Newsbriefs

A Positive Difference campaign enrollment opens

A Positive Difference is the employee giving program designed to make it easy for employees to include YNHH in their annual charitable giving. Employees have a choice of 11 patient-centered funds to support; may give $2 or more per paycheck through automatic payroll deduction; and can change the amount or fund they’re giving to at any time through Employee Self Service. A mailing explaining A Positive Difference has been sent to employees’ homes. Employees who enroll in the program by Friday, Sept. 30 will be eligible for a drawing to win one of five iPads. For more information select “Positive Difference” under the “Pay” tab on Employee Self Service, visit the Positive Difference site or call the Office of Development, 203-688-9644.

Blood drive at SRC Aug. 29

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Saint Raphael Campus, 7 am - 12:30 pm Tuesday, Aug. 29, cafeteria. To make an appointment contact Anne Baker, [email protected], 203-789-4010.

Sickle cell walk Sept. 16

YNHH is a sponsor of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Southern Connecticut Walkathon to raise funds for and awareness of sickle cell disease. This year’s 5K red umbrella walkathon/run is Saturday, Sept. 16, East Rock Park, New Haven. Registration is at 8 am; the walk begins at 9 am. To register for and/or donate to the walkathon, contact Jack Gorero, [email protected], or 203-688-3829; or visit the association's website.

LGBTQ courses offered

As part of YNHHS’ designation as a leader in LGBTQ healthcare equality, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is offering education about creating an inclusive environment for LGBTQ patients and staff. Employees are encouraged to complete one or more of these courses by visiting the HRC website. Search for “health education center” to find the courses and register for training. Be sure to enter the facility ID: 55689, and security code: HRC, to ensure YNHH receives credit for you taking the training. For more information contact Lisette Martinez, [email protected], or [email protected].

Employees invited to “Take 10”

The YNHHS Employee and Family Resources (EFR) program invites employees to participate in “Take 10” telephone meditations, Tuesdays at 2 pm and Fridays at noon. Employees may call in from a quiet place during lunch or a break and participate in 10-minute, guided group meditations. Studies show that mindfulness meditation can help improve focus and concentration, promote relaxation and reduce stress and feelings of burnout. To participate, call 888-398-2342 and use access code 3862125. Or, to access audio from previous sessions, visit the EFR website, achievesolutions.net/ynhhs, and click “Take a Break Relaxation audios” on the scrolling banner. For more information, contact Bud Wassell, 203-688-2280 or [email protected].

Heart and Vascular Center reaccredited for vascular testing

YNHH’s Heart and Vascular Center ambulatory locations in North Haven, Orange, Westbrook, Guilford and Norwich were recently granted a three-year re-accreditation by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission in Vascular Testing. The re-accreditation was awarded for screening, peripheral arterial testing, and extracranial cerebrovascular testing and demonstrates an ongoing commitment to providing quality patient care in vascular testing.