OPERATION SANTA CLAUS
OSC sends off gifts for 2,800 NH children
Monday was delivery day for our Operation Santa Claus program, the culmination of months of preparation to ensure thousands of Granite State children get gifts this holiday season.
In total, 2,800 children all around the state will receive gifts this year. There are so many who play a role in this process, from our members at DHHS who identify children in need, to the sponsors – including many state employees, and our volunteers who coordinate the entire process.
We are proud to play a role in this amazing program and we thank everyone who helps make it happen.
MEMBERS IN ACTION
Pair recognized for exemplary service
Two SEA/SEIU Local 1984 members – JoAnne Coles and Scott Marcellino – were recognized with the Exemplary Service Award at the Department of Health and Human Services.
The Commissioner’s Exemplary Service Award is presented to workers as nominated by their peers. In addition to an award presentation at their worksite, recipients’ names are added to a plaque at the Brown Building. Congrats to both JoAnne and Scott!
JoAnne Coles is presented with the award by former commissioner Jeff Meyers. Coles is a Child Protective Services Worker (CPSW) at the Division for Children, Youth and Families, and was recognized as a role model to her colleagues, and for going above and beyond her job duties in her work with youth aging out of the foster care system. Her nominator wrote that JoAnne “pushes her co-workers to also strive to give youth the knowledge, resources, power, and most of all, hope, that they can be fully functioning members of society.”
Scott Marcellino poses for a photo with SYSC Director Rhonda Henault and DCYF Director Joseph Ribsam after Marcellino was presented with the award. Marcellino, a Youth Counselor III at the Sununu Youth Services Center, received the special commendation for action he took when a youth began to choke on food during lunch. Scott performed the Heimlich maneuver and cleared the youth’s airway. His training and quick thinking prevented the youth from choking.
GOVERNANCE
SEA Board affirms decision to fly Pride flag
At its Dec. 12 meeting, the SEA/SEIU Local 1984 Board of Directors heard a member request to take down the Pride flag from in front of the SEA office. The members of the board heard that request, as well as a compromise option presented to only fly the flag during Pride month (June). After some impassioned discussion, the board reaffirmed its decision to fly the flag year-round. The motion unanimously approved by the board is as follows:
MOTION: That the Board clarify that its decision to fly the diversity flag at the union hall was made for non-political reasons; and having heard the objections, reaffirm. Moved, seconded, and passed unanimously.
HEALTH BUZZ
Convenient MD adds lab services
Workers covered by the state employee health benefit have a new option for lab services – ConvenientMD has partnered with LabCorp to provide lab services under Anthem’s site-of-service program. This new lab draw service is effective immediately and will allow patients to walk in any day – or use ConvenientMD’s new online check-in feature – with their lab orders. There will be no charge to the member since the service is included in the site-of-service program.
The State of New Hampshire site-of-service website has been updated to reflect this new service as well. If your members have any questions, they can call Anthem directly using the number on the back of their ID cards or contact their local Convenient MD.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Upcoming SEA/SEIU Local 1984 events
Movie night: Social Activities and Campaign for Public Good bring back movie night on Thursday, Feb. 6, with a screening of “The Story of Facism in Europe,” followed by a facilitated discussion. The social begins at 5 p.m. and the movie begins at 6 p.m. at our office at 207 N. Main St. in Concord. Event is open to members, friends and family.