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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gavin Roberts, Chair Angela Thompson, Vice-Chair Vicki Stogsdill, Secretary Candance Castlen Brake Laura Chapman Robert Farmer Nick Hetman ®
ADMINISTRATION
Mark Marsh, President & CEO
A Message from Owensboro Health
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ust like you, we’re looking forward to the holiday season and spending time with loved ones. This issue of Elevate has lots of great information for how to stay healthy during the coming months. From information on winter vaccines (like flu and pneumonia), to motivation to get back in the gym as New Year’s resolutions approach. If you’re ready to celebrate with friends and family, follow these tips to do so safely: Get fully vaccinated. Vaccines are our best protection. All three available vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson) are safe and effectively reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death due to COVID-19. Stay home if you might be sick. It might feel disappointing to miss out on a gathering, but it will feel worse if you are responsible for spreading the virus to other partygoers. Do not attend
celebrations or participate in activities if you feel sick, or if you have come into close contact with someone who has COVID-19 - especially if you are not fully vaccinated. Wear a face mask. Face masks are recommended at gatherings where not everyone has been vaccinated. Because vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals can carry COVID-19 without showing symptoms, wear a mask when around people who are vulnerable to more serious outcomes if infected with COVID-19. Adjust your gathering. Keep gatherings small. Large gatherings, even if they are outdoors, pose more risk for COVID-19. If gathering indoors, open windows to bring in fresh air. Consider using your garage as an event space and keep the door open. For more information on COVID-19 vaccines and testing, visit OwensboroHealth.org.
ON THE COVER Local doctors are asking, “What Can I Say to Convince You to Get Vaccinated?” They are on the frontlines, treating COVID-19 patients every day and they want what is best for their patients, families and community.
Jeff Thomas, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer Francis DuFrayne, MD, Executive Vice President, Chief Medical Officer Mia Suter, Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer Ward Begley, JD, LL.M, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer
Chris Love Jason Mills, MD Anthony McBride, MD Andrea Moore, MD Phil Riney Dave Roberts Michael Yeiser, MD
David Danhauer, MD, Vice President, Chief Medical Information Officer Ramona Hieneman, JD, Vice President, Compliance and Privacy Ruby Jacildo, Vice President, Accounting/Controller Steve Johnson, Vice President, Government & Community Affairs Lisa Jones, Vice President, Ancillary Services
Mack Howell, Chief Operating Officer Michael Kelley, MD, Vice President, of Owensboro Health Medical Group Medical Affairs Ed Heath, Chief Executive Officer Kathleen Myer, Vice President, of Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Patient Care Services, Chief Community Hospital Nursing Officer, Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital Tim Belec, Vice President, Chief Information Officer
Russ Ranallo, Vice President, Finance
Ashley Herrington, Chief Executive Officer of Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical Center
Joni Sims, Vice President, Patient Care Services, Chief Nursing Officer, Owensboro Health Regional Hospital
Bill Bryant, MD, Vice President, Chief Quality & Patient Safety Officer
James Tidwell III, MD, Vice President, Population Health
ELEVATE CREATIVE TEAM Department Leads: Brian Hamby, Director of Marketing; Somer Wilhite, Manager of Marketing Communications Editor: Jacqueline Russell Art Direction: Randa Pence Layout and Design: Tanner+West Photography: Charles Mahlinger, Tanner+West Digital: Katie Roberts
CONTACT Main Line: 270-417-2000 24-Hour Health Info Line: 855-417-8555 Or visit OwensboroHealth.org
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provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations.
Award-winning Care When Owensboro Health says it offers “award-winning” care—it’s not an exaggeration. The health system has garnered several accolades in 2021. Here’s a look at a selection of them:
OWENSBORO HEALTH REGIONAL HOSPITAL
“A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for Fall 2021
This national distinction recognizes Owensboro Health Regional Hospital’s achievements in protecting patients from harm and error in the hospital. The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns grades to general hospitals across the country based on over thirty national performance measures reflecting errors, injuries, accidents and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.
Platinum WI N N ER
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OWENSBORO HEALTH
OWENSBORO HEALTH REGIONAL HOSPITAL
OWENSBORO HEALTH REGIONAL HOSPITAL
Best Place to Work
Antimicrobial Stewardship Center of Excellence
Get With The GuidelinesStroke Gold Plus Award
from Owensboro Living Best Of Awards Every year Owensboro Living magazine conducts a survey to identify all of the “bests” of Owensboro. Owensboro Health was named Best Place To Work for the third year in a row by survey voters. With more than 5,000 team members, the organization is one of the leading employers in western Kentucky and southern Indiana.
from the Infectious Diseases Society of America
from the American Heart Association
Facilities who earn this designation have created stewardship programs led by infectious diseases-trained physicians and pharmacists that advance science in antimicrobial resistance. The institutions also have achieved standards aligned with evidence-based national guidelines. Just 131 programs have received the designation since the program’s launch in 2017.
The American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Quality Achievement Award is for commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized guidelines. (continued)
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from Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Owensboro Health Regional Hospital has been recognized by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Maternity Care for offering higher quality, cost-effective care to mothers. Bariatric Services was named a Blue Distinction Center for quality care and treatment expertise.
OWENSBORO HEALTH REGIONAL HOSPITAL LACTATION SERVICES
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant® Care Award The lactation team at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital has received the IBCLC Care Award in recognition of staffing professionals who hold the prestigious International Board Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC®) certification and provide a lactation program for breastfeeding families. In addition, the facility demonstrated that it has recently completed activities that help protect, promote and support breastfeeding by adding lactation rooms for nursing team members at OHRH.
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OWENSBORO HEALTH REGIONAL HOSPITAL MATERNITY SERVICES AND BARIATRIC SERVICES
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OWENSBORO HEALTH PLASTIC SURGERY
Favorite Business for Aesthetics
from the Messenger-Inquirer Readers’ Choice Awards The Messenger-Inquirer asks readers to vote for their favorites in an annual contest. Owensboro Health Plastic Surgery was selected by readers as the gold choice for favorite business for aesthetics (body/beauty medical enhancement).
OWENSBORO HEALTH HEALTHPARK
Medical Fitness Association Designation from the Medical Fitness Association
The Owensboro Health Healthpark is the only fitness center in Kentucky that has this special designation. Medical Fitness Association certification means the facility boasts personal guidance from certified and licensed staff, medical oversight and strict safety and emergency-response measures. Healthpark programs also have documented outcomes, proving their effectiveness.
OWENSBORO HEALTH URGENT CARE
Favorite Urgent Care
from the Messenger-Inquirer Readers’ Choice Awards Owensboro Health Urgent Care was selected by readers as the silver choice for favorite urgent care.
OWENSBORO HEALTH SPEECH & AUDIOLOGY
Favorite Hearing Aid Center
from the Messenger-Inquirer Readers’ Choice Awards Owensboro Health Speech & Audiology was selected by readers as the silver choice for favorite hearing aid center.
OWENSBORO HEALTH HEALTHPARK
Favorite Gym/Fitness Center
MITCHELL MEMORIAL CANCER CENTER
ACR Accreditation
from the American College of Radiology
as the gold choice for favorite gym.
The Owensboro Health Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center was once again awarded a three-year term of accreditation in radiation oncology as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Radiation oncology (radiation therapy) is the careful use of high-energy radiation to treat cancer. A radiation oncologist may use radiation to cure cancer or to relieve a cancer patient’s pain.
OWENSBORO HEALTH HEALTHPARK
MUHLENBERG HEALTHPLEX
Best Gym/Fitness Facility
Guardian of Excellence Award for Patient Experience
from the Messenger-Inquirer Readers’ Choice Awards Owensboro Health Healthpark was selected by readers
OWENSBORO HEALTH SURGICAL WEIGHT LOSS CENTER
Center of Excellence Accreditation by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®) The Center of Excellence designation helps patients determine where they can expect safer and more effective surgical treatment. The MBSAQIP standards, ensure that metabolic and bariatric patients receive multidisciplinary medical care, which improves patient outcomes and long-term success.
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from Owensboro Living Best Of Awards Voters selected the Owensboro Health Healthpark as their favorite due to a vast array of fitness options, as well as dietary support and education. The Healthpark checks all the boxes when it comes to helping you live your best life.
from Press Ganey
The primary care team at the Muhlenberg Healthplex was recognized for their excellent patient experience by Press Ganey, an analytics company that distributes patient satisfaction surveys. The Healthplex’s survey results were in the top 95% for 2021.
2020 & 2021
Public notice of nondiscrimination and accessibility
STAR
Owensboro Health, Inc. complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. Owensboro Health, Inc., does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.
HEALTHCARE
Owensboro Health, Inc.: 1. Provides free aids and services to people with disabilities to communicate effectively with us, such as: » Qualified sign language interpreters » Written information in other formats, based on an individual’s needs 2. Provides free language services to people whose primary language is not English, such as: » Qualified interpreters » Information written in other languages
Muhlenberg Community Hospital
OWENSBORO HEALTH MUHLENBERG COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
Five Star Rating
from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) For the second consecutive year, Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital earned a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a distinction that recognizes the high quality of care offered by OHMCH. Ratings awarded by CMS measure the quality of care at more than 4,000 Medicare-certified hospitals and medical centers across the country.
OWENSBORO HEALTH MUHLENBERG COMMUNITY HOSPITAL LONG TERM CARE
Five Star Rating
from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
OWENSBORO HEALTH LUNG CANCER SCREENING
Center of Excellence Designation
from GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer In order to earn this designation, facilities must be committed to responsible, high-quality screening practices and in compliance with comprehensive standards based on best practices developed by professional bodies such as the American College of Radiology (ACR), the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program.
You can file a grievance in person or by mail, fax, or email. If you need help filing a grievance, a Patient Relations specialist is available to help you. You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, available at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/smartscreen/main.jsf, or by mail or phone at: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Avenue, SW Room 509F, HHH Building Washington, D.C. 20201
Complaint forms are available at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/office/file/index.html.
Language Solutions: Over-the-Phone, Video Remote, and Onsite Interpreting/Bilingual and Interpreter Staff Testing and Training/Translation and Localization
from Healogics
Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval in the treatment of sepsis. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects OHMCH’s commitment to providing safe and high-quality patient care.
Phone: 270-691-7887 TTY: 270-688-3719 Fax: 270-417-4809 email riskmanagement@owensborohealth.org
Point to your language. An interpreter will be called. The interpreter is provided at no cost to you.
Clinical Excellence Award & Center of Distinction
from The Joint Commission
Office of Risk Management Owensboro Health 1201 Pleasant Valley Rd. Owensboro, KY 42303
English Translation/American Sign Language:
OWENSBORO HEALTH TWIN LAKES WOUND HEALING CENTER
Gold Seal of Approval
If you believe that Owensboro Health, Inc. has failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, you can file a grievance with the Office of Risk Management:
Phone: 1-800-368-1019 TDD: 800-537-7697
The Long Term Care Unit at OHMCH has received the highest rating possible from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The rating allows consumers to make educated decisions when choosing a long-term care facility. It is based on inspection results, staffing levels, penalties the government has taken against nursing homes and how well residents are treated.
OWENSBORO HEALTH MUHLENBERG COMMUNITY HOSPITAL SEPSIS CARE
If you need these services, contact a staff member or supervisor.
Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Wound Healing Center earned both the Robert A. Warriner III, MD, Clinical Excellence Award and Center of Distinction award from Healogics®. The center achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months. These outcomes include patient satisfaction rates higher than 92 percent and a minimum wound healing rate of at least 92 percent within 28 median days to heal.
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The Joint Heart Program Brings Expert Congenital Heart Care to Owensboro
A collaboration between Owensboro Health and the cardiology experts of Cincinnati Children’s and Kentucky Children’s Hospital is bringing the most advanced congenital heart care closer to you as part of the Joint Heart Program. 6
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hree cardiologists from the Joint Heart Program are now accepting referrals for diagnosis and treatment of a full range of heart conditions for children, teens and adults born with heart defects. These patients are seen at the Owensboro Health Pleasant Valley Medical Office Building on Wednesdays, saving local patients countless hours of travel time. One recent patient is eight-month-old Grayson Austin. At two months of age Grayson was diagnosed with a heart murmur upon exam and a ventricular septal defect upon echocardiogram performed at Owensboro Health. The same week he was seen by his pediatrician for difficulty breathing and what appeared to be a respiratory infection. Because he wasn’t getting better his doctor referred him to Dr. Brad Keller, pediatric cardiologist and medical director of Cincinnati Children’s Greater Louisville and Western Kentucky Practice. “Grayson had a large hole between the two bottom chambers of his heart,” Dr. Keller said. “The extra flow coming through the hole added extra blood flow to his lungs, making him breathe hard.” Since he was working so hard to breathe, he couldn’t feed well - leaving Grayson facing two issues. He needed surgery to repair his heart, but he needed to be eating and growing in order to have the procedure. Dr. Keller started Grayson on a common medicine, Lasix, used to treat increased blood flow to the lungs. Then Grayson was admitted to Cincinnati Children’s where he received a feeding tube to help him gain weight until he met the cardiac surgical team. Following heart surgery, Grayson sees Dr. Keller in Owensboro for his follow-up appointments. His mom, Julie Green, could not be more thrilled to have the experts so close to home. “He hates the car,” she said. “We’d have to pull over as many as eight times on our way to Cincinnati, so the drive was more like five or six hours. It’s so much better just going across town.” Julie says their overall experience at Cincinnati Children’s was “amazing.” “I even remember all the nurses’ names and we’ll send them cards at Christmas,” she said. As for Grayson, you’d never know anything was ever wrong. “He’ll be able to grow up and play sports and everything you expect your kids to do,” Julie said. “He’ll be able to run and play with other kids.” Grayson’s story is one of many. Many pregnant patients see Dr. Thomas Tabb, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Owensboro Health, locally and then deliver at Cincinnati Children’s so their newborn can have surgery right away. Dr. Keller is a pediatric cardiologist that has been traveling to local communities for more than 30 years to provide more accessible cardiac care. Families appreciate driving a shorter distance to see their specialist - especially one who will help them feel confident about a care plan and address their anxieties. “It’s satisfying to meet the parent and child, provide them with a complete diagnosis and plan, and give them access and guidance to excellent care,” he said. “We help them navigate through a complicated medical problem. Seeing patients close to their home helps provide a connection with the family which reduces anxiety and increases confidence that the cardiology team is available for them. “Parents have our cell phone numbers so they can call us directly when urgent issues occur,” Dr. Keller said. That commitment to availability makes a huge difference in the patient experience. Studies show that some patients won’t travel more than 25 miles to see a specialist, Dr. Keller said. “Twenty to thirty percent of kids wouldn’t get the cardiac care they need if they have to drive long distances for care.” Luckily, this collaboration allows children and adults with congenital heart disease to get expert care close to home. “We’re stronger together,” he said. “There’s no doubt about that.”
Dr. Bradley Keller
Specializes in pediatric and adult congenital heart disease.
Dr. Craig Alexander
Specializes in pediatric and adult congenital heart disease pregnancy complicated by heart disease.
Dr. Shaun Mohan
Specializes in pediatric cardiology and pediatric electrophysiology.
The Joint Heart Program is a collaboration between Cincinnati Children’s and Kentucky Children’s Hospital, started in 2017 to provide world-class heart care closer to home. For more information, visit OwensboroHealth.org/ CongenitalHeart.
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here’s something comforting about having a routine. It can be helpful in times of unpredictability, uncertainty and stress - all of which we’ve faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. For Leslie
and Cody Barr, working out at the Owensboro Health Healthpark has provided a little bit of normalcy in a time unlike any other.
Cody is an Owensboro native and has been visiting the
Healthpark since 2006 - when he was a teenager. When Leslie moved from Richmond in 2014, she started going with him. Although there have been adjustments to keep the facility safe for guests during the pandemic, they haven’t missed a beat.
To limit the number of people in the fitness area, a time limit was
placed on how long members could exercise in the facility. “The time limit actually helped me,” Cody said. “I was going at lunch and at night as well to get my workout done and now I only go at lunch. It forced me to get it done quicker.”
When the Healthpark temporarily closed during the height of
the pandemic, the couple worked out in their garage to continue their routine and to do something that felt “normal.”
The day the facility reopened, they were there.
“I was not hesitant,” Leslie said. “I’ve always thought it was super
clean, so I never felt unsafe working out there. The employees are always cleaning everything and sanitizing, and I still wear a mask when I’m there.”
The couple was glad to get back to lifting weights, running on the
treadmill and doing cardio, but they were also happy to see familiar faces. “Once you start going at a particular time, you get the same group of people coming at those same times,” Cody said. “You build friendships and get used to talking to them.”
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moved to town.
I don’t think there’s any other gym that compares to the Healthpark. I’ve went to the others. I’ve seen them. There’s nothing that comes close.
Healthpark Routine Essential During
Uncertain Times
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Leslie and Cody Barr
The pair has multiple friends they only know from Healthpark,
and this welcoming atmosphere was essential for Leslie when she first
“Not being from here, it’s so great that from the moment you
walk in, everyone is super nice and welcoming,” she said. “Trainers, custodians, members, everyone. And now, being pregnant, I’ve had to ask for (workout) modifications and I’m glad to know that there are people that I can trust and ask questions.”
For those who have stopped going to the gym due to the
pandemic, the Barrs have a message for you: Come back.
“Don’t be scared to go back,” Leslie said. “Everything is clean.
Wipes are there for you, and others are consistently cleaning. It’s probably safer than most other places you’re going.”
Even when the facility is busy, Cody said, there’s enough room to
get some space from others. “I take a lap around the track, shoot some basketball and by then, the area I want to be in has lightened up,” he said. “It’s so open. There’s so much space and a variety of equipment to find something to do.”
The Barrs know the Healthpark is making a positive impact in
their lives.
“Working out is one of the best things you can do for your health,”
Leslie said. “Exercising and eating right helps you stay healthy overall, so going to the Healthpark can help you for the rest of your life.”
“I don’t think there’s any other gym that compares to the
Healthpark,” Cody added. ”I’ve went to the others. I’ve seen them. There’s nothing that comes close.” To
learn
more
about
Healthpark
membership,
call
270-688-5433 or visit OwensboroHealth.org/Healthpark. FA L L 2 0 2 1 Owensboro Health
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Primary Care Recognized for EXCELLENT PATIENT EXPERIENCE
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wensboro Health’s Primary Care team at the Muhlenberg Healthplex was named a winner of the 2021 Guardian of Excellence Award® for Patient Experience in Medical Practice by Press Ganey, the national leader in healthcare satisfaction surveys. Press Ganey recognizes the practice as a top-performing healthcare organization achieving the 95th percentile or above for performance in patient experience, based on outpatient satisfaction surveys. The Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award® is a preeminent, competitive achievement for leading healthcare organizations. Presented annually, the award applauds hospitals and health systems that consistently sustained performance in the top 5% of all Press Ganey clients. Healthplex Practice Manager Sarah Beth Cole says the facility achieved this kind of recognition because they focus on the whole person, not just as a patient. “Our team works to focus on the complete patient when providing care,” she said. “That means working to ensure that patients have the things that they need for their appointments and understanding when there are external contributors to their situation, like transportation, food or housing insecurity, just to name a few.” The team works closely with the Health Coalition in Muhlenberg County to stay up to date on available resources to assist in getting patients what they might need that is beyond medicine. In cases where a patient might be challenged in making it to their appointment, we consider issuing support items, such as home monitors so patients can take their vitals at home and call them into us, instead of having to arrange to come into the clinic every week for a reading. They also start preparing for each visit long before the patient arrives so they can ensure that the patient gets
We are abundantly blessed to get to work alongside such dedicated, engaged and caring people.
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the most out of every single visit. Sarah Beth says that she wants any patient who enters the Healthplex doors to know they’re not in it alone. “I’ve heard patients speak to the fact that our team is staying on top of things. They say ‘they really care about what’s going on in my world,’ or ‘they called me three times to make sure I was really OK.’” The patient’s experience starts as soon as they arrive, with team members watching to make sure patients get the directions or assistance they might need. From help in carrying things or just getting in the door. “It’s those little things that can really improve the experience,” Sarah Beth said. “No matter where our patients are going in the building, our team is happy to help get them there.” At the core of their patient experience philosophy is the idea to treat patients and visitors like you would want your parents or children to be treated. “Sometimes you expect better for your family than you might for yourself,” she said. It’s especially meaningful to win this recognition during the pandemic when so many extra precautions have to be taken. The healthcare providers at the Healthplex were determined to continue seeing their patients, so the Healthplex team worked together to make it safe to do so while protecting both the healthy and potentially ill. They created a workflow so healthy patients are seen in their traditional primary clinic environment on the second floor of the facility. Those who might be sick, or who have COVID-19 symptoms, are seen in a dedicated space on the first floor. When patients that are sick arrive, they are escorted to their care area by a team member. Once they’re in the dedicated area, the patient’s provider will come down to see them while taking extra precautions to prevent any transmission to other patients or areas of the facility.
That flexible attitude is a contributing factor to an excellent patient experience. “Our providers are wonderful,” Sarah Beth said. “They come in early, work from home or stay late if we need to discuss something our patient needs. They go above and beyond in every way to make sure their patients are taken care of.” Sarah Beth said Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital also shares in the credit for the recent award. “The support that we get from OHMCH is invaluable,” she said. “We’re interacting with them every single day and we have the support of all of their departments and leadership. The communication, continuity of care and collaboration between our facilities are instrumental in the care that is provided to our patients.” “The credit also goes to the entire Muhlenberg Healthplex team,” she said. “And it’s a broad team, not just who the patients see face to face.” The Owensboro Health Medical Group leadership, radiology, laboratory, registration and clinical support and environmental service teams all play a major role in the experience that patients appreciate. “We are abundantly blessed to get to work alongside such dedicated, engaged and caring people,” Sarah Beth said. “Press Ganey is honored to recognize Primary Care at the Muhlenberg Healthplex as one of the nation’s leaders in patient experience,” said Patrick T. Ryan, chairman and chief executive officer, Press Ganey. “This award reflects an unwavering commitment to earning the trust and loyalty of patients throughout unimaginable challenges. We are humbled by the practice’s incredible efforts, and their ability to adapt to imperatives of COVID-19 on top of the increasing demand for consumerism in healthcare.” To schedule an appointment, call 270-377-2626.
Healthcare Workers, First Responders TEAM UP FOR SUCCESS
When an electrical issue at Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical Center in Leitchfield left the facility without power for a day in August, Emergency Services and first responders from around the region rallied to transport all 21 patients to Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. Backup generators at Twin Lakes worked as designed, powering critical equipment and allowing team members to safely care for patients. But the HVAC systems and air conditioning chillers were impacted and Owensboro Health leaders wanted to ensure patients remained comfortable on the hot summer day. The maintenance team worked with Kentucky Utilities and Kentucky Emergency Management to fix the issue, but when it became apparent that repairs would take time, the decision was made to move all patients to Owensboro for comfort and optimal care. This move was a monumental task that involved emergency management crews from eight counties (Breckinridge, Grayson, Hancock, Logan, Muhlenberg, Todd, Butler and Daviess) and took several hours to complete. Approximately 30 members of clinical teams from Twin Lakes accompanied patients to Owensboro to continue caring for them in a facility that many had never even stepped foot in before. “I am grateful for the strength and resilience of Owensboro Health and our team,” said Owensboro Health President and CEO Mark Marsh. “As a multi-hospital system, we had the capacity and resources to absorb a potential setback without skipping a beat.” This incredible display of teamwork and dedication exemplifies community spirit. Thank you to everyone who worked together to pull off this monumental feat. FA L L 2 0 2 1 Owensboro Health
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What can I say to convince you to get Vaccinated?
“My life’s work is to help my patients have safe and healthy pregnancies and happy babies. If you’re pregnant and contract COVID, there’s a good chance you’re not going to have a healthy baby and could even lose your life. There’s no evidence the vaccine affects fertility, but if there was, I’d be the first to say don’t vaccinate - because I want my patients to have babies. Get vaccinated today.” DR. ANDREA MOORE THE WOMEN’S PAVILION
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Doctors and nurses right here in our community are stepping up and asking “What Can I Say to Convince You to Get Vaccinated?” These physicians have been on the frontline taking care of COVID-19 patients since the beginning of the pandemic. They have studied not only COVID-19 but also the vaccines available to help stop this pandemic. They want what is best for their patients, families and community. Read what they each had to say about getting vaccinated or watch their full-length videos at OwensboroHealth.org/WhatCanISay.
“There are some unknowns with the vaccine. People will talk about the possible risk or the future possible complications. But I think that the knowns are more important. Over the past three months, 87% of the people hospitalized locally have been unvaccinated. So to me, the most important thing to protect my patients and our community is to get the vaccine.”
“Vaccines help keep communities safe. That’s why getting the vaccine is important for everyone to protect each other - because there are people that can’t be vaccinated for various reasons. You’re protecting not only yourself, but your friends and your family.”
“Nearly all of our unvaccinated patients who have COVID ask us if they can get the vaccine before going on a ventilator. I have to look them in the eye and tell them ‘I’m sorry, but it’s too late right now.’ That’s heartbreaking because we have to watch them suffer, and we even lose patients. Let’s get past this pandemic by getting the vaccine.”
MARK TACKETT, MD
DR. ABRAHAM GALLOWAY
DR. HEATHER GARRETT
FAMILY MEDICINE OWENSBORO HEALTH MADISONVILLE MULTICARE
OWENSBORO HEALTH FAMILY MEDICINE MADISONVILLE MULTICARE
OWENSBORO HEALTH MUHLENBERG COMMUNIT Y HOSPITAL HOSPITALIST
MORE THAN JUST COVID-19:
Have You Gotten Your Winter Vaccines? There are vaccines available for these common winter illnesses. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to get protected and stay healthy during the upcoming respiratory virus season. These vaccinations are available at many physician’s offices and pharmacies.
FLU
The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older get vaccinated every flu season, between August and February.
“I don’t have a way to predict how you will do if you get COVID-19. That’s why vaccination is so important. You need to talk to your healthcare provider about the vaccination and what is right for you and your family.” DR. ASHLEY GABBARD OWENSBORO HEALTH INTERNAL MEDICINE MUHLENBERG HEALTHPLEX
PNEUMONIA
There are two kinds of pneumococcal vaccines available in the United States:
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or PCV13 Recommended for all children younger than 2 years old and people 2 years or older with certain medical conditions. Adults 65 years or older also can discuss and decide, with their clinician, to get PCV13.
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine or PPSV23 Recommended for all adults 65
years or older, people 2 through 64 years old with certain medical conditions, and adults 19 through 64 years old who smoke cigarettes.
WHOOPING COUGH (PERTUSSIS)
Two kinds of vaccines used today help protect against whooping cough, both of which also protect against other diseases:
Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccines For babies and children younger than 7
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccines For older children and adults
The CDC recommends whooping cough vaccination for all babies, children, preteens, teens, pregnant women and anyone providing care for small children. Adults who have never received a dose of Tdap should also get vaccinated against pertussis.
Stay in touch with your doctor or pharmacist to be sure you are protected from common illnesses.
“As a pediatrician we give vaccines everyday to save lives and prevent complications from illness. The vaccine for COVID has minimal risk compared to the possible benefit of ending this pandemic and saving lives. My children are vaccinated because of these benefits and for the greater good.”
“It’s hard for me to care for someone for weeks and watch them lose the fight against this disease after I’ve tried everything. As the infection rates increase we are seeing younger people have severe illness. I believe the most effective control for viral outbreaks is vaccination and right now the best intervention against COVID-19 is the vaccine.”
“I’m a parent first and a doctor second. My family’s health is my priority, and I’ll never tell someone to do something I wouldn’t have my family do. As soon as my kids are eligible for the vaccine, they’ll get it. And I recommend the same for your children. I’ve looked at the data, and I’ve seen the results. Vaccines are safe, and they keep us healthy. Getting vaccinated is the best thing we can do for our kids and ourselves.”
DR. JOHN PHILLIPS, II
DR. MICHAEL MUZOORA
DR. ANTHONY SMITH
OWENSBORO HEALTH CHILDREN’S CENTER PEDIATRICIAN
OWENSBORO HEALTH PULMONOLOGY & CRITICAL CARE
LEITCHFIELD PEDIATRICS
FA L L 2 0 2 1 Owensboro Health
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1201 Pleasant Valley Road Owensboro, KY 42303
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The Joint Heart Program Brings Expert Congenital Heart Care To Owensboro
Free Mental Health Resource for Entire Region OWENSBORO HEALTH AND RIVERVALLEY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PARTNER TO BRING CREDIBLEMIND AND ONLINE RESOURCES TO COMMUNITY
Owensboro Health recognizes the need for mental health resources in the communities
we serve, so we have partnered with RiverValley Behavioral Health to provide a new resource that’s free to everyone.
CredibleMind is an online collection of articles, videos, assessments and tools for your
mental wellbeing. This material can be used to support everyone on their mental health journey, and it is available to anyone in the community who has internet access via computer, tablet, phone or other devices.
“We hope that this physician-approved and scientifically supported material will be used
by those in our community who have mental health needs and those who simply wish to learn more about mental health,” said Owensboro Health Vice President of Population Health Dr. James Tidwell. “The Owensboro Health Foundation has granted the funds needed to provide this resource and we all hope that this will help address an important community need.”
To access available mental health resources, visit HealthyMind.CredibleMind.com.
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