National Blood Donor Month January is the beginning of a new year and the perfect time to start the year celebrating National Blood Donor Month! Unfortunately, due to the continued COVID-19 pandemic and an increased seasonal illness during the winter months and inclement weather conditions, blood and platelet donations decline, and demand increases. Donating blood with ConnectLife is the ONLY way to ensure that your blood donations stay in Western New York, including Olean General Hospital. In addition, STHCS is hosting a blood drive on January 19, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., celebrating National Blood Donor Month. To make an appointment to visit, please click here. State EMS Council  This past week, Alicia and I were able to attend the NYS EMS State Council meetings virtually. Many topics were discussed, including the current surge of the COVID-19 pandemic and the stress it is currently putting on the EMS system. These meetings are beneficial to the STEMS program agency to ensure critical information is shared within our region as a result of these meetings.
I would also like to shout out to Keito Ortiz, a PECC from Jamaica Hospital Medical Center who presented yesterday to the national Pediatric Workforce Development Collaborative (PWDC) during the Prehospital Practitioners breakout group. He shared his pathway of becoming a PECC in New York State at his EMS agencies and that it was a process in changing the culture. Additionally, last week, BEMS Deputy Chief Ed Mager and District Chief Brian Wiedman were able to stop by STHCS for a visit. This was the first time Brian had been to STHCS, and we were happy to show him around our facility! Update Link Happy New Year! I want to wish each of you a Happy New Year. It is hard to believe that 2021 has ended with us still fighting the pandemic. Yet, I am proud of how together we have learned to navigate the new normal, blazed new pathways, and created new solutions.
I am looking forward to all of the ways we will continue to work together to achieve our mission of improving the health and wellness of the residents of our communities because I genuinely believe "We're Better Together!" I am looking forward to moving into 2022 and cannot wait to see what this new year brings! |
