Surprise, Ariz. (January 27, 2021) –Sun Health began its successful rollout of the coronavirus vaccine into the arms of those in the 1a group last month with a great sense urgency to protect its residents on its three senior living campuses. As doses came in, front line nurses, team members and residents were eager to stick their arms out, in order to get the first dose of protection against the virus that has plagued our nation for months.
However, Sun Health, is not immune to the problems facing the healthcare industry as a whole, discovering some employees, as the rollout continued, were not as excited about getting the vaccine. So instead of waiting, Sun Health announced it will be providing a cash bonus for employees who take the vaccine and if needed, paid time off should side effects prevent someone from being able to work.
“Just as the new administration has said it’s working overtime to get vaccines to people, it is our job to be sure our employees get their vaccines too. If it takes an incentive and paid time off should anyone feel side effects, we will do what is needed now, to secure the health and wellbeing of our team members and residents in the future,” says Sun Health President and Chief Executive Officer Joe La Rue. “This bonus is a way to recognize our employees for all the hard work during COVID-19, our faith as a healthcare provider to the safety of the vaccine and our continued commitment to protecting our residents, some of whom are identified as the most vulnerable when it comes to this virus.”
To date, Sun Health has provided hundreds of shots to residents and team members during clinics held on its campuses in Sun City West, Litchfield and Surprise. And there is good news to share, as the attached photos show, there are plenty of healthcare workers in the West Valley who are smiling about getting their shots.
Media interested in talking to Sun Health’s CEO further about this initiative or scheduling an interview with an employee or resident who have received their vaccine, can contact Ken Reinstein, director of marketing & communications at [email protected] or via text at 480-510-9762.
