CNN.com, writer Eliott C. McLaughlin delved into the many ways COVID-19 vaccines are improving seniors' lives. He featured Mary Ellen Philp, a resident of Bellbrook in Rochester Hills, MI.
Making Gratitude an Action
As soon as Steve Kastner, President and CEO of Trinity Health Senior Communities, was offered his opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, he took it. In his eyes, the formulas created by Pfizer and Moderna are injecting hope into a world gripped by fear and sadness in 2020. He said: “This vaccine is our way out of a very troubled part of our country’s history that has had a devastating impact on our frail seniors. It’s how we’re going to finally beat Coronavirus.”
The crusade is deeply personal for Steve. “I offer my sincerest appreciation for the care and sacrifice our colleagues make every day for our residents, family members, and to each other,” he said. “By rolling up my own sleeve, I could make gratitude an action. I also demonstrated my trust and faith in the science that brought us to the development of the vaccine.” Steve added that even after receiving both doses of the vaccine, he continues to practice some of the “new normal” behaviors he’s adopted since last spring. “We must not let our guard down. We must continue to wear masks and maintain social distance to stay safe as the rest of our global community slowly but surely gets vaccinated.”
Taking the vaccine is one way that colleagues across Trinity Health Senior Communities can uphold our Mission to serve as a compassionate and transforming healing presence. It also allows us to shine a light on our Core Values of Integrity, Reverence, and Stewardship. “We need to restore trust in our health care system,” Steve insisted. “Unfortunately, it has been politicized to the detriment of our colleagues and residents. This is our moment to show the pure, remarkable power we have for good…as caregivers, scientists, and as human beings. I hope you will join me in getting vaccinated as early as you possibly can.”