Hartford Business Journal

www.HartfordBusiness.com • April 27, 2020 • Hartford Business Journal 29 CONNECTICUT HEALTH CARE: LEADERSHIP IN A TIME OF CRISIS 50 Gaylord Farm Road, Wallingford, CT 06492 | Gaylord.org Dear Community Partners, It is often during a crisis that we see the best in human- ity. This unprecedented time in our history has once again proven that to be true. Gaylord, like other healthcare orga- nizations, is being challenged to meet needs that are shift- ing moment by moment in both scope and demand as we respond to COVID-19. As an organization and a community, we are learning how to rise quickly to new levels of innova- tion, agility, and sacrifice. The tremendous community and business support that is springing up to aid Gaylord and other healthcare organizations throughout the state and across the nation overwhelms me. We are in this crisis together, and our mission can only be achieved through a persistent team effort. Whether it is healthcare organizations in Connecticut sharing equipment, knowledge, and resources or individuals and businesses from communities across the state stepping forth with goods and supplies, each participant is critically needed and deeply appreciated. We are seeing a stream of state and local vendors offer- ing vital supplies, sewers from surrounding communities making and delivering face masks, foundations providing personal protective equipment, organizations and individu- als giving financial support, and local businesses donating food, beverages, and needed materials. These quiet efforts are often sacrificial — they come at the cost of time, energy, and expense. But this crisis is revealing our interdependence on each other and reinforces the role that healthcare organiza- tions play within their local communities. This generous support from businesses and individuals across the state has freed our staff, and that of other organi- zations, to focus on what is most important — our patients. You have all helped to ease unexpected demands, allowing us to continue providing critically needed care and services. Gaylord stands ready to help our healthcare partners across the state. We play an essential role in the continuum of care for Connecticut's most fragile members, returning them to health and function after they have suffered an injury or illness. We thank and recognize the heroic efforts of our acute care partners as they tirelessly continue their work on the frontline of this devastating virus. I am confident that we will get through this time and emerge as a more robust organization, not only as a result of being tested but also because this crisis has revealed un- breakable bonds of collaboration and community support. To each business, vendor, foundation, family, and individual who has offered support, I say thank you. Because of your commitment and efforts, Gaylord can continue to provide exceptional care for patients across the region during their greatest time of need. With Gratitude, Sonja A. LaBarbera MSOL, MS CCC/SLP President and Chief Executive Officer Gaylord Specialty Healthcare

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