MID-COLUMBIA MEDICAL CENTER Summer 2007www.mcmc.net

Home AwayFrom HomeNew MedicalGroup Director

Teeing UpFor ChuckGolf BenefitHonors Dr. Miller

MCMC WinsQuality Award

Home AwayFrom HomeNew MedicalGroup Director

Teeing UpFor ChuckGolf BenefitHonors Dr. Miller

MCMC WinsQuality Award

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At Mid-Columbia Medical Center, serving patients

with high-quality care in a safe environment has

always been our No. 1 priority. I hope this doesn’t come as an

earthshaking revelation; frankly, it’s the least you should

expect of your hospital.

But I do think it is worth pointing out to you the

remarkable results our physicians and staff are achieving to

meet these goals and continually push the quality bar higher.

You should know that when you turn to us for care, you are turning to a hospital whose care quality in many

areas is being recognized as a step above most of our Oregon colleagues.

In this issue of Well Aware, we present you with one example of this. Recently MCMC received an award

from an organization dedicated to improving the quality of healthcare for our standing as the second-highest

rated Oregon hospital in several patient care measurements. This is a remarkable achievement when you consider

we were being measured against every hospital in Oregon.

In addition to this, MCMC recently participated in an exclusive national quality study designed to lower

infection rates following surgeries. Even though our infection rates were low to begin with, our staff aggressively

lobbied the organization coordinating the study to be included. Their commitment to patient care excellence was

so great they wanted to participate so they could implement the latest and best infection control practices being

used nationwide.

As a result of their efforts, Oregon was the only state in the country allowed to have two hospitals included

in the study. Our participation, along with Oregon Health & Science University, has enabled us to incorporate the

most effective surgical infection control measures available well before they are being implemented in other

hospitals across the nation.

I’m proud of our physicians and staff for their ongoing commitment to the highest standards in patient care. But

I’m sharing this information not so much to boast as to address an ages-old stereotype about small rural hospitals.

We enjoy fabulous support from our community, and we are deeply appreciative of it. However, we still hear

of people who think they have to leave our community and head to the “big city” to get the best care.

But as we pointed out in a recent advertising campaign, our physicians and staff have proved time and again

that not all big-city care is in the big city.

Sincerely,

Duane Francis

President/CEO

A Model forQuality Care

On the Cover:Sam Derrick joins MCMC as thenew director of Mid-ColumbiaMedical Group. 3

Inside ScoopIt is Our Mission…

To lead and act as a catalyst inpromoting health for all people.

To recognize the individual as a wholehuman being with different needs that

must be enthusiastically met.

To communicate a vision of health, art,education, technology and create a centerfor healing which will continually upgrade

the quality of life in the communityenvironment in which we live.

To empower people to becomepartners in their health care.

Mid-Columbia Medical Center is a not-for-profithealthcare organization offering comprehensive

services to the Mid-Columbia Region, and isgoverned by a volunteer Board of Trustees:

Robert L.R. BaileyJorge Barragan

Paul Cardosi, M.D.Pamela ClausenDuane Francis

Gretchen KimseyRobert A. Staver, M.D.

Wallace Wolf, Jr., D.V.M.

WellAware is published byMid-Columbia Medical Center

1700 East 19th StreetThe Dalles, OR 97058

(541) 296-7545

All rights reserved. No information may be reprintedwithout the written consent of MCMC.

Photo Credits:Cover, pages 4, 5, 6, 7, 13, 16, 17, 18 by Jim Semlor

Page 2 & 8 by Susan CrowleyGroup photo bottom of page 16 by Jonah Gilmore

(ON THE COVER)Home Away from HomeA long way from Louisiana, our new medicalgroup director already feels at home.

Summer 2007

MCMC Wins AwardHospital’s commitment to high qualitypatient care earns recognition.

A Joint EffortNew program offers comprehensive supportfor hip and knee replacement patients.

Mind, Body CalendarUpcoming education programs from theCenter for Mind & Body Medicine.

Restoring BalanceProgram helps put balance back in seniors’ lives.

Teeing up for ChuckFoundation Golf Benefit honors memory of popular local dentist.

Learning AidRandy Rood Memorial scholarships helpyoung students realize their college dreams.

Spiritual Care Volunteers Have some extra time and spare compassion?

A Rhythm Runs Through ItHow drumming can help you beat stress.

Celebrating CeliloMCMC supports Maryhill Museum’s Celilo celebration.

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a Planetree Hospital

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It’s safe to say Derrick is nohappier to have found MCMC thanMCMC is to have found him.

“Directing our affiliate medicalclinics is one of the most importantpositions in our organization,” saysMCMC President and CEO DuaneFrancis. “It’s no secret that we’veexperienced a difficult period oftransition, with several physiciansleaving our community last year. Butwe have gone a long way towardremedying that situation. With hismanagement skills and warmpersonality, Sam is the perfect personto build on that momentum andcontinue to improve and grow ourmedical community.”

Derrick brings impressive credentials to his newposition at the helm of MCMC’s affiliate group of 24physicians and allied healthcare providers. They practiceat Columbia Hills Family Medicine and seven internalmedicine and family practice clinics in The Dalles.

Born in tiny Mansfield, Louisiana, Derrick left hishometown to attend Kent State University, where hegraduated with a bachelor’s degree. He then moved on tothe Medical University of South Carolina, where heearned a master’s in health administration.

After his formal education, Derrick completed anadministrative fellowship at the prestigious ClevelandClinic, Cleveland, Ohio. While there he served for a timeas the administrator of the Pediatric and Congenital HeartCenter. Most recently Derrick was the medical practiceexecutive for a 15-site primary care network affiliatedwith a large medical center in Baton Rouge.

In addition to his education and experience,Derrick also has achieved status as a certified medicalpractice executive.

In his new office on 12th Street in The Dalles, Derrickproudly displays a photograph of a whale breaching thesurface of the water off the coast of Massachusetts, arainbow projected skyward off its back. Derrick is an avidphotographer, and this is one of his favorite shots.

Many of Derrick’s first impressions of the PacificNorthwest passed through the lens of his camera during a2003 trip to Olympic National Park. They were memorableshots in more ways than one.

“I had always been fascinated by the northwest,” hesays. “So when I got to Seattle, saw the pristinemountains across the Puget Sound, experienced the crisp,clear northwest air and ultimately became addicted to

Starbucks, I knew I needed to beginlooking for a way to come back.”

In MCMC and the community of TheDalles, Derrick says he found his perfectcombination of lifestyle and leadership.In January he and his wife Andrea, theirson Sam, 7, daughter Jenna, 3, and“wiener dog” Chili said goodbye to familyand friends in Louisiana and headed west.

“You cannot beat the lifestyle here,”Derrick says. “But as important as thatwas, I also wanted to be able to workalongside a seasoned executive mentor,like Duane Francis, whose style was agood fit with my own.”

Now that he and his family aresettled, Derrick has focused his effortson ensuring residents of the region

continue to have access to timely, professional andpatient-centered primary care.

The recent arrival of several new practitioners hashelped solve the access problem that many patients wereexperiencing last year, and Derrick says recruitingadditional doctors and allied health professionals remainsa top priority. He’s also working internally to ensure thatall patients are receiving a consistent level of outstandingservice and attention at each of the Mid-ColumbiaMedical Group clinic sites.

“High-quality care and warm and attentive serviceare vital for a successful medical group,” Derrick says.“When our patients and guests walk into any of the Mid-Columbia Medical Group clinics, they are placingtheir trust in us, and our goal is to always exceed theirexpectations.”

When Derrick was deciding whether or not to uproothis family and move them to an unfamiliar part of thecountry, he placed his trust in his own faith. Now, in hisnew job and his new hometown, it is his own highexpectations that are being exceeded.

“I have felt right at home from the moment I havearrived,” he says.

“When our patients andguests walk into any of the

Mid-Columbia Medical Groupclinics, they are placingtheir trust in us, and ourgoal is to always exceed

their expectations.”

For a fellow who barely has had time to clean the bugsoff his windshield after moving his family across the

country, Sam Derrick already is sounding like his roots in theMid-Columbia are bedrock deep.

“Faith, prayer and careful consideration brought mehere,” he says. “So if you want me to leave, you’ll have torun me out of here. I’m home.”

The odds are slim that anyone is going to try to runDerrick out of town any time soon. Not after MCMCadministrators embarked on a nationwide search to find theperfect candidate to become the new executive director ofMid-Columbia Medical Group.

A long way from theplace of his upbringing,

the new director ofMid-Columbia Medical

Group already is feelingright at home.

Home AwayFrom Home

Home AwayFrom Home

Sam and Andrea Derrick with one oftheir two children, daughter Jenna

various types of medical or surgical care,” says MCMC’sPatsy Delaney, R.N.

For example, MCMC staff now clip the hair around apatient’s surgical site rather than shave it, which reducesskin trauma and chance of infection. They deliver pre-surgical antibiotics at precisely prescribed times, whichalso reduces chance of infection, and they cease thedelivery of post-surgical medications at a specific time toreduce the chance of dependency.

Knowing heart attack patients have better outcomeswhen aspirin and beta blockers (used to treat high bloodpressure and other heart conditions) are delivered within24 hours of their arrival at the hospital, MCMC staff aimsto make sure this happens 100 percent of the time. TheAcumentra award demonstrates their success at meetingthis and many other quality goals.

“At MCMC, everyone on the staff plays ball,” Dr. Medaksays. “They all have the same commitment to excellencein patient care. The entire team gets together regularly todiscuss the best quality measures to take, whereadjustments should be made. It truly is all about thepatient at MCMC.”

Medak says MCMC’s example reinforces her belief thatthe commitment to quality has to be organization-wideto be successful. “Every good organization has anexcellent board of directors that is involved and thatholds senior executives, staff and physicians accountablefor results,” she says. “It’s clear everyone is on the samepage at Mid-Columbia.”

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Mid-Columbia Medical Center’s aggressive efforts to ensure every patient isgetting the right care every time have been recognized by one of Oregon’sleading healthcare quality organizations.

Dr. Ruth Medak (left) recently presented MCMC CEO Duane Francis and the hospital

board (including chair Gretchen Kimsey, above)with an award for patient care excellence.

MCMC Wins AwardFor Quality MeasuresMCMC Wins AwardFor Quality Measures

Acumentra Health recently presented MCMC with an award recognizing its standing as the

second-highest rated Oregon hospital in several patientcare measurements.

Formerly known as OMPRO, Acumentra is a nonprofitorganization dedicated to improving the quality andeffectiveness of healthcare. The organization collaborateswith practitioners, providers, public agencies, and private organizations on a wide range of healthcareimprovement projects and programs.

“There are 47 hospitals in Oregon, and we evaluatedata from all of them,” says Ruth Medak, M.D., F.A.C.S.,associate medical director for Acumentra. “So MCMC’sachievement is pretty spectacular. The hospital and staffare really an example to other hospitals throughout thestate.”

“We’ve always made a concerted effort to ensure ourpatients’ safety and provide a high standard of care,”says MCMC vice president Dianne Storby, R.Ph. “Buttaking part in quality programs such as this gives us, andour patients, the opportunity to benefit from access tobest practices and measure our performance comparedwith other hospitals. No matter how well we’re doing toassure quality, we’re always continuing to look for betterways of doing things.”

When it comes to providing outstanding patient care,the details are everything, and MCMC’s quality efforts areintended to ensure no detail is overlooked.

“Using these best practices that have been developed,tested and reported by physicians and hospitals acrossthe country, there are a series of steps we follow, ormeasures we take, when treating patients who need

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Mind, Body HealingUPCOMING EDUCATION PROGRAMS FROM THE CENTER FOR MIND & BODY MEDICINE AT MID-COLUMBIA MEDICAL CENTER

Pre-registration required; please call 296-7202to register unless otherwise indicated.

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&WorkshopsClinics

Open Community Drummingwith Steve McLennon, MDTHURSDAY

June 28, 7 to 8 p.m.Medical Office BuildingConference RoomMCMC CampusDonations welcome!

Bring family and friends andexperience the joy of recreationalmusic making. No experience orequipment is necessary, and weguarantee immediate musical success!Numerous studies show a wide rangeof health benefits through rhythmicdrumming.

Individual Nutrition ConsultsBY APPOINTMENT ONLYMeet with our registered dietitian for one-on-one coaching. A dietitian provides reliable, objective nutrition information byseparating facts from fads and translating the latest scientificfindings into easy-to-understand nutrition information.

Aromatherapyand MeditationTUESDAYJune 19, 7 to 7:30 p.m.Fitness Center ClassroomMind Body MedicineCost: Free!

Calming the mindand relaxing withnature is theexperience offered inthis healing and stressreducing session. Thesession will include abrief introduction andthe practice ofmeditation combinedwith aromatherapy.It is geared for thosewho have experiencedor are new tomeditation.

June28

Healthy Weight SolutionsWEDNESDAYS

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.Call 296-7202 to enroll in next class

This outpatient program is a unique eight week progressive weight loss andwellness clinic that will provide a safeand supportive environment for weightloss achievement, stress reduction and disease prevention. The program will focus on a holistic solution to weightmanagement. The multi-disciplinary team includes a dietitian,registered nurse and physician. The curriculum will includeresearch based integrative strategies that are simple, practicaland lifelong. Space is limited.

Guided Relaxation and AromatherapyWEDNESDAYSJuly 18, 12:14 to 12:45 p.m.

Meditation Room, CeliloFree!

Experience 30 minutes of totalrelaxation. Relaxation expertSusan Erikson, aromatherapist Barb Robison and harpist AnnaFiasca will lead you in a guidedimagery and aromatherapyrelaxation technique, using pureessential oils and music. Leave thissession feeling calmly refreshed!

It’s about changing thoughtprocesses, making people feel

better and get back on their feetagain sooner.

It’s about providing in-deptheducation, helping people makeinformed decisions and making surethey understand and are comfortablewith what they will be experiencing.

And for the growing number ofpeople needing total jointreplacement surgery, it’s about timethere was a program dedicatedexclusively to them.

The demand for jointreplacements has increaseddramatically in recent years, a trendthat is expected to pick up even morespeed as the Baby Boomer continuesto infiltrate the ranks of the latemiddle-aged and senior years.

Reasons for the surge include anaging population suffering fromarthritis; the increasing number ofpeople who are overweight, whichputs stress on knee and hip joints;and the growing population ofBoomers, whose lifestyles are taxingtheir knees and hips more than theirparents did.

“With many advances in jointreplacement techniques andtechnology, patients have an array ofoptions from which to choose,” saysGreg Stanley, M.D., The Dallesorthopedic surgeon who directs theTotal Joint Experience program. Andthe results can be dramatic.

“There are few procedures thatreturn as much quality of life as jointreplacement,” Dr. Stanley says.

The new Total Joint Experience atMCMC is designed to help patientsfrom the start to the finish of the jointreplacement process — from helpingthem determine if they are goodcandidates in the first place to helpingthose who do elect to have surgeryachieve the speediest possible recovery.

“Through this program, we’reable to be a lot more aggressive in therehabilitation and education of ourtotal joint replacement patients,” saysDr. Stanley. “Patients are encouragedand helped to be successful.”

Participants in the Total JointExperience enjoy many benefits,including valuable patient education,a preoperative clinic, which bringstogether patient, family and surgicalteam for planning and information,and a unique, supportive setting for recovery.

The path to recovery starts evenbefore patients have surgery toreplace their hips or knees,procedures in which Dr. Stanley hasextensive training and expertise.

The Total Joint Experienceprogram offers monthly, educationalcommunity classes for people seekingmore information about joint painand joint replacement. This helpsthem make informed decisions, withtheir physicians, about having aprocedure or not.

If they elect to go forward,patients attend a one-stoppreoperative clinic. Here everythingneeded for surgery is addressed,necessary medical clearances areobtained, lab work is reviewed andanesthesiology services are gone over.

A Total Joint pre-procedure classeducates patients on what to expectboth when they arrive for surgery andafterward in terms of recovery andphysical therapy.

After surgery, joint replacementpatients aren’t just sitting aroundcomparing incisions and tellingsurgery stories.

“They’re having physical therapytogether, they’re up and in their ownclothes,” Dr. Stanley says. “They’regoing to be started immediately on apath of recovery and wellness, ratherthan prolonging the recovery period.”

If you have joint pain or think youmay be a candidate for jointreplacement and are interested inlearning more about MCMC’s TotalJoint Experience program, please call541-296-8444 to register for a freejoint pain community class.

A Joint Effort

Greg Stanley, M.D.

Local patients are benefiting from a comprehensivenew approach to preparing for and recovering fromknee or hip replacement surgery.

8 a Planetree Hospital

Work one on one with our yogainstructor and design a safe andeffective home yoga programindividualized to your specificneeds. Suitable for back pain,asthma, fibromyalgia, depression,multiple sclerosis, stroke, anxiety,weight loss and many other healthconcerns.

Individual Yoga Consultations$50 per hourBY APPOINTMENT ONLY

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This practice unwinds andrejuvenates mind and body withyoga stretching, breathingexercises and relaxation. Thisclass is designed for all ages andlevels of fitness. Regular practiceincreases flexibility, strength and balance.

All LevelsMONDAYS & THURSDAYS

5:30 to 7 p.m., Celilo$40 for 5 sessions,$60 for 10 sessions or$10 drop-in

&Exercise Movement

T’ai Chi is an ancient mind/body discipline of relaxedmovement. It involves gentle, meditative exercise forindividuals of all ages and fitness levels. Participants willenjoy increased balance, flexibility and coordination andimproved well being, while reducing stress and associatedpain and fatigue.

T’ai Chi Classfor BalanceTUESDAYS & THURSDAYS

12 week session11 a.m to noon, CeliloFree classes!

If you are interested inimproving your balance andimproving your lowerextremity strength, you mayqualify for our free Tai Chiclasses. Participants must be60 years of age or older orunder 60 years of age livingwith a chronic disease. Open to all Columbia RiverGorge residents. For moreinformation, please contactBarb Robison at the Center for Mind & Body Medicine,541-296-7414.

T’ai Chi

Individual Fitness Consult$60 per hour

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Meet with our fitness expert,and develop a fitness program that is right for

you. The consult includes body fat,flexibility and strength testing along withdesigning a personalized fitness plan.

beginsJune 5

Fitness for HealthMONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS5:30 to 9 a.m. & 4 to 7 p.m.

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS5:30 to 10:30 a.m. & 4 to 7 p.m.

SATURDAYS7:30 to 11:30 a.m.

CMBM Exercise Room, $30 per month

Designed for all levels of fitness. Begin or maintain a personalfitness program using state-of-the-art equipment with theassistance of a fitness instructor. Attend any combination oftimes that is convenient for your schedule.

T’ai Chi-Evening ClassComing Fall 2007MONDAYS & THURSDAYS

5:30 p.m., Celilo$45 for 8 week session

comingsoon!

Yoga

year-round

Flow Yoga WEDNESDAYS

5 to 6:30 p.m., Celilo$40 for 5 sessions,$60 for 10 sessions or$10 drop-in

This yoga practice combinesvinyasa flow (moving throughposes with purposeful breathing)with resting poses to encourage adeeper stretch and release. Greatfor reducing stress, increasingstrength, flexibility and improvingbalance! No previous yogaexperience necessary.

Acupuncture TherapyBY APPOINTMENT ONLYAcupuncture is one discipline taken from the heritage of Chinese medicine. Thetechnique involves the insertion of very fine needles at specific points in the bodywhich have been shown to be effective in the treatment of various conditions. Call296-7585 for appointments or for more information.

Relaxation Massage:60 min for $50/90 min for $75

Deep Body Massage:60 min for $55/90 min for $80

Warm Stone Therapy:60 min for $55/90 min for $80

Sports Massage:60 min for $55/90 min for $80

Pregnancy Massage: 60 min for $50

Thai Massage: 90 min for $80

Lymphatic Massage: 60 min for $55

ReikiBY APPOINTMENT ONLY

60 minutes, $55

Reiki is a stress reductiontechnique and promotes thebody’s natural ability to heal. Itis non-invasive and feels verypleasant to receive. It hasspecifically been documented torelax muscles, still the mind andease pain. It is considered anenergy medicine technique thatis administered by a trainedpractitioner to the client.Call 296-7389 for appointment.

&HealingTherapies

TherapeuticBody Work

Massage TherapyMassage therapy is one of the oldest formsof health practice. It has been used toenhance healing and general well beingsince ancient times. This therapymanipulates the skin, muscles and jointsfor muscle relaxation, improved circulationand stress relief. The therapists at Mid-Columbia Medical Center offer a variety ofmassage techniques tailored to yourspecific needs. Located at the CeliloCenter. To schedule an appointment orpurchase a gift certificate for a massage,call 296-7389.

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Medical Symptom Reduction ClinicThis is an eight-week course, in a group setting,designed to teach medical patients with a wide rangeof conditions how to better care for themselves and toparticipate more fully in their own healthcare. Theprogram is modeled after the highly successful andrespected Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programat the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

&Core HealthWellness Clinics

(Insurance companies and Medicare may cover all or a portion of the clinic fees. We willassist you in determining your insurance benefits. Physician referral may be required.)For class schedules and registration information, please call 541-296-7202.

CardiacRehabilitationClinicCardiac Rehabilitation isthe next step after a heartattack or heart surgery, adiagnosis of chest pain orother cardiac condition.This is a 10-week clinicthat includes supervisedexercise, nutritioninformation and educationin heart healthmanagement. This clinicwill help you to regainstrength and lessen fatiguewhile learning the tools toreduce cardiac risk factors.Classes are offeredthroughout the year.

Living Healthy with DiabetesThe Diabetes Self-Management Education Class is acomprehensive learning experience, which teaches themany different aspects of diabetes management. Thisfour-session course is offered on Mondays from 1 to3:30 p.m. and we encourage a support person toattend, at no additional fee. We promote patientwellness and, through education, will help you livehealthy with diabetes.

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Falling down is one of the leading causes of brain injury andfractures in older adults. A new program offered by Mid-Columbia

Medical Center is putting the balance back in people’s lives.A three-year grant is funding free T’ai Chi classes for participants

over 60 through MCMC’s Center for Mind & Body Medicine. Adultswith disabilities or chronic diseases may also participate, while othersunder 60 may take part if enough room is left in the popular classes.

“It’s so enjoyable, and research is finding T’ai Chi not onlyimproves physical strength, it strengthens the immune system,” sayscenter director Barbara Robison.

T’ai Chi is an ancient mind and body discipline of relaxedmovement. It involves gentle, meditative exercise for individuals of allages and fitness levels. Participants enjoy increased balance, flexibilityand improved well being, while reducing stress and associated painand fatigue.

The grant is administered through a partnership between MCMC, the Area Agency on Aging and the Mid-Columbia Council on Governments.

Under the grant guidelines, classes are now offered in The Dallesand Hood River. The second year of funding will see the programexpanded to rural Wasco and Hood River counties, while Sherman andGilliam counties will be added in the third year.

Medical professionals are teaching the classes, led by a trainerwho has more than 20 years of experience in the discipline.

“It’s a body movement class that increases strength and balanceand improves posture,” Robison says. “It’s gentle and it’s meditativeand it’s easy.”

The Oregon Research Institute has developed a form of T’ai Chitaught at the classes specifically designed to strengthen lowerextremities and improve balance to prevent falls. Tests are conductedbefore and after the courses, and outcomes are tracked to assess thesuccess of the program.

Many of those attending say they heard from a friend or relativeabout the benefits of T’ai Chi, Robison says, and the response has beenuniformly positive. The target for the number of people participating inthe free classes has been easily exceeded.

Those who enroll are accepted at whatever physical level they are, and all can benefit, Robison says, from people in walkers to thosewho run.

To sign up for the next course or for additional information,call Barb Robison at 541-296-7414.

Restoring Balance for Older Adults

BRINGING EDUCATION TOTHE WORKPLACE

PulmonaryHealth ServicesThe PulmonaryRehabilitation Program atMid-Columbia MedicalCenter is designed forpatients with chronicrespiratory disease (COPD,emphysema, asthma,chronic bronchitis,pulmonary fibrosis andother chronic lungconditions). This classexplores the relationshipof breathing and health.This 10-week clinic willguide patients in lifestylechanges that will helpthem to improve theirendurance and quality of life.

Goals within this programinclude:

• decreasing shortnessof breath

• improving physicalconditioning and exercise tolerance

• improving emotional well being

Mind Body staff members are available foreducational presentations

at your place of employment. We arehappy to work with your staff

to tailor presentations based onyour specific needs. Topics can beas diverse as stress management,nutrition, aromatherapy, fitness,

yoga, T’ai chi, lung and hearthealth. Contact Barb Robison,

Director, Center for Mind &Body Medicine,541-296-7414

for moreinformation.

The Planetree Health Resource Centeris offering a free summer enrichmentprogram for preschoolers ages 3 to 5through the month of June. StoryTime with Friends runs each Thursday,June 14 - 28 at 11 am. Each week adifferent story will focus on attitudesand habits to keep kids healthy.Special guests will be on hand toprovide a fun and interactive activityto reinforce the lesson. So pack upyour preschooler and join thesespecial guests at the Planetree HealthResource Center, 200 E. 4th Street, forStory Time with Friends this June.

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The legacy of the late Dr.Charles “Chuck” DennisMiller, a very special dentistand volunteer in The Dalles,is spread across thecommunity, according tothose who knew him.

“Chuck had a tremendousenthusiasm for a wide varietyof pursuits,” says The DallesChronicle editor RodgerNichols of the man beinghonored at this year’s Mid-Columbia Health Foundationgolf Tournament of Tradition.

In addition to his work as avolunteer police reserve officer,Dr. Miller belonged to manycivic organizations. But to agreat extent, his volunteerwork was done behind-the-scenes, Nichols says.

“He did it quietly,professionally and withoutfanfare or tooting his ownhorn,” Nichols says.

The dentist was always at thetop of the list when it came tocounting volunteer hours.

As a reserve police officerin The Dalles, Dr. Miller’svolunteer hours surpassed4,000-hours. He also servedon the department’s SpecialEmergency Response Teamand as a temporary full-timepolice officer.

Dr. Miller’s other interestswere diverse. He enjoyed an

active lifestyle, participatingin scuba diving, pilotingairplanes, softball, bowling,hunting, basketball, boatingand snow skiing. He also wasan avid fisherman and golfer.

Born in Michigan, Dr, Millerwas raised in Baker City. Hedid his undergraduate work atEastern Oregon University.After graduating from theOregon Health & ScienceUniversity School of Dentistryin 1979, Dr. Miller set up shopin what had been the old firestation in The Dalles, treatingpatients until his illness forcedhim to retire in 2006.

He was in the Navy from1968 to 1972, serving twotours in Vietnam. He was alsoinvolved in communityorganizations like the Elksand Rotary clubs.

Dr. Miller was a Yacht Clubmember, a Ducks Unlimitedsponsor and a member of theRocky Mountain ElksFoundation, Mule DeerFoundation and Veterans ofForeign Wars.

The Dalles Mayor Robb VanCleave says Miller’s legacy isfound in a life that helped somany people.

“People like Chuck makethe community a better placeto live,” the mayor says.

GivingWithout Fanfare

This year’s HealthFoundation GolfBenefit honored the memory of Dr. Chuck Miller andbenefited the MCMCprogram he used.

Without Fanfare

Dr. Bill Hamilton remembers The Dalles dentist Charles“Chuck” Miller — who lost his battle with lung

cancer last year — in several different ways.Dr. Hamilton recalls the time he and his fellow reserve

police officer came upon a dying possum on the side ofthe road. The compassionate Dr. Miller quickly dispatchedit — with his service weapon. That took some explainingback at The Dalles police headquarters, but Dr. Hamiltonsays Dr. Miller was more than up to that task.

He remembers his dentist friend being willing to go into his office on a Saturday to replace another doctor’sbroken tooth, which had been knocked out in awindsurfing accident.

Dr. Hamilton also remembers Dr. Miller the communityvolunteer, who had more irons in the fire than a cowboy atround-up time. Dr. Miller racked up more hours than anyother volunteer in memory, quietly and without fanfare.

Ultimately, there was Dr. Miller the patient. LifeWorks,which Dr. Hamilton directs, helped the late dentist in thelast few months of his life. LifeWorks is a comfort careprogram of Mid-Columbia Medical Center that servespatients with noncurable illnesses.

At Dr. Hamilton’s suggestion, this year’s Mid-ColumbiaHealth Foundation’s golf tournament, the 22nd annualTournament of Tradition, held June 12 at The DallesCountry Club paid tribute to Dr. Miller, a longtimefoundation supporter and tourney participant.

This year’s tournament benefited the LifeWorks program.Honoring Dr. Miller is a fitting tribute this year. He was

an avid golfer who sponsored a tournament team each

year, playing with the same group of friends from theonset of the event.

“He was a good golfer who worked hard on his game— unfortunately, he was left-handed, and that hurthim,” Dr. Hamilton says with a laugh. “He said he wastoo old and set in his ways to try switching.”

“It fits perfectly with his memory,” he says. “What willalways stick in my mind is his caring and giving nature. Thatwas evidenced in his giving to the community and thenumber of organizations he was involved in. He wouldalways say it was his way of giving back to the community.”

The late dentist loved police work, and he was namedOfficer of the Year in 2006 in The Dalles. He spent thousandsof hours on patrol, and even used his dental skills to aid thedepartment in cases involving forensic evidence.

“He enjoyed the camaraderie with other reserveofficers, but I think what he enjoyed the most was givingback to the community through the volunteer program,”Dr. Hamilton says. “He was the kind of guy who enjoyedhelping people. Not all police work is dealing with badguys… there’s a lot of problem-solving andopportunities to help people.”

Dr. Miller will be remembered in informal remarks atthe dinner following this year’s tournament. He’ll also beremembered by so many in the community.

“He touched an incredible number of people,”Dr. Hamilton says.

Teeing Up For ChuckTeeing Up For Chuck

June 14 SprigglesGuest Matt Eby,Fitness Instructor

June 28Show MeYour SmileGuest Teri Dahl,Dental Hygienist

June 21My Many Colored DaysGuest Joella Anglin,LCSW, Social Worker

June 14

Preschool SummerEnrichment Program

related article on back cover

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Spiritual Care VolunteerVisitor Workshops at MCMC

The Spiritual CareDepartment of Mid

Columbia Medical Center isrecruiting individuals interestedin volunteering at the hospital asspiritual care visitors.

The goal of MCMC’s SpiritualCare Volunteer Visitor program isto provide hospital patients,Celilo Cancer Center patients andindividuals in the LifeWorksComfort Care program theopportunity to have a daily visitfrom a volunteer visitor. Somevolunteers visit patients in theirhospital rooms or in theEmergency Department. Othersvisit patients in their homes or acare facility.

Many times patients orfamily members are simplylooking for someone who willlisten to their concerns or theirfears. In the LifeWorks program,volunteer visitors often serve thepurpose of allowing familymembers to take a much-neededrespite break.

Spiritual Care visitors oftensay they receive more from thepatients than they can evergive,” says Susan Shipman,director of Spiritual Care atMCMC. “I’ve heard volunteerssay it’s sacred work to be able tosupport another in a vulnerableand difficult time of their life,”she says.

Most volunteers devote aportion of one day a week(generally two to three hours) toa visitation. Regardless of apatient’s religious background

the volunteer visitors bringunconditional love andcompassion to the sick, thelonely, and the bereaved.

If you are interested inbecoming a Spiritual Carevolunteer visitor, orientationworkshops are held regularly.

WhenCall for our nextworkshop series

RegistrationThere is no cost for

these workshops, butpre-registration

is requested.

ContactSusan Shipman,

director of Spiritual Careat 506-6999

Randy Arellano knew a lot of things as he headed toward his senior year with The Dalles High School

Class of 2004 and began thinking about the future.He knew he wanted to get a college degree. He knew

he wanted to become a nurse. Raised in a bilingualhousehold by a single, working mother, Randy knew hewanted to return to The Dalles afterfinishing his education and help people inthe place he called home.

But he didn’t have a clue about oneimportant matter.

“I was worried about how I wasgoing to pay for college,” Arellano says.“I didn’t know where the money wasgoing to come from.”

Then a school librarian told himabout a scholarship programadministered by the Mid-Columbia Health Foundation.

With assistance from The Randy RoodMemorial Scholarship Fund, Arellano wasable to end the mystery of how he was going to financehis dream of a college education.

The Randy Rood Memorial Scholarship Fund wasestablished in 2004 by Gary and Christine Rood in honor ofGary’s son, who in 1984 lost his battle with lymphoma atage 24. The needs-based program supports students inWasco and Sherman counties with grants of up to $2,500annually for as long as five years.

The money can be used for tuition, housing, books,transportation or any other school-related expenses.

“Christine and I chose a scholarship because throughit we can affect the most lives in the most ways, openingdoors for futures and careers,” says Gary Rood. “This has

been the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done, to see thesestudents so joyful for the opportunity to attend schoolwhen, without assistance, they might not have been ableto go.”

That was the case for Randy Arellano. His mom,Blanca Mondragon, was putting in long hours at a cherry

processing and packing plant supportingher three sons. But there wasn’t much leftover at the end of the month.

Now Arellano is proud to be the first inhis family to go to college, a feat he sayswould have been difficult to accomplishwithout the scholarship, not to mention hismother’s incredible support.

Arellano also is helping his own cause,earning money by playing violin in amariachi band. He recently obtained hiscertified nurse aide license to helpaugment his nursing education.

“It’s scary getting ready for college asa senior and not knowing where the

money is going to come from,” he says. “It was great tolearn that people in the community care and are willing tohelp you through the difficulties.”

Three years after leaving high school, Arellano isfinishing prerequisites at Portland State University. He plansto enroll in nursing school this fall and ultimately return toThe Dalles to help out the community that helped him.

“Knowing that you have people who believe in youreally makes a big difference,” he says.

To learn more about the Randy Rood MemorialScholarship, contact the Mid-Columbia HealthFoundation, 541-296-7275 or mchf@mcmc.net.

LearningAid

PHOTO: 2007 RANDY ROOD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTSTOP ROW (left to right): Leah Kresse, Megan Heming, Alexandra Sawyer,Kayla Reffett, Michael CarterMIDDLE ROW: Angela Von Borstel, Morgan Adams, Guy Simer,Nicole Westhafer, Samantha PrenticeFRONT ROW: Justin Beasley, Stacy Bird, Kruti Patel, KristenVon Borstel,Taunie Lewis, Matthew Earl

16

Randy Arellano

With financial assistance from TheRandy Rood Memorial ScholarshipFund, local students like RandyArellano are getting the collegeeducation they once thoughtmight be out of reach.

1918

A Rhythm Runs Through ItA Rhythm Runs Through ItMCMC’s HealthRHYTHMS drumming program ishelping participants beat stress, achieve otherhealth benefits and just plain have fun.

by Mark Adams

and interaction, music-making and creative self-expression.“People tell me they feel relaxed and invigorated after

drumming,” Dr. McLennon says. “They say they feel calmand focused. One woman told me it helped her arthriticpain. Another told me she felt like she had been let out ofa cage. She started to feel more free and to do more thingsfor herself.”

In addition to helping participants, the drummingdoctor says the experiences have changed his own life.

“I have been blessed to be able to play with so manypeople, and to be part of a unique, healthful, beneficialprocess with them,” he says.

Mind/Body Center director Robison says the drummingsessions are a pleasure to watch.

“He shows participants in a beautiful manner that theyare musicians, working together as a team, making music,”she says. “It’s what we need in our lives, to bring peopletogether and experience nothing but pure joy for an hour.”

According to Karl Bruhn, who is considered the fatherof the Music-Making and Wellness Movement, groupdrumming is an accessible and fulfilling activity for peopleof all ages.

“From exercise, nurturing and social support, tointellectual stimulation, spirituality and stress reduction,

group drumming stimulates creative expression that unitesminds, bodies and spirits,” he says.

Remo Belli, the founder and CEO of Remo, Inc., saysit’s time to stop thinking about the drum as a musicalinstrument.

“Start thinking of it as a recreational tool for everyfamily, a wellness tool for every retiree and an educationaltool for every classroom,” he says.

Besides that, drumming is just plain fun, and it’s toughto beat that.

Stephen McLennon, M.D.

Celebrating CeliloFifty years ago, the Columbia River, swollen behind

a new dam, swallowed Celilo Falls, changingforever the geographic face of the region.

When the Maryhill Museum marked the anniversary ofthat event with a special commemorative day on Sunday,June 3, Mid-Columbia Medical Center was a part of theproceedings, as a corporate sponsor.

With a cancer center bearing the name of Celilo, thehospital’s sponsorship of the event was a natural fit.

The Maryhill Fun Day provided an opportunity tocelebrate the legacy of Celilo Falls. Activities included fish-print making for children of all ages, a student videofestival featuring works chronicling the history of the falls,and the showing of a documentary discussing the impactthe dam had on the river’s most famous resident, thesalmon, and the region at large.

“When the museum was established, part of its missionwas to use the art exhibits for educational programsinvolving the community,” says Lee Musgrave, Maryhill’scurator of exhibits. “Our fun days are part of that effort.”

Activities included a showing of the acclaimeddocumentary “Celilo Falls and the Remaking of theColumbia River” and a follow-up discussion by filmmakerJoseph Cone.

MCMC’s Celilo Cancer Center sponsored the filmfestival that was part of the event. The museum showedfilms submitted by school groups and individuals focusingon the Celilo Falls theme.

Those interested in learning more about Celilo Falls canstill visit Maryhill and view the current art exhibit, whichfocuses on the history and culture of the region bothbefore and after The Dalles Dam was built.

Curated by noted scholar and author Mary Schlick, thehistory is chronicled through photographs, paintings, printsand written documents.

I t began looking every bit like somesort of rehearsal for The Anti-Band.

As drums, shakers, bells and tambourineswere handed out around a room at Mid-Columbia Medical Center, the group ofmen stood backs to the wall, arms tightlyfolded across their chests, heads shakingin unison in the universal language of HuhUh, No Way.

These gentlemen weren’t interested inany part of a musical exercise that involvedthe thumping or shaking of any part ofthemselves — especially in front of others.

But about mid-way to “no way” afunny thing happened to this group ofdrummers in waiting, remembers BarbaraRobison, director of MCMC’s Center forMind & Body Medicine. “A little while afterhanding out the instruments, all of themwere drumming and jumping and singingand dancing,” she says. “It was joyous.”

The mind and body center’sHealthRHYTHMS program is creatingpositive changes in participants of all agesand all stripes. Their common trait is aninterest in reducing stress while engagingin a unique form of relaxation and exercisethat also has proven medical benefits.

Family practice physician and stressreduction teacher Stephen McLennon,M.D. is the facilitator for the sessions.

Dr. McLennon has led dozens of thesessions using elements of theHealthRHYTHMS program developedthrough research sponsored by RemoDrums Inc. He carries a simple message.

“All that is required is an open mindand an open heart, and for people to letgo and express themselves with simplepercussion instruments,” he says. “I hopethey experience success in making musicwith a group. I hope they leave feelingrefreshed, invigorated and relaxed. I want

them to feel more connected tothemselves and to the others they haveplayed with.”

Dr. McLennon says he is attracted tothe program because of its simplicity andits emphasis on the human spirit ratherthan performance or musical skill.

“I love to see those who are initiallytimid and reserved cutting loose andenjoying themselves by the end of thesession,” he says.

The program is having a decidedimpact on the life of the doctor, who alsoenjoys playing the drums himself.

“More and more I am beingrecognized as ’that drumming doctor,’ andthat is pretty cool,” Dr. McLennon says.“As a musician, I know that music isimportant to human beings in many ways.For a long time I had a sense that therewas some way to combine music with mywork as a physician.”

He didn’t have to figure it out forhimself, he says. Through friends atColumbia River Music, Dr. McLennonlearned that Remo Inc. had developed adrumming therapy protocol. He attendedsessions in Portland to become a facilitator.

“During the training I realized thiswas what I had been looking for anddreaming of,” he says. “It brings peopleinto the moment, and gives them a realexperience of being alive and celebrating,sharing their spirit.”

Neurologists who have researched theprogram report the drumming therapyprotocol significantly increases the disease-fighting activity of white blood cells.

That’s just one of the medical benefitsof prescription drumming, Dr. McLennonsays. Others include increased relaxation,reduced stress, positive changes to theimmune system, exercise, group support

Drumming (continued from page 18)

Wanna Bang On the Drum For an Hour?

The next HealthRHYTHMS session will be heldThursday, June 28, from 7 to 8 p.m. in the MedicalCenter Office Plaza on the east end of the MCMCcampus. Donations will be accepted to keep theprogram marching forward, with community responsedictating when additional sessions might occur. Formore information about the next session or theHealthRHYTHMS program in general, call the Centerfor Mind & Body Medicine at 541-296-7202.

The current exhibit runs through July 8 For more information,visit the Maryhill Museum Web site at www.maryhillmuseum.org.

NON-PROFITU.S. Postage

P A I DMID-COLUMBIA

MEDICAL CENTERPermit #161

CURRENT RESIDENT

1700 E. 19th St., The Dalles, OR 97058

About This Year’s BeneficiaryLifeWorks Comfort Care was developed in2004 to prevent and relieve suffering andimprove the quality of life of those copingwith serious, chronic illness. Patients andtheir families are guided by a team ofprofessionals through the network ofavailable assistance under the direction oftheir primary care physician.

For complete information about LifeWorks,call the program at 541-296-7925.

ust as important as the volunteers who dedicate their time to the Mid-Columbia

Health Foundation’s annual golf benefit andthe golfers who play in it are the sponsoringbusinesses and organizations that make it all possible.

Each year they bring their energy andpassion to the event, and the response to thecurrent edition of the “Tournament ofTradition” has been overwhelming. The eventwas scheduled for Tuesday, June 12 at TheDalles Country Club and will benefit MCMC'sLifeWorks Comfort Care program for patientswith noncurable illnesses.

“We are thrilled with the number oforganizations that stepped up to support thecause,” says Anne Copper, project coordinatorfor the MCHF. “We sold out within two weeksof the registration coming out. The benefit getsso much of its energy and fun from thesponsors. Everyone comes together to makethis event a success and a true communityevent, and we want to thank each of them.”

Columbia River Bank

AndersonFisher, LLC

Cliff Smith Motors

Morgan Distributing

US Bank

Todd Construction

Brown Roofing Company

Crestline Construction

Columbia Gorge Heating & A/C, LLC

Griffith Motors

Ray Schultens Motors

H2Oregon

Petersen, Kolberg & Associates

a Planetree Hospital