Partners N E WS F R O M L MH HE A LTH F O U NDATI ON
Summer 2021
Your gifts at work Donors like you are making great things happen at LMH Health! Recently, your gifts have made possible the following: • Diabetes kits for patients who cannot afford insulin administration supplies at home. Kits include a glucometer, refill test strips, glucose tablets and more. • Pharmacy Keeper automated remote Dr. Jodie Barr counsels her patient
PHOTO BY JASON DAILEY
LMH Health Cancer Center expansion gains momentum, Foundation increases fundraising goal LMH Health continues to move forward with plans to expand and update its cancer center. The much-needed project, estimated to cost between $7–10 million, will double the current space for oncology care at the hospital’s Maine Street campus. In June, LMH Health Foundation publicly announced its commitment
checking system for oncology therapeutics, which improves patient safety and saves staff time. • Vitamin D supplements for all newborns born to parents with Medicaid or parents who cannot afford this treatment. • Period of Purple Crying materials for all parents who have babies born at LMH Health. This program provides
to raise $2.5 million in support of the initiative. Recently, Rebecca Smith,
evidence-based education for the
executive director of the Foundation and VP of strategic communications
prevention of shaken baby syndrome.
for LMH Health, announced an increased goal of $3.25 million. “Philanthropic support from the community has already been amazing,” Smith said. “We’ve raised our fundraising goal to reflect the community’s generosity and their commitment to exceptional healthcare at LMH Health. We know that the increased fundraising effort will go far to help the hospital create a state-of-the-art space reflecting the exceptional quality of care patients receive at our regional cancer center. The Foundation is honored to play a role in this initiative.” —continued inside
• Additional equipment for the popular Parkinson’s exercise classes offered through LMH Health Therapy Services.
Here for good, thanks to you Dear partners, LMH Health was founded 100 years ago upon the commitment to provide access for all. In giving funds to create Lawrence Memorial Hospital in 1921, philanthropist Elizabeth Watkins stipulated that “no person shall be excluded on account of race, or physical, social or financial condition.”
2021 B OA R D O F D I R E C T O R S Becki Dick president
Mark Gonzales vice president
Cathy Shenoy
That commitment prevails to this day. As the largest safety-net provider in the region, LMH Health provides millions of dollars in charitable care and financial assistance each year. We look to this as our purpose and North Star. In 2021 and beyond, we are focusing on advancing health equity and inclusion in our community.
treasurer
Rebecca Smith
Gail Vick s e c r e ta r y
Jason Hoover pa s t p r e s i d e n t
Jane Blocher Daryl Craft
Thanks to your support, we are addressing food scarcity and barriers to transportation through our Help and Healing Fund. Our Catch a Break Fund is helping cancer patients in need pay for utility bills and medications. And our community pantry, in partnership with Just Food and Van Go, Inc., is continually stocked with food and supplies for anyone who needs it.
Lindy Eakin Barb Heeb Ernesto Hodison Joe Hurla Dr. Walter Ingram Russ Johnson ex officio , lmh
health president and ceo
Derek Kwan Danny Lewis Larry McElwain ex officio , lmh health
We could not do this without you. Thank you for strengthening your nonprofit, community hospital, and for elevating healthcare for all people in and around Douglas County.
board of trustees
Devon Mihesuah Jan Pollard ex officio , lmh
health volunteers
Dr. Luis Salazar
Rebecca Smith, Executive Director, LMH Health Foundation VP – Strategic Communications, LMH Health
Dan Schriner Livia Sexton Dr. Mike Thompson Jeff Weinberg GIVING OPTIONS (choose one) My check is enclosed, payable to LMH Health Foundation.
Cindy Yulich 316 Maine Street Lawrence, KS 66044
PA R T N E R S 316 Maine Street • Lawrence KS 66044 (785) 505-5005 Stories: Courtney Bernard, Nicole Olson, Becky Swearingen LMH Health Foundation team: Amy Addington, Courtney Bernard, Erica Hill, Nicole Olson, Earl Reineman, Rebecca Smith, Becky Swearingen © 2021 LMH Health Foundation
GIFT INFORMATION I would like to make a gift of: $1,000 $500 $250 Other $ in support of LMH Health.
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF EXCEPTIONAL CARE LMH Health is celebrating our centennial anniversary this year with a series of events. “Here for Good: Celebrating 100 Years of Exceptional Care” will be hosted monthly, ending with the Centennial Gala in November. Each event will provide a “then and now” perspective, illustrating the progress LMH Health has made in supporting lifelong health for our community. THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 5:30–7 p.m. Advancements in Orthopedics From robotic joint replacement to sports medicine and therapy, how OrthoKansas became a regional destination for orthopedic care THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 5:30–7 p.m. Patient-Centered Technology How LMH Health is improving patient outcomes in surgical and cardiac care, thanks to exceptional providers and the best technology anywhere WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 5:30–7 p.m. Hope Is Closer than You Think From genetic testing to clinical trials, how the LMH Health Cancer Center and its providers deliver exceptional care, close to home Each event will be followed by a cocktail reception and held within a flexible i ndoor/outdoor space with your safety in mind at LMH Health West Campus, 6265 Rock Chalk Drive in Lawrence. These are free, but registration is required as attendance is limited. To register for one or more, sign up at LMH.org/HereForGood, email Amy.Addington@lmh.org or call 785-505-5621. AND ... SAVE THE DATE!
THE CENTENNIAL GALA
LMH HEALTH
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13 For sponsorship and event details, visit LMH.org/CentennialGala
Watch WatchLMH.org/foundation LMH.org/foundationand andfollow followus uson onfacebook.com/lmhorg Facebook, Twitter andand Instagram twitter.com/lmhorg for more information. for more.
Cancer center expansion —continued Smith added that the oncologists and leadership team at the hospital have begun working with architects to define the goals of the project.
The cancer center is beginning to outgrow its space at the hospital’s Maine Street location. “Our cancer center has seen incredible growth,
“It’s a major undertaking for the hospital,” Smith said.
which has led to this opportunity for expansion,” Dr. Soule
“We know that philanthropic support will make a real
said. “It is critical to the people we serve that we find a way
difference in the scope and outcome of the project.
to expand and update the cancer center, while remaining at
We’re so fortunate to be supported by a community that
our main location. Studies show that patients have better
recognizes the value of great healthcare close to home.”
outcomes when treated close to home.”
The LMH Health Cancer Center, which opened its
According to Smith, philanthropic support will play
doors in 2000 as the LMH Oncology and Hematology
a critical role in turning this vision into a reality for LMH
Center, has grown as a regional destination for
Health, a not-for-profit, safety-net community hospital that
integrated hematology and oncology care. It is home
treats all who come in need, regardless of ability to pay.
to physicians trained at NCI-designated cancer centers,
In 2020, the LMH Health Cancer Center had more than
multidisciplinary care teams, and strong regional
15,600 patient interactions. Dr. Jodi Palmer, oncologist at
healthcare provider partnerships.
LMH Health, believes that the cancer center’s physical envi-
The growth and success of the hospital’s cancer care program has led to a steep increase in need for
ronment should be focused on patient and family comfort. “We want to always provide an environment that is
cancer-related services at the hospital, according
pleasant, low stress and conducive to healing throughout
to Dr. Sherri Soule, oncologist at LMH Health.
the entire cancer journey,” Dr. Palmer said. “We currently
First outpatient partial joint replacement using Mako robotic arm completed at LMH Health LMH Health is pleased to mark another advancement: the first successful partial knee replacement surgery by the health system using the Mako robotic arm. Dr. James Houston, an orthopedic surgeon at LMH Health OrthoKansas, performed the surgery in June. “The opportunity to have joint replacement in an outpatient setting makes it more accessible for some patients. It’s more comfortable to sleep in your own bed the night after surgery and avoid the interruptions that come with a hospital stay,” he said. “For the right patient, it also helps to get the rehab process jumpstarted quicker.” Dr. Huston performed the surgery with the newest technology, using the Mako robotic arm, an instrument used to perform partial and total knee replacements, as well Dr. Adam Goodyear and Dr. James Huston with the Mako robot
as total hip replacements. LMH Health has two Mako robots to serve patients — one at the Main Campus and another at the West Campus, allowing for outpatient joint replacement surgery at the Lawrence Surgery Center. The Mako robots, which were funded in part by donor support through the LMH Health Foundation, have been proven to facilitate a shorter hospital stay, typically less pain, and quicker return to function. “The Mako system can be more precise than traditional surgical techniques,” Dr. Huston said. “The system allows us to create a personalized plan for each patient. The arm allows us to place the joint more precisely and cause less damage to soft tissues and surrounding structures, which can lead to less pain, less need for pain medication and quicker recovery times.” Mako also allows the team to perform both knee and hip replacements, which is something that other robotic surgical systems don’t do. Patients receive the advanced care they deserve with the use of this technology. “The patient’s surgery went exceptionally well. When I called to check on the patient that evening, they shared they were doing very well and were surprised by how good they felt,” he said.
“ It is critical to the people we serve that we find a way to expand and update the cancer center, while remaining at our main location.” —Dr. Sherri Soule have an excellent facility, but the needs of our patients
approach to treating cancer as a complex group of
have outgrown our space. The LMH Health Cancer
diseases, comes after a rigorous, two-year survey
Center offers a broad portfolio of services that we want
process that monitored protocols, treatments and
to better accommodate.”
outcomes in LMH Health’s cancer care units.
The renovation’s main goal is to provide more physical
According to the American Cancer Society, only
space for patient care as well as to accommodate expand-
25 percent of U.S. hospitals have this level of accreditation.
ing services like the survivorship program, genetic testing,
LMH Health joins just eleven other hospitals in Kansas
social work, nurse navigation and financial counseling.
with this outstanding credential.
However, the final scope of the cancer center’s
Generous community support has helped strengthen
renovations and expansion will depend on the financial
the LMH Health Cancer Center over the years. Recently,
support raised through this fundraising initiative.
this support has made possible a new cancer survivorship
“As a matter of both practicality and financial responsibility, we must test our fundraising response
program and bolstered funding to charitable care. “The community stands behind LMH Health,” said
before defining the full scope of the project,” Smith said.
Dr. Jodie Barr, oncologist at LMH Health. “We are who
“This is why gifts from our donors are so important and
we are because the community supports this hospital,
meaningful for this critical initiative.”
and we are able to take care of everyone.”
World-class care, close to home The center’s oncologists and hematologists have extensive experience in treating a wide range of cancer types, including solid tumors, hematological cancers and benign blood disorders. “The LMH Health Cancer Center provides the finest care, close to home,” said Russ Johnson, LMH Health president and CEO. “Cancer patients can find complete care at LMH Health, with access to leading-edge clinical trials, genetic testing, comprehensive support programs, lifelong survivorship resources, a cancer prevention program, and much more.” The LMH Health Cancer Center currently offers 50 clinical trials for cancer patients. The hospital is a member of the Masonic Cancer Alliance, which provides patients with access to clinical trials and the latest advancements. “Too often, cancer patients have to travel far from home to participate in clinical trials,” said Dr. Soule. “Our partnership with the MCA brings access to those trials closer to home.” In 2020, the LMH Health Cancer Center earned official accreditation from the Commission on Cancer. This prestigious recognition, which is awarded only to institutions that can demonstrate a multidisciplinary
A moment of relief
PHOTO BY JASON DAILEY
Want to support the LMH Health Cancer Center expansion? Visit LMH.org/donate, or contact Earl Reineman at 785-505-3317 or Earl.Reineman@lmh.org.
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316 Maine Street Lawrence, KS 66044
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ANNOUNCED Congratulations to our 2021 scholarship winners! This year, LMH Health Foundation awarded 35 scholarships totaling over $31,000 to our hardworking employees and students. Gifts from our generous donors make it possible to support these individuals who are furthering their education in healthcare and related fields.
35
scholarships
totaling over
$31K
See the full list of scholarship winners at LMH.org/foundation.