WINTER 2022
NEWS FROM ENGLEWOOD HEALTH FOUNDATION
THE ENGLEWOOD HEALTH EXPRESS All Aboard for Healthier Tomorrows
FEATURES
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FEATURE STORY Full Steam Ahead on Healthier Tomorrows KNOW THE PROS Mary O’Connor, MSN, RN, CDCES Diabetes Program Manager LIVE WELL ENGLEWOOD Promoting Nutritional, Emotional and Physical Well-being KNOW THE PROS Mekesha Samuel Live Well Center Program Manager THE RIGHT TRACK TO WELLNESS The Graf Center for Integrative Medicine THE SIT DOWN Peggy K. Schunk FACES OF PHILANTHROPY Emmet Dennis and Peggy Kabakow HAPPENINGS A Journey to Better Health Thanks to Our Donors THE LEGACY SOCIETY Exceptional Changemakers Who Leave Their Mark
*Englewood Health Foundation adheres to all safety protocols in response to COVID-19. Photography for this issue of Connections followed strict social distance guidelines.
CONNECTIONS | WINTER 2022 EDITORIAL STAFF Debra Albanese
Executive Vice President 201.894.3497 debra.albanese@ehmchealth.org
Sandra Sgambati
Director of Development and Communications 201.894.3386 sandra.sgambati@ehmchealth.org
Englewood Health has delivered the highest quality healthcare to the community for more than 130 years. Established in 1995 as a separate 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization, Englewood Health Foundation raises private funds to further Englewood Health’s vision to become the regional leader in providing state-of-the-art compassionate care to the community it serves.
ALL ABOARD! When my two boys were young, trains were high on the list of favorite toys. They spent hours carefully arranging the tracks – often spanning through several rooms of the house much to the dismay of our puppy, Ziggy. As eager conductors, their travel itineraries were always adventurous, limited only by the wonder, curiosity and imagination of their young minds. At Englewood Health, we are on our own amazing and reimagined journey – one that follows a bold vision to create hope and improve the overall health of our communities. This relies on a collaborative strategy that emphasizes broader access to preventative care. Innovative technology, embedded services across the continuum, robust community programs, and education and wellness tools are reducing obstacles to high-quality care and creating greater equity for all – not only when they are sick but when they are well. Climb aboard as we travel full speed ahead into this new era in healthcare. You, our partners in philanthropy, are the engineers of this express train crossing the region to deliver innovative care to patients when, where and how they need it. When we empower all to live wiser, stronger and healthier, a brighter tomorrow is surely our next destination.
Debra Albanese Executive Vice President Englewood Health Foundation
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Full Steam Ahead on
Healthier Tomorrows Caring for more patients than ever before, Englewood Health is nationally recognized for clinical excellence at the bedside. Yet, its mission to reimagine the delivery of healthcare relies on investments in a broad strategy, one that empowers individuals of every age to take the wheel in their own health journey.
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In the early days of his 40-year practice, Harvey Gross, MD, saw patients only when they were sick. Although this Englewood Health family physician was equipped to clinically care for their acute conditions, Dr. Gross long thought greater wellness would be achieved by approaching medicine differently. Today, he embraces Englewood Health’s system-aligned philosophy of care that provides prevention, intervention and education to patients so that they can achieve better health and avoid disease. Why is this an important shift? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just over one in 10 Americans has diabetes. Data predicts that by 2030, one in two will be obese. Depression affects about 16 million U.S. adults every year. Conditions like these play an important role in developing serious chronic illness, especially within at-risk populations. These alarming trends are present in our communities with the potential to create serious adverse effects if left unaddressed. Dr. Gross says that meeting patients where they are with the right tools and resources improves health outcomes, ensures better patient experiences and promotes a healthier population.
FIRST STOP: EARLY DETECTION AND INTERVENTION The Englewood Health Physician Network (EHPN) of more than 500 providers cared for over 215,000 patients across the region last year. It is considered home base for early detection and intervention which are key to preventing the progression of many acute conditions,
including cancer, heart disease and behavioral health issues. Like many practices throughout the network, Dr. Gross’ patient-centered team includes practice-embedded clinicians: registered nurses who are trained in care coordination, licensed social workers, diabetes educators and pharmacists. In addition to seeing patients during in-office visits, this support team examines the extensive patient data contained within Englewood Health’s integrated medical records system, Epic, to identify gaps in care. When individual areas of concern are identified, proactive outreach helps address them. “Providing proactive care mitigates health concerns before they rise to a crisis. When patients know better, they do better,” says Dr. Gross who shares the story of a 77-year-old patient with diabetes as a successful example of this strategy in practice. “His A1C sugar levels were more than double the average. Immediately, our care coordinator, diabetes educator and in-office pharmacist stepped in. With nutritional guidance, education on his medications and a 24-hour at-home glucose monitor, the patient quickly became more aware of his sugar level fluctuations,” explains Dr. Gross. “He now controls his diabetes and, as a result, enjoys a better quality of life.”
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MAKING SMOOTH CONNECTIONS Similarly, Englewood Health’s care management team is at work within the hospital helping ensure that patients ready for discharge are connected to the resources they need within the health system and beyond to best manage their health. Vice President of Quality Jamie Ketas believes that actively managing transitions of care from the inpatient setting to the primary care provider results in greater peace of mind for the patient, as well as fewer emergency department visits and readmissions in the future. These transitions provide an opportunity for the team to address both clinical concerns and a variety of social variables that impact health. “The screening questions we ask patients might reveal an inadequate food supply or lack of transportation, which may prevent them from maintaining good health. If such issues are identified, we connect the patient to local resources for assistance,” says Jamie. Once a patient is home, coordinators call to review medications and dosing instructions, ensure prescriptions are filled and follow-up appointments are made. Another way that Englewood Health is linking community members to life-saving resources is through free health screenings for cancer and other chronic disease risk factors.
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“Englewood Health continues to increase the frequency and number of screenings within the community so that everyone, including those underinsured and uninsured who might not otherwise have access, can benefit from early disease detection and any necessary follow-up treatments or services,” explains Jamie.
THE FINAL DESTINATION Englewood Health’s mission is to realize the next era in healthcare – doing more for more. The highest quality care must be in reach for all members of our community, especially the most vulnerable populations. This requires ongoing investments in infrastructure, personnel and technology. Through their generosity, Englewood Health Foundation donors will continue to power us forward, full steam ahead.
Harvey Gross, MD, consulting with a patient
P I T O R P from
onnor, C ’ O y r a M DCES ,C
MSN, RN
“
Healthy eating is a cornerstone in managing diabetes. Keep a journal of what you eat and make note of the amount of carbohydrates, as well as your blood sugar readings. Looking at the trends will help you see how certain foods can impact your blood sugar.
”
Mary O’Connor, MSN, RN, CDCES | Englewood Health Diabetes Program Manager
TOOLS FOR GREATER CARE
Diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 10.5% of the U.S. population has diabetes and another 34.5% of adults have prediabetes. Englewood Health Diabetes Program Manager and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Mary O’Connor, MSN, RN, celebrating 25 years at the health system, is passionate about helping those with diabetes learn the skills needed to live a healthy lifestyle. Whether at Englewood Hospital, EHPN primary care offices or out in the community, Mary and her team provide essential education and resources to those with diabetes or prediabetes. Healthy eating, physical activity, and medication and stress management are all tools that empower individuals to better control their diabetes, rather than allowing the diabetes to control them. The goal is to stay healthy by developing and sustaining positive behaviors.
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NEXT STOP: LIVE WELL ENGLEWOOD Thanks to leadership-level gifts from the Sylvia and Stanley Shirvan Foundation and other generous benefactors, the Shirvan Family Live Well Center will open its doors later this year in the heart of downtown Englewood. Live Well Englewood builds on the success of a three-year Live Well pilot program designed to proactively prevent chronic disease among at-risk community populations through access, awareness and resources that promote healthy lifestyles. The Center is philanthropically funded to meet growing demand by extending current, and developing new, programs centered on nutritional, emotional and physical well-being for all ages. It will feature a demonstration kitchen, meeting rooms, counseling and workshop space. To date, Live Well Englewood served thousands of families challenged by obstacles to preventative care because of social status, education, culture or financial circumstances. These factors are responsible for nearly 80% of a person’s wellness, so creating broader access by reducing these barriers is the primary objective according to Live Well Center Program Manager Mekesha Samuel, MPH. “These factors shape the health of our communities. Unemployment, lack of insurance and language differences create gaps in care for so many throughout our region,” explains Mekesha who carries a master’s in public health. Live Well’s free and convenient programs offered year-round in collaboration with local schools, community organizations and faith-based groups are poised to change that. As an example, she shares that nearly one-third of Bergen County residents are foreign-born and do not speak fluent English. This alone can create enormous difficulties in navigating proper preventative care. In response, Live Well’s Health E Englewood program launched a four-course workshop series delivered completely in Spanish. “This series was very well received by attendees who immediately felt more comfortable and were appreciative to absorb the information presented in their native language,” says Mekesha. As Englewood Health’s reach continues to expand, so will the need for additional Live Well Centers. Thanks to philanthropic investment, a strong and proven groundwork is set. With demographics similar to Englewood, communities within Hudson County are scheduled as the next destinations on this journey to living well.
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P I T O R P from
el, MPH
Samu a h s e k Me
“
With strong Caribbean roots, I always thought rice was one thing I could not live without. Years ago, a nutrition class similar to what we offer changed my mind. Now, I mix smaller portions of rice with quinoa, which is gluten-free and high in protein, or barley, which is high in fiber and antioxidants. The taste and satisfaction are the same but healthier with less carbohydrates.
Mekesha Samuel, MPH | Program Manager, Shirvan Family Live Well Center at Englewood Health
”
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The
RIGHT TRACK
Wellness
to
Established in 2016 with a leadership-level gift from David Graf and Jennifer Graf, The Graf Center for Integrative Medicine at Englewood Health continues to raise the bar on community health. Those who are ill, managing disease or seeking greater well-being can realize the benefits of holistic care knowing that treatments like acupuncture, therapeutic massage, yoga and reiki are performed in cooperation with traditional care delivered by their Englewood Health physicians.
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Throughout the years, the Graf Center for Integrative Medicine has expanded its array of services to meet the needs of Englewood Health patients and the community-at-large. Thanks to the generosity of philanthropic partners, the Graf Center continues to push outside its walls to deliver valuable programs throughout the region. The Rodgers Family Meditation Program is making an impact with educational classes focused on tools that support better health and the management of stress, anxiety and depression. In partnership with Jersey City Recreation and Youth, the Graf Center offered a series of outdoor lessons in the summer of 2021 to children of all ages. They enjoyed learning a variety of yoga techniques designed to promote better health.
Programs delivered to Fair Lawn and Cresskill school districts taught students, along with their parents and educators, the value of using meditation to de-stress and achieve greater relaxation. Also, for the first time, the Center introduced pre- and post-natal meditation classes and is currently developing informative podcasts to assist pre- and post-surgery patients. As many throughout the region seek healthier coping techniques, program demand is rising. Investments in holistic programming will continue to shape greater well-being.
While the pandemic continues to restrict indoor workshops, virtual classes are promoted through a variety of social media channels. Popular core classes include Story Time Meditation, Chair Meditation and Meditation in Spanish, which received record attendance. April through September of last year, Facebook Live events drew nearly 2,400 participants and an Instagram Live meditation program delivered in Spanish obtained a total of 655 participants.
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The
SITDOWN
with Peggy K. Schunk
Peggy K. Schunk wanted to get back on track with her own health and well-being. As someone with diabetes, she knows the importance of diet and exercise, but a busy lifestyle for many years gave way to quick and less-healthy choices. When the pandemic hit, Peggy lost her job. She did not want this new and unexpected challenge to further impact her health, so she turned to Englewood Health and its Live Well
Health E Englewood program.
We sat down with Peggy to chat about her program experience and how sharpening skills in the areas of nutrition continues to drive important lifestyle changes, keeping her healthy and happy.
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Why did you decide to enroll in Health E Englewood?
When the pandemic hit, it gave all of us an opportunity to slow down and reflect more on our health and lifestyle habits. We were in many ways isolated from one another and taking this class was a way to connect with others who wanted to achieve similar goals. It was a great opportunity to learn and grow during a very difficult time.
What value did you gain from the classes?
Health E Englewood brought me back to what I needed to focus on – and that was my personal health. I was connected to nutritional experts who not only provided great guidance, but they allowed me to ask my own personal questions in a safe setting. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this well-organized and comprehensive program that made such a difference in my life.
Do you have a favorite takeaway?
We received so many great tools to help with portion size and how to properly read product labels. I learned the importance of food preparation and a well-stocked pantry, which allow you to put a healthy meal together more quickly. Perhaps the biggest takeaway for me was how to shop on a budget. With food prices on the rise, it is more difficult to make your dollars stretch in the grocery store. Now, I buy frozen fruit and vegetables which cost less than fresh but are just as nutritious. It is a big money saver.
What would you tell others about Englewood Health’s Health E Englewood Program? First, I believe it is important for us all to remember that ultimately it is our responsibility to ensure we live our best lives. That said, a qualified and convenient partner is so important in supporting your health goals. Englewood Health gave me the essential tools to refresh healthy habits and carry them into my future.
Better Health T H E R E C IP E F OR
FRIDGE STAPL E? Vanilla Greek Yog urt and Apples POWER BREAK FAST? Oatmeal with Rai sins and Cinnam on CHEF SPECIAL ? Winter Squash S oup FAVORITE VEG ETABLE? Broccoli
To view Live Well Health E Englewood patient success stories, SCAN ME:
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FACES of
Philanthropy
THE BEAUTY OF SERVICE
Emmet Dennis is enormously grateful for Englewood Health, where he recently underwent heart surgery. He believes that access to proactive diagnostic screening and award-winning cardiac care saved his life. For Emmet, this experience not only underscored the importance of quality healthcare but strengthened his long-time personal commitment to bridge opportunity gaps within underserved populations. Following a notable career in marketing, Emmet joined members of his family to build a well-known skin and hair care brand, Sundial Brands. Using certified organic ingredients sourced from West Africa, the company challenged the status quo of fair-trade practices. “We were very mindful of our mission to build a brand that reflected a commitment to the community beyond skin and hair care. We empowered people to live more beautiful lives. That included the women in Ghana who we built direct programs with to increase their wages,” explains Emmet. Selling the business years later to a major international leader in the industry provided Emmet with an opportunity to accelerate that mission through greater investments in supporting the underserved. A husband and father of two young children, Emmet credits his close-knit family and Liberian roots for instilling the passion to help others. His parents and grandparents set shining examples of service to others, the power of purpose and the value of education. “I have been blessed in so many different ways and consider it a responsibility to make meaningful connections for a greater good,” says Emmet. That is one reason he chooses to support the Englewood Health Foundation and why he enthusiastically accepted an invitation to serve as an Englewood Health Foundation Trustee. “I am humbled to lend perspective while gaining greater insight into an area like healthcare, which makes such an incredible impact on our community. It is my hope that through our work, and with the support of philanthropic partners, we will ensure that everyone has access to high-quality Emmet Dennis Jr. | Englewood Health Foundation Trustee care,” says Emmet. 12 Englewood Health Foundation
A LEGACY OF GIVING Demarest resident Peggy Kabakow delivered both her sons at Englewood Hospital and although it was more than fifty years ago, she fondly remembers the personalized care she received. Through the decades, as Englewood Health continued to expand, Peggy always felt peace of mind knowing world-class clinical care was in reach. “At every stage of life, access to high-quality healthcare is important,” says Peggy. “The compassionate culture that I experienced at Englewood Health all those years ago still remains today. It really is a wonderful place,” says Peggy.
Peggy Kabakow
The desire to provide valuable health education and resource programs to the community and the profound philanthropic influence of her late husband, Ed, inspire Peggy to support the Englewood Health Foundation. She recalls her husband’s steadfast passion to give back. A self-made business entrepreneur whose parents owned and managed a small deli in Manhattan, Ed never lost sight of his humble beginnings. “Ed gained many important lessons from his parents, including the value of hard work and service within the community,” explains Peggy. “I am also very thankful to them for teaching Ed his way around the kitchen – that certainly was very helpful to me as a wife and mother!” Today, Peggy maintains an active lifestyle filled with family time and service to others. She first discovered a love for volunteering after retiring from her job as a maternity wear buyer in 1966. Over the years, Peggy gave her time and talent to many organizations and credits Ed for encouraging her to take advantage of those opportunities. “Ed and I would have been married 60 years this past November. He was a long-time supporter of Englewood Health. I am happy for the ability to make an impact on our community while furthering his legacy,” says Peggy.
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HAPPENINGS Englewood Health Foundation supporters continue to take us on new journeys to better health and wellness. Every day, their unwavering generosity brings us closer to our next destination: revolutionizing the delivery of healthcare for communities throughout the region. STABILE GARDEN The Dr. John and Barbara Stabile Garden, a beautiful green oasis inspiring serenity and peace for patients and families, was dedicated last year thanks to a leadership-level gift from the Stabiles.
Pictured left to right: Englewood Health President and CEO Warren Geller with Englewood Health Foundation Trustee John Stabile, MD, and Barbara Stabile.
GOLF CLASSIC It was a spectacular day for golf as more than 200 participants joined the Englewood Health Foundation for its annual Golf Classic at The Ridgewood Country Club on May 24. Donors raised more than $300,000 to benefit Englewood Health and the many patients it serves. Pictured left to right: Englewood Health Foundation Trustee Amy Shirvan, Fran Weingast, Amy Zagin and Debbie Satnick 14 Englewood Health Foundation
ENGLEWOOD HEALTH ZT SYSTEMS OUTPATIENT CENTER Construction plans continue at Englewood Health ZT Systems Outpatient Center in Jersey City with a recent hard-hat tour of Englewood Health’s latest facility. This 75,000-square-foot signature medical complex will open this year thanks to a historic $4 million pledge from Secaucus-based ZT Systems and its CEO Frank Zhang. Pictured left to right: Englewood Health Director, Construction Services Harry Hahn; EHPN President Stephen Brunnquell, MD; ZT Systems Executive Director Tina Mousouroulis; ZT Systems Vice President, Platform Engineering and Global Manufacturing Doug Huang; and Englewood Health Vice President of Facilities Management and Emergency Preparedness Harvey Weber
ANDIAMO BENEFIT MOTORCYCLE RUN Cresskill resident and Englewood Health Foundation Trustee Don Dickstein did not let the pandemic stall the Andiamo Benefit Motorcycle Run! Although this special community event was cancelled due to COVID-19, Don and his family carried on their mission to support Englewood Health and the many families that it serves. The Run will return in 2022. Stay tuned for more details. Pictured left to right: Englewood Health Foundation Chairman Michael Gutter, Englewood Health Foundation Trustee Don Dickstein and EMS Director Rick Sposa
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Legacy Society
“
If you’re going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that cannot be erased. – Maya Angelou
Englewood Health Foundation Legacy Society members are exceptional changemakers who leave an indelible mark on our community.
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Englewood Health nurses are on the frontlines delivering physical, emotional and spiritual wellness. They make a real difference in patient outcomes. As a nurse, I will always be connected to their commitment and recognize the importance of investing in nurse-led innovation and clinical practice. Mark and I chose to direct our gift to The Kaplen Institute for Nursing Excellence by naming the Beth and Mark Metzger Center for Nursing Research. Our greatest hope is that Englewood Health may continue to recruit, educate and empower the Beth and Mark Metzger | Leadership-level giving to name the Beth and Mark Metzger highest caliber nursing professionals. Center for Nursing Research - Beth Metzger
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To create your legacy by making a planned gift through a will or trust, retirement plan or estate, please contact Moira Sullivan at 201.894.3835 or Moira.Sullivan@ehmchealth.org. You may also scan this code with your smartphone. 16 Englewood Health Foundation
All-In on the Fight Against Breast Cancer virtual
A few passing clouds did not dampen the spirits of the many supporters throughout our region who helped make the 2021 Walk for Awareness a rousing success on Sunday, October 24! The Englewood Health Foundation broadcast live from the Englewood Field Club and Memorial Park in Fair Lawn.
Thanks to you, more than $300,000 was raised in support of The Leslie Simon Breast Care and Cytodiagnosis Center to provide diagnosis and treatment for uninsured and underinsured patients who otherwise could not afford care.
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350 Engle Street Englewood, NJ 07631 EnglewoodHealthFoundation.org
We are pleased to announce 2022 event dates and look forward to seeing you in person soon! With the health of our community always a priority, we will continue to monitor pandemic protocols and advise of any changes to the scheduled programming. Please continue to check our website for updates.
MARCH
24
Montammy Golf Club Montammy Drive • Alpine, NJ Featuring Trish McEvoy | Entrepreneur, Author & Makeup Artist
APRIL
7
JUNE
13 SEPTEMBER
10
Montammy Golf Club Montammy Drive • Alpine, NJ
19 th ANNUAL
GOLF
Classic Special Performance by Idina Menzel Honorees: Lynne and Marty Zaikov David L. Abramson, MD
OCTOBER
23
The Ridgewood Country Club 96 W. Midland Avenue • Paramus, NJ
New Jersey Performing Arts Center 1 Center Street • Newark, NJ
Englewood Field Club • Englewood, NJ & Memorial Park • Fair Lawn, NJ All-In on the Fight Against Breast Cancer