• By:  Kirk Hawthorne, Administrator

Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year!

We continue to perform surveillance testing for COVID-19, using the Point of Care (POC) devices.  This week, all residents residing in the Nursing Home and Personal Care Unit were tested, all of which were negative for COVID-19.  We continue to have an active Red Zone and Yellow zone, within our Personal Care/Special Needs Unit(s), as a mitigation response to our prior outbreak.  While we have residents still fighting this virus, we will follow CDC guidelines related to “zones” de-escalation.  We anticipate the “Red Zone” (Special Needs) returning to a “Green Zone” on Monday 1/4/21.  In addition, our “Yellow Zone” (Personal Care) will likely return to a “Green Zone” on Tuesday 1/5/21.  The results of this week’s testing are very encouraging.  The plan to transition to a “whole house” Green Zone on 1/5/21, is also encouraging.  Please keep in mind that Mercer County positivity rates remain above 10%, thus, we are required to remain in a “no visitation” mode.  Surveillance testing will continue next week.

In addition, all staff members were tested twice this week, for a total of 214 tests.  We did have two per diem staff members test positive this week.  Fortunately, contact tracing revealed no resident or staff exposure as a result of these positive tests.  Our team, remains diligent with PPE use, handwashing and social distancing.  Surveillance testing of staff will resume next week (Monday/Thursday).

The vaccine clinic will take place here at Saint John XXIII Home on Wednesday 1/6/21 from 11am-5pm.  The clinic will be managed by CVS pharmacy services as part of the Federal Pharmacy distribution process.  CVS has confirmed that we will be provided the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. Residents and staff will have the opportunity to be vaccinated.  The Pfizer vaccine is a two-step vaccine process.  The second clinic is scheduled for 1/27/21.  Chrissy Stabile (Admissions Director) is handling the coordination of the clinics, consents, etc.  Questions regarding such can be directed to Chrissy at 724-981-3200

What does this vaccine arrival mean to resuming visitation?  The vaccine decreases the likelihood of exposure and an outbreak, however, it does not eliminate such.  This is a major step toward development of a “new normal”.  Our visitation standards continue to revolve around the Mercer County positivity rate and our facility in-house testing.  We need everyone to continue to do their part in the community to slow the spread of the virus.  Remember, the standards which we must follow are impacted by not only by what happens here at Saint John XXIII Home but also what happens within Mercer County.  Please, help us by doing your part so slow the spread of this virus.

Weekly updates will continue.  In the meantime, we wish everyone a Happy New Year and hope, wish and pray that 2021 will bring everyone good health, peace and a world void of COVID.

• Submitted by Kirk Hawthorne, Administrator

Wishing all of our residents, family members, staff and everyone praying for our residents, staff and facility, a very Merry Christmas!  We are so appreciative of the endless support, encouragement and well wishes during these extremely challenging times. 

Mercer County continues to be deemed a “Red Zone”, with COVID outbreaks continuing to occur.  Here at Saint John XXIII Home, we continue to be in the midst of an outbreak.  All residents were tested twice this week with 3 new positive cases.  In total, we have had 16 positive cases of COVID-19 amongst our resident population.  The positive cases remain contained within the Personal Care/Special Needs unit(s).  In an effort to mitigate the virus, we have implemented RED and YELLOW zones within these units.  All residents within the Nursing Home remain COVID free.  Our testing rotation will remain twice weekly until further notice.  Staff will be tested on Monday/Wednesday.  Residents will be tested on Tuesday/Thursday.  Please note that this schedule is subject to change, should we see new signs, symptoms or positive cases.

Over the past week, we have had 6 staff members test positive and placed 2 staff members in quarantine due to community exposure.  Please understand that all staff are wearing N-95 masks at all times and full PPE in Yellow and Red zones, in an effort to protect our residents and employees.   While our entire focus is on the safety and well-being of our residents, I ask that everyone continue to pray for, encourage and support our staff for the amazing job and endless hours everyone is working.  

The vaccine should be arriving soon.  You have likely heard about the vaccine distribution challenges.  We continue to have a TENTATIVE vaccination date (01/06/2021) scheduled for Saint John XXIII Home residents and employees.  Now is the time to make decisions related to the vaccine.  The CDC recently announced that individuals who have previously tested positive for COVID-19, are appropriate to be vaccinated.  Saint John XXIII Home will not MANDATE the vaccination, however, for the safety and well-being of those we serve and our co-workers, we encourage everyone to strongly consider being vaccinated.  Please see the CDC website related to vaccination questions/concerns and/or speak with your physician.  Over the next week, you will be contacted by Chrissy Stabile (Admissions Director) related to the vaccination consent form authorization.

In conclusion, we continue to battle this virus on a daily basis.  We remain diligent in testing both staff and residents, in attempt to contain and mitigate the virus and identify cases as early as possible. 

During this Christmas Eve, we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and give our promise that we will do our best to make this Christmas as special as possible.  While our team, selflessly give up holiday time with their family to care for those we serve, we ask that everyone do their part to flatten the curve, wear a mask, physically distance, wash your hands and make good decisions.  Thank you for the continued prayers! 

Hoping this update finds everyone healthy and well.  The virus continues to spread rapidly in our community and healthcare systems are becoming overwhelmed.  The Mercer County COVID positivity rate has risen above 14%, thus, Mercer County remains a “Red Zone”.  This also requires us here at Saint John XXIII Home to remain in “lock down/phase 1” of reopening.  We are both hopeful and prayerful that the curve starts to flatten to allow us to move to phase 2 of reopening.

We have received an update from our “Vaccine partner” (CVS pharmacy) related to the vaccine administration here on our campus.  We have received a TENTATIVE vaccine administration date of January 6th, 2021.  We anticipate this date being finalized over the next few days.   Once the date is official, Saint John staff will be reaching out to each family to secure “Consent to vaccinate”.  Please review CDC and PADOH recommendations related to the vaccine, and if desired, contact your medical provider.  While we strongly encourage the vaccine, it is a medical choice.  With this in mind, we ask that everyone work through the decision making process related to accepting the vaccine at this time, as time will be of the essence once we begin the consent process.

Over the past 10 months, we have been fortunate that the virus has not spread to our resident population.  We have been testing residents weekly and staff twice weekly over the past several weeks.  This week, we tested all staff on Monday and Thursday with all negative test results.  Unfortunately, we had 13 residents within the Special Needs unit test positive for COVID-19 using the Point of Care (POC) rapid testing device.  As per facility policy, we have completed a PCR (Lab Test) as a follow-up process.  All residents within the Nursing Home and Personal Care unit remain negative.  We will continue to monitor all residents across our campus closely for signs and symptoms.  Please pray for everyone at Saint John XXIII Home.  

Our testing strategy will continue until further notice.  The residents will be tested on Tuesdays for the next two weeks, while staff will be tested on Monday and Wednesday over the next two weeks.  As always, our staff will reach out to you regarding your loved ones test results.  

We ask that everyone continue to do their part to “flatten the COVID curve” here in Mercer County.  As we approach Christmas, we fully understand how difficult and heartbreaking it is to be away from your loved ones.  Our staff will do our best to make this Christmas special.  This year, we ask that we all show our love for our families and friends by celebrating safely and protecting one another.  Again, please pray for the residents and staff at Saint John XXIII Home.

Today was our kick-off to the 12 days of Christmas!! We have a special presentation each weekday leading up to Christmas day led by many staff members of our Beloved Saint John XXIII Home. It gives our entire staff, also known as elves this time of year, an opportunity to transform our Home into the North Pole while all staff get to reconnect with the Residents.

These Twelve Days of Christmas leading up to the Birthday of our Savior have always held a special place in our hearts. But this year, the meaning of joy and hope resound all the more especially during this terrible pandemic of COVID – 19. The staff of Saint John XXIII Home want to make this time of year extra special for all our residents.

We want to offer a special thank you to all those who have contributed their time, talent and energy in making this day possible. Julie McLaughlin, her mom Rebecca and Julie’s daughters Maxwell and Saylor for the homemade sugar cookies. Gina Kirk for the string cheese snowmen. Faith Clayton, the daughter of Mary Clayton for the homemade snowman ornaments for each Resident. Philadelphia candies for their donation of chocolate Christmas suckers. Thank you Kelly to you and your mom for making this possible. Sharpsville Florist who provided us with nostalgic Christmas ornaments for each of our Residents. And last but not least all our Saint John XXIII Home team members who pitched in to assist with wrapping presents, organizing events for each day and distributing “PRESENTS” for the 12 Days of Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all of you from all of us at Saint John XXIII Home!

Thank you all for your continued cooperation, understanding, support and prayer.  This virus is running rampant through our community and our staff continues to put forth incredible effort and diligence to keep everyone safe.

Over the past week, we have conducted 348 Point of Care (Rapid tests) at Saint John XXIII Home.  All staff members were tested twice this week and all residents were tested on Wednesday.   We currently have two staff members off work due to a positive test and two staff members who are off work due to possible exposure outside of the facility.  All staff continues to wear N95 masks at all times to assist in mitigation of this virus.  Staff testing revealed no resident exposures.  However, we did have a resident within the nursing home test positive for COVID-19 this week through the POC Rapid testing devices.  This resident has been moved to our designated “Red Zone” (Isolation).  We have also requested a PCR Laboratory follow-up test for this individual to rule out a “False Positive” possibility.  All residents across our entire campus remain symptom free of COVID-19.  Please continue to pray for all of our residents and staff!

The COVID vaccination arrival is gaining steam.  We are receiving updates from the PA DOH and CDC, on a daily basis.  While no definitive dates have been established for our receipt of the vaccine at Saint John XXIII Home, we anticipate having a vaccine clinic for residents and staff before years end.  The details of the vaccination process will become much clearer over the next few days.  This is a rapidly moving process and we are devising a process internally to secure “Vaccine Consents”, notification process, etc.  Now is the time that we ask everyone to evaluate their plan to vaccinate.  Rest assured, that an update will be provided as soon as concrete information can be shared.

Due to the COVID positivity rate of Mercer County, we will continue testing staff twice weekly and residents once weekly.  Please know that we are being extremely cautious and diligent related to PPE use, washing hands, restricting access and monitoring of staff and residents for signs, symptoms and possible exposures.  Again, we thank you for your support and understanding through these unprecedented times.  Be Safe!

To:  Residents, Family members & Staff

From:  Kirk Hawthorne, Administrator/CEO

A brief follow-up to Edition 17 posted earlier this week.

On Wednesday 12/2/20, all residents within the Nursing Home, Personal Care Home and Special Needs Unit were tested for COVID-19 and all test results were NEGATIVE.  On Thursday, 12/3/20, all staff across the campus, were tested as well, with 100% NEGATIVE test results.  All testing this week was completed in-house using the Point of Care (Rapid Testing) device(s).

In addition, we received wonderful news earlier today that our lone positive COVID test amongst our resident’s, has been deemed a False Positive test by the Regional Response Health Collaboration Program (RRHCP).  All residents and “working staff” remain symptom free.  We will once again test all staff members on 12/7/20 and all residents on 12/9/20.

Due to the Mercer County positivity rate, we remain in “lock down” / phase 1 of re-opening.   Additional updates will follow, next week.  In the meantime, please continue with physical distancing, wear a mask, wash your hands and pray for everyone at Saint John XXIII Home. 

From: Kirk Hawthorne, Administrator/CEO – Saint John XXIII Home

To:  Residents, Family Members & Staff

The COVID positivity rate continues to climb in Mercer County PA.  With that in mind, we remain in a “lock down”, no visitation mode at this time.  As required by the CDC, CMS and the PA Dept Health, we will remain in “lock down” / phase 1 of re-opening until the County rates decline AND the facility achieves two (2) consecutive weeks of zero (0) positive cases amongst staff AND residents.  I fully recognize the frustration this virus has created for our residents, family members and staff.  We will continue to do our best to keep everyone safe and we ask that you do your part as well.  Please continue to pray.

On a very positive note, we tested ALL residents within the Nursing Home, Personal Care Unit and Special Needs unit today (12/2/20) and I’m thrilled to report that ALL residents tested NEGATIVE for COVID-19.  In addition, no residents or working staff members are showing signs or symptoms of COVID.  Another round of resident testing will take place on 12/9/20.

Unfortunately, we tested all staff members on Monday (11/30/20) and had two (2) staff members test positive.  These staff members are currently at home isolating.  Fortunately, contact tracing revealed that there was zero (0) resident exposure related to these new staff cases.  In addition, effective today, we are requiring all staff to wear an N-95 mask while in the facility.  This is an aggressive attempt to help mitigate any possible staff to staff and/or staff to resident exposure.  Another round of staff testing will take place on Thursday 12/3/20.

Lastly, Saint John XXIII Home has entered into a contract with CVS pharmacy to administer the vaccine once it is released.  The planning phase of vaccine administration is currently in process between CVS and Saint John XXIII Home.  As you know, definitive dates have not been established but progress is being made.  I will keep everyone posted regarding our plan and dates as soon as they are released.

I want to publicly thank everyone for their support and trust over the past 8+ months.  In addition, I want to thank all staff members of Saint John XXIII Home for the selfless acts and for being amazing during these times.  Rest assured that each and every staff member is doing everything in their control to keep the residents and co-workers as safe as possible.

Please continue with 6+ feet physical distancing, wash your hands, wear a mask and pray for each other.

Hoping and praying that this update finds you and your family healthy.  All of us at Saint John XXIII Home want to wish you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving.  We are heartbroken that our residents will not be able to see their families during the holiday.

Everyone is aware that COVID cases are rising at an alarming rate nationally and locally.  At Saint John XXIII Home, we have been implementing measures over the past 8+ months to mitigate the spread of this virus.  The goal was to prevent any cases, however, a plan was put into place should positive cases occur.  This entire process is provided in detail on our facility webpage under the NEWS section.

The results of our staff testing conducted on 11/23/20, resulted in 1 additional positive staff case.  All other employees tested negative.  The positive staff member was a Dietary employee.  Contact tracing determined that this new case did not expose any residents throughout our campus.  This employee is at home isolating.  Due to possible exposure, we have asked 2 additional employees to quarantine at this time as an added precaution.  Please understand that we will error on the side of caution related to possible exposure.

In addition, due to the possible exposure situation within the Nursing Home, from the 11/16/20 testing, we have tested all Nursing Home residents today (11/25/20) using the Point of Care BD Veritor rapid testing device.  Testing is complete and the results revealed 1 positive case within the Nursing Home portion of the facility.  Due to HIPAA standards, we are not permitted to divulge personal/medical information regarding our residents.  We have notified all family members of the test results for their specific loved one.  The resident who tested positive has been relocated to a “Red Zone” within our Nursing Home.  A portion of our Nursing Home remains a “Yellow Zone”.  Through contact tracing, we do not believe additional resident and/or staff exposure has occurred.  Our staff has been utilizing the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as per COVID standards.  We ask that you continue to pray for everyone here at Saint John, especially for our resident/staff members that tested positive.

We will be testing all staff members again on 11/30/20.  While there has been no evidence of any resident exposure within our Personal Care and Special Needs units, as a measure of precaution, we will be testing all residents within the Personal Care, Special Needs and Nursing Home units on 12/2/2020.  At this time, our residents are NOT displaying signs or symptoms of COVID-19.  Should a resident display symptoms, they would be tested immediately for COVID-19.

The cases of COVID or possible exposure, within our team have been minimal and mitigation efforts are extensive.  Staff members who are exposed are required to stay home and quarantine.  This, of course, places stressors on each department within our facility.  Please rest assured that our staff has been nothing short of amazing through this process, working long hours, extra shifts and being Hero’s for the best interest of your loved ones.  You have our word that we will do our best to protect everyone.  Please monitor our website at Saintjohnxxiiihome.org for updates.  Please continue to minimize coming to the facility, wear masks, physical distance and wash your hands.  With that in mind, please pray for everyone at Saint John XXIII Home.

Sincerely,

Kirk Hawthorne- Administrator

iGiveCatholic is a new reality in the Catholic Church that tries to foster online giving on the traditional #GivingTuesday. #GivingTuesday is the Tuesday that follows Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and cyber Monday. #iGiveCatholic is a Giving Day that kicks off the charitable season and brings the catholic community together to give thanks and give back. It is the U.S. Catholic church’s Giving day created to celebrate our unique Catholic heritage, “iGiveCatholic inspires faithful stewards to “Give Catholic” on #GivingTuesday, a global day of generosity.

The goal of #iGiveCatholic is to rally our Catholic community in support of our local parishes, schools, and ministries. Secure, tax-deductible donations to eligible Catholic organizations located in participating Dioceses are given at www.iGiveCatholic.org during a 24-hour period on #Giving Tuesday, December 1, and at any time during the Advanced Giving Day phase beginning at 12:00 AM on Monday, November 16 through 11:59 PM on Monday, November 30, 2020. Offline gifts of cash and checks are encouraged and given directly to the organization of the donor’s choice during this period.

I’m hopeful that this update finds you and your family healthy, well and COVID free.

As you are likely aware, the COVID-19 virus continues to surge across the nation and specifically here within Mercer County PA.  The Mercer County “positivity rate” has risen above 9% according to the most recent Center for Medicare Services (CMS) data.  Our community is dealing with an outbreak and the surge on hospitals, nursing homes and testing sites is at an alarming rate.  It is redundant but please wear a mask, wash your hands, social distance and stay home if possible.  We ask that you minimize coming to Saint John XXIII Home unless the visit is imperative.

We have received the results of our required weekly testing of staff, which was conducted on 11/16/20.  We had 5 new positive tests amongst staff members from the 11/16/20 testing cycle.  We have completed “contact tracing” for all 5 staff members.  The 5 positive staff members are at home in isolation.  In addition, we identified 2 staff members who were identified as “possible exposures”, these individuals are at home in quarantine.  In an attempt to mitigate the spread, we determined that 46 residents within the Nursing Home portion of the facility had sufficient contact with our positive staff members to enter a quarantine (yellow zone) situation.  Those nursing home residents deemed “unexposed”, remains in normal precautions or “Green Zone”.  We have also tested ALL residents within the nursing home and had zero positive cases identified.  While this is fantastic news, we need to understand that this “immediate testing upon exposure” was completed within the first couple days of possible exposure.  Again, we should all be elated that our residents all tested negative, yet, realize the risks remains.  Please continue to pray for everyone.

Contact tracing revealed that those individuals residing within the Personal Care and Special Needs unit were UNEXPOSED as a result of these positive tests.  Due to non-exposure, Personal Care and Special Needs residents were not tested at this time.  We continue to monitor all residents and staff throughout the entire facility each shift.

At this time, we have reverted to “phase 1” of reopening, which means we have returned to “lock down” status.  The Roncalli Center visitation, Mass, group programming, barber/beauty services, etc. have been placed on hold until further notice.  All staff will be tested again on 11/23 and 11/30.  The nursing home residents will all be tested again on 11/25 and 12/2.  If we are fortunate enough to have no additional positive test results for all testing done on the above dates, it is possible to return to Phase 2 of re-opening, which includes scheduled visitation and barber/beauty services.  Please keep in mind that should Mercer County rise to the 10%+ “positivity rate”, all Mercer County facilities will be required to return to Phase 1 (Lock Down).

With Thanksgiving and Christmas rapidly approaching, we understand that this inability to visit with your loved one is more difficult to accept than at any time over the past 8 months.  We encourage everyone to feel free to call and utilize the virtual visits.  These are difficult times, pandemic times, but please know that our entire staff is committed to the safety of your loved one.  Thank you so much for your cooperation, encouragement, trust and prayers during these challenging times.  We will get through this together.