PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Dear St. Joseph's Health Colleague, We are cautiously optimistic that by Tuesday, September 28 at least 90 percent of our colleagues will have taken action to meet New York state's COVID vaccine requirement. We have provided education and support to those colleagues who have not yet submitted information about their vaccination status, and have given them every opportunity to take action. Our colleagues are our most valuable resource and the goal of this requirement is vaccination, not termination, but we understand that a small percentage of our workforce will make the difficult decision to leave the industry altogether. We are examining all our options to help ease the burden this may put on our staff including pausing some services, consolidating our ORs and adjusting elective surgeries. We hope to know more in the days ahead as we have a clearer picture of the full impact on our organization as well as those around us. Our mission is to serve the greater good as a transforming healing presence in our community, and that means each and every one of us must continue do our part to protect our patients and our fellow colleagues. Thank you for your tireless efforts to keep yourself and those around you safe. Cee Leslie Paul Luke President and CEO Sincerely,