Saturday morning several employees from Saint Joseph Health System in Plymouth held a protest of Trinity Health’s announcement earlier this month that mandates COVID-19 vaccines.
Employees were joined by family members and friends and stood strong during several bouts of rain. The 70 or so protesters lined the curve on State Road 17 in front of the hospital for several hours.
Trinity Health announced July 8th, the national health system will require all colleagues, clinical staff, contractors and those conducting business in its health care facilities be vaccinated against COVID-19. The requirement applies to Trinity Health’s more than 117,000 employees in 22 states nationwide in an effort to stop the spread of the virus and keep all patients, colleagues and the broader communities safe. This includes approximately 3,000 Saint Joseph Health System colleagues.
Since December 2020, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first vaccine for Emergency Use Authorization, Trinity Health has strongly encouraged vaccination for all colleagues and within the communities its various Health Ministries serve. To date, the health system estimates nearly 75% of Trinity Health employees have already received at least one dose of the vaccine, and it now looks to close the gap with this new requirement.
Employees at Trinity Health must meet a series of rolling deadlines, with most locations requiring them to submit proof of vaccination by Sept. 21, 2021. Exemptions are available for religious or health reasons and must be formally requested, documented and approved.
Colleagues who refuse COVID-19 vaccination and do not receive an approved exemption, will no longer be employed by our organization.
