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in our power to fight it.” More trials are in
development to protect the public and
employees. Click here to learn more about
these studies.
Moving Forward with Safe Care
We know that life does not stop in
the middle of a pandemic. In fact, more
than 90 percent of our patients are
being treated for conditions unrelated
to COVID-19.
To provide quality, safe care for all,
Baylor Scott & White has designed a
comprehensive COVID-19 Safe Care
program. “Patients should feel confident
seeking our healthcare services,” says Alex
Arroliga, MD, chief medical officer for Baylor
Scott & White Health. “We have been safely
providing emergent care for weeks, while
remaining prepared for influxes of COVID-
19 patients; and now, we are well positioned
to resume scheduled procedures,
screenings and visits, helping those we
serve avoid the unintended consequences
of postponing healthcare.” Click here to
learn more about COVID-19 Safe Care.
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Supporting our Employees
COVID-19 has also affected the
financial health of our communities. In
March, government health officials made
the difficult decision to suspend nonurgent
surgeries and services to help slow
the spread of the disease. While successful,
these measures have resulted in a dramatic
drop in patient volumes—between 50 and
90 percent.
To protect our employees, Baylor
Scott & White guaranteed pay for two
months. We also expanded our Employees
1st Emergency Assistance Fund, funded
entirely by philanthropy, to help cover
unforeseen costs associated with the virus,
such as childcare, monthly bills, hotel rooms
for frontline workers, and other out-ofpocket
expenses. To date, the community,
Baylor Scott & White leadership,
employees, and board members have
contributed more than $2.6 million, assisting
more than 864 employees across the state.
Now, as we are beginning to receive
early data showing the significant
implications of the pandemic on Texans,
and the operational and financial
implications on our organization, it has
become clear that we must re-examine
everything. Several measures aimed at
reducing costs were implemented in late
May, including a temporary salary reduction
for all senior leadership, plans for a new
1. First responders gather to show their appreciation for healthcare workers at Baylor Scott & White
Medical Center - Temple. | 2. Frontline caregivers in Marble Falls enjoy breakfast tacos donated by
members of the community. | 3. Kathryn, Lyla, and Evan helped make homemade masks for healthcare
workers in College Station.
physician compensation model, and, as a
last resort, a reduction in our workforce by
approximately three percent.
“We care deeply about these
teammates, and we will be supporting their
transition in all ways possible, including
helping them find other employment,” says
chief executive officer Jim Hinton. “This is a
time for compassion and grace. It is a time
to recognize the impact this pandemic has
had on our world, on our communities, on
our families, and on each one of us. Our
Christian founding and all the faiths that
have shaped our journey call us to lead with
love. And we are doing that now.”
Staying Positive with Community Support
As Baylor Scott & White Health
employees battle the COVID-19 pandemic
on the front lines, they are buoyed by a
wave of support from a grateful community.
“We are incredibly thankful for, and
humbled by, the outpouring of support
from our regional communities,” says Jana
Sharpley, president of the Baylor Scott
& White Central Texas Foundation. “The
impact we can have when we all come
together to support and encourage each
other is truly amazing.”
Our friends banded together to assist
Baylor Scott & White, through donations
of homemade personal protective
equipment, meals, and personal financial
support. Baylor Scott & White staff
members volunteered their time with Faith
In Action Initiatives (FIAI) to manufacture
thousands of face shields for medical staff.
With only 30 volunteers, FIAI created twenty
thousand shields in just fourteen days.
Local restaurants throughout Central Texas
donated meals to help sustain frontline
employees working long hours. Other
groups like Good Friends in Marble Falls
offer one hour of daily prayer.
“Everything our communities have
done—from messages of support to
donated equipment and food to monetary
contributions—each played a vital role in
carrying us through these challenging
times,” says Jana Sharpley.
While much has changed, our
dedication to our mission, even in the midst
of continued unpredictability, remains
constant. Baylor Scott & White continues
to work tirelessly to provide high-quality
healthcare and support to both our patients
and communities. We are here for you.
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THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE CENTRAL TEXAS FOUNDATION NEWS / SUMMER 2020