FOCUS WINTER 2015
IT BEGINS WITH ME...
Keith Haldeman
Colleague
DEAR FRIENDS,
Todd Buch
In this issue of FOCUS you will read about the construction progress on two of our funding priorities. The expansion of the Neonatal Intensive Care /Labor Delivery Units and the renovation of the third floor Rehab Unit are well under way. These two projects represent different ends of the patient spectrum for St. Mary and two patient populations who need our help.
We pay tribute to our physicians as we celebrate Doctors’ Day on March 30 and to the men and women who have been recognized as Guardian Angels by their patients. You will read about a donor who supports St. Mary through a Charitable Gift Annuity and a Nurse Practitioner who has turned a hobby into a way to give back to St. Mary. You will also read about how local groups incorporate the mission of St. Mary into their charitable giving, and you will meet some of our colleagues who give generously through the Colleague Giving Campaign. In addition, the issue contains many other interesting articles about what is happening at your local hospital. As I write this I heard the sad news that Sister Clare Carty passed away on Saturday February 14th. She was a visionary and a leader of St. Mary Medical Center for 17 years. Your support keeps her legacy alive and the legacy of the Sisters of St. Francis. What was started as a dream for a city of healing and hope over 41 years ago continues to grow, thrive and serve the community. Todd Buch Foundation Board Chair
Artist rendering: new glass enclosed Beehive Gift Shop
HAMMER AND NAILS UPDATE
Improved patient and visitor experience coming soon
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ith the snow and freezing cold temperatures, there is no doubt that it is winter in Bucks County‌but plans to improve patient and visitor experiences at St. Mary are just warming up!
One of our projects is the transformation of the former third floor inpatient rehabilitation area to a new 26 private room unit. This new patient area will be designated elder-friendly and feature finishes and
continued on page 6
FOCUS WINTER 2015
A quarterly publication for donors and friends of St. Mary Medical Center
To receive an electronic version by email, register at: StMaryFoundation.org/focus FOUNDATION STAFF
John Marcy,Vice President, Foundation 215.710.5091 • jmarcy@stmaryhealthcare.org
Mark Erhard, Director of Planned Giving 215.710.2719 • merhard@stmaryhealthcare.org
Mary Jo Howell, Database Coordinator 215.710.2613 • mhowell@stmaryhealthcare.org
Lisa Juris, Event & Communications Coordinator 215.710.2644 • ljuris@stmaryhealthcare.org Joann Kunigonis, Administrative Assistant 215.710.6117 • jkunigonis@stmaryhealthcare.org
Kathryn O'Connor, Manager of Annual Giving FOCUS Editor 215.710.5894 • koconnor@stmaryhealthcare.org
Karen O’Donnell, Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations 215.710.5791 • kodonnell@stmaryhealthcare.org
Heather Procaccino, Director of Development and Major Gifts 215.710.2243 • hprocaccino@stmaryhealthcare.org
Mary Romspert, Manager of Foundation Operations 215.710.2440 • mromspert@stmaryhealthcare.org
Margie Zimmerman, Foundation Board Affairs Coordinator 215.710.2054 • mzimmerman@stmaryhealthcare.org
One Summit Square 1717 Langhorne-Newtown Road Suite 300 Langhorne, PA 19047
Please call the Foundation at 215.710.2591 if you wish to be removed from this mailing list. 2
A SUCCESSFUL
RECOGNITION DINNER 2014
TEAM EFFORT
Saying thank you to our first string donors
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elivering the highest quality, compassionate medical care across all St. Mary service lines takes the skill and dedication of many individuals working together. It is with this in mind that we presented the annual President’s Society — Legacy Society recognition dinner with a “Team St. Mary” fall tailgate theme.
The dining room at the Trenton Country Club was transformed into a beautiful autumn landscape of hay bales, pumpkins, leaves and flowers in shades of orange, red, and yellow. Pennants and pompoms, footballs and picnic baskets completed the tailgate picture and accented the stage for the evening’s speakers: Richard Brochu, Administrator, Spiritual Care, Todd Buch, Foundation Chair, and Greg Wozniak, St. Mary President & CEO.
This year, a short video, introduced by Mr. Buch, highlighted several recent St. Mary patients as they shared their experiences with local news outlets.
Not only did this video illustrate how medical professionals at St. Mary work together to achieve best outcomes for our patients, but also how our donors, through their generosity, are a crucial part of the team.
Video: www.StMaryFoundation.org/leadingtheway Event Photos: www.StMaryFoundation.org/team After the program, The Patriot Brass Ensemble paraded into the dining room playing a musical medley for the surprised assembled guests. The goal of this annual event is to recognize and thank those donors who give $5,000 or more per year, have named St. Mary in their estate plans, and lifetime donors who loyally support the mission and vision of the medical center. For more information on how you can support St. Mary, please contact Heather Procaccino at 215.710.2243.
IN MEMORIAM….
SISTER CLARE CARTY
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ister Clare Carty, O.S.F, former President and C.E.O. of St. Mary Medical Center passed away on Saturday February 14, 2015. She was 78 years old.
Sister Clare was born in Philadelphia and entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia in 1955 and began her career as an elementary school teacher in Baltimore, Washington, and Charleston. In 1980, she joined St. Mary as an Assistant Administrator and was named President and CEO in 1982. Under her steadfast Sister Clare Carty, O.S.F. commitment to serve the Bucks County community, she guided St. Mary and built the foundation which exists today in serving people with mind, body and spirit care. Sister Clare left St. Mary in 1999 and served in the development of Home Health Services for Catholic Health East Mid-Atlantic hospitals. She retired from Health Care Administration in 2000 and devoted her leadership to the development of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia Foundation.
...she guided St. Mary and built the foundation which exists today...
Through her leadership, care for those who are poor and underserved was always a priority. She established the Mother Bachmann Maternity Center, Children’s Health Center, Family Resource Center and apartments for the homeless, as well as, the Bucks County Health Improvement Project. Today, these ministries provide care to over 6000 people annually.
In addition, Sister Clare was committed to ensuring that Bucks County community members had access to the highest quality of care and service located in their community. Her persistence and leadership led to the development of one of the first community hospital open heart surgery programs in the Philadelphia metropolitan area and the establishment of the only Trauma Center in Bucks County.
Most importantly, Sister Clare was always interested in serving St. Mary colleagues, physicians, volunteers, patients and their families, and the community. She knew people by their name and inquired about their family members. She was always involved in community and hospital events — including talent shows and golf. In her retirement years, Sister Clare was always fully up-to-date on the St. Mary ministry. She was very proud of the colleagues, physicians, volunteers and community members who actively guide and serve the St. Mary Ministry. She truly was the “spirit” of St. Mary Medical Center, and although she is no longer with us in person, her presence and guidance will always be with us and the Ministry.
L-R: Middletown Supervisor, Pat Mallon; State Representative Frank Farry; Frank Guarrieri, Esq., St. Mary Medical Center Board of Directors; State Representative Scott Petri; Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley; Kerry Judge, State Senator Robert M. “Tommy”Tomlinson’s Office; State Representative Tina Davis; State Representative Gene DiGirolamo and Rosemary Wuenschel from State Representative Steve Santarsiero’s Office.
LEADING THE WAY IN
PATIENT RECOVERY St. Mary Receives $3M State Grant to Support Rehab Hospital
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t. Mary Medical Center was recently awarded a $3 million grant through the Commonwealth’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) to support the free standing Rehabilitation Hospital that was completed in May 2014.
The 55,000 square-foot, 50-bed, acute-care inpatient hospital, which is located across the street from the St. Mary campus, is dedicated to the treatment and recovery of individuals who have experienced illness or injury such as stroke, brain injury, trauma, spinal cord or orthopedic injury, neurological conditions, amputation, or other diagnoses requiring skilled rehabilitation. It is the only one of its kind in Bucks County.
Prior to the completion of his term, Lt. Governor Jim Cawley presented St. Mary with a ceremonial check to make the announcement.
State government officials from Bucks County provided bipartisan support for the RACP grant to St. Mary, the only organization in Bucks County to receive a RACP grant in 2014.
“We greatly appreciate the efforts of Lieutenant Governor Cawley and all the Bucks County legislators for their support in securing this grant that helps us meet an increasing health care need for specialized rehabilitation care in our community. This is the first and only hospital in the county to be able to provide that level of intense rehabilitation and recovery,” says John Marcy,Vice President of the St. Mary Medical Center Foundation.
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PORTRAITS IN
PHILANTHROPY
THE ART OF
GIFTS GOOD INTENTIONS OF TIME A Keith Haldeman
An artist’s passion for making a difference
Colleagues make an impact by donating one or two hours from their paycheck
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or six weeks out of each year, St. Mary colleagues are encouraged to make a financial contribution to the annual Colleague Giving Campaign. During this time, donations can be designated to any of the St. Mary service lines or applied to support the area of greatest need. The majority of participating colleagues opt to have their gift amount deducted automatically from their paycheck. Among the approximately 650 colleagues who support the campaign, there is a small group who calculate their donation by the hour.
When making a pledge, colleagues can opt to join the Giving Hours Society by pledging one or two hours of their pay, for twenty-six bi-weekly paychecks, to the campaign. Fortyseven colleagues contributed a total of fortynine hours to the 2015 campaign. In recognition and appreciation for their generosity, members were invited to a luncheon on January 29th at the hospital. Collective pledges of Giving Hours Society members totaled just over $65,700, or forty-five percent of all funds raised through the 2015 campaign. 4
rt and science have always been considered two sides of the same coin. Keith Haldeman is an example of using both aptitudes for professional and personal enrichment. His profession is in science but his passion is in the arts, and he has managed to combine the two in a way that benefits SMMC. As a Physician’s Assistant in the Operating Room for the past 32 years, Keith uses his critical thinking skills to assist numerous surgeons in cardiac, orthopedic, general and Robotic procedures. At home in his studio he uses his creative skills to create beautiful glass bowls, ornaments, and vases.
In college Keith wanted to pursue his interest in fine arts but was unable to take the classes he wanted without declaring that as a major. So he double majored in biology and fine arts at Rutgers, where he received his Bachelor of Science. Keith realized supporting himself would be challenging in the art field so after graduation he followed his other interest, medicine and went to school to get his Physician Assistant degree.
In 1983 Keith became the first Physician Assistant at St. Mary Medical Center, but his passion for art never wavered. He experimented with pottery but wanted more, so he decided 10 years ago to enroll in the Bucks County Community College Fine Arts program. There, he learned the technique of glass blowing and fell in love with the art form. For the past decade Keith has used the school’s facilities to mold and manipulate molten glass to create works of art and function. He works with other students and acts as a mentor.
“What I enjoy about the program is the students come from all different backgrounds and professions. We all are artists at heart and at the college we are able to express our creative side in a supportive environment.” Keith and the other adult students act as mentors to the younger students who will matriculate to a four year art school. Some come back to lecture & demo their expertise to new students each semester. Soon friends started to ask Keith for the bowls, vases and ornaments he made so he began to sell his creations in the Bucks County Coffee House during the month of December as the Artist in Residence. Then he got a great idea – start selling to colleagues at St. Mary and donated the proceeds back to the hospital. It was a win-win for Keith. He gets to support St. Mary and he enjoys sharing his art. Plus he is able to engage the doctors, nurses and support staff in a good old fashioned bidding war for his wares. This is the 7th year Keith has auctioned off his items. It has turned into a two day event full of chaotic fun, as colleagues jockey for position to secure the item of their choice. Most important to Keith is the result of the sale — supporting the Community Ministries in Bensalem. “I feel so blessed and I wanted to help families in our area who are not so lucky. The proceeds from this sale go towards a family’s pursuit of self sufficiency. I also wanted to enlist the help of my colleagues in supporting a family in our community.” So keep a look out for Keith’s next sale in December, it promises to be bigger and better each year with new creative twists.
WORLD TRAVELER BUCKS
FOR THIS
COUNTY AND ST. MARY ARE ALWAYS HOME
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n 1957 Erich Weiss left his home in Germany and moved to the United States. Having worked from a very early age — starting at just thirteen and a half — with sheet metals that made up milk processing equipment in Germany, he settled easily into working with metals for HVAC use at his uncle’s company. In his free time, Erich indulged his love of cooking through preparing meals for dinners and special events at his church. In 1980, he turned this hobby into a full-time career by opening his own catering company. You can still find him on occasion cooking for hundreds of guests at church functions, though he officially retired in 2000.
Erich and his wife, Joanne, settled in Holland, PA in 1969 and here they raised their son, Eric. The family traveled often to see family in Germany as well as other countries and cities around the globe. Though they enjoyed it immensely, they always returned home to Bucks County. Joanne worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse. During the early nineties, she decided to pursue her RN degree through Bucks County Community College, a choice that ultimately led them to St. Mary Medical Center. After a taking a position with a city hospital, Joanne wished to work closer to home. In 2004 she accepted a nursing position with St. Mary’s fourth floor telemetry unit. Throughout her years of employment, she and Erich happily supported the various fundraisers and campaigns. St. Mary was their hospital.
Joanne was diagnosed with cancer in 2007. Between chemotherapy appointments and traveling the world, Erich and Joanne did what they could to support St. Mary. They enjoyed attending hospital tours and events with guest speakers. During a luncheon one afternoon, Mark Erhard, Director of Planned Giving, spoke about the benefits of Charitable Gift Annuities. This struck Erich as an
Erich Weiss
opportunity to make an investment that would benefit his family as well as make a difference at St. Mary. Afterward, he reached out to Mark to explore planned giving options and receive information customized to their situation. Making any gift would depend largely on Joanne’s health.
Though it was expected she would live only six months beyond diagnosis, Joanne fought hard for three years thanks to her positive outlook, the love of her family and her St. Mary caregivers. In early February 2011, Erich took Joanne on what would be their final cruise together. She passed away, peacefully, at St. Mary shortly after their return home. In honor of the exceptional care she received during this final stay, Erich made a donation in the name of Joanne’s ICU nurse through the Guardian Angel program. In October that same year, Erich found himself on the receiving end of compassionate, skilled medical care at St. Mary when he required quadruple bypass surgery. Erich made a full recovery from his surgery and remains involved with the Foundation, becoming a member of the 1973 Society and later, after the sale of their home in Germany, a member of the Legacy Society with a charitable gift annuity. He is happy to be able to support the hospital where his wife had loved to work and where they had both received such great care when they were most in need.
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ANGELS GUARDIAN
Artist rendering: new greeter stations at main lobby
HAMMER AND NAILS UPDATE continued...
a layout to accommodate the sensitive sensory needs of an older patient. Little touches such as large digital clocks, daylight lighting, softer tile floors, hand rails and carpeted hallways will create a safe and inviting space. This attention to detail may sound cosmetic but in a hospital setting these changes can impact the healing process for patients. Led by geriatric certified registered nurses, the staff will create an environment that promotes the best possible quality outcomes and experiences for patients. Families will have access to a large reception area and an overnight room with private showering facilities. The unit will be built to convert to a medical ICU, if needed, to give St. Mary flexibility in managing patient needs. It’s all part of being good stewards of resources and planning ahead for future growth. This unit is scheduled to open in April/May 2015.
Another project will benefit our youngest, most vulnerable patients by expanding and renovating the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Construction is complete on the temporary NICU in the Mother Baby area to allow construction to begin. The new design is baby and family friendly with six individual patient pods for parents to have private quiet time with their newborns. The area will include an overnight room for parents and a large reception room for visiting family members. This phase of the construction also includes the building of one new Labor and Delivery Suite. When finished in April/May 2015, the next phase of the Labor and Delivery renovation will begin.
The Beehive Gift Shop and front lobby are our most visible projects. By the end of the summer the Gift Shop will have a new glass front, display cases, flooring and lighting. The lobby will have a new entrance and greeters’ desks, lighting, flooring, and an expanded seating area to accommodate family members and guests complete with a fireplace and view of the Healing Garden.
For further information on these projects, please contact Heather Procaccino at 215.710.2243 or hprocaccino@stmaryhealthcare.org 6
DONORS
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L-R: Patient Ann Marie Janusz with Jennifer Kennedy
GIVE WINGS TO THEIR
GUARDIAN ANGELS
he Guardian Angel program provides patients and their families the opportunity to recognize a physician or colleague whose compassion and dedication makes a positive impact at St. Mary. By making a contribution of any size, supporters can honor their Guardian Angel caregivers while helping to advance the mission and vision of St. Mary.
Each named colleague or physician is presented with a personalized certificate and a pin which identifies them as a Guardian Angel. Being recognized for a job well done by the patients they care for is a deeply meaningful honor. To show how much their hard work is appreciated, the St. Mary Foundation hosts a reception for all those honored throughout the year. On February 4th, approximately eighty — of the over 250 — 2014 Guardian Angels gathered in the Outpatient Care Facility to enjoy a lunch catered by the in-house dietary department. This annual event is just a small gesture to thank our ‘angels’ for the exceptional care they provide that truly makes a difference in the lives of our patients every day. Congratulations to the first Guardian Angel colleague of 2015! Jennifer Kennedy, PT, DPT, of St. Mary Physical Therapy at Cornerstone was honored for her hard work, patience, and dedication by Ann Marie Janusz. Thank you for all you do for our patients! If you would like to recognize a Guardian Angel colleague at St. Mary, please fill out the enclosed envelope or contact Kat O’Connor at 215.710.5894, email koconnor@stmaryhealthcare.org
L-R: Vicky Thompson,Treasurer; Patty Rooney-Wells ; Kelly Pagliei, St. Mary Medical Center Parenting Resource Center; Michele Puchino,Vice President; Gail Yamin; Sherry Servis, President. Not Pictured: Kim Pratt, Photographer; Deborah DeRosa, Event Coordinator.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
BACKPACKS FOR KIDS PROGRAM
White Dove Charities raise $10,000 for at-risk children
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By Christine Cardellino
he St. Mary Parenting Center received a $10,000 donation from White Dove Charities as a result of a special fundraiser held in October 2014. White Dove Charities is a community based non-profit organization dedicated to offering additional assistance to organizations in need of financial support.
The donation is earmarked to support St. Mary’s Backpacks for Kids program, which provides at-risk children with a backpack containing a weekend’s worth of kid-friendly food to meet their basic nutritional needs when they are not able to get meals at school.
OUTSTANDING SKILL AND COMPASSION We salute St. Mary physicians on National Doctors’ Day
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ere at St. Mary, and around the world, doctors provide vital diagnosis, treatment and care every day. On March 30th, National Doctors’ Day, we express our sincere appreciation to all physicians, especially those at St. Mary, who help guide patients and their loved ones through illness and injury with outstanding skill and compassion.
Eudora Brown Almond, the wife of physician Charles Almond, is credited with the idea of setting aside one day each year to celebrate doctors, past and present, whose work improved the lives of so many. On the first Doctors’ Day in 1933, Mrs. Almond and the ladies of the Barrow County Medical Auxiliary sent greeting cards to practicing physicians and placed flowers on graves of deceased doctors in Winder, GA. The date she chose, March 30th, held significance for the profession as it marked the anniversary of the first use of surgical anesthetic.
Twenty-five years later, in 1958, the Resolution to Commemorate Doctors’ Day was adopted by the United States House of Representatives. Despite its widespread celebration, the holiday was not made an officially recognized national holiday until Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 366 (Public Law 101-473), designated March 30, 1991 as the first National Doctors’ Day. Reading from the official Proclamation, President George Bush recounted the importance and significance of great pioneers in medical research, like Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin, whose work resulted in a vaccine for Polio, and the many doctors at the National Institutes of Health for their fight against AIDS. “However, in addition to the doctors whose name we easily recognize, there are countless others who carry on the quiet work of healing each day in communities throughout the United States —
indeed, throughout the world. Common to the experience of each of them, from the specialist in research to the general practitioner, are hard work, stress, and sacrifice. All those Americans who serve as licensed physicians have engaged in years of study and training, often at great financial cost. Most endure long and unpredictable hours, and many must cope with the conflicting demands of work and family life.” While one day may seem hardly sufficient to convey our gratitude for these wonderful men and women, we offer a simple but heartfelt “thank you” and a Happy Doctors’ Day.
Many St. Mary patients and families utilize the Guardian Angel program (see previous page) to acknowledge their physicians and show their gratitude throughout the year. Receiving the Guardian Angel pin and certificate is deeply meaningful for our doctors. “It is a great honor to be recognized by a patient,” expressed Todd Nixon, MD. “We work hard as healthcare providers. It is so rewarding to be recognized by a patient; it confirms we are doing a good job and are appreciated,” said Lisa Nocera, MD, who received her first award in December. Also a first-time Guardian Angel recipient, Michael Dachowski, DMD, shared his feelings on the honor: “Being recognized for caring is something I humbly appreciate. But it cannot be done alone. What I am happy to encounter on a regular basis is the staff of angels that surround me everywhere at St. Mary; everyone understands our mission and it is apparent in our dealings with patients and their families.” We are truly grateful to all of our doctors for their dedication to providing exceptional care every day. If you would like to honor a St. Mary physician for National Doctors’ Day, contact Kat O’Connor at 215.710.5894 or use the enclosed reply envelope.
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AN EVENING AT
ST. MARY
THE FUTURE OF
HEALTHCARE IS NOW Life saving telemedicine robots assist doctors with patient care
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he Foundation’s Evening at St. Mary program invites supporters from the community to informative presentations on the various services offered at St. Mary. On November 5th, approximately thirty guests were welcomed by Heather Procaccino, Director of Development and Major Gifts, to a discussion on neurological services including stroke rehabilitation and recovery. After a brief hospital update provided by Maria Scenna,Vice President of Service Lines & Support Services, Dr. Howard Natter, Medical Director of the Stroke Program at St. Mary spoke on the diagnosis and treatment of strokes. Fairly new technology that assists in stroke care at St. Mary is the telemedicine robot. This smart piece of equipment can be remotely controlled from anywhere by a physician to examine and monitor a patient at St. Mary using a software program on a secure laptop computer. This allows an offsite doctor instant access to a patient when a delay in their examination could mean loss of brain function or life. Doctors can also utilize the robot to check in on a patient at any time; observing them firsthand. When finished, the robot can be instructed to “go home” and it will safely navigate itself to the charging station. After his presentation, Dr. Natter excused himself from the group assembled in the Cancer Center. Moments later, he rejoined them utilizing the robot; the monitor now displaying his face instead of the standard menu options. Dr. Natter demonstrated some of the examination functions including zoom features, blood pressure, heart rate monitors and other testing abilities. He also informed guests that, the robot can accommodate a conference call; where the third party would be able to interact with the patient. 8
Dr. Farhan Siddiq and Dr. Howard Natter, colleagues Monica Eckhardt, Kim Sudac and Robin D’Ambrisio with one of two telemedicine robots
Following the robotic presentation, Dr. Farhan Siddiq, an endovascular neurosurgeon with Jefferson University Physicians and St. Mary, offered real life stroke examples and the various interventions and devices used to treat them. He explained that after a patient has had a stroke, they often experience loss of motor and speech function. The severity of which varies from patient to patient. Kim Sudac, Director of Therapies, was then introduced to discuss post-stroke rehabilitation services. She explained, as Dr. Siddiq had, that each patient receives a customized rehabilitation plan based on their specific needs. Some patients will quickly move through acute rehabilitation to home or outpatient services, while others will need a lengthier stay in the St. Mary Rehabilitation Hospital. In all cases, neurorehabilitation services (physical, occupational, and speech therapy) as well as specialty services (cognitive and vestibular therapies) are available through the highly skilled St. Mary rehabilitation staff. Support does not end when a patient is discharged safely back into the community. Wellness programs and several support groups exist to help patients return to and maintain their best quality of life after a stroke. Todd Buch, President of the St. Mary Foundation Board, ended the presentation by thanking guests for attending. He emphasized that everything discussed and demonstrated that evening was only possible through the generous support of community members like them. He then invited questions for the presenters and extended the opportunity to get a more up close look at the telemedicine robot.
Dr. Natter demonstrates the robot
For information on the stroke program, rehabilitation, or how you can support St. Mary, please contact Heather Procaccino at 215.710.2243 or hprocaccino@stmaryhealthcare.org
AMBASSADOR CIRCLE
BABY BOOMERS, BUSINESS PRESSURES AND THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
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By Carolyn Hagan
he gifts of friendship, generosity and commitment filled the room on Dec. 12th. The Ambassador Circle’s luncheon at the Northampton Valley Country Club provided a peek at the huge growth of the Foundation and the hospital, thanks to philanthropy and vision. Ambassador Circle member Len Franckowiak welcomed everybody and introduced Greg Wozniak, President and CEO of St. Mary Medical Center, to present a hospital update and his vision for the future of healthcare in general and at St. Mary, especially the implications of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). He talked about other big trends, sparked not only by ACA but by the aging Baby Boomers and by business pressures to control healthcare costs.
Mr. Wozniak described St. Mary’s efforts to educate the community on the new healthcare exchanges and to assist people in navigating the new system to find a plan that best suits their needs. With a presence at 8 different sites throughout the county, trained St. Mary’s Assistors helped people to sign up for coverage before the December 15th deadline to be covered starting January 1st. St. Mary also published a brochure to help people explore their healthcare options, titled “7 Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a Plan,” which is available for download on St. Mary’s website at www.stmaryhealthcare.org/health-insurance-marketplace.
Mr. Wozniak described one of the major issues affecting people who receive their healthcare coverage through the federal health insurance marketplace. Many people opted for the plans with the lower out of pocket costs but feel “sticker shock” when they use their services because of the high co-pays and deductibles associated with those plans. In other cases, people were not able to keep their doctors because the doctors may not have been in the person’s new health network.
The new model focuses on population health and managing people’s wellness.
Every gift stays at St. Mary.
John Marcy,Vice President of the Foundation, wrapped up the meeting with an update on the Foundation. He thanked everyone for the support they gave last year and throughout the years. He then unveiled a list of the capital items the Foundation was able to buy through philanthropy over the last 10 years. The items ranged from a wide bore CT to a breast biopsy system called a mammotome. Mr. Marcy pointed out that the Foundation, in partnership with the community, provides the financial and material support for hospital programs and equipment that meet the needs of the community.
Since 2006 the Foundation has raised about $34 million dollars. The goal for 2015 is $6 million, but Mr. Marcy expects to exceed that amount. He announced the recent $3million grant from the state through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to support the construction of the St. Mary Rehabilitation Hospital. Karen O’Donnell, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations thanked all of the Bucks County legislators for their support and for everyone who wrote letters of support to the state. Mr. Marcy also emphasized that they reached their $34 million total through $10 dollar gifts as well as million dollar donations. So it all adds up, and the Foundation deeply appreciates any gift. He also reassured everyone that although St. Mary is now part of Trinity Health, the system recognizes that all fundraising is local. Every gift made to St. Mary stays at St. Mary.
The new health exchanges don’t just affect the previously uninsured. Companies like Walgreens and IBM are now moving their employees toward private exchanges. Instead of providing traditional health coverage to their employees, many companies now offer a defined contribution for employees to buy their own insurance which shifts the risk away from employers and helps to create a consistent budget line item for businesses.
In addition to how we pay for our health coverage, the other real change from the Affordable Care Act is the emphasis on population health – managing people’s wellness. Starting with the primary care physician, a patient’s health is managed so that the emphasis is staying out of the hospital. There’s a shift away from the old model known as “episodic” management of health. The new model focuses on population and community health and well-being.
Wide bore CT
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St. Mary Country 2015 St. Mary Gala
saturday, May 9 cocktails 6:30pm dinner 7:30pm gala chairs dr. richard leshner & ms. kaia christiansen hosted by ed & lynn breen
Jericho Farm
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he Community League continues to grow its membership and serve its mission to support the healing environment of St. Mary Medical Center. This friend-raising, fun-raising, fund-raising group of men and women has several events planned.
Everyone is warmly invited to attend one or more of the Spring/Summer 2015 Out & About trips, classes, and activities. These new offerings include a trip to the Woodmere Art Museum, lunch at Cin Cin, and shopping in Chestnut Hill; two classes at Carlow Cookery in Doylestown — Celebrating Italian Food & Wine and Flavors of France; a day trip to Westbury House and Old Westbury Gardens in Long Island, New York, including tea at Orchard Hill; a sunny day trip to Paxson Hill Farm Nursery & Gardens in Solebury, followed by lunch at The Black Bass Hotel in Lumberville; and a terrific class at Season’s Nursery where guests will learn to “Get the Most from Your Garden.” Details about these excursions can be found on the Community League website, www.CommunityLeague-StMary.org.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015 Woodmere Art Museum, Cin Cin, and Chestnut Hill Shopping
Price: $75 Time: 8:30 a.m. until approximately 3:30 p.m. Location: Deluxe coach leaves from St. Mary Medical Center Parking Lot
Newtown, Pa
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 “Spring Into Fashion”
Price: $55 per person or $500 per table of 10 Time: 5 p.m. Location: Spring Mill Manor, Ivyland
Call 215-710-2644 Sponsorships at StMaryFoundation.org 10
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 Celebrating Italian Food & Wine
Price: $80 Time: 7 to 9 p.m. Location: Carlow Cookery, Doylestown Shopping Center, 432 North Main Street (transportation on your own)
Looking for a fun, fashion-forward night out? If so, mark your calendars for “Spring Into Fashion” at Spring Mill Manor on Thursday evening, April 16, in Ivyland. The evening begins at 5 p.m. with a cocktail hour, where clothes from the Community League’s Thrift Shop will be informally modeled by St. Mary colleagues. At 6:30 p.m. ballroom doors open and guests are invited to enjoy a delicious dinner and fashion show.You’ll have a blast watching professional female models, several male St. Mary administrators and colleagues, and kids strut their stuff wearing stylish new clothes from fine retailers. Tickets are $55 per person, or tables of 10 can be purchased for $500.
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015 Flavors of France
Price: $65 Time: 7 to 9 p.m. Location: Carlow Cookery, Doylestown Shopping Center, 432 North Main Street (transportation on your own)
SHOP ONLINE
ANYTIME! • • • • • •
Baby Bal l oon s Baske t s C an dy F l owers Pl u sh
www.Co mmu n ityL eagu e- S tMar y.o r g Online 24/7: View items to purchase with your credit card — delivered to the patient room! Add $10 and our florist will deliver your order (flowers only) within a 10-mile radius of St. Mary. We also offer $12 ground shipping for all other items (excluding flowers).
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015
Westbury House, Old Westbury Gardens, and Tea at Orchard Hill Price: $100 Time: 7 a.m. to approximately 5:15 p.m. Location: Deluxe coach leaves from St. Mary Medical Center and travels to Old Westbury on the North Shore of Long Island, New York
Mark your calendars now and plan to attend or volunteer for the 14th annual Kitchen & Garden tour that will take place on Sunday, October 11. This is always a wonderful way to spend a beautiful fall day!
ST. MARY THRIFT SHOP
n Ave E Watso
213
Ave E Maple
Ave
14th Annual Kitchen & Garden Tour
413
Cherry
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2015
ACCEPTING DONATIONS
ve
Ave National
Price: $60 Time: 10 a.m. Location: Seasons Garden Center, 1069 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA 18977 Then drive to the Yardley Inn, River Road,Yardley (transportation on your own)
shall A E Mar
t N Pine S
“Getting the Most from Your Garden”
MONDAY-SATURDAY THRIFT SHOP
ue Ave N Bellev
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015
NOW AVAILABLE: Beautiful Easter flowers!
ve rdson A E Richa
Have items too good to throw away that you’d love to see others use? Visit the St. Mary Thrift Shop in the Pine Watson Shopping Center, Route 413, just one mile south of St. Mary on Route 413.
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Donations accepted: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Call 215.710.8400 to learn more.
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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT #28 BELLMAWR, NJ
One Summit Square, Suite 300 1717 Langhorne-Newtown Rd. Langhorne, PA 19047
WINTER 2015
FOCUS
www.StMaryFoundation.org
PLANNED GIVING Today’s Gift Can Make Tomorrow Brighter Did you know that there is a way to make a contribution that will have a lasting philanthropic impact at St. Mary and provide you with fixed payments for life?
Erich Weiss
With a CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY, Erich Weiss made a COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE of St. Mary. See story on Page 5
Erich Weiss, whose story is featured in this edition, discovered that a Charitable Gift Annuity not only guaranteed a greater rate of return than other investments, it was a great way to give back to St. Mary for the skilled, professional care he has received here.
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A charitable gift annuity is just one way you can support St. Mary with a planned gift. To discover additional options, or for a no obligation, personalized charitable gift annuity calculation, contact: Mark Erhard, Director of Planned Giving, by email at merhard@stmaryhealthcare.org or by phone at 215.710.2719.