Help Change the Odds for Families and Communities
The 2015 United Way Campaign kicks off on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Johns Hopkins Medicine will continue its efforts to make a positive impact for families in need. There are many opportunities for giving to United Way, such as donating to the general gift fund; selecting a specific initiative to support, such as the family stability initiative; and designating the charity of your choice. The campaign runs through Dec. 11. To learn more about United Way and how you can make a difference, visit hopkinsmedicine.org/unitedway.
Shop-Till-You-Drop Altruism
Step into a 19th-century carriage house to bag bargains on new and vintage clothing for women and men at the 48th annual Johns Hopkins Hospital Best Dressed Sale. Held by the Johns Hopkins Hospital Women’s Board, the free event takes place from Friday, Oct. 30, through Sunday, Nov. 1, at the Evergreen Carriage House at 4545 N. Charles St. Hours are: Oct. 30, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Oct. 31, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Nov. 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A special preview party and sale will be held on Oct. 29 from 4 to 8 p.m. It costs $45 in advance and $55 at the door. Over the years, the sale has raised millions of dollars for patient care at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. This year, proceeds will support ultrasound equipment for prenatal care, bone densitometry equipment, and schools of nursing and medicine scholarships, among other projects. Learn more at womensboard.jhmi.edu or call 410-955-9341.
Voyage to Better Health
A Woman’s Journey, Johns Hopkins Medicine’s annual conference on women’s health topics, will take place on Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Hilton Baltimore. Now in its 21st year, the daylong symposium brings together Johns Hopkins health experts to discuss such subjects as preventing bone loss, seasonal affective disorder and targeted cancer treatments. Keynote speaker Nellie Shuri Boma, a native of Cameroon, will share the story of how she became the first female medical director of a leading hospital in Abu Dhabi. At lunch, WJZ-TV anchor Denise Koch will offer her perspective on overcoming health challenges. Employee discounts and continuing medical education credits are available. To learn more and to register, call 410-955-8660 or visit hopkinsmedicine.org/awomansjourney.
Open Enrollment Reminder
The open enrollment period for selecting health insurance and benefits runs from Monday, Oct. 19 through Monday, Nov. 2 for most employees. A forthcoming newsletter will announce the rates and some changes to benefits. The aforementioned dates apply to employees of The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System Corporation, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians, Johns Hopkins HealthCare, Johns Hopkins Home Care Group, Sibley Memorial Hospital and Howard County General Hospital. Open enrollment period for All Children’s Hospital takes place from Oct. 14 through Oct. 28; for Suburban Hospital, Nov. 2 through Nov. 20; and for the school of medicine, Oct. 14 through Nov. 11. Check with your organization for details on rates and plan changes.
Get Your Flu Shot!
Johns Hopkins Medicine will kick off the 2015 flu vaccination campaign on Monday, Oct. 5. An annual flu vaccine is the most effective way to protect Johns Hopkins patients, family members, visitors and employees from the threat of infection. Free flu shots will be available on-site and at select Walgreens locations. All employees, trainees, faculty members, students, contractors and volunteers covered by the mandatory flu vaccination policy, such as those who work in patient care areas, must receive a flu vaccination and provide documentation by Tuesday, Dec. 1. If you have a valid medical or religious reason for not getting a vaccination, you must request an exception by Tuesday, Nov. 3. (The corresponding deadlines for All Children’s Hospital are Oct. 20 for an exception and Nov. 20 for vaccination.) Those who are not in compliance by the deadlines risk losing their jobs and clinical privileges. Learn more at hopkinsmedicine.org/mandatory_flu_v