brick at the historic Stonewall Inn and Stonewall Riots in 1969.

Transgender Day of Remembrance
This national holiday was established in 1999 as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester. Rita Hester was a trans woman who was killed in 1998. Although hate crimes and violence have been experienced by every subgroup in the SOGIE community, the trans community are disproportionally victimized. This day is recognized annually on November 20th.

Importance of Pronouns and Common use Name
A key way to be an ally and support your trans family, friends, coworkers and consumers is to respect their pronouns and name. The common pronouns used are He/Him, She/Her, and They/Them. And the easiest way to support the trans community is to simply ask someone’s pronouns. A second important way to support the trans community is to respect and use their name. It is common practice during transition to use a name other than what is listed on government documentation. Using their “dead name” or misgendering can be traumatizing.

More tips on supporting this community:
  • Include your pronouns on your email signature and business cards
  • When asking or stating pronouns do not use the phrase “preferred pronouns”
  • Be okay with getting it wrong and apologizing, we are conditioned to use binary masculine/feminine pronouns and it takes time and effort to unlearn
  • Always be willing to learn more and continue education, here are some resources:
  • https://www.glaad.org/tdor
  • https://www.hrc.org/resources/transgender

Please consider becoming a champion in the developing of the SOGIE/LGBTQ Committee, and help build community and awareness.

For participation and/or more information, complete the committee interest google form below. Thank you.
Virtual Groups for Staff, Persons Served, and the Community
Days and times are subject to change. Please click on the groups below for up to date information.
Closed Groups
We offer a wide range of group therapy options for you! Research shows that group therapy is beneficial and enriches your therapy experience. If you are interested in learning more about a group, contact your case manager to see how you can get involved.
Open Groups
We are offering online sessions every day to help connect, educate, and engage the community. You do not have to be in services to participate in these meetings.
New Staff Supports!
We are excited to share a few new staff supports that will be starting next week.
Please reach out with any questions or to learn more about how to get involved. Thanks!
NEW VIRTUAL SUPPORTS FOR YOU

Zoom Help – 15 Minute Trainings
Wednesdays at 1:00 pm and Fridays at 10:00 am
 
Every week we will tackle a new topic surrounding Zoom and best practices in a short and sweet 15 minute session. You will have two opportunities each week to join and learn more about that week’s topic.


December 9 and 11: Basic vs. Pro Licenses- A brief overview of how licenses work, when you need one, and how to request one.
 
December 16 and 18: Personal Safety Settings- Come ready to walk through your own zoom profile and learn more about best practices for setting up your own account.


Mindfulness: The Science and Techniques – 20 Minute Training Series
December 8 at 2:00 pm and December 15 and 22 at 11:30 am
Register in Relias
 
It is not too late to join the current mindfulness training series led by Michael Pyne. Every week you will learn more about the science of mindfulness as well as practice your own skills and techniques.

If you can’t attend this training, but are interested in learning about this topic keep an eye out for more information coming soon on other upcoming mindfulness trainings.
VIRTUAL CLUBS FOR YOUR KIDS

The following clubs are currently only open to children or household members of HealthWest staff

Gaming Zoom Group
Tuesdays, 3:00 – 4:00 pm
December 8, 15, and 22
January 5, 12, 19, and 26

Drop in: you do not need to register or attend all days
Suggested Ages: 10 and up 

Do you like games? We are talking about video games, card games, or board games in this group. Join a session to share your favorite games, what you know, and insider game information. 
Topics that we might discuss include:
  • Gaming strategy
  • Gaming mining and building stories
  • Gaming currency/economy discussion
  • New games/old games
  • PC games vs Console games
  • Rules for sharing information
  • “Gamers etiquette”
  • And anything relevant to gaming


“You Pick It” Zoom Group
Thursdays, 3:00 – 4:00 pm
December 10, and 17
January 7, 14, 21, and 28

Drop in: you do not need to register or attend all days
Suggested Ages: 8 and up 

Join us to explore new interests and hobbies. Each week we will try a new game, activity, or experiment. Whether it is a digital escape room, science experiment, DIY activity, or virtual field trip, we are sure to have a good time. The best part is that our adventure is up to you! Each week one kid will be chosen to pick the activity for the next week (or two ahead if more prep is needed). Parents will receive information on that week’s activities so they can dive deeper into the enjoyed activities at home under parent direction. 
IN-PERSON CHILD CARE COHORTS


Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 8:30 am– 12:30 pm
Space is limited and registration is required
Contact Chelsea Kirksey for more information.

If you need a little extra assistance with balancing family demands during the work day, you may be interested in joining a child care cohort for your children to attend in person at The Hub.

Each cohort will consist of students between 1st and 5th grade that will convene weekly on a designated day. The sessions will be offered every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm for a total of three cohorts. To minimize exposure, only students within a cohort will be allowed to attend on their designated day each week.

Students would be expected to come prepared with their own independent activities (homework, book, school activities, etc.). Supervising staff members will be available to assist with needs of students in navigating school work or activities. 
Virtual Trainings for Staff
Writing A Self-Care Plan
Join us for this presentation on how to create a self-care plan.

Friday, December 18, 2020
10am-10:30am

  • Research shows that when we write down our goals, we are more likely to achieve them.

  • We hear about the value of self-care but can easily neglect our needs.

  • In just 20 minutes, we will share a way to put a new focus on your self-care goals.
QPR Trainings
Register in Relias to participate in our QPR Suicide Prevention training

Employment Updates
New Hires
Alexis Steers
Title: Case Manager
Department: MI Adult Team 2
Location: MHC
Effective Date: 11/2/2020
Katlin Hetzel
Title: MLC
Department: Youth Assessment & Stabilization
Location: MHC
Effective Date: 11/2/2020
Jacob Scott
Title: Case Manager
Department: MI Adult High Intensity
Location: MHC
Effective Date: 11/9/2020
Cody Presnall
Title: Transporter
Department: Clubhouse Interactions
Location: Clubhouse Interactions
Effective Date:11/9/2020
Kei'Shauna Sherrod
Title: Youth Intervention Specialist
Department: Youth Office Based Team 2
Location: Harris
Effective Date: 11/9/2020
Alana Metcalf
Title: Youth Intervention Specialist
Department: Youth Office Based Team 1
Location: Harris
Effective Date: 11/9/2020
David Davis Jr
Title: MLC
Department: Youth Home Based Services
Location: MCA
Effective Date: 11/16/2020
Kaeleigh Poole
Title: MLC
Department: Youth Office Based Team 2
Location: Harris
Effective Date: 11/16/2020
Carly Campbell
Title: Supports Coordinator
Department: IDD General Team 2
Location: MHC
Effective Date: 11/16/2020
Kiara Hatcher
Title: Youth Intervention Specialist
Department: Youth Office Based Team 2
Location: Harris
Effective Date: 11/16/2020
Brianna MacPherson
Title: Youth Peer Support Specialist
Department: Youth Home Based Services
Location: MCA
Effective Date: 11/16/2020
Amanda Jones
Title: Supports Coordinator
Department: Corrections
Location: MHC
Effective Date: 11/18/2020
Madison Hurtubise
Title: BCBA
Department: Autism
Location: HUB
Effective Date: 11/23/2020
Interns
Carla DeWall
Department: Finance
School/University: MCC
Effective Date: 11/16/2020
Transfers/Promotions
Heidi Campbell
Title: Stabilization Specialist
Department: Adult Assessment & Stabilization
Effective Date: 11/30/2020
Amanda Kosten
Title: Masters Level Clinician
Department: IDD
Effective Date: 11/23/2020
Separations
Meri Hopkins
Title: Clinical Services Supervisor
Department: ACT
Effective Date: 11/5/2020
Valerie Stewart
Title: Case Manager
Department: Adult MI Team 1
Effective Date: 11/9/2020
Jill Kroll
Title: Medical Assistant FT
Department: Crisis Residential
Effective Date: 11/27/2020
Joshua Dekker
Title: Masters Level Clinician
Department: Crisis Residential
Effective Date: 11/27/2020
Anne Windberg
Title: Masters Level Clinician
Department: Youth Mobile
Effective Date: 11/28/2020
Vickie Davis
Title: LPN
Department: Crisis Residential
Effective Date: 11/30/2020
Name Changes
Emma C Wells
Former Name: Emma C Lenz
Effective Date: 11/24/2020
November Anniversaries
Congratulations to these members of HealthWest family!
5 & 10 Years


15+ Years
BeckyJo Charon - 25 Years
Stacie Peterson - 20 Years
We thank you for your years of service.
Its going to be one big party!