Inside AnMed Health: Spring 2019 by AnMed

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Greenville, SC Permit No. 374

800 North Fant Street • Anderson, SC 29621 www.anmedhealth.org

Spring 2019

Heart procedure ensures patient’s independence Follow-up colonoscopies important step in maintaining good health

Introducing E-Visits Feel better fast

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Pet therapy perks up patients, visitors, staff Program helps connect mind, body and spirit

FROM THE CEO

CONTENTS

My daddy

wouldn’t be here without AnMed Health’s heart care.

5 Heart procedure ensures patient’s independence 6 Follow-up colonoscopies important step in good health 9 Pet therapy perks up patients, visitors, staff 10 Ask the Doc: High blood pressure could mean trouble 11 Final Salute: Veterans recognized for service 12 STAR winner inspired by those she helps 13 Volunteer making the most of a second chance at life 14 In the Community

If you or someone you love has a heart or vascular condition, trust AnMed Health. We offer a range of high-quality heart and vascular services that rival those of world-class urban medical centers. You’ll have access to a broad range of solutions in our state-of-the-art facilities from skilled, highly-trained doctors, nurses and technologists. This is why our quality exceeds national standards and why we are recognized – year after year – for the performance and patient satisfaction of our cardiovascular program.

15 Visions: Foundation News Monna Prince was visited by one of the pets from SC Dogs Therapy Group at AnMed Health Medical Center. ON THE COVER:

Inside

ANMED HEALTH Inside AnMed Health is published quarterly for AnMed Health staff, friends and the community. CONTACT

Best quality. Best care. Best outcomes. All close to home.

Lee Boggs, Editor 864.512.8739 MISSION To passionately blend the art of caring with the science of medicine to optimize the health of our patients, staff and community. VISION To be recognized and celebrated as the gold standard for health care quality and community health improvement.

864.512.2255 AnMedHealth.org/HeartCare

Serving with purpose THIS TIME OF YEAR, we celebrate several key recognition weeks: National Hospital

Week, National Nurses Week and National Volunteer Week. While we acknowledge the successes of our teammates year-round, these weeks are set aside to recognize AnMed Health’s employees’ and volunteers’ commitment to the well-being of our neighbors. It’s more than a job; it’s a life purpose. When I see that purpose lived out on the patient floors, in the hallways and at our satellite locations, I’m filled with pride for what our personnel accomplish daily. Whether it’s celebrating with a young family as a new life enters the world or comforting a deceased veteran’s family with programs like Final Salute, they make it their purpose to provide ongoing care and compassion. For example, AnMed Health Cannon in Pickens has been recognized for earning nine Zero Harm patient survey awards from the South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA). The award recognizes excellent work in preventing hospital-acquired infections. Cannon has been recognized for 58 months of Zero Harm in three categories. No other facility in the state has gone that long in more than two. AnMed Health Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine has received the prestigious Regional Clinical Program Accreditation from the Pulmonary Hypertension Association. Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine is the first in the state and only the sixth in the nation to do so after demonstrating the ability to deliver quality care for treating patients living with pulmonary hypertension. The AnMed Health CareConnect Clemson Lab was selected as a recipient of the Commission of Laboratory Accreditation (COLA) Laboratory Excellence award for commitment to performing quality testing and practices. The lab is inspected every two years by COLA and has received continued accreditation with zero citations. Since 1908, our purpose has always been and always will be to serve. As the journey continues, our focus remains on fostering hope and providing excellent care system wide, and we are still expanding our reach. AnMed Health Honea Path Family Medicine has announced a $1.1 million expansion; AnMed Health Clemson has added a rotating pulmonary specialist; and Radiation Oncology at the AnMed Health Cancer Center is installing a new, state-of-the-art linear accelerator. The common theme is that care and treatment are available close to home when it matters the most. With almost 4,000 employees and volunteers, this is a time to celebrate their achievements – big and small. It’s a time to reflect on how they contribute to our lives. Health care never stops changing, but our purpose remains the same as stated in our mission...“to passionately blend the art of caring with the science of medicine to optimize the health of our patients, staff and community.” That’s worth celebrating.

Bill Manson 800 North Fant Street • Anderson, SC 29621 864.512.1000 • www.anmedhealth.org

Inside ANMED HEALTH 3

Heart procedure ensures patient’s independence By Jennifer Oladipo

“I couldn’t breathe, exercise, couldn’t do anything. It was discouraging not to be able to do the simple things.”

Contact AnMed Health Carolina Cardiology at 864.224.2465 for more information or to make an appointment.

4 Inside ANMED HEALTH

ON ONE OF THE FIRST dry afternoons

Barbara Bowman tended to her flower bed following a TAVR procedure which helped her stay active and independent.

following two weeks of late-winter rains, Barbara Bowman was painting her garage. The 78-year-old tackled the do-it-yourself project during a break from caring for her husband, who lives with cancer. It was also an “off” day in her weekly workout routine. Such energy and self-sufficiency were a distant possibility less than a year ago, when Bowman was too weak to even walk to her mailbox. “I couldn’t breathe, exercise, couldn’t do anything,” she remembered. “It was discouraging not to be able to do the simple things…it’s very scary not to be able to breathe.” Bowman was suffering from aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the heart valve due to degeneration or wear and tear, typically from aging. In addition to the extreme fatigue Bowman experienced, other common symptoms of aortic stenosis include chest pain, lightheadedness and fainting. Most patients survive only two to five years once these symptoms occur. The procedure – transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) – that helped Bowman get her life back seemed more than distant when doctors proposed it. “I kind of thought maybe it was science fiction,” Bowman said of her initial reaction to hearing TAVR could open her blocked heart valve without surgery. Yet, even as she wondered at the technology, she didn’t hesitate to undergo the procedure in January 2018. “Before I had Dr. Satish Surabhi the TAVR done, my heart was working overtime. I lost 30 pounds over one year just from the stress on my body. Now, I’m doing everything,” Bowman said proudly. “I’m taking care of my sick husband and the house. I do all the

driving, and I also go to the YMCA three times a week for 45 minutes to an hour.” TAVR is a minimally invasive treatment for many patients who previously had no other options or were at high risk for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), or open heart surgery. “TAVR has proven to be a transformational therapy for patients with aortic stenosis,” said Dr. Satish Surabhi of AnMed Health Carolina Cardiology. Surabhi was Bowman’s cardiologist. The procedure involves running a short hollow flexible tube called a sheath into the femoral artery in the groin. The new heart valve is on a delivery system or tube that is advanced through the sheath to the diseased valve in the chest. The new valve is delivered by inflating the balloon and leaving the new aortic valve in place. This allows blood to flow freely again. Up to 1.5 million people in the United States suffer from aortic stenosis, with an estimated 250,000 patients having severe aortic stenosis. Studies show that without an aortic valve replacement more than 50 percent of patients with severe aortic stenosis will not survive more than an average of two years after the onset of symptoms. TAVR is also appealing for the remarkably short recovery period most patients experience. “Compared to surgical aortic valve replacement, TAVR patients typically leave the hospital after 24 hours and are back to usual activities in less than a week” Dr. Surabhi said. “With surgery, they typically stay in the hospital for four to five days and make full recovery in eight to 10 weeks.” Bowman still marveled at the speed of her recovery after TAVR. She said it took her many months to feel normal after a previous open heart surgery to repair other valves. After TAVR, on the other hand, she felt better upon leaving the operating room.

“I was able to get up an hour after surgery, came home the next morning,” she said. Bowman’s “science fiction” experience might become the norm within the next few years. Dr. Surabhi said there is now enough evidence that TAVR will become the treatment of choice for most patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. Studies show TAVR presents 50 to 75 percent less risk of stroke or death, reduced complications and better outcomes compared to SAVR. “TAVR provides a dramatic improvement in the quality of life for patients with this serious condition that carries a high morbidity and mortality,” Dr. Surabhi said. “It truly makes these patients feel better and live longer.” Bowman said the promise of relief and the recommendation from three different cardiologists that she was indeed a good candidate for the procedure made her decision to try TAVR a quick one. She added that regular exercise has been a key to maintaining her health since the procedure. “I was sure I wanted to get well. And now, I’m out in my garage painting,” she said.

Inside ANMED HEALTH 5

Follow-up colonoscopies important step in good health By Lee Boggs AFTER CAROLYN HAYES had her first

colonoscopy, she did what many people do. She skipped the second one. Hayes had a colonoscopy in 2016 while living in New Hampshire. After finding and removing precancerous polyps from her colon, Hayes’ physician recommended annual colonoscopies. While Hayes said that was good advice, she waited two years before going back. “I thought if I do this and I do that, I’ll be fine,” she said. “He wanted me, because of my age and weight, to get checked every year. Well, I didn’t listen to the doctor and went about my business and ignored it.” Doctors recommend more frequent checkups for patients who have had polyps that could become malignant and even fatal. Research shows that it’s not uncommon for patients to skip their follow-up screenings. A 2017 study by Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute found that only 18.3 percent actually Dr. Peter Schriver attended their next appointment. However, follow-up colonoscopies can help monitor patients’ health after having polyps removed, said Dr. Peter Schriver of AnMed Health Cannon Surgical in Pickens. “After surgery, patients should continue colonoscopic surveillance and follow-up with the oncologist. The goal is for them to continue a normal life without any further surgery or therapy needed,” he said. Dr. Schriver is a board-certified general surgeon with decades of experience in multiple areas, and he has performed thousands of colonoscopies. One of his specialty areas is advanced laparoscopic surgery. That procedure allows Dr. Schriver to treat many common colon conditions through small, minimally

6 Inside ANMED HEALTH

invasive incisions. It also enables patients to leave the hospital and return to normal activities quicker than patients recovering from open surgery after polyp removal. “We remove the segment of colon, laparoscopically, in selected patients, so the downtime is minimum with faster recovery,” Dr. Schriver said. Regular screenings allow doctors to find polyps and colorectal cancer early and take appropriate measures to stop the progression, and that improves outcomes, Dr. Schriver said. “It’s both early detection and follow-up. By being diligent about it, we can actually decrease the incidence of colorectal cancer by removing polyps while they’re precancerous,” he said. “By intervening early, many times we can avoid radiation, chemotherapy and major surgery.” After Hayes’ initial experience with polyps, she moved to Pickens and by 2018 had not been rechecked. During a visit to her primary care physician, Hayes’ doctor persuaded her to be screened again to be safe, and she was referred to Dr. Schriver for another colonoscopy. The screening revealed more premalignant polyps, which Dr. Schriver removed through open surgery. Open surgery is used in complex cases when, for various reasons, laparoscopic surgery isn’t an option. Hayes was one of those cases.

Despite the delayed follow-up, Dr. Schriver caught and treated her condition before it could advance any further. He said Hayes’ surgery was successful, and she doesn’t need further treatment. “She did really well and is now back to her normal life,” he said. Doctors recommend everyone 50 and older get a colonoscopy at least every 10 years and more frequently if they have a family history of polyps or colorectal cancer, an inflammatory bowel disease, or a genetic syndrome. African-Americans have a higher incidence of colorectal cancer, so they’re encouraged to get screenings beginning at age 45. Knowing that the polyps could have progressed into cancer if she had continued waiting to get another colonoscopy, Hayes said that she is grateful to have been introduced to Dr. Schriver. “They’re great; I recommend them all of the time,” she said of Dr. Schriver and his staff. “A couple of my friends had to go. I’ve taken one of my friends who needed a colonoscopy, and he was her doctor, too.” Post-surgery, Hayes said that she is glad to know that she’ll have more time to spend with her two dogs, Gizmo and FiFi. “They’re the biggest shih tzus I’ve ever seen, about 18 inches long. They’re with me 24/7. They’re my life,” she said.

Carolyn Hayes shared a laugh with a friend following colorectal surgery at AnMed Health Cannon Surgical.

“ They’re great; I recommend them (Cannon Surgical) all of the time...” Carolyn Hayes

In our last issue of Inside AnMed Health, Dr. Tyler Stone of AnMed Health Cannon Eastside Family Practice was featured for his non-surgical treatment of osteoarthritis using ultrasound-guided injections. Since then, he has also begun seeing patients with non-surgical orthopaedic and sports medicine needs once a week in Anderson at AnMed Health Community Orthopaedics. To make an appointment with Dr. Stone at either his Pickens or Anderson location, please call 864.897.8280.

Dr. Tyler Stone

Contact AnMed Health Cannon Surgical at 864.898.1360 for more information or to make an appointment.

Inside ANMED HEALTH 7

Pet therapy perks up patients, visitors, staff

Staff from the AnMed Health Emergency Services enjoyed time with pets from SC Dogs Therapy Group.

By Nick Charalambous WHEN PATIENTS, visitors and staff see the pet therapy canines

The happy-go-lucky dogs are a movable mob of merriment, and they can help just about anyone forget suffering, grief and difficulty – at least for the moment. 8 Inside ANMED HEALTH

wagging their tails through AnMed Health’s corridors, no one can resist. Everyone wants to pet them, and the doggie divas love every second of it. Heidi, a 140-pound, champagne-beige Newfoundland, will roll on her back, raise her paws, and beg for a belly rub as soon as she sees someone coming. “Oh my gosh, you’re my spirit animal!” exclaimed Jamie Chaney, RN, as she pressed her face to Heidi’s cheeks. “I could spend all day with you.” The joy was particularly welcome for Jamie and others in AnMed Health Emergency Services. Along with the typical stresses of providing emergency care, they’ve had to cope with the loss of a co-worker. Pet therapy is provided by SC Dogs Therapy Group. The happy-go-lucky dogs are a movable mob of merriment, and they can help just about anyone forget suffering, grief and difficulty — at least for the moment. “It always makes your heart feel good,” said Allison Thomason, a utilization management specialist, who regularly visits with the dogs. “It’s so stress-relieving.” Joining Heidi during a visit in February were Lady, a blond golden retriever; Condi, a dappled gray dachshund; Gabbi, a redheaded shih tzu-lhasa apso; and Ollie, a black-and-white shih tzu-pekingese. They proudly wore official AnMed Health employee badges with their names and pictures on them and blue SC Dogs bandanas. A couple wore special embroidered vests to add even more personality. Each dog was accompanied by its owner and trained handler, who gladly volunteers his or her time to bring smiles to faces. SC Dogs has partnered with AnMed Health for three years, visiting staff, patients and caregivers — along with anyone who passes by — on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month. They also visit AnMed Health’s North Campus and other locations. Therapy dogs are rigorously trained. SC Dogs’ canine crews must pass a 10-point obedience test four times a year so they can be considered “K9 Good Citizens.” When anyone reaches out to pet the dogs’ silky, clean fur, there must be no sign – not even a hint — that they’re agitated by unfamiliar people or unusual surroundings. “It’s a wonderful, wonderful experience for everybody. The dogs love it. We love it,” said Ellen Pohl, SC Dogs’ team leader and retired teacher. “They give the experience of love in a way that humans can’t. It’s just magic.” The anecdotal evidence of the psychological and social benefits of pet therapy, such as relieving trauma, depression or loneliness, has been observed for years. In 2017, separate research teams from American Humane and Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute

confirmed those benefits in studies involving childhood cancer patients. The children receiving dog visits showed lower distress, worry, tiredness, fear, sadness and pain, the Kaiser researchers found. Another research group, American Humane, indicated that improved emotional well-being of patients and families leads to better communication with hospital staff and potentially better care and outcomes. The growing body of research is why therapy dogs are becoming a common sight in hospitals, hospices, cancer centers, nursing homes and even schools, where they help children with reading and special needs. “Mental and emotional health helps physical health,” said Lisa Kopera, AnMed Health’s patient experience supervisor. “The therapy dog program is a way to help patients connect mind, body and spirit.” Linda Price, Lady‘s owner, said dogs can often sense when a patient isn’t feeling well, and they adjust their behavior. “Sometimes there’s a lot of tears because patients miss their animals so much,” she said. “Dogs love so much, and it’s great being able to share that.” Patient and dog owner Monna Prince agreed. “I’m lonely all day and miss my dog. Having the dogs in here and seeing them helps take care of some of that,” she said. It was all smiles as the dogs’ visited with nurses in a small conference room near the emergency department. Caitlyn Mills, RN, moved quickly toward Condi, the dachshund. Caitlyn’s own dog is a long-haired dachshund, so she’s unfazed when Condi returned the love with a hearty lick. “They’re not shy,” Caitlyn said. “It brightens your day to come back here and love on them.” Inside ANMED HEALTH 9

ASK THE DOC

NEWS BRIEFS

High Blood Pressure Could Mean Trouble

Christi Evans, RN, displays a folded United States of America flag which is presented as part of the Final Salute program.

One-third of American adults has high blood pressure, which usually has no warning signs or symptoms. Many people don’t realize they have it until problems arise. Two of the main causes of death in the United States are heart attack and stroke, and both can result from high blood pressure.

to care for him/her. Out of honor and respect to him/her and his/her family, we invite you to observe a moment of silence,” the announcement says. The family is then given a card and a folded American flag. Jean Tillirson, MSN, RN, CPPS, patient safety manager, said the salute was instituted as part of the hospital’s VetNET program, an employee resource group focused on supporting military employees, whether they are active, reserve, guard or veterans. “Final Salute is an example of how AnMed Health recognizes the priceless contributions of our community members and their families,” Tillirson said. “AnMed Health’s employees are extremely caring, particularly those who work with and develop personal relationships with patients and their families on a daily basis.” AnMed Health instituted a version of Final Salute after Christi Evans, RN, BSN, ACM, manager for care coordination, experienced it with her father and brought the idea to AnMed Health Spiritual Care. Other departments and teammates joined in and it was launched on Veterans Day 2018. Evans lost her father, 69-year-old John Gerik, in 2017. Gerik was a Navy veteran stationed in Portugal during the Vietnam War. During his stay at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital, care team members there gave her father a final salute. “After his passing, his body was draped with a flag,” Evans said. “There was an announcement over the loud speakers, and as we followed his body out of his room, staff members lined the halls to the entrance. Those who were civilians put their hands over their hearts, and former military members saluted. Afterward, the hospital presented us with a folded American flag.” The tribute helped Evans remember her dad in a new light, and it was a tribute she hoped to give to veterans in the upstate of South Carolina as well. “It was so very moving and so very emotional,” she said. “I was so touched by it; I thought it would be so nice to have the same or similar program here.”

In 2014, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that high blood pressure contributed to 1,100 deaths a day nationally. Plus, South Carolina ranks among the top 10 states for the percentage of adults who reported being told by a health professional that they have high blood pressure. If diagnosed with high blood pressure, a family doctor can prescribe a treatment plan, so every adult should have their blood pressure checked regularly. That’s even more important if you are overweight, inactive or a smoker, all of which are high risk categories. Dr. J. Parker Miller, who is board certified in family medicine, recommends regular blood pressure checks as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Q: What is high blood pressure? A: High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the force of blood against the artery walls as it circulates through your body. Blood pressure can rise and fall throughout the day. If it stays high too long, then it can become a problem. Q: How is blood pressure checked? A: It’s very simple and quick to do. Your health care provider measures your blood pressure by wrapping an inflatable cuff around your arm, which is moderately squeezed by the inflated cuff. As the heart beats, the gauge measures the pressure. Using a stethoscope, the provider listens to your pulse while releasing the air from the cuff and taking a measurement. Q: What is considered a good blood pressure measurement? A: A measurement of 120/80 is ideal. The first number represents the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart beats. The second number represents the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart rests between beats. If your measurement is 140/90 or higher, then 10 Inside ANMED HEALTH

you have high blood pressure and should talk with your health care provider and start making changes. Q: How can high blood pressure be treated? A: There are a couple of things that you can do. First, have an honest talk with your doctor about your lifestyle choices. We’re not here to judge; we’re here to help. Second, consider lifestyle changes. If you smoke or drink or make unhealthy food choices or aren’t active, think about changing that behavior. Those changes alone could positively impact the way you feel and improve your long-term outlook. Third, your doctor may give you a prescription. If so, take it as prescribed. It could be the difference between life and death.

Q: How can a blood pressure check be scheduled? A: Everyone is encouraged to get a yearly wellness checkup, which includes a blood pressure check, with your primary care physician. To make an appointment, please call AnMed Health Wellness Connect at 864.512.3748 or visit AnMedHealth.org/Find-A-Physician.

Final Salute Veterans recognized for service BY LIZ CAREY

Q: What can be done right now? A: Eat fruits and vegetables, avoid junk food and choose low-sodium foods. Find an activity that you like to do that will help you stay physically active throughout the week, such as walking, running, exercising or playing sports. Reduce cigarettes and alcohol and eventually stop completely.

J. Parker Miller, M.D.

AnMed Health Clemson Family Medicine 885 Tiger Boulevard Clemson, SC 29631 864.654.2067

The passing of a loved one is always difficult on families, but when that loved one has a history of service to our country, their passing signifies so much more. That’s why many think AnMed Health’s Final Salute – a tribute to veterans who pass away within the facility – is a lasting memory that honors the veteran’s service and comforts the family. Lewis Seay said his family was touched by the tribute when his brother passed away. A member of the Air Force, Roy Seay fought during the Vietnam War.

“It wasn’t long after he passed away that the hospital came to us to do that,” Seay recalled. “I was sitting there alone with him waiting for my family to show up. It was a matter of minutes later that they came and made the presentation. For them to stop what they were doing in order to salute him…it was absolutely awesome. It really meant a lot to us.” During the tribute, an announcement is made over the loud speakers to recognize a veteran’s passing. “Your attention please, one of our military service members has passed away today. It was our honor and privilege

Inside ANMED HEALTH 11

STAR winner inspired by those she helps

Volunteer making the most of a second chance at life BY HEIDI CHARALAMBOUS

BY SHANE BRADLEY

Sharon Steed of AnMed Health Pediatric Therapy Works was named the 2018 STAR recipient for her work with young speech pathology patients.

During Sharon Steed’s more than 17 years with AnMed Health Pediatric Therapy Works, the 2018 AnMed Health STAR winner has developed a reputation for giving more than her job requires. Serving a clientele with a wide variety of needs, the speech language pathologist arrives early, stays late and frequently uses her own time and resources to help her patients progress. In the ever-expanding world of speech pathology, Steed’s specialty is helping children – those who are nonverbal or don’t communicate in a traditional way – learn to converse. That ability to personally connect with children and their families makes her an integral part of the lives of the people who depend on her patience and expertise. Connecting with people and opening the doors of communication are among Steed’s many strengths. “Sharon uses her profession, passion and skillset as a way to serve all that she comes in contact with,” Kelly Southard, Pediatric Therapy Works supervisor, said in the written nomination. “Sharon sincerely feels she is called to work with the special needs population we serve. But it doesn’t stop there. She is a leader within our clinic and in our community on educating and advocating for children’s right and need to communicate.” Southard gave 13 examples in the nomination as to Steed’s commitment

12 Inside ANMED HEALTH

to service. She was noted for arranging transportation for patients, visiting them in their homes, organizing fundraisers, and holding events for children with special needs. “I’m just doing my job to serve others as best I can,” Steed said. “Everyone at Pediatric Therapy Works and within AnMed Health strives to live by the Lord’s words of service to others.” What may have seemed like merely “doing her job” made a far greater impact on a parent whose nonverbal, visually impaired child needed a device critical for communication. The child’s mother wrote that Steed helped “make the process as easy as possible for us, sometimes even using her own time and resources to accomplish this lengthy task.” For that mother, Steed became the STAR that she is. C.S. Lewis wrote, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less.” Steed’s life embodies this statement. Despite the acclaim, Steed remained humble and shared the credit with her parents. “My parents instilled in me the Golden Rule,” Steed explained. “They served others quietly – ‘doing unto others.’” Steed hasn’t forgotten her parents’ advice. She, along with her two brothers, cares for her 94-year-old mother now, putting her parents’ words into practice. When she’s not working, Steed likes to jog and read. She and her husband

Stephen – her high school sweetheart – own and operate the Merry Christmas Tree Farm in Central, South Carolina. Each year she makes sure Santa Claus is on-hand to spend time and pose for pictures at no charge with her young patients and their families in the quiet, peaceful setting away from the hustle and bustle of crowded stores and streets. “The farm provides a safe haven for families with special needs children to roam around, smell and touch the trees, and see the equipment in action,” she said. For Steed, the blessing is working with children at Pediatric Therapy Works. It’s the children and their families who provide her the inspiration to keep serving. “Those with disabilities and their families have taught me so much,” she said. “My superheroes are those who give so much to their family members with disabilities – those moms, dads, grandparents, wives, husbands, children, brothers and sisters. Their unselfishness is so abundant, so deep.” The STAR program is a way for AnMed Health to recognize and reward employees and teams who meet and exceed organizational standards. STARs make significant contributions to the mission, vision and building blocks of AnMed Health. They practice excellent, internal and external customer service, team leadership, participation, and better cost control and quality.

When Ann Pate was recovering from back surgery, she had one thing in mind: getting strong enough to return to her weekly rounds at AnMed Health Medical Center. Pate isn’t a doctor or a nurse, but she cares for people with the same intensity. While teams of medical professionals care for patients, Pate focuses on their caregivers. Spouses, relatives, and friends spend countless hours sitting at the bedside, keeping patients company and awaiting updates from their medical team. Every Monday morning, she arrives at the Medical Center, makes a gallon of lemonade, checks her hospitality cart, and starts her ascent to the seventh

floor Neuroscience Center. For the next two hours, she pushes her cart from unit to unit offering snacks, crossword puzzles, magazines, and a drink to anyone who looks like they might be in need. For one patient’s wife, a pack of Lance crackers provided the first real food she’d had since arriving the night before. Like so many caregivers, she received a late night phone call, threw on clothes, and rushed to the hospital with only a book and her purse. To open the door and find a smiling face and free snack was as surprising and exciting as seeing Ed McMahon holding an oversized check. “It thrills me that I can do something

AnMed Health Volunteer Ann Pate returned to her rounds with gratitude to God and her medical team after having a serious heart attack.

so little and it means so much,” Pate said as she turned and pushed her cart to the next open door. Pate is one of a handful of volunteers who provides this free service to patients’ families and caregivers, and more are needed to make it available every day of the week. For Pate, volunteering at the hospital is one way she’s making the most of a second chance at life. In the space of 15 months, Pate had two rotator cuff surgeries and suffered a serious heart attack. When she came to, she learned the blockage in her artery was so severe it was a miracle she survived the two previous surgeries. She laughs about how she’s keeping her guardian angels busy, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I can sit home and be depressed, or I can get out and be a blessing. And I’d rather do it this way,” she said. Pate’s drive to serve comes from the gratitude she feels toward God and her medical team. But the reasons to volunteer are as varied as the opportunities themselves. Hospital volunteers range in age from college students to retired adults. They provide many services at both AnMed Health campuses — from driving the courtesy shuttle to pushing the hospitality cart to hosting families in the hospitals’ many waiting rooms. “Most of the time, when people come to the hospital, they are facing a challenging time in their lives,” said Jan Verbeck, director of AnMed Health Volunteer Services. “Being able to ease that stress with a smile, an offer of assistance, or a listening ear can make a big difference.” As a former beautician and homemaker, Pate feared she didn’t have any skills to contribute. “The only skill I have is I never meet a stranger. I can talk to anyone,” she said then let out a hearty laugh. And it turns out, that’s all she needed. The health system provides training to all hospital volunteers and can match potential volunteers with an opportunity that meets their availability, interests and ability.

To see a list of current volunteer opportunities, go to AnMedHealth.org/Give-Back/Volunteer or call 864.512.1263 to learn more.

Inside ANMED HEALTH 13

Visions

IN THE COMMUNITY

F O U N D AT I O N N E W S

Because of contributions to the AnMed Health Foundation, hopelessness is replaced with promise. Thanks to all of our donors and supporters for improving the life and health of your community.

Primary care providers and staff at AnMed Health Honea Path Family Medicine broke ground on a $1.1 million expansion, helping meet the health care needs of the community and offering greater access and convenience. Drs. James Smith and Kent Jenkins will be joined by Dr. Grayson Jordan in July when the expansion project is slated for completion.

Some AnMed Health teammates endured the wet winter weather to make sure children in Anderson School District 5 had meals for a weekend. The AnMed Health volunteers delivered snack packs through the United Way Weekend BackPack Snack-Pack program. The program provides needy children with meals to take home on Fridays.

25th Camellia Ball celebration The 25th annual Camellia Ball raised more than $220,000 to benefit AnMed Health Pediatric Therapy Works, a group dedicated to providing specialized therapy for children with developmental delays and disorders. More than 500 guests attended the exciting event in February at the Bleckley Station. This year’s theme was “An Elegant Evening in Winter’s Green” and featured live music by the talented band The Maxx.

Master gardener behind Camellia Ball’s floral displays

Children from AnMed Health Pediatric Therapy Works paint pictures for 25th Camellia Ball

AnMed Health Hartwell Family Medicine provided free blood pressure checks and weigh-ins during a community health fair at Norman Grove CME Church in Elberton, Georgia. Pictured from left: Dr. Anthony Lau; Ravonia Montgomery, office manager; Dr. Caitlin Collier; Dr. Jenean White; and Lisa Hunt, CMA.

14 Inside ANMED HEALTH

Members of the AnMed Health Young PROs employee resource group volunteered at the Area 14 Special Olympics at BeltonHonea Path High School. Area 14 Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition, giving athletes continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship.

AnMed Health Foundation donors Hugh and Rita Burgess generously sponsored a paint party for 24 children from four to 16 years old. Under the creative direction of Chris Fitzer with Uncorked Artist, the children painted a silver teapot filled with camellias on a vibrant green background. Their masterpieces were displayed at the Camellia Ball.

AnMed Health Information Services (IS) Secretary Susan Temple loves to play in the dirt. She is a master gardener. Temple put her gardening skills to work as the chair of the 2019 Camellia Ball. She was responsible for all of the floral arrangements and table centerpieces. She has been involved behind-thescenes with the Camellia Ball for 10 years and participates in many other local events. While Temple earned her master gardener certification in 2006, her love of gardening began in 1986 after buying a house that required significant landscaping.

Please visit AnMedHealthFoundation.org, click on “How to Give” and then “Planned Giving” to find in-depth information about the ways you can give a legacy gift to the AnMed Health Foundation or call 864.512.3477.

About The AnMed Health Foundation: Established in 1985 and re-organized in 2012 as an independent organization, the AnMed Health Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that provides fundraising support for community programs and initiatives at AnMed Health. The Foundation welcomes donations from individuals, families and corporations to further our mission and to ensure that AnMed Health can continue to provide services that improve the health and lives of the people in our community.

Inside ANMED HEALTH 15