Dear CTAHE Members, Sponsors and Supporters,
I just wanted to express my gratitude to all of you whom are currently writing history as we experience COVID-19, whether you are providing direct patient care or you are supporting the overall operations of healthcare in our state in one way or another…. THANK YOU! In these uncertain times, please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers and if there is anything that I can do for any of you or CTAHE can do to support you and your organizations, please do not hesitate to let us know.
CTAHE is hosting our first-ever virtual event, a “Virtual After 5” next Wednesday, April 1st from 6:00pm-7:00pm. I do believe this After 5 Event will allow for some virtual “breaking of bread” and an opportunity to decompress from the daily stressors we are all facing. I am hopeful you will register for it and share with others in your organization as well! More information and the link to register can be found here.
CTAHE has also made the decision to hold off on all in person events till at least June for the time being, given our current state of unknowns. We will continue to reassess, but earlier today our Board and Golf Committee made the decision to postpone the 5th Anniversary Golf Outing from Tuesday, May 26 to Monday, August 24. The event will still be held at Tunxis Country Club and we are looking forward to hosting this on a beautiful late summer day! Registration is still open which can be found here, and we look forward to getting out on the greens with you all at the end of summer!
I strongly believe that the leadership shown during this time will have an impact on employees and organizations for years to come. This recent article from Forbes Magazine here stands out to me and I wanted to share with you to help give you the strength to lead during this pandemic. The Health Care Advisory Board has also been producing insightful and educational webinars each week on different topics related to handling CV-19, and I recommend tuning in if you can. Their full selection of on-demand learning can be found here.
I also want to stress that self-care is detrimental to our own health and wellbeing during these uncertain times. At the end of a long day either on the front lines of the hospital or socially distancing yourself by working at home, make sure you take time for yourself to unwind. Be mindful about a walk down the road and just see what you notice, practice 5 minutes of focused breathing, sip on your favorite cup of tea or espresso, or hit the home gym for a late night workout. Even grabbing 10 minutes to sit quietly and look outside your window can help to bring yourself back to the present.
In solidarity and closing, I want to share my favorite way to show love to those who I work alongside of day in and out in the hospitals…. It’s called “Hearts for Healthcare Workers”. Put a pink or red heart on your door or mailbox so that when healthcare workers go to work they know their community is supporting them and sending some love. For those looking for activities to do with their families while practicing social distancing, it’s a great way to spread some love to all our amazing healthcare workers, and it’s fun to drive to work and see them on our neighbor’s doors. Check out our Facebook page for some fun door designs from some of our chapter leadership!
Please stay safe, healthy and wash your hands!
Godspeed!
Kim
Kimberly A. Lumia, MSN, MBA, RN, FACHE
CTAHE Chapter President
Regional Chief Performance Officer, Prospect Medical Holdings
