Reconnect with CHCS Core Values |
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In the latter part of 2019 (remember those golden pre-pandemic days?!), we rolled out our Core Values. We held sessions that brought associates together to get to know each other and to learn about the history of CHCS. We paused to reflect on the decades of dedication and service to our rural communities and noted the innovation, creativity, and passion that helped us articulate our values. We talked about what makes CHCS different, and what it means to our patients and to all of us as associates.
A lot has happened since then! It's been a tough two and a half years. Fulfilling our mission has been difficult, and daily life has been, too. Despite the many challenges and disruptions, we have persisted in providing first-class care, and even in continuing to add and improve services. We've continued to deliver the WOW experience.
Now we have a new Core Values video to share. Please take five minutes to watch it and remember what makes CHCS special. Let it help you recommit to doing the right thing, to embracing compassion and kindness, to pursuing growth and seeking knowledge, to creating and sustaining change, and more.
Healthcare is complex. It takes a team to deliver it, and all jobs are crucial. Patients must be cared for, facilities must be clean, patients need good food, everything must be in working order, phones must be answered, and records must be accurate. Thanks to every associate for the job you do each day. Don't forget to appreciate each other and treat each other with kindness and respect.
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The group of associates below was the first to participate in our new one-day orientation for new hires, and they were the first to see our new Core Values video. They learned about CHCS history and values as well as IT security, risk management, LEAN, and how to get involved at CHCS.
Congratulations to a great group! Future orientations will be held on the third Thursday of each month.
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HR update: Retirement plan and EAP news |
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In 2019, CHCS and other Kansas Hospital Association members developed a Multiple Employer Aggregation Program (MEAP). This group analyzed several retirement providers to determine which provider would best serve participants. TIAA was determined to provide the KHA MEAP with the best administrative cost savings and investment opportunities to provide our employees with competitive retirement benefits. CHCS's Retirement Plan Transitioned from AIG Valic to TIAA in August 2019 .
In addition, the KHA group developed a relationship with Two West, an investment consulting company. Two West will be making some slight changes to our GoalPath Custom Target Date Funds underlying asset allocation and rebalancing the portfolios to best serve individual participants. This is a normal operating procedure for Two West as a fiduciary investment manager across their client base.
TIAA will be sending a letter to all plan participants to explain this action. View a sample letter. The letter contains contact information for TIAA and for Two West. If you have questions on how/if this will affect you, I encourage you to connect with Two West and schedule a meeting.
If you are not currently participating in CHCS's retirement plan, I highly encourage you to contact Two West and determine if now is a good time for you to start contributing to your retirement.
If you have questions, please contact Human Resources at ext. 5026.
Cindy Flentie, PHR
Human Resources Director
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Employee assistance program changes
CHCS has identified a new Employee Assistance Program, or EAP, provider. The company is called Vital WorkLife. This company works with area providers, which means that local counselors are in-network and can provide face-to-face visits.
More information will be available in next week's E-Connection.
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Please note the following reminders from Employee Health.
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Associates who test positive for COVID-19 need to stay home for 5 days; then, if they are afebrile without fever-reducing medications for 24 hours and feel well enough to work, they must wear a KN95 to complete the 10-day contagious period.
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If you have allergy-like symptoms, you need to test for COVID-19. If you do not have a home test, ask your manager to contact Employee Health for an in-house test. Free home tests are available at all CHCS clinics.
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COVID-19 vaccines are available for ages 6 months and up!
CHCS clinics now have COVID-19 vaccines available for anyone age 6 months and up. Click the flyer at left to expand and view details.
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Find mental health resources |
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A lifelong Kansas farmer and family man who was battling mental health issues took his own life. His family is hoping that their experience can help others who are struggling with mental health and the stress that day-to-day life, along with the hardships of owning a family farm, has on one's mental health.
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Make plans to vote on August 2!
Vote early in person
Counties can offer early in-person advance voting through August 1 at 12 noon for the primary election. To make a plan to vote early, visit the Primary In-Person Advanced Voting Dates and Locations. These dates and locations may change during the elections process, so if you have questions, reach out to your local county elections office.
Vote on election day
On August 2, the polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hours could vary depending on the county.
Important note: This primary includes a constitutional amendment. If you are not affiliated with a political party, you can still vote on the amendment in the primary!
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Three more parades: Please sign up! |
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Thanks to the Westmoreland crew pictured at right for their help serving the Chamber meal and working the softball tournament concession stand during the Wagon Wheels Car Show. (From left: Sarah Hancock, Dr. Nick Cahoj, Vanessa Parker, and Kayla Suther. Not pictured: Cat Peverley.)
Three parades remain in CHCS communities.
- Nemaha County Fair Parade, Seneca: July 31
- Pottawatomie County Fair Parade, Onaga: August 7
- Corning Days Parade: August 13
Find details by clicking the green button below. Please sign up to represent CHCS! We will provide giveaways, a parade sign, parade candy, and other needed items as necessary. Be sure to wear a CHCS T-shirt!
Those who walk in parades can be paid for 1 hour of work. Thanks to everyone who has helped so far!
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Youth Mental Health First Aid |
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A virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid course is available August 15 from 9 a.m. to 2:30.
This course is for adults who work with youth ages 6 to 18. Topics include signs of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders; the impact social media has on children; and so much more. Two hours of online education are required prior to the course. Cost is $30 to cover books and materials.
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Fitness Center Punch Card Sale
Looking to jump-start your fitness routine? Punch cards will be on sale for $27 + tax during the month of August.
Fine print: All cards will be marked with a 1-year expiration date. No refunds on unused/expired cards. Expiration dates will not be extended on unused/expired cards. CHCS is not responsible for unused punches.
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Thank you!
I wanted to say thank you to the Kitty Fund for the Lowe’s gift certificate for my retirement. I also want to thank CHCS for all the well wishes, calls, cards, and emails for my retirement. May CHCS continue to serve others with compassion and concern.
Sincerely,
JoAnn Mott
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Here's to our associates with August birthdays. Join us in wishing them all the best as they celebrate!
Clara Niehues, Lori Vernon, Theresa Dressman, Rosalyn Cline, Diane Mayhew, Danica Bato, Brenda Sommars, Marsha Moore, Linda Fordham, Heather Myers, Jennifer Cantillon, Patricia Kolterman, Alaina Riccomini, Sara Wilhelm, Derek Surdez, Cassidy Willard, Grace Wegner, Ruth Casebolt, Allison Rottinghaus, Atalie Conger, Erin Lacey, Cecilia Reiser, Rikki Seeberger, Audrey Stephenson, Christopher Holliday, Lisa Pasillas, Tammy Handley, Cecilia Basler, Vanessa Parker, David Cancelada, Emma Kolterman, Kelli Stewart, Isiah Savaloja, Abbie Flentie, Amaris Jones, Darla Wilson, Kailee Dorsey, Leah Chamley, Madison Lueger, Kayla Suther
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Participate in a poverty simulation
The K-State Research and Extension Office of Pottawatomie County is hosting Living on the Edge: The Realities of Living Paycheck to Paycheck at the Wamego High School Gym on September 20 from 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. View the flyer.
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Important reminders
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CHCS will host a Health Fair/Community Baby Shower on Saturday, October 8. A signup to staff the event will be posted in next week's E-Connection. Save the date!
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The second-quarter WorkWell activity is designed to help us connect with and live our passion and purpose. Choose from two options! Read instructions and download the Activity Packet to get started. The next small group video/discussion dates are August 9 and 10. View the signup.
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August 1-5: Toasted almond latte
- Toasted marshmallow and almond
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16 oz., $4
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Hot, cold, or frappe
On summer Fridays, we have cherry limeades and the Coffee Shop Meal Deal!
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CHCS shirts are back in stock!
The Gift Shop has CHCS T-shirts back in stock in five colors. Stop in and take a look or view them on our website (hit the green button below!). Purchase in person, order online for delivery via courier to your work location, call the shop at ext. 5045/5059, or email Leah Chamley.
Notes: These shirts are not included in the 50% off sale. Please ignore the "low stock" indicator on the website.
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Going, going ...
The Gift Shop is having its biggest sale ever. The deals expire when the shop closes on July 29.
We still have Mystery Bags!
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CHCS menu: Onaga and Eastridge |
St. Marys menus are available each morning through the Activities chronicle.
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Buffalo Fun Club
Grades pre-k through 5th grade in Onaga, a.k.a. the Buffalo Fun Club, participated in hands-on activities with Holly Schmitz, CHCS Dietitian, yesterday at the invitation of teacher (and CHCS associate) Hannah Kolterman.
The group discussed the importance of a varied diet with all the food groups, how many fruits and veggies we should have a day, and how much milk is recommended a day. They talked about how to be healthier at home, whether it's helping plan meals, going grocery shopping, or planting a garden.
The group also did exercises to get the blood flowing (jumping jacks, pushups, arm circles, planks) and learned that we should be getting at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.
Snacks were healthy fruit and vegetable pizzas. Looks like fun! (View more photos on our Facebook page.)
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Did you miss your Connection?
Important information is relayed every week in the E-Connection. If you miss it in your email, an archive is available on our website. Visit the For Associates page, then click E-Connection Archive.
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Send items for the E-Connection or for sharing with our broader social media audience to sarahhancock@chcsks.org. Please send items by close of business on Tuesdays when possible. Ideas are welcome!
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