Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is requiring its workforce to be fully vaccinated. Under the new policy, all workers, medical staff and volunteers must have been administered a full dosage of vaccine by Jan. 4, whether that’s the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine or the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

The decision comes despite Florida just passing a law in special session that prohibits vaccine mandates. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the legislation in Brandon on Friday, but a federal executive order by President Joe Biden impacting all health care institutions remains in effect. Hospital officials said they can’t wait for legal challenges to resolve and risk coverage health care participation.

“We are aware the federal mandate is facing several legal challenges, and the Florida Legislature has passed laws this week to counter the requirements. We are following these actions closely,” wrote David Verinder, Sarasota Memorial CEO, in a staff memo. “But we must start implementing the federal mandate now to meet the required deadlines and ensure our continued participation in Medicare and Medicaid. The majority of our patients — 62% — depend on Medicare/Medicaid, so jeopardizing our participation in these programs would disrupt care for tens of thousands of community members.”

Hospital officials say 82% of its 7,800-person workforce has already been vaccinated. That’s higher than the population at large. Steve Huard, spokesman for the Sarasota County Department of Health, reported 310,362 Sarasota residents, 73%, have been vaccinated for COVID-19 as of Friday.

But the stats also show 18% of the hospital’s employees now face potential job loss if they don’t receive the vaccine or secure a medical or religious exemption. Notably, individuals who have developed natural immunity because they contracted and survived COVID-19 still face the federal mandate.

Even those who secure exemptions, under the current federal rules, must undergo testing twice a week at external facilities, and must also wear masks at work and follow a set of strict restrictions in dining areas in SMH facilities.

Verinder, for his part, stressed those working in the health care field should understand well the need to become vaccinated.

“Most importantly, I encourage staff to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their family, patients and colleagues,” he wrote. “At this point, more than 7.5 billion COVID vaccine shots have been given around the world, including about 445 million in the U.S. There is overwhelming evidence the vaccine is very safe and effective.

“During the recent surge, 86% of COVID patients hospitalized at SMH from mid-July through September were unvaccinated. No one knows better than our team that the virus can have a severe and often deadly impact on patients. We support efforts that will prevent future hospitalizations and deaths, and ease the enormous strain on the health system and staff. And we are incredibly grateful to the thousands of staff who have already gotten vaccinated.” 

Step Up Suncoast has been named the region’s 2021 Bank of America Neighborhood Champion for its work in Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Sarasota and Manatee counties to empower individuals and families to achieve long-term economic stability through education, support services and community partnerships.

The organization will receive $50,000 in grant support from the bank to expand its Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program through intentional outreach with Manatee County Title I Schools. The FSS program financially supports individuals seeking a college or technical degree that will provide them a living wage job upon graduation.

As Neighborhood Champion, Step Up Suncoast will participate in virtual leadership training delivered by experts in the nonprofit sector on topics like human capital management, increasing financial sustainability and storytelling.  

“Given the recent labor shortages driven by the pandemic, local businesses are facing challenges as they look to meet rising customer demand, and nonprofits like Step Up Suncoast are working to further the development of a skilled labor force by offering career advancement opportunities and post-secondary education,” said Mike McCoy, president, Bank of America Sarasota-Manatee. “For years, we have supported Step Up Suncoast’s goal to help individuals chart a path toward financial stability. Programs like Neighborhood Champions helps these organizations grow sustainably and strategically for lasting change in the community.”

Alongside Sarasota-Manatee, the bank will bring the Neighborhood Champions program to over 42 additional communities across the U.S. this fall as part of its commitment to investing in the long-term health of communities. The program is invitation-only for nonprofits who are poised to take their work to the next level. Leading members of the community participated in a collaborative selection process to identify this year’s awardee. 

The Child Protection Center (CPC) celebrated another yearly “Turkey Day” last week. The clients and families of the organization, who utilize the nonprofit’s child abuse services, pick up a food basket for Thanksgiving, provided by the Gulf Gate Rotary Club. In partnership with Publix at Sarasota Pavilion, the Gulf Gate Rotary Club has provided these baskets to the Child Protection Center for over 40 years. Each family receives a turkey and fixings for Thanksgiving dinner as well as food for a full week. Stan Beberman, the President of Gulf Gate Rotary, said, “This year and the foreseeable future remain challenging with the COVID pandemic and economic pressures creating heightened stress levels and resulting in significant needs for many families.” Despite the fundraising obstacles brought by the pandemic, the Rotary accomplished their goal of providing 80 baskets, which were then distributed to CPC client families.

Doug Staley, the Executive Director of CPC, stated that most of the nonprofit’s clients are on the “economic edge” with 74% living below the Federal Poverty Level. “The impact of these baskets for our clients is huge,” Doug said. “Children cannot heal and learn when they are hungry. These baskets do more than satisfy their hunger, it allows them to begin to heal as they work through their trauma.” After receiving their family’s basket, a client said, “From my heart, from my family, I want to say thank you for caring about strangers, because the impact is huge.” 

Photo courtesy of CPC

The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation Spring 2022 Grants Cycle opens on December 1 and will close at 3:59 p.m. on February 1. The Grant Portal will be open during that period for area not-for-profit organizations to create an account and access existing accounts as they begin the application process. The Selby Foundation board meets in April to review grant applications and award grants. The Foundation specializes in supporting local area not-for-profits with capital grants which support construction, acquisition and/or renovation of facilities as well as the purchase of equipment or software. Grants requests may also include the costs of related technical services like legal, architectural and engineering. Not-for-profit organizations are required to be primarily located in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee or Sarasota Counties. The Selby Foundation is a private foundation founded by William G. and Marie Selby in 1955. The Foundation supports Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties through capital grants and scholarships. Since its establishment, the Selby Foundation has provided more than $120 million to the community.

For additional information regarding the grant process, please visit selbyfdn.org. 

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Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is delighted to present two Nature Explorers events in December. Children ages five to ten are invited to take part in Audubon’s fun annual Christmas Bird Count. The two Saturday events will take place from 9:00 am to 11:00 am with one in Sarasota County on December 11 at the Celery Fields located at 6893 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, 34240 and one in Manatee County on December 18 at Felts Audubon Preserve located at 4600 24th Ave E, Palmetto, 34221.

Audubon’s annual Christmas Bird Count occurs each year from December 14 to January 5. Conservation Foundation is excited to introduce children to this engaging citizen science tradition. Participants will learn more about the habitats our local lands provide to various bird species, then use their powers of observation to help scientists across the country understand the migratory patterns of different birds. “Our Nature Explorers program furthers our commitment to youth education and community engagement,” says Christine P. Johnson, president of Conservation Foundation. “We hope our Nature Explorers’ events connect more kids to nature and create memorable experiences that lead to a lifelong love of the great outdoors.”

Both events are free and open to the public though space is limited and registration is required. Capacity is limited to 20 children per event and all children must have a parent or guardian present. To register, visit conservationfoundation.com/events 

Photo of Indigo Bunting at Felts Audubon by Bill Johnson

The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce announced that “The ABC’s of Siesta Key” book is now available for purchase. Books are $15 each and available at the Siesta Key Chamber office, 5114 Ocean Boulevard; Siesta Key, Beach Bazaar, 5211 Ocean Boulevard, Siesta Key; Captain Curt’s Gift Shop, 1200 Old Stickney Point Road, Siesta Key, and online at www.siestakeychamber.com.  If ordered online there is an $11 shipping and handling fee per order.  Additional sales venues may be added at a later date.

“The book was created in partnership with local artist, “Siesta Shawn” Shawn McLoughlin, who passed away September 12, 2021, just prior to the book going to print. Shawn was very proud of this project and referred to it as his legacy.  With the help and permission of his family, the book was finalized per his wishes.  The book is 32 pages, cover to cover, featuring original artwork, illustrations, and content specific to Siesta Key.” said Ann Frescura, Chamber Executive Director

The ABC’s of Siesta Key is a wonderful gift and keepsake item for locals and tourists alike. For more information contact Ann Frescura, at ann@siestakeychamber.com or 941-349-3800.