HBV CORONAVIRUS UPDATES
FROM HOSPICE BRAZOS VALLEY'S
PRESIDENT/CEO & INFECTION CONTROL OFFICER
Updated FEBRUARY 4, 2022
Hospice Brazos Valley’s Response to COVID-19 to Protect Patients, Caregivers, and Our Team
Patient care and safety remain our top priority during the COVID-19 health crisis. Our team is taking COVID-19 very seriously as our patient population is at high risk for infection. Hospice Brazos Valley’s COVID-19 Response Team frequently meets to review current information, coordinate our care team’s response, and develop new protocols to keep patients, caregivers and team members healthy and safe. HBV staff are using personal protective equipment when providing care to diminish the spread and limit exposure of COVID-19, to protect patients, families, fellow staff, and the community. COVID-19 vaccines have been offered to all HBV staff and volunteers.
Hospice Brazos Valley is following all mandates, updates, and recommendations from federal, state, and local authorities, and is taking the following actions to combat the spread of COVID-19.:
-
Each patient and caregiver is screened regularly for the appearance of new risk factors and symptoms suspicious for infection, including COVID-19.
-
All office locations have enhanced sanitation measures in place and personal protective equipment and supplies are ready for use should the need arise.
-
Signage is in place at all office locations with best practices and steps each team member is taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Visitors are asked to refrain from entering patient homes should they have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, been to an affected location in the last 14 days, or had contact with someone infected with the Coronavirus.
We join the health care community in responding to COVID-19, and are grateful for your support and understanding. Our remarkable team remains resilient and innovative in navigating the pandemic to ensure that the care of our patients remains uninterrupted and a source of comfort in uncertain times.
Lisa McNair President and CEO
Myesha Turner, RN, BSN, MPH Infection Control Officer
PROTECT
YOURSELF AND OTHERS
Take the following steps as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to prevent exposure to and the spread of COVID-19:
-
Get vaccinated and stay up to date on your Covid-19 vaccines
-
Wear a well-fitting mask indoors in public in areas of substantial or high community transmission, regardless of vaccination status
-
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
-
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
-
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
-
-
Cover coughs and sneezes
-
Stay 6 feet away from others, particularly while indoors
-
Avoid poorly ventilated spaces and crowds
-
Test to prevent spread to others
-
Clean and disinfect
-
Monitor your health daily…if you are sick, STAY HOME!
-
Follow recommendations for quarantine and isolation
-
Take precautions when you travel
HELPFUL LINKS
CORONAVIRUS FACTS
For facts on COVID, visit the following websites:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
CARE FLASH
CONNECTION
The Hospice Brazos Valley team has seen first-hand the importance and value of personal connections. In order to enable each of our patient's families to best mobilize their network of support during their hospice care experience,
we have partnered with CareFlash.
CareFlash is a Texas based company which was founded in 2006 after the founder's very personal experience with a family member's chronic health challenge and hospice care. CareFlash enables families to virtually and comfortably support and strengthen bonds during a health crisis, hospice journey and beyond. We encourage you to learn more and create your own "Careopolis" by using the link provided below.
FEELING OVERWHELMED?
Gary Roe's 5 Tips to Cope with Fear, Grief and Coronavirus
https://www.garyroe.com/2020/03/17/5-tips-grief-fear-and-coronavirus/
Free COVID-19 E-Book | Crisis: 7 Essential Principals for Managing Uncertainty
Download the e-book at www.garyroe.com
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS UPDATE
Grief support will continued to be offered by phone, virtual or outdoors.
For assistance, or to RSVP for the online grief support group, contact us toll-free at
DONATION
APPRECIATION
Hospice Brazos Valley gratefully accepted donations of the items to ensure our patients, caregivers, patient families, and HBV team members stayed safe from COVID-19.
Special Thanks to the following community partners
who have generously donated COVID-19 supplies or food for
the Hospice Brazos Valley team:
Audrey Hawkin | Ridgefield, CT
Barbara Lucas | Mary Kay Consultant
Bill Rose | Fayetteville, TX
Brazos Bluebonnet Quilt Guild | College Station, TX
Brazos County Council of Governments
Brazos County Office of Emergency Management
Brazos Hero Mask Makers | College Station, TX
Chelsea Fajkus | La Grange, TX
Creative Memories Quilt Guild | Caldwell, TX
Family of Felix & Jessica Andrade | Brenham, TX
Fayette County Healthcare Provider Hotline
Fayette County COVID-19 Care Group
High Hope Care Center | Brenham, TX
Katrina Otto | La Grange, TX
Kenzie Eilerra | Mary Kay Sales Director
La Grange Community Members
Kari, Krystal, Dana, Chelsea, Sabrina & Jenna
Leti Phillips | Brenham, TX
Lori Dernehl | New Ulm, TX
Margaret Davis | College Station, TX
Nae's Pastries | La Grange, TX
Nail Tech Salon | Bryan, TX
NAPA Auto Parts | Bryan, TX
Pizza From The Yard | Brenham, TX
Randolf Recreation Center | La Grange, TX
Royers Pie Haven | Round Top, TX
Red Wing Shoes | Bryan, TX
Dr. Robert Alaniz Ph.D
Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine
Rose Hicks | Lexington, TX
Scasta Family Dentistry | College Station, TX
Sewing Servants of the Brazos Valley
Sign Pro | Bryan, TX
Susan Blanchard | Brenham, TX
Taqueria Rio Verde | La Grange, TX
Trevino-Smith Funeral Home | Bryan, TX
Virginia & Nicole Parker | College Station, TX
Washington County Office | Brenham, TX
If you would like to make a donation, please contact Jimmy Gatica at 979.821.2266 or email jgatica@hospicebrazosvalley.org
Hospice Brazos Valley, Social Workers
Advocating for patient goals, ensuring emotional well-being and assisting families in identifying local support services & resources.