Good News and Hot Coffee
Good morning!
Today, I’d like to cover a few different topics.
First, an exciting announcement!
Following a slight blip last year (I’m going to believe it was just a vote-counting error) UMMC once again has been voted Best Place to Work according to readers of the Jackson Free Press. The 2022 distinction marks the 6th time in 7 years that we were the top vote getter in the category. As a matter of fact, since the category was first included in the “Best of” JFP edition in 2016, last year was the only time we didn’t win. I am so pleased that a good many of you agree that working here is a rewarding experience. Our culture here, the very essence of who we are, is built on a culture of caring and most people find that to be a meaningful foundation for how they do their job, no matter their role. For people who want mission-driven work, especially when the mission is focused on the health and well-being of Mississippians, UMMC is the place. I’m proud to know that a large portion of you enjoy working at UMMC, and with your fellow People of the U. For nearly 7 years now, I’ve considered serving as your leader a privilege and an honor.
— — —
A campus our size, located in a metropolitan city where there are tens of thousands of people coming and going daily will sometimes yield situations requiring law enforcement involvement.
It’s good to remember that we have a full (larger than many towns) police force with a singular mission: keep the employees, faculty, students, patients and visitors on our campus safe. Chief Mary Paradis took the reins of our police department this past summer and has already made substantial operational and personnel changes aimed at making UMMC facilities and grounds safer places for everyone. I appreciate her, her leadership team and all UMMC Police officers for putting it all on the line daily to protect and serve.
As always, I encourage you to report any suspicious activity to UMMC Police immediately. When calling for an emergency on a campus phone, dial 911. When calling from a cell phone, call (601) 815-7777. I encourage you to save that number for UMMC Police into your cell phone for quick access.
— — —
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to visit social media or our dedicated People of the U webpage where we are recognizing professionals each day during Black History Month. They represent the many professional identities at UMMC who are making a positive impact on the institution and the people around them.
UMMC is fortunate to have talented Black physicians, researchers, educators, support staff, leaders and others whose contributions to the Medical Center deserve a spotlight. This year’s national theme for Black History Month is Black Health and Wellness, making it a perfect opportunity to introduce Mississippi and the world to some of the people on our campus who are making a difference in the lives of patients, students and fellow employees.
To round out the month, we plan to feature students from each school who will represent the next generation of Black health care professionals – and hopefully many of them will establish their careers in Mississippi or here at the U!
The charasmatic Dr. Driscoll DeVaul was our first feature this past Monday with Dr. Juanyce Taylor, chief diversity and inclusion officer, right after him on Tuesday. Two fantastic professionals to show the impact Black leaders are having on the Medical Center.
Visit UMMC’s main social media accounts each day this month to see these posts:
— — —
Lastly, I was glad to hear that the coffee shop in the University Hospital lobby was again operating, now under a new owner, Cups.
While not fully operational yet, the coffee stand is open from 6 a.m. – noon M-F while training the new employees and continuing to get everything set up. Eventually, they will open from 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. on weekdays and 6 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday and closed on Sunday.
I know many of you are ready (and need) to get back to your regular caffeine schedule. Once fully opened this will be a great option for everyone and I appreciate that it’s a locally owned company.
Cups will also operate the coffee shop in Sanderson Tower and the coffee stand in the Pavilion will be run by PJs, who has a restaurant in Fondren. Those locations should be ready to serve up some joe and lattes later this month.
— — —
As I leave you today, I want to share how happy I was when I opened the daily COVID-19 patient census report on Wednesday and saw that we had dipped below 100 suspected or confirmed cases in our hospitals. And even more glad that we’ve stayed at two digits for three days straight now. I am hopeful that downward trend will continue.
Every day you are doing amazing things. From all corners of UMMC and all locations across Mississippi – you are making a difference. Thank you.