Gerry, NY – Heritage Ministries President and CEO, Lisa Haglund, shared that Heritage skilled nursing communities in Chautauqua County have requested assistance from the National Guard, according to a statement released this week.

“The pandemic has presented so many challenges for the healthcare community, and we continue to explore additional opportunities to support our employees. While our staffing ratios have remained higher than many healthcare organizations nationally throughout the pandemic, this week, at our request, members of the National Guard will begin to arrive at our rehabilitation and skilled nursing communities in Chautauqua County as a part of Governor Hochul and New York State’s on-going commitment and pledge to assist our healthcare community in our time of need. We welcome the National Guard soldiers, their passion to serve, and their support with open arms as we all work together to provide for our beloved residents, as we have for over 135 years.”

Haglund shared that National Guard service men and women will provide much-needed temporary assistance and relief to front-line teams at Heritage who have heroically and tirelessly led the way since March 2020 for the organization.

“I cannot begin to thank our valued employees enough for all they have done, and continue to do. Again, and again, they rise to the occasion, offering help whenever, and wherever, it is needed, despite constant challenges, including ever-changing regulations, vaccine mandates, and staffing obstacles, always placing the care of our residents as their top priority. They truly are the reason we continue to remain #HeritageStrong.”

While at Heritage, the National Guard members will work alongside Heritage staff to support staff and residents in various roles.

Haglund added, “Just like our current teams at Heritage, our National Guard men and women have dedicated themselves to a mission of serving and caring for others. It’s an honor to have our Heritage heroes and the National Guard working together to serve our greatest generation, our seniors, many of whom are veterans themselves.” She went on to share, “While touring our National Guardsmen and women, they came across one of our residents in a memory care unit who had served as an Army nurse. She was so excited to see them and thanked them for their service, which was immediately returned by them thanking her for hers. She spent tearful and joyous time with them talking and reminiscing. This is why we have accepted support. It is a chance for Heritage to continue to break down barriers, and work across all lines to show our residents and staff we are there for them- whatever it takes.”

“We’re blessed to able to help our healthcare system to continue to serve those in need during this historically challenging time. We’re all in this together to serve our community in any way that we can,” she concluded.

Heritage Ministries was founded as the Orphanage and Homes of the Free Methodist Church in 1886 and has grown from its original campus in Gerry, NY, to six locations in New York, with additional affiliations across the United States. As a not-for-profit provider of senior care and housing, Heritage is a leader in the industry, employing approximately 1,500 team members, and serving over 2,500 individuals annually. With locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Washington, Heritage and its affiliates provide rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, memory care, independent retirement housing, and assisted living. For more information on Heritage Ministries, please visit www.heritage1886.org.