An Interview With EmpowerHealth Cohort
Two Participant: Suzanne Shaffer, MS
Ascensa Health
at St. Jude’s Recovery Center
How has COVID-19 affected your work at Ascensa Health at St. Jude Recovery Center?
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made many adjustments to our programs and services to
continue serving clients and providing essential services. Many of our administrative and non-essential staff are
working remotely, and all direct services staff remain onsite.
The agency is currently operating residential treatment, the medication Assisted treatment (MAT) program, onsite
healthcare services, recovery residences, and individual and family counseling services. Clients receive meals,
shelter and other basic needs in addition to treatment services
We have begun slowly admitting new clients to our residential programs. The agency is doing onsite testing for
potential clients and implementing measures to minimize risk and prevent the spread of the virus. All precautions
are being taken to ensure the safety of clients and staff, including increased sanitizing procedures and social
distancing. All employees and clients are required to wear masks, and every employee must complete a health
screening upon entering work to ensure that they have no symptoms of COVID-19.
How have your day-to-day operations changed since the pandemic began?
The agency has put measures in place to protect clients and staff during the pandemic. We have acquired
sufficient PPE for all clients and staff. It is mandatory that all client's and staff wear masks at all times and
practice social distancing. Staff are screened upon arrival each day for potential COVID-19 symptoms. The agency
continues to be closed to visitors.
We have purchased laptops and software to keep staff connected, whether they are onsite or offsite. Interviews
as well as staff and Board meetings are conducted by teleconference.
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