March 16, 2023
CHCS increasing retirement plan match
CHCS is excited to announce an increase in employer matching contributions to the CHCS Retirement Plan.

CHCS will contribute a 50% match of your 403(b) deferrals up to 6% of compensation. The new match formula is below.
In addition to increasing the company match, CHCS is changing the eligibility requirements and vesting schedule.

Who is eligible?
All employees age 21 and older (except leased employees) will be eligible to contribute to the retirement plan and for the CHCS match beginning with the pay period starting on March 26, 2023. The plan will no longer require one year of service prior to becoming eligible for the match as of this date.

What is the vesting schedule?
Effective March 26, the plan will have a 3-year vesting schedule for all newly hired employees. All current employees and those hired before this date will continue to be 100% vested in all contributions.

What do I need to do?
  • If you are currently enrolled and contributing to the plan, you will start to receive the increased matching contribution beginning March 26. To receive the full match, you need to contribute 6% of your pay. If you are already doing this, no action is required.

  • If you would like to change the amount of your employee deferrals to make sure you are getting the full company match, you need to complete a new Salary Reduction Form. This is due April 10 if you'd like it to be effective for the pay period beginning March 26. Send it to HR or Payroll.

  • If you are eligible but not currently enrolled in the CHCS Matching Retirement Plan, you can enroll by going to www.tiaa.org/chcsks and clicking "Ready to Enroll." You will also need to complete a Salary Reduction Form and return it to HR or Payroll.

What about PRN associates?
  • As of January 1, 2023, PRN associates may contribute to the CHCS Retirement Plan; however, they will not receive an employer match.

  • PRN associates contributing to the CHCS Retirement Plan as of December 31, 2022, are eligible to continue to receive the employer match after March 26, 2023.
How can I get advice about participating in the plan?
You can arrange a meeting with Mike Curran, our dedicated Retirement Plan Consultant at Two West. Free one-on-one meetings are available, and Mike has March 29 dedicated to CHCS associates.

Click on the flyer at right to read more about setting up a meeting.
How can I learn more?
Click the green button below to download a handout with comprehensive information about the changes. If you still have questions after reading the handout, contact Human Resources at ext. 5026 or 5030.
It's Healthcare HR Week!
Back up and take another look at the story above. Then stop and think about all of the staffing challenges CHCS and other healthcare organizations have experienced in the last few years. Thinking about those things will give you a sense of the importance of Human Resources in healthcare.

CHCS has an outstanding HR team that works hard for all of us. During the last year, our HR team has faced numerous challenges, including implementation of a new HRIS system, development of an enhanced compensation system, and navigating the many conflicting federal and state COVID-19 mandates. At the same time, they have adopted cutting-edge methods of recruiting staff (it's no longer about placing a want ad in the newspaper), implemented a new Employee Assistance Program, and more.

THANK YOU to Cindy Flentie, Christina Hasenkamp, JoAnne Myers, Abbie Flentie, and Jill Greene for taking care of us and making sure we are always on the hunt for the best people to serve as new CHCS associates. We appreciate your problem-solving skills, flexibility, and empathy.

We also want to thank someone else who works closely with HR: Stacey Womack. Stacey does a wonderful job ensuring that all of us are paid correctly and on time. Thank you, Stacey!
Save money during National Nutrition Month
We're providing weekly tips for National Nutrition Month to help you make March your best and healthiest month yet of 2023.
 
This week's tips: Stay nourished and save money.
  • Plan your meals and snacks.
  • See what food you have at home before purchasing more.
  • Use a grocery list and shop sales when purchasing food.
  • Learn about community resources such as SNAP, WIC and local food banks. 

Find more tips on an "Eating Right on Budget" handout from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Click the green button to take the Nutrition Month Quiz and be entered to win a 24-piece utensil set or one of two $10 gift certificates to the CHCS Coffee and Gift Shop. Good luck!
Delivering the WOW experience
An associate in Onaga recently noticed that Ronnie Jones in EVS was working alone as he completed his evening tasks.

Ronnie normally would have had a partner, but EVS was short-staffed because of illness. Ronnie had to clean up after a busy day in the Outpatient Clinic (16 exam rooms!), plus had Labor & Delivery AND the OR to clean after a baby was born and a late surgery was completed.

HATS OFF to Ronnie for his commitment and dedication and for doing a wonderful job making sure all of the work was completed. Thank you, Ronnie, for delivering the WOW experience for our patients and for other associates! We appreciate your hard work!
Breathe easy for Pulmonary Rehab Week
It's Pulmonary Rehab Week! CHCS added this service just a little more than a year ago.

Pulmonary rehabilitation has been shown to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in individuals with lung disease. Many respiratory conditions could benefit from pulmonary rehab. CHCS's team of nurses, respiratory therapists, fitness professionals, and a registered dietician teach patients how to manage their disease or condition and work to improve their quality of life. We know our patients appreciate them!

If you know someone who is struggling with a respiratory condition, recommend a talk with their provider or a call to Meranda Schmitz, Lead RN, at 785-889-5502 for more information.
Here's an idea for the Infection Connection: Let's talk about something besides COVID! Let's take a moment to learn about Lyme Disease.
 
In the U.S., there are about 30,000 Lyme disease infections each year. The symptoms may be minor, including headache, fatigue, and a bull’s-eye rash, or the disease could more seriously affect your nervous system and even your heart.

The only known way to get Lyme disease is from the bite of an infected deer tick. The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to avoid areas where the ticks are likely to be found. If you live in or visit a high-risk area, you should follow these precautions:

  • Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants and tuck your pant legs tightly into your socks.
  • Use insect repellents that contain DEET on your clothes or exposed skin, or those that contain permethrin on your clothes.
  • Check for ticks at least once every day if you are in a high-risk area. Their favorite places are on the legs, in the groin, in the armpits, along the hairline, and in or behind the ears.
  • Remove any ticks promptly using fine point tweezers. The tick should not be squeezed or twisted; grasp it close to the skin and pull straight out with steady pressure.
  • Know the symptoms of Lyme disease. If you have been someplace likely to have ticks between early spring and early autumn and you develop Lyme disease symptoms, especially if you get a rash, see a doctor right away.

Take care as you spend more time outside this spring! Warmer, rainy spring weather is the preference of deer ticks. These tiny creatures become active in temperatures above 35°F. Click the button below to learn more about Lyme disease.
References: KDHE, APIC
Thank you
Thank you, thank you, thank you: I cannot say it enough! I am so proud to be a part of such a great work place that I like to call my family, Community HealthCare System! I recently had surgery here and stayed for several days.  Dr Cancelada and all his surgical staff, hospital nurses, and CNAs were all above and beyond amazing! Thank you all for the wonderful care I received. I am so grateful. We have such a wonderful facility here in our small community; we are so blessed!  
 
To my coworkers in the Onaga Clinic Registration: Thank you so much for covering for me, working shorthanded or extra hours. You all are appreciated dearly, and I couldn't have done it without any of you.
 
To my fitness buddies Todd and Nancy Willert, thank you for your support! Another thank-you goes to the Kitty Fund for the gift card, which I hope to enjoy with my daughters soon.
 
Sometimes we don't realize how blessed we are until we're on the outside looking in. Thank you again so much for being there for me!

Kathy Teske
Community events and important reminders

  • A benefit Bake Sale for Joshua Daniels, son of Lofia Daniels, Onaga Dietary Manager, will take place on Friday, March 17 from 7 a.m. to 12 noon at Karla's Kreations in Onaga. Proceeds will go to the Daniels family to help with medical hosts.

  • CHCS will hold a Health Fair with low-cost labs in Holton and St. Marys on April 29. We are happy to be offering low-cost labs to these communities, but it takes many hands to hold a successful event. Please SIGN UP to help!
CHCS menus: Onaga and Eastridge

 
St. Marys menus are available each morning through the Activities chronicle.
Coffee and Gift Shop Delights
Special: March 20-24

Spring Berry Latte
  • French vanilla & raspberry
  • 16 oz., $4
  • Hot, cold, or frappe
Blue Chip order update

CHCS apparel items ordered from the most recent Blue Chip Athletic store arrived earlier this week and were shipped out to various locations. If you have encountered a problem with an order, please email our Blue Chip rep, Cydney Fleenor.
Find new spring items in the Gift Shop!

We have Easter candy ... SO MUCH Easter candy! Plus, find some new spring accessories including flowery hair ties, cross-body bags, and zippered wallets. Can't visit in person? Shop online! We can ship items to your work location via courier.
Final funny
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.
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!