DHS Community Benefit Report - 1

2010 Community Benefit Report

2 - DHS Community Benefit Report

Randolph County Healthy Living Expo Davis Health System and Davis & Elkins College partner each year to host a “Healthy Living Expo.” The expo combines health risk screenings and demonstrations with health promotion specialists. For some people, attending the expo can be life changing. Some fair participants discover life-threatening health situations that they were then able to act upon. “If we help just one person discover a threat to their health, then it’s all worthwhile,” Jennifer Riggleman, instructor of physical education at D&E College and member of the planning committee, said.

Women’s Health DayAbout 150 women of all ages circulated through a variety of free preventive screens at the 10th Annual Women’s Health Day held this fall at Davis Memorial Hospital. The event included blood pressure, cholesterol, and bone density screens, as well as having blood drawn for the Women’s Health Profile. More women under the age of 40 attended than ever before.

Smoking Cessation ClassesDavis Memorial Hospital offers two free ways to help people quit smoking successfully: a six-week tobacco cessation class and three-hour mini-course. These approaches recognize the challenges that quitting tobacco for good can present - and are designed to fit the needs of each person.

Support For Those Living with Diabetes The Lifeskills diabetes management program covers all aspects of diabetes -- from nutrition management to treating chronic complications through risk reduction. The program is offered on the fourth Friday of the month and is one of several diabetes services available at Davis Memorial. Other programs include the Diabetes Support Group which meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. in the Davis Memorial Hospital Board Room. The group meetings are free and open to the public.

Free Prostrate Screenings Dr. Domingo Chua, local urology specialist, and Davis Memorial Hospital team up annually to offer free prostate cancer screenings to area men for over 30 years. Last year nearly 300 men participated. “His dedication to preventive screening and the health of our community just cannot be matched,” said Marjory Moses, director of community health promotion. Prostate cancer is very treatable with early detection and historically, it has been detected each year in at least one man screened at the DMH clinic.

Changing Lives Through Healthy Choices

“I was 73 years old when I quit smoking. I had difficulty just getting to the coffee pot

in the morning.

“I can tell you right now, that this last year and half have been a lot easier and more enjoyable than the previous 15-20 years.”

Joe, Tobacco Cessation class participant

“Diabetics, as well as anyone with a chronic disease, need to be their own best

advocate. They need to take the initiative. There are resources that people don’t know about -- it’s good to know that they are available.

“A town like Elkins is fortunate to have the type of speakers that [the Diabetes Support Group] brings in. You will learn a lot.”

Gary and Laverne, Diabetes Support Group participants

1,495Number of participants in DHS health fairs held throughout the region.

4,537Total number of people who participated in community health initiatives in 2010.

For information on

Community Health programs, call 304.637.3139

DHS Community Benefit Report - 3

Patient Friendly,Quality Healthcare...Patient Friendly, Quality Healthcare – your expectation, our mission. Throughout Davis Health System, our committed employees and physicians provide a professional, personal touch with the assistance of advanced technology. The most recent advancement is AccessMyChart.com – allowing you to develop your own free, secure online personal health record available anywhere you may be, at any time, for whatever healthcare emergency may arise.

Davis Health System is two hospitals, various clinics and other services working in collaboration with other community healthcare providers to address the changing healthcare environment, while continuing to meet your needs. This involves combining continuous quality improvement with the search for cost efficiencies.

On these pages you will learn about our commitment to you and to your communities.

Mark DoakChief Executive Officer

Hugh HitchcockChairman, Board of Directors

Board of Directors Davis Health SystemBroaddus HospitalDHS Foundation

Hugh Hitchcock, Chairman, DHS and DHS

Foundation Robert Digman, PhD

Chairman, Broaddus HospitalAssociation

Kathy BeverlyKaren Bialek

Denise CampbellAshton Curtis, DPM

Michael CvechkoTom Felton

Andrew GongolaWilliam HartmanDorothy Hayhurst

Diane HinkleMike Hudnall

Steve JohnsonSteve Jory

Jeffrey KelleyForrest “Bud” Kelley

Ron LaNeveJude McConnell

Suzi MooreJune Myles

Nitesh Ratnakar, M.D.Judy Sisler

George ScottEllen SpearsJames Taylor

Connie TenneySteve Toney, M.D.

James TriplettDeborah Tysor

John Veach, M.D.CeCe WallaceTerry White

PatientsFirst!Always

Vision StatementDavis Health System will be the recognized healthcare provider

of choice in the region, providing exceptional care and service in a manner that instills pride in its employees, physicians and

communities.

4 - DHS Community Benefit Report

Improving the Quality of Care

“I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. My doctors referred me

to Johns Hopkins Hospital and Dr. John Cameron, who is world renowned for the Whipple procedure. I began radiation and chemotherapy under Dr. Randy Blackburn and Dr. Donald Fleming in Elkins. I had 14 more treatments of maintenance chemotherapy.

Following a CT scan, I returned to Hopkins to the head of the oncology department for consultation. I was told we had done everything right and everything they would have recommended. The doctors at the Cancer Care Center were right on track with the latest treatments.

The residents of Elkins should know this. It is not necessary to go out of Elkins for treatment. Even though Johns Hopkins Hospital is world famous for their cancer research and treatment, we are blessed to have the excellent quality of doctors and care right here in Elkins.”

- A Very Grateful Patient and his family

Davis Memorial Hospital’s cancer treatment program has received full three-

year accreditation with eight commendations by the American College of Surgeon’s Commission on Cancer. The program is one of only 12 in West Virginia to receive accreditation by the Commission on Cancer Accreditation Program; only one-quarter of all cancer programs in the nation earn accreditation.

Dr. Randy Blackburn, radiation oncologist, and Dr. Donald Fleming, medical oncologist and hematologist, are medical directors of the Cancer Care Center. They agree that the accreditation reflects the quality of care that they, and the staff, are committed to providing. “The Commission on Cancer is the gold standard in cancer treatment program accreditation,” Dr. Fleming said. “It is a lengthy process that validates every aspect of the treatment program, including prevention, early diagnosis, pretreatment evaluation, staging, optimal treatment, rehabilitation, surveillance for recurrent disease, support services, and end-of-life care.”

According to the Commission on Cancer, accreditation is given only to those facilities that have voluntarily committed to providing the highest

level of quality cancer care and that undergo a rigorous on-site evaluation process and review of their performance. “Earning Commission on Cancer accreditation is a real accomplishment for everyone involved in the cancer program,” Dr. Blackburn said. “Many programs are denied certification on their first try. Not only did we achieve accreditation, we received eight commendations, which means that we exceeded the surveyors expectations.” He added that only fifty percent of accredited programs are awarded commendations.

“Accreditation is a real benefit to people with cancer in our five-county region and beyond,” Dr. Blackburn said. “National experts on cancer treatment have examined our local program and found it to be a comprehensive program with exceptional quality.”

According to Dr. Fleming, “Unlike some accreditation programs, the Commission on Cancer constantly monitors data of accredited programs. Accreditation is a good way for patients to make decisions about their own treatment or that of a loved one.”

1Davis Memorial Hospital’s

cancer program is the only accredited program in its five-county service area.

Dr. Randy Blackburn and Dr. Donald Fleming

Cancer Care Center Receives National Accreditation

DHS Community Benefit Report - 5

New Marker System Targets Improved Breast Cancer Outcomes at DMH

Breast cancer patients undergoing surgery at Davis Memorial Hospital chances of better outcomes has increased, thanks to the hospital’s leadership in adopting a new device that allows

greater accuracy in the process of removing cancer. Dr. Robert Rose, general surgery, introduced the MarginMarker® device

to Davis Memorial Hospital. Physician colleagues and hospital administrators reviewed potential benefit to patients and agreed that the device offers an important new advancement in clinical care.

Dr. Rose observed, “Given the current state of surgical care for breast cancer patients, precise and complete orientation of the specimen using ink is an important change we can make to improve patient outcomes.” MarginMarker® enables more precise communication between the surgeon and pathologist during breast cancer surgery regarding the location of the cancer and whether it has been fully removed. This device complements the digital mammography services available at Davis Memorial Hospital.

“The first thing that attracted me to Elkins

was the location.Not only is the area beautiful, but I looked forward to living in a small town and taking advantage of all that has to offer.” “As a general surgeon, I will treat patients with a wide variety of surgical needs and will complement the strengths of the surgical team. I will work with patients to develop the best plan of care and look at the whole patient.”

--Dr. Christine Edwards General Surgery

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) recognized the Davis Memorial Hospital Endoscopy Center, located in the Day Surgery Unit, as part of its program specifically dedicated to promoting quality in endoscopy.

The ASGE honors endoscopy units that follow ASGE guidelines on quality assurance, endoscopy reprocessing and CDC infection control guidelines. DMH provides a full spectrum of endoscopic services including the treatment and diagnosis of abscesses, bleeding, bronchitis, cancer, cysts, degenerative disease, hernia, inflammation, polyps, tumors, ulcers and other conditions.

Endoscopy Unit Recognized by National Program

“I know that being a patient in the hospital

is extremely stressful for patients and their family

members. My role as a healthcare professional is to provide excellent clinical care, in a comforting environment. Davis Memorial allows for that level of patient care. Our highly efficient team approach to anesthesiology is not found at all hospitals.”

--Dr. Joy SteadmanAnesthesiology

HomePlus Named To HomeCare Elite For Fifth Year

HomePlus, the region’s full-service home medical services provider, has been named to the 2010 HomeCare Elite, a compilation of the most successful Medicare-certified home health care providers in the United States, for the fifth consecutive year. This annual review identifies the top 25% of agencies,

ranked by an analysis of performance measures in quality outcomes, quality improvement and financial performance.

“HomePlus meets the needs of patients who have made the transition from institutional care to residential care,” HomePlus Director Amy Wyatt said. “We offer a wide range of services to provide a continuum of care to our patients. Our employees are skilled professionals including nurses, therapists, and home health aides who are committed to our patients.”

HomePlus is located at 22 Buffalo Street in Elkins and 1 Traders Alley in Buckhannon. For more information, call 304.637.3630 or 304.472.7402.

“ I am very honored to be a member of

health care team at Davis Memorial

Hospital. Growing up in a small town, I truly appreciate the beauty of the rural environment as well as the sense of community and family values displayed by the residents of the Elkins area. As an anesthesiologist, I am proud of the quality health care delivered by the anesthesia team. We are utilizing the latest in fiberoptic equipment as well as regional anesthetic techniques to improve pain control for our patients.”

--Dr. Robin BushAnesthesiology

Dyed tissues using MarginMarker®

6 - DHS Community Benefit Report

Expanding Healthcare Services

Davis Memorial Hospital nutrition services employee Delsey Kniley understands pain. Her job delivering food trays to patients requires her to be on her feet

eight hours a day and the stress on her legs was intense. “It felt like a million needles were shooting in my thigh,” she said, “and I had painful varicose veins in my left leg.”

Knowing DMH had begun to offer a new, less invasive vein surgery procedure, Kniley was determined to try it. “I went in on a Friday morning and after a little more than an hour of surgery, I was able to walk right out,” she said. “It was a very easy procedure and didn’t experience any pain. I expected that there would be some throbbing afterwards, but there wasn’t.”

General Surgeon Dr. Kerry Rodgers, who performed the vein closure surgery, says that Kniley’s experience is not uncommon. Most patients are able to return to daily activity within days, with full recovery by about two weeks. In Kniley’s case, she was back to work the following Monday and the difference was amazing. “My legs haven’t felt this good for years,” she said.

Dr. Rodgers is pleased to be offering this new vein closure surgery at DMH. “This is such a widespread problem,” he says. “Now patients will not have to travel two hours to get this procedure.”

With this new procedure, only one small incision is made at the insertion site and the vein is then closed and left in place. This minimally invasive approach eliminates pain and bruising associated with vein stripping surgery. The new procedure also has a faster, less painful recovery.

“It means a great deal to me to be able to offer this new procedure,” he said. “When I first started here, it was my goal to be able to perform procedures that would help patients stay in their own community for services. This offers patients convenience, quality and cost savings.”

For Kniley, the surgery provided a new lease on life. “It was such a good experience that I’d recommend it to everyone,” she said.

“This is a very exciting development,” Dr. Rodgers said. “It means that those who are currently suffering from leg pain have a newer, more patient-friendly surgical option.”

For more information, call 304.637.9302.

“[The vein surgery] was a very easy procedure and I didn’t experience any

pain. I expected that there would be some throbbing afterwards, but there wasn’t.

“My legs haven’t felt this good for years.”

--Vein surgery patient Delsey Kniley

New Vein Surgery Procedure Offered at Davis Memorial

PatientsFirst!Always

1.

“The patient is the most important person

in our organization.”

2.

“The patient is not dependent on us. We are

dependent on the patient.

3.

“The patient is not an interruption of our

work. The patient is the purpose of it.”

4.

“The patient does us a favor when he or

she calls. We are not doing a favor by

serving them.”

5.

“The patient is a part of our organization,

not an outsider.”6.

“The patient is not a cold statistic.”

7.

“The patient is not someone to argue or

match wits with.”

8.

“The patient is a person who brings us their

needs. It is our job to fill those needs.”

9.

“The patient deserves the most courteous and

attentive treatment we can provide.”

10.

“The patient is the person who makes it

possible to pay our salaries.”

11.

”The patient is the purpose of

Davis Health System.”

Patients First.

FAST TRACK X-Rays for DirectCare patients DirectCare of Elkins now offers a fast, efficient way to get X-ray needs

taken care of in a hurry. Once an X-ray is ordered by a DirectCare provider, patients simply go to the front desk of Davis Memorial Hospital, located at the Harrison Avenue entrance. With an order from DirectCare, patients are immediately directed to the outpatient waiting area without having to stop at registration.

“I’m all about community. Patients may have heard about this new surgery being offered elsewhere and I love being able to say you can now get it done right here, closer to home.”

--Dr. Kerry Rodgers

Dr. Kerry Rodgers

DHS Community Benefit Report - 7

Pain Management Center Expands to Meet Regional Needs

Dr. Mohamed Fahim, Director of Davis Memorial Hospital’s Pain Management Clinic says that every day he has one simple goal: to help a patient relieve the debilitating effects of chronic pain. “My work is so rewarding,” he says. “When I hear someone say they’d been in pain for several years and this is the first time they’ve felt good, that’s the ultimate reward.”

Dr. Fahim’s practice has been so successful that the clinic has expanded from its original one room office near the DMH operating room to the expanded suite that he and his staff moved into this past fall. In seven and a half years, since the clinic first opened, Dr. Fahim has seen hundreds of patients – of all ages and needs.

“Most of what I do is considered interventional pain management procedures,” he said. But the clinic also specializes in injection therapy, radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord neurostimulation as well as acupuncture.

Dr. Fahim explains that he has patients throughout the region coming to the clinic, not just for the convenience but also because of the clinic’s excellent reputation, training and certification. “We can do here, what can be done anywhere,” he said. “I’m proud of this staff and the support we receive from DMH.”

For more information, call 304.637.3533.

Broaddus Hospital Begins Hospitalist ProgramBroaddus Hospital has launched a new Hospitalist program under the

direction of Dr. Randy Turner with Dr. Matt Abraham, Dr. Jody Ackerman, Dr. Mark Farnsworth and Dr. Jason Valls providing Hospitalist services.

Hospitalists work closely with primary care physicians to provide a continuum of care while a patient is hospitalized, as well as a timely discharge summary and medication reconciliation at the time of discharge.

“Our goal is to make personal contact with the family physician after the patient is discharged from the hospital. This will be a team effort to provide the very best care to our patients, “ Dr. Turner said.

DHS Launches Personal Health Record ServiceDHS launched a new health record service for patients this year

– a free, secure and confidential online personal health record (PHR) called AccessMyChart.

“A personal health record is a tool that allows individuals to view, update and share medical information,” according to Davis Health System Web Manager and AccessMyChart coordinator Cass Shockley. “Personal health records are initiated, maintained and controlled by the individual. Ideally, an online personal health record provides a place to arrange a complete summary of an individual’s health and medical history.”

According to Shockley, this new service is the community’s portal to peace of mind. “Information contained in an AccessMyChart personal health record is available around the clock, anywhere an Internet connection is available. A personal health record is especially useful for patients managing chronic conditions such as diabetes.”

She added, “AccessMyChart can make managing care for a spouse, children, or elderly parents much easier.” Go to www.AccessMyChart.com for more information.

800+patients have signed up

for personal health record through AccessMyChart since the program began this past

March.

45providers (physicians and mid-

level staff) have joined the AccessMyChart network.

400patients received free

flu vaccinations during November flu clinics

9,408Hours of volunteer hours were

provided last year by the Davis Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. They assist with

patient and visitor relations, and provide administrative

assistance.

Dr. Mohamed Fahim

8 - DHS Community Benefit Report

Meeting Community Needs

Category DefinitionsCharity Care• The cost of services which are

identified according to DHS charity guidelines

Unreimbursed Cost of Medicare, Medicaid and PEIA• The difference between the cost of

services delivered and government and associated patient payments

Bad Debt• The cost of services which are

provided but deemed uncollectable

Community Benefit Activities• Community Health Education• Financial and In-Kind Donations• Community Benefit Operations

$65,000Amount raised by the DHS

Foundation, for hospital equipment and

patient assistance funds.

Davis Health System financial contributions to community benefits

in the service region.

$22.7 Million

$14,872,606

$3,335,982 $331,177

$4,170,231

Charity Care

Unreimbursed Cost of Medicare,Medicaid, and PEIA

Bad Debt

Community Benefit Activities

Our model of healthcare delivery and commitment to our not-for-profit mission guides how we:• Provide patient financial

counseling, payment plans, financing options, and financial assistance for those in need

• Offer charity care to patients with incomes up to 300% of the federal poverty level with a sliding scale

• Identify patients who are in need of financial assistance early in their care

• Accept patients covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

• Help patients apply for public assistance programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, Disability, Crime Victims, Veterans Administration or CHIP

3Three Important Don’ts

(when faced with the challenge of paying a hospital bill)

• Don’t worry about your bill; solutions are available.

• Don’t be afraid to discuss your situation.

• Don’t ignore your bill; contact someone in the business office. Call 304.637.3125 for assistance.

DHS Community Benefit Report - 9

$331,177 DHS provided in community health improvement services

and support.

80%The percentage of care

provided to patients with either no insurance or with some

form of government-sponsored insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, PEIA, other government sources).

As a not-for-profit organization, Davis Health System is committed to assisting our community. We follow national standards, definitions and guidance from national healthcare organizations and our

financial auditors in calculating the Community Benefits that we provide so that they are consistent with new recommendations from the Internal Revenue Service.

Charity CareIn 2010, 5,244 patients received charity care for their medical care at a total cost of more than $4.1 million.

Medicare, Medicaid and PEIA ShortfallsFederal and state governmental regulations dictate the amount paid for healthcare services including any associated insurance or patient co-payments. There have been increasingly large shortfalls in governmental reimbursement for healthcare services. Davis Health System provided care for 82,249 Medicare visits; 38,563 Medicaid visits; and 16,420 PEIA visits, and was paid $14.8 million less than the cost of the care provided during these visits.

Community Health Improvement Services and SupportOver $331,000 was provided in support of programs to assist patients, including free and low cost health screenings, health and wellness education programs, support groups for various health issues, free or discounted medication programs, support for youth development and family activity programs, donations of food and other nutritional support, and monetary donations to community organizations.

Bad DebtSome patients do not apply for charity care or do not meet charity guidelines; the costs to provide these unpaid healthcare services is considered bad debt and is included in our Community Benefit calculations. The costs associated with bad debt last year was over $3.3 million.

Who Qualifies for Charity Care?Full coverage is available to anyone with a family income at 300 percent of the federal poverty level or below. Hospital care is fully paid for:• A single person earning up to

$12,996• A couple earning up to $17,484• A family of four up to $26,460

Anyone with the following income qualifies for some form of charity.• A single person up to $32,490• A couple up to $43,710• A family of four up to $66,150

$350 Million

The total Davis Health System economic impact on the state

economy is greater than $350 million which includes

salaries, wages and other expenditures. Over 70% of the

health system expenditures stay in West Virginia and of the 70%, nearly 75% stays within

our region.

10 - DHS Community Benefit Report

Offering Services Closer to HomeDavis Memorial HospitalReed Street & Gorman Ave., Elkins304.636.3300• Acute Care• 24-hour emergency care• Inpatient and Outpatient Surgery:

Urology, Cardiology, Gynecology, Ophthalmology, Oral/Orthopedic Vascular, General Surgery and Orthopedic

• Board Certified Anesthesiologists• Imaging Center: CT, PET, MRI,

Mammography, 3-D Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, General Radiology, 64-CT Slice, Cardiac CT

• Laboratory• Hospitalist program• Cardiac and pulmonary

rehabilitation• Nutrition counseling• Speech and physical therapy• Pain Management Center• Wound Care Center• Joint Replacement School

Cancer Care Center801 Harrison Avenue, Elkins304.637.3640• Radiation therapy • Chemotherapy & Hematology• Commission on Cancer certification

Family Birthing CenterReed Street & Gorman Ave., Elkins304.637.3283• Obstetrical care• Childbirth preparation & sibling

classes

Davis Sleep Solutions911 Gorman Ave., Suite 102, Elkins 304.637.3650• Diagnostic & treatment of sleep

disorders

Health Center Pharmacy909 Gorman Avenue, Elkins 304.636.6767• Prescription drugs• Medical equipment & prosthesis• Free delivery (call for details)

Buckhannon Medical Care11 North Locust Street, Buckhannon304.472.1600• Family practice and specialty care

by appointment• Extended hours

Women’s HealthCare801 Gorman Avenue, Elkins 304.636.0172• Comprehensive gynecologic and

obstetric care/education• Routine care of women of all ages• Special procedures & family

planning

DirectCare of Parsons307 Main Street, Parsons 304.478.2511• Walk in non-emergent care• Community Care Pharmacy

DirectCare of Elkins720 Beverly Pike, Elkins 304.636.4585• Walk in non-emergent care• Extended hours

Broaddus Hospital#1 Healthcare Drive, Philippi 304.457.1760• 24-hour emergency care • Acute care• Sub acute care/swing bed• Hospitalist program• Inpatient and outpatient

radiology, including ultrasound, mammography, MRI & CT

• Outpatient behavioral medicine• Physical therapy• Laboratory

Mansfield Place#5 Healthcare Drive, Philippi 304.457.8555• Skilled nursing residence• Short and long term stays

HomePlus22 Buffalo Street, Elkins 304.637.3630 1 Trader’s Alley, Buckhannon304.472.7402 or 800.516.5612• Home Health Care• Home Respiratory Care• Home Medical Supplies

Total Therapy Center#1 Healthcare Drive, Philippi 304.457.8585• Specializing in physical, speech and

occupational therapies• Hospital-based program located at

Broaddus Hospital• Inpatient and Outpatient

265,182miles were driven in 2010

to provide care in patient homes -- including home health nursing,

respiratory care and durable medical equipment services.

34,957patients visited the

Emergency Departments at Davis Memorial Hospital and

Broaddus Hospital.

5,382mammograms were

performed at both Davis Memorial Hospital and

Broaddus Hospital.

DHS Community Benefit Report - 11

System ServicesAcute Care

Cardiac RehabilitationEmergency CareInpatient Surgery

Outpatient SurgeryImaging

LaboratoryPain ManagementPulmonary Rehab

Psychology

Nutrition CounselingRadiation Therapy

ChemotherapyHematology

Skilled Nursing ResidenceSublingual

ImmunotherapyFull Service Pharmacy

Home Health CareHome Respiratory Care

Home Medical Supplies & Equipment

Mastectomy FittingPhysical Therapy

Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy

Joint Replacement Education & Rehab

Outpatient Behavioral Health

Wound Care

Amanda Smith, RPhManager,Health Center Pharmacy

AnesthesiologyCardiology

Critical Care MedicineDentistry

Emergency MedicineEndoscopy

Family PracticeGastroenterologyGeneral Surgery

GynecologyInternal Medicine

NephrologyNeurologyObstetrics

Hematology /OncologyOphthalmology

OptometryOral Surgery

Orthopedic SurgeryOtolaryngology

Pain ManagementPathologyPediatricsPodiatry

PsychologyPulmonology

Radiation OncologyRadiology

Urology

Physician Specialties

Dr. Anne Banfield, Women’s HealthCare

900Total number of

Davis Health System employees

Jeff Powelson, CEO, Broaddus Healthcare Complex with Susie Cvechko, Director of Inpatient Services

JoEllen Markley and Mary Sharp,Family Birthing Center

Dr. Johnny Smith,Buckhannon Medical Care

12 - DHS Community Benefit Report

An extremely popular program that promotes good health and weight management in the community resulted in more than 450 participants in the Davis Health System’s “100 Miles in

100 Days” program walking over 100,000 miles -- nearly halfway to the moon!

Marjory Moses, director of community health promotion for DHS, reports that both of those figures are records and the 109,432 actual miles more than doubled the total from 2009. Part of the reason for the increase was that participants could count several types of physical activity, including running, swimming and biking, in addition to walking. Most participants logged more than 100 miles of activity.

The 100-day period roughly covers the time from Memorial Day to Labor Day, encouraging people to get active during the summer. It doesn’t have to stop there, however, Moses told those gathered at the completion celebration.

“I’m incredibly proud,” she said. “People involved their friends, co-workers and families. Our youngest participant was 3 years old, and many older residents got involved and logged hundreds of miles.”

This was the sixth year Davis Health System has coordinated the “100 Miles in 100 Days” activity, which has its roots in the Walk 100 Miles in 100 Days program developed by The Wellness Program of the WVU Health Sciences campus. In addition to the celebration at Davis Memorial Hospital, Broaddus Hospital in Philippi honored its local participants.

Ethel Swiger of Elkins attended the celebration wearing her dark green shirt from a previous year. This was her third time completing the program, and she finished 165 miles in 2010.

“I always walk,” Swiger said. “This is a good motivator. I know I have to walk.” Her husband, Arden Swiger, logged 200 miles, many of them by swimming. Margaret Thomas recorded 351 miles, more than triple the requirement to complete the program.

“I usually walk three to six miles every day,” said Thomas, who also lives in Elkins. “Any time I feel down in the dumps I get out and walk. I love walking.” Perhaps next year, the love of walking will get them to the moon.

“We had many people lose weight during our ‘100 Miles in 100 Days’

program. Some people said they lost more than 30 pounds. I think physical activity can be the magic bullet when it comes to health and wellness.”

-Marjory Moses, director of community health promotion for DHS

DHS Walking Program Gets Community on the Move!

“I challenged my father to participate with me and it gave us the opportunity to

talk and really interact and get closer. We set a goal of 300 miles and actually surpassed that goal by 50 miles. It’s a great stress reliever even after the program has ended.”

-Sherri, 100 Miles participant

350fans have “friended” the new DHS facebook site which was

launched in April.