Overwhelmed? Does the pandemic have you feeling excessively tired, foggy or under mental strain? You may be experiencing “emotional labor,” a phenomenon that involves the exertion of energy for the purpose of addressing other people’s feelings, trying to make them feel comfortable, or seeking to live up to social expectations. Please watch the YouTube recording above of our virtual panel of Nantucket speakers followed by Q&A on emotional labor, how to recognize it, and resources to help during these challenging times.

Featuring:

• Sarah Munsen, “Women and Emotional Labor in the Pandemic Age“ | Nantucket Cottage Hospital’s Social Services Manager
• Lera Keller, “Preventing Emotional Labor Burnout in Mothers through Support Building and Childbirth Preparation” | Doula & Educator at Lera Keller Reproductive Journey Support
• Charity Grace Mofsen, “A Moment to a Movement: Sustaining the Emotional Labor” | Community Advocate and DEI Consultant

While summer is coming to an end, the efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 on Nantucket must continue and recent events underscore the need for renewed vigilance in the island community.

Two recent COVID-19 cases on Nantucket appear to be connected to a beach party attended by many young people that occurred on Monday, August 17^th. Contact tracing is underway, and we are encouraging anyone who may have attended the party to get tested at Nantucket Cottage Hospital as soon as possible.

For months now, we have urged island residents and visitors to take reasonable precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus on Nantucket, including wearing masks, practicing physical distancing, and hand-washing. This guidance includes refraining from gathering in large groups for parties or other festivities, which can pose a significant risk for transmission of this virus. (more…)

Watch the 109th Annual Meeting of Nantucket Cottage Hospital on Aug. 21, 2020.

Nantucket Cottage Hospital welcomed Craig Muhlhauser as its new Chairman of the Board of Trustees on Friday during its 109^th Annual Meeting while honoring the accomplishments of its outgoing Chair Kevin Hickey, and presented the hospital’s annual awards to staff and community members. Special guest Dr. Peter Slavin, President of Massachusetts General Hospital, provided an update from Boston, touching on the research happening around treatments and immunizations for COVID-19.

Nantucket Cottage Hospital President and CEO Gary Shaw announced to the annual meeting attendees gathering virtually on Zoom that Muhlhauser had been appointed as the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

“With a new facility and new leadership under Gary Shaw, Nantucket Cottage Hospital has a unique opportunity to fulfill the promise of our new hospital, deliver more and better services to our patients, and help make our community healthier and safer,” Muhlhauser said. “I’m excited to be part of this journey and looking forward to the year to come.” (more…)

Nantucket Cottage Hospital is aware of the new state mandate requiring influenza vaccination for students before Dec. 31, 2020.

At this time, the hospital has not yet received its allocation of flu shots for the community but we expect to receive it over the next few weeks. We are actively planning our annual flu shot clinics for patients and will be working closely with the Nantucket Public Schools and the Town of Nantucket Health Department to expand access and availability this fall. We will announce the dates of our annual flu shot clinics and all other immunization initiatives as soon as possible on our web site, social media platforms, and through the local newspapers and radio stations. There will be ample time and opportunities for all students to receive their immunization. (more…)