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August 3, 2016 • SusquehannaHealth.org

CURRENTSA weekly publication for physician and employee service partners • Produced by the Marketing/Corporate Communications Department

Divine Providence HospitalMuncy Valley Hospital

Soldiers + Sailors Memorial HospitalWilliamsport Regional Medical Center

SSMH-LHC Relay Team Raises Over $3,000

Relay for Life plays a big part in the Tioga community’s cancer research fundraising, and this year, Soldiers + Sailors Memorial Hospital (SSMH) and the Laurel Health Centers (LHCs) united to form another powerful joint Relay for Life Team.

Team members Stephanie Altman, Angela

Preston, Jenn Sorensen, Joan Sell and Laurie Wilson proved a small team could be mighty when they raised over $3,000. At the event, the team sold candy, caramel apples, handmade Christmas ornaments, a refreshing cranberry fizz drink and soda. The group also raised funds through raffling a series of themed, hand-assembled gift baskets—from “Fun in the Sun” to “Gardening.”

“We just wanted to take the time to personally thank all of those who donated money, supplies and their time to our team fundraising efforts for this great cause,” adds team member Angela Preston.

This year’s donors included Automax Tire & Auto, Elkland Lodge #746, Edmund & Daria Guelig, Ron Butler, Melissa Heck, Dianna Tanner, Julie Smolla, Troy Preston, Sherry Smith, the Laurel Health Center Billing Office, Carla Westlake and Coca-Cola.

The team is still recruiting team members and is currently selling Christmas ornaments for $4 each. To join or to order, call Laurie Wilson at (570) 723-3405 or Angela Preston at (570) 723-3412.

SH Hospice and Palliative Care Recognized Nationally

Susquehanna Health’s Hospice and Palliative Care program was recently honored with the prestigious 2016 Circle of Life™ Award from the American Hospital Association. The Circle of Life Award, now in its 17th year, celebrates innovation, quality and compassion. Representatives from Susquehanna Health

attended the ceremony to accept the award on July 18 in San Diego.

“Susquehanna Health has made great advancements in incorporating palliative and end-of-life care into all aspects of care, from primary to specialty, and into the community,” said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack. “We are honored to recognize Susquehanna Health, which has found new ways to work innovatively with compassion and dedication for its patients and communities.”

During the ceremony, Susquehanna Health’s Hospice and Palliative care program was described as one which addresses palliative care system-wide and in the community, stretching over a broad rural area.

“Our program addresses these needs in all patient care settings, including hospital, home and long-term care,” explained Dr. Alexander Nesbitt.

“It was an honor to be alongside of our Hospice and Palliative Care team whose tireless work to compassionately care for our end-of-life patients is now being recognized as the best in the nation,” said Steven P. Johnson, President & CEO, Susquehanna Health. “I am especially proud of our team’s relationships with long-term care facilities as they monitor and improve palliative and end-of-life care; their cultural sensitivity to religiously and socially conservative communities; and their commitment to education and training. These are the values Susquehanna Health holds most dearly.”

Donor Melissa Heck pledges support to the 2016 SSMH-LHC Relay for Life Team at The Green in Wellsboro on July 16.

Steven P. Johnson, President & CEO; Melanie Allen, Practice Manager; Dr. Alexander Nesbitt, Medical Director; Karen Clark, CRNP; and Pat McGee, Executive Director

Every year on Doctor’s Day, we celebrate those who have dedicated their lives to practicing medicine. For the sixth year, Susquehanna Health Foundation committed one very special day to honoring these everyday heroes. This year, 283 contributions were made to Susquehanna Health Foundation totaling $19,185 in honor of 148 physicians! The contributions went to support areas like The Gatehouse, Cancer Centers, Breast Health Center, Heart & Vascular Institute and many others.

Recently, the Foundation proudly presented awards to the top three physicians who received the most notes of appreciation and donations given in their honor. The honorees were Dr. Edward Wyshock, Dr. Warren Robinson and Dr. Mauricio Pineda. We gratefully recognize their dedication to providing exceptional care and congratulate all the physicians who were honored by patients and their families!

UPMC Affiliation FAQ – Week 10 We thank you for submitting questions about our discussions with UPMC. Please see the answer to this week’s question below. As always, we appreciate your patience and daily support of our mission.

When the merger is completed, will current Susquehanna Health employees have access to the UPMC Health Plan as an option for health insurance?

For the immediate future we will remain with Highmark insurance as per our current contract with them until at least next summer. As we plan the integration of the two organizations, we will prepare details and time frames to transition our employee service partners to the UPMC health plan and communicate them when they are complete.

We invite you to send your questions to informationdesk@susquehannahealth.org for consideration.

Donations Honor Doctors

Dr. Wyshock and team

Dr. Robinson and team

Dr. Pineda and team

Spirit of Women Recognized at National Meeting

Susquehanna Health was recently recognized at the Spirit of Women National Executive Meeting in Miami, Florida for their 5-year membership to the Spirit of Women Hospital Network, reaching nearly 5,000 members in that time!

Known for its special style of engagement, Spirit of Women hosts fun, educational events throughout the year in both Tioga and Lycoming Counties. Annual signature events

include Girls Night Out and Day of Dance. Members receive a monthly newsletter, invitations to special events, free wellness screenings, health tips and discounts from participating business sponsors.

Our Spirit of Women program is about motivating and inspiring women to make positive changes in their lives — mind, body and spirit.

Want to join the fun? Membership is free and open to women of all ages. Simply sign up and “get in the spirit” by calling 1-888-720-8461. For more information, visit SusquehannaWomen.org.

Free Cholestech Clinics Offered in AugustSusquehanna Health offers free Cholestech Clinics for SH Medical Plan members, which test cholesterol (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL) and blood sugar (fasting glucose); these test results are valid toward SH Medical Plan Wellness incentives.

Appointments are required, and availability is limited. Appointments are scheduled in 15-minute blocks to accommodate as many employees as possible; if you are more than five minutes late, you may be asked to reschedule.

You must fast 12 hours prior to your appointment. Additionally, employees must still receive a physical as part of the wellness program by their primary care provider, who may order additional blood work based on their Cholestech results. To schedule an appointment, visit SHWellness.org.

Tuesday, August 9 6 am – noonSoldiers + Sailors Memorial Hospital, Boardroom

Thursday, August 116 am – noonMuncy Valley Hospital, Main Conference Room

Monday, August 156 am – noonDivine Providence Hospital, Dining Room B

Wednesday, August 176 am – noonWilliamsport Regional Medical Center, 7 North, Employee Health

Patti Jackson-Gehris, Tonya Welshans and Teia Engel

Cozying Up at The Green Home

Come fall, residents at The Green Home will be cozier than ever thanks to a generous donation of 27 hand-knitted and colorfully crocheted lap robes and 8 crocheted shawls from the North East Telecom Pioneer Club (NEAREA).

“Each item takes up to 25 hours to create, and the group cultivated the donation over six months,” adds Tanya Christ, Secretary and Treasurer for the Club. The Pioneer Club consists of a group of volunteers who previously worked for area telephone companies seeking to give back to the community.

For more information on The Green Home or how to volunteer there, call (570) 724-3131.

Good Luck, Retirees! Susquehanna Health thanks the following service partners for their years of service and wishes them well:

Service Partner – William Todhunter, MD Position Held – PhysicianEffective Retirement Date – August 4, 2016

Service Partner – Deborah Wagner Position Held – Echo Technologist Effective Retirement Date – August 5, 2016

From left, Front: Activities Assistant Janet Cummings and resident Arletta Cromer. Back: NEAREA Telecom Pioneer Club members Pete McClure, Tanya Christ, Dolores Stubeda and John Stubeda.

WELCOME! Please extend a warm welcome to the following new members of the Susquehanna Health family.

Lisa Casselberry, Physical Therapist – DPHQuinten Cooper, Service Assistant – MVHKelli Copley, RN, Home Health – SSMHPatrick Dapp, Clerk/Central Scheduler – WRMCRachel Gutzan, Athletic Trainer – DPHMaureen Krepps, CRNP – OFFKara Martin, GN – WRMCKou Pha, Respiratory Therapist – WRMCRyan Plunkert, Rehab Aide – SSMHMariah Reasy, Respiratory Therapist – WRMCStephanie Rushton, Psychotherapist – DPHMiranda Sheehan, RN – WRMCNicole Stutzman, RN – WRMCAlex Sullivan, RN – WRMC Brandy Thompson, LPN – SSMHJordan Utter, Security Officer – WRMCVanessa Witmer, RN – WRMC

AramarkMichael Fioretti, Hospitality Associate – WRMCAlexander Hord, Hospitality Associate – WRMCCatelyn Kennedy, Logistics Coordinator – DPHHeather Patterson, Hospitality Associate – SSMHDylan Rhodes, Hospitality Associate – WRMC & SSMH

We will begin seeing patients at our new location on August 8.

Susquehanna Health Family Medicine at Northway Road is moving to

Susquehanna Health Family Medicine at Warren Avenue

1705 Warren Ave., Suite 303

After August 8, all appointments can be made by calling (570) 326-8500.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

We’re moving!

Medical Group

SusquehannaHealth.org/PrimaryCare

Our MissionExtend God’s healing love by improving

the health of those we serve. Our Vision

Create a clinically integrated community health system that delivers world class care.

For Sale1996 Custom Softail Chopper, Kraft Tech frame, 96 cubic inch S&S Super motor, 100 horsepower, ONLY 921 miles! In very good condition, always garage kept. Call or text Boyd at (570) 660-6167.

2004 VW Beetle. Clean and ready for your commute to work or travel. 5-speed manual, black in color with a spoiler, moonroof, cd player/radio, AC, and many other features. Call Jackie or Ken at (570) 419-4545.

20” KMC XD Series Rockstar II Satin Black Wheels 20x9 6x135 / 6x139.7 +30 MPN-XD81129066730, fitted with Toyo Open Country AT/2 275/55R20 Tires, only 8,000 miles on them. Fits Chevrolet Suburban/Silverado. Call/text Jason at (814) 571-0528.

We recognize these outstanding individuals and servant leaders for providing excellent C.A.R.E. (Courtesy & Compassion, Attentiveness & Accountability, Responsiveness & Respect, Excellence & Enthusiasm) and for living out our mission to extend God’s healing love by improving the health of those we serve.

C.A.R.E. Award RecipientsSusan Wertman, CNAMedical/Surgical Unit, Muncy Valley Hospital Energetic, organized and self-motivated are words that describe Susan. She values her work and cares about doing the very best that she can for her patients. Susan is a team player and helps make the unit run efficiently and smoothly. Patients and co-workers appreciate her cheery and positive demeanor, along with her great attitude. When not working, Susan enjoys gardening and spending time with her grandchildren, family and friends.

Lori MarkelSenior Accountant, FinanceDivine Providence HospitalLori is a responsible and hard-working member of the Finance team. She is detail-oriented and attentive to the needs of others. Lori is a behind-the-scenes superhero of the health system and makes herself available to anyone needing assistance. Capable of handling complex issues, she is a knowledgeable resource for her department. In her free time,

Lori enjoys reading, walking, yardwork and spending time with her family.

Karla Rodriquez, RNSkilled Nursing & Rehabilitation CenterMuncy Valley HospitalKarla was first nominated for a C.A.R.E. Award while working as a unit clerk at Williamsport Regional Medical Center about a year ago. Since then, she has transitioned to a graduate nurse role and is now a registered nurse on the Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center team. Karla dedicates herself to providing compassionate care and making her patients

her primary focus. She goes above and beyond her duties to help her patients and coworkers. Karla is passionate about both her work and being a care provider. When not working, Karla enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with her family and friends.

Distinguished Leader Award Recipient

Brian ButtorffDirector of Business StrategySusquehanna Health Medical GroupBrian is a respectful, positive director, who oversees an interdisciplinary team responsible for many aspects of the Susquehanna Health Medical Group. He works with his team to effectively navigate the complex network of providers and hospital payers, along with helping to resolve issues, remove barriers and maintain positive working relationships.

Brian is a humble leader and dedicates time to coaching and helping his team succeed while ensuring they are given credit for the work completed. He is able to remain calm in stressful situations, often developing creative solutions to challenging problems.

C.A.R.E. Volunteer Award Recipient

Larry MoyerCancer Center, Divine Providence Hospital Larry is a courteous and compassionate person who cares about his patients and their families. He is responsive to others’ needs and has worked with care providers to implement efficient and practical processes to help improve the patient experience. Larry goes above and beyond to help others and, when necessary, he offers to take on additional responsibilities. When not volunteering, Larry enjoys spending his free time walking and being active.

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