HSB I-COURT WANPRC
Please follow *THIS LINK* for media of the renovations.
In October 2016, one of the goals of the Dare 2 Care (D2C) Compassion Fatigue Program and Committee, was to turn the AT’s (Animal Technicians) breakrooms into a place where the AT’s (and others) could go and not just eat but could relax as well. How did this breakroom project come about? It was determined after an extensive needs assessment that having a nice and relaxing breakroom was a major concern of the AT’s. Here at the Primate Center one of the breakrooms did need some immediate attention. After inviting Preston Van Hooser from the Office of Animal Welfare and a Chair of the Compassion Fatigue Committee, we came up with a list of things that needed attention in order for the breakroom to be transformed. For example, the ATs needed to use their toaster oven and microwave simultaneously but couldn’t without blowing a fuse so facility requests were submitted regarding the electrical system. Also, removal of shelves would be needed along with a new paint job because it was time to get away from the 1970’s green. New clocks and some pictures would need to be added as well.
It was also important that a new attitude toward the breakroom would need to be addressed and maintained. I remember the great quote by my mother Arnetta Gray, “How can we expect more if we don’t take care of what we already have?”. I stressed this to the ATs and they agreed, so a diligent effort was made to keep the breakroom clean and organized. Now this was not easy, but everyone eventually got on board and then the transformation took place. The electrical problem was addressed and fixed, shelves were removed and walls were painted, cabinets were well organized and a drawing by a former AT was framed, and a clock showing a monkey was also added. However, the highlight was a beautiful window portrait of a spectacular view of the mountains was added and this made the breakroom transformation complete. The portrait also had a plaque that reads, “Presented to WaNPRC I-Wing Facility Animal Care Staff in Recognition of your essential contributions to the Research Team in providing outstanding Care and Compassion to the Research Animals, UW D2C Compassion Fatigue Committee 2017”.
Needless to say, this was very overwhelming in a great way to the ATs they were truly thankful and so was I. Preston Van Hooser, Dr. Sally Thompson-Iritani, and all the Compassion Fatigue Committee members were very inspirational for making this happen! When you start a project like this and then see it come to completion it’s a great feeling! The breakroom projects and other objectives on our list are still in progress but as a committee we plan to keep moving forward! Once again the I-Wing facility AT’s and I say thank you to the Compassion Fatigue Committee!
Tony Gray
Anthony “Tony” Gray
Operations Manager
WaNPRC
Office 206-685-9119
