GERRY – National Guard members are assisting with care at Heritage Ministries nursing homes in Chautauqua County.
The company’s President and CEO Lisa Haglund announced the news on Friday.
“While our staffing ratios have remained higher than many healthcare organizations nationally throughout the pandemic, this week, at our request, members of the National Guard will begin to arrive at our rehabilitation and skilled nursing communities in Chautauqua County as a part of Governor Hochul and New York State’s on-going commitment and pledge to assist our healthcare community in our time of need,” said Haglund. “We welcome the National Guard soldiers, their passion to serve, and their support with open arms as we all work together to provide for our beloved residents, as we have for over 135 years.”
The National Guard service men and women, she goes on to say, will provide much-needed temporary assistance and relief to front-line teams at Heritage.
“I cannot begin to thank our valued employees enough for all they have done, and continue to do. Again, and again, they rise to the occasion, offering help whenever, and wherever, it is needed, despite constant challenges, including ever-changing regulations, vaccine mandates, and staffing obstacles, always placing the care of our residents as their top priority,” continued Haglund. “They truly are the reason we continue to remain #HeritageStrong.”
While at Heritage, the National Guard members will work alongside Heritage staff to support staff and residents in various roles.
“While touring our National Guardsmen and women, they came across one of our residents in a memory care unit who had served as an Army nurse,” explained Haglund. “She was so excited to see them and thanked them for their service, which was immediately returned by them thanking her for hers.”
“She spent tearful and joyous time with them talking and reminiscing. This is why we have accepted support. It is a chance for Heritage to continue to break down barriers, and work across all lines to show our residents and staff we are there for them- whatever it takes.”
Leave a Reply