Good morning – I hope everyone is enjoying the nice hot summer weather! Today is going to be close to 96 degrees, so please remember to stay hydrated! Campus activities, both virtual and in-person have been steadily increasing. Here’s what’s been happening around campus:
Three students in the University’s Blindness and Low Vision Studies (BLVS) programs received this year’s Northeast Pennsylvania Lions Service Foundation (NEPALSF) scholarships to support their careers in the field of education and the rehabilitation of individuals with visual impairments. Congratulations to Mary Price, in the Orientation and Mobility (O&M) program; Michaela Halesey, in the Educators of Children and Youth with Visual Impairments (TVI) program; and Katelyn Maffei, also in the Educators of Children and Youth with Visual Impairments (TVI) program. You can read more about them at salus.edu/LionsScholarships
As I mentioned last week, the University’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (DEI) is having its first “Lunch and Learn on Allyship and Advocacy” from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 8. DEI committee member Terrance Harshaw, security personnel, and Camille Menns ‘21OT will lead the discussion. I encourage faculty, students and staff to attend via BB Collaborate or call to join at 1-571-392-7650, PIN: 218 196 3518.
A round of applause for the Student Academy of Audiology, who coordinated a contactless food drive at our Elkins Park campus a few weeks ago to benefit Face to Face, a Germantown nonprofit organization that offer free services to low income and homeless individuals annually.
Ilan Dock ‘21OD represented the University’s Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) in this year’s national American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) Quiz Bowl, which was held virtually. Thanks for representing PCO! Way to go, Ilan!
The next Grand Rounds will be “ODs and OTs: A Collaborative Approach” on Friday, July 10. Drs. Erin Kenny and Dawn Ciccarone will deliver the live-streamed CE event via Blackboard Collaborate. For more information about the program, click here.
State Senator Art Haywood just notified us that the first round of criminal justice reforms resulting from the Black Lives Matter protests passed the legislature with Governor Wolf set to sign them. House Bill 1841, creates an electronic database of law enforcement officer separation records. Agencies will be required to use this database when hiring. House Bill 1910 will require new training to help law enforcement officers identify child abuse. It also requires Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder evaluations of officers within 30 days of lethal force incidents. Additionally, people with criminal records will have fewer barriers when seeking professional licenses for work. Until this week, the Commonwealth’s 29 occupational licensing boards were able to deny licenses for certain past criminal histories. Senate Bill 637, signed yesterday by Governor Wolf, changes those rules.
Tomorrow we celebrate Independence Day. But this year, I think the focus needs to be a little broader from what most of us have been accustomed to. While we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we need to set aside some time to think about how we can also incorporate the injustices that Black Americans have faced for over four centuries. Next year we will appropriately commemorate and celebrate Juneteenth Day as a University Community. Until then, let’s take some time to honor and celebrate the disestablishment of slavery during this year’s 4th of July. It’s not only the right thing to do, it’s a necessary step to begin to acknowledge the injustices Black, Brown and Native Americans have faced throughout our history.
I hope to spend part of this 4th of July reading and learning more about discrimination and how minorities have been marginalized throughout our history. I also intend to reflect on the true meaning of being an American.The Declaration of Independence makes it clear that being an American is about much more than the place we call home. It’s represents a deep commitment to higher principles: liberty, equality for all, opportunity, and self-governance. As health care providers, it also must inspire the spirit of caring and respect for others, assuring equal access to quality healthcare and ensuring everyone is afforded the same opportunities to succeed – even if they don’t see the world in the same way. As we approach this year’s holiday, please take some time to reflect on what we need to do to ensure that Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+ and disabled American’s rights are assured, women have the right to choose, and our America is welcoming to all immigrants. These represent many the positive aspects of what I believe our founding fathers envisioned for America.
This year’s celebrations will be significantly constrained due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There won’t be any picnics, parades or fireworks. With cases on the uptick throughout most of the south, we need to remain vigilant with our protective protocols. Governor Wolf just mandated that face coverings that go over the nose and mouth, must be worn outdoors when not able to maintain social distancing of at least six feet, in any indoor locations where the general public would go, such as stores, healthcare facilities, restaurants, etc. and riding in taxis or ride share vehicles. For more details on this, please click here. If you do go out and are around others, please follow these guidelines, in addition to practicing your social distancing, and continuing to wash your hands frequently.
With the city and the majority of the country moving in the wrong direction, we have to remain increasingly vigilant, responsible and careful. As healthcare providers, we also need to set the example for others, because we don’t want to see a resurgence here! As I’ve consistently told you, eventually, this will end and we will get through it just fine. Our current protocols and plans for this semester and the fall remain in place. They’re designed to keep us and those we care for safe and healthy, and so far, they’re working well. You can always get the most up-to-date information concerning our COVID-19 response and plans on our website here.
Try to get out and enjoy the summer weekend. Stay hydrated, remain vigilant, wear your face mask and remember, you’re all SALUS STRONG – and together we will weather this and come out on the other end much smarter, resilient and tolerant.
Finally, please remember that even the strongest among us needs to talk to someone, sometimes about some of the stressors they’re feeling. It’s perfectly normal and it’s okay. Students can access our counseling services here and faculty and staff, should contact Human Resources.
Have a great weekend!
Mike
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