MARCH 2024WELCOME!Welcome to the Elbow Tree Cooperative monthly newsletter. We are thrilled to launch this initiative to keep you updated on all the exciting developments, events, and news within our SJCFR community. This newsletter aims to strengthen our connection and keep the team informed by providing you with valuable insights, updates, and exclusive content directly to your inbox every month. Here is some of what you can expect from our newsletters:
So Long Airtable and OhMD!As many of you have read in the email from Hayne, we are transitioning away from Airtable (praise!) to a new custom Google Sheet. In this Google Sheet you will be able to submit your service hours for the Cooperative, similar to how you did in Airtable expect you will be able to view your past submissions to better keep track of your hours. As stated by Hayne, our goal is to help you be even more accurate and efficient in your monthly reporting which will help speed up the invoicing process with the county, resulting in us getting paid sooner. It's crucial to diligently track your hours to avoid the risk of late submissions. Any delays could result in your submissions being held until the next invoice cycle or could potentially delay payment for the entire team. If you have any questions about this transition please reference the emails Hayne has sent out. We are also transitioning away from OhMD due to persistent glitches and issues that have been hindering our ability to communicate in a timely and effective manner. Moving forward, we will be utilizing Google Chat, accessible through your Elbow Tree Cooperative Gmail account. Google Chat is HIPAA compliant and already integrated into our business account, ensuring an ethical and effortless transition. Please take the time to download and set up the Google Chat app to ensure you stay informed and connected without missing any critical information or communication. Click the button below titled "Contractor Log In" to access the information you need to access your unique web link to your ETCO Time Submission spreadsheet for making monthly submissions. Password is Turn1Here2 SJCFR NEWS: Advocate and Protect“Knowing that we had between 50 or 60 people there that day, knowing that they are waiting every day for a sign of something to pop up is something we have to act on. We have to do something about this… We have to continue to fight for them and to protect them." During the January 2024 Legislative session, leaders from St. Johns County met with the Department of Financial Services to propose expanding presumptive disability coverage to provide the necessary treatment and medical care to maintain quality of life for fire rescue personnel inflicted by neurodegenerative diseases, which studies suggest may be linked to their exposure to toxic chemicals on duty. During the January 2024 Legislative session, leaders from St. Johns County met with the Department of Financial Services to propose expanding presumptive disability coverage to provide the necessary treatment and medical care to maintain quality of life for fire rescue personnel inflicted by neurodegenerative diseases, which studies suggest may be linked to their exposure to toxic chemicals on duty. There has been a significant increase in industrial fires since 2021, specifically a notable 129% increase, potentially exposing firefighters to hazardous chemicals. Recent studies suggest that firefighters regularly exposed to toxic chemicals may have a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders. St. Johns County is seeking state support to conduct comprehensive research to better understand the correlation between toxic exposure and neurological deficits among firefighters. The push for this initiative stems from a gas station explosion in St. Augustine in 2011, where firefighters may have been exposed to harmful chemicals. Sarah Arnold, Board Chair of District 2, emphasized the importance of taking action to support firefighters facing potential long-term health effects and to continue advocating for their protection, “Knowing that we had between 50 or 60 people there that day, knowing that they are waiting every day for a sign of something to pop up is something we have to act on. We have to do something about this… We have to continue to fight for them and to protect them.” Elbow Tree Cooperative Data:Since the Elbow Tree Cooperative started in October 2023 we have seen a steady increase in numbers showing that the co-op is making a difference in the lives of St. John’s County fire rescue personnel and families. On average, from October 2023 through January 2024 we have had 62.5 unique monthly utilizers, totaling to 615 session hours in all. As we progress and move forward with the ETCO Time Submission Database we will be able to see more detailed information on the utilization of the cooperative and the lives it is impacting. Keep it up team! October 2023: 141 session hours November 2023: 143 session hours December 2023: 143 session hours January 2024: 188 session hours Total: 615 session hours Taking Care of Our Own: A Guide for Preparing for a Line of Duty DeathOn February 16th, Hayne and several Co-Op clinicians dedicated the day to training alongside Fire Rescue personnel, chaplains, and peer support members from the Florida and Georgia region, with the aim of enhancing their capabilities in handling line of duty deaths (LODD). Sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the training was crafted to deepen understanding and bolster support for both family members and fire service survivors following a LODD. Central to the training was the emphasis on establishing a comprehensive plan to ensure that every step is executed with compassion and professionalism.
While we may never anticipate such a tragic event happening to one of our own, statistics reveal a stark reality: on average, a firefighter loses their life in the line of duty every three days. These figures, albeit alarming, underscore the critical need for preparedness. The Fire Chief from Asheville, NC, delivered an impactful presentation recounting a LODD experience within their department. Reflecting on the loss of Captain Bowen, hailed as "the best of the best," the Chief recounted the events of July 28th when a routine fire alarm escalated into a tragic incident.
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Abbey lanfordWelcome to the Elbow Tree Cooperative Team Newsletter. Grab a cup of coffee and make yourself at home, we have exciting things to share with you. |