December 28, 2023

OUR MISSION:

To Enrich the Health and Lives

of the People We Serve

Wishing you a healthy and happy 2024!

Does your 2024 New Year’s Resolution include getting more exercise and eating healthier?

 

Then CHCS associates Wellness Benefit is for you!

 

Associates who work 30 hours per week or more receive a $250 benefit, and part-time employees receive a $125 benefit. The benefit may be applied to CHCS Fitness Centers, vaccinations, or tobacco cessation.

Associates can also apply the benefit to a wellness visit with a CHCS provider; please contact the Business Office to make these arrangements. 

 

If you are interested in using your benefit toward a membership, please email Jennifer Matson to join or renew in Frankfort/Centralia or email Kelsey Edwards or Janet Haug to join or renew in Onaga.

 

  • For full-time associates, the benefit covers 8 months of membership; for part-time, it covers 4 months.
  •  Full-time associates can split their membership into two 4-month blocks and take the summer months off if they prefer.
  •  A spouse can be added for an additional $10 plus tax per month, or a family member can be added for $20 plus tax per month, and these charges can be handled by payroll deduction.
  • Discounts are available for ages 60+
  • PRN associates are able to take advantage of Fitness Center promotions.
  • 

Please contact the Fitness Center you'd like to join for details.

 

Here's to a fit and healthy 2024!


2024 Prescription Benefit Features


We have new features within our employee prescription plan for 2024. For full plan details and member portal access click here to download the online guide.

The member portal offers many tools to assist you in managing your prescription benefits.

As a reminder, new to the prescription plan this year is our preferred pharmacy network. By using local pharmacies, you can save on your prescriptions. Preferred pharmacies include:

  • Medical Pharmacy - Holton
  • Onaga Pharmacy - Onaga
  • Medical Arts Pharmacy - Seneca
  • The West Pharm - Westmoreland
  • St. Marys Pharmacy - St. Marys



Michele Reisinger Receives Teacher of the Year Honors


Michele Reisinger, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BCwas recently honored as the 2023 Teacher of the Year for the Washburn University Nursing program. She was nominated by her students and received the award during the pinning ceremony on Dec 15th at White concert Hall, Washburn University. Congratulations, Michele!

With Eduardo Bertulfo leaving at the end of the month we have decided to split his role into two managerial positions. We are excited to announce that Irene Gingoyon and Danica Bato will be assuming new managerial responsibilities in our system. Effective December 30 Irene and Danica will have the following titles and responsibilities:

 

·        Irene Gingoyon, Laboratory Manager – Hospital, will be responsible for all activities within Hospital Lab functions, including management of all lab techs at the Onaga campus.

·        Danica Bato, Laboratory Manager – Clinics, will oversee all lab staff in the clinics, including payroll edits. Danica will also manage Point of Care testing and clinical questions to and from Lead nurses, etc. She is continuing to work bench, but will have assistance from Onaga staff 1.5 days/week.

 

Danica and Irene will work collaboratively concerning all activities and functions for both the clinic and hospital labs. Both will continue to have day-to-day laboratory (bench) duties at their respective labs.

 

In addition, Jasper Into has been promoted to Lead Tech- Onaga, which was previously held by Irene. Jasper will also fill in for Irene during Irene's maternity leave.


 

Please join us in congratulating Irene, Danica and Jasper!


Andrea Lutz, Director of Ancillary Services

Lorraine Meyer, Chief Operating Officer


Eric info here!

Employee Assistance Program


Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Vital WorkLife can provide you help with many issues, including.


  • Marital and relationship difficulties
  • Legal and Financial problems
  • Parenting and child concerns
  • Grief and loss
  • Depression, stress and anxiety
  • Interpersonal conflict – at work or home
  • Anger
  • Work/life balance
  • Drug and alcohol abuse
  • Supervisor Consultation
  • Maintaining sobriety
  • And much more


Download the Vital WorkLife App to learn more! It's a FREE benefit to all CHCS associates!




Workplace Violence Survey


To date we have only had 88 associates take this survey. We cannot address safety concerns if we are not aware of them.

 It only takes 2-3 minutes to complete this survey.

To make it more convenient for you, you can also scan the QR code below to complete the survey!

Complete the Survey

Upcoming Birthdays

Andrea Lutz: Onaga-12/29

Nancy Rose: St. Marys Manor- 2/31

Kim Domann: Eastridge-12/31

Madyson Buescher: Onaga-1/4


New Employees

Harlie Oviatt - CNA Onaga Acute

Lucia Figueroa - CNA St Marys Manor


We have seen an increase in COVID cases over the past few weeks. There are treatment options available for those who contract the virus. For more information on those options, click here.

Holiday Week Prize Drawing Winners!



Friday, 12/22: Cheryl Shepherd, Onaga


Redbud Plaza residents, families and staff enjoyed their annual Christmas Party, and Santa and Mrs. Claus visited!


Residents and staff at Eastridge would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays!

Residents started off their holiday cheer with their Annual Christmas party. We would also like to thank Mr. Clause for taking time from the North Pole to visit and help with presents.


OMG! Getting in the Christmas

spirit with UGLY sweaters!


We had 8 associates send me pictures in their ugliest sweaters or shirts and they were entered into a random drawing!

The winners were:

Shannon Heim, St. Marys Manor

Jennifer Traxler - Eastridge


They each received a gift box from Schlaegel's Popcorn!

Lisa McGowan, Onaga

Liza Cappleman, Onaga

St. Marys


Jake McNally-Knoblauch-cow sweater


Shannon Heim-snow globe sweater


Beth Fairbanks-gingerbread man sweater

Cheryl Herrman

Lura Flentie, Onaga and Eastridge

Jennifer Traxler, Eastridge

Upcoming CHCS Events


We are offering an adult Mental Health First Aid class via Zoom on Monday, January 15th from 9am TO 3:30pm.


Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. You'll build skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to those who are struggling. You'll also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support.

To register, please contact Kelsey Edwards at 785-889-5048 or email kelseyedwards@chcsks.org. Kelsey will give you payment instructions (course and materials cost $30), explain the virtual format, and provide materials and a Zoom link for the course.

*Please note that two hours of online work will be required before the class meets. 


CHCS menus:


Onaga Breakfast, January 1-5, 2024


Onaga Lunch - January 1-5, 2024


Eastridge - January 1-5, 2024



St. Marys menus are available each morning through the Activities chronicle.

But First Coffee


January 1st-5th special:


Eggnog Latte: eggnog and vanilla



  • 16 oz., $4
  • Hot, Cold


Coffee Shop Menu

Reminder: The Coffee Shop will close at Noon on Friday, December 29th.

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 news@chcsks.org. Please send items by close of business on Tuesdays when possible. Ideas are welcome!

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