We would like to extend our appreciation to WORKNET Occupational Medicine for recently working with Luthercare’s frontline healthcare team members to fit-test N95 respirators to ensure that they have proper protection against COVID-19.
N95 respirators are a type of personal protective equipment that have been in high-demand for healthcare workers during the coronavirus pandemic. N95 fit-testing provides a proper seal for the wearer and the mask’s face-piece and is imperative to control exposures to airborne infectious diseases. Luthercare began communications regarding N95 mask fit-test training several weeks ago in conjunction with our corporate pandemic response plan.
Luthercare has partnered with WORKNET since 2010 to provide a variety of services for newly-hired employees and existing team members, including community outreach education. On Thursday, April 9, training to conduct proper fit-testing was scheduled with a WORKNET Representative and selected team members from our senior living campuses. The education enables Luthercare to deploy trained team members to our communities to continue conducting fit-tests for our direct care team members.
“WORKNET went above and beyond,” said Jodi Weaver, Luthercare’s Director of Human Resources. “Not only did they train our Registered Nurses and Managers from our campuses so they can provide proper fit-tests for our direct care team members, but on that very same day, WORKNET also completed actual N95 fit-tests for our Registered Nurse Supervisors and Licensed Practical Nurses who provide direct care! This flexibility and commitment to Luthercare is greatly appreciated.”
In addition, because of limited supply of fit-testing kits at this time, WORKNET has permitted Luthercare to borrow their fit-test kits so we can continue to fit-test our direct care teams – for the safety of both our employees and our residents.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulate N95 respirators, and Luthercare follows CDC and OSHA guidelines to maintain the health and safety of our team. The CDC has said that N95 masks are critical supplies that must be reserved for healthcare workers and first responders.
The fit-testing is one example of how Luthercare is ensuring the health and safety of our communities.
About Luthercare:
Founded in 1949, Luthercare, a social ministry organization affiliated with the Lower Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and a member of Lutheran Services in America, is a leading provider of independent, personal care and skilled care residences in Lancaster and Lebanon counties. Luthercare operates Luther Acres, a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Lititz, Pa.; Spang Crest, a rehabilitation center, skilled nursing and memory support personal care community in Lebanon, Pa.; and St. John’s Herr Estate, an independent living and personal care community in Columbia, Pa. Additionally, Luthercare operates four PA Keystone Stars-accredited child care and early learning centers in Lancaster, Marietta, Reamstown and Annville. Luthercare, a pioneer in Child Care Programs, also offers a Mentoring Program, which aids home-based child care providers in Lebanon and Lancaster counties.