Dear ASHHRA Colleagues,

The summer months are coming to an end, the students are returning to school, and the countdown to the holidays has begun. COVID-19 cases have risen rapidly in Florida and other places, affecting young individuals and resulting in a large number of hospitalizations. With a number of hospitals at capacity and a severe scarcity of clinical and non-clinical staff, HR's task has been particularly difficult. I understand that the stakes have been high, but I beg that you maintain the light at the end of the tunnel shining brightly.

In case you missed the announcement, ASHHRA and the staff have new contact information. The main ASHHRA phone number (312-422-3720) remains the same. ASHHRA’s new email address is ASHHRA@ashhra.org. Be sure to update your address books so you don’t miss any ASHHRA communications.

Please continue to use ASHHRA members and resources to ask questions and gain information on ASHHRA Exchange (Exchange.ASHHRA.org) to assist you during these difficult times. As we go through this planning process, we at ASHHRA are working to provide programs, events, and resources to help our members. I encourage you to continue spreading the word about how crucial it is to obtain the COVID-19 vaccinations.

Mental health is critical to surviving these difficult times and I encourage our members to take time to rest and self-reflect on what they need to do to ensure that they are taking care of their number one priority, which is themselves. If you don't have a clear head, you won't be able to perform properly in your daily life.

We appreciate your continued support for ASHHRA and allowing us to continue supporting you.

Carl McDonald, MSHRM, PHR, SHRM-CP
ASHHRA President, 2021

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