Garnet Health Gems - December 2022

Exceptional Lives Here.

Happy New Year!

Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills

First-Time Recipient of USDA Grant

Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills is proud to receive, for the first time, a nearly $500,000 grant aimed at helping residents of Sullivan and Orange counties lead healthier lives. The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), funded through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides grants on a competitive basis to projects that help low-income consumers access and purchase fresh fruits and vegetables through “cash” incentives that increase their purchasing power at locations like farmers markets.

In Sullivan County, 11.5% of the population lives with food insecurity. In Orange County, that number is 9.8%. Additionally, 34% of Sullivan County’s adults are obese, with 28% self-reporting they do not participate in physical activity. The incentive program will officially kick off in early 2023 with the enrollment of eligible community members, as well as access to produce being made available in the spring, when local farmers markets reopen.

For more information about the program, contact Moira Mencher, manager of community health and physician liaison, at mmencher@garnethealth.org

Quality Corner

Zero Harm: Raising the Bar!

Our organization has been on a journey to reduce patient harm for many years. Each year, thanks to dedicated caregivers and providers, we have been successful in incrementally decreasing the number of harm events. Garnet Health hospitals have achieved a 38% reduction in harm events to date this year. This is an amazing accomplishment given the many challenges hospitals are facing each day. Congratulations to the nurses, physicians and many other disciplines working together to achieve this accomplishment!

The bar will be set higher in 2023, with an expectation that we continue to decrease the number of harm events. The new year is the perfect time to recommit to a strong safety culture that includes promoting safe behaviors, teamwork and communication, as well as improving processes to reduce risk of errors. Let’s continue our high-reliability journey toward operational excellence.

On the cover, pictured L

(Quoted from a written survey of a recent Garnet Health patient.)

“An outstanding medical center, its staff at every level personified an exemplary and comprehensive high standard of healthcare in the U.S. My sincere appreciation to all who are responsible for my recovery—of MY LIFE!”

to R: Marcy Manheim, Marketing & Corporate Communications Director; Rebekka Slate, Marketing Specialist; Chris Thurtle, Digital Marketing Manager; and Daylin Salas, Digital & Social Media Specialist.

ANNOUNCING

Cardiothoracic Surgery

at Garnet Health!

The new cardiothoracic surgery program at Garnet Health Medical Center (GHMC) in Middletown, New York, in partnership with Columbia HeartSource and New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center (Columbia/NYP), launched on January 3! Traditional, low-risk procedures such as valve repair and replacement and coronary artery bypass surgery will be offered at GHMC in the program’s first year, eliminating the need for heart patients to go out of the area for this type of care.

The program will be led by renowned cardiothoracic surgeon Michael Argenziano, MD, FACS, who is also the associate chief of the Division of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery at Columbia/NYP.

Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to achieve the launch of this program.

Congratulations to GHMC 4 South Unit!

Congratulations to the 4 South nursing team and leadership for their continued excellence in nursing and commitment to lifelong learning. The staff have completed specialized training in cardiovascular services to expand care for our patients by becoming a Progressive Care Cardiac Unit. We are proud of our Magnet Nursing Teams, which support our strategic goal of improving the health of our community by providing exceptional healthcare. They celebrated with a small ribbon-cutting event and cake.

The 4 South Team

Thank you to those who came to show their support during the ribbon-cutting.

Garnet Health Medical Center: Dawn Dembeck, Nutrition and Food Services

Dawn is the heart and soul of the Crystal Café located in the Pavilion. She cares deeply for her customers and has an eye for detail. A few months ago, Dawn’s supervisor was on PTO, and things started to go askew. A foreign object accidently fell into the fryer and could not be retrieved. Ensuring safety first, Dawn knew the fryer had to be shut down and drained, a task done during off-hours or when closed. She notified everyone promptly, and it was corrected quickly. On top of that, the register scales malfunctioned, and the grease trap backed up. Dawn knew exactly what to do, but more importantly, she kept in constant communication with Nutrition and Food Services leadership.

In October, there was a major water pipe break in the Pavilion that destroyed many offices and displaced employees. While the café was not directly affected, a request was made to feed the employees and cleanup crew on-site. Dawn had one hour to prepare 75 meals. Once again, she jumped into action, and the request was fulfilled. In true Dawn style, she did not complain about putting in extra hours to take care of business or her customers. Dawn’s watchful eye on “her” café is appreciated more than she knows.

Thank you, Dawn, for all your hard work! You are appreciated very much!

Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills: Alan Provda, Telephone Operator

Alan is well known for being very kind and always going beyond the “call” of duty! He is a great communicator with exceptional problem-solving skills. Recently, a patient called him looking for a phone number of a relative. Alan was happy to help and began the search. With the help of the town clerk in a small town in Wisconsin, Alan was able to obtain the phone number, and the patient was able to reconnect with her sister.

What a wonderful show of compassion and support for our patient! Thank you, Alan, for going above and beyond to reunite two sisters! And for bringing happiness to our patient.

The Employee of the Month program is also known as the Being Exceptional Every day (BEE) Award—and Being Exceptional Every day takes dedication, loyalty and commitment. To nominate an employee, physician, volunteer or team/department, visit the intranet page, scroll down and click on the BEE Award icon.

Garnet Health Celebrates Our November 2022 Employees of the Month

Garnet Health Medical Center Celebrates Certified Nurses

We are excited to announce that Allison VanGlahn, RN, and Pamela Lovell, RN, received board certification in their respective specialties. Allison received her certification in electronic fetal monitoring (C-EFM). Pamela received her certification in medical-surgical nursing (CMSRN).

Nurses that hold a certification in their specialty of care have made the commitment to lifelong learning, patient advocacy and professional practice—and have specialty knowledge.

For more information on becoming board certified, please contact Ashley Miller at amiller1@garnethealth.org.

Garnet Health Medical Center Honors Daisy Recipients

Nadria Hollis, RN, Float Nurse

Nadria recently cared for a deaf patient who communicated through lip reading, but mask wearing was making this a difficult task. Nadria took it upon herself to write out questions for the patient to better understand the patient’s needs. She also alerted doctors to use this form of communication with the patient. The patient’s family member greatly appreciated Nadria’s dedication of care toward her mother.

Thank you, Nadria! Your true dedication to providing exceptional care for our patients really makes a difference. Congratulations on your Daisy Award!

Breann Sytsema, RN, 2 North

While working a shift that ran late, Breann recognized the pain level of a particular patient and immediately acted to get them admitted. The patient hadn’t eaten and had no supplies or clothing. Instead of clocking out for the night, Breann stayed by the patient’s side and provided personal care items, towels, pajama pants and blankets. She even ensured the patient had a comfortable chair to sit in. Breann continued to care for this patient for the next two weeks, making their care one of her top priorities.

Congratulations, Breann! This Daisy Award is well deserved through your selflessness and persistence to provide comfort and care for the people we serve.

Allison VanGlahn with colleagues

Pamela Lovell with colleagues

Congratulations

Adrian Paraschiv, MD, and Yaw Baah, MD, have been appointed to the roles of part-time physician advisors in addition to their current roles as practicing physicians. Dr. Paraschiv is currently the associate medical director of hospital medicine for Garnet Health Doctors. He also serves as the medical director of informatics for the professional staff. Dr. Baah is an internist who joined Garnet Health Doctors as a hospitalist in 2011. He currently serves as the associate medical director of hospital medicine.

Congratulations to Our Leadership Orange Young Professional Graduate

Congratulations to Daylin Salas, Garnet Health’s digital and social media marketing specialist, who recently graduated from the Leadership Orange Young Professionals Development Program.

Pictured left to right: Chris Thurtle, digital marketing manager; Daylin Salas, digital and social media marketing specialist; Royce Pilkington, planning and grants analyst, and chair of the Larkin Family Young Professionals Development Program.

Additionally, Michelle Reynoso has been promoted to director of medical staff services. Michelle joined our organization in 2016 as a medical staff coordinator and was promoted to credentialing specialist in 2019. Michelle has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from CUNY School of Professional Studies.

Adrian Paraschiv, MD Yaw Baah, MD

Garnet Health Medical Center’s Nursing Team Attends Annual Nursing Symposium

Our nursing team attended the 13th Annual Nursing Symposium on December 2, 2022, where they presented three posters. Zoe Beickert presented “Alleviating the Jet Lag and Promoting Wellness to Fly: Tools to Relieve Stress at Work and Beyond.” Clinical nurses from our 4E team presented “Continence Care: A Transdisciplinary Integration of ARN Tools In-Patient and Beyond.” Rene Fisher

Garnet Health Medical Center’s Pharmacy Residency Program Represents in Las Vegas

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) hosted the 57th Annual Midyear Clinical Meeting and Exhibition in Las Vegas, from December 4 through 8. The Annual Midyear Clinical Meeting hosts over 20,000 pharmacists from around the country for a continuingeducation program and accreditation services. Additionally, three residency program sessions are held where various pharmacy residency programs from across the country recruit for the next year’s candidates.

Brendan R. Begnoche, PharmD, clinical applications manager, and Madeline Ciccone, PharmD, BCPS, clinical coordinator for infectious diseases, attended the meeting along with Stephanie Schwartz, PharmD, one of Garnet Health Medical Center’s current PGY-1 pharmacy residents. Dr. Schwartz also presented her project improvement poster on the “Evaluation of ProcalcitoninGuided Discontinuation of Antibiotics in Patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia.”

and Kristin Walicki presented “Rowley Family Birthing Center’s NICU Skin-to-Skin Quality Improvement Project” and won second place! Congratulations!

Holiday Luncheon

Garnet Health Medical Center

Fernanda Rogan

Stacy Jackson

Kimberly Brink

Steven Knapic Alfonso Best Elaina Burton

Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills

Garnet Health Medical Center

Garnet Health Foundation – Catskills and Walgreens Team Up

Garnet Health Foundation – Catskills is excited to announce its participation in the myWalgreens donation program! This program allows myWalgreens members to donate their cash rewards to Garnet Health Medical Center –Catskills on the Walgreens app or online at walgreens.com, now through February 28, 2023.

To donate through the app, select the Profile icon at the top right, then select “Give back by donating your rewards.” If you don’t see “Garnet Health Foundation – Catskills” listed, select “Your location” and enter “Harris, NY” or ZIP code 12742.

To learn more about the myWalgreens program, please visit walgreens.com/mywalgreens or call Deanna Schultz at (845) 333-8958.

SNOW WAY!

A Showstopping Snowman Showcase!

Members of the GHMC-C Lab took part in a fun team activity, a holidaythemed snowman-building contest! Each team had two weeks to create a snowman using recycled lab materials. Perishable items and electrical lights/ motors were not permitted. Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills COO Jerry Dunlavey was the guest judge. Everyone who competed did a great job, but the winner was the Histology Team, with the first-place title of “Best in Snow Show.” The Core Lab Team was first runner-up! Afterward, everyone celebrated with a warm cup of hot cocoa from the hot cocoa bar! Congratulations to all!

OUR WALLS:

Providing Gifts for Families in Need BEYOND

The Garnet Health Community Gift Drive spread holiday cheer to nearly 70 families in Orange and Sullivan counties, providing gifts to over 200 children. Thank you to all our hospital family members who donated! And thank you to all the elves who worked hard to organize this huge undertaking that made a difference to those in need in the communities we serve.

Wellness Word of the Month TRANSFORMATION

/tran(t)sfərˈmāSH(ə)n/ noun: a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance.

“Our greatest transformation happens through our toughest times.” —Anna Pereira “Transformation is a journey without a final destination.” —Marilyn Ferguson

As 2022 closes, we look ahead to the possibilities that 2023 will bring. This is a good time to reflect on all that you have accomplished, the new people you’ve met, the negative influences you’ve (hopefully) left behind and how you have changed through it all. It’s also an opportunity to enter the new year with a renewed focus, applying yourself and the change within you to set new goals, letting go of ones that may no longer serve a purpose, or staying the course on aspirations already set.

Transformation does not happen overnight. It is a gradual process. Our daily choices play an important role in determining our quality of life. Everyone has the potential to live life to the fullest.

Here are some tips on how to transform yourself:

• Write a list of five things you would like to change in your life. Then make sure to plan and execute those changes. Plan weekly or monthly goals.

• Our busy lives take a toll on our emotional and physical well-being. Plan a transformation process that focuses on self-care.

• Make physical fitness a part of your daily routine! Take up yoga, cardio and/or weight training. Pick any activity that helps you stay healthy.

• Drink a cup of water after waking up in the morning. Then meditate for five to 10 minutes. If you’ve never meditated before, this may be a perfect time to start. Meditation helps counteract stress and helps your mind to relax.

• Count your blessings and practice positive affirmations before you start your workday.

• Follow healthy meal plans. You can start slowly by making healthier, more nutritious choices, such as adding greens to your diet daily, cutting down on caffeine and alcohol, and avoiding sugar and processed foods. You can enjoy all foods in moderation.

• Start a hobby like painting or music. Allocate at least two to three hours a week for your hobbies.

• Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you. Hang out with people who are positive. Walk away from negative energy.

• Focus on living in the moment and avoid speculation about the unknown, as this can trigger anxiety and toxic energy.

• Keep a journal by your bed and write something that you are thankful for before going to bed.

• Be a cheerleader for positive change in yourself and others. Be the person others want to be with because you exude an energy that supports positive transformation.

May 2023 be a year of magnificent transformation for you!

Anjana Poonthota, MD, MPH, FAAP, is medical director, Garnet Health Women’s and Children’s Services Program and Pediatrics, and director of wellness, Garnet Health. She is enthusiastic about sharing tips for our health and wellness.

JANUARY

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion—January

2023

Recognition Days

Garnet Health is committed to being an inclusive organization that supports growth and innovation by providing an environment where employees, patients and visitors feel they belong. We also recognize that having more diverse backgrounds among our staff and providers contributes to better patient care. Please help share in acknowledging the following national and/or worldwide days of recognition.

Jan. 4

Jan. 6

Jan. 1

Emancipation Proclamation

President Lincoln declared all individuals held in slavery free on this day in 1863.

Jan. 15

Makar Sankranti

A Hindu festival dedicated to the god of the sun, Surya. It occurs every year on January 15, according to the solar calendar. The festival signals the end of the winter season and the start of the new harvest season.

International World Braille Day

A celebration in honor of Louis Braille’s birthday. Born on January 4, 1809, he was a French educator who created a reading and writing system known as “Braille” for the visually impaired.

Jan. 16 Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Celebrates one of the bestknown civil rights activists. This observance is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

Feast of the Epiphany

A Christian feast day that celebrates the star leading the three wise men to baby Jesus. The Feast of the Epiphany concludes the 12 days of Christmas and is the traditional end of the Christmas season.

Jan. 22

Lunar New Year

This festival marks the start of the new year on the lunar calendar used in East Asia, Southeast Asia and elsewhere. Also known as Spring Festival, it is a major event in China and other East Asian countries. The holiday began as a time for feasting and honoring household and heavenly deities, as well as ancestors.

Jan. 27

Internal Day of Commemoration in Memory of Victims of the Holocaust

A United Nations holiday that remembers the approximately 6 million Jews murdered during World War II.

Going Above and Beyond!

Our colleagues provide exceptional care to our patients every day. Help us recognize them by nominating them for a BEE Award, Daisy Award or Good Catch Award!

BEE Award

Recognizes and celebrates any employee, physician or volunteer who consistently demonstrates excellence and goes ABOVE the expectations of their job, in their interactions with colleagues, patients, families and the community.

Daisy Award

Honors nurses who consistently demonstrate excellence through their clinical expertise and extraordinarily compassionate care. They are recognized as outstanding role models in our nursing community.

Good Catch Patient Safety Award

A good catch is defined as an event or circumstance that has the potential to cause an incident or a medical error, but that did not actually occur due to corrective actions and/or timely intervention. This award is presented to an individual who demonstrates their commitment to keeping patients safe by “speaking up” to prevent a potential patient safety issue.

Good

Here’s how to nominate someone:

First, go to the Garnet Health Intranet homepage select “Reward and Recognition.” You will be taken to the general awards page. Click on the award that you want to nominate someone for, and it will take you to that respective nomination form.

Help Us Prevent the Flu!

We are seeing an unprecedented number of flu cases in our community and among our staff. We encourage anyone who has not received a flu shot this year to consider getting vaccinated to protect yourself, your family, your coworkers and our patients. The Occupational Health office is open at:

Garnet Health Medical Center

Monday – Friday

7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. No appointment needed.

Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills, Harris Campus

Monday, Wednesday and Friday

7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. No appointment needed.

Please call Occupational Health at 845-333-2060 if you require special accommodations or have questions about the flu vaccine.

SAVE THE DATE!

ALA Freedom from Smoking Workshop

Join us for a seven-week session, in person or virtually. Starting January 24, 2023, at 5:30 p.m.

Garnet Health Community Education Center

420 East Main Street Middletown, NY 10940

Cost: $25 To sign up, visit garnethealth.org/events

Free COVID-19 At-Home Test Kits Available

The U.S. government is issuing free COVID-19 at-home test kits. Order yours at covid.gov/tests.

January GHMC Auxiliary Vendor Sales

Vendors are located in the Conference Center lobby on the ground floor unless otherwise noted.

1/4: Krafty Kandles

1/10: Mary Kay

1/18: Your Nutz Vendor

1/19: John’s Jewelry Box Café @ Pavilion, 75 Crystal Run Road

1/19: Save on Sweats

1/20: John’s Jewelry Box

1/24: Simple Treasures

A percentage of vendor sales supports the Garnet Health Medical Center Auxiliary, a group of community volunteers dedicated to enhancing programs and services. Since 1975, the Auxiliary has given over $2 million to Garnet Health Medical Center.

Gems Newsletter

Produced by Garnet Health Marketing & Corporate Communications. For more information, email mmanheim@garnethealth.org or call (845) 333-2391.

garnethealth.org