March 22, 2020
A Message from our CEO, Wil Franklin
Good Day,
These are uncharted and trying times.
We are learning to confront a global pandemic together as it is happening around us. Our teams have been preparing and meeting every day as we learn new information about COVID-19 and get direction from both the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), who are also learning how to confront a pandemic. Our goal, now more than ever, is to provide you with the critical information you need to access care and make the best choices for your family’s health.
I’ve been amazed and inspired by our team’s willingness to learn, be flexible, and listen to differing points of view as we lean into this crisis together. We’ve been in contact with local, state, and federal officials as we try to coordinate and act in both the best interest of our staff and our patients. I’ve asked local foundations and our elected officials to provide us the financial flexibility to act swiftly and nimbly in the interest of public health and safety.
We don’t have all the answers yet; however, we’ve made some significant progress and changes in the last week, including but not limited to:
- Implementation of new symptom screening procedures both via phone and as patients enter KC CARE locations
- Expansion of telehealth technology to maintain patient appointments
- Adherence to social distancing guidelines and reducing our workplace density as much as possible by asking staff who can work remotely to do so
- Frequent sanitization of highly trafficked areas and frequent reminders of hand washing
- Consolidation of Dental services to our Research Medical Campus location and restricting Dental services to emergencies only
- Consolidation of our Pediatric and Prenatal services to Homeroom Health
- Implementation of relaxed sick leave policies to encourage staff to stay home if they feel ill
This is a fluid situation both locally and nationally. Our teams are continuing to evaluate how to adapt as new information becomes available. There will likely be additional changes made in light of new guidance to provide the safest possible environment of care for everyone. Thank you in advance for your patience and flexibility as we continue to find creative and innovative ways to meet this challenge together.
Your feedback and continued support are appreciated and valued. I cannot thank our staff enough for the important work they are doing and the incredible circumstances they are performing in. Please stay tuned. We will continue to provide updated information as we receive it and will let you know how you can support our critical work in the days and weeks ahead. We are the heart of community healthcare because of you.
All the best.
—Wil Franklin, CEO
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