JGS Lifecare Holds Two-day COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic for Residents, Staff

LONGMEADOW — JGS Lifecare held a two-day COVID-19 vaccination clinic for residents and staff across its family of services on Jan. 10 and 11.

“This was an emotional and historic two days for JGS,” said Rob Whitten, executive director of the Leavitt Family Jewish Home. “We are especially proud of our 103 staff members who have made history over these past two days by being among the first in the nation to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, helping to stop the spread and flatten the curve. Over the past nine months, our staff has shown an extraordinary level of dedication and resilience in keeping our residents safe and healthy. The vaccine has brought them a ray of hope, and the opportunity to take some control over the virus and protect themselves, their residents, and their loved ones. We are so grateful to the organizations and people that prioritized our most vulnerable population and our caregivers to receive the vaccination.”

Shannon Wesson, director of Nursing at the Leavitt Family Jewish Home, noted that “taking the vaccine is the best solution to reducing the risk of spreading the virus. I don’t want to risk giving it to a resident, or to anyone. If I can be a part of the solution, I want to be. If I can be a part of helping, that is what nurses do.”

Added Madeline Presz, executive director of Ruth’s House Assisted Living Residence, “we are thrilled to be able to offer the vaccine to help protect our residents and staff from the spread of the virus. This is our residents’ home, and we want them to get as much protection as possible. I was happy and proud to be one of the first staff members in line to get the COVID-19 vaccine. I’m getting the vaccine for my family, my friends, my patients, and myself, and I encourage everybody to do the same.”