Newsworthy

Dear Community Partners,

Here are today’s updates:

• Stormont Vail Health Receives Education Award at “Peace Party”
• Deadline for Voter Registration for General Election is Today
• October Healthcare Recognitions

Stormont Vail Health Receives Education Award at “Peace Party”

Stormont Vail Health was the recipient of an Education Award from the Topeka Center for Peace and Justice at last week’s 2024 Peace Party. The event was a fundraiser for the center and also a time to honor individuals and organizations in the community working to promote restorative justice and peace.

Stormont Vail Health received the Education Award for its work in improving health disparities. Through a process change and education to internal team members and patients, the organization is expanding demographic data collection which encourages improved cultural competence and inclusivity. This will enable Stormont Vail Health to better understand the populations where disparities exist and allow for the creation of interventions to improve health outcomes.

Deadline for Voter Registration for General Election is Today

Today is the last day to register to vote in the Nov. 5 general election or to update your voter registration information. According to the Kansas Secretary of State’s office you can register online or by returning a  paper application to your county government (must be postmarked today.) The application is available in English and Spanish.

The Kansas Hospital Association’s We CARE We VOTE campaign, encourages health care employees to participate in 2024 elections to show elected officials and candidates that they care for patients, communities, and economies. Kansas hospitals employ more than 100,000 people. That represents a significant number of potential votes from people with both professional and personal interests in building a healthier Kansas.

October Healthcare Recognitions

It’s been a minute, but we’re resuming our monthly health observance recognition spotlights. These special days, weeks, and months allow us to highlight the importance of our teams’ work and raise awareness about different health conditions, departments, and initiatives.

Monthlong observances:

• American Pharmacists Month
• Breast Cancer Awareness Month
• Health Literacy Month
• Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month
• National Medical Librarians Month
• National Physical Therapy Month
• National Substance Abuse Prevention Month
• Patient-Centered Care Awareness Month
• SIDS, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

Daily and weekly observances:

• Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week (Oct. 6-12)
• National Health Care Supply Chain Week (Oct. 6-12)
• National Midwifery Week (Oct. 6-12)
• National PA Week (Oct. 6-12)
• Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging Week (Oct. 6-12)
• HealthCare Security and Safety Week (Oct. 6-13)
• Customer Service Week (Oct. 7-11)
• World Mental Health Day (Oct.10)
• International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) (Oct. 12-18)
• National Case Management Week (Oct. 13-19)
• Sterile Processing Week (Oct. 13-19)
• National Dialysis Technician Recognition Week (Oct. 14-19)
• Healthcare Security and Safety Officer Appreciation Day (Oct. 15)
• Respiratory Care Week (Oct. 20-26)
• Medical Assistants Recognition Week (Oct. 20-24)
• Healthcare Quality Week (Oct. 20-26)
• National Health Care Facilities and Engineering Week (Oct. 20-26)
• National Internal Medicine Day (Oct. 28)
• International Orthopedic Nurses Day (Oct. 30)

This monthly list comes from team submissions and the Calendar of Health Observances and Recognition Days by the Society for Health Care Strategy & Market Development (SHSMD), a professional membership group of the American Hospital Association.

Although we can’t post every health-related observance each day, we can celebrate and express our appreciation for everyone in the organization who tirelessly supports our patients’ and communities’ health, with or without an “official” recognition. Your commitment is truly commendable, and we are grateful for your efforts!

We together,
Dr. Kenagy