Sample - Healthcare Consumer Magazine

MOUNT NITTANY HEALTH

®

Local foundations provide hope pg. 3 Area man has much to live for pg. 5 Patients give back through Foundation pg. 8 FOUNDATION AN NUAL REPORT EDITION

Message from the president

Table of contents

A

s you look through the pages of our latest Insights magazine, you may notice a common thread woven throughout — one that unites various people from differing backgrounds, piecing together a beautiful, comforting, and multilayered fabric of generosity. In this very special edition of our magazine, we’re proud to share stories focused on generous gifts bestowed to Mount Nittany Health Foundation. As you read on, I think you’ll see that these gifts are much more than simple acts of kindness; they are integral to helping us fulfill our promise to care for our community, and they help drive our mission of making people healthier.

In this issue, you’ll read about our many “Pink partners” — local organizations that raise crucial funds to help us provide breast cancer treatment and support. Similarly, we’ve spotlighted others who are instrumental in helping us help others in the fight against cancer. Speaking of helping others, you can also read about how one of our latest features at Mount Nittany Medical Center, our Healing Garden, continues to bloom, thanks to the generosity of grateful patients and their loved ones. You also won’t want to miss the truly inspiring story on page five about a patient who went from heart surgery to biking a distance that equals the circumference of the earth! This story reminds us to always keep moving forward, no matter how rocky the terrain, with a grateful heart and a positive attitude.

I’d like to say a very heartfelt and sincere “thank you” to all those who choose to invest their time, talent, and treasures to help us take care of our friends and neighbors. You truly do make a difference, and for that we are deeply grateful. As always, thank you for the privilege of serving you, and if you have comments or questions about this issue, please email me at president@ mountnittany.org.

PAGE THREE Cancer support

PAGE FIVE Cardiology

Education

PAGE EIGHT Grateful patients

Local foundations help Mount Nittany Health patients in the fight against cancer

Cardiology patient goes from heart surgery to biking thousands of miles

Meet the latest group of residents training at Mount Nittany Medical Center

New program offers grateful patients ways to thank Mount Nittany Health

PAGE NINE

PAGE ELEVEN

PAGE THIRTEEN

PAGE FOURTEEN

Breast cancer

Community partners find creative ways to support local breast cancer patients

Estate gifts

Recent estate gifts support the Healing Garden at Mount Nittany Medical Center

Community health

Recent community health assessment finds three key areas as community’s most pressing health needs

Meet our team

Get to know the newest providers at Mount Nittany Health who are ready to care for you and your family

New My Health app makes managing your healthcare easier

M

ount Nittany Health is excited to announce

Warmest regards,

the release of its “My Health” mobile app. Designed to make managing your healthcare easier, the My Health app allows you to conveniently store all of your

Steve Brown, FACHE President & CEO Mount Nittany Health

healthcare contacts in one location.

You can search our provider database, import contacts from your phone, or manually add your healthcare contact information.

Whether it’s your dentist, your daughter’s pediatrician, or your father’s urologist, all healthcare contact information is available right at your fingertips.

Mount Nittany Health Insights is published four times a year by the communications department.

FPO

PAGE SEVEN

Additionally, an unlimited amount of insurance cards can be easily

Questions or comments, email insights@mountnittany.org.

My Health app users can also stay up-to-date on all Mount Nittany Health information through social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, and easily manage subscriptions to health and wellness e-newsletters.

*With our other recently released “My Mount Nittany Health” app, you can connect with your patient portal records with the touch of a button. The My Mount Nittany Health app allows you to easily and securely access your health records, send messages and appointment requests to your healthcare team, view test results, and more.

Download the My Mount Nittany Health app for free now in the App Store for iPhone® and iPad® or Google Play for Android devices.

Plus, the My Health app connects with our patient portal app*, so all your health and wellness information is easily available on your mobile device.

▶Download the My Health app for free in the App Store for iPhone® and iPad® or Google Play for Android devices.

imported and quickly retrieved.

All cards — including health insurance, vision, dental, etc. — are stored in one centralized location and can be shared among family members.

Release date: July 29, 2016

Mount Nittany Health insights

issue sixteen

one

two

Message from the president | Table of contents

STRONG FOUNDATIONS

Local foundations provide hope for people through Mount Nittany Health Foundation

T

his year in the United States, more than 1.6 million people will receive a cancer diagnosis. More than 84,000 of those new cancer diagnoses will be in Pennsylvania. Many people who receive this heartbreaking diagnosis will have no idea what to expect. While many anticipate the physical and emotional hardship, the financial burden is unexpected. Sadly, many patients and their families spend a great deal of precious time and energy dealing with financial struggles.

In Centre County, we are blessed to have three foundations dedicated to helping patients and their families who are dealing with cancer.

The Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund, The Team Ream Foundation, and the Bestwick Foundation all exist to lend a hand to local individuals and families who are fighting cancer or other debilitating diseases. The foundations work directly with Mount Nittany Health Foundation and Mount Nittany Health patient navigators to identify people and families who would benefit from assistance, and the patient navigators see, firsthand, those results.

“Our community is truly unique because we have all these amazing people who give their time and energy so selflessly to raise these funds,” says Kristin Sides, BS, patient navigator, Mount Nittany Health.

“Over the years, when I have spoken to other navigators from all over the country, and I tell them about these local foundations, they are blown away by the generosity of this community and envious of these resources. We are so lucky to have these foundations that enable us to support our patients so substantially.”

Laurie was diagnosed with cancer in September 2015. She underwent radiation treatment and chemotherapy throughout the winter, had surgery in March, and is soon starting another 16 weeks of chemo. Her cancer care navigator told her about the Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund and how it could help.

In 2006, Doreen Perks established the Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund after her husband, Bob, died of melanoma. The foundation was established in Bob’s memory to carry on his dream and mission of helping individuals and families struggling with cancer. In addition to helping individuals and families, the Bob Perks Fund also makes meaningful gifts to Mount Nittany Medical Center for a variety of items and equipment to make the patient experience as comfortable as possible.

“Our purpose is to help and take some of the pressure and stress away so patients and families don’t have to worry about mounting bills,” says Doreen. “Stress plays a large factor in people’s wellness. By helping them worry only about getting better, we are making a difference in people’s outcomes.”

“I had no more sick days left at my job,” says Laurie. “Then my husband went to pick up a prescription for shots I needed, and they were $500 each. The Bob Perks Fund helped us with the medication and other day-to-day necessities like groceries.

I really don’t know what we would have done without it.”

Below: Doreen Perks (left), founder of Bob Perks Cancer Assistance, and Samantha Ream (right), executive director, Team Ream Foundation

Brandon Ream was living the dream. Born in State College, he attended Penn State University, where he was a member of the football team and met his wife, Samantha, a PSU volleyball player. Then, in 2011, Brandon was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. Two years later, at age 29, Brandon lost his battle. Brandon was an inspiration to everyone around him, so to honor his legacy and help support individuals and families who have been affected by cancer and other serious medical conditions, Samantha and his family established the Team Ream Foundation through the Mount Nittany Health Foundation.

“Throughout his life, Brandon always had a positive attitude, and he never gave up,” says Samantha. “Our goal is to give that hope to others.

It’s a blessing to work with Mount Nittany Health. They were always there when we needed them. By working with them, we hope to provide inspiration to others facing difficult challenges in the community and help them focus on getting better and getting healthy.”

In her role of helping patients navigate cancer diagnoses, treatments, and survival, Kristin agrees. “To be able to say to a patient, ‘You just focus on taking care of yourself, and we will take care of the rest,’ is a very powerful gift to give to someone,” she says. “Honestly, we could not do the work we do and help patients as effectively as we do if it were not for these organizations.”

“There are so many wonderful people out there who support these organizations,” adds Laurie. “I know firsthand how difficult it would have been without their support. As soon as I can, I will be volunteering and doing what I can to help others facing the same challenges.”

While recovering from his battle with leukemia in 2012, Steve Greer was approached by Jamie Bestwick about a benefit for cancer treatment and research. Along with Dan Rallis, whose son and mother have also fought the disease, the three founded the Bestwick Foundation and

Mount Nittany Health insights

issue sixteen

three

four

Above: Steve Greer, one of three founders of the Bestwick Foundation established a fund with Mount Nittany Health Foundation to support local cancer patients. The funds offer assistance to cancer patients who have extreme financial hardship, including helping with payments for mortgages, insurance, student loans, or specialized therapies.

“It was like a big kick in the stomach when I received my diagnosis, so I know what it’s like,” says Steve. “With the Bestwick Foundation, we want to help as many families as possible. It’s neighbors helping neighbors, providing the resources, hope, and faith to survive. The local foundations all work together to help people. We’re all here to ‘pay it forward’ and contribute to the community.”

Mount Nittany Health Foundation is thankful to be able to connect patients with the resources provided by these three organizations through Mount Nittany Health’s cancer care navigation program.

The existence of these organizations and their partnership with Mount Nittany Health has provided invaluable support to thousands of people in central PA who are fighting cancer.

“Central Pennsylvania is so blessed to have not one but three organizations of this type. Most communities don’t have anything like this,” adds Doreen Perks. “Each has carved out its unique mission, but at times we still work together to help families and strengthen the community. We are very blessed to have each and every one of these great organizations.” ▶To learn how you can offer assistance to local cancer patients and their families, please visit foundation. mountnittany.org or call the Mount Nittany Health Foundation office at 814.234.6777.

Foundations share common mission

CARDIOLOGY

Area man has much to live for and miles to ride

Y

ou could say that Alex Murnyack is a pretty active guy. He was a three-sport athlete in high school at Bald Eagle Area, a three-sport athlete at Clarion University, a coach for football, baseball, and wrestling throughout his 37-year teaching career, and was inducted into the Clarion University Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. Today, at 74 years old, Alex bikes and swims for several hours each week.

Having been involved in athletics his entire life, there’s not much that can keep Alex down — even something like aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis is a medical condition that denotes a narrowed aortic heart valve, which obstructs blood from flowing fully into the heart and to the rest of the body.

Although he knew he would likely have to have surgery at some point, Alex’s family doctor at Mount Nittany Physician Group Internal Medicine referred him to Mount Nittany Physician Group Cardiology in 2011 for monitoring of this condition.

“When I was swimming or biking, there were times I could feel my chest tightening, but my cardiology team watched me very closely, so I always felt safe,” said Alex.

Alex says that he was monitored so closely, in fact, that on a Friday in June 2014, he was having a routine echocardiogram and was asked to come back the following Monday.

“I remember riding my bike 15 miles on that Saturday, 15 miles on Sunday, and then I had just finished riding 20 miles on Monday when they called to see me about my echo results. They said, ‘It’s time,’ and I knew I was due for surgery,” said Alex.

The following week, Alex had a heart catheterization and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) test at Mount Nittany Medical Center to get a closer look at the valve and make sure his other arteries were in good shape for surgery. He was then scheduled for open heart surgery at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center to replace his aortic valve on July 2, 2014. Alex remembers the day well because his first great-grandchild, Maverick, was born the same day. When he was discharged a few days later, on July 6, his 14th grandchild, Vance, was born.

“Look at what I had to live for,” said Alex. “Yes, it’s open heart surgery, but I trusted my doctors and knew that I would be okay.”

The challenge Biking when it’s nice outside and swimming during the colder weather is Alex’s routine. By bike, he covers about 15 to 20 miles each day and delights in the time he is able to spend out on the open road.

“I have too much to live for.”

- Alex Murnyack

“Look at what I had to live for.

Yes, it’s open heart surgery, but I trusted my doctors and knew it would be okay,” said Alex.

“I’m a competitive individual,” said Alex. “I knew that my heart valve would eventually close, and I’d need surgery. When the time came for a valve replacement, I was given a challenge — to log the same number of miles it would take to travel the circumference of the earth.”

In case you weren’t sure, that’s 24,901.5 miles. And, of course, Alex was up to the challenge.

“I had already put about 21,000 miles on my previous bikes, but knowing that my cardiology team thought I could get back on my bike after heart surgery gave me so much more confidence,” he said.

And, after only two months and two days of recuperation, Alex was indeed back in the saddle and logging miles.

Alex’s wife and greatest support system, Sandie, couldn’t believe the quick recovery. “The team at Mount Nittany Physician Group was so great with Alex. He was relaxed and confident going into surgery, and his recovery was so smooth. It’s great to see him back out there and doing what he loves.”

On August 24, 2015, Alex completed his goal of figuratively circumnavigating the earth on his bike, clocking in at just under seven years of total bike time. Alex also estimates he has already put about 6,700 miles on his new heart valve.

“Being active is who I am, and in telling my story, I just want to inspire people. Every day, people have major surgeries, but it’s not the end.

You can still keep going. I want to show people you can still move forward no matter what.” ▶Mount Nittany Physician Group Cardiology sees patients in State College as well as Lock Haven, Mifflin County, and Penns Valley. To learn more, visit mountnittany.org/cardiology or call 814.689.3140.

To right: Alex Murnyack, avid biker and cardiology patient

A little trouble with his heart surely wasn’t going to hinder Alex’s active lifestyle. In fact, when it was time for surgery, he also had a challenge up his sleeve.

Mount Nittany Health insights

issue sixteen

five

six

Much to live for

GRATEFUL PATIENTS

EDUCATION

Six new physicians enter Family & Community Medicine Residency Program

T

he Penn State Family & Community Medicine Residency Program at Mount Nittany Medical Center — a collaborative effort between Mount Nittany Health and Penn State College of Medicine — is pleased to announce its second group of physicians.

expand our ability to meet the growing demand for primary care services,” said Joseph Wiedemer, MD, program director, Penn State Family & Community Medicine Residency at Mount Nittany Medical Center.

On Friday, March 18, a day nationally recognized as Match Day, six post-graduate physicians learned that they have been matched to our Family & Community Medicine Residency Program.

Steve Brown, FACHE, president and CEO, Mount Nittany Health, said, “The opportunity to train and educate our next generation of new physicians is something that makes us very proud. Localizing care is a key priority for us, and our Family & Community Medicine Residency Program is a very important step in achieving that goal.”

“We are thrilled to welcome these new physicians into our program where they will work with faculty and the community to help us

The following individuals comprise the program’s second cohort of physicians:

Najnin Akter, MD: Astoria, New York; completed college at New York University, graduated from medical school at American University of Antigua

Joshua Dloomy, MD: Thornhill, Ontario; completed college at University of Western Ontario, graduated from medical school at Saba University

Daniel Frankel, MD: Vancouver, British Columbia; graduated from Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Mark Molckovsky, MD: Toronto, Ontario; completed college at Wilfrid Laurier University, University of Toronto, graduated medical school at St. George’s University

Emile Rochon, MD: Chalmette, Louisiana; completed college at Penn State, graduated medical school at University of Queensland

Alka Sood, MD: Mississauga, Ontario; completed college at McMaster University, graduated medical school at University College Dublin

Focusing on residency During their first year of residency, the physicians will focus on obstetrics, pediatrics, emergency medicine, general surgery, cardiology, and inpatient care, and will train in their continuity clinic at the family medicine practice.

The second and third years involve additional increased time in the family medicine practice and training in intensive care medicine and various subspecialties. The physicians may pursue additional educational opportunities in research, hospitalist medicine, or rural care.

Mount Nittany Health insights

issue sixteen

The new physicians in the Family & Community Medicine Residency Program at Mount Nittany Medical Center began practice July 1 in the Centre Medical Sciences Building, located at 1850 East Park Avenue in State College. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medicine Education (ACGME) and has been supported by more than $427,000 raised by Mount Nittany Health Foundation’s 2013 and 2014 Charity Ball events.

seven

Patients give back through the Foundation’s Grateful Patient Program

M

ount Nittany Health Foundation recently established a Grateful Patient Program that is designed to offer patients, as well as their friends and families, a way to say “thank you,” while making a difference to other patients at the same time. There are many ways that members of the Mount Nittany Health team make a difference in the lives of our patients. This program allows individuals and/or their families to formally recognize the exceptional care received at Mount Nittany Health. Whether one chooses to honor a doctor or nurse, an entire department, or a clinical program that provided care to a loved one, donations are a meaningful opportunity to say “thank you” to those who may have brought comfort in a time of need.

Gifts may help purchase new equipment or fund education programs that keep Mount Nittany Health and its physicians, nurses, and support staff up-to-date on current practices and treatments. Contributions will directly help maintain the level of care that the residents of central PA have come to expect from Mount Nittany Health.

eight

Doyle and Rebecca Corman are longtime residents of the State College area and have seen the hospital grow over the years. Both recently received treatment at Mount Nittany Medical Center, and both were very pleased with the excellent care they received.

“I went to the emergency department, and in the old days, that would have meant you sat for a long time,” says Doyle. “I was surprised that immediately they took me back to determine what the problem was. No forms to fill out. The priority was my health. They were very compassionate, very professional, and very talented.”

Doyle and Rebecca were so impressed with the care they received that they made a gift through the Grateful Patient Program, becoming the first donors to the program.

“Mount Nittany Health has grown over the years, but it is still patient-focused and values patient care and compassion,” says Rebecca. “We need facilities like this here, so we decided to make a contribution that will assist the next person who needs help.”

Above: Doyle and Rebecca Corman “This is such a great way to give back and show our appreciation,” adds Rebecca. “We’ve been so impressed with the advancements made here in the last 10–20 years. We hope we can help keep the hospital growing for our family and everyone else in the community.”

Mount Nittany Health’s Grateful Patient Program is flexible and personal. A gift can be designated to a specific area or to the greatest need. Furthermore, donors can choose to make a contribution through other charitable means, such as gifts of stock, endowment funds, or planned giving. As part of this program, your gift may acknowledge a caregiver at Mount Nittany Health, whether it is a physician, nurse, therapist, social worker, or anyone who made a special impression. ▶To participate in the Grateful Patient Program, visit give.mountnittany.org or call the Mount Nittany Health Foundation office at 814.234.6777.

Welcome new residents | Giving back in thanks

BREAST CANCER PINK PARTNERS

‘Pink partners’ provide funding for breast cancer care

M

ount Nittany Health Foundation is able to support our local breast cancer community by partnering with several local organizations that raise funds for breast cancer care. These local organizations include: Pennsylvania Pink Zone (Mount Nittany Health is the lead beneficiary of funds raised), the State College Spikes’ annual Paint the Park Pink event, the State College high school girls basketball team’s annual Pink OUT game fundraiser, and the Pink Ribbon Golf Classic annual fundraiser. Mount Nittany Health Foundation is grateful to have the funds raised by the above groups stay within the community. By virtue of their dedication and the funds donated, Mount Nittany Health is able to offer leading technologies, such as 3D digital mammography, which is available at the Mount Nittany Health Breast Care Center.

In February 2007, Coach Rene Portland’s Lady Lions hosted Wisconsin in what was then called the “Think Pink” game. Clad in pink uniforms, the Lady Lions honored 30 breast cancer survivors at halftime — the first team ever to do so. Fan support was tremendous, and more than $20,000 was raised to support breast cancer research. The Think Pink game has evolved into the Pink Zone, and under the direction of current Lady Lion Head Coach Coquese Washington, Pink Zone has raised more than $1.3 million in 10 years, making it the biggest event of its kind in the U.S. “The Pennsylvania Pink Zone organizes the only Play for Kay, Kay Yow Cancer Fund game in the country, raising funds for local, state, and national organizations,” says Aileen Galley, MSW, ACSW,

cancer program director at Mount Nittany Health. “The spirit of the community here is unequaled. So many people have rallied to create tremendous organizations to help people here at home.”

Pennsylvania Pink Zone also funds the Lady Lion Basketball Cancer Resource Center, located just off the lobby of the Lance and Ellen Shaner Cancer Pavilion. The Center provides a dedicated, quiet space for people affected by cancer and their loved ones, and a place to find credible health and wellness information.

In addition to providing funding for education, research, and treatment in the field of breast cancer, the Pink Zone enables the Mount Nittany Health Foundation to offer a dedicated breast health patient navigator. The breast health patient navigator assists individuals and families with any barriers that may arise, helps guide patients through the healthcare system, and aids in finding community resources that may be available. Essentially, the breast health patient navigator serves as an advocate, educator, consultant, and liaison — all at no cost to the patient.

2016 marked the 11th anniversary of the State College Spikes’ Paint the Park Pink event. Each year, the team does something different, and last year, it literally painted the park pink. Steel beams on the concourse were painted with the names of someone affected by cancer. During the event, pink jerseys are worn by the players and auctioned off after the game (held July 31). Players autograph the shirts off their back for the highest bidder, with all proceeds going to Mount Nittany Health.

Below: Steve Brown, FACHE, president and CEO, Mount Nittany Health, pays tribute to a loved one by painting the park pink at last year’s event.

Top: Pink Zone survivors; Top right: Pink Ribbon Golf Classic; Bottom right: Patient navigators, Kristin Sides (left) and Angelique Cygan (right) “We like to give back to the community, and we truly value our partnership with Mount Nittany Health,” says Scott Walker, the State College Spikes’ general manager. “We have held the Paint the Park Pink event each year we’ve been here. It was one of the first promotions we came up with because it is important for us to do as much as we possibly can to give back to the community, and it is very uplifting to know we can do so much to help.”

Bethany Irwin, coach of the State College high school girls basketball team, kick-started the idea of a Pink OUT game in 2010 because so many people have been affected by cancer in some way. Attendance for the game is always among the highest of the season, and businesses are very willing to donate to the great cause.

“The night of the game is a magical night,” says Chris Orndoff, co-chair of the Pink OUT committee and mother of two players. “To look around and see so many fans wearing pink and supporting the fight against breast cancer is so meaningful. The girls understand that it is much bigger than a game of basketball. It isn’t about the score, but about helping families touched by cancer.”

The 3rd Annual Pink Ribbon Golf Classic, a women’s golf tournament, will be held on September 12, 2016, at Toftrees Golf Resort & Conference Center. Mount Nittany Health’s 2016 Charity Ball event and the funds raised the first two years of the Pink Ribbon Golf Classic combined to raise funds to support 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) at Mount Nittany Health Breast Care Center.

Proceeds from this year’s tournament will be dedicated to supporting an additional linear accelerator for Mount Nittany Health’s radiation/ oncology department. A linear accelerator (LINAC) is the device most

Mount Nittany Health insights

issue sixteen

nine

ten

commonly used for radiation treatments for patients with all types of cancer, including breast cancer. An additional LINAC is necessary to help support the daily treatment needs of the community and will ease the patient scheduling process.

“It is very exciting for us to know that we can do something to make a difference,” says Carolyn Follett, member of the Pink Ribbon Golf Classic planning committee. “Many people contribute in a variety of ways because so many women are affected by breast cancer.”

“Our ‘Pink partners’ enable us to support our community and our patients in meaningful and unique ways,” adds Aileen. “We are so fortunate to collaborate with all these individuals that share our passion for making a difference in cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship. The generosity of these organizations has a huge impact on the work we do. We are grateful.” ▶To learn more about the “Pink partners” supporting Mount Nittany Health Foundation, or for information on how you can support the fight against breast cancer, visit foundation.mountnittany.org or call the Foundation office at 814.234.6777.

Making a difference for breast cancer

ESTATE GIFTS

Recent estate gifts benefit the Healing Garden at Mount Nittany Medical Center

E

ach day, Mount Nittany Medical Center staff treats hundreds of patients. Surgeries are performed, babies are delivered, and lives are impacted in many ways. We have the ability to help many people in their time of need.

Many friends of Mount Nittany Health are looking to the future of healthcare and want to help guarantee that our community is able to receive the best care, right here at home. A gift from their estate is their way of impacting the health of their neighbors in central PA — impact that endures beyond their lifetime.

Two recent estate gifts will benefit the Healing Garden at Mount Nittany Medical Center.

The Healing Garden, located adjacent to the Lance and Ellen Shaner Cancer Pavilion and

accessible from the hospital’s main lobby, is designed to provide stress relief for patients, families, physicians, and staff. The first gift was from the estate of H. Karl Barnett and F. Joan Spackman Barnett. The donation, totaling more than $900,000, was made in honor of Joan’s nieces, Debbie Spackman and Teresa (Spackman) Bodle, who each have worked at Mount Nittany Health for more than 30 years. It will be used to maintain the Garden, and the Garden will be named after the donors, H. Karl Barnett and F. Joan Spackman Barnett.

Joan was born on a farm in the Port Matilda area, with no running water and no electricity.

Although she left the area early in life, she never forgot her roots and had an affinity

for her home. “Joan had a real desire to give back to her community and wanted to make sure her family was taken care of,” says Norm Spackman II, Joan’s nephew. “Karl and Joan both loved flowers and the outdoors. They would be very excited to know that they are providing the Healing Garden, a sanctuary of nature at Mount Nittany Medical Center.”

feature in the Healing Garden. It will be named in conjunction with the Mount Nittany Medical Center medical staff. Dr. Parks was a member of the medical staff of Mount Nittany Medical Center and part of the executive committee for years, and he was highly respected by his peers and patients alike.

Teresa Bodle, Joan’s niece, agrees. “Joan wanted great healthcare close to home for her family and everyone else,” she says. “She wanted to make sure the hospital took care of everyone, patients and employees, and with this donation, she is doing that.”

“People today still say very proudly that they were a patient of Ray Parks,” says Dr. Jonathan Dranov, a longtime medical staff colleague. “Ray and Marjorie had very deep ties to the community. They would be very pleased, honored, and humbled to do something so visible for the community. He also would be very proud that the medical staff is contributing to his donation.”

The second gift, from Dr. Raymond L. Parks, Jr., and Marjorie C. Parks, in the amount of $265,000, will be used to name the water

Mount Nittany Health Foundation is proud to accept the gifts from these two families. Their generosity will allow Mount Nittany Health to make a long-term commitment to providing quality care for patients and their families. ▶Planned giving is an important source of funding for Mount Nittany Health.

By remembering Mount Nittany Health Foundation in your estate planning, you can leave a legacy that will have a lasting impact on the health of future patients and their families. Please visit foundation.mountnittany.org or call the Mount Nittany Health Foundation office at 814.234.6777 for more information on planned giving or to learn more about the Healing Garden.

“Ray and Marjorie had very deep ties to the community. They would be very pleased, honored, and humbled to do something so visible for the community,” says Dr. Jonathan Dranov, a longtime medical staff colleague.

Barnett gift – Left to right Teresa and Mike Bodle, Doris Spackman, Norman and Debbie Spackman

Mount Nittany Health insights

issue sixteen

eleven

twelve

A sanctuary of nature at MNMC

COMMUNITY HEALTH

MEET OUR TEAM

Recent community health assessment determines key health needs

Meet our newest providers at Mount Nittany Health Navatha Bondalapati, MD, family medicine, Mount Nittany Physician Group, promotes healthy living for disease prevention, and she is excited to provide compassionate and comprehensive healthcare for patients of all ages.

Dr. Bondalapati sees patients at Mount Nittany Health – Penns Valley.

A

s the trusted local healthcare leader, Mount Nittany Health is committed to understanding and addressing the most pressing health concerns for our community. In order to do that, a community health needs assessment is completed by Mount Nittany Health.

Building on the momentum of an earlier assessment, Mount Nittany Health, in partnership with Centre Foundation, Centre County United Way, and Centre County Partnership for Community Health, conducted the 2016 assessment. It is used as a tool for informing strategy, funding, and action plans for improving the health of the community. The assessment included a comprehensive review, analysis, and report of publically reported health and demographic data for Centre County, a survey of health and other community leaders, consumer focus groups, extensive review of the utilization of healthcare services, and a community forum of health and wellness leaders.

Mount Nittany Health would like to thank the following community health needs assessment partners:

▶To schedule an appointment, call 814.422.8873 or request an appointment online at MyMountNittanyHealth.com.

Joseph Cable, DO, pulmonary medicine, Mount Nittany Physician Group, joins a team of six pulmonary medicine providers to help patients with conditions affecting the lungs.

For nearly 30 years, Dr. Cable has been caring for patients and is motivated by knowing that he is improving their quality of life.

He sees patients at the pulmonary medicine practice, located at Mount Nittany Health – Park Avenue. ▶To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cable, call 814.278.4688 or request an appointment online at MyMountNittanyHealth.com.

Key findings from the assessment showed that: • Centre County is a very healthy community, with an abundance of resources to address health needs.

Eileen Maney, PA-C, reconstructive & cosmetic surgery, Mount Nittany Physician Group, joins a team dedicated to helping patients look and feel their best.

Eileen sees patients at 100 Radnor Road, Suite 101, in State College.

• Strong community partners are ready to work together to assess, address, and make an impact on health.

• Centre County is at or exceeding many Healthy People 2020 goals, a national representation of health goals.

• There is still work to do to address disparate populations.

▶To schedule an appointment, call 814.231.7878 or request an appointment online at MyMountNittanyHealth.com.

• Chronic disease, mental health, and substance abuse are the local health priorities, matching the state and national health issues.

Thomas Waddington, MD, pulmonary medicine, Mount Nittany Physician Group, joins the pulmonary medicine providers, treating patients with lung conditions, including asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, lung cancer, and occupational lung disorders. He is located at the pulmonary medicine practice at Mount Nittany Health – Boalsburg. ▶To schedule an appointment with Dr. Waddington, call 814.466.7921 or request an appointment online at MyMountNittanyHealth.com.

Based on the quantitative and qualitative data, three key areas emerged as our community’s most pressing health needs, based on the scope and severity of the issues: 1. Substance abuse 2. Behavioral health 3. Chronic illness

▶For a full list of the more than 130 providers at Mount Nittany Physician Group, visit mountnittany.org/physician-group.

In the coming months, Mount Nittany Health will publish an implementation plan, guiding the efforts to address these important community health needs. For more information, and to read the full report, visit mountnittany.org/ healthneeds.

Mount Nittany Health insights

issue sixteen

thirteen

fourteen

Key health assessment findings | New providers

FPO

1800 East Park Avenue State College, PA 16803-6797

New name: Mount Nittany Health Foundation

T

he Foundation for Mount Nittany Medical Center is now known as Mount Nittany Health Foundation. “Our name better reflects our commitment to supporting the entire health system — from our medical center to our provider network and other Mount Nittany Health programs, like our Children’s Advocacy Center,” said Matt Hardy, director, Mount Nittany Health Foundation. “We are here to help those who want to make a meaningful impact on healthcare. We connect philanthropic individuals and organizations with our system’s leadership, physicians, and/or staff in order to determine how to best match their goals with our mission.”

Since it was incorporated in 2003, the Foundation has inspired $25 million in gifts to support healthcare in the region. ▶To learn more about the Foundation, including how to make a gift, visit foundation.mountnittany.org.

26th Annual Mount Nittany Medical Center Golf Classic Saturday, August 13 Penn State Blue & White Golf Courses State College, PA Four-person scramble tournament Registration begins at 9:30 am Shotgun start at 11:00 am Golfers of all skill levels are invited to register, and funds raised will benefit renovations to the cardiac catheterization lab at Mount Nittany Medical Center. Deadline for entry is August 5.

For more information on sponsorships, or to register for the event, visit foundation.mountnittany.org/events/golf-classic.

Golfers and non-golfers alike can participate in an online auction at biddingforgood.com/mnmc from August 1 through August 15.