NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR FRIENDS OF PEACEHEALTH SOUTHWEST MEDICAL CENTER

SPRING 2014

PeaceHealthSouthwest Medical CenterFoundation

Neurosciences: Furthering Brain and Spine Care Excellence

Partners in Health

DEAR FRIENDS,

You may have noticed that this publication has a new name. It is now Partners in Health rather than just Partners. We think this new name more aptly describes the relationship we have with you, our donors, and hope you continue to enjoy its content.

Please take time to read the cover story on pages 4 and 5 about the Neurosciences Center of Excellence – the next major fundraising project we will undertake. PeaceHealth Southwest has extremely capable physicians and caregivers in this area, but the physical spaces in which patients are treated require significant upgrades. I know – my mother had a major stroke at the age of 81 which required a 10-day stay at the hospital.

This campaign will ensure that physicians, caregivers, patients and visitors all have outstanding neuroscience facilities in which they can thrive. It will include the creation of a Neurosciences Inpatient Unit in the Firstenburg Tower, creation of a Neurosciences Caregiver Education Endowment, and expansion and proposed refurbishment of the Neurosciences Rehabilitation Unit in the Mother Joseph Building. As our population ages, delivering excellent neuroscience care is becoming more critical. This is our opportunity to create an exceptional neuroscience environment, but it will take significant private support to make it happen.

My mother is alive and well at 88, thanks to the outstanding care she received at PeaceHealth Southwest. She recently experienced the joy of her first great-grandchild. I am so grateful this wonderful Medical Center is here for the people of Southwest Washington, delivering exceptional medicine and compassionate care for every one of our patients.

Thank you for supporting PeaceHealth Southwest, our patients and our community.

Gratefully,

Carol Van Natta Executive Director

Executive Director’s Message

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Carol and her mother Helen

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Making a DifferenceEUGENE POMPLITZ: “A GIFT THAT GOES FROM HOUSE TO (RAY HICKEY) HOUSE”

As a man born in the “Greatest Generation,” Eugene Pomplitz lived a life of service to his country and his community. After graduating from Stevenson High School in 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving four years in the European Theater of Germany and France. In the winter of 1944, he fought in the historic Battle of the Bulge. He described “days on end battling from hedge row to hedge row” in the coldest conditions he had ever known.

After the war, Gene returned to the Pacific Northwest and became a plumber. In his 43-year career, he oversaw the plumbing during the construction of Portland’s Providence Hospital, Portland’s Memorial Coliseum, and Vancouver’s Memorial Hospital. He enjoyed a long and happy marriage to Virginia, a high school teacher with the Vancouver School District. Gene and Virginia had no children.

In 1998, Virginia was diagnosed with cancer. Gene took care of her with the help of home hospice nurses from Hospice Southwest. She died in June of 1998. Gene was extremely grateful for the loving care Virginia received, and he subsequently became a generous donor to the Hospice Southwest fund held within our Foundation.

In 2006, he made provisions that, upon his death, proceeds from the sale of his house would be given to the Foundation to establish the Virginia Pomplitz Endowment for the Ray Hickey Hospice House.

The thoughtfully worded Endowment Fund Agreement stated that “Eugene Pomplitz hereby creates this endowment to honor his wife who received dedicated and compassionate care in their home through SWMC Hospice (now

PeaceHealth Southwest Hospice). The Fund also recognizes Dr. David Pfaff and Dr. James Scarborough for the caring and professional manner in which they treated Virginia throughout her illness.”

Eugene’s planned gift to benefit the Ray Hickey Hospice House was an ironic foreshadowing of his own future need for hospice care. At the end of his life, Gene became a patient at the Ray Hickey Hospice House where he died in April 2011.

Once his estate was settled near the end of 2013, PeaceHealth Southwest Foundation received the proceeds from the sale of his home – a gift of $255,000. To honor his wishes, the Foundation has established the Virginia Pomplitz Endowment for the Ray Hickey Hospice House. The annual endowment earnings from this gift will support patient care at the Ray Hickey Hospice House in perpetuity.

One man; one life; one gift that will make a difference in many lives forever.

“I enjoy knowing I have done something useful with what the Lord has blessed me with.”

If you have included PeaceHealth Southwest in your will, or to learn more about establishing an endowment, please contact Carol Van Natta at 360-514-3670.

Eugene and Virginia Pomplitz

Each year, PeaceHealth Southwest serves more than 1,200 patients affected by

these neurological problems. The aggressive Interventional Stroke Program allows neurologists and neurosurgeons to identify, capture and retrieve blood clots or administer clot-busting medicine for a patient suffering a stroke. In addition, PeaceHealth Southwest’s

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The Campaign for the Brain

Leanne Unger was working happily in her garden, where she often

spent up to 7 hours a day, when the stroke struck out of the blue that

evening last September.

Her husband Roger was on the road for work, but her son found her on the ground, the garden hose still running. She was unable to move the left side of her body. Despite her impairment and slurred speech Leanne still managed to instruct her son to turn off the hose.

Thanks to her son’s immediate 911 call, Leanne quickly arrived in the PeaceHealth Southwest emergency department. Diagnosed with a stroke, she was prescribed tPA, the only FDA-approved treatment for acute ischemic stroke. Neurologist Dr. Sarice Bassin called Dr. George Shanno, a neurosurgeon, as Leanne’s CT scan showed a large clot in her right middle cerebral artery, the major artery serving the majority of the right side of the brain.

Transported quickly to the catheterization lab, Dr. Shanno removed the remainder of the clot not broken up by the tPA drug. And before even leaving the cath lab, Leanne was again able to move her left side. It took about 48 hours for her full recovery of motion and speech. “Without treatment she likely would have been totally dependent the rest of her life,” said Dr. Bassin. Shortly after discharge, Leanne was back in the garden thanks to the quick action of her family, the emergency responders and our Neurosciences physician team.

Neurologist Dr. Sarice Bassin (right) visits with Roger and Leanne Unger. Leanne suffered a stroke but has made a great recovery thanks in part to Dr. Bassin’s care.

Cyberknife allows surgeons to treat brain tumors previously considered inoperable. Telemedicine has begun saving more lives by allowing our physicians to be immediately present using virtual technology that eliminates travel delays and/or the limitations of geography between remote patients and PeaceHealth Southwest’s physician expertise.

Brain function is being protected on a level previously considered unattainable.

PeaceHealth Southwest prides itself on offering the very best in cardiovascular, cancer, and neurosciences care to our community. The PeaceHealth Southwest team of neurosurgeons, neurologists, trauma surgeons, rehabilitation physicians, and all other key clinicians who serve those with disorders practice a level of medicine found at only the best hospitals in the nation.

The Neurosciences program at PeaceHealth Southwest is at a crossroads. To sustain the momentum that has been built over the last several years, as well as elevate patient care to the highest level of excellence while keeping pace with the projected increased demand for lifesaving neurological and neurosurgical interventions, growth must occur.

A three-phase project has been developed that will allow PeaceHealth Southwest to provide the very best patient experience for neurological care. The improvement of the Neurosciences Center of Excellence described below will cost approximately $15 million. PeaceHealth Southwest is committed to providing $5 million for this project. The remaining $10 million will be sought from private donors.

I. The creation of a dedicated Neurosciences Inpatient Unit in the Firstenburg Tower

A 32 bed inpatient unit, supplied with state-of-the-art, high tech, equipment, dedicated solely for neuroscience patients.

II. Neurosciences Caregiver Education Fund

An endowed fund to provide for highly-specialized continuing education and nationally recognized advanced certifications to elevate the clinical expertise and competency of our neuroscience caregivers.

III. Proposed Expansion and Refurbishment of the Rehabilitation Unit in the Mother Joseph Building

Increasing patient capacity from seven double occupancy rooms to 24 private rooms and expanding and upgrading all therapy, patient and visitor areas for optional patient experience.

Continuing to provide the best in neurosciences care will require an even higher level of performance and even stronger partnership with the community. Please think about how you would like to be involved in the future of neurosciences care for yourself and your loved ones.

For more information about the PeaceHealth Southwest Campaign for the Brain, please contact Dawn Johnston at 360-514-3656.

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Diseases and trauma that affect the brain and nervous system are among the most devastating for patients and their families. Strokes, brain aneurysms, cancerous brain and spinal tumors, traumas and other neurological disorders can kill or rob patients of the ability to lead full and rewarding lives. The Campaign for the Brain will elevate care and lead to even better outcomes for people facing these life-altering conditions in our region.

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Physician ProfileALDEN ROBERTS, MD, CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

“BWATP” proclaims the sign prominently perched atop his desk. It’s one of the first things you notice upon entering the office of the man who’s served as Chief Medical Officer at PeaceHealth Southwest for the last six years.

“But What About the Patient?” is Dr. Alden Roberts’ mantra and the principle that guides him daily. He sees his role in our community as a public health officer dedicated to improving the health and welfare of the people in southwest Washington. “And I believe this hospital is the best place to achieve that goal due to the spirit, dedication and abilities of our staff.”

Dr. Roberts attributes PeaceHealth Southwest’s medical excellence to the caregiving staff, and he’s focused his philanthropy on the Great Nurses Fund that provides continuing education for clinicians. “Nurses are with the patient all day, every day. As a physician, this is one way I can support that team.”

Teamwork is key to great health care, says Dr. Roberts, and he views donors as integral teammates to great local care. “Philanthropy allows us to do things we wouldn’t otherwise be able to do. And philanthropy is shifting somewhat from funding bricks and mortar to helping support vital service lines and programs that improve our ability to care for patients.”

An avid runner who’s completed six marathons, Dr. Roberts is committed to going the distance for our patients and a healthy community. His “BWATP” philosophy is helping patients do the same when it comes to meeting and dealing with their health care challenges and goals.

Foundation Board member and HeArts of Clark County Chairwoman Connie Kearney, fifth from right, joined Foundation staff and PeaceHealth caregivers to receive the Bright Idea Award for the HeArts of Clark County fundraiser that raised $522,000 to help build a new Heart and Vascular Surgical Theater. Construction will begin this summer on the new surgical suite that will save and improve the lives of thousands of people dealing with critical heart and vascular conditions.

Presented by:

Alden Roberts, MD

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PeaceHealth Mission May Expand to the Washington Coast

The Board of Commissioners of Ocean Beach Hospital and Medical Clinics – also known as Public Hospital District 3 of Pacific County – voted January 28 to enter into formal affiliation discussions with PeaceHealth. Located in Ilwaco, Washington, Ocean Beach Hospital serves about 30,000 outpatients and 500 inpatients annually in 15 beds, serving many of Washington’s coastal communities, including Ilwaco, Naselle, Long Beach, Ocean Park and Oysterville.

PeaceHealth already provides Ocean Beach Hospital with management and support services, including executive leadership. It is likely to take several months of work before the nature of the affiliation will be finalized.

“PeaceHealth has been good for Ocean Beach and our community, and this is a natural step in the evolution of the relationship,” said Darren Thorsen, chair of the Board of Commissioners of Pacific County Public Hospital District 3, which also serves as the hospital board. “It’s harder than ever before for independent community hospitals to thrive without strong affiliations.”

PeaceHealth, which serves patients in Washington, Oregon and Alaska, has experience serving other Washington public hospital districts. This includes an agreement with San Juan County Public Hospital District 1 to provide health care at Peace Island Medical Center in Friday Harbor, and with Public Hospital District 304 at United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley. Skagit County Public Hospital District 1 and Snohomish County Public Hospital District 3 also have approved letters of intent to negotiate affiliations between PeaceHealth and Skagit Regional Health and Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics, respectively.

Since the summer of 2012, Ocean Beach Hospital has been led by PeaceHealth’s Kendall Sawa, Chief Administrative Officer, Ocean Beach Hospital.

“The changing nature of health care continues to increase financial pressures on rural hospitals,” said Sy Johnson, Chief Executive Officer/Chief Mission Officer, PeaceHealth Columbia Network. “PeaceHealth believes it is vitally important that coastal patients and families continue to have access to quality local health care. We are excited by the opportunity to consider strengthening our affiliation.”

OCEAN BEACH HOSPITAL VOTES TO ENTER AFFILIATION DISCUSSIONS WITH PEACEHEALTH

Mental Health Care for Vulnerable Patients

In December, the Foundation Board approved $350,000 from the Area of Greatest Need fund to further three high-priority projects for which our administration sought support:

O $50,000 to Behavioral Health for the ADAPT outpatient mental health program

O $50,000 to the Heart & Vascular Center for a new telemetry machine

O $250,000 for ProAct, a caregiver training program about workplace violence prevention and management

JUST ONE WAY DONORS MEET GREATEST NEEDS

“This Foundation award will support our community residents who have no means to pay for mental health treatment. For them, the ADAPT program can be the temporary support they need to return to employment, parenting or as caregivers for others.”

—Michael Bernstein, MD, Medical Director and Chairman, Department of Behavioral Health

“The new telemetry system has allowed us to increase service to our patients and be more efficient in charting their progress.”

—The Heart & Vascular Center of Excellence Team

“The Area of Greatest Need funds we received for ProAct training means increased safety for both our patients and our caregivers. Without donor support, this incredibly valuable training wouldn’t have been possible at this time.”

—Alden Roberts, MD, Chief Medical Officer8

“When donors make unrestricted gifts, they help us fulfill needs and further important projects that are often just outside our available budget,” said Sy Johnson, Chief Executive Officer/Chief Mission Officer, PeaceHealth Columbia Network. “The trust given our experienced leadership team by these generous donors enables us to best advance our mission of exceptional local care, and we are very grateful.”

ADAPT classes teach individuals to learn skills that help them navigate daily life while dealing with mental health issues.

“No strings attached.” When you

give to our Area of Greatest Need

fund, that’s what you’re saying. Also

known as an unrestricted gift, this

type of contribution provides our

administrative team the flexibility to

meet the highest priority needs of

our patients and programs.

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Community ConnectionsMany thanks to the generous and creative community partners who help raise

vital funds in support of our patients and programs at PeaceHealth Southwest!

Coming Up! MR. UNION CONTEST O March 28, Union High SchoolIn case you missed it last year, mark your calendar now for the highly entertaining Mr. Union Contest on March 28 at Camas’ Union High School. The fundraising done by a dozen talented male students vying for the title of Mr. Union benefits the Holtzman Twins Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and culminates with a talent show in which Mr. Union is crowned.

OREGON ELECTRIC GOLF TOURNAMENT September 29, Royal Oaks Country ClubTee off in Vancouver for a day of Vegas-inspired golf fun at this 2nd annual tournament hosted by our friends at Oregon Electric Group. Proceeds will benefit the Neurosciences Campaign for the Brain which will further excellence in all things related to brain and spine care in our community. To register or sponsor, e-mail Keith.Knight@oregon-electric.com.

GIRLFRIENDS HALF MARATHON O October 12, downtown VancouverWe’re looking for more than a few good men to sign up as Pink Brigade Guys who are up to the challenge of running, walking or volunteering with 3,000 fun, fit women. Thanks to the generosity of Northwest Personal Training, 100% of Pink Brigade Guy proceeds will benefit the patients and programs at our Kearney Breast Center. www.nwpersonaltraining.com.

Thank You Partners! EP PROPERTIES, LLC/PARK PLAZA, LLCFor collecting holiday gifts and donations to benefit our KidsPlace emergency department and our Kearney Breast Center patients.

Mental Health Care for Vulnerable Patients

Supper with Sy!New Chief Executive Officer/Chief Mission Officer, PeaceHealth Columbia Network, Sy Johnson (second from left), and his wife, Bridget (far left), enjoyed catching up with Dick Seekins (far right), a member of the PeaceHealth Southwest Board of Directors, and his wife, Janna Brown, at a dinner hosted by Board President Ruth Bennett and her husband Sam at their home in January. The foundation is helping Sy and Bridget get acquainted with our community through a series of dinner parties generously hosted by our supporters and friends.

Partners Indeed!

Having the best hospital

in our community relies

in part on the generosity

of our community. If you,

your company, or your

organization would like to

host a fundraiser to benefit

a department or program

at PeaceHealth Southwest,

please contact Tori Darnell

in the foundation at

360-514-3314 or by e-mail:

tdarnell@peacehealth.org.

If you’re interested in hosting a dinner, please contact Dawn Johnston at 360-514-3656.

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The Cascade SocietyCascade Society donors are vital to PeaceHealth Southwest’s mission of

exceptional medicine and extraordinary care to every person. Members

help build a strong foundation for good health in our community.

We look forward to seeing you at upcoming Cascade Society events!

Annual Membership LevelsAnnual $1,000 - $4,999Alpine $5,000 - $9,999Summit $10,000 - $24,999

Lifetime Membership Levels (based on cumulative giving)

Mt. Adams Circle $25,000 - $49,999Mt. St. Helens Circle $50,000 - $99,999Mt. Hood Circle $100,000 - $499,999Pinnacle Circle $1 Million and above

Join Us! Cascade Society members are visionaries who lead the way in ensuring great care for the people in southwest Washington. Annual membership is available with a gift or pledge of $1,000 to the PeaceHealth Southwest Foundation. Benefits may include the annual Cascade Society Dinner, invitations to educational events with physicians (Physician Firesides), behind-the-scenes tours, recognition on the Donor Wall in the Angelo Lobby, and more. To join, go to www.swdonate.org or call the Foundation at 360-514-3106.

www.peacehealth.org/CascadeSociety

A Holiday Party with Heart!Big thanks to Cristi and Mike DeFrees for generously hosting our holiday party last December. Thanks to their contribution, and those of 75 guests, nearly $13,000 was raised to benefit the patients served by our Heart & Vascular Center of Excellence. Special thanks to JD Fulwiler & Company Insurance and Craig Stein Beverage for co-sponsoring the event with the Defreeses.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Cascade Society Dinner: May 8th, Hilton VancouverThis elegant evening is our opportunity to thank you in person for your generous support of local medical excellence. If you’re not a Cascade Society member yet, we’d love to welcome you as a new member at the Dinner. Join today by making a $1,000 pledge or gift!

Partners

Foundation Staff

360-514-3106email: PHSWfoundation@peacehealth.orgweb: www.peacehealth.org/PHSWfoundation

Board of Directors

George Middleton, PresidentJanis Wyatt, Vice PresidentDorothy Jackson, SecretaryConnie Kearney, TreasurerKaycee Wiita, Past President

Rachel Beck, Donor Information Analyst 360-514-2319

Tori Darnell, CFRE, Annual and Major Gifts Officer 360-514-3314

Dawn Johnston, Major Gifts Officer 360-514-3656

Sherry McCarthy, Foundation Assistant 360-514-3106

Carol Van Natta, Executive Director 360-514-3670

Susan Williams, Data Specialist 360-514-3634

PeaceHealthSouthwest Medical CenterFoundation

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Albert Angelo IIILinda AngeloBob BernhardtJane CookJohn Greves, MDDick HannahT. David Hayes, MDPhilip B. JanneySy JohnsonKeith KnightRay MalyJim MartinMark MatthiasPatricia Nierenberg

David Ruiz, MDPatrick SheafferRick TerrellKeith WallaceNicki WannTom Young

Directors EmeritusBrett BryantStan Freidberg, MDT. Randall GroveEd LynchJan OlivaSally Schaefer

Doctors and Nurses Need Loving Care Too!NATIONAL DOCTORS DAY – March 30th NATIONAL NURSES DAY – May 6th

The physician who has cared for your family for years, the nurse whose kindness made you feel so much better, the team of nurses who work daily alongside physicians to ensure great care.

You can honor these special doctors and nurses by making a tax-deductible donation in their honor for National Doctors Day (March 30th) or National Nurses Day (May 6th). We’ll notify your honoree about your thoughtfulness without sharing the amount of your donation. Your tribute to their great care will support both the work they do and help fund a wide range of equipment, program and patient care needs through our Area of Greatest Need fund at PeaceHealth Southwest.

To honor a great physician or nurse, go to www.peacehealth.org/doctorsday or www.peacehealth.org/nursesday, or call us at 360-514-3106.

Volunteering…A Job with Priceless Benefits!

O Interesting work in our Cancer Center, Hospice programs or Medical Center

O Regularly scheduled shifts

O The joy of helping others

Positions available: information desk assistance, nursing unit support, gift shop sales and clerical support

www.peacehealth.org/southwest/volunteer

in Health

SPRING 2014

PO Box 1600 | Vancouver, WA 98668

PeaceHealthSouthwest Medical CenterFoundation

WEB SITE: www.peacehealth.org/PHSWfoundationFRIEND US!

www.facebook.com/peacehealthsw

The in Gift Shop… Your Purchases Help Educate Future Medical Professionals

“Gift ”

Plants, flowers, cards, candy…the selection at the newly restocked and redesigned PeaceHealth Gift Shop is great. And, your shopping dollars contribute to the education of future doctors, nurses and other caregivers. Gift shop proceeds are turned into Health Career Scholarships for local individuals pursuing health-related degrees.

92ND AVENUE GIFT SHOP HOURS

Monday – Friday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sunday Noon - 7 p.m.

We’re sending more information and invitations via e-mail in an effort to save money and resources.

Help us be good stewards by sharing your e-mail with us. Just send a message to: PHSWfoundation@peacehealth.org