Fall is here, which also means it's flu season. Let's welcome the beauty of fall foliage without the worry of getting sick with the flu!  

Here are some facts about the flu and why you should get vaccinated to protect yourself from getting sick. 

What Is the Flu?

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infects the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and, at times, can lead to death.

As part of Sepsis Awareness Month in September, our teams were busy celebrating excellence in the recognition, treatment and prevention of sepsis—because our commitment to decreasing sepsis mortality and providing better patient outcomes is ongoing. 

Habib Samady, MD, will join our team as Carilion’s inaugural senior vice president and director of the Cardiovascular Institute. 

Dr. Samady brings more than two decades of leadership in advancing cardiovascular care, most recently serving as president of the Cardiovascular service line and co-founder and president of the Georgia Heart Institute at Northeast Georgia Health System. Prior to that he served as a professor of medicine, director of interventional cardiology and cardiac catheterization laboratory at Emory University School of Medicine.

This week, both Moody’s and S&P Global released bond rating reports related to our upcoming bond financing. Similar to a personal credit ”score“ maintaining a strong bond rating from these agencies allows Carilion Clinic to access capital markets at favorable interest rates, which is essential for funding our long-term projects. 

Cooler morning temperatures are on the horizon, and the smell of pumpkin spice is in the air. Time for a new round of Fall-themed Employee Extras prize opportunities!  Check out the curated seasonal boxes, ticket drawings and more as we head into the end of 2025.

FALL BOX SERIES

One box will be drawn from each category 4 times this season. Drawings will take place on the following dates: Oct. 10, Oct. 24, Nov. 7, Nov. 21

Kim Butterfield (L), director of well-being, Dr. Lisa Uherick (R), Carilion Pediatric Emergency physician and Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine's chief well-being officer

Every September, communities nationwide unite to observe Suicide Prevention Month—an annual opportunity to raise awareness, combat stigma and empower people with tools for hope and healing. Every conversation, every resource and every act of compassion can potentially impact and help save lives. This month, we are proud to highlight several initiatives designed to promote mental well-being and to support those affected by suicide, loss or loneliness.

In May, you shared submissions of your favorite local hikes—and the Wellness at Work team was inspired! 

A Message from President and CEO Steve Arner

We are entering the final weeks before Nexus go-live—a project that has been two years in the making. I know many of you are excited about this change. I’m looking forward to making processes easier for our teams. As a reminder, UKG Pro Workforce goes live Sept. 21, and Workday and the expanded Employee Center go live Oct. 1.

Meet Ottillia Lewis, Trauma Outreach Coordinator and Trauma Survivors Network Coordinator

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