Looking back on a year of challenges and achievements
December 22, 2021 | From the CEO, General
It’s hard to believe we are already at the close of 2021 (and for some it can’t end soon enough). But even with all the trials and tribulations of another twelve months navigating a pandemic, it’s still been a remarkable and, in many ways, inspiring year.
I would like to take a moment to recognize and appreciate everything we have been through in 2021. Through these challenging times I have been truly humbled by the Kline Galland community, who have time and again been able to overcome any obstacle with dedication, determination, and kindness.
I also want to express my utmost gratitude to our staff, donors, volunteers, families, and leadership at Kline Galland—without you, we would not be where we are today. Over the past year, our board has shown incredible dedication, aligning on one common goal: to keep everyone as safe as possible amidst one of the worst pandemics in modern history. Our staff has shown incredible resilience and compassion, working to not only keep residents healthy and happy, but also reassure families that their loved ones are in the best of hands. We appreciate the families of patients taking extra precautions when visiting—it truly makes a difference and protects us all.
While it’s no surprise much of the past year’s focus has been on the pandemic, I believe it’s equally important to draw attention to some of our accomplishments and awards in 2021, which speak volumes to the ongoing dedication of our people.
Kline Galland is honored to once again be recognized by Newsweek as the Best Nursing Home in the state of Washington. Newsweek bases their ratings on performance data, peer recommendations, and the facility’s handling of the COVID-19 threat. In addition to the Newsweek rating, we were also given the Washington State Department of Health Long-Term Care COVID-19 Immunization Champion Award—an honor our 99% vaccinated residents and staff can truly celebrate.
I would also like to recognize Kline Galland’s Chief Operating Officer Min An, for winning the Pamela Waechter Jewish Communal Professional Award from The Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. Min is a staple in our community and her talent, thoughtfulness and dedication continues to have a tremendous impact on Kline Galland’s residents, patients, families, and staff.
In addition to these accolades, it’s worth highlighting a few of our other major milestones in 2021. In October, we celebrated the renaming of The Summit at First Hill as the Mary Schwartz Summit, thanks to an incredibly generous donation from Gary and Karen Schwartz in honor of Gary’s mother. And, our resurgent Nursing Academy has already graduated three classes of fantastic new employees who bring skill, heart, and diligence to everything they do. Speaking of which, 2021 also brought a number of promotions and retirements. To those Kline Galland family members we say, “Job Well Done” as well as a heartfelt “Thank You.”
Through persistence, hard work, and at times, sheer will, we continue to provide thoughtful, thorough, and conscious care to our residents and patients as well as their families. Together, everyone at Kline Galland has worked tirelessly to do the right thing, every single day, and provide the best care possible. The dedication of our staff is what keeps us best in class.
While there are undoubtedly many things we will learn in the year ahead, in the meantime we urge everyone eligible to get vaccinated and boosted, and do everything possible to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns; my door is always open.
And rest assured, with whatever 2022 brings, we will continue to serve our community…every day, in every way, for every one.
Jeffrey D. Cohen
Chief Executive Officer
Kline Galland
