President’s Update: April 25
Good Morning Cushing Community,
I hope and pray that you and your family continue to stay safe and healthy during this pandemic.
As we finish week six of our program’s closure, I want to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for your continued support to our staff during this challenging time. I am writing to let you know that we just received news last night that we have had another staff test positive for COVID-19. This staff member has not worked since April 18th and did not have onset of any symptoms until April 23rd, at which point they were tested. We are following all of the procedural guidelines set forth by DPH and EEC around reporting and containment. All of the staff that have been in direct contact with this person have been notified. All guardians of those individuals who have had direct contact with the staff have also been notified.
As we have heard from Governor Baker, and many health care professionals, we are in the peak of the surge and unfortunately, Cardinal Cushing’s Community is beginning to feel that. I know that our agency is incredibly fortunate as many of our peers have much higher numbers of staff and individuals that have been diagnosed with this illness. We will continue to be vigilant in our efforts to minimize exposure to our community. We want to be sure we are preparing our community as best we can in the midst of this health crisis. I have attached some social stories that we are using with those we support during this crisis. It is mandatory that all staff wear masks at work and this has been an adjustment for all of us; these social stories have been helpful in supporting this. There are also social stories on COVID testing as well as this can be a very uncomfortable experience and we want to be sure we are as supportive as we can be. These social stories and other resources are posted on our website too.
I know that this is an incredibly anxious time for everyone, especially our parents. I hope you know that the administrative team is here to support you, your loved one, and our staff during this crisis. We will continue to provide you with as much information as we can without compromising the confidentiality of those that are involved and will always provide you with up-to-date information as we receive it.
I continue to be amazed at the resiliency of our staff and those we support. Please keep those thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement coming to our direct support staff. This is an incredibly stressful times for those that are on our frontlines. I am grateful every day for their dedication and commitment to the men and women they work with – I know they put their heart and soul into their work!
Thank you for your continued support. We are all in this together – we are Cushing Strong!
Be Well,
Michelle Markowitz
Interim President & CEO
