July 22, 2021, Little Rock, AR
In a bid to enhance safety amid the surging COVID-19 cases propelled by the Delta variant, Easterseals Arkansas has mandated that all its employees and volunteers be vaccinated against the virus by September 30, 2021.
Strategizing for Safety Amid Rising COVID-19 Cases
The move comes at a critical time when central Arkansas, the primary operational area of Easterseals Arkansas, is witnessing a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases. This initiative mirrors the steps taken by several other healthcare institutions in the U.S. prioritizing safety and aiming to curb the spread of the virus to protect both the individuals availing their services and the broader community.
Adhering to Foundational Principles
Throughout the pandemic, Easterseals Arkansas has maintained three pivotal principles guiding its decisions:
- What will keep the individuals we serve and our staff safe and healthy?
- What will keep programs open so our staff can have jobs?
- What will keep Easterseals Arkansas financially sustainable?
Ron Ekstrand, the CEO of Easterseals Arkansas, stated, “We have been relying on our team to make their own decisions about receiving the COVID-19 vaccination. However, in the midst of this pandemic, that decision impacts too many others, including those we are here to serve and to support – many of whom are too young or too medically fragile to get the vaccine themselves.”
He further emphasized that the choice to avoid vaccination could jeopardize all three foundational principles, whereas getting vaccinated would have a positive impact on them all.
Taking Cue from the Arkansas Public Health Pandemic Working Group
This decisive move is further reinforced by the warning from the Arkansas Public Health Pandemic Working Group, which noted the escalating crisis by saying, “COVID-19 is not over in Arkansas. It is, at best, smoldering. COVID is no longer smoldering. It has broken out into a raging forest fire that will grow in size and strength. We cannot stand still. We must act to reduce the consequences of this new surge to the extent possible.”
Drawing Parallels with Organization’s Inception
Drawing inspiration from its own history, Easterseals Arkansas recalls its establishment in the 1940s as a response to the polio epidemic. In a similar vein, the organization stands firm on its decision to require COVID-19 vaccinations for its team, affirming its dedication to serving individuals with disabilities and their families in a safe environment.
Ekstrand further encouraged other establishments, including those hesitant about this mandate, to follow suit in adopting this preventative approach against the virus.
For more information, contact:
Jillian Jacuzzi
jjacuzzi@eastersealsar.com
501-227-3702
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