October 14, 2021, Little Rock, AR
Easterseals Arkansas has achieved a significant milestone in its fight against COVID-19, with nearly 100% of its staff now vaccinated.
Following the policy established on July 22, which mandated all employees to get fully vaccinated by September 30, the organization now reports a 98.9% vaccination rate among its workforce. A minor section, less than 2%, opted not to get vaccinated and have parted ways with the organization.
This mandate positions Easterseals Arkansas as one of the pioneers in the business sector of the state to embrace such a decisive measure. The milestone underlines their commitment to protect the vulnerable population they serve and to contribute effectively to curtailing the pandemic.
Ron Ekstrand, the CEO of Easterseals Arkansas, shed light on the organization’s journey toward this decision. “Prior to requiring the vaccine, we had been relying on our team to make their own decisions about receiving the COVID-19 vaccination,” Ekstrand said.
Ekstrand emphasized that the realization dawned that personal choices in this regard were affecting a larger community, especially those who are too young or medically fragile to be vaccinated. He further noted, “Medical and religious exemptions have been made in accordance with the law and that is why our final vaccination number is 98.9%.”
Reflecting on their guiding principles since the onset of the pandemic, Ekstrand delineated the three critical criteria that have steered their choices:
- 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?
Citing a historic precedent, Ekstrand added, “Back in the 1940s, Easterseals Arkansas was originally founded as a service organization in response to the polio epidemic.” The current vaccination requirement mirrors their long-standing commitment to fostering a healthy community, in tandem with their foundational mission to assist individuals with disabilities and their families.
About Easterseals Arkansas
Having served the community for over 75 years, Easterseals Arkansas stands as a pillar of support for children and adults with disabilities, championing a society that offers 100% equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Their spectrum of life-altering services ranges from developmental preschools in Little Rock and Stuttgart to various therapeutic interventions and programs promoting independent living and employment. To learn more, visit www.eastersealsar.com.
For further details, please contact:
Jillian Jacuzzi
jjacuzzi@eastersealsar.com
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