Letter from the President
Since moving to Dallas this February in the midst of the pandemic , I ’ ve seen the slogan “ heroes work here ” all over our community . To read it and to see it in action are two entirely different things . It is both overwhelming and inspiring to see our frontline caregivers respond to the needs of our communities . Overwhelming to think about the countless hours , efforts , care and prayers our team members have poured into our neighbors and friends . Inspiring to hear these daily recounts of our colleagues going above and beyond at Baylor Scott & White Health facilities across Texas , motivating me and the entire Foundation team to do all we can to support these colleagues and their efforts .
I recently read an open letter from one of our BSWH physicians . Addressed to our patients , one excerpt shared :
You may come to us for a vaccine , a blood draw , a hug , a listening ear , a physical examination , a prescription , a ventilator or dialysis . You may need an infusion , chemo , surgery or wound care . You may not know what you need . And it may be us talking to your family as they struggle with what your wishes would be . You may need advice and counsel .
We are here for you .
The letter went on , reaffirming the commitment and support this team provides for patients battling everything from COVID-19 to the common cold . “ Heroes work here ” rings true when I reflect on this physician ’ s words and read about the work of other heroes in this issue of The Compass : patient navigators , like Stacey Webb , helping women facing a cancer diagnosis ; physicians , like Dr . Kelly , advancing research to better care for patients ; and Dr . Meyer , a hero in every sense of the word , who is caring for patients while serving his country .
From the endurance of the frontline , to the innovation of our team members , to the unwavering support of our generous donors , I offer my sincere thanks to all those whose efforts have enabled us to help those who need us most .
Ben Renberg President , Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation Ben . Renberg @ BSWHealth . org
COMMUNITY NEWS
COVID-19 Update Difficult decisions to protect our community
2 he recent surge of the COVID-19 Delta variant shows it being highly transmissible and affecting both the vaccinated and unvaccinated . After thoughtful consideration and numerous conversations with our leadership , including our infectious disease team — and after exploring every possible opportunity to move forward , we have made the difficult
decision to cancel all in-person Foundation events this fall , including the Grand Rounds ® Golf Tournament and Celebrating Women Luncheon .
The number of
COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases remains high as does the stress and fatigue placed on our frontline caregivers . Given these factors , we feel the decision to cancel these fall events is the right choice not only for our patrons and our organization , but also for the communities we serve .
Vaccines continue to be our greatest tool in the fight against COVID-19
Due to the recent surge of COVID-19 , the Grand Rounds ® Golf Tournament and Celebrating Women Luncheon have been canceled .
We continue reinforcing the evidencebased measures shown to protect each other and those we serve and urge you and your loved ones to get vaccinated . In August , the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) granted full approval to Pfizer- BioNTech ’ s coronavirus vaccine for people
16 and older , making it the first to move beyond emergency use status in the United States . Additionally , the FDA and CDC have authorized a third dose of Pfizer ’ s and Moderna ’ s vaccines for moderately and severely immunocompromised individuals .
Additionally , the Biden administration issued a joint statement recommending booster shots for vaccinated Americans . We continue to watch this closely , but it is important to remember that we are waiting on official authorization from the
FDA , followed by a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices . We know many are eager to get their third shot , and we will update you as soon as a booster dose is recommended in additional populations .
While the fatigue of this pandemic continues to wear on all of us , we have a tool that can put an end to thousands of hospitalizations and deaths . These vaccines have undergone the most intense safety monitoring of any vaccines in history and will protect your health and the health of those around you .
THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE DALLAS FOUNDATION NEWS / FALL 2021