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Physical Therapy Can Help with a Number of Issues

By Cindy O. Herman For The Daily Item

Sometimes people are surprised to learn that a health issue they were embarrassed about or didn’t understand enough to question can be helped by physical therapy.

Among its specialty areas, Physical Therapy of Evangelical offers a focus on pelvic health that deals with urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, postpartum concerns, and other issues.

“I think one of the things that sets us apart is that we have specialists in certain areas and try to fit the patient with the person that’s best suited to care for them,” said Kara Rothermel, MSPT, physical therapist and director of Rehabilitation Services at Evangelical Community Hospital. “We really try to get our Parkinson’s patients to see our Parkinson’s specialist, or post-concussion to see those who are highly educated in concussion rehab.”

When searching for a therapy program, patients should consider one that structures care around the individual’s needs rather than the diagnosis. That’s an important distinction, Rothermel said, because not every patient heals according to textbook studies.

“We really focus on that one-on-one care,” she said.

“Some therapy models have one therapist treating multiple patients at one time. At Evangelical we find great success with one-on-one care and adjust treatment based on the patient’s needs. We don’t give the same treatment to everybody. Everything is patient specific.”

Megan Lauver, DPT, physical therapist at Physical Therapy of Evangelical in Selinsgrove, noted that therapists and their assistants provide continuity of

care while educating patients.

“One thing that’s really important is the knowledge base the therapists have to make sure patients are exercising safely based on the timeline of the healing of the structures beneath the skin,” Lauver said. “A lot of times with post-op conditions, there are certain things you can and cannot do to protect the repaired tendons or ligaments. So we make sure we’re guiding patients and teaching them how to exercise safely while protecting the injured structures.”

“After ACL surgery, for example, patients might feel they’re ready to run before the reconstructed ligament is healed enough,” Rothermel said.

“Same with a rotator cuff,” Lauver agreed. “They might feel like they can be out of their

sling and using their arm to wash their hair, but the repaired muscles aren’t ready for that. We’re guiding them to get to the fullest recovery in the safest way.”

Patients always wish they could return more speedily to favorite activities, whether housework, cuddling grandchildren, or pummeling a football opponent. That’s where reassurance from a physical therapist can go a long way.

Lauver recalled working with a field hockey player who, after an ACL reconstruction, was on crutches and couldn’t even contract their leg muscle. Seeing the athlete work through therapy and return to playing was rewarding for both of them.

“We really do build relationships with our patients,” Lauver said. “We

spend so much time and get personal conversations going sometimes. We have a lot of return customers partly for that reason.”

Total joint replacement patients often experience pain and doubt in the first few days or weeks after surgery.

“But then in the end they’re walking out of here, walking up steps like normal again, and they’re so happy they had the surgery,” Lauver said.

Misconceptions about physical therapy cause unnecessary anxiety. Patients in pain fear they’ll be forced to run or lift heavy weights, but really, therapists demonstrate very simple exercises to get them moving again and pain-free.

“Once they have that first

(Photo Provided)

Therapists at Physical Therapy of Evangelical, in Selinsgrove. >From left: Megan Lauver, Mike Winn, and Lindie Wynn.

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Continued from Page 2 appointment, they relax and see it’s going to be okay,” Lauver said. “Some people have referred to physical therapy as ‘pain and torture,’ and that’s not true. But that creates a fear factor for a lot of people.”

Physical Therapy of Evangelical’s 11 locations in four counties make it easy for patients to schedule appointments near their home or work. This is especially helpful if, for example, a post-op patient recuperates in the home of a family member and begins therapy near there then transfers to another location when they’re strong enough to return home.

Being connected to the Hospital system is also a benefit for patients. Even if they might not know what Physical Therapy of Evangelical can do, local physicians know and can refer as needed. That coordination to measure a patient’s improvement can be invaluable.

“We talk to doctors all the time,” Lauver said, sharing a recent case where a postop patient appeared to have the start of a possible complication. “We immediately called SUN Orthopaedics of Evangelical and had the patient go right down to the office to be cared for.”

“It all goes back to trust,” Rothermel said. “Having the ability to create that relationship that Megan mentioned and gain the trust of the people that we are treating is a big part of the recovery.”

Cindy O. Herman lives in Snyder County. Email comments to her at CindyOHerman@gmail.com

Specialist services

Physical Therapy of Evangelical can be reached at 1-877-541-1417. Specialty therapies are offered in a number of areas, including:

- vestibular and balance

- pelvic health

- osteoporosis

- lymphedema

- amputation

- neurological diagnoses impacting physical, occupational, and speech needs

- Parkinson’s disease

- concussion rehabilitation, postconcussion care

Physical Therapy of Evangelical locations near you:

- Elysburg

- Lewisburg, Evangelical Community Hospital

- Lewisburg, Plaza 15

- Lewisburg, The Miller Center

- Middleburg

- Mifflinburg, Meadow Green

- Mifflinburg, Forest Hills

- Mt. Pleasant Mills

- Selinsgrove, Rt. 522

- Selinsgrove, Susq. Valley Mall Drive

- Williamsport

(Photo Provided)

Megan Lauver, DPT, physical therapist at Physical Therapy of Evangelical in Selinsgrove

(Photo Provided)

Megan Lauver, DPT, physical therapist at Physical Therapy of Evangelical in Selinsgrove, helps a patient with arm exercises.

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Selinsgrove Specialty Clinic Broadens Evangelical’s Reach

By Cindy O. Herman For The Daily Item

SELINSGROVE – Scheduling appointments with OB/GYN of Evangelical just got a lot easier for women who live or work in the Snyder County area. The Selinsgrove Specialty Clinic opened in December, and appointments filled up quickly.

“Looking at the marketing analysis, we knew we had a lot of our patients from this area and further south, so we wanted to be able to reach patients where they are,” said Andrea Bertram, Operations Director of Women’s Health and Cancer Services.

Even better, the Selinsgrove Specialty Clinic is staffed by the same providers found at OB/ GYN of Evangelical in Lewisburg.

“We have our established group of physicians, midwives and physician assistants,” said Allison McOwen, DO, Gynecologist/Obstetrician, “We didn’t hire anyone new to come work at this office, so you’re still getting all of your continuity of care with the same group.”

Clinic appointments are already running at about 97 percent occupancy, Bertram said.

“And we feel so committed to it being the same experience that even the ultrasound techs are the same you would have in the Lewisburg clinic. They rotate down here as well,” she said.

A full range of services are offered, including annual exams, birth control, infection checks, menopausal conditions, and discussions on surgery.

“We have a room dedicated as a procedure room so we’re offering things like biopsies, colposcopies, and contraceptive insertions,” Dr. McOwen said.

Beyond reaching patients in the broader Snyder County area, the Specialty Clinic is more accessible to people in areas stretching south to Marysville

and across the river to Sunbury.

“I’m super excited to be here. I really love this location,” said Heidi Hagan, Certified Nurse Midwife. “There are some access issues to healthcare when you get past Liverpool and across that mountain between here and Marysville. Your options, if you live in that area, are to go to Harrisburg, go to State College or come to Lewisburg, so it’s nice that we’ve got this availability here now.”

While the Lewisburg office is also conveniently located, being able to park and walk right in at the Selinsgrove clinic is appreciated by older patients or those with mobility issues.

Focus on women

Making healthcare more accessible is especially important for women.

“We need to remain healthy to take care of everyone,” Dr. McOwen said. “The whole point of screening is to detect cancers and certain conditions at an early stage, before they present a problem.”

Providing routine gynecological care to women can also be a gateway for conversations on other health needs, Bertram said.

“As women we put ourselves last so frequently,” Hagan said. “We take care of our children, we take care of our parents, we take care of ourselves last. So that’s why it’s such a hugely important thing that we really address the whole person, including a woman’s mental health, heart risks, and general health maintenance.”

She finds that same opportunity when caring for young women seeking prenatal healthcare. Those visits can open the door to promoting good health behaviors like routine screenings, weight management, healthy diet, and

exercise.

As new as the clinic is, it has already received positive feedback.

“I’ve been here since our first day and I will say that for the patients coming from the Liverpool, Halifax corridor, this is a huge improvement of access for them,” Hagan said. “The prenatal patients know they’re going to come to Lewisburg to deliver, but knowing they have a weekly appointment closer to home is super important.”

“One of our nurses stopped me and told me she just had a patient in yesterday and it was her first visit here,” Bertram said. “She said it was so easy to get in and out of the building, and it was seamless, so she was

very happy. She wants to see if she can get all her visits here.”

The Selinsgrove Specialty Clinic hopes to eventually offer other healthcare services. It is housed in the same building as Physical Therapy of EvangelicalSelinsgrove and the Evangelical Regional Mobile Medical Services Training Center on Susquehanna Valley Mall Drive, across from Sheetz and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott. To schedule an appointment, call 570-523-8700.

Cindy O. Herman lives in Snyder County. Email comments to her at CindyOHerman@gmail.com

(Photo Provided)

The Selinsgrove Specialty clinic opened in December 2023 with appointments filling up quickly. From left: Allison McOwen, DO, Gynecologist/Obstetrician; Andrea Bertram, Operations Director of Women’s Health and Cancer Services; Kirsten Benner, Medical Office Associate; and Heidi Hagan, Certified Nurse Midwife.

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By the Numbers

In 2023, 650 babies, including 8 sets of twins, were born at The Family Place of Evangelical Community Hospital. Of those births, 328 were girls and 322 were boys, and from those, the most popular area names emerged.

Top Ten Girl Names in 2023:

1.Charlotte

2.Ava

3. Ellie

4.Grace

5. Sophia

6. Abigail

7.Amelia

8. Lainey

9. Myla

10. Vivienne

Top Ten Boy Names in 2023:

1.Jackson

2.Liam

3. Andrew 4.Asher

5. Mason

6. Austin 7.Benjamin

8. David

9. Isaac

10. Lincoln

Save the Date for the 2024 Children’s Health Fair

The Evangelical Community Hospital Children’s Health Fair, featuring YMCA Healthy Kids Day Activities, will be held at The Miller Center, Lewisburg, on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 9 am to noon.

The event is for parents and children with a focus on key factors of good health including eating right, exercising, taking part in health screenings, and making good decisions about healthy living.

Children are encouraged to come ready for action and fun and should wear shoes appropriate for physical activity. Children who attend will have a chance to win a free bicycle.

A free bike helmet give-away event for children 12 and under is being held.

Children taking part in the event will be fitted with a CPSC regulated bike helmet and instructed on safe bike helmet use. Children must be present to receive a helmet and to have it properly fitted. Anyone age 12 or under who does not own a helmet or who has a helmet that is more than five years old or has sustained damage will benefit from the giveaway. Supplies are limited and will be given away on a first-come basis.

Parents will have the opportunity to talk to experts and explore resources available in the community for healthcare, child development, child safety, and more.

Hospice Compare Site Rates

Hospice of Evangelical a 5-Star Service

Hospice of Evangelical, a program of Evangelical Community Hospital, has once again achieved five-star status in the latest ratings release from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in their online Hospice Care Compare system.

Hospice of Evangelical has consistently received scores higher than the national average according to the Hospice Care Compare site and has consistently high ranks in all categories.

The information reported allows patients, family members, and healthcare providers a snapshot of the quality of care each hospice provides. The tool includes helpful resources as well and a list of questions to ask prospective hospice providers.

At The Family Place, the highest number of births in 2023 happened in November when 68 babies were born.

Hospice Care Compare utilizes evaluation surveys from hospice families who, based on their hospice experience, to give scores for various components such as quality of

Girls'sizes:

Boys'sizes:

patient care and pain and symptom management. In the latest data ratings, Hospice of Evangelical received 90% or higher in the categories of Communication with family, treating patient with respect, emotional and spiritual support, and willingness to recommend this hospice.

“Evangelical Community Hospital has made a commitment to exceptional hospice care,” said Kathy Paul, Director of Hospice of Evangelical, who attributes the positive scores to a good support system. “Our numbers reflect the dedication of our staff, the value they place on quality and delivery of care, and their focus on people. It’s not just a job to them, but an honor to help families in the final days to bring dignity and compassion to everyone involved.”

For more information about Hospice of Evangelical visit www.EvanHospital.com/Hospice. To compare hospice services, visit https://www.medicare.gov/ hospicecompare/.

Evangelical Community Hospital

Introduces First Baby of 2024

James Robert Hollister became Evangelical Community Hospital’s first baby of 2024 to be born at The Family Place, the Hospital’s obstetrics unit. James was delivered by Juli Pyle, Certified Nurse Midwife with OB/GYN of Evangelical.

The Hospital had a busy end to 2023, with five babies being born before midnight on December 31, 2023.

Finally, on Monday evening, January 1, 2024, at 9:04 pm, John and Bailey Hollister of Mifflinburg welcomed James weighing

in at 6 pounds, 4.8 ounces, measuring 19 inches long as the latest addition to their family.

The couple were surprised to learn that after 3 hours of labor, they were the parents of the New Year’s baby, the only baby born at the Hospital on the first day of the year. James arrived earlier than his original due date of January 7.

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Community Hospital

Designated a “Birthing-Friendly” Hospital

Dozens of Pennsylvania hospitals have been recognized with a new federal designation of “Birthing-Friendly” hospital and Evangelical Community Hospital through The Family Place is among them. In late 2023, the Biden administration launched the new hospital designation to recognize high-quality maternity care.

The designation identifies hospitals and health systems that participate in a statewide or national perinatal quality improvement collaborative program and that implement evidence-based care to improve maternal health.

According to Statista, in 2021 there were 185 Pennsylvania hospitals and 5,157 hospitals across the United States, under both non-profit and private ownership. The new Birthing-Friendly designation was given to 71

Pennsylvania hospitals and 2,200 facilities total.

“The hospitals and health systems that are designated as ‘Birthing-Friendly’ are an important tool for consumers in their search for first-rate care,” Xavier Becerra, Secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services, said in a statement. “We will continue to take action to further advance maternity care quality, safety, and equity.”

The new designation aims to improve outcomes, as 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, with concerning disparities among racial and ethnic minority groups. The new designation is a “a step towards ensuring that all pregnant and post-partum people can find highquality maternity care” according to a federal government statement.

Evangelical Primary Care Practices Introduce Self-Scheduling

Existing patients at any of the nine Family Medicine and Internal Medicine of Evangelical practices located throughout the Greater Susquehanna Valley can now take advantage of appointment selfscheduling.

This new feature for Evangelical’s primary care practices affords patients the ability to fit preventive care and illness treatment into a schedule that works for them.

“Patients have been asking for easier scheduling and we’re excited to offer this thanks to the successful switch to MyChart, the Hospital’s patient portal,” said Brian Wolfe, Vice President of Physician and Clinic Practices at Evangelical Community Hospital.

Patients, who have established relationships with Family Medicine of Evangelical or Internal Medicine of Evangelical providers and have registered for a MyChart account, can now go into MyChart, choose their provider, and see what appointments are available. These are appointments for regular check-ups or acute illness that presents unexpectedly.

The introduction of self-scheduling allows patients to avoid on-hold times that can be experienced when calling for appointments. The self-scheduling process takes only a few minutes and makes it possible to

schedule 24/7 even when the office is closed. The new option also gives families the opportunity to discuss what may work best when juggling multiple schedules.

“For now, this is for existing primary care patients,” said Wolfe. “To serve new patients best there is an information gathering process that occurs for us to know patients and their specific needs better prior to their first visit. That cannot be accomplished through self-scheduling. However, once new patients get into the system, they can register for MyChart and then self-scheduling will be available to them as well.”

Self-scheduling is available immediately and can be done at www.EvanHospital. com/MyChart.

Establishing a relationship with a primary care provider for family medical needs is an essential in helping individuals navigate to good health and stay healthy; preventing disease by identifying risk factors; coordinating and managing chronic disease care for longevity and a better quality of life.

To learn more about Evangelical’s primary care-related practices and to establish a relationship with an Evangelical primary care provider, visit www.EvanHospital.com/ primary.

“The Family Place has a long history of providing exceptional care before, during, and after the birth experience for mothers in our area, some even choosing to travel longer distances to give birth at Evangelical Community Hospital,” said Kelly Solomon, Director of Maternal Child Care at The Family Place.

“Our staff consistently rise to the highest standards of care for the mothers and babies entrusted to them during this most special time of life. It’s because of their commitment to the best possible patient experience that we continue to deliver high-quality outcomes.”

For more information on The Family Place at Evangelical Community Hospital, visit www. EvanHospital.com/WomensHealth.

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Recognized with Pediatric Certi cate

Evangelical Regional Mobile Medical Services (ERMMS), the emergency medical response arm of Evangelical Community Hospital, received its Pediatric Voluntary Recognition Program certificate from the Pennsylvania EMS for Children Project in 2023.

The program is designed to assist EMS agencies in delivering the highest-level of care to the smallest patients.

ERMMS was certified with the Level III Advanced certificate for services provided by the Hospital as its base of response. The certificate recognizes that ERMMS is in compliance with federal EMS-for-children equipment on its responding vehicles, participates in federal EMS reassessment surveys, in compliance with ChildLine background clearances and PATCH criminal record checks

for all EMS providers, and that all EMS providers that are part of the organization have completed four hours of pediatric-specific continuing education annually.

The pediatric certificate will be reviewed annually by the Pennsylvania EMS for Children Advisory Committee to ensure ERMMS maintains all standards with regard to pediatric patients.

ERMMS was launched in October 2019 in response to a local, state, and national shortage of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) volunteers. While Evangelical Community had been providing staffing support for ambulance companies from Middleburg to Watsontown with EMTs and Paramedics, ERMMS represents a long-term solution to providing consistent, high quality emergency medical services to the region.

Postpartum Depression is No One’s Fault

By Cindy O. Herman For The Daily Item

LEWISBURG – You just delivered a beautiful baby, but you can’t stop crying, and you’re worrying all the time. You’ve got postpartum depression or anxiety – what did you do wrong?

“There’s nothing that you did wrong to have any of these symptoms,” said Gwendolyn Edwards, PsyD, Psychology of Evangelical. “Sometimes it just happens.”

According to the CDC, about 1 in 8 women experience symptoms of postpartum depression as they deal with changes like new sleep routines, new daily routines, fluctuating hormones, and isolation from previous activities.

“Right up until delivery you have all these doctor appointments, and then all of a sudden there’s nothing,” Dr. Edwards said. “It’s such an adjustment because it’s like, ‘Whoa, where’d everyone go?’”

Baby blues – feeling down and lacking energy – lasts about a week, but if it goes longer it can be an indicator of postpartum issues.

Women with postpartum depression feel sad and tearful. They might not find joy in the things they used to, might have difficulty sleeping and eating, and might not feel connected to their baby. With anxiety, thoughts revolve around the baby’s safety and well-being and as a result women may constantly check, sometimes in an obsessive way, to make sure the infant is breathing or eating enough.

“Women feel like they’re not a good enough mother, or their baby deserves more and they’re not able to give it to them,” Dr. Edwards said. “Those are some of the things that come up, especially with mothers I have worked with.”

Social support is invaluable, whether for a first child or fourth – no postpartum is ever the same. Reaching out to friends, siblings, or parents can help with tasks like laundry,

cooking, and cleaning.

And yes, it’s hard to ask for help. Nobody wants to be a “burden.” But everyone needs help sometimes, and asking makes people feel good.

“I think you’d be surprised how many people would be willing to help you. Lots of women go through this. You’re not alone in this,” Dr. Edwards said.

She applauds forwardthinking businesses that offer paternity leave.

“That first night, just the new family unit together, is a change in itself,” she said. “Paternity or parental leave is a great way to help everyone adjust if it is an option provided by employers because it gives more time to figure out the new normal.”

It’s important to note that new baby adjustment doesn’t discriminate by gender. Studies show that one in 10 fathers also struggle with postpartum depression.

In Dr. Edwards’ own experience, she was in her psychology doctorate program when her child was born and was provided a very limited amount of time off. Her husband did not have paternity leave.

“We made do because, luckily, we had a great support system,” she said, mentioning family members who took turns staying with them.

Professional help

If symptoms affect a lot of day-to-day functions, it’s time to reach out for professional help.

“Talking to a doctor can be a great way to start that process, especially here at Evangelical because with my passion of working with women with postpartum, I have a connection with OB/GYN of Evangelical,” Dr. Edwards said. “They’re able to refer patients right to me. And if it’s an emergency I get patients on my caseload as soon as possible.”

She also does hospital rounds to meet new mothers, talk about their support system,

and offer her help. But she understands, even with today’s strides against the stigma of mental health, many people still hesitate to ask for help. She compares that help to putting on your own oxygen mask in an airplane emergency so you can assist others.

“There shouldn’t be any shame about asking for help because having different feelings and emotions is what makes us human,” she said. “The question people ask me is, ‘Am I a good mother because I’m getting this help?’ And you absolutely are.”

Therapy can last as long as the mother wants, from a few weeks to a few years.

“If they want to stay with me for years, I’m happy to have them. If they just want to stay for a couple months, I’m here for it,” Dr. Edwards said. “It’s

personalized to the person.” Motherhood brings challenges that require help from others. Mothers need to be gentle with themselves.

“Your body just went through this huge, beautiful miracle of a change to bring this baby into this world,” Dr. Edwards said. “Be gentle with yourself. Say, ‘This is all new to me, and I’m still learning.’ That’s a great phrase to say to yourself. You are worthy of feeling happy some days and really stressed out the other days. You are worthy of getting help.”

Appointments with Dr. Edwards at Psychology of Evangelical can be made by calling 570-524-6766.

Cindy O. Herman lives in Snyder County. Email comments to her at CindyOHerman@gmail.com

(Photo Provided)

Gwendolyn Edwards, PsyD, is a Clinical Psychologist with Psychology of Evangelical. She has helped many patients with postpartum depression/anxiety.

Evangelical Community Hospital Selected as a 2023 Health Quality Innovator of the Year

Evangelical Community Hospital has been recognized as a Health Quality Innovator for 2023. The Health Quality Innovator Awards is the annual awards program created by Health Quality Innovators (HQI) that recognizes and celebrates organizations that are using successful, evidence-based approaches to improve healthcare quality and outcomes.

The Hospital was selected as a runner-up in the Health Equity category for its work through its Patient and Family Advisory Council. This award category recognizes organizations that have successfully implemented interventions to address disparities by race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, geographic location, disability, and/or sexual orientation across a range of conditions.

“We’re incredibly proud to be recognized for the Hospital’s dedication to improving health for all,” said John Devine, DO, FACP, CPE, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Evangelical Community Hospital.

“We truly believe to optimize health quality; we need to know first-hand how our care is being received and perceived. The Patient and Family Advisory Council brings together key individuals from all walks of life to give us feedback on what we are doing well and to address where we could be even better.”

The Council consists of current and former

patients, their friends/family members and caregivers. Through regular meetings the Advisory Council and the Hospital have been able to make inroads in the Hospital’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives including recognizing, celebrating, and learning about various cultures, backgrounds, and histories of various colleagues and communities in its service area and beyond.

In addition, the Advisory Council has informed improving access to patient resources for an exceptional healthcare experience. Council members were invited to share in design input regarding the recent Hospital expansion including patient room functionality and comfort, provided feedback in the patient handbook that is given to each patient requiring an overnight stay, and examined areas of enriching racial and ethnic diversity within the culture of the Hospital including addressing disparities in healthcare outcomes.

In 2018, the Hospital created Mobile Health of Evangelical to bring preventive and primary care services to more rural locations within the Hospital’s service area, providing health screenings, primary and specialty care, dental hygiene, and health education.

Council members have played a role in proposing possible locations and outreach of this service. In calendar year 2023, Mobile Health of Evangelical provided services to 747

individuals. In addition to that number, health education was made available to 407 individuals at community events.

“We continue as a Hospital to keep a forward vision for our community,” said Devine. “We continually evolve to ensure high-quality services and through efforts, like that of the Patient and Family Advisory Council and others, we are able to stay in tune with what is most needed by the people choosing Evangelical for their healthcare.”

Learn more about the 2023 Health Quality Innovators of the Year at https://hqi. solutions/2023-awards/.

Newly Introduced Scholarship at Evangelical Community Hopsital Supports Future RNs

The Patricia Umbenhower Leininger Memorial Scholarship has been introduced at Evangelical Community Hospital to support and encourage nurses pursuing a Registered Nurse designation.

The scholarship was made possible by the family of Patricia Umbenhower Leininger who donated funds in her memory. Given to a member of the Evangelical workforce who is pursuing an RN designation and is in their senior year of study, the recipient is chosen by a committee based on work ethic, positive attitude, compassion, and dedication to the field.

Leininger’s commitment to the field of nursing is what drove her family to create the scholarship in her honor. She dedicated her career to the nursing field for more than 50 years. After graduating

from the Harrisburg Hospital School of Nursing in 1962, Leininger immediately began providing patient care to her community in a nursing home in Selinsgrove while she waited for confirmation that she passed her nursing board certification.

Over the span of Leininger’s nursing career, she spent two decades at Nottingham Village, and finished her official nursing service at Central Penn GI in Lewisburg (now known as Gastroenterology of Evangelical). Post retirement she continued to be involved in the medical field, teaching medical terminology at a local business school and then volunteering at Evangelical Community Hospital.

To learn more about scholarships at Evangelical, visit www.EvanHospital.com/ StudentOpportunities.

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(Photo Provided)

Havilah Kendall, Certified Exercise Physiologist, of Evangelical Community Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program, (right) was awarded the Hospital’s newest scholarship that supports future RNs. The Patricia Umbenhower Leininger Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Kendall and presented by Tamara Persing, RN, BSN, MS, CIC, FAPIC, Vice President Patient Care Services/Chief Nursing Officer at Evangelical (left).

Upon graduation, Kendall intends to continue serving the Hospital in a RN role. The scholarship is made possible by the family of Patricia Umbenhower Leininger honoring her dedication to the nursing field and her commitment to support and encourage those with a passion in pursuing a RN career.

Evangelical Community Hospital Offers

Orthopaedic and Imaging Services at Mall Location

Patients of the area can take advantage of greater accessibility to SUN Orthopaedics of Evangelical-Selinsgrove and the Selinsgrove Imaging Center at the Susquehanna Valley Mall, in the former Sears location on Roosevelt Avenue.

“We are invested in providing Snyder County residents and those in the Sunbury and surrounding areas with services that are close and accessible,” said Kendra Aucker, President and CEO of Evangelical Community Hospital. “This is the start of expanding the reach of the exceptional services that have traditionally been offered at or closer to the Hospital.”

The Mall location of orthopaedics and imaging is designed for optimized coordination and care between imaging and orthopaedic services but is also near other healthcare organization offerings at the mall whose patients can benefit from having imaging services and/or seeing an orthopaedic specialist.

Selinsgrove Imaging Center

The Selinsgrove Imaging Center offers MRI, X-ray, CT/CTA, Ultrasound, and Vascular Imaging at the mall location. There is sameday imaging availability with a physician order for X-ray, Ultrasound, Vascular Imaging, and Urgent Care imaging needs. Same day imaging is available, and some evening hours are available for MRI, Ultrasound, and X-ray.

The CT/CTA scanner at the location is a newly purchased model that is state-of-the art and offers shorter scan times, reduced patient dose of radiation, and has improved image quality. The larger bore model improves comfort for patients of larger size or

those who can experience anxiety while being in tight spaces.

SUN Orthopaedics of Evangelical-Selinsgrove

The location features eight exam rooms, two of which are larger in size for casting needs and patients with mobility issues or who are larger in size, to care for the orthopaedic needs of patients in the area.

The dedicated orthopaedic specialists of SUN Orthopaedics of Evangelical offer hip, knee, sports medicine, spine, and orthopaedic-related conditions at the location. With quick access to imaging services within the same building, including a CT scanner with technology that offers a metal artifact reduction technique that creates unobscured images during orthopaedic imaging, orthopaedic patients benefit from efficient care for their needs.

For more information about Evangelical Community Hospital, its services, and locations, visit www. EvanHospital.com.

(Photo Provided)

The entrance at of Selinsgrove Imaging Center and SUN Orthopaedics of Evangelical-Selinsgrove at the mall location.

(Photo Provided)

A shared control room in the mall location allows imaging technicians to monitor both the CT/CTA scanner and MRI at the same time. This allows for close patient monitoring and the ability to communicate with patients as they are going through their imaging studies.

There’s a reason we’re an Orthopaedic Center of Excellence. Actually, nine reasons.

We’re not just an orthopaedic practice.

We’re the state’s first and only DNV Orthopaedic Center of Excel lence.

The team at Evangelical Community Hospital and SUN Orthopaedics of Evangelical is proud to receive the Orthopaedic Center of Excellence designation from DNV, a global independent certification, assurance, and risk management provider. The recognition is based on achieving advanced certification in Hip and Knee, Foot and Ankle, Spine, and Shoulder.

What does that mean to you? Our team of providers and staff has worked together to create the safest and highest quality orthopaedic experience for you or someone you love.

If pain is getting in the way of your quality of life, don’t wait to find your freedom. Call now to request an appointment.

Visit www.EvanHospital.com/Ortho or