Dear Nebraska Educator,

The Educators Health Alliance would like to sincerely thank you for the work you are doing as we launch into the 2020-21 school year in these unprecedented times. We’d like to pass on a few reminders as the health of our members is the reason we exist.

First, we urge you to take advantage of the EHA benefits that are available to you. It is critically important that you schedule your normal preventive physician visits for annual exams, mammograms, colonoscopies, etc. Continue to take your prescription medications and if you aren’t already, consider refilling your maintenance prescriptions with 90-day supplies to reduce the number of visits to your pharmacy. If you need to talk with someone about any stress or anxiety you are experiencing, EHA providers are available for in-person visits or remote telemedicine visits.

Second, please continue to take care of yourself by continuing to exercise regularly, maintain a healthy diet and use stress reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, stretch breaks, etc. It may be difficult for you to think of yourself when you are concerned with those around you, but it is important to make sure you take care of your physical and mental wellbeing in these unusual and challenging times. The EHA Wellness Program has several challenges and programs to help you take care of yourself and is always available for you. Please see the enclosed card for more information on how you can get involved. If you have questions or aren’t familiar with EHA Wellness, email contact@ehawellness.org today.

Finally, we wanted to remind you to continue to follow the CDC recommended guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wear a mask when in the presence of others;
• Maintain social distance of 6 feet whenever possible;
• Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water; and
• Use hand sanitizer when unable to access soap and water for handwashing.

We thank you for everything you continue to do to serve children and youth in Nebraska. We encourage you to take care of yourself and to access all the EHA has to offer you as we work together to enter the new school year in a safe and healthy manner.

Sincerely,

Maddie Fennell, NBCT  
NE State Education Association  

Mike Dulaney, Ph.D.
NE Council of School Administrators

John Spatz, J.D.
NE Association of School Boards