NEWS RELEASES
Legacy Health prepares for omicron, urges caution through the holidays
PORTLAND, ORE. – December 23, 2021 – As the omicron variant arrives in our communities, Legacy Health is preparing to deliver safe, high-quality care during an upcoming surge that will drive a spike in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.
While this news is certainly disappointing, you can take action today to keep yourself, your family and our employees safe. Legacy is asking everyone to:
1. Get fully vaccinated, including a booster if eligible
2. Wear masks when you leave the house
3. Avoid large indoor gatherings during the holiday season
4. Wash your hands regularly
“Based on two years of experience with this virus, our physicians, nurses and leaders are developing plans that ensure Legacy Health is here for you when you need us most,” said Seth Podolsky, MD, Legacy senior vice president and chief medical officer. “Legacy will not waver in our commitment to our people, our patients and our communities to become the safest place to deliver and receive care. We’ve been through this before, and we’ll get through this together.”
At Legacy, we’re doing everything we can to support our employees so that we can be essential to the health of our region. We have a 100% vaccination rate among our caregivers, and we’re delivering more booster shots each day.
“Legacy nurses have brought their skill and compassion to the bedside through surge after surge over the last two years,” said Kecia Kelly, DNP, senior vice president and chief nursing officer. “Our nurses supported more than 5,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in 2021, and they’ve played an essential role in helping Legacy deliver 1.8 million vaccine doses in our community. We’re deeply grateful for their service to our communities as we enter the next phase of this pandemic.”
Your actions today will avoid pain and suffering for you and your family, co-workers, friends and neighbors.
About Legacy Health
Legacy Health is a locally owned, nonprofit health system driven by our mission to improve the health of those around us. We offer a unique blend of health services – from wellness and urgent care to dedicated children’s care and advanced medical centers – to care for patients of all ages when and where they need us across the Portland/Vancouver metro area and mid-Willamette Valley. With an eye toward a healthier community, our partnerships tackle vital issues such as housing and mental health. Legacy strives to help everyone live healthier and better lives, with the vision of being essential to the health of the region. For more information, visit www.legacyhealth.org.
