National Benefit Fund Bolsters Member Support During COVID-19 Crisis
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Benefit Fund (NBF) has provided full services to your 1199SEIU employees and members while operating remotely, and has worked closely with the Union and employers to provide them with the most up-to-date information available. The NBF has continued to support members with enhanced benefits and increased outreach about resources they can access, including:
- Expanded Telehealth Benefits Members can access more providers by telephone and avoid transportation and waiting rooms by using any hospital or provider in the NBF network. In addition to Teladoc, the NBF is temporarily covering virtual visits with 1199SEIU providers for all medical and mental health services, including COVID-19-related services.
- Mental Health Resources Guide The NBF has created a mental health resources guide that provides information on confidential crisis counseling, talk therapy and referrals to other resources for follow-up care through members' NBF health coverage.
- COVID-19 Testing Through One Medical The NBF and the Union have arranged for a free, 30-day One Medical membership for your employees and members to get tested for COVID-19 if they are experiencing symptoms and their employers do not have testing available. Eligible dependents may also access free testing through One Medical.
- Improved Self-service Website The NBF has updated its website, www.1199SEIUBenefits.org, to allow members to easily access information about their benefits and COVID-19-related issues. Changes include a resources page with information on testing; Outreach Coordinator contacts; a COVID-19 FAQ; as well as a page detailing benefits for surviving family members.
- NBF Staff Serving Members Staff from the NBF's Member Services, Pension, Claims, Wellness Member Assistance and Outreach departments continue to support your 1199SEIU employees and members by phone and email. Outreach Coordinators' contact information is available on worksite bulletin boards, but if they do not have access to that information, they may send their questions or concerns, along with their name, phone number and institution/facility, to OutreachAssistance@1199Funds.org.
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Training and Employment Funds' COVID-19 Workforce Recruitment Exceeds Expectations
In the weeks since the 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds (TEF) began recruiting candidates to work at hospitals, nursing homes and home care agencies experiencing staffing shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many have responded to the call. While TEF had set a goal of recruiting 5,000 healthcare workers, there are now nearly 9,000 people in the New York Downstate area who have said they are willing to work in healthcare settings with COVID-positive patients. These workers have been recruited from among 1199SEIU retirees, 1199SEIU friends and family members, and unemployed individuals registered with the Department of Labor, as well as through social media platforms. To date, more than 2,000 referrals of home health aides, nurse assistants, environmental services workers, dietary workers, transport workers, licensed practical nurses and registered nurses have been made to more than 140 employers.
Retirees who are interested and able to work can apply by visiting TEF's Employment Center (EC) website and completing an online application. Employers who have worked with the EC/1199SEIU League Job Security Fund in the past should contact the recruiter with whom they typically work. Employers who do not have a current EC contact can email EmployerContactTEF@1199Funds.org, list their names and phone numbers, specify if an institution or facility and list the types of workers needed, and the EC will respond within 24 hours.
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The Child Care Fund Holds Virtual FALC Science Fair
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 1199SEIU Child Care Fund's Future of America Learning Center (FALC) converted its 24th annual science fair into a distance learning event on March 28. This year's theme, "The Colors of the Rainbow Are Colors of Change," explored the changes that occur when colors are mixed, shown in observations of how the colors of the Earth are impacted by temperature and climate change. Families also reflected on the effect colors have on our emotions, and they created rainbow imagery to display in their windows as a show of solidarity with healthcare professionals and other essential workers on the frontlines during the pandemic; with those working from home while sheltering in place with their families; and with others currently living and working in isolation. Parents of children who took part in the fair praised the hard work, dedication and support of FALC staff amid the challenges of remote learning. According to one parent, "My kids feel [teacher] Ms. Zenovia's presence throughout the day, and we could never thank her enough for the love and devotion she has provided through such uncertain times." For more information about FALC, visit www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/FALC.
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The Institute for Continuing Education Presents Upcoming Programs
The 1199SEIU League Training and Upgrading Fund strengthens the healthcare delivery system by offering 1199SEIU members training and education programs designed to help improve patient outcomes and provide quality care. Please share these opportunities with members at your institution.
The schedule is also available on our calendar.
Sunday, May 3
8:45 am to 4:30 pm
This six-hour interprofessional symposium for professional and technical healthcare workers will focus on the stress and anxiety related to the treatment of COVID-19. The symposium will be offered via live webcast (Internet).
Tuesday, May 26
5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
This three-hour seminar for social workers will examine the connection among homelessness, mental illness and the criminal justice system, and ways to addresses this growing social problem. The seminar will be offered via live webcast (Internet).
Free prep courses are also available for national and New York State licensure examinations for several positions. For more information, visit the Institute for Continuing Education's web page, call (212) 894-4390 or email Institute@1199Funds.org.
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