Turning The Page to 2021 … Thankfully

This time of year, we like to look back on the year past and reflect on what we’ve done as a family.  We like to talk about the Heroes of the Year, the events when we came together, brag about the Aster Awards we’ve won.  And then look ahead to the year in front of us and the fun we will have as a health community and a family.

In a lot of ways, 2021 is still a lot like the previous year. We don’t really want to boast on where we’ve been for the past 12 months and we don’t know a lot about where we will be 12 months into the future.

So here is what we know so far: The first part of 2021 is going to be about vaccinations.  We are working to make sure NSMC employees are vaccinated as quickly as possible so that we can continue to provide care for our friends and family members throughout the Delta. According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, (as of today) adults over the age of 65 can get vaccinated.

Mississippians with the following medical conditions are also eligible to get vaccinated:

So far, North Sunflower Medical Center has provided vaccines to 600 medical and essential workers as well as residents of the Walter B. Crook Nursing Facility. When we get more doses, we will continue to vaccinate according to the Department of Health guidelines.

The Mississippi Department of Health has designated some community vaccination sites. None of them yet are located in Sunflower County, but we are hopeful they will name one soon.  You can see the full list of vaccination locations by clicking HERE. You will need to make an appointment, either by going on the MDHS website, or by calling (601) 965-4071.

Click HERE to view the 4 new videos about COVID 19 vaccinations at North Sunflower Medical Center.

It is important to remember as vaccinations are rolled out, we need to continue to reduce the spread until we can acquire herd immunity.  The CDC guidelines say that you should still continue to wear a mask and maintain social distancing after you get vaccinated. Here are a couple of important reasons:

1. It takes time for the effectiveness of the vaccine to build up.  It can take up to two weeks after you receive the second shot for the vaccine to be 95% effective.

2. Scientists do not know if you can still spread the disease to others after you get vaccinated.  Think of it this way, the vaccine will keep you from getting sick with COVID-19.  It may not keep you from getting other people sick.  No one knows yet if you can continue to spread the disease to others who have NOT been vaccinated.

If there is one thing we learned from 2020, it is that it is better to be safe than sorry.

Estimates for when vaccines will be available to everyone are all over the map.  The only thing we can promise is that we will keep you updated when we know more.

If we were to dream up a calendar for the year ahead, it would include reaching herd immunity as fast as possible, so that our lives can return to somewhat normal. It would include fun events like Birdies and Backhands in May and The Great Ruleville Roast in September.  It would include big gatherings for Hero of the Month and Hero of the Year to celebrate those that have worked so hard to keep us safe. And a giant Christmas party for all of us to get together safely and enjoy all of the things we had to give up to stay safe in 2020.

But before we move onto 2021 and confronting the challenge ahead, we want to look back on 2020 one last time to remember Mary Rose. As the administrator of the Walter B Crook Nursing Facility, Mary’s smile was infectious and her laugh was contagious.  She was a bright spot to everyone who met her.

Mary used to say, “If you don’t have a big heart, this is not the job for you.”  Mary had a huge heart. All we can hope for 2021 is that Mary’s great big loving heart lives in all of our hearts for the rest of our days.

Amen