Good Samaritan Society receives national immunization award
Contact:
Shawn Neisteadt
Sanford Health Media Relations
605-366-2432 / shawn.neisteadt@sanfordhealth.org
@SanfordShawnN
SIOUX FALLS, S.D., June 19, 2020 — The Good Samaritan Society was recognized this week at the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit as a leader in the fight against the flu. Good Samaritan Society received the top corporate campaign award for its efforts to immunize employees for the seasonal flu.
The Good Samaritan Society had been working toward a comprehensive employee influenza policy for years, and officially implemented the mandate in 2019. Through a successful merger with Sanford Health, one of the largest not-for-profit health care systems in the nation, and an internal campaign to educate employees, a 98 percent employee vaccination rate was achieved during the 2019-2020 flu season.
Good Samaritan Society leaders credit education and communication for the success. The organization implemented an online influenza tracker to keep employees and leaders aware of the benefits of vaccination, the vaccination deadline and the vaccination status of the employee. In the end, the result was 19,000 employees being vaccinated against the flu across 23 states and more than 260 locations.
“We work with a very vulnerable population when it comes to the flu,” said Randy Bury, Good Samaritan Society president. “The flu shot doesn’t just help protect our employees from the seasonal virus — having our employees come together created a much more important barrier of protection for the residents we are trusted to care for. Our employees’ commitment to the health and safety of our residents is what I am most proud of, and we continue to see that commitment to our residents by the diligence of our staff during this current pandemic.”
The National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit started in 2000, and involves more than 700 members representing more than 130 public and private organization. This year’s awards presentation was done virtually because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
About the Good Samaritan Society
The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society is one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit organizations providing innovative senior care and services with approximately 240 locations nationwide. The Society offers Post-Acute, Skilled Nursing and Home- and Community-Based Services, as well as Senior Living and Affordable Housing communities. Founded in 1922, the mission is to share God’s love in word and deed by providing shelter and supportive services to older persons and others in need, believing that “In Christ’s Love, Everyone Is Someone.” For more information, visit good-sam.com.
