Coronavirus vaccine arrives at The Lutheran Home Belle Plaine campus
Belle Plaine, MN (January 13, 2021) —The Lutheran Home: Belle Plaine, a skilled nursing facility, hosted a COVID-19 vaccination clinic onsite on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. More than 150 residents and team members received the first of two Moderna shots.
“This vaccine gives us hope for a new chapter in our fight against this virus,” said Jacqueline E. M. Grimm, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, Regional Director of Senior Services for The Lutheran Home Association. “By equipping our front-line workers and those more susceptible to the virus, we are taking another step to keep our community healthy and safe.”
The Lutheran Home: Belle Plaine partnered with Thrifty White Drug to administer the vaccinations. The second vaccine shot will be distributed early February.
“Over the past 10 months, our community has been largely impacted by COVID-19. Being able to receive the vaccine is a positive step in the right direction as we continue to heal from this, “said Dana Timm, Infection Preventionist.
Jim Schmitt, Director of Facility Services, was the first team member receive the vaccine.
“Getting the vaccine was a sense of relief,” he explained. “With the population we work with, I feel it was important for our team to receive a vaccine. I hope after we receive the second dose in time things might return to some sort of normalcy.”
Residents and team members at Hope Residence, a disability housing community, also received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine during the first week in January. Kingsway Retirement Living is expected to receive the vaccine within the next two weeks.
“We recognize the strain the pandemic put on our team members, residents, and family members,” said Christopher Meyer, Chief Executive Officer for The Lutheran Home Association. “We appreciate the opportunity to offer the vaccine and value our partnerships with local organizations and pharmacies. We look forward to the days when we can once again open our doors for everyday visits, events, and activities.”
Mark Hayes, Vice President of Ministry for The Lutheran Home Association, shared this prayer for the New Year and combatting COVID-19.
Dear Father, as we begin a new year, we know that everything isn’t going to change immediately, but we are grateful for the positive trends we have been blessed with. Cases of the virus are low in our care communities. The safety measures we have put in place have been effective. A vaccine is already beginning to be distributed. Thank you, Lord for these great blessings. Even though we can’t see the reason for all of this and don’t know what the outcome will be, you have proven over time that you always have our best interests in mind, and you are completely devoted to us. Strengthen our trust in you and the humility to let you steer the ship. We need your peace and the strength you give every day. Thank you for caring for our residents and guiding our staff and leaders through this difficult time. Hold our hands through the new year and instill in us the confidence that you will never leave our side. As your children, we pray in confidence. Amen.
About The Lutheran Home: Belle Plaine
The Lutheran Home: Belle Plaine offers transitional care, wellness, and rehabilitative therapies, long-term care, memory care, and respite. Located in Belle Plaine, Minn., The Lutheran Home: Belle Plaine is part of a 22-acre continuum of care campus. As a ministry of The Lutheran Home Association, The Lutheran Home: Belle Plaine provides for the spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional needs of those entrusted to its care. For more information, please visit www.mylutheranhomebp.org. For real-time updates, follow @TLHAword on Twitter or “Like” TLHA Belle Plaine Campus on Facebook.
About Hope Residence
Hope Residence provides an extensive array of services to support and enhance the lives of residents dealing with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The care community offers four home-like living areas, a sensory room and on-site recreational programs designed to encourage social engagement and promote self-sufficiency—all supervised by team members committed to delivering the highest standard of care. Hope Residence is looking for caring, compassionate and dedicated team members. For more information, visit myhopebp.org. For real-time updates, follow @TLHAword on Twitter or “Like” TLHA Hope Residence & High Island Creek Residence on Facebook.
About Kingsway Retirement Living
Kingsway Retirement Living offers independent living, assisted living and memory care services. Located in Belle Plaine, Minn., Kingsway Retirement Living is part of a 22-acre continuum-of-care campus. For more information, visit Kingsway’s website. For real-time updates, follow @TLHAword on Twitter, or “Like” TLHA Belle Plaine Campus on Facebook.
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