Pat Geraghty Today it is very clear that COVID-19 is not easing up. In fact, in Florida – we’re hitting new COVID-19 records almost daily. The number of new cases is climbing. And hospitalization rates are also on an upward trend. It is imperative to urge one another, our families and our neighbors to renew our commitment to stopping the spread of COVID-19. Each of us need to do the right thing for ourselves and one another to avoid our community experiencing an even more severe impact. The most effective way to prevent the spread of the virus is to avoid being exposed in...
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By: Karen Thompson, Enterprise Communications The July 4 holiday weekend will probably be different this year for many people. Many fireworks displays and other festive gatherings have been canceled due to a resurgence of COVID-19. Recent data shows a sharp increase in the numbers of positive COVID-19 cases in several areas of the country—including Florida, where the largest numbers of GuideWell team members reside. This surge has led some cities in Florida and other states where we do business to reverse some of the previous reopening actions and mandate face masks. If you’re...
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GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation (GuideWell), the parent to a family of forward-thinking companies focused on transforming health care, is launching Reshaping Health Access, a statewide challenge to identify solutions focused on addressing health access and literacy to underserved populations in Florida. Both the COVID-19 health pandemic and the recent focus on racial injustice are critical public health issues that are shining a spotlight on the need to address health disparities. Reshaping Health Access will serve as one of several efforts GuideWell is taking to help our communities...
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GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation (GuideWell), the parent to a family of forward-thinking companies focused on transforming health care; Florida Blue, the state’s leading health insurer; and Florida Blue Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Florida Blue, today announced $25 million in investments over five years to organizations focused on diversity and inclusion and health equity in the communities the organizations serve. The commitment coincided with the launch of the company’s Equity Alliance, an initiative focused on addressing systemic racism and resulting health...
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Dear GuideWell employees:Last Monday, we observed Memorial Day, the holiday when Americans honor the men and women who have died defending our country’s ideals serving in the U.S. military. And last Monday, George Floyd’s tragic, shocking death reminded us all that our country has a long way to go before its central promise of equality becomes reality. Last week and all weekend, the country reeled in pain and protest at George Floyd’s death, and with anger and frustration at the racism and inequality people of color still experience in America every day.Too many of our...
READ MOREI want to take the opportunity this week to highlight another great example of the work we're doing to support our communities. In response to COVID-19,we provided grant funding to organizations across Florida, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. Our support the last few months has enabled several regional YMCA locations to repurpose closed facilities to offer emergency childcare at reduced or no cost for first responders and front line healthcare workers.This alleviated a huge burden for those selflessly serving on the pandemic's front line. We're honored to have helped provide...
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Because of fears of contracting COVID-19, health care professionals say people throughout the country are afraid to go to emergency rooms and urgent care centers. Now, health care providers are sounding the alarm. Bethany Carlson, RN, who is a nurse manager at the GuideWell Emergency Doctors in Winter Park, says delaying care can be dangerous---even life threatening. She wants to urge the public not to put off seeking necessary or emergency care for themselves or their loved ones. “A lot of the times they’re ignoring them (symptoms) a lot longer than they should so by the time...
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While many of our local economies are beginning to take slow steps to reopen, we know for sure the implications for the coronavirus pandemic will be long lasting. Caring for our members, customers, partners, and employees, as this situation evolves will require a long term, sustainable response. We are uniquely positioned as a mission-driven health solutions enterprise, to respond to this pandemic in meaningful ways. Our holistic approach to health care is what sets us apart. Our work goes far beyond providing quality health insurance, and the compassion we're demonstrating during...
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By: Karen Thompson, Enterprise Communications The COVID-19 public health crisis has resulted in a critical shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including gloves, gowns, N95 respirators and especially face masks. Our company immediately stepped up to address this shortage and the overall safety needs for hospitals, physicians and nurses in provider offices across Florida, the GuideWell Health family of health care workers (Sanitas, GuideWell Emergency Doctors and Diagnostic Medical Clinic staff), and for GuideWell employees. Through several initiatives and partnerships, GuideWell...
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By: Sonya Ferris, Enterprise Communications National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6 - 12, in honor of the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Intended to recognize the vital role nurses play in health care, it’s especially poignant this year in light of the COVID-19 crisis. It’s fitting that the theme for the week is “Compassion, Expertise, Trust.” Shortly after stay-at-home orders were given in Florida, nurses across GuideWell put their compassion and expertise into action as they kicked off an initiative to provide...
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