Centra Focus Spring 2017

CENTR A FOCUS Project SEARCH

Hospital internships for students with special needs

Renewed Vigor

Rehabilitation program strengthens cancer patients

Hope in the Midst of Addiction Community collaborates on opioid addiction in new mothers

+ LIFE AFTER WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY

URGENT CARE IN FOREST AMHERST MEDICAL CENTER VIRTUAL VISITS WITH CENTRA 24/7

HEALTH AND WELLNESS IN CENTRAL AND SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA | ISSUE 1, 2017

We fight cancer with you every day, and your survival continues to inspire us. Our life’s work is you.

See stories of hope from inspiring survivors at CentraHealth.com.

Centra E.W. Tibbs Jr., RN, BSN, MBA President & Chief

Executive Officer David Adams Executive Vice President

& Chief Strategy Officer Bill Bass Senior Vice President of

Community Hospitals &

Regional Medical Centers Daniel Carey, MD Senior Vice President &

Chief Medical Officer Michael Elliott Senior Vice President of

Operations & President

of Acute Care Services H. Lester Reed, MD Senior Vice President &

President of Centra

Medical Group Rob Tonkinson Senior Vice President &

Chief Financial Officer Jan Walker Senior Vice President &

Chief Human Resources Officer

Board of Directors Walker P. Sydnor Jr. Amy G. Ray E.W. Tibbs Jr., RN, BSN, MBA Albert M. Baker, MD Michael V. Bradford Julie P. Doyle H.C. Eschenroeder Jr., MD Sharon L. Harrup Hank Hubbard Jeffrey R. Rowan Verna R. Sellers, MD Amanda N. Stanley Francis E. Wood Jr. R. Sackett Wood George R. Zippel Officers Rob Tonkinson David Adams

Chairman Vice Chairman President & CEO

PROJECT SEARCH

2

RENEWED VIGOR

6

Hospital internships for students with special needs

Rehabilitation program strengthens cancer patients

A NEW START

10

AMHERST MEDICAL CENTER

13

CENTRA URGENT CARE

14

CENTRA 24/7

15

HOPE IN THE MIDST OF ADDICTION

16

OPIOID RECOVERY HOME

20

Life after weight loss surgery

New medical center opens

When life happens, we’ve got you covered Treasurer Secretary

Foundation Board of Directors George A. Hurt, MD Mark D. Townsend, MD E.W. Tibbs Jr., RN, BSN, MBA Kathryn M. Pumphrey, EdD David Gough Robert R. Chapman III Melanie Christian Theodore J. Craddock Thomas J. Delaney, MD Michael J. Diminick, MD MaryJane Dolan Patsy A. Dooley Paul F. Fitzgerald, MD Robert H. Gilliam Jr. John J. Halpin, MD Janet Hickman, MD Yuille Holt III Augustus A. Petticolas Jr., DDS Elliot S. Schewel John H. Sorrells III Walker P. Sydnor Tim Tharpe

CONTENTS

Chairman Vice Chairman President Executive Vice President Treasurer

Discover virtual visits with physicians

Community collaborates on opioid addiction

Centra Foundation provides hope and support

ON THE COVER

Medical Staff Officers Lynchburg General & Virginia Baptist Shawn Hayes, MD President Wade Neiman, MD Vice President Bedford Memorial Michael Cook, MD Hillary Basham, MD

President Vice President

Southside Community Kwabena Donkor, MD Kirsten Huber, MD

President Vice President

Project SEARCH intern Abby Tyree (left) helps select medical instruments for surgical teams alongside Gracie Thompson, a technician with Lynchburg General Hospital Central Services.

Editorial Staff Angela Bryant

Dana Poleski

Vice President of Marketing, Strategic Planning & Consumer Insights Editor

Contributing Photographers Andrew Wilds

To place your name on our mailing list, call Centra Communications & Marketing, 434.200.4730.

Centra is a regional, nonprofit healthcare system based in Lynchburg and serving central and southside Virginia. We are comprised of Centra Lynchburg General, Virginia Baptist, Southside Community and Bedford Memorial hospitals, the Centra Medical Group network of primary care practices and specialty centers, senior care services and numerous other health facilities and programs throughout the state.

Contributing Writers Kate Kolb, Jonathan Parker

CentraHealth.com Facebook.com/CentraFan

Twitter.com/Centra

YouTube.com/CentraHealth

Project SEARCH Offering hospital internships to students with special needs

Pictured above Project SEARCH students and coordinators gather in the workroom before starting their day.

Back row (L to R): Nathanial Dacasta Logan Weigand Drew Trepanitis Chantel West-White, Lynchburg City Schools job coach Abigail Tyree Brandon Cooper Alison Zimman Daniel Brown Front row (L to R): Zachary Cooper Dawn Decker, Lynchburg City Schools job coach Lauren Adams, Stand-up, Inc., job coach Pictured at left Abby Tyree (left) and Gracie Thompson work in the Central Services department at Lynchburg General.

Pictured at right Top: Alison Zimman works at Riverside Roasters at Lynchburg General.

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Bottom trio: Daniel Brown (in teal) helps Tim Oswald, operations supervisor in the Materials Management department.

Alison Zimman carefully puts

brightly colored cereal containers on a spinning cafeteria rack at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. Brenda Hicks, a nutrition services manager, works alongside her. Alison eyes an empty spot, places cereal in it and points it out to Brenda, who offers a high five and a warm smile.

For Alison, who has Cerebral Palsy, it’s one of many successes with Project SEARCH, an internationally recognized program that offers internships, most often in hospitals, to students with special needs. The program, which works with Lynchburg City and Campbell County schools, joined with Centra to bring the interns to Lynchburg General Hospital.

give back to the community by helping the student go forward into the world with not just a job, but with life skills,” said Tim Oswald, operations supervisor with Materials Management. “We’ve been able to bring out the best in them, train them, and give them the opportunity to grow and be able to fulfill a lifelong dream to be on their own.”

Daniel Brown works closely

with Tim who teaches him to pack boxes of clinical materials delivered to Materials Management. He processes and sends them to Central Services to disperse to the operating rooms. Daniel takes the work seriously. “The patients need their supplies. This is very important for the patients at Centra, period,” he said.

“Alison has benefitted from Project SEARCH because it gives her the opportunity to have a real job in a reallife situation and practice that job,” her stepmother Melissa Coalson said. “The students get to have multiple jobs and find out what they like and what best meets their needs.”

Daniel views his internship as an opportunity to seek full-time employment. He works hard, listening closely to supervisors and relishing the chance to be part of the team. “I look forward to this job. It makes me very comfortable. I love Project SEARCH,” Daniel said.

Melissa said parents of students with special needs worry about children living a high quality of life. “It means a lot.

It means that she can have purpose. It means she can have a job. We want her to be able to go to work and have her own independent activity that she can do without her family and be happy that she can have friends outside of her family,” Melissa said, her eyes welling up in tears.

Happiness abounds

It’s a touching scene between Alison and Brenda; one that’s played out countless times since August across the hospital as nine students with special needs work internships ranging from Ambassador Services to Materials Management to Environmental Services. The jobs are routine and systematic, giving the students an opportunity to shine and thrive.

“Project SEARCH is a great program that gives Centra the opportunity to

Dawn Decker, a Lynchburg City Schools instructor and one of three job coaches, said the program teaches life and work skills, giving them greater employment opportunities. Chantel West-White, who works for Lynchburg City Schools, and Lauren Adams, who works with partner organization Stand-up, Inc., are also skills trainers and job coaches.

“I definitely am seeing a change in their confidence level and ability to communicate with their team,” she said.

“The regular teamwork and the social skills are all improving.”

The most rewarding piece is seeing the students become part of the hospital community. They switch jobs every few months as part of the internship, but many of them visit their former departments for lunch. “In the long run,

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most of us spend our waking hours at our jobs. If you have students with special needs at home, and they don’t have the opportunity to connect in the community, it makes the transition into adulthood difficult,” Dawn said.

Abby Tyree carefully reads a list of needed operating room equipment, selecting the sterilized instruments and placing them on a metal cart. Abby wears a blue set of scrubs and an infectious smile. She never seems to meet a stranger and her personality lights up the room.

Drew Trepanitis

doesn't slow down, focusing on the task at hand: placing clean linens, patient gowns and towels in laundry carts. His father, Stuart Trepanitis, said for Drew, who has autism, the program gives him an opportunity to find fulfillment in a job.

“Project SEARCH was the perfect program at the perfect time for him to transition to adulthood,” his father said. “Every parent wants to see their child thrive. I know that a big part of every person’s life is their job, and it defines them in some way. The beauty of this program is that it has a social aspect that allows them the continuity with a group that they’ve been with for years.”

“It’s a good program, and I like my co-workers. They are so good to me. They make sure that if I need help, they help me. I am really thankful for them,” Abby said.

Dawn said the feeling is mutual. “I hear staff tell me, ‘The interns are the best thing that has ever happened. They always are so happy.’ It's a morale booster because they are excited that they are there to work,” Dawn said.

“You can see how each intern enjoys performing his or her job.”

Erica Smith, who mentors students in Ambassador Services, is a recognizable and encouraging face at Lynchburg General, greeting patients, visitors and staff with “have a blessed day” every morning. She’s met her match with Project SEARCH students. “The attitudes they have are very positive. When you see them in the halls, they are smiling. They’re eager to help and very excited to be here,” Smith said.

Shari Bennett, a Human Resources business partner, serves as Centra’s Project SEARCH liaison. The students’ growth inspires staff. “Watching these young adults grow has been the biggest benefit. It’s wonderful to see them come out of their shells and emerge more confident,” Shari said. “Earlier on, they were always with their job coaches, but now they are independent, going throughout the facility and doing their jobs.”

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The program’s goal is to give students the experience needed to apply for positions at Centra and elsewhere. Dawn said job coaches will help students put in applications and find employment before graduating June 8. Many will apply for open positions at Centra. “The goal is to have them ready to apply and get jobs,” Shari said.

In addition to hands-on internships, Project SEARCH offers a classroom component to teach financial skills and teamwork.

Above left: Abby Tyree and Gracie Thompson; Above right: Drew Trepanitis; Below: Drew (left) distributes linens with Ken Abbitt, a technician with Environmental Services at Lynchburg General.

Brandon Cooper (left) works with Erica Smith in Ambassador Services to greet and help visitors and patients find what they need.

They are really giving these kids something that wouldn’t have been available otherwise.”

A vision beyond school Project SEARCH has given families and students new goals for the future. “I think, for some of them, it’s an opportunity that they never felt would be an opportunity. I think the world is slowly changing and there is more acceptance, but I don’t think it’s always been there. It’s giving the parents and the students a vision far beyond school that may not have been there before,” Dawn said.

Shari said Centra leaders already are looking forward to next year’s students. “We think it’s been very beneficial, and we are happy we can give these students the chance to learn employable skills and become a working member of the community,” Shari said.

Across the hospital, the interns are learning new skills and spreading joy. “Students with special needs often get overlooked for internships and jobs because employers fear the unknown,” Dawn said.

“Centra is becoming a role model for our community to embrace individuals with special needs. I think Centra is showing that it’s working, it’s successful and this will, hopefully, open up other opportunities for employment and internships across the area,” Dawn said. “It looks good to have on their résumé that they completed an internship at Centra.

As Tim and Daniel unpack boxes, the supervisor stops to offer quick lifting tips. Tim considers it a privilege to mentor the student. “I feel blessed because I’m able to help them and Centra is able to give back. That’s our goal,” Tim said.

Abby knows the opportunity she has at hand. “It’s very important to me because hopefully, after this, I can get a job,” she said, with a wide grin. The whole Centra community is rooting the students on to continued success.

For more information on Project SEARCH, visit ProjectSearch.us. If you have a child with special needs in Lynchburg or Campbell County schools, contact your child’s school for more information on the program.

Centra is the proud business partner for Project SEARCH, a community collaboration with the following organizations: • Lynchburg City Schools provide interns, an instructor, and a skills trainer.

• Campbell County Schools provide interns.

• Stand-up, Inc., offers a job coach.

• The Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services funds a job coach and other supplies for the interns.

Centra Project SEARCH Graduation, Class of 2017 Thursday, June 8, 4:00 pm Centra Lynchburg General Hospital First Colony Conference Room

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RENE Wed Vigor Rehabilitation program strengthens cancer patients

Berkey Vicks didn’t want cancer to sideline her. It was

important to get back on the bike, literally. An enthusiastic cyclist, Berkey wanted to increase her strength and balance to bike at the beach two months after cancer treatments.

She turned to RENEW, the Centra Oncology Rehabilitation program for physical therapy to relieve pain and build her strength. “Berkey loves riding the bike and she wanted to ride again at the beach. That was the goal for her,” said Jessica Holder, PT, DPT, OCS. “After months of hard work, she was able to reach her goal.”

Berkey’s cancer was diagnosed in the fall of 2015 during a routine mammogram and follow-up biopsies. She underwent a mastectomy, followed by six sessions of chemotherapy at the Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center.

Berkey Vicks (left) works with physical therapist Jessica Holder, PT, DPT, OCS, at the Healthy Living Center at the Jamerson YMCA.

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To build up her strength, Berkey exercises at the Jamerson YMCA and bikes with her husband when they travel. “This journey has been like being on a roller coaster. It’s scary, fast and there’s no getting off,” she said. “But I’m feeling much better now, and I can’t seem to get enough exercise.”

Berkey began volunteering at the cancer center over a year before she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“I knew it was such a nice place, with such caring people, that I wanted to help—never thinking that I would be a patient there,” she said. “I was very active and physically fit, and I’m a bit of a health nut. There is absolutely no history of breast cancer in my family, so it was a real shock to learn I had breast cancer. Year after year, my mammogram was normal... until it wasn’t.”

Berkey said comprehensive rehabilitation services after her treatment got her back to an active lifestyle. The Centra RENEW program helps cancer survivors at any stage of cancer or phase of recovery manage their health through their treatment and rehabilitation process.

“The physical therapist gave me exercises to help the range of motion in my arm, taught me how to massage the scar to prevent adhesion and checked for lymphedema,” Berkey said. “The program is so much more than exercise. Centra therapists inspected my incisions, performed lymphedema taping techniques and helped with my back spasms following surgery. They were an extra set of eyes and helped me between appointments with my doctor.”

After the difficult part of chemotherapy was over, Berkey began having aches in her knee and foot. Physical therapists determined it was chemically induced, leading her through eight sessions of land and water physical therapy.

“I haven’t had the pain since, and the therapy allowed me and motivated me to get moving again. I am so impressed with the Centra RENEW program, and I have encouraged other cancer patients to take advantage of it,” Berkey said.

Centra RENEW Centra RENEW provides physical therapy to a range of cancer patients. Cancer survivors may participate in rehabilitation to help manage the effects of cancer and treatment-related conditions. Newly diagnosed patients may want to increase their strength and endurance to prevent future medical problems. Years after cancer treatment has concluded, rehab interventions can help improve functioning and stamina. a

Berkey Vicks is a volunteer at the Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center.

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The Centra RENEW program was created to help survivors physically and emotionally heal from the side-effects of cancer treatment. The program provides patients with the most comprehensive rehabilitation care available.

Having access to this level of follow-up care, without added medical costs, allows survivors to regain their health and get their lives back on track.

To learn more about the Centra RENEW program, visit CentraHealth.com.

Berkey and her husband are back to enjoying their regular bike rides.

Roger Furrow at Hickory Hill Vineyard 8 | CENTR A FOCUS

“Long-term studies show that without rehab services, people don’t get back to the quality of life they had before cancer treatments,” Jessica said. “If you were a tennis player before, we want you to be that again.”

Physical therapists help with a range of issues. For instance, a breast cancer patient may struggle with a shorter range of shoulder motion and poor posture. Other patients may need exercises to help with energy conservation and endurance.

Some patients even benefit from physical therapy before treatments to build up strength.

“It’s very unusual for someone to not have a deficit and need therapy services,” Jessica said. “Ultimately, our goal is that the patient will be independent with rehab so they get their strength back in six to eight weeks.”

Patients struggling with cognitive delays after chemotherapy can receive speech therapy. Occupational therapy and neuropathy treatments also are available.

Cecilia MacCallum, MD

Cecilia MacCallum, MD, said physical therapy strengthens the mind and body after chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.

“They need to stay strong to get through the treatment and recover,” said Dr. MacCallum, an oncologist at Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center.

“We want to get the body healthy before and after treatments.”

Dr. MacCallum said oncology rehab also helps patients recover emotionally. “Patients that go through the rehab program, seem to recover a little bit quicker and feel a little bit more empowered,” the oncologist said. “The therapists give them the tools to recover through exercises at home.”

Oncology rehab is part of a multi-disciplinary approach to treating individuals with cancer. “We care about the entire patient. We care about how they do during treatment and how they do after treatment,” Dr. MacCallum said. “We have a responsibility to keep them well and strong.”

Often, some patients are unaware of the benefits of physical therapy to their recovery program, but Dr. MacCallum encourages them to try. “Once they learn about it, they find that it’s very beneficial,” she said.

Jessica agrees. “I can’t tell you how many times patients come in and say, ‘I don’t really know if I need this’ and then they are

shocked by how helpful the services are once they realize what we offer,” the physical therapist said.

“What we are doing as therapists is giving them back their confidence and putting things in their control. The minute you hear ‘cancer,’ you feel like you have that loss of control.

When you come to therapy, we are helping you get back to your life,” Jessica said.

Back to volunteering Berkey took a leave from volunteering during her treatment, but is back to greeting people in the cancer center foyer, stocking supplies and encouraging patients during chemotherapy treatments.

Preferring to “stay in the background,” she says her volunteer efforts pale in comparison to the volunteers who sew T-shirts with zippers to ease access to patients’ ports, make hats, play music, and comfort patients with warm blankets.

“The people I’ve met at the cancer center have been a real inspiration to me,” she said. “Other volunteers who have been through the cancer experience have been so supportive. I expect that my perspective as a volunteer will change now that I have seen the other side.”

Berkey said a supportive team of volunteers encourages patients daily. “All the volunteers are so kind at the Pearson Cancer Center.”

Berkey helps with many tasks at the cancer

Berkey said the RENEW center through her volunteer work. program was a lifeline.

“We feel fortunate to live in central Virginia because of the cancer center, physicians, nurses, and the Centra RENEW program. We are very lucky to have Centra right here.”

Participation in the Centra RENEW oncology rehab program requires a physician referral. Most insurance companies, including Medicare, cover oncology rehab. Nine Centra locations offer the Centra RENEW program, four of which are in Lynchburg with other sites in Bedford, Gretna, Danville, Farmville, and Keysville. For more information, call 434.200.6053 or visit rehab.centrahealth.com. To volunteer at the Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center, contact Anita Lowe at anita.lowe@centrahealth.com or 434.200.6093.

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A New Start Life after weight loss surgery

Melody Proffitt treated herself to several shopping trips and for good reason, too. Melody, who struggled with her weight for years, has dropped 93 pounds after having weight loss surgery.

Melody considered it her last chance to lose weight and keep it off. “I had tried every diet and weight loss solution out there,” she said. “I’d see a little success and then fall off the wagon and gain it all back.”

Melody, a nurse at University of Virginia Dialysis Center in Lynchburg, heard about Joshua Alley, MD, offering bariatric surgery at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. She went to the surgeon’s informational seminar, and after meeting him, she committed to gastric bypass surgery a few months later.

“I feel like a different person,” she said. “I have more energy.

I’m more confident. It’s like a new day.”

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Bariatric surgery isn’t for everyone. It requires a commitment to a healthy lifestyle to keep the weight loss permanent. Proffit was determined to stick to the plan.

“I did what he said. I followed his directions,” she said. “When I get tempted, I try to remind myself of how bad I felt before I lost the weight. I don’t ever want to go back.”

For Melody, the surgery was more than just a dress size change. The surgery helped control her diabetes. She is off blood pressure medication, and her cholesterol is under control. She no longer has sleep apnea, which kept her from getting sustained sleep.

“When I heard I no longer had apnea and diabetes, those were the two most exciting reports I’d been given since surgery,” Melody said.

telling a depressed person, ‘you should be happier.’ If it were that easy, they would have done it already.”

Weight loss surgery A Lynchburg native, Dr. Alley has handled 700 bariatric surgery cases over his eightyear career. He heads up Centra Weight Loss Services as well as performs general surgery cases through Centra Medical Group Surgical Specialists.

Dr. Alley specializes in the three most common, minimally invasive bariatric surgeries, including laparoscopic gastric bypass, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic adjustable gastric band. Centra Weight Loss Services offers a continuum of care, including nutrition education, psychiatric support, fitness evaluations, and bariatric surgery.

Dr. Alley hosts three one-hour seminars each month to provide a detailed explanation Josh Alley, MD of weight loss surgery.

He begins each program by reviewing the country’s rising obesity trends. In the last 25 years, obesity rates have nearly tripled. Central Virginia mirrors national trends with nearly 30 percent of the population battling obesity.

He takes a compassionate approach, recognizing obesity as a disease. “I have heard from so many patients over the years that I understand how difficult it is to lose weight when struggling with obesity,” Dr. Alley said. “People will often tell someone, ‘why don’t you lose weight?’ This is exactly like

He compares weight loss to a three-legged stool, including surgery, a healthy diet, and exercise. The three work in tandem for optimal results. “You have to be ready to change to a healthy lifestyle,” Dr. Alley said. “Weight loss surgery is not a magic wand that we wave over you and you lose weight. This is an opportunity for a do-over.”

Individuals with obesity often cannot lose weight through diet plans and exercise. He compares the body to a thermostat that is stuck and only turns in one direction. Weight loss surgery allows the stomach to accept a smaller portion size and changes digestive hormones to make the body feel full.

“Weight loss surgery is a way to reset the thermostat and lose weight,” Dr. Alley said.

Bariatric surgery benefits patients with type 2 diabetes and significantly reduces vascular events, sleep apnea, hypertension, joint disease, and cholesterol. Eighty percent of patients with sleep apnea can come off a C-Pap machine 12 to 18 months after surgery. Dr. Alley said candidates for weight loss surgery are between 20 and 70 years old.

A difficult journey Melody said the journey after weight loss surgery is difficult. Because the stomach size is reduced, her portions are much smaller.

She had the surgery weeks before Christmas, living on a liquid diet.

“It’s a huge shock,” she said.

“I had been comfort eating for 20 years, so I had to find something else.”

Those early blues evaporated once spring rolled around, and she noticed her body changing.

“Once spring was here and I started seeing the difference, it was worth it,” she said. “I started seeing results, my clothes a Melody BEFORE her weight loss surgery...

...and AFTER. ISSUE 1, 2017 | 11

to make big changes. The goal is consistency, not perfection,” he said.

Over the past year, Dr. Alley has performed 45 weight loss surgeries in Lynchburg. On average, the majority of people keep the weight off long-term.

Commitment to a healthy lifestyle is the most pivotal part.

The weight loss team has also used nutrition counseling to help people lose weight without surgery.

A monthly support group offers bariatric patients the opportunity to learn from and encourage each other. “The most common story we have is ‘I have tried every diet out there,’” Dr. Alley said. “People Melody with her husband and two daughters ask me: Is it genetic? Is it environmental? The answer is were changing and people were noticing. That was even more yes. It’s all those things. Obesity is a complex disease encouragement to continue.” with many contributing factors.”

Dr. Alley, who treats obesity as a disease, said food struggles A new life after surgery are common. “People often have a complex relationship with food,” Alley said, describing it as a coping Melody remembers struggling to find the energy to go out mechanism in stressful times. “Some people turn to food with her children and take walks. Now, she leaves her family when times are hard.” in the dust. She encourages individuals struggling with obesity to attend one of Dr. Alley’s free seminars. “Just go.

Melody was refreshed by the surgeon’s empathetic approach You don’t have to commit. Just listen,” she said. to obesity. “He treats it as a condition, not a choice,” she said.

She compares obesity to addiction, except weight gain is impossible to hide. “With eating, everyone knows that’s your problem,” Melody said. “People do react differently to you when you are heavy. I don’t think people take you as seriously.

If I had a drinking or a drug problem, you may not know it, but because I eat, you can.”

Melody praised Dr. Alley for walking her through the tough initial steps. “He was a steady presence. There was no condemnation. I am very thankful he’s here and can help people,” she said.

Bariatric surgery patients have routine visits with a registered dietician focused on helping them chart and maintain a new lifestyle, including healthy eating habits. “We want people to learn to eat to live instead of living to eat,” Dr. Alley said.

“People change as they lose weight. They have a sense of accomplishment. They often feel empowered.”

Dr. Alley encourages patients to make diet changes for the whole family to keep temptation low. “They must be willing 12 | CENTR A FOCUS

Melody often reminds herself of the embarrassment she felt before losing the weight. She was too big to ride roller coasters. “I wanted to get on a ride with my kids and I couldn’t. Do you know how embarrassing that is?” she said.

A huge milestone was getting on a plane last summer and not needing a seatbelt extender. She even posted a picture on Facebook. “I thought, ‘Woohoo! It’s a normal seatbelt.’ It’s just lots and lots of perks,” she said.

Weight loss surgery requires a commitment to a new life. “I still have to watch what I eat and not be excessive. It’s not a magic trick,” Melody said. “Dr. Alley does his part and then I have to do mine for the rest of my life.”

Still, she wouldn’t change a thing. “It changed my life,” she said. “It’s the best thing I ever did for myself.”

For more information about weight loss surgery and sign up for a free upcoming seminar, visit CentraWeightLoss.com.

Amherst Medical Center

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When the new Centra Amherst Medical Center opened in December, they were opening the door to a new era of community, as well. Located above the Ambriar Shopping Center in Amherst, the newly constructed facility houses the Centra Medical Group—Amherst primary care office.

The community celebrated the arrival of the new facility in a dedication ceremony attended by nearly 200 people from the surrounding area. But the celebration was about more than just a building. It also was about a growing community and continued access to excellent healthcare options close to home.

“You, your families, your friends, and your neighbors don’t come to pretty buildings because they’re pretty,” EW Tibbs, Centra president and chief executive officer shared with the crowd. “You come because there are caring, loving, confident people inside.”

Tibbs said driving factors for Centra are quality and greater access “first and foremost” along with the desire to constantly improve our services.

“We want to always be humble, we want to always be learners, and we want to remember that without the people who are here—without you and your support—there’s no need for this building, and there’s no need for Centra,” Tibbs said.

well and sick visits, Saturday sick visits, laboratory services, and imaging services. Same day visits also are available.

At the end of the day, the addition of the medical center and its offerings is another nod to the value Centra places on partnering with its surrounding communities and building lasting relationships with the neighbors who live there.

Centra Amherst Medical Center 434.946.9565 115 Ambriar Court, Amherst

Centra Medical Group—Amherst Monday through Friday, 8:30 am–5 pm Saturday (sick patients only), 9 am–12 pm Accepting new patients Healthcare Providers: • Ghada Alsayed, MD

• Sharon Daughtry, NP

• Priya Kohli, MD

• Tracy Langebeck, NP

• Gretel Spitzer, MD

• Ceryna Riner, NP

The Amherst facility embodies Centra’s mission of Excellent Care for Life, offering six primary care providers, weekday ISSUE 1, 2017 | 13

Centra Urgent Care

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We’ve all been there. The moment an innocent game of tag turns into panic when someone tripped over something they didn’t see and careened into the sidewalk. Or, maybe the moment looked more like the grill master who poured a little too much starter on his coals and singed off an eyebrow in the quest for the perfect steak.

These moments and so many others like them are exactly why Centra Urgent Care opened in January as a well-equipped walk-in clinic, offering on-site X-rays and laboratory services.

The staff can care for a variety of medical problems that need to be treated right away such as ear pain, asthma, injuries, cuts, flu-like symptoms, sore throats, painful urination, and more.

Located in Forest, Centra Urgent Care answered a need for additional medical resources in the area. Additionally, the greater goal was to help offset a large number of visitors to the Lynchburg General Hospital Emergency Room and free up space for life-threatening situations.

“We have an amazing staff with extensive medical experience. We’re able to provide great care, and we’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback from the community about their experiences here,” said Dr. Mony Mehrotra, one of the facility’s providers.

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(L to R) Kevin Arp, PA, Cesar Caballero, MD, Karen Ellis, NP, Mony Mehrotra, MD, Melissa Shaffron, PA

“We know that incidents and sickness don’t just happen during regular hours or only on weekdays,” explained Beth Bankston, Centra Medical Group vice president. “We want to make sure we are providing excellent care to the surrounding area that extends beyond the confines of a work day.”

“If we can help people and continue to alleviate overcrowding in the emergency room, we’ve done our job,” Dr. Mehrotra continued. “We hope we don’t have to see you, but if we do, we’re here when you need us.”

Centra Urgent Care 434.200.7210 16890 Forest Road, Forest Open seven days a week, 8 am–8 pm Healthcare Providers: • Walter Beverly, MD

• Karen Ellis, NP

• Cesar Caballero, MD

• Kevin Arp, PA

• Mony Mehrotra, MD

• Melissa Shaffron, PA

• John Paul Jones, MD

Centra 24/7: Virtual Visits

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In a world where technology has pushed the concept of “virtual” and “reality” into coexistence, medical care can now be—quite literally—at your fingertips. No more checking in at an office or sitting in a waiting room with other people. You can access live medical visits online. Centra now offers these virtual visits through Centra 24/7.

Centra 24/7 provides immediate access to a board-certified physician through a live video chat. You can connect to this program using a free app from a phone, tablet, or computer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

The doctors available on Centra 24/7 can diagnose and treat a wide range of non-emergency medical conditions and even can send a prescription to your local pharmacy. You can browse doctors’ profiles to see specialties, educational backgrounds, and years of experience. Choose the exact doctor you wish to see, or register to immediately see whomever is available first. Wait times are minimal, and you can see the live queue when you sign in.

Keep in mind that virtual visits aren’t meant to replace every trip to the doctor’s office, urgent care center, or emergency room but may be a good option for certain issues. Centra 24/7 can be used for symptoms and conditions such as: cold, cough, flu, sinus infections, sore throat, rash, pink eye, allergies, vomiting, diarrhea, fevers, and headaches.

You’ve asked for access and convenience, and Centra 24/7 provides just that. You now have the ability to see a doctor from the comfort of your home, office, or wherever you may be. In the future, this service will offer the opportunity for additional specialties to provide routine and follow-up care.

Centra 24/7 is offered at a flat $49 fee per visit. Though insurance cannot currently be filed for visits, credit cards are easily accepted online as the form of payment.

To access this new service, download the free iOS or Android mobile app or visit Centra247.com to enroll.

Enrollment usually takes between two and three minutes. Spouses or adult members of the same households will need to register for individual accounts, but children can be added to an adult account for convenience. It is completely free to register.

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For more information and links to download the app and enroll, visit CentraHealth.com.

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Hope in the Midst of Addiction Community collaborates on opioid addiction in new mothers

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Editor’s note: Over the last few years, central Virginia— along with the rest of the state and country—has seen a marked increase in opioid addiction and abuse. Opioid addiction is especially dangerous for pregnant women and babies. Centra launched a local coalition to develop practical solutions to care for and support these mothers and newborns. One mother agreed to share her journey through Centra’s program for opioid addicted mothers.

Her name has been changed to Sarah to protect her identity. This is her story.

It started with painkillers, Oxycontin and Percocet.

At 19, Sarah was entrenched in addiction, switching to heroin and then back to painkillers.

Depression followed and Sarah couldn’t shake the negative environment around her. “Everyone around me was using so it was hard to stay clean,” Sarah said.

She battled addiction for 11 years, spending three years in jail for shoplifting and selling merchandise to support her habit.

“I had some clean spots in there, but it was so difficult.”

An unexpected pregnancy terrified her. She was taking Oxycodone and Lortab pills at the time. “I found out I was pregnant and I was freaking out,” Sarah said. “I was so scared, and I had heard rumors of people that had been using, and if you stopped, you could miscarry.”

During a prenatal visit at Centra Medical Group Women’s Center, Sarah confided in certified nursemidwife Erin Baird. “I just spit it out that I was taking medication,” Sarah said. “The midwife told me she could put me in touch with someone to help me. It was such a big relief.”

Erin referred Sarah to Centra’s perinatal navigator Shannon Miles, RN, who leads patients through the neonatal abstinence syndrome program. “I remember the first phone call when she asked me what I was taking. I told her, and I was honest,” Sarah said. “I trusted her the first time I met her. I feel like I can talk to her about anything. She makes you feel comfortable, and she doesn’t judge you.”

judgement here. We want to treat them and help them have a healthy baby. If we can make a difference in their life to help them get off drugs, we want to do that.”

A rising problem Keith Taylor, MD, a neonatologist, started noticing the problem in 2007 as the number of babies born addicted to narcotics rose in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital. “I was really at a loss,” Dr. Taylor said.

The rising numbers caused physicians and hospital administrators to explore options for Keith Taylor, MD treating moms and babies, recognizing opioid addiction as an epidemic requiring a community-wide effort. “We had to piece together the program,” Shannon said.

Centra launched a coalition, bringing together physicians, dentists, pharmacists, law enforcement, social services and addiction programs. “Neonatology often works in a vacuum, but everyone was brought to the table,” Dr. Taylor said.

“The biggest aspect is how we’ve approached this in Lynchburg. We are now the model for the state.

Centra saw a problem and decided to act on it.”

Trust is one of the biggest hurdles in treating mothers addicted to opioids. “You have to build a trusting relationship because they’ve never had that,” says Shannon Miles, RN. “There is no judgement here. We want to treat them and help them have a healthy baby. If we can make a difference in their life to help them get off drugs, we want to do that.”

Shannon said trust is one of the biggest hurdles in treating mothers addicted to opioids. “You have to build a trusting relationship because they’ve never had one. There is no

Andrea Stutesman, MD, leads the Centra Center of Addiction Medicine in Pregnancy, guiding women through a medicated pain management program that protects their child. “I attended a coalition meeting and discovered there wasn’t a physician providing medical management for pregnant women with dependency issues,” Dr. Stutesman said.

If women quit taking opioids during pregnancy, they could miscarry. Dr. Stutesman places the mothers on Suboxone, a safe drug used to treat opioid addiction. The drug allows women to wean slowly and curbs their dependency on narcotics. The treatment gives them a chance to make a change. a ISSUE 1, 2017 | 17

“When you have an addiction, it’s hard to turn it around,” Dr. Stutesman said. “The program is an opportunity for these women to make a change.”

Dr. Stutesman compares pregnant women with an opioid addiction to diabetics needing insulin. “What’s rewarding is to see these ladies rise to the challenge and see a positive transformation.

They aren’t judged, and they feel more valued,” she said.

The stakes are high and Suboxone clinics work, curbing the use of heavy Andrea Stutesman, MD narcotics and heroin.

The pull of cocaine and marijuana also is a problem. “Once we get them on Suboxone, they aren’t going back on heroin,” Dr. Stutesman said. “We have all these community efforts to try and help these ladies.

We are seeing what the real, personal needs are, but we’re not going to be perfect every time.”

Dr. Stutesman sees several types of patients. Some come in high after shooting up heroin, begging for help. “They can’t do this on their own, and they want help for their baby’s sake,” she said.

The clinical staff also sees women that are withdrawing after quitting cold turkey, which can be dangerous. Other patients transfer in after other treatment programs refuse to accept them once they are pregnant.

“When these moms first come in and you do the initial assessment, they are in a rough place,” Shannon said. “After the second or third visit, they're like a different person. It’s such a 180 to see how they’ve pulled their life together and the drug is no longer controlling them. They are able to control themselves.”

Over the last two years, Shannon has worked closely with local obstetricians to create a simple referral system for women battling opioid addiction. The 18 | CENTR A FOCUS

Shannon Miles, RN

partnership has allowed medical staff to provide support and services early in pregnancies.

“This doesn’t work without the support of the physician community,” Shannon said. “We are looking for results that are not just positive for the baby but the mother too.”

Shannon said the program offers one-on-one counseling with mothers in addition to peer counseling where moms hear from other women with first-hand knowledge of addiction.

Dr. Stutesman said Shannon’s role as a patient navigator is pivotal to the entire program by providing a familiar presence to guide women through their prenatal and postpartum care.

“Shannon is really the fulcrum of the program. She glues the services together,” Dr. Stutesman said.

It’s heartbreaking Babies born addicted to opioids are heartbreaking to watch, Dr. Taylor said. “They’re jittery, shaking, inconsolable, crying and screaming,” Dr. Taylor said. “They don’t eat well. It’s a miserable existence.”

It is the fate that awaits most babies in the program and is unfortunately, unavoidable because stopping opioids during pregnancy puts babies in danger. Shannon and Dr. Taylor work closely to prepare mothers to expect a lengthy stay in the neonatal intensive care unit for close monitoring and care.

“We are able to walk them through what we will do,” said Dr. Taylor. “The mothers know they will be here for at least a week.”

Dr. Taylor said the NICU staff is trained to provide comfort to the babies. “I know with our therapies, we can make the baby feel better. They are intensive, but not critical,” Dr. Taylor said.

Centra implemented a nationally proven model of care which has dramatically reduced the length of stay for babies of mothers addicted to opioids, creating a treatment plan and slowly weaning the baby. This reduced the average length of stay from seven weeks to 17 days.

“This model of care gives us specific drug doses to aim for and specific measures to track progress,” Dr. Taylor said.

“We’ve reduced a child’s length of stay dramatically. It’s been a huge success.”

Centra is creating four individual bays in the NICU with individual lighting, walls, and opaque glass to keep the area quieter as babies withdraw.

Another critical step is transferring babies to the Pediatric Center at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital, which allows moms and babies to room together. Chris Russo, MD, pediatric hospitalist and medical director of the Pediatric Center, said the unit helps moms and babies closely bond with the comfort of a helpful nursing team.

“Babies do better when they are able to bond with their mothers and their parents and that comes from being able to room together,” Dr. Russo said.

usually never had someone hold them accountable,” Shannon said. “They have to learn to live again so they can raise their child and become a pillar in society.”

Nurses help mothers—who also are recovering—care for a fussy infant at 3 am, discuss comfort measures, and encourage breastfeeding. “Our nurses are able to walk sideby-side with these parents to model for them what caring for their child will be like when they get home,” Dr. Russo said.

Sarah’s son, who entered the world as an underweight newborn, is growing and eating well. Her voice is hopeful when she talks about him. “I think his stomach is as big as an apple,” she said. “He’s doing great.”

Staff went through extensive training to care for these newborns, working closely with NICU nurses and Shannon.

“It’s pretty remarkable that we’ve really been able to identify potential candidates when they are early in the pregnancy,” Dr. Russo said. “We meet as an interdisciplinary team to talk about moms that are candidates while still pregnant. We want to prepare them for the possibility of a baby going through withdrawals.”

Dr. Russo said pediatric nurses are trained to use comfort measures to soothe withdrawing babies. “They aren’t medically complex, but they are time intensive. We want to make this the best bonding experience and turn it into a learning opportunity to teach parents how to comfort their child,” the pediatric hospitalist said.

The proud mother remembers the fear of seeing her son whisked away to the NICU shortly after birth. “It was hard to watch when the withdrawal kicked in. I already felt guilty anyway, so I felt even worse,” she said.

Shannon and Dr. Taylor prepared her for what to expect.

“They knew exactly what to do to make him well,” she said.

Sarah pumped breastmilk during her baby's NICU stay and breastfed in the Pediatric Center. “They said it was helpful for his withdrawal, so I was pumping and pumping. I was determined to help him,” she said.

They weathered the storm and Sarah stayed clean. “I’m so glad about how big and happy he is. I’ve never experienced this kind of love, and what I've accomplished is just out of this world.”

Dr. Russo praised the community for creating a program that meets the needs of patients. “Having all these partners at the table has been a game changer. We’ve been able to accomplish a lot in such a short time,” Dr. Russo said.

Sarah said mothers in a similar situation should be honest and seek help. “Don’t be afraid to be honest and know that you are not alone,” she said. “You aren’t the only one going through this. You can get through it and accomplish other goals.”

A new life

Sarah and her child are doing well. She’s receiving care for long-term depression and learning to take care of a beautiful little boy.

Dr. Taylor has empathy towards mothers addicted to drugs.

Many got hooked after back injuries and other chronic pain.

“The thing that has amazed me is the change of heart you have when you see these moms,” he said. “I know they didn’t want this to happen.”

Shannon, who has presented Centra’s program at state conferences, said the goal is to provide comprehensive care for mothers and babies. “You can see the need. We want to wrap services and resources around them to be successful. They’ve

Centra Pathways Recovery Lodge

“A year ago, I started this journey. I’ve made it through a lot, and I didn’t think I could do it. Once he was born, I was even happier, and now I feel great. I got my happy ending,” she said.

For more information on Centra Women and Children’s Services and the opioid addiction recovery program, visit CentraHealth.com.

Looking for hope in addiction recovery?

With 33 years of providing addiction treatment, Pathways meets people where they are with an individualized approach to therapy, counseling, and medication-assisted treatment.

To regain control of your life, call Pathways at 434.200.4455 or visit RecoveratPathways.com.

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A SAFE PLACE TO SUPPORT NEW MOTHERS AND BABIES

Opioid Recovery Home

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Oak Lane Residential Recovery Program for Pregnant and Postpartum Women is a support home located near Virginia Baptist Hospital in Lynchburg.

Centra recently teamed with Roads to Recovery to open the Oak Lane Residential Recovery Program for Pregnant and Postpartum Women.

Located near Virginia Baptist Hospital, the region’s first opioid recovery home provides ongoing postpartum care for mothers and babies in a safe and nurturing environment.

Shannon Miles, RN, perinatal navigator, noticed a gap in care after women were discharged from the hospital. Many women—wanting to leave a life of addiction—had nowhere to go because of a drug culture at home.

“Patients would come in and they would tell us the worst stories about their home life,” Shannon said. “If they could just get away from the people pushing them to get the drugs, it could be better.”

Carolyn Jacques, RN, vice president of Centra Women and Children’s Services, approached the Centra Foundation about providing resources for the home. “We knew there was a Centra-owned house near Virginia Baptist,” Carolyn said. “It was a perfect location because moms could still access parenting classes and support services.”

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The Centra Foundation provided a grant to renovate the home. “The foundation has been imperative in making this a reality. Through its support, we renovated the home into a warm and welcoming place for a woman and her infant to recover in safety,” Carolyn said.

The foundation also funded a house manager and support coach. These positions are especially important to support women in their journey of recovery and motherhood.

“We are excited to have a chance to help support a project that will address this rising national health dilemma,” said Kathryn Pumphrey, executive vice president of the Centra Foundation.

“The proportion of pregnant women dependent on drugs such as narcotic pain killers has more than doubled over the past 15 years. We hope that through education and counseling this trend can be reversed in our community,” said Kathryn.

Most residential recovery programs do not allow mothers to stay with multiple children. Centra’s home allows two children, including an infant, to live with

their mother. Pregnant women also can stay at the home to receive prenatal care.

The community has rallied around the project by donating items needed such as furnishings, diapers, and financial gifts.

Many people have called to volunteer with childcare assistance.

“From the start, this has been a community collaborative to care for these mothers and babies,” Carolyn said. “The need is critical, and it’s so rewarding to work together to help these families.”

The Oak Lane Residential Recovery Program for Pregnant and Postpartum Women is always in need of supplies and support. To help support the home, please call the Centra Foundation at 434.200.4790.

If you have questions about the mission or work of the Centra Foundation, please call Kathryn Pumphrey, Ed.D., CFRE, executive vice president, at 434.200.4790 or visit CentraFoundation.com.

“I was addicted for two.”

More than one life is at stake.

Many women don’t even know they are addicted to their own pain medication until it is too late. And, for every mother struggling with an addiction, there are unborn children who are fighting for their health, too. Because of the Centra Foundation, they aren’t fighting alone anymore.

Visit CentraFoundation.com to learn more.

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Lynchburg, VA Permit #13

1920 Atherholt Road Lynchburg, Virginia 24501

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