We are pleased with the focus on health and wellness in our organization and our communities as we continue to encourage all to Be Well by featuring positive messages on prevention and good health. This magazine is a great resource for you. This issue features a variety of articles to help you on your wellness journey, including:
• A good night’s sleep: This interview with Center for Sleep Disorders Director Nikhil Samtani, MD discusses the importance of sleep, signs that you may not be getting enough sleep and how the lack of quality sleep can impact your physical and mental health. See page 8.
PRESENTED BY THANKSGIVING WEEKEND CASCADE MALL CENTER COURT BURLINGTON, WAFriday, November 25 6 p.m.
• Eating for a healthier heart: An interview with Cardiologist Jammie Menetrey, DO who talks about the importance of a healthy diet in prevention of heart disease, avoiding processed foods and looking for plant-based, whole foods. See page 11.
• Viruses and vaccinations: A column by Infectious Disease specialist Mary Bavaro, MD and Chief Medical Officer Connie Davis, MD provides an update on the latest COVID-19 variants and vaccine recommendations; the upcoming flu season and monkeypox. See page 24.
• Check out our Be Well Resources for a Healthy Life starting on page 32. We have information on important screenings, health programs, cooking classes and support services for you.
• We keep adding new topics to our library of The Be Well Podcast that I recommend to you. Go to skagitregionalhealth.org/podcast for the full list. I hope you will take advantage of these resources. Be Well.
Saturday, November 26 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Brian Ivie President and CEO
Saturday, November 26 1 – 5 p.m.
Sunday, November 27 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
OUR JOURNEY: The past 2.5 years have been a challenge for all. That’s especially true for those working in healthcare during the pandemic. The Skagit Regional Health team of caregivers continues to do amazing work in caring for the people of our communities. On page 38, the Board of Commissioners of Public Hospital District No. 1, Skagit County provides an overview of this dynamic situation and how members of our community can help.
HealthQuest
For additional
Kari
Treatment for ‘angler’s elbow’ gets Arlington fisherman back in action
New OB-GYN joins Arlington practice
Cardiac cath lab Project to upgrade equipment gains Foundation support
Good night’s sleep Provider describes benefits to getting good rest
Autism on the rise Provider receives special training for early diagnosis
Cancer patient wraps up treatment, remembers compassionate care
Training programs offer opportunity to learn, advance
Groundbreaking
Skagit Regional Health celebrates start to surgery center construction
Station Square
New Mount Vernon clinic construction on time for January opening
Primary care, specialists join Skagit Regional Health
Students, residents arrive Graduate Medical Education program welcomes new arrivals
COVID-19, influenza update Physicians discuss next steps in the pandemic, flu season
A photo caption in the Spring edition of HealthQuest magazine incorrectly identified a resident physician. Sarah Zubair, MD is in her third year as a resident at Skagit Regional Clinics - Internal Medicine Residency Clinic in Mount Vernon.
Samuel Porter of Arlington doesn’t remember many years of his life that didn’t include fishing. At the young age of three, his friend introduced him to the sport. Now 49 years later, the two men remain friends and have grown their skills in fishing.
The pair mainly fished for trout in the Everett area growing up, or as far as their parents would drive them. As they got older they ventured further out to surrounding towns and lakes, and, at the age of 13, Porter discovered bass fishing –and found his love. Forty years later, it remains his primary focus and passion today.
“I was quickly obsessed with the new-found, tough-fighting fish,” said Porter. “I am 53 years old now – I have fished well over 100
lakes in Washington state alone and in 2018 embarked on a personal challenge to catch a keeper-sized bass in all 39 of Washington’s counties.”
Bass fishing has taken Porter on a remarkable journey – not only visiting lakes across the state, but he has participated in competitive bass fishing tournaments and found repeated success. He has even developed his own YouTube channel with more than 1,000 subscribers, providing tips and tricks to common questions and issues related to fishing.
In one of his videos, Porter shares his recent experience receiving treatment from Skagit Regional Health Sports Medicine provider Jared Anderson, MD, CAQ for a condition nicknamed “angler’s elbow.” Similar to tennis elbow, symptoms are the result of overuse of the muscles in his arm and shoulder that are used for movements related to fishing.
“Unlike trout fishing, bass fishing can be very physically demanding depending on the length of your outings,” said Porter. “I bass fish in excess of 2,500 hours per year on average. A bass fisherman can make repetitive casts anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand casts over the course of a single trip! Needless to say, these repetitive movements add up over the years and without proper stretching and/or conditioning, they begin to limit how long you are able to fish due to inflammation, pain and range of motion issues.”
Porter began to feel the symptoms of angler’s elbow in his mid-twenties. For years he treated it at home with ice, ibuprofen and elbow braces. He was able to get by with that up until a few years ago. He knows this is a common
Samuel Porter has enjoyed fishing since childhood and now focuses primarily on competitive bass fishing. Non-invasive treatment by Sports Medicine provider Jared Anderson, MD, CAQ has eased the pain of ‘angler’s elbow.’
ailment among fishermen so he took to his YouTube channel to not only share his experience fighting this condition, but highly recommending Dr. Anderson and the treatment he received as the answer to every injured fisherman’s worry – losing fishing time to recover from injury or surgery.
“I was terrified I would need surgery because the recovery time can be anywhere from four to 20 months!” said Porter. “I didn’t want to risk that much potential downtime from bass fishing. Inevitably, the pain won the argument and I sought treatment for my right elbow.”
Dr. Anderson, at Skagit Regional Health – Smokey Point, met with Porter and quickly identified Porter’s pain as an overuse injury.
“With many overuse injuries, there are adhesions that form between the muscle groups as a response to the repetitive breakdown and healing which occurs when there is abnormal stresses across a muscle,” Dr. Anderson said.
In Porter’s case, the pain was a response from the surrounding muscles to the overuse of the muscles used for his repetitive casting during bass fishing.
“When I first sat down with Dr. Anderson, I was impressed with the detail he went into about how not just my elbow, but my entire arm and upper body work together when casting,” said Porter. “It really made sense and helped me understand the treatment process better.”
There are non-surgical methods to treat this condition, which is good news for avid fishermen like Porter. Dr. Anderson explained there are many ways to massage and dig at tissue, which is important to loosen the adhesions between muscle groups. However, he believed that Porter could benefit from a different kind of non-invasive treatment involving lifting the muscles apart – a procedure called “cupping.”
Finding success with cupping requires more than just knowing which muscles hurt.
“Cupping is only part of the treatment,” said Dr. Anderson. “We have to look to see why the muscles (in this case in the forearms) are getting damaged. Typically, the forearm muscles are tightening up or compensating for a deficit in other muscles. Finding the underlying culprit is essential to have cupping give lasting relief.”
Porter, already hesitant about seeking treatment, was skeptical at first. He had heard of cupping before and had a pre-conceived notion of it being an unproven, ancient, almost mystical treatment. After Dr. Anderson explained the procedure, he quickly learned that it was worth a try.
Porter received a series of cupping treatments on his right arm. After his first treatment, he didn’t feel results, but he remembered that the cupping treatment plus the stretches and conditioning exercises he was prescribed were meant to work together and he had to trust the process. After sticking with his care plan, he found success.
“My right elbow feels back to easily 95 percent pain free –that is astounding considering I couldn’t even lift my own cellphone to my face!” said Porter.
Dr. Anderson is pleased to help active people regain their ability to enjoy their sport.
“To me, sports medicine is a puzzle: Taking an athlete who is good at their sport, helping to improve their muscle balance, decrease the compensations and build efficiency in order to improve performance, decrease injuries and improve longevity in the sport,” said Dr. Anderson. As a provider, he said his joy is found in those moments when a treatment clicks, the puzzle comes together and the patient is able to get back to what they love doing.
For Porter, the feeling is mutual. Dr. Anderson has relieved his fears and hesitations with seeking treatment and helped give him a new perspective on managing his health.
“(Dr. Anderson) is very straightforward and very informative,” said Porter. “His approach and willingness to utilize all of the tools at his disposal to not just treat an ailment, but devise a personal plan that I can implement in my daily life to continue to improve and thrive in my favorite sport is priceless.”
Porter won a local bass fishing tournament on Lake Samish earlier this year. His right elbow held up well, however, his left elbow presented an all-too-familiar pain. This time he didn’t waste any time and soon after the tournament he visited Dr. Anderson to begin another series of cupping treatments.
“I am currently two treatments in on the left side with two more treatments to go, but I am already functioning better and I am extremely confident that the results will last for the remainder of my bass fishing years,” said Porter. “I am currently battling for Angler of the Year in both of the local clubs I joined this year and none of it would be possible without the treatments and guidance of Dr. Anderson - I love that dude! He is welcome on my boat any time!”
Restoring his fishing career is huge for Porter – but, beyond that, it has also changed his perception of healthcare and how taking care of himself ensures that he will be able to do what he loves for years to come.
“I feel empowered instead of scared, enlightened instead of concerned. I feel like I have been allowed to participate in my own healthcare, and trained to utilize and implement the treatments and procedures that are the best fit for my specific needs,” said Porter. “It has been a truly refreshing and exciting experience overall.”
If you teach a man to fish you may feed him for a lifetime, but teaching a fisherman how to manage his health will ensure he can stay on the boat.
“In simple terms, cupping pulls the top layers of muscles, skin and fascia apart, and allows the muscle groups to slide past each other. The bruising occurs as blood is pulled into the areahelping both with healing and flushing out the metabolites that occur from muscle spasming/restriction.”
Grace Bay, DO is the newest Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) specialist to join Skagit Regional Health – Arlington Women’s Health where she plans to share her passion for education and open communication with her patients.
“I really love to just educate about women’s health, how things work. I think just by explaining to women exactly how their body works is then empowering them to make the decisions that they need to,” Dr. Bay said. “My first foundation is just explaining what the different options are, to eventually get to which one would be best for the patient.”
Dr. Bay joins fellow OB/GYN Arianne Jong, MD in the Arlington practice, providing a full continuum of women’s healthcare, including delivering babies and performing procedures at Cascade Valley Hospital.
“I’m thrilled at the arrival of Dr. Bay to our practice,” said Dr. Jong. “With our midwife team, we offer compassionate and personalized care for your birth experience. For your gynecologic or women’s health needs, we offer a wide range of services including expert surgical care. Our goal is to improve your quality of life and listen carefully to patient needs.”
Dr. Jong shares a similar philosophy around patient education and advocacy.
“I specifically want to advocate for women’s health and the ability for a woman to make her own decisions about her body,” Dr. Jong said. “I really emphasize during my visits to have strong patient education to make sure the
patient feels really comfortable with the decision that she’s made. I want my patient to know that I really care about how she is doing. I always aim to treat people the way that I would want to be treated.”
Dr. Bay earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pikeville, Kentucky. She went on to complete residency training at Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren, Michigan.
Having spent time in the rural community of Pikeville, she was drawn to the community feel in Arlington to begin her practice.
“I love the continuity of care, getting to see a patient over time and how they grow,” Dr. Bay said. “Getting to see how people better themselves over time is truly incredible. Everybody wants to continue to do better and grow and that’s always amazing and motivating for me to see.”
Dr. Bay said she comes alongside her patients, person to person.
“I think being very open with the fact that I am human and struggling to improve many things in my own life, hopefully makes me more relatable and then allows people to be open with me about where they are,” Dr. Bay said. “I’m a physician who sees people as people, because that’s what we all are. So, you can expect a very nonjudgmental, supportive environment.”
The expert team in the cardiac catheterization lab, including Electrophysiologist Ramy Hanna, MD, right, works to diagnose and treat heart disease, unusual heart rhythms and vascular issues.
For patients experiencing heart disease, unusual heart rhythms or vascular issues, the cardiac catheterization lab is a likely destination as the place where interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists and interventional radiologists provide state-of-the-art treatment.
Angiograms to show blood flow in the heart; emergent and elective coronary artery revascularization to improve blood flow to the heart; ablations for arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation (Afib); and placement of devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators are all procedures performed in the catheterization lab.
Skagit Regional Health will soon embark on a project to upgrade two of the three catheterization labs at Skagit Valley Hospital with the latest in cardiac imaging services. As technology is constantly improving, the new equipment will replace systems installed 13 and 14 years ago. The project will be completed in phases with the first upgraded lab opening in 2023 and the second in 2024. Ultimately, all three labs will provide the latest technology and be equally equipped to handle the needs of all patients.
Regional Health Foundation’s Cardiac Cares Capital Campaign.
“I am extraordinarily excited to see the remodel of our catheterization laboratories as we continually expand our cardiovascular and interventional radiology services here at Skagit Regional Health,” said Cardiac Electrophysiologist Ramy Hanna, MD, PhD, FHRS, FACC. “This project highlights our strong commitment to the community and our drive to always stay at the cutting edge of procedural care for electrophysiology, structural heart and interventional radiology services.”
The number of procedures in the catheterization labs has increased in recent years from 2,961 in 2018 to 3,611 in 2021. A referral center for the surrounding areas, patients hailing from 15 different Zip Codes received care in 2020 in the labs.
Among the cutting-edge procedures performed at Skagit Valley Hospital are:
• 3D mapping and ablation of heart arrhythmias
• L eadless pacemaker implants
• Placement of the Optimizer heart failure treatment device implant - the first in Washington state.
• C ardioMEMS heart failure monitoring device implants
The total project cost will be more than $6 million and the Skagit Regional Health Foundation has committed to raise $3 million towards the upgrades.
We spend nearly one third of our lives sleeping and it’s highly important for overall health and wellness that this is quality time.
“If you just think about it from a big picture perspective, we generally spend about eight hours sleeping. So that’s almost a third of our lives. If you have issues with that third of your life, it’s going to spill out to so many different facets of what we do,” said Dr. Nikhil Samtani, Sleep Medicine provider and Medical Director at the Skagit Regional Health Center for Sleep Disorders.
Overall health, mental health, ability to focus and other health issues can develop if a person is not sleeping well. Sleep deprivation can impact cardiovascular health in particular, he said. Fortunately, Dr. Samtani notes that Sleep Medicine and research continue to yield new information on the importance of sleep and how to improve the quality of sleep.
“Compared to a lot of other specialties that have had decades and decades of research, sleep is still a relatively new field. So, every single year, we learn more about the importance of sleep and how it impacts certain organ systems,” said Dr. Samtani. “When we think about what happens when we sleep, we go into these lighter stages of sleep. We go into deep sleep. We go into REM sleep. Anyone with any sort of a Fitbit or sleep tracker will have these terms that are familiar. But what our body generally does is it slows down.”
Dr. Samtani provided details on the various states of sleep, noting:
• In light stages of sleep, the heart rate and breathing slows.
• During deeper stages of sleep, the body experiences tissue repair and growth, cell regeneration and strengthening of the immune system.
• REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, which normally happens every 90 minutes as part of the sleep cycle, is essential to cognitive function, memory, learning and creativity.
One way to diagnose the quality of sleep in a patient is a sleep study, which can be a simple at-home sleep test where the patient takes a device home, sleeps with it and returns it the next day. These studies mainly look at breathing.
Or, the patient may need an overnight sleep study at a facility such as the Center for Sleep Disorders.
“If you’re having snoring or sleep apnea type disorders, the home study is a good snippet into what’s happening during that one night of sleep,” Dr. Samtani said. “But, if you’re looking for a little bit more information about sleep stages, movements at night and heart function, we get a lot more signals and information when we do it in the sleep lab.”
Dr. Samtani describes the difference between “harmless” snoring and more serious sleep apnea.
“There can be this benign or harmless snoring when the muscles relax when you’re sleeping and it can cause some vibrations which result in the noise of snoring. But as long as you’re still getting air and you’re getting your oxygen, that’s OK. We call that benign or harmless snoring. It may be annoying people around you, but not necessarily harming yourself,” Dr. Samtani said.
“If this snoring is causing collapses of your airway, and, as a result, you’re having these dips in oxygen or your body is responding by releasing adrenaline, they’re trying to wake you up, then it’s not a benign thing anymore,” he said. “And that’s when you fall under this whole sleep apnea side of the spectrum. It puts a strain on the heart, puts a strain on the brain and so many different organ systems.”
Dr. Samtani notes that caffeine plays a role in sleep quality.
“Most studies that have evaluated this, they state that caffeine stays in your system for between nine to 14 hours. So, the general consensus in the field is to just cut off the caffeine around noon, so it doesn’t affect your ability to fall asleep at night,” he said. “We have some patients, yes, who can fall asleep even with the caffeine. But with the caffeine in the system, it affects a lot of sleep fragmentation. And, it inhibits those sleep cycles from occurring the way they should. So, even though it might not affect the ability to fall asleep, it affects their ability to stay asleep and have those critical functions occurring at night the way they’re supposed to.”
• Have a regular bedtime and a regular wake time.
• Have a good sleeping environment: Cool temperature, quiet and dark.
• S tay away from electronics as you prepare to sleep, avoiding devices with screens, ideally 30 minutes before bedtime.
New developments in technology are creating new options for patients with sleep disorders.
“I personally think that there’s so much technological incorporation with Sleep Medicine, which I find fascinating. When you think about the common ways to treat disorders such as sleep apnea, it involves c-PAP therapy, which is sort of this breathing machine that blows air into you,” he said. “There are so many technological advancements that occur on a yearly basis. We have these nerve stimulators now that are out in the market where you get a surgically implanted pacemaker that stimulates your airway muscles while you’re sleeping to keep the airway open and prevent those sleep apnea disturbances from occurring.”
Nikhil Samtani, MD received his MD from the University of Seychelles American Institute of Medicine along with a Sleep Medicine Fellowship from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and is dual board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in both Sleep Medicine and Internal Medicine. He serves as Medical Director for the Skagit Regional Health Center for Sleep Disorders.
Allan Damian, MD received his MD from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines. He completed residency training at Texas Tech University Health Science Center in El Paso and Sleep Medicine fellowship training at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. He is board certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine.
Kelsey Hamilton, ARNP received her MSN from Gonzaga University and is board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
For a Sleep Medicine appointment, call 360-428-2550.
• Use the bed only for sleep or sex. The more time spent in bed awake, not sleeping, the brain starts associating the act of being awake with the act of being in bed.
• No caffeine after noon.
Skagit Regional Health recently launched a podcast called Be Well with Skagit Regional Health. Each episode focuses on a unique health topic and features Skagit Regional Health’s experts. Current episodes include “The Importance of Sleep,” “Eating for a Healthier Heart,” “Pediatric Dermatology” and many more. New episodes are added regularly. Tune in to these educational podcasts by visiting skagitregionalhealth.org/podcast or subscribe through your favorite podcast platform.
“Hiatal Hernia/Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease”
Allison Porter, MD, FACS General Surgery
“Eating for a Healthier Heart” Jammie Menetrey, DO Cardiology
“Autism”
Ashleigh Adkins, ARNP Family Medicine
“Summer Safety”
Cheryl de Silva, MD Pediatrics
“Joint Replacement”
Christopher Sheu, MD, FAAOS Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
“How to Safeguard Your Mental Health as a New Parent” Devon Kienzle, DO Family Medicine with OB
“Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tears” Ryan Vellinga, MD Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Family Medicine provider Ashleigh Adkins, DNP-FNP, ARNP has been watching closely as autism cases among children are increasing worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism now affects one in 44 children in the United States, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and screening.
“Those numbers are climbing at a very quick rate,” Adkins said. “I think that’s why we’re seeing providers becoming more and more in tune with diagnosing, or at least being able to recognize, children who are high risk for autism.”
In 2020, Adkins completed specialized autism training and earned the Seattle Children’s Center of Excellence Autism Certificate, which allows providers to diagnose autism in pediatric patients. The training is focused on the latest research into evaluation, treatment and care for patients with autism.
Autism spectrum disorder refers to a range of conditions, characterized by challenges with repetitive behaviors, social skills, speech and nonverbal communication.
“Autism is a disability that some children develop that causes significant social, communication and behavioral challenges,” Adkins said, noting the high importance for early diagnosis and screening.
Parents are often the first to notice elements of autism in their children, Adkins said. Screening in primary care involves an assessment called the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers
(M-CHAT), which is performed at 18 and 24 months. Once a child is identified at high risk for autism, the primary care provider can refer to a specialist.
Adkins said she enjoys following patients with autism and their families to support them on their journey.
“It’s really difficult for parents when their child first receives this diagnosis. That’s why I love taking care of children with autism and their family, because I know it can be difficult to navigate this new world,” she said. “Autism seems to have its own special club, if you will. And once you’re in the club, then it opens up this whole new world and you really get to see how special children with autism really are.”
Adkins is also able to collaborate with speech and language pathologists at the Skagit Regional Health Children’s Therapy Program to complete a more thorough diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder using play-based therapy and observations.
“I love connecting with parents and being able to share with them and assess the special characteristics that their child has and to assist them with navigating this difficult diagnosis,” Adkins said.
For an appointment call 360-657-8840
Ashleigh Adkins, DNP-FNP, ARNP is accepting new patients at Skagit Regional Health - Smokey Point location. She provides autism evaluations to children age 7 and younger for established patients or patients referred by their primary doctor.
A plant-based, healthy diet can “make a huge difference, not only in preventing heart disease, but also treating it and possibly even reversing it,” according to Cardiologist Jammie Menetrey, DO, MBA, FACC, who practices at Skagit Regional Health.
Dr. Menetrey recommends a plant-based, whole food diet that includes more vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes, such as peas, beans and lentils.
“Eating this way goes beyond just helping to improve our heart health, it has positive implications for so many other organs from our skin to our brain health, to our gut and our microbiome,” Dr. Menetrey said. “It goes so much beyond heart health, even, potentially, preventing cancer and treating diabetes. I just think it has so many positive side effects, that it makes it worth it.”
She also encourages avoidance of processed foods, refined sugars and packaged goods that can be high in salt.
“We really should try to avoid foods that are overly processed and things that don’t look like it was just picked off the tree or pulled out of the ground. Food that’s highly refined, such as refined grains that have been milled to the point where we removed all the good fiber and the iron and the vitamins, those are the types of grains that we want to avoid,” Dr. Menetrey said. “[Foods] that come in cans [or] are packaged in bags and boxes, generally, those are preserved with salt. We really want to try to minimize that. We want to eat the foods that are provided freshly from the earth and have the least amount of processing to them.”
Benefits to the plant-based, whole food diet include a lower caloric intake while the nutritional value is higher.
“Because the plants themselves have so much fiber in them, we fill up much more quickly when we’re eating plants, as opposed to sweets, oil, dairy and meat,” she said. “The way I like to think about it is variety. The more variety that I can see on my plate, the types of food, the more color I can see on my plate, the more nutrients I know that I’m going to be consuming.”
Dr. Menetrey offers a few tips for grocery shopping and food preparation:
• At the grocery store, focus on the fresh produce aisle for the vast majority of your purchases.
• Since people’s schedules are full, make a big meal or two on the weekends to have ample healthy leftovers for lunches and dinners during the work or school week.
• Plan ahead to avoid impulse purchases of fast food or refined snacks. “I try to plan ahead so I can always have that healthy snack in my bag,” she said.
Jammie Menetrey, DO, MBA, FACC practices Cardiology at Skagit Regional Health. She received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences and is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Cardiovascular Disease. Dr. Menetrey sees patients at Skagit Regional Clinics - Mount Vernon and Anacortes.
For months, Reuben Paris of Everson struggled with symptoms that he initially thought were a normal part of life and aging. But his aches and pains worsened and eventually kept him from normal daily tasks and body functions. Sitting and walking were very challenging things for him to continue to do.
“I would just crawl on the carpet in pain,” said Paris. “I had to wear diapers, it was embarrassing. The level of pain was incredible, it was like a seven-layer pain; my skin was so sensitive.”
He decided to investigate and Paris went in for a biopsy in February 2022. By the time he made it to the clinic, he had already canceled twice before – he was scared.
“I had to take my fear, being scared and the possibilities and put it on the top shelf and leave them there and walk through the process and trust that these people will take care of me,” said Paris of how he mustered the courage to finally make his biopsy appointment. “And, they did. They did an amazing job.”
Paris recalls waiting for his biopsy and five minutes after arriving, he was about to walk out, he was too scared. One of his nurses took notice and sat and talked with him to reassure him. Paris said this was just the start of the level of compassionate care he received throughout the course of his treatment.
“The scariest part of cancer and cancer care is the unknown,” said John Register, MD, Radiation Oncologist and Paris’s provider through his diagnosis and treatment. “I try to make sure patients know that they will not be fighting alone … that they will be supported by an extensive team. We discuss their cancer, prognosis, goals of radiation treatment and expectations for treatment logistics and potential side effects they may encounter…and emphasize that we will get him through it and that he will feel better after healing up from treatment.”
The biopsy identified cancer. Paris was diagnosed with Stage IIIB anal squamous cell carcinoma. He was given a challenging prognosis with a 24% five-year survival chance. However, Paris would soon find hope in the people of the Skagit Regional Health Cancer Care Center.
“I remember my first day of radiation when I walked in and I’m crying. The woman at the desk looks at me in the eye and she asked me what was the matter. I said, ‘I’ve never been through this before. I’m kind of scared.’ She looked me in the eye and touched my hand and said ‘It’s OK, we’re going to take care of you.’” Paris reflected further, “I remember how true those words were. My heart is full of gratitude for those people and always will be.”
Paris found hope in more ways than one.
“As Reuben began treatment he had significant pain and fear,” said Dr. Register. “As he progressed through the treatment course, he became more comfortable, more confident and felt more in control of his situation. He would come in for treatments singing, joking and eventually dancing.”
Skagit Regional Health has a robust team of people ensuring that each cancer patient has what they need – because cancer treatment is a unique journey for each patient.
“We approach cancer care with a multi-disciplinary team: Physicians, nurses, navigators, social workers, pharmacists, radiation therapists, dosimetrists and physicists, front office and support staff,” said Jennifer Leseberg, Radiation Therapist Lead. “With the assistance of (his care team), we were able to help coordinate his schedules along with an outside infusion pump provider, to streamline his appointments. We were also here to emotionally support him through a difficult diagnosis and treatment.”
On June 15, 2022, Paris finished radiation and he is healing. He can now sit, drive and walk – three tasks that were impossible just six months prior. On August 5, he had a scan which suggested decreased tumor size and his care team will continue to monitor his progress with additional imaging.
Looking back, Paris knows the science and medicine were key to his positive results, but what will stick with him forever are the people of Skagit Regional Health who cared for him and the impact they made on his perspective through all of this.
Reuben Paris gives his notorious warm smile while sitting in one of two Healing Gardens of the Skagit Regional Health Cancer Care Center in Mount Vernon.
“When he had his most recent follow-up, he said, I have my heart and there are a bunch of little hearts attached and those hearts are us,” said Molly Brown, Diagnostic Scheduler for Medical Oncology.
“I’m so glad I have that team, I’m grateful that they literally held my hand and walked me through the process,” said Paris. “They told me the truth about everything. Roma in Radiation Oncology – she sat down with me and explained how to minimize side effects. She gave me a hug and said ‘It’s going to be OK.’”
The level of care he received in a smaller community was also a pleasant surprise to him.
“The people were very professional, attentive; very thorough with all the testing they do to make sure they figure out exactly what is wrong,” said Paris. “Other hospitals do that, but (Skagit Regional Health goes) that extra mile – that first hospitalization, I could have sworn I saw 20 doctors. It makes you feel like, OK, these people really want to help. And the food was incredible! I tell my friends that if I have 32 minutes to live and it takes me 28 to get to Skagit Valley Hospital, that’s where I’m going!”
Leseberg said that Paris’s strong desire to beat his cancer and the daily support he received from staff is what kept him going.
“Reuben was an amazing patient; he dedicated himself to following all provided medical advice,” said Leseberg. “By the time his treatments were completed, he was pain free and in better spirits than when he arrived.”
“Reuben bravely progressed through his treatment course with dignity, humility and a fabulous sense of humor, which touched all of our lives,” said Dr. Register.
And, looking ahead, he has developed a renewed perspective on life. “I always lived in the past or in the future,” said Paris. “This was a transformation. I’m here, I’m alive, I’m breathing. This brought me back to life and made me present. I see the silver lining.”
Skagit Regional Health offers three on-the-job training opportunities for those interested in pursuing a medical career. Whether you are one year into nursing school, just graduated from nursing school or simply have a desire to join us in our mission of providing compassionate care for our patients, Skagit Regional Health has opportunities for you.
Our Nurse Technician Program allows nursing students to gain clinical work experience. As a Nurse Technician, you will work under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), while solidifying skills learned during nursing school.
To apply, you must meet these criteria:
• Be enrolled in a school of nursing and have completed the first year of nursing school.
• Have current BLS certification.
• Be eligible for a Nurse Technician license through the state of Washington (and obtain it once you are hired).
Applications are accepted each Spring and once accepted, you will commit to 10 weeks of full-time work during the summer. Successful completion of the summer program may allow you to continue working as a Nurse Technician on weekends and school semester breaks. As a Nurse Technician you will also earn a competitive hourly wage.
This eight-week program provides entry-level theory and hands-on training in the provider office setting. The curriculum is comprised of didactic and skill-building sessions in conjunction with practicum immersion in the various clinic departments.
Classes begin every 10 weeks. Apply today!
The Skagit Regional Health Nurse Residency program was developed by Vizient and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing to support new graduate nurses as they transition into practice.
Our one-year program for new graduate nurses helps provide foundation and support to begin your nursing career. You will learn through a combination of classroom sessions, simulation and patient experiences with the support of a skilled preceptor.
Classes begin every three months. Apply today!
To learn more, visit skagitregionalhealth.org and search for these programs.
Nurse Technician Program offers new opportunity to grow your medical career close to homeReuben holds up the tradition of ringing the bell in celebration of his completed treatment.
On the sunny afternoon of June 30, more than 70 Skagit Regional Health (SRH) board members, providers, staff and community members gathered to watch the groundbreaking celebration for the new 60,000-square-foot outpatient surgery center and medical office building to be located just northwest of Skagit Valley Hospital. Festivities included remarks from SRH leaders, board members, providers and SVH Partners, LLC.
The three-story building, which has a target opening date of December 2023, will be home to a wide range of surgical specialties. The patient-focused design will feature four operating rooms, three endoscopy suites and one endoscopy procedure room, diagnostic imaging and several specialty clinics, including Gastroenterology; Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT); and Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.
“This new Mount Vernon Surgery Center will help us better meet the needs of our surgical patients with a facility and environment that is designed specifically for outpatient procedures,” said Brian Ivie, Chief Executive Officer for Skagit Regional Health. “This has been a long time in the making and everybody is proud of it and happy to be a part of this exceptional building. It’s needed by our patients; needed by our providers; and needed by our community.”
Specialists in orthopedics, urology, general surgery, foot and ankle, plastic surgery, ENT, gynecology, orthopedic spine surgery, gastroenterology and other surgical specialties will provide services in the new surgery center.
“This is truly an historic and exciting day for us and this building represents a vital part of our ability to continue to help and care for the community,” said Orthopedic Surgeon Christopher Sheu, MD, FAAOS.
“Our community hospital has evolved tremendously,” said General Surgeon Joshua Hawkins, MD, FACS. “The new hospital, the Cancer Center, Epic electronic health record, robotic surgery and now this outpatient surgery center. It’s one of the next steps of our ongoing evolution.”
The addition of the Mount Vernon Surgery Center will relieve pressure on the six operating rooms at Skagit Valley Hospital, where the focus will remain with patients who will need to receive hospital care following surgery and emergent procedures.
The new building will offer a convenient location, easy access, a patient pick-up area and ample parking.
An aerial view of the construction site for the new Mount Vernon Surgery Center, northwest of Skagit Valley Hospital. Above: physicians, board members, leaders and representatives of the developers celebrate the groundbreaking for the new surgery facility.
The downtown Mount Vernon skyline has a visible new addition as the three-story Skagit Regional Health – Station Square clinic nears completion. The project remains on schedule and will open to patients on January 9, 2023.
This convenient and highly visible new location will provide patients with easy access to care and ample parking.
Urgent Care, lab and X-ray services will occupy the first floor. Urgent Care services will relocate from the Skagit Valley Hospital campus to Skagit Regional Health - Station Square and will be available seven days a week. The new Urgent Care suite was designed to maximize patient privacy and improve provider flow and efficiency, leading to an improved patient experience.
The second and third floors of the 30,000-square-foot clinic will be dedicated to Family Medicine which will help fill a need for additional
primary care services in the community. A mix of newly recruited and existing providers will practice at Skagit Regional Health – Station Square.
The addition of the new facility will also help address the need for medical office space.
The clinic will feature a calming color palette with natural materials throughout the building. The interior design will incorporate components that highlight the industrial qualities of the nearby train station, creating a unique and soothing atmosphere for patients.
For updates on all Skagit Regional Health construction projects, visit www.skagitregionalhealth.org/ construction
The new clinic is located just east of the site for the new Mount Vernon Library Commons, a City of Mount Vernon project that will include a public library, community center, commercial kitchen and structured parking with 76 electric vehicle charging stations. A groundbreaking was held at the site on September 17 and construction was due to begin soon after at the site near downtown Mount Vernon.
Skagit Regional Health is committed to serving as a partner in wellness by recruiting and hiring quality primary care and specialty care providers – helping communities be well.
Erika Pope, DO Assistant Medical Director Hospice of the NorthwestErika Pope, DO recently joined Hospice of the Northwest as an Assistant Medical Director. She received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Pacific Northwest University, completed her Family Medicine Residency at Skagit Regional Health and worked as a family physician prior to joining the team at Hospice of the Northwest.
Dr. Pope was inspired to become a physician because of her family’s experience with Huntington’s disease. She says, “My sister passed away from Huntington’s disease at age 33 and received exceptional care from Hospice of the Northwest. When given the opportunity to join their team, I knew it would be an incredible way to bring my ‘why medicine’ full circle.”
She also has close ties to the Skagit Valley, growing up here and graduating from Sedro-Woolley High School. Dr. Pope says, “I feel beyond honored to have the opportunity to serve our community as Assistant Medical Director for Hospice of the Northwest.”
Jeffrey Mitchell, PA-C
Specialty: General Surgery
Practice Location: Skagit Regional Clinics
– Mount Vernon
Mitchell earned a Master of Science in Physician Assistant studies through the University of Washington School of Medicine MEDEX Program in Seattle. He is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Appointments are available by calling 360-428-2586.
Aleisha Allen, PA-C
Specialty: General Surgery
Practice Location: Skagit Regional Clinics
– Mount Vernon
Allen earned a Master of Science in Physician Assistant studies from South University in Savannah, Georgia. She is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Appointments are available by calling 360-428-2586.
I enjoy getting people back to the activities they love. There is never a good time or season for an injury, but seeing someone get back to their sport or activity more quickly than expected is something that is very rewarding to me.
I am passionate about deciphering how the body is compensating for weaknesses and strengths, and coming up with a personal plan to rebalance the body’s musculoskeletal system. For example, when you feel like you have to stretch your hamstrings every day, but they never seem to get any looser, that is because the hamstring is not typically the issue, but is trying to compensate for a muscle or set of muscles that is not working correctly. I love working with my team trying to find and develop a correction for the underlying problem.
Dr. Anderson earned his medical degree from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. He completed residency training at Family Medicine Spokane through the University of Washington followed by a Sports Medicine Fellowship with Max Sports Medicine in Columbus. His special interests include return-to-play after an injury, movement patterns and functional movement, body awareness, muscle rebalancing and soft tissue treatments. Outside of the office, Dr. Anderson enjoys spending time with his family, serving in church, volunteering at Lake Stevens High School and engaging in outdoor activities.
Appointments are available by calling 360-435-6641.
Specialty: Urgent Care
Practice Locations: Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon Skagit Regional Clinics – Riverbend Skagit Regional Health – Smokey Point
Maxwell earned a Master of Health Science from Lock Haven University in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. She is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Specialty: Women’s Health
Location: Skagit Regional Health –
Arlington Women’s Health
I treat others the way I would like to be treated, and that includes providing them with quality, evidence-based medicine and treatments that are meaningful and datadriven. I would want a physician who listens to take care of me, so I ensure that all women are heard and have a voice in my office.
The opportunity to empower women and advocate for women’s rights motivated me to choose women’s healthcare as a career.
My special interests include robotic surgery, minimally invasive surgery, long-term care and follow-up.
What do you want patients to know about you?
I’m a physician who sees people as people, because that’s what we all are. You can expect a very non-judgmental environment. It doesn’t matter how you may identify or what your background is, everyone is welcome.
Dr. Bay earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pikeville, Kentucky. She went on to complete residency training at Ascension Macomb Oakland Hospital in Warren, Michigan. In her free time, Dr. Bay enjoys seeking adventure in the outdoors, hiking, biking, kayaking and gardening with her husband and dog, Zelda.
Appointments are available by calling 360-435-0242.
Kassi Sefton, BSN, MSN, CNM
Specialty: Midwifery
Practice Location: Skagit Regional Clinics
– Mount Vernon
She received her MSN from the University of Pheonix Nursing and went on to complete Midwifery training at Frontier Nursing University in Hyden, Kentucky, where she earned a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN/CNM). She is board certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board.
Appointments are available by calling 360-428-2575.
Furqan Taher, DO
Specialty: Internal Medicine
Practice Location: Skagit Regional Health – Division Street Internal Medicine
Dr. Taher earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the University of Pikeville-KYCOM in Pikeville, Kentucky. He completed Internal Medicine Residency training at Skagit Regional Health. He is board certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine.
Appointments are available by calling 360-814-2980.
Specialty: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Locations: Skagit Regional HealthSmokey Point
Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood
I really enjoy helping people recover after an injury or degenerative condition has affected them, whether this is through surgery or non-operative methods. I love Sports Medicine in Orthopedics because it allows me to help people get back on their feet after they’ve had an injury or pain.
I hope that I can help patients recover from the pain or disability they are going through. It makes me very happy when someone is so grateful for the quality of life they have regained after a surgery.
Early in my career, I did an ACL reconstruction on a football player who had injured it. We performed the surgery over Thanksgiving break and then the following September, he made the game-winning touchdown catch and I was on the sideline for it. It was really gratifying to see him get back to that level of athleticism and competitiveness.
Dr. Hall earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. He completed his Orthopedic Surgery residency at the University of Texas Health in San Antonio followed by a Sports Medicine fellowship at Kaiser Permanente Orange County in southern California. Dr. Hall’s special interests include sports medicine, joint replacement, general orthopedics and fracture care. Outside of the office, he enjoys hiking, mountain biking, and playing basketball and pickleball with his family.
Appointments are available by calling 360-435-6641.
Bob Ly, DO
Specialty: Endocrinology
Practice Location: Skagit Regional Clinics
– Mount Vernon
Dr. Ly earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona. He completed Internal Medicine Residency training at Skagit Regional Health followed by Fellowship training in Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism at Larkin Community Hospital in South Miami, Florida. He is dual board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Obesity Medicine.
Appointments are available by calling 360-428-2550.
Twelve third-year medical students from Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences arrived at Skagit Regional Health in July for two years of study and training. Pictured, from left, PNWU Regional Assistant Dean Jeanne Rupert, DO; Kyle Mealand; Akash Sharma; Harsukhjit Deol; Alex Brandt; Elliot Dearing; Riley Ochs; Montana Hawksford; Joshua Christianson; Dana Capulong; Trevor Haverkamp; Sean Kim; Jonathan Christiansen; and Regional Site Administrator Cindi Corrales.
Skagit Regional Health welcomed 12 first-year residents in July including four in Family Medicine and eight in Internal Medicine. These physicians will spend three years in training under the supervision and mentorship of experienced providers.
Angelina Cerimele, DO: Dr. Angelina (Angie) Cerimele is a graduate of Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She was born and raised in Virginia and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia, majoring in biology. As a medical student, she worked extensively with underserved populations, specifically those experiencing homelessness, through a program called Spartan Street Medicine. She is passionate about bridging socioeconomic gaps in healthcare and providing quality and accessible care to patients from all backgrounds. She said she hopes to empower her patients to become the best advocate for their own health. Her medical interests include emergency care and wilderness medicine and her hobbies include trail running, hiking and writing poetry.
Tiana Ibarra Yamamoto, DO: Dr. Tiana Ibarra Yamamoto is a graduate of Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Yakima and received her undergraduate degree in cellular and molecular biology from Western Washington University. She was raised in Bothell and has spent much of her adult life in Bellingham. She said she is excited to continue her training in Skagit Valley, as this is the region she calls home. Dr. Ibarra said she looks forward to establishing long-term patient relationships and commits to being an active listener and advocate for her patients, with the understanding that each person’s story, culture and values are interconnected with their health. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, crafting, family time and exploring dog parks with her husband and Great Dane, Ziggy.
Resident biographies matched by number to the photo below.
Kyle Walsh, MD: Dr. Kyle Walsh is a graduate of the University of Washington School of Medicine. He grew up in Renton and attended Western Washington University as an undergraduate, majoring in communication. After working as a marketing and communications manager for the YMCA of Greater Seattle, he decided to further explore his passion for community health and well-being by pursuing a medical degree. Dr. Walsh is interested in an eclectic array of health interventions including sports injury prevention and rehabilitation, behavioral health and meeting the unique needs of his patients from all walks of life as their primary care physician. He and his wife, Megan, and son, Declan, enjoy playdates at the playground, partaking in social outings with family and friends and playing with their dog, Cleo.
Savannah Wilkinson, DO: Dr. Savannah Wilkinson is a graduate of Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine and received her undergraduate degree from Johnson & Wales University in Denver, Colorado, with a major in culinary arts and nutrition. She has lived all over as a daughter of U.S. Army parents and spent time in the Army herself, including a stint at Joint Base Lewis-McCord
in Tacoma. Her interest in medicine started with her job as a medical lab tech in the Army and continued with her interest in nutrition and dietetics. She enjoys spending time with her dog, Artemis, and nurturing her creative side by painting, quilting, cooking and gardening.
Resident biographies matched by number to the photo below.
Stephanie Vega Ramos, MD: Dr. Stephanie Vega Ramos, who was born and raised in Puerto Rico, said one of her greatest motivations to pursue a medical career was her own diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes at the age of 15. Since that moment, she said she has been treated and inspired by many great physicians who taught her that being a doctor is not just about treating patients, but also about providing good quality of care. Dr. Vega Ramos completed her bachelor’s degree at the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico and then moved to St. Kitts and Nevis to begin her medical education. She completed clinical rotations around the east coast of the United States and now begins residency. She is fluent in Spanish and English. During her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, exercising, watching movies and television shows and spending time with loved ones.
Javier Vargas, Jr., MD: Dr. Javier Vargas, Jr. grew up in Edinburg, Texas, a small town near the Mexican border. He said he is proud to be a first-generation college graduate and the first doctor in his extended family. He completed his undergraduate degree in neurobiology at the University of Texas - Austin and taught high school biology and physics upon graduation. He attended medical school at St. George’s University on the island of Grenada in the West Indies. He said he is passionate about pursuing a fellowship and is interested in research with some experience with cardiac paragangliomas. He has a focus on health equity and accessibility and helped lead COVID-19 clinics across many rural low-income communities of Grenada. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, is an avid day-hiker and enthusiastic foodie. He enjoys night scuba diving, rollerblading, dancing, singing and kayaking.
Nayab Sultan, MD: Dr. Nayab Sultan grew up in Northern California, in a diverse community where he said the need to give back was always important. His father was an internist for 44 years and made a positive impact on the community, he said, instilling in him a deeprooted love for the field of Internal Medicine. He attended Dow International Medical College where he worked with a community that has one of the largest city populations in the world and experienced many different cultures and backgrounds. He said he is very excited for residency and to pursue his passion for Internal Medicine in the Skagit Valley. In his free time, he enjoys sports such as basketball, boxing, hiking and snowboarding.
Lester Pineda, DO: Dr. Lester Pineda was born in Sydney, Australia and raised in San Francisco. He lived in Seattle for a few years before graduating in paramedic studies from Brigham Young University - Idaho in Rexburg, Idaho. His work experience includes more than five years as a paramedic in Oklahoma and Northern California. Interested in expanding his medical career, he obtained his DO degree as a member of the inaugural class of Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine in Meridian, Idaho. Dr. Pineda and his wife have four young children. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, cooking and exploring the city.
Fady Ibrahim, DO: Dr. Fady Ibrahim was born and raised in Egypt and moved to the United States with the goal to become a doctor. He received his undergraduate degree in cell and molecular biology at the University of South Florida, then moved to the Pacific Northwest for medical school at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Yakima. Dr. Ibrahim said he hopes to make a difference in people’s lives by learning, and mastering the pearls of Internal Medicine, patient-centered care and evidence-based and preventative medicine. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, hiking, camping and exploring the beautiful nature in Washington state.
Luis Garduno, MD: Dr. Luis Garduno was born in south Texas and raised in Mexico and Texas. He studied biomedical sciences at Texas A&M University – Kingsville and continued his medical journey at the American University of Antigua College of Medicine in Antigua and Barbuda. He said he is excited to meet and interact in and outside of medicine with the diverse community in the Pacific Northwest. In his free time, he likes to travel, fish, hike, be around good company and tries to keep up with his soccer and football teams.
Eric Bing, MD: Dr. Eric Bing was born in Abilene, Kansas but has lived at Lake Tapps near Auburn for most of his life. He obtained his undergraduate degree in biomedical science with an emphasis on exercise science from Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, and his medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada. Dr. Bing was first influenced to become a physician while working as a trauma research assistant when he found that being able to aid people in their time of need is very fulfilling. Dr. Bing is married and enjoys being out in nature, snowboarding, ice hockey, woodworking and cooking in his free time.
Trisha Vu, DO: Dr. Trisha Vu grew up in Southern California and graduated from UCLA with a degree in physiology and a minor in art history. She recently received her medical degree from Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine in Meridian, Idaho. She said her passion for medicine began at a young age after the passing of her grandfather from a treatable condition as she witnessed how significant a good physician-patient relationship is in ensuring the best care possible. After spending time as a geriatric medical scribe and furthering her clinical education in Montana, she continued to see the importance of connecting with patients and has remained focused on providing compassionate care. After living in Idaho and Montana the past few years, she said she is looking forward to continuing to live in the Pacific Northwest and getting to spend some more time with extended family in Washington. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, baking, playing board games and tennis.
Brienne Gahan, Regional Director of Information Security and Privacy at Skagit Regional Health, graduated in June with the 2021-22 class in the Leadership Skagit program.
A group of participants representing the private, public and nonprofit sectors of our community is selected each year for a nine-month civic leadership development program called Leadership Skagit.
The mission of Leadership Skagit is to strengthen and transform our communities by developing individual, business and community leadership that is informed, inclusive and connected through shared learning experiences.
As part of the program, Gahan joined up with a few other Leadership Skagit participants in forming a team, called Generation Skagit, to complete a project in partnership with the Sedro-Woolley School District and the SedroWoolley Alumni and Schools Foundation to benefit State Street High School.
“Leadership Skagit has challenged me to have a deeper understanding of the community I have been serving for the last 10 years. I have learned so much about the resources, programs and amazing people who are dedicated to helping the Skagit Valley community,” Gahan said.
The team raised more than $36,000 toward building a safe shelter for the school’s outdoor space to make it usable all year long.
The Cascade Valley Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Center has once again earned the Center of Distinction award by Healogics®, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services.
The center achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months, including a patient satisfaction rate higher than 92 percent. The program has achieved Center of Distinction status seven out of the past 10 years.
“We are very proud of the multidisciplinary team who provides excellent patient care at the Cascade Valley Hospital Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Center,” said Skagit Regional Health Chief Executive Officer Brian Ivie. “This team has been honored numerous times by our partner, Healogics, as a Center of Distinction by consistently providing highly specialized wound care and leading edge treatments.”
The Cascade Valley Wound Care Center is a member of the Healogics network of more than 600 Wound Care Centers® and offers highly specialized wound care to patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds which have not healed in a reasonable amount of time.
Advanced wound care modalities provided by wound care experts include negative pressure wound therapy, total contact casting, bio-engineered tissues, biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies. The Center also offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which works by surrounding the patient with 100 percent oxygen to help progress the healing of the wound.
“Our staff and providers are very proud of the 2021 results and recognition of our shared commitment to each patient’s wound care journey. We treated and healed more patients in 2021 than we had in any year since our center’s inception in 1997,” said Program Director Tom King. “Achieving these outcomes is reflective of the consistent dedication of our office staff, nurses and providers to expand our impact in the community. Thank you to our patients and the providers at Skagit Regional Health who entrusted our team to partner with them in their care.”
A dozen residents in Family Medicine and Internal Medicine celebrated their graduation in June 2022.
The physicians spent the past three years in training at Skagit Regional Health and are now launching their careers or moving on to additional training.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Chief Medical Officer Connie Davis, MD, who also serves as the Designated Institutional Official for the Graduate Medical Education program, noted that this group of residents experienced the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You came with one set of expectations and something changed in March 2020,” Dr. Davis said. “It gave us the opportunity to stop, pivot and continue. You continued to read, learn and stay ahead of the game at a very challenging time.”
Internal Medicine Program Director Jhoanna Santos, MD, noted “over the past two years, we have all grown so much.”
“It’s really a whole community in support of Graduate Medical Education. It takes the teachers, the administration, the Board of Commissioners and our patients,” said Family Medicine Program Director Julie Merriam, DO
Several graduating residents will remain with Skagit Regional Health, including:
• Nicholas Goodman, DO Skagit Valley Hospital Hospitalist
• C. Brooksby Hafen, DO Skagit Regional Health Family Medicine
• William Hudson, DO Skagit Valley Hospital Hospitalist
• Emily Kunz, DO Skagit Regional Health Family Medicine Residency Program
• Furqan Taher, DO Skagit Regional Health Internal Medicine
Residents celebrating their June graduation include, from left, Rabia Sarwar, MD; Nicholas Goodman, DO; Kaitlin McDade, DO; Matthew Boyle, DO; Vicky Sandhu, DO; Furqan Taher, DO; C. Brooksby Hafen, DO; Mark McGrath, MD; Zakaria Sharif, MD; Emily Kunz, DO; William “Max” Hudson, DO; and Cory Schmidtz, DO.
Sarah Zubair, MD is accomplishing much as she works to improve the health of our community.
Dr. Zubair is entering her third year as a resident in the Skagit Regional HealthInternal Medicine Residency Program in Mount Vernon. Her quality improvement project began 18 months ago aimed at increasing colorectal screening rates by at least 10% among eligible patients seen in the Internal Medicine Residency Clinic.
“We created and implemented a process in which medical assistants flag patients coming for visits who meet the screening requirements as eligible by national standards,” explained Dr. Zubair. “Providers then have discussions with the patients regarding the screening and take the next best step, whether it is deferring the screening, referring to gastroenterology for a colonoscopy or providing the patient with a take-at-home test called a Fit Kit.”
Screening colonoscopy services are available at Skagit Valley Hospital and the Arlington Surgery Center. Visit page 32 for more information on how to set up a colonoscopy appointment.
ABOVE: Gastroenterologist Suresh Alagugurusamy, MD chats with a patient about the importance of screening colonoscopy.
Those efforts proved to be successful – the clinic saw an 11 percent increase in colorectal screening rates among their patients after starting the project. Dr. Zubair was not only pleased by the increase in patients getting screened, she was also able to present their work and results at the American College of Physicians Washington Chapter Spring Scientific Scholarship Day.
Dr. Zubair’s poster about her project was among the eight finalists in the Top Poster category, and hers, along with her YouTube video presentation, was selected as one of the top three.
“Dr. Zubair has worked above and beyond the required duties of a resident,” said Jhoanna Santos, MD, FACP, Internal Medicine Residency Program Director. “In line with our goal to provide the best care for our patients, her project has significantly boosted the colorectal cancer screening quality metric of the Internal Medicine Residency Clinic. This Quality Improvement project also enhanced the engagement of the care team as we continue to find ways to make it sustainable. Kudos to all involved in the project!”
“Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States,” said Dr. Zubair. “In 2018, the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) reported that Washington state’s CRC screening rates were 65.7 percent of the eligible individuals between ages 50-64. Washington state thus ranked 17th, while many other states had reached their goal of 80 percent.”
This project was created to bridge the gap between the current screening rates at Skagit Regional Clinics and the Washington state rate which improves the health of individual patients and the community as a whole.
Hospice of the Northwest provides each patient with a dedicated team of compassionate, end-of-life experts: A board-certified physician, nurse, social worker and certified spiritual counselor. Together, the team works with the patient, their family and circle of support to create an individualized care plan designed to treat the whole person: Mind, body and spirit.
For hospice patient Lynn, spiritual care has been an essential part of her end-of-life journey. “What I need right now isn’t so medical. There’ll be a time for that,” says Lynn. “What I need right now is the strength and courage to face my end of life.”
Lynn’s spiritual counselor, Karuna Duvall, MSW, LICSW, APBCC, says many people equate spiritual care with faith or religion.
“That’s understandable, but we don’t have any particular spiritual or religious affiliation,” she explains. “Our role is to meet people where they are and walk with them through their end-of-life journey. Whatever that looks like for each person, we support what’s important to them.”
Karuna points out that spirituality means different things for different people. “I look at spirituality and being spiritual as more of an umbrella,” she says. “Spirituality can look like a walk in the woods. It can also look like art or listening to music or playing with a child. All of those things are spiritual.”
The spiritual umbrella can also include faith and a religious community. When faith is important to someone, it can bring comfort during challenging times. “Spiritual care can definitely include faith if that is supportive for the patient,” said Karuna. “We can make contacts. We can reach out to clergy. We are here to walk alongside of them.”
Laurie Campbell Pitner started her new role as Executive Director of Hospice of the Northwest Foundation in September. Laurie has many years of experience in corporate philanthropy, foundation management, community engagement and major donor fundraising. She most recently served as Engagement Officer for Major and Planned Gifts with the Archdiocese of Seattle. She holds a Bachelor’s in Speech Communications from the University of Washington and a Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership from Seattle University. Welcome, Laurie!
For Lynn, spiritual care helps her live in the moment and be her best self. “Each time I do a meditation or we have a conversation, I get a pearl. I get one thing that they leave with me,” she says. “They offer me ways to make sense out of what is baffling, what is confusing and then what becomes comforting.”
Karuna is a member of the Spiritual Care Association (SCA) and became board certified in 2018. The SCA model focuses on evidence-based interventions as part of the healthcare model. It elevates the idea that individuals are not just physical and psychological beings, they are also spiritual beings – and that our spiritual side is just as impactful on our systems as any other element. For example, this can be seen when a patient is struggling with fear of the unknown, causing them anxiety and a number of related physical symptoms.
Spiritual counselors can assist the patient with this in various ways — through guided imagery or meditation, by listening to a person’s life story or by helping them answer some of life’s big questions: What is important to you now? What do want for the rest of your life?
As a spiritual counselor, Karuna says, “I’m there to be a place of unconditional acceptance for whatever someone is going through. I’m a place to validate their humanity and their dignity. I’m there to validate who they are as a human being on this earth, and I hope that can be enough to bring someone a measure of peace.”
Peace is something Lynn thinks about when she reflects on her hospice journey.
“I’ve been looking for healing all my life really — I mean, emotional healing and peace. We do the work now for my emotional well-being, we do the work for my spiritual wellbeing, and I know that I’m healing,” she said.
She adds, “I have this wholeness now — which feels like holiness actually — and that’s finishing well and that’s hospice.”
Mary Bavaro, MD Connie Davis, MD
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends COVID-19 primary series vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older and COVID-19 boosters for everyone eligible ages 5 years and older. The CDC does not recommend mixing products for your primary series doses. If you received Pfizer-BioNTech (monovalent), Moderna (monovalent), or Novavax COVID-19 for the first dose of your primary series, you should get the same vaccine for all following primary series doses.
• Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (monovalent) 3 weeks (or 21 days) after the first dose.
• Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (monovalent) 4 weeks (or 28 days) after the first dose.
• Novavax COVID-19 vaccine 3 weeks (or 21 days) after the first dose.
Novavax is a COVID-19 vaccine produced through Novavax, Inc. This vaccine has two doses in the primary series, given three to eight weeks apart. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are recommended to receive two doses, given three weeks apart. A third primary dose is not currently authorized. Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is not authorized for use as a booster dose. This vaccine is a protein subunit vaccine similar to a protein-based influenza vaccine. It does not contain eggs, preservatives, latex or metals. It may be given to individuals ages 12 and older.
New COVID-19 booster shots that are designed to fight multiple omicron variants (BA.2, BA.4 and BA.5) are available now. Check the websites below for times and
locations. The FDA does not recommend the previous monovalent booster. Please ensure you are up to date on the primary series with traditional monovalent vaccine and get your first or second booster with the new bivalent vaccine booster. The newer variants are highly contagious. COVID-19 vaccines and boosters have been helpful in reducing the severity of illness and are preventing some hospitalizations. For more information, go to:
Skagit County COVID Vaccine Locations
• How to Get Your Shot | Snohomish Health District, WA (snohd.org)
The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, bivalent, is authorized for use as a single booster dose in individuals 18 years of age and older, if it has been at least two months since the patient has completed primary vaccination or since they received their last booster dose.
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, bivalent, is authorized for use as a single booster dose in individuals 12 years of age and older if it has been at least two months since the patient has completed primary vaccination or since they have received their last booster dose.
If you are 12 years of age or older, it is recommended that you receive one of the bivalent booster doses. Children ages 5-11 who have completed their initial vaccine series are recommended to continue to get the monovalent booster. At this time there is not an authorized booster for children ages 6 months to 4 years of age. Everyone ages 5 years and older are recommended to get their first booster after completing their COVID-19 vaccine primary series, if eligible. Second booster doses are recommended for adults ages 50 years and older and some people ages 12 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.
determine if you need a booster,
The newest omicron variants spread much more easily than previous versions and many people are not fully vaccinated. Antibodies from vaccines, booster shots or a COVID-19 infection decrease over time, making it easier for people to get infected for the first time or to get the illness again. With the omicron variant, after the first booster dose, protection begins to decrease around six months after vaccination. Researchers do not know yet how long
the immunity after a second booster dose lasts. Lastly, schools and businesses are open, more people are traveling and fewer people are wearing masks.
Yes. There is concern that the U.S. may have a severe flu season this year based on trends in the Southern Hemisphere. Given that people are traveling, eating out more and schools and businesses are open, we expect to see more traditional respiratory illness this winter. Flu season in Australia began earlier than usual and was the most severe in five years. The flu season in the U.S. tends to follow the flu season in Australia. Up to 41 million people catch the flu every year, on average, resulting in about 52,000 deaths according to the CDC. The influenza vaccines that will be offered in the U.S. this year will protect against two strains of influenza A and two strains of influenza B.
I have heard that there are cases of monkeypox in Washington. What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox (MPV) is a viral illness that can cause rash and other symptoms. It does not commonly occur in the U.S., but there is currently an outbreak of monkeypox with cases spreading around the world including in the U.S. While many of the current cases are occurring in men who have sex with men, monkeypox can spread person-toperson with any kind of close, skin-to-skin contact with an infected individual. Check for the number of MPV cases in Washington by visiting:
• Monkeypox (MPV) Data | Washington State Department of Health (doh.wa.gov).
Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed. People who do not have monkeypox symptoms cannot spread the virus to others. Unlike the virus that causes COVID-19, monkeypox is primarily spread through close contact and does not spread through the air over long distances. While current cases mainly involve men who have sex with men, anyone who is sexually active with multiple partners or who are partners with someone who has sex with multiple partners can be at risk for being exposed to monkeypox. Other risk factors may include travel to areas where monkeypox is currently present or close/non-sexual contact with a known case.
Contact your healthcare provider if you are concerned you might have monkeypox or have been exposed, as vaccination and testing might be indicated. If you are exposed to monkeypox or have monkeypox, isolate yourself from other people and from animals. Do not kiss, hug, cuddle, sleep, or have sex with others. Wear a well-fitting medical mask around others. Do not share bedding, towels, dishes or utensils and wash your own laundry and dishes. Routinely clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and items. Do not use commercial travel, including an airplane, bus, taxi or shared car.
Patients may present with fever and rash. Symptoms may also include headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. The rash can look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth, or on other parts of the body such as hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus.
To protect yourself and others from monkeypox, the recommendation is to avoid close contact/sexual contact with anyone who has open wounds, sores or rashes that look like monkeypox. Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox. Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox.
Vaccination is only currently recommended for postexposure prophylaxis after exposure to a confirmed case. It should be given ideally within four days of close exposure to a confirmed case. Vaccination is also recommended for preexposure prophylaxis for high-risk individuals. The vaccine is very limited in supply, and is being utilized nationally for monkeypox pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis. Vaccination will be available through Public Health.
If you have symptoms of monkeypox or think you may have been exposed, contact your health care provider or Skagit County Public Health at 360-416-1500; Snohomish Health District at 425-339-3503 or Island County Public Health at 360-679-7350.
Connie Davis, MD has served as the Chief Medical Officer for Skagit Regional Health since 2012. Mary Bavaro, MD, is part of a team of Infectious Disease specialists with Skagit Regional Health.
The mission of the Skagit Regional Health Foundation is to raise, manage and distribute funds to assure the continued availability of quality health care services
programs at Skagit Regional Health. The Foundation will foster awareness of and community support for Skagit Regional Health through the involvement of the people it serves.
Regional Health Foundation
Regional Health Foundation’s
NEW OFFICE LOCATION:
Street
Vernon,
Bobbi Ahrenius
Festival of Trees Co-Chair
Zach Barborinas Vice President
Katie Biringer
Lesha Boucher
Travis Coulter Cardiac Cares Campaign Chair
Linda Frizzell Executive Director
Mary June Curtis Vice President of Planned Giving
Viry Delgado Laura Fisher Festival of Trees Co-Chair
Brett Fontes
Jacqueline Hawkins
Dr. Joshua Hawkins
Duane Henson
Alicia Huschka
Assistant Treasurer
Brian Ivie
Katie Jungquist
Vice President of Cancer Care
Aldi Kllogjeri
Treasurer
Dr. Rick Leone Mike Lervick Mike Marken
Evelyn Morse Holly Nielsen
Larry Otos President
Dale Ragan Scott Railton
Brent Thompson Secretary/ParTee Classic Chair
Kris Wollan
Wendy Ragusa Stewardship and Annual Fund Manager
Kylee Dowe Development AssociateTo learn more about how you can support the Skagit Regional Health Foundation, visit www.skagitregionalhealth.org/foundation
Brett Fontes recently retired from Comcast after a 28-year tenure with the company. Most recently, he served as the Director of Technical Operations and General Manager. Brett and his wife, Laurie, live in south Mount Vernon and have one adult daughter. The Foundation is pleased to have Brett’s expertise in project and financial management.
Richard Leone, MD, PhD is a cardiothoracic surgeon at Skagit Regional Health. Rick is board certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery and has been elected as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), the American College of Cardiology (FACC) and the American College of Chest Physicians (FCCP). He and his wife, Kathy, have two young daughters and reside in Bellingham.
The Foundation board and staff welcome Brett and Rick!
The statistics are hard to ignore. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women.
Skagit Regional Health provides outstanding cardiovascular care to more than 3,000 patients each year and there is a growing need.
With this need in mind, the Skagit Regional Health Foundation Board of Trustees has made the commitment to raise $3 million to fund state-ofthe-art cardiac diagnostic imaging equipment for two catheterization labs at Skagit Regional Health.
This investment in having the best cardiac imaging services available is what our community deserves. With these upgrades, our multidisciplinary cardiovascular team will continue to provide excellent patientcentered care in angioplasty, cardiac catheterization, arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation management, pacemaker insertion and electrophysiology.
“We are really excited about this campaign and the number of patients that we will be helping,” said Foundation President Larry Otos.
A gift of any size is meaningful and will make a positive impact in the lives of cardiac patients for decades to come.
Several naming opportunities to recognize leadership gifts are also available.
$1,000,000 Heart and Vascular Institute
$250,000 Special Observation Unit
$100,000 Procedure Suites (3)
$50,000 Waiting Room
$10,000 Patient Observation Rooms (10)
For more information, contact Linda Frizzell at 360-428-2140 or visit skagitregionalhealth.org/foundation .
We welcome your gifts to support Skagit Regional Health and the patients we serve each day.
Gifts can be made via cash, check, credit card or online at www.skagitregionalhealth.org/ foundation
• Periodic payments (monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually)
• Up to three years to fulfill a pledge commitment
Gift of Marketable Securities
• Recorded at current market value
• Immediate tax deduction based on market value for securities held longer than one year
• Avoid capital gains tax payable if you sold the stock and made a cash gift
• May be combined with any of the preceding options to create a larger total gift
• All gifts are tax-deductible for both you and your employer
• Corporate forms are generally available from Human Resources departments
• Charitable Remainder Trusts
• Life Insurance Gifts
• Discuss these options with your personal financial and tax advisor.
The Skagit Regional Health Foundation is grateful to the students of Burlington–Edison High School for their donation of $588 to support the Skagit Regional Health Cancer Care Center. The students raised funds by selling paper “bricks” which were dedicated to a loved one who has fought the battle with cancer. Over the past 10 years, the B-EHS student
body has donated more than $11,000 to support the Foundation’s Cancer Care Fund.
Pictured are representatives of the 2021-2022 B-EHS Leadership Class presenting a check to Peter Wold, Manager of Oncology Patient Support Services.
Forward stock transfers to:
Baird Private Wealth Management
DTC Account #0547
FBO Skagit Regional Health Foundation Account #7923-5728
FA: Jeff Stewart
Please forward a letter regarding this stock transaction to the Skagit Regional Health Foundation.
This year’s ParTee Golf Classic broke many records! More than 160 golfersthe most ever to golf in the annual tournament - enjoyed a “picture perfect” day of golf on the course at the Skagit Golf and Country Club in Burlington. The June 24 tournament raised an all-time high of $100,200 through sponsorships, oncourse contests, amazing raffles and more. Tournament proceeds will benefit the Foundation’s Cardiac Cares Capital Campaign and the Cancer Care fund.
Baird Management, Jeff Stewart, CFA
Banner Bank
Biringer Nursery, LLC
Cascade Natural Gas
Chad Fisher Construction
CPI Plumbing & Heating
Crothall Healthcare Inc.
Dwayne Lane Skagit Subaru
G&W Commercial Interiors
Harris Company
HomePlace Memory Care
In Loving Memory of Paige Marken Lisser & Associates PLLC
Moss Adams
McKinstry Energy Services
Mount Vernon Police Services Guild
Mount Vernon Professional
Firefighters Local 1983
Optimum Properties
Peoples Bank
Piper Sandler & Co.
PRIMAC Electric LLC
Property Trio
Retail Lockbox
SaviBank
SB&C, Ltd.
Skagit Law Group
Skagit Regional Health
Skagit Valley Hospital Auxiliary Smiley Insurance
State Farm Insurance Agents: Carol Lawson, Brad Methner & Keith Sorestad
St. Clair Enterprises Inc./FedEx Ground
The Office Tavern
The Truss Company
Gary and Anne Thompson
Thomas Cuisine
VSH CPAs
WAFD Insurance Group
Where the Heart is Assisted Living
Whidbey Coffee
Woodcraft Wood Floors
Dr. Rob Zwick
Festival of Trees Gala returns and merriment also expands to Arlington
For more than three decades, the Skagit Regional Health Foundation’s Festival of Trees has delighted thousands of people with the presentation of spectacularly decorated full-sized Christmas trees, mini trees and wreaths. Proceeds generated from the auction and sale of these items have helped to build a Cancer Center, Mental Health Center, Cardiac Rehab Center, Women’s Imaging Center and this year will help support the upgrade of two Cardiac Catheterization labs in our Heart and Vascular Institute. (Read article on page 27 for more information about our Capital Campaign).
For the first time, the Foundation’s Board of Trustees is excited to present some of the holiday evergreen creations to downtown Arlington and our Cascade Valley patient community.
In addition to its Thanksgiving Weekend event in Skagit County, this year’s 34th annual Festival of Trees, presented by Peoples Bank, will showcase about a dozen 2-foot mini trees for an online auction opportunity in several of Arlington’s Downtown storefronts. Scan QR code below for a list of Festival Weekend events.
“We are grateful for our partnership with the Downtown Arlington Business Association in making this extension of Festival events happen,” said Festival of Trees Co-Chair Laura Fisher.
During the entire month of November, guests strolling down Olympic Avenue will have the opportunity to view and bid on these beautifully designed mini trees with themes ranging from classic Christmas to collegiate sports teams to children’s holiday favorites.
For more information about the Festival of Trees and the Downtown Arlington Mini Tree Stroll, please scan the QR code or visit SkagitFestivalofTrees.org.
The Skagit Regional Health Foundation recently hosted a ribboncutting event to celebrate its half million-dollar campaign to purchase equipment upgrades to the Family Birth Centers at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon and Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington.
The campaign celebration included the unveiling of the “Garden of Generosity” donor recognition wall at the Skagit Valley Hospital Family Birth Center entrance. The wall incorporates nine original canvases painted by artist Ben Mann of Mount Vernon.
The Foundation’s 2021 Family Birth Centers campaign, led by board trustee Evelyn Morse, raised funds to upgrade the security monitoring system and purchase new fetal heart monitors, neonatal monitors, bedside bassinets and recliners for overnight family guests.
The colorful donor wall features depictions of local blooms – irises, tulips and daffodils – as well as butterflies. Each designate a specific level of giving.
“The whimsy of Ben Mann’s artwork creates the perfect welcoming image to the families visiting the birth center,” said Linda Frizzell, Foundation Executive Director. “I know our donors will also enjoy this unique recognition wall.”
Cascade Valley Hospital’s Family Birth Center will now be the Nysether Family Foundation Family Birth Center. The family foundation bestowed a gift of $50,000 toward new equipment for Skagit Regional Health’s north Snohomish County hospital.
In 2021, nearly 1,000 babies were born in Skagit Regional Health’s two Family Birth Centers.
“The birth centers are always growing,” said Tami Schnell, Regional Director of Women’s and Children’s Services. “Family Birth Center staff and families are grateful for the amazing support of campaign donors. Their gracious giving helped support much-needed equipment for this essential and expanding patient care area.”
If so, free Medicare support from a licensed insurance agent is available for all Skagit Regional Health patients with no obligation to buy.
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7, 2022. This is the time of year to determine your Medicare coverage for 2023.
For Medicare patients who need help comparing and choosing the Medicare plan that best matches their personal needs, Skagit Regional Health offers MedicareOnDemand, serviced by MedicareCompareUSA.* MedicareOnDemand provides Medicare information and resources at your fingertips. Visit skagitregionalhealth. org/medicare for more information.
MedicareCompareUSA licensed insurance agents provide patients with plan comparisons for Medicare plans that are accepted at Skagit Regional Health, including Medicare Supplement (Medigap), Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug plans.
MedicareCompareUSA agents are available to help by phone and personal appointment. This is the easy and safe way to compare and choose a Medicare plan that is accepted by your Skagit Regional Health providers.
Call toll-free 866-389-0445, TTY 711, Monday through Friday 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. for more information or to schedule a no-obligation Medicare insurance consultation.
*MedicareCompareUSA is an independent insurance agency not affiliated with the federal Medicare program. All services are provided at no cost and without obligation; MedicareCompareUSA and affiliated agents are paid directly by the Medicare plan when enrollment occurs. Healthcare providers receive no financial benefit when patients use the service. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
MedicareOnDemand is a platform of patient resources brought to you by MedicareCompareUSA to simplify and clarify the process of finding your Medicare solution. This new online resource includes a Medicare insurance helpline, online Medicare plan quote tool, Medicare education and more! Visit MedicareOnDemand.com/Skagit or scan the QR code to learn more.
Skagit Regional Health is aware that the cost of receiving healthcare is having a significant impact on the health and financial well-being of our patients. We know that an unexpected illness can be a big burden on you and your family. Our Patient Financial Services department is here to help you during your time of need.
Our team understands that this can be a complex process for our patients. The important thing to remember is nobody should delay needed medical services because of their ability to pay. If you’re experiencing any kind of financial hardship, please contact us. We will always work with you.
If you need help paying your bill, whether or not you have insurance, Skagit Regional Health offers a Financial Assistance Program and payment plan options to assist qualified patients. Please contact Patient Financial Services Customer Service for help with:
• Questions about your bill
• Financial assistance
• Medicaid Apple Health
• Setting up a payment plan
• Deferring your current payment plan
For those individuals seeking financial assistance or who need to delay payments due to lost wages or other financial hardship, please call the Patient Financial Services Customer Service Department at 360-814-7575. We have many options available to you. Our team is ready to help!
Online resources are also available to you:
• Skagit Regional Health: www.skagitregionalhealth.org/ for-patients/finance-and-billing-information
• Washington State Hospital Association: Charges for common procedures: www.wahospitalpricing.org
Compare hospital quality scores: www.wahospitalquality.org
• Washington Health Plan Finder: www.wahealthplanfinder.org or call 1-855-923-4633.
• MyChart: mychart.skagitregionalhealth.org
According to the American Cancer Society, “Screening increases the chances of detecting certain cancers early, when they are most likely to be treated successfully.” Several reliable, cost-effective screening tests are approved and available to help us detect breast, prostate, colon, lung and cervical cancers. Start the conversation with your healthcare provider today to determine what screening tests are right for you.
Direct Access – An easy way to sign up for a screening colonoscopy
Skagit Regional Health’s Endoscopy and Gastroenterology departments offer a Direct Access program in Mount Vernon and Arlington allowing healthy adults to schedule a screening colonoscopy with the ease of a phone call. The colonoscopy appointment is typically scheduled to occur within two weeks or at the patient’s convenience. Colonoscopy is one of the most powerful means of prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer.
Call to schedule a colonoscopy through Skagit Regional Health’s Direct Access program: 360-814-5739 - Mount Vernon 360-618-7975 - Arlington
Vernon and Arlington
Mammography is a specific type of breast imaging that uses lowdose X-rays to detect breast cancer early – before women experience symptoms – when it is most treatable. Mammography plays an integral part in the early detection of breast cancer because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before you or your healthcare provider can feel a noticeable lump.
Mammography appointments are available at: Skagit Imaging Pavilion 1320 East Division Street Mount Vernon, WA 98274
A service provided cooperatively by Skagit Regional Health and Skagit Radiology. Cascade Valley Hospital 330 S. Stillaguamish Avenue Arlington, WA 98223
Call 360-814-8208 to schedule your mammography appointment.
Cancer patients and survivors, please call 360-814-8255 to find resources near you.
Talk with your healthcare provider about the other screenings available at Skagit Regional Health:
• Prostate Cancer Screening
• Lung Cancer Screening
• Cervical Cancer Screening
To learn more, go to skagitregionalhealth.org and search ‘screenings’
Use our online Find-a-Doc tool at skagitregionalhealth.org or call our free Find-a-Doctor phone line at 360-848-5555.
The local blood supply has hit emergency levels. To schedule an appointment at one of our local Pop-Up donation sites, visit bloodworksnw.org or call 800-398-7888.
Do you need help understanding Medicare and how Medicare supplement plans work? Please call the Medicare Insurance Helpline at 1-866-389-0445 for free, unbiased Medicare guidance provided by licensed, highly-trained insurance agents or visit skagitregionalhealth. org/medicare for assistance in comparing and enrolling in Medicare plans accepted by Skagit Regional Health.
(See page 30 for more information)
Skagit Regional Health offers a multidisciplinary, comprehensive, individual education program for adults with diabetes, either newly diagnosed or for those patients who want additional guidance to help reduce the risks of long-term complications. Other services provided: Continuous glucose monitors, insulin pump starts, insulin pump management and insulin management. A referral is required, please talk with your healthcare provider. The program is covered by most insurance companies. Please check with your insurance provider to confirm. In person, virtual and telephone appointments are available. For other questions or more information about the program in Mount Vernon and Arlington, contact our Diabetic Education Program Scheduler at 360-814-8329 or visit skagitregionalhealth.org and search for Diabetes Education.
Diabetes during pregnancy, or gestational diabetes, can result in serious complications to your baby. Skagit Regional Health offers a referral-based education program to improve gestational diabetes selfmanagement skills and provide tools for moms-to-be to feel confident that they are doing all they can to have a healthy baby. Our highly-trained and dedicated Diabetes Education team provides participants with the skills to manage their blood sugar through healthy eating, stress management, increased activity and blood glucose monitoring. The program at Skagit Valley Hospital offers individual nutrition therapy appointments. For more information, please contact our Diabetes Education Program at 360814-8329.
Nutrition plays an important role in helping you feel better and helping prevent a decline in kidney function. This class will increase your knowledge about better eating habits with chronic kidney disease and your awareness of nutrients in your diet such as proteins, potassium, sodium, phosphorus and fluids that all play a part in how your kidneys function. In addition to the class, one-on-one education with a Registered Dietitian is also available. For more information, please call 360-814-8329
Have you had a recent heart attack, bypass surgery, angioplasty or stent placement, heart valve surgery or congestive heart failure? We have a program to help you return to your active lifestyle and learn how to reduce your risk factors. A team of clinical exercise physiologists supervise the classes to provide a safe, friendly atmosphere to ask questions and learn how to pace yourself as you recover. This is a physician-referred program. Medicare and most insurances cover cardiac rehab. This program typically lasts for 8 to 12 weeks. For more information, call 360-814-8368
This intensive program can help patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other chronic lung diseases to reduce respiratory symptoms, improve functional independence and complications and reduce hospitalizations. The program is provided by a multi-disciplinary team, plus individualized education, to help patients understand and learn how to manage and cope with daily activities. Participants learn self-management and relaxation techniques to improve emotional well-being, skills to help regain control of their breathing and pursue activities to the fullest extent of their abilities. The classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays for approximately 12 to 16 weeks. For more information, call 360-814-8368
Skagit Regional Health Occupational Therapist Jenna Williams, OTR/L and Physical Therapists Dana Sturtz, DPT; Sarah Gerspacher, DPT and Kaitlyn Ambrose, PTA have completed the required comprehensive hands-on training and testing through LSVT Global to become certified LSVT BIG® clinicians. LSVT BIG® is a researchbased exercise program focused on amplitude (bigger movement) training for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s often results in the slowing of movements, and decreased size of movements leaving the individual struggling with daily tasks and walking. The LSVT BIG® program focuses on teaching patients the amount of effort needed to produce normal movements through intensive and high-effort practice. The protocol consists of 16 one-hour sessions, four days a week for four weeks. This program is appropriate for all stages of Parkinson’s disease and is offered at Skagit Valley Hospital. A provider referral is required. Please discuss program options with your healthcare provider. For more information, visit LSVTGlobal.com or call 360-814-2184.
At Skagit Regional Health, our goal is to equip each parent with the knowledge and skills necessary to be the best they can be. We encourage new parents and their partners or support persons to utilize the educational resources below or visit skagitregionalhealth.org and search Family Birth Center.
Visit skagitregionalhealth.org and click on classes and events to enroll in an evidence-based, video-rich and engaging childbirth e-class. You will have access to videos, animations, optional read-along audio, quizzes, interactive exercises, essential pregnancy, birth and new-parent tools including a PDF library, glossary and web links. On average, it takes parents 4-6 hours to complete and you can start and stop this e-class at any time. After you register and pay, a member from the Family Birth Center will send you a link to begin. The link is good for nine months. Please call 360-814-2283 if you have questions.
Skagit Regional Health has two Family Birth Center locations. Scan the QR code with your phone’s camera or visit skagitregionalhealth. org/fbcstay for a video tour of our birth centers in Arlington and Mount Vernon.
Skagit Regional Health offers newborn weight checks and breastfeeding consultations with our lactation specialists during your hospital stay and after you return home. For more information, call 360-814-2283 in Mount Vernon or 360-618-7754 in Arlington.
If you have any questions about caring for your baby, call 360-814BABY (2229) in Mount Vernon or 360435-2133 in Arlington to speak with a Registered Nurse who can answer questions about newborn care or any postpartum concerns.
South Snohomish EMS and Fire is offering a free, online car seat safety class to learn how to properly use your car seat. Registration is required by visiting southsnofire.org and click on Community Programs.
The Nurse-Family Partnership serves first-time moms who are eligible for Apple Health or WIC. Moms are paired with nurses who meet with them from early pregnancy until their child turns two, providing personalized information and support for a healthier pregnancy and more confident parenting experience. This program is provided by Skagit County Public Health at no cost to families. For more information, please call 360-416-1523 or visit nursefamilyparternership.org.
United Way of Skagit County’s Welcome Baby program has resumed visits to families at Skagit Valley Hospital. The voluntary visits by trained Welcome Baby staff members offer information on safe sleep and early literacy, as well as resources as a central point of contact to rely on when parents have questions, concerns or just need a listening ear related to their child’s development or parenting. For more information, call our warmline at 360-9222644 or email welcomebaby@ unitedwayskagit.org.
The WIC program provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and linkage to health and social services. WIC services women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or post-partum and infants and children up to age five. Clinics are available at multiple locations across Skagit and Snohomish counties:
Anacortes: 360-416-7595
Arlington: 360-435-3735
Camano Island: 360-387-0184
Concrete: 360-854-0435
Granite Falls: 360-435-3735
Marysville: 360-657-4102
Mount Vernon: 360-416-7595
Sedro-Woolley: 360-854-0435
Swinomish Indian Health Clinic: 360-466-3167
The number one cause of preventable death after an injury is bleeding. Save lives by learning how to provide vital initial responses to stop uncontrollable bleeding in emergency situations. With three quick actions, you can be trained to save a life. If you would like to know more about hosting a class, please contact Paul Ross, Trauma Program Manager at Skagit Regional Health: PRoss@skagitregionalhealth.org.
THE BLEED® online course is also available at stopthebleed.org
American Red Cross CPR classes are designed for the way you live and learn. With options available on weekdays and weekends, plus online, instructor-led and blended learning course formats, you can get the CPR training you need on your schedule. Please visit redcross.org.
It is more important than ever to talk openly and candidly about mental health. If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.
Crisis line 24-hour hotline: 800-584-3578 (Island, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties)
If you or someone you are worried about is experiencing thoughts of suicide, a mental health crisis, substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, please call or text 988 to be connected with a trained crisis counselor. It is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. Services will be available in Spanish, along with interpretation services in over 250 languages.
For You, For a Friend
For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, and TTY users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
Talking to someone can help you, or your friend, sort out feelings during di cult times. Click the button and find a number to call, it will help. more
If you or someone you know is struggling, there are resources for help – help with alcohol or drugs, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, feeling depressed or anxious, or having trouble affording basic needs. To find these resources, or if you could use someone to talk to who is caring, compassionate and confidential, visit skagithelps.org.
Veteran Suicide Hotline: 800-273-8255 press 1, text 838255, or chat online
LGBTQ+ Suicide Hotline (Trevor Project): 866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
This in-person group meets at 7 p.m. on the 4th Tuesday of every month to support family members and/or the person with the mental health disorder. Call Dean at 360-421-2300 or Marti at 360-770-5666 for more information.
Today, tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year, the help you want, the resources you need.
a number to call, it will help.
If you and/or your family’s basic need are not being met, help is available. Click the button and find out how close by help is for you.
Has your use of alcohol or drugs increased? Use can sneak up on you, it’s not uncommon during di cult times. Click for help without judgement.
Are you feeling sad or hopeless? Maybe worried or uneasy? It’s not unusual. Click the button to find helpful information for now, and the future.
If you or a friend are considering suicide or self-harm, there is help, resources, a phone to call, or a number to text. Please, seek help and click.
moremoremoremore
If you cannot access this website, please call 360-416-1509. Skagithelps.org is also available in Español.
find out how close by help is for you.
di cult times.
for help without
information
now, and the
number to text. Please, seek help
View the full list of groups and classes for people experiencing grief and loss at HospiceNW.org/Groups or scan the QR code with the camera on your phone.
Open Grief Groups are for anyone in the community who has experienced loss. Participants do not need to have an association with hospice care to participate.
TUESDAY WEEKLY GROUP
2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
FRIDAY WEEKLY GROUP 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Host: Hospice of the Northwest Location: Online via Zoom
To Register: Call 360-814-5570 or visit HospiceNW.org/Groups
Finding Solace is a grief group focused on providing concrete help and valuable suggestions for people new to grief. Five-week sessions are held on a rolling basis throughout the year and are led by our skilled grief counselors.
Host: Hospice of the Northwest Location: Online via Zoom
To Register: Call 360-814-5589 or visit HospiceNW.org/Groups
In Hope for the Holidays, group participants learn new strategies to help make the holiday season more manageable while grieving.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15
2-5 p.m.
Host: Hospice of the Northwest
Location: Online via Zoom
To Register: Call 360-814-5589 or visit HospiceNW.org/Groups
Stilly Valley Health Connections hosts a cooking and nutrition presentation on the third Thursday of every month. Presentations are taught by a Registered Dietitian with Sound Dietitians, LLC and sponsored by Skagit Regional Health. These classes can be attended either in person at Stilly Valley Health Connections in Arlington, or online via Zoom. Call 360-386-9918 or visit stillyvalleyhealth.org to register.
Planning a Diabetic-Friendly Thanksgiving Meal - NOV 17
Kids in the Kitchen: Hands-On Holiday Cooking Demonstration - DEC 15
The next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 29. During the last event in April 2022, more than 700,000 pounds of unneeded or expired prescription medications were collected at more than 5,100 collection sites across the country by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and partners to prevent addiction and reduce overdose deaths, according to the DEA.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in the United States, more than 107,000 people died as the result of a drug overdose in 2021. This figure means that someone in the United States is dying of a drug overdose every five minutes, according to the CDC. Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon installed a drop box in the main lobby in 2019 to provide residents with a convenient place to properly and safely dispose of unneeded medications, free of charge. In a partnership with Med-Project, the kiosk provides a location to dispose of unwanted or expired medication, including controlled substances. The kiosk is
in full view of the main desk, is visible on lobby security cameras and is bolted to the floor.
Many pharmacies, law enforcement agencies and other public facilities also participate. The State of Washington hosts a Safe Medication Return Program, providing free, convenient options to dispose of unwanted medications, including prescription, over-the-counter and household pet medications. Go to Safe Medication Return | Washington State Department of Health (doh.wa.gov)
Go to www.med-project.org/ locations/washington to find a location or to request a pre-paid, preaddressed mail-back package sent directly to your home.
If you are unable to get to a disposal location and want to know where and how to dispose of unused medicines, visit the U.S. Food & Drug Administration website at https://www.fda. gov/consumers/ consumer-updates/ where-and-howdispose-unusedmedicines.
Whether it’s by pushing a wheelchair, escorting a visitor, delivering newspapers or mail, playing the piano or providing pet therapy, our dedicated volunteers play a vital role in creating a healing environment. Volunteers take the time to make patients and visitors feel comfortable and welcomed.
Many of our clinical and non-clinical staff began their journey in healthcare as hospital volunteers. Volunteering in a hospital setting can help students gain exposure to the hospital environment of care, standards and processes. If you’re interested in pursuing a career, there is no better way to learn about all that a hospital offers. Great volunteers can make great future employees.
If you’re interested in making social connections or networking for future goals, hospital volunteers can make friends that last a lifetime.
• All volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 100 hours of service.
• Most volunteers are asked to commit to one regularly scheduled volunteer shift each week.
• Volunteers are asked to get a flu shot and to complete training updates annually.
There is an urgent need for volunteers to help our patients navigate our ever-growing campuses by escorting them to their destinations. We are always accepting applications online at skagitregionalhealth.org/aboutus. For more information about any of our volunteer programs or services, including programs at Skagit Valley Hospital and Cascade Valley Hospital, please call 360-814-2142 or email volunteer@skagitregionalhealth.org.
Join us on social media to stay upto-date with events and programs going on throughout Skagit Regional Health and the communities we serve. Get to know your healthcare team, participate in health awareness days and organizational events and read helpful articles on health and wellness. Follow Skagit Regional Health on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube today!
Unique and meaningful volunteer opportunities are available through Hospice of the Northwest, serving patients and families in Skagit, Island, San Juan and Snohomish counties. A variety of volunteer roles are available to suit your interests and passions. Whether it’s offering companionship to hospice patients, providing respite support to their loved ones or assisting with administrative tasks, volunteers are an integral part of the Hospice of the Northwest team. Training is provided several times a year. For more information or to apply, visit HospiceNW.org/Volunteer.
skagitregionalhealth.org/podcast
See page 8-11 to read a few articles written from recent podcast episodes
Skagit Regional Health recently launched a podcast called Be Well with Skagit Regional Health. Each episode focuses on a unique health topic and features Skagit Regional Health’s experts. Current episodes include, “The Importance of Sleep,”
“Eating for a Healthier Heart,”
“Pediatric Dermatology” and more. New episodes are added regularly. Tune in to these educational podcasts by visiting skagitregionalhealth.org/ podcast or subscribe through your favorite podcast platform.
Longtime hospital employee turned volunteer Arne Eriksen delivers mail to departments throughout Skagit Valley Hospital.
As a Public Hospital District, Skagit Regional Health serves as a safety net for healthcare services. Our communities rely on the caregivers in our two hospitals and nearly 30 clinics to provide expert care, 24/7.
Right now, we need our community to understand the toll that the past 2.5 years has taken on our people and our organization. And, we need to ask for your help.
The COVID-19 pandemic started with major uncertainty and fears. Our healthcare team was nimble; we stayed on top of best practices; we treated people with COVID-19 and we have provided thousands of vaccinations to help prevent the illness.
As we shift to the endemic phase, we are facing profound fatigue. Our team is tired and it’s our job to support them, so they can continue to deliver first-class care to you.
This year, fueled by pent-up demand for healthcare services deferred during the early phases of the pandemic, we are facing extremely high patient volumes. Oftentimes, Skagit Regional Health’s two hospitals are operating beyond our stated capacity – for weeks and months at a time. Wait times are often long in our emergency departments and urgent care clinics. We are doing our best to provide safe and timely care and we continue to improve and save lives.
We, along with healthcare organizations across our state and nation, are facing a significant staffing shortage and must contract with temporary staff members – also known as “travelers” – to help care for our patients. We have supported our current staff with shift incentives, retention bonuses and have escalated recruitment and retention to our highest organizational priority. We must take these steps, and also acknowledge that these efforts represent an investment of millions of dollars.
About 10 percent of our hospital beds are occupied by patients who are medically stable and no longer need hospital-level care. However, due to staffing shortages
and other challenges facing long-term care facilities and nursing homes, we are unable to discharge these patients. These extended-stay patients – some who are with us for months – require the same staff, supplies and services and are occupying beds that should be for those who need hospital care.
As a Public Hospital District, we need a margin to reinvest in equipment, infrastructure and important advancements in technology to provide the most advanced care to you. We have a long history of strong financial management and are fortunate to be set up to weather this perfect storm of financial and operational challenges.
• Be aware of the issues facing healthcare: Oppressive fatigue of our people, staffing shortages, financial challenges - Skagit Regional Health is not alone in this, it’s common to every healthcare system in the state.
• Show kindness and patience: We need your understanding if there are longer than normal wait times. Our staff deserves your respect and to work in a safe environment free of violence and harassment. We are here to care for you and we will treat you with compassion and professionalism.
• Seek care in the appropriate setting: Consider primary care, urgent care or a virtual visit, reserving use of the Emergency Department only in a true emergency.
First and foremost, we are here to care for you. Making sure you are aware of our challenges and the need for short- and long-term solutions is a key to our future ability to expand and grow as we continue to provide access to the highest quality care our communities need and deserve.
In Washington, Public Hospital Districts are community-created, governmental entities authorized by state law to deliver health services - including but not limited to acute hospital care - to district residents and others in the districts’ service areas. Owned and governed by local citizens – a publicly elected Board of Commissioners - hospital districts tailor their services to meet the unique needs of their individual communities. Public Hospital District No. 1, Skagit County – Skagit Regional Health – was formed in 1955.
Seven community members and residents of Public Hospital District No. 1 serve as the elected leaders of Skagit Regional Health. They have provided support for the healthcare team during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and each express pride in the resilience and patient focus of the staff and providers in caring for the people of our communities:
Julie Blazek:
“I was proud to be affiliated with this organization pre-COVID. What I have seen from the sidelines over the past three years would be rationale for anyone to quit healthcare. The unbelievable dedication to the health and well-being of our community that our team is showing – the basic principles of making sure people have the care they need, and not giving up against all odds - is emotionally moving. My heart goes out to each and every employee, and my pride for what they are doing is beyond measure.”
Peter Browning:
“During really tough times like these I am especially proud to have people stop me on the street or in my office to tell me about their experience and how happy they are with the care they receive here at Skagit Regional Health. I could not be more proud of this organization.”
Frei Burton:
“I am truly proud to be a part of Skagit Regional Health, not just as a commissioner but as a patient and community member. Our staff’s commitment to continued focus on quality healthcare, especially during what might be the most trying two and a half years, is second to none. My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you.”
“Having been a member of the Board of Commissioners for many years I have been witness to amazing changes to the organization in that time. I am very proud of what we have become and, more importantly, who we are after the changes. The ‘who’ is made up of thousands of individuals who dedicate themselves to care for our patients every
day. We are doing great things. I look forward to being part of the future growth of the organization. My commitment is and will always be to focus on quality, safety and providing the best healthcare we can throughout our service area.”
“After serving 12 years on Skagit Regional Health’s board, I continue to learn a lot about our organization and some of my most valuable learnings are from first-hand experience as a patient. In March 2022, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. In July 2022, I successfully completed six weeks of daily radiation at our Regional Cancer Care Center. I feel great and my prognosis is favorable. So, what did I learn from this? I had a team of incredible doctors, technicians and staff members who operate with seamless professionalism. I suspect Skagit Regional Health’s success is due to many other similar teams every day saving people’s lives and improving their future outlooks. Skagit Regional Health is a truly phenomenal organization and I am sincerely proud to play a small role in its continuing success.”
“Serving on the board is certainly an honor, and is very gratifying. Healthcare is so important, local healthcare even more so. Helping build a good healthcare team for our part of the world is important. Hearing input from the community helps make the job easier.”
“I am always very proud to consider myself part of this great organization. During the very stressful times of the last two years I have always found the staff to be pleasant and helpful when I come in for treatment. This, when I know how hard they are working and busy with no end in sight. I also am very proud when I hear from constituents how pleased they were when they came in for treatment. The comments such as, ‘I could not believe how busy they are and still were very nice with great treatment’; it just just shows how great the people are in our healthcare system. We are lucky to have such dedicated people in the organization.”
