HEALTHC O N N E C T I O N

Panhandle Home Health, Inc . • 304.263.5680 • www.PanhandleHomeHealth.org

WINTER 2012

Destiny Wise is an exuberant sixth-grader at North Middle School. She was bright and full of laughter as she test-drove a motorized wheelchair Wednesday

afternoon. Diagnosed with meninzococemia meningitis, a severe bacterial infection of the blood stream, at nine months old, her condition was not treated quickly enough. Both Destiny’s legs below her knees and her left arm below the elbow were lost, and she has used a manual wheelchair for several years. Christina Johnson, director of resource development at Panhandle Home Health, spoke of Destiny’s match with the new chair as if it were fate. Johnson fi rst learned of the available chair when she was speaking with Tim Feltner at the air show a few weeks ago. He said he had a motorized wheelchair that belonged to his wife, who passed away last year, and could we re-gift it?Not more than a week passed before Johnson received a message about Destiny. “When you can fi nd somebody that has this type of equipment and somebody who needs it in that short of a time frame, it’s just really, really cool,” Johnson said. “I’m more than happy for her to have it. I really am,” Feltner said through tears. “I’m sure my wife’s saying it’s good.” Destiny’s need for a more feasible way to get around was great for many reasons. According to an email from Ruthie Haden, her teacher who asserted Destiny’s need, Medicaid only purchases chairs for students once every fi ve years and will not buy motorized ones at all. Destiny, 11, received her wheelchair as many as four years ago and has since outgrown it.

She had to depend on others to help her on and off the school bus and push her up and down ramps at school. “We just thought she could have more freedom if she had a way to get around by herself,” Haden said. “(This) will increase her mobility tenfold,” said Donnie Wise, Destiny’s mother. “With a regular chair you can’t get in and out of places like you can with that.” Destiny, a little shy to talk to a reporter, expressed happiness at having the electric wheelchair. She described it as good and was impressed by how fast she could go. As she took the chair for a spin, she began to get the hang of driving. “Bye! I’m going to the car,” she shouted as she drove past family and friends.

Every day, Panhandle Home Health receives donations from former patients or caregivers of items such as: unused medical supplies, wheelchairs, bath chairs, etc. that are then re-gifted to other people in need. Tim Feltner’s donation was an unusual item for the agency, but without hesitation, Chris Johnson said she would accept the gift and fi nd someone in need. Destiny Wise was that someone. In a recent note from Destiny’s mother, Donnie, “Destiny is now able to enjoy some new freedoms at home and school.” Thank you for helping Destiny fi nd a new angel in her life! “Linking people with available resources” is just part of the mission that ties Panhandle Home Health to the community.

She had to depend on others to help her on and off the

Upward MobilityMan donates motorized chairto disabled sixth-graderBy Rachel Molenda - Journal Staff WriterOriginally Published by The Journal

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December 4, 2012

Mrs. Tina H. Combs, President and CEO

Martinsburg Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce

198 Viking Way

Martinsburg, WV 25401

Dear Tina and Board of Directors,

The Board of Directors and entire staff of Panhandle Home Health, Inc. would like to express our

sincere appreciation to the Martinsburg Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce for selecting our

agency as the 2012 Small Business of the Year. To have been nominated was a great honor, but to

fi nd that we had won was truly amazing! You can imagine our surprise and delight to hear information

about our agency read by Kendra DeOms of Chick-fi l-A, and to fi nd that we had been selected by

your Nominating Committee.

We would also like to express our appreciation to the person who nominated our organization, Vicki

Jenkins. Vicki stated in her nomination, “Their mission is not just a motto that hangs on the wall or

is printed in their literature but rather a well-defi ned and purposeful commitment to the community

that creates a culture of home health care excellence!” To say the least, we are very humbled and

honored by this statement and to be recognized by such and amazing group of professionals from our

community.

For 36 years, Panhandle Home Health has played an essential role in providing high quality home

health care to individuals who live and work in Berkeley, Morgan and Jefferson Counties. Our

dedicated team of nurses, therapists, home health aides, social worker and registered dietician helped

to earn our reputation for excellence, attention to detail, integrity and compassion. We take our

responsibility very seriously to serve ALL patients in need and to care for them while they recuperate

and recover in the comfort of their homes!

It is a real privilege to be the recipient of such a prestigious award. We are honored to be the 2012

Small Business of the Year and will do our best in representing our agency to the community.

Thank you for believing in Panhandle Home Health!

Sincerely,

Lisa R. Bivens, RN

Executive Director

A Thank You from Lisa...

PHHI RECEIVES Chamber of Commerce Small BusinessOf the Year Award at the 86th Annual Dinner on November 7, 2012.

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15 Years of ServiceVicki Rohrer

Andi ScappiniMichelle Ruffner (not present)

(pictured with Lisa Bivens)

Andrea Scappini was named 2012 Employee of the Year. Andi has been employed at Panhandle Home Health for 15 years, and has been the Computer Operations Manager for the last 8. This isn’t Andi’s fi rst time to win the award, voted on by her peers she was selected as Employee of the Year in 2006. At that time, Lisa Bivens wrote, “There’s never

anything you ask her, that seems to be too much, she’ll work until your problem’s solved … she seems to have “the touch”. This is still true today in 2012 upon receipt of her 2nd award as Employee of the Year. If help with your computer is something that you need, just give Andi a call and she’ll take on the task!

2012 Employee of the Year Andrea Scappini

E M P L O Y E E C O N N E C T I O N

5 Years of ServiceChrista NegleyMelanie OliverAgnes Lutterodt

Becky Collins(pictured with Lisa Bivens)

20 Years of Service Debbie Klewe

Catherine ReiferValerie Moreno

(pictured with Lisa Bivens)

25 Years of ServiceBrenda Kish – 25 years

(pictured with Lisa Bivens)

25 Years of Service

15 Years of Service

National Home Health Month CelebrationPanhandle Home Health kicked off National Home Care Month by attending a special meeting of the Martinsburg City Council at City Hall on Thursday, October 18th at 5:00 p.m. where Mayor George Karos issued a National Home Care Month proclamation.

An awards ceremony and luncheon honoring Panhandle Home Health em-ployees, board, volunteers, and professional advisory committee was held on Thursday, November 15th at noon. Employees were recognized for their years of service with the agency by Executive Director, Lisa Bivens.

Michelle Ruffner traveled to Orlando, Florida in October to attend the National Association of Home Care and Hospice Annual Meeting and Exposition. Michelle was selected to represent West Virginia as a nominee for the 2012 National Home Health and Hospice Nurse of the Year and as a result, was invited to attend the conference in recognition of her dedication to home health and the nursing profession. Though not selected as the winner, Michelle says that, “it was an extreme honor to represent West Virginia at the National Conference.” Michelle is pictured with Val Halamandaris the President of NAHC.

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To receive our newsletter electronically, send us an email to: contact@panhandlehomehealth.org

HOLIDAY CHARITY GALA RAISES $14,400 FOR CHARITY CARE

The first annual Holiday Charity Gala is now behind us and by all accounts, the event was a great success for everyone involved. Almost 100 people came out to enjoy an evening of fine food paired with French wines. The weather was extremely cooperative and made the evening an enjoyable experience for all who attended.

On behalf of the Event Committee, Staff and Board of Directors of Panhandle Home Health, we want to extend a heartfelt thanks to the generous event sponsors, contributing sponsors, donors, and volunteers. Without their unselfish contributions there would be no Holiday Gala. We also want to thank the participants who attended the event. BECAUSE OF YOU, PATIENTS IN NEED OF HOME HEALTH WILL RECEIVE CARE!

Premier – Penn Liquors and Big Apple LiquorsVintner – Purple Iris at Hartwood MansionConnossieur – MVB Bank, Inc.Sommelier – Roach Energy & ROCS Convenience Stores

Your Most Valuable Bank

SAVE THE DATE!2013 Holiday Charity GalaNovember 16, 2013

Through technological advances, home-delivered health care has grown far beyond basic professional nursing and home care aide services. Today’s modern home care agency offers a wealth of nursing, physical, occupational, and speech therapies, counseling, dietary, laboratory, home medical supplies, and personal care.

Home care services are paid for by public and private sources, or directly by patients and their families. Third-party payers include commercial insurance, managed care organizations, CHAMPUS, and worker’s compensation. Medicare and state-run Medicaid are significant payers, often driving the payment agenda for commercial insurance. Despite massive cutbacks in government funding, home care continues to be the preferred means of receiving quality health care services for millions of Americans.

Panhandle Home Health, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, was founded in 1976 to provide comprehensive in-home health and supportive services for the Eastern Panhandle’s disabled and chronically ill patients and their families. Its care giving team offers services ranging from basic assistance with daily living to advanced medical treatment. For more information on how to make a referral for home health care contact Brenda Cloud at 304-263-5680x105.

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HOLIDAY CHARITY GALA for Charity Care Fund Penn Liquors & Big Apple Liquors MVB Bank, Inc.Roach Energy/ROCS Convenience StoresThe Purple Iris at Hartwood Mansion Steptoe & Johnson, PLLC Orsini’s Appliance Sales & Service State Farm Insurance, Pam Neely, Agent Bowles Rice LLP, Attorneys at Law Hornby Publishing, LLC Affordable Homes of Eastern WV, Inc.Shepherdstown Men’s Club Foundation, Inc. Day’ Javu LLC Dana’s Tuxedo Morgan Financial Group, LLC Panhandle Printing & Design, Mike Hite Extreme Fitness Valerie Hill Vineyard & Winery Leisure Travel Consultant, Tim MerceruioKysela Pere et Fils, Ltd., Lisa KyselaPenn Liquors, Erica EppersonNorthern Eagle, Scott Parkes Northern Eagle, Mark CoatsMedExpress Urgent Care, Paul LeGuePrinting Impressions, Scott Schoppert Sensy, Shana Bowers Berkeley Plaza Theatres Reid’s Distributor, Mr. Kim Reid Tastefully Simple, Susan van der AardeJefferson Distributing Company Laureate Zeta Sorority of Beta Sigma Phi LDH Electric, Inc. Mary Kay Independent Representative, Jennifer Bishop ROCS Convenience Stores Depot Florist, Pam WagonerMyka Sidow Design, Myka SidowMrs. Bethany Allen-PerezMs. Charlotte Anderson Mrs. Alice BarkusMr. and Mrs. Scott Bivens Ms. Tammy CooperMr. and Mrs. John Cormack Mr. and Mrs. Herman DixonMr. and Mrs. Dan Dulyea Dr. and Mrs. Frank A. Hamilton Mrs. Vicki Hettenhouser Mrs. Harriett Johnson Mrs. Christina Johnson Mr. Kevin Knowles Mrs. Sandy LeMasterMrs. Julie LitwinMs. Nancy Mason Mrs. Shirley Moler Mrs. Christina NipeMrs. Marilyn Oney Mrs. Vicki Rohrer and Mrs. Patti Garvin Mr. Jim Rodgers Mrs. Cindy Stonebraker

ANNUAL FUNDMr. and Mrs. Luther C. NeighoffCol. and Mrs. Carter C. CookMrs. Cheryl D. ThomasMr. and Mrs. Luther C. NeighoffMrs. Janet L. ButtsDr. and Mrs. Frank A. Hamilton, Jr.Ms. Careth A. McClainMr. and Mrs. William F. Baylor, Jr.Mr. Douglas M. Widmeyer

CHARITY CARE FUNDMr. Henry B. Davenport , IIIPenn Liquors & Big Apple LiquorsDr. Karoly Varga and Dr. Maria M. VargaDr. and Mrs. Paul G. Welch

CIRCLE OF CAREAnonymousMr. and Mrs. Curtis J. McKeeMrs. A. Louise StilwellMrs. Glenna A. Leonard*Ms. Robin L. HicksMr. and Mrs. Fredrick A. PlowmanMs. Mary B. LentzMr. and Mrs. Robert C. DavidsonMr. Tim DittmarDucts UnlimitedMr. Ronald B. Katz, P.A.Ms. Melissa J. PoeMr. and Mrs. Robert E. TablerMr. and Mrs. Lester E. ReedMrs. Anise V. FryeAnonymousAnonymousAnonymousAnonymousMrs. Grace E. BaihlyMr. and Mrs. Stephen Barnisky, Jr.Mr. George K. CastleMrs. Catherine C. FixMr. and Mrs. Bradley R. KochMr. and Mrs. Henry K. WillardMr. Robert E. Yoho

GIFT-IN-KIND DONORS Mr. Jerry ArvinMr. Joseph BowersMs. Barbara L. BradleyMs. Barbara L. BradleyMr. James E. BreedenMrs. H J. BrownMrs. Catherine R. BurttMr. and Mrs. Emil CardielMr. Robert Cross, Jr.Mr. C. Wayne DeHavenMr. William DukeMs. Donna L. EmmonsMrs. Peggy G. FairclothMr. Tim FeltnerMs. Mary FieldsMr. Arnold B. HessMr. William H. Hough

In honor of Gary TaultonIn honor of Jo Ann CookIn memory of Geneva FryeIn memory of Myra AveyIn memory of Orval L. Butts

In honor of MotherIn honor of Linda Eccard and staffIn honor of Virginia L. ButtsIn memory of Charles A. LeonardIn memory of Dorothy HessIn memory of J. D. and Jean JonesIn memory of Jean JonesIn memory of Naomi V. ReedIn memory of Naomi V. ReedIn memory of Naomi V. ReedIn memory of Naomi V. ReedIn memory of Naomi V. ReedIn memory of Naomi V. ReedIn memory of Naomi V. ReedIn memory of Robert Frye*Recurring Donor

Mr. Jason R. JonesMr. Scott MasonMrs. Patricia A. McCargarMrs. Ethel M. MessickMs. Valerie A. MorenoMr. Jeffery R. MyersMr. Michael NailsMr. and Mrs. Ronald E. OhlMs. Joyce PilcherMr. Craig PotterMs. Francis D. SandersMr. Woodrow C. SmithMs. Judi TinsmanMrs. Nancy WenzlerMrs. Nancy WenzlerMs. Carmen Wright

Thank You To Our Donors:Every effort was made to ensure that this list is complete. Donations listed in this newsletter were received from May 17, 2012 through Dec. 5, 2012.

Please contact the Development Office for more information.

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Bringing Health Care Home208 Old Mill Road • Martinsburg, WV 25401

(304)263-5680 • 1-800-397-7444www.panhandlehomeheath.org

Our mission is to provide the

community with high quality

home health services and to

link individuals with available

resources.

Partner Agency CFC #37660

Non-Profit Org.US Postage

PAIDPermit # 129

Martinsburg, WV

2012 Small Business of the Year

This Holiday Season, Give a Gift to Your Community Whether it is helping a patient learn to walk again, managing the healthcare needs of a grandmother so she can stay in her home, or providing comfort and pain management for a dying patient in his or her fi nal days, Panhandle Home Health has been the community’s loyal partner in care for more than three decades.

We urge you to be a Friend of Panhandle Home Health and to actively support your local home health agency by making a gift to the 2012-2013 Annual Giving Campaign.

Charitable contributions received through the annual giving campaign directly benefi t the community and will be used in the following areas:

• Uninsured/underinsured patient needs • Nursing scholarships• Medical equipment needs• Enhanced home health services and programs• Staff education and training

There is no fi ner gift than one that offers health and hope to others.

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