winter 2011
2 0 1 0 a nn u a l r e p o r t a n d d o n o r l i s t i n g s — p a g e s 5 - 8 Seeing things
Program planner
New Pap testing
Radiologists form
See pullout
More accurate,
sharp new group
for calendar and
fewer repeats
Page 3
Health-O-Rama
Page 10
news
New outpatient station Convenient, comfortable, quick Page 4
imaging services
Laboratory services
Neurology Sleep Lab
Outpatient Therapy
Health News & Information for Healthy Living
winter 2011
Program alert! More valuable nutrition information See calendar insert for details, dates and times
Healthy Living
d e d o c r Colo n o i t i r t nu
Altoona Regional’s
iet, d y h lt a e h For a w on o b in a r a t pu your plate
Healthy Living Magazine is published four times a year by the Marketing and Communications department. President/CEO Jerry Murray Chief Operating Officer Ronald J. McConnell Director, Marketing and Communications Dave Cuzzolina Staff Writers Patt Keith Anne Stoltz Designer Chip Mock Mock Creations LLC For more information, please contact: Altoona Regional Health System Marketing and Communications 620 Howard Ave. Altoona, PA 16601-4899 889.2271 info@altoonaregional.org
Bombarded by diet information? Dazed and confused by lycopene, phytochemicals, bioflavonoids and lutein? Here’s an easier way: Think in colors. Altoona Regional registered dietitian Teri Henry recommends ditching beige foods for bright greens, hearty oranges, rich reds, bold purples and blues, and fresh whites. Create a rainbow on the plate and rest assured it’s filled with nutrition, she said. “A beige diet is popular for the wrong reasons,” Teri said. “Americans want quick, cheap convenience, and this leads to a high-fat, highly processed beige diet that lacks nutrients. “Starches, fats and sweets are less expensive, and that’s why people lean toward brown and beige types of foods, like white bread, cakes and cookies. For a small price, Americans feel satisfied eating these, but ultimately there is a larger cost to their health.”
Go green for healthy vision Beige foods lack phytochemicals, such as the natural plant pigment chlorophyll that colors green fruits and vegetables. Green vegetables also contain lutein and indoles — antioxidants that help promote healthy vision and reduce cancer risks. Examples include fruits like avocados, grapes, honeydew and limes, and vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, green beans and green peppers.
If you are not receiving Healthy Living Magazine in the mail and would like to, you need to join the Healthy Living Club. It’s free, and the magazine is just one of the many benefits!
Join online at www.altoonaregional.org or call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.
Orange and deep-yellow fruits and vegetables get their color from natural plant pigments called carotenoids. The carotenoids, as well as the bioflavonoids and vitamin C in these foods, promote heart and eye health, improve immunity and reduce the risk of some cancers. The deeper the orange/yellow color of the fruit or vegetable, the more carotenoids they have. Examples: apricots, cantaloupes, peaches, mangos, carrots, sweet potatoes and yellow corn.
content. Anthocyanin is a color pigment and antioxidant that protects cells from damage and helps reduce the risk of cancer, stroke and heart disease. The darker the color, the higher the anthocyanin concentration. Examples: blackberries, blueberries, plums, eggplant and purple cabbage.
Red fights heart attacks Lycopene is the predominant pigment in red fruits and vegetables. It’s an antioxidant associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer and protection against heart attacks. Tomato-based products have the most concentrated source of lycopene. Interestingly, lycopene in cooked tomatoes is absorbed better than in raw tomatoes. Red foods are also a source of flavonoids, which reduce inflammation and are antioxidants. In addition to tomatoes, examples include beets, red peppers, cherries, cranberries, red grapes and pomegranates. White, tan and brown vegetables are colored by a pigment called anthoxanthin and may also contain a health-promoting chemical called allicin. This is thought to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure and may help reduce the risk of stomach cancer and heart disease. Some of these vegetables are good sources of potassium. Examples: cauliflower, mushrooms, onions, potatoes, bananas, dates and white peaches. “When buying food that will make up your plate, remember that a variety of colors not only makes the plate more appealing but each color provides a different health benefit,” Teri said. “No one color is superior, so a balance of all is important.”
Purple and blue fruits and vegetables have anthocyanin
How to get MORE COLOR into your diet • Add fruits and vegetables to casseroles, cereal or sandwiches. • Make fruits and vegetables more the center of the plate when planning meals. • Include a fruit and/or vegetable at every meal. • Substitute fruit, vegetables and beans for other ingredients, such as meat, in recipes. • Take a look at your cart when leaving the produce section. If all the produce is of one color group, swap out an item or two for another color group to get variety. 2
r “No one colo is superior, so a balance of all is important.” — Teri Henry, R.D.
Sharp eyes, sharp minds New radiology group brings expertise in variety of areas
The region’s leading imaging specialists Offering comprehensive imaging services: • CT scans • MRI • ultrasound • digital mammography • nuclear medicine • DEXA bone density scanning • interventional radiological procedures • X-ray • PET/CT • fluoroscopy
Lexington Lexington Radiology Inc. Radiology Inc.
Robin Prasad, M.D. Medical Director Fellowship trained MRI/ Neuroradiology
A first-class team of radiologists is using modern, safe imaging technology to bring patients of Altoona Regional the highest quality imaging services available. The health system’s 11-member team of experienced, board certified radiologists, known as Lexington Radiology, came to Altoona from all over the United States, bringing innovative diagnostic and interventional procedures to Blair County. “The health care system decided to put something exceptional together for radiology services,” Robin Prasad, M.D., medical director of Lexington Radiology, said. “We have a remarkable group of superspecialists from around the country, offering a variety of skills.” Skills not frequently found outside of big-city medical centers. Group members’ expertise includes fellowship training in neuroradiology, magnetic resonance imaging, angiography, interventional radiology, musculoskeletal imaging, nuclear medicine and cross-sectional imaging. In-depth specialty training Radiologist training requires four years of medical school and five years
of radiology residency. Fellowship training requires an additional one year minimum of in-depth specialty training under the guidance of a top radiology specialist in one specific area.
easier for large patients and those with claustrophobia to have an MRI examination that produces higher quality images. This will potentially reduce the need to repeat and interrupt exams.”
The bottom line, said Dr. Prasad, is that Altoona Regional patients can expect high quality, accurate reports given by radiologists who are among the most knowledgeable, experienced and skilled in their particular specialty area.
In addition, the health care system is very excited to offer digital mammography. This newest technology for breast cancer detection will be available at Station Medical Center. “Digital mammography is different from conventional mammography, specifically in how the image of the breast is acquired and, more importantly, viewed,” explained Dr. Prasad. “We can magnify the images, increase or decrease the contrast and invert the black and white values while reading the images. These features allow us to evaluate microcalcifications [specks of calcium deposits] and focus on areas of concern.”
“At the heart of our team is dedication to those we serve — our patients, the referring medical staff,” Dr. Prasad said. “We deliver phenomenal results using the best technology available.” At its Station Medical Center imaging location, for example, Altoona Regional installed an open-bore MRI system that combines a larger opening for large and claustrophobic patients while retaining the ability to capture high-quality diagnostic images.
Committed to safety As it is with all patient services in all areas, Altoona Regional is vigilant when it comes to imaging safety.
Enhanced patient convenience “This is going to increase our efficiency and patient convenience,” explained Mike Corso, administrative director, Imaging Services. “The patient-friendly design of this magnet will make it
“Radiation outputs are routinely inspected by our physicists,” said Mike. “We keep 3
exposure as low as reasonably achievable for the safety of our patients.” From traditional to more sophisticated, complex examinations, Lexington Radiology offers a full range of imaging services at Altoona Regional. State-of-the-art equipment allows images to be viewed instantly, so reports can be delivered to physicians and patients accurately and in a timely manner. “It’s a very impressive team,” said Dr. Prasad. “Patients and their doctors can count on Lexington Radiology for imaging services that are fast, accurate and safe.”
“... a remarkable group of superspecialists from around the country.”
Tomislav Deur, M.D. Fellowship trained Willy Hwang, M.D. Fellowship trained Cross-Sectional Imaging Peter James, M.D. Fellowship trained Angiography and Interventional Radiology E.R. Karunaratne, M.D. Diagnostic Radiology Mark Kuzucu, M.D. Fellowship trained Nuclear Medicine Manesh Mathew, M.D. Fellowship trained Musculoskeletal Radiology David Rose, M.D. (Summer 2011) Fellowship trained Vascular and Interventional Radiology Leslie W. Roub, M.D. Diagnostic Radiology Richard Wertz, M.D. Fellowship trained Interventional Radiology Irini M. Youssef, M.D. Fellowship trained Nuclear Medicine For more information, visit altoonaregional.org/ lexradiology or call 889.2854.
Moving In
Outpatient services available in convenient, new location Altoona Regional continues to consolidate outpatient services to its newest patient care site — Station Medical Center at 17th Street and 9th Avenue, Altoona.
• Patient access/ registration
Lab services available soon
• HealthForce (occupational medicine program) for our business clients
The outpatient laboratory will relocate in January, with new, convenient blood draw, EKG and specimen collection “There was a tremendous stations need,” Chief Operating “The opening will be a Officer Ron McConnell welcome convenience said of the new facility’s for our patients,” said purpose. “We believe Joe Pufka, administrative this new center will meet director, Laboratory the growing need for Services. “The facility outpatient services in our is so much easier to community. access compared to the “The medical technology within the building is the newest and best on the market.” After more than a year of construction, services are beginning to move in.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation became the first outpatient service to relocate, offering a full complement of state-of-the-art equipment, expanded HydroTrack services and extended hours.
Faster, convenient service “Our patients will experience faster service in pleasant surroundings, with easy parking in a convenient location,” Ron said. “All departments are located on the same floor, in close proximity, allowing patients easy navigation through different areas if they have multiple tests.”
hospital campuses. The overall architecture of the building is spectacular, and the designers of the facility put the needs of our patients first.
Soon, all outpatient imaging (radiology) services will begin relocating in stages, including:
“In fact, laboratory staff helped design the new department. We captured their years of experience, ideas and insight to develop a site that will meet the needs of our patients today and well into the future.”
• Two MRIs, including an open bore (see story on Page 3) • 16-slice CT • 16-slice PET-CT
Additional services available soon at Station Medical Center include:
• Five ultrasounds
• State-of-the-art cardiac rehabilitation
“The opening of the Station Medical Center for Imaging Services marks the beginning of a new era for our patients,” said Mike Corso,
• General radiology/ X-ray
• Expanded six-bed sleep lab • Surgical pre-testing • Neurology testing
administrative director, Imaging Services. “Not only will we offer new services but we will be able to maintain our patient schedule without interruption from inpatient or emergency cases.”
New women’s services The full outpatient imaging center will also be home to dedicated women’s services, which will include:
On its way: digital mammography A frontline weapon in the fight against breast cancer is coming soon to Altoona Regional at Station Medical Center. “As a 12-year breast cancer survivor, I needed to travel outside the Altoona area to receive a digital mammogram each year. “I am thrilled Altoona Regional will now have digital mammography at Station Medical Center to afford the women of this area the most advanced technology for early breast cancer detection.” — Louisa Lobre-Riley
• Three digital mammography units (see story on Page 3) • Bone density testing • Stereotactic biopsy on site for quick turnaround and results • Beautiful, comfortable surroundings • Caring staff “I’m most proud of the fact that we will have built something that will have a lasting, positive impact on our community for years to come,” Mike said.
Project facts • 60,000 square feet total (11,000 in expansion, 49,000 renovation) • Approximately 480 new parking spaces • 67.9 miles of electrical wire for panels, lights and outlets • 1.9 miles of specialty wire for fire alarm and nurse call • 34 miles of data cable • 1,350 cubic yards of concrete — enough to build a sidewalk from the Altoona Hospital Campus to the Horseshoe Curve!
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2009-2010
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Enhancing community health care: More services, advanced technology A message from Jerry Murray, president and CEO Fiscal 2010* will be remembered for another list of new cutting-edge specialty services at Altoona Regional as well as the period in which we launched an ambitious facility enhancement program. Advances in medical care have become routine at our health system. Physicians work together with our board and administration to bring new services to our region so you don’t have to travel for the specialized care you need.
Facility expansions and enhancements moved forward quickly last year. The program involves the Altoona Hospital Campus, the Station Medical Center, and the former Altoona Center at 4th Street and Howard Avenue.
We added several exciting clinical technologies and procedures this past year, including:
By the end of the fiscal year, construction had begun on all projects. Some of the work designed to add inpatient beds at the Altoona Hospital Campus was completed, and bids were being sought on the expansion and enhancement of our Emergency department.
• The Center for Cancer Care treated its first patient with our new Elekta Synergy® S linear accelerator, becoming the first in Pennsylvania to offer revolutionary radiation treatment technology unique in its ability to target and kill cancerous tumors.
[Update: At this writing, services have begun moving into the Station Medical Center (see Page 4) and we will soon begin occupying the former Altoona Center, which we are calling the G Building. Work continues at Altoona Hospital Campus and the Emergency department there.]
• A new digital system made it possible for referring physicians to receive results of cardiac catheterization procedures and echocardiograms the same day the procedures are performed.
All of these projects will make health care better in many ways in our community.
• Thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair, or TEVAR, was introduced by a comprehensive team of physicians to make treatment easier for some patients with aortic aneurysms. • After more hard work by the staff of our Stroke Center, Altoona Regional received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Gold Plus Achievement Award for stroke care — one of fewer than 20 hospitals in Pennsylvania to earn the distinction at the time. Also during fiscal 2010 we formed one of the most remarkable radiology groups in Pennsylvania by bringing together highly skilled and experienced radiologists from across the United States (see Page 3). All are board certified and most are fellowship-trained in a specialty radiology field. Just as the quest for quality and convenience drives our clinical innovation, it is also an important reason we embarked on our current construction program.
Altoona Regional at the Station Medical Center will not only make outpatient services easier to reach but provide an upgrade to state-of-theart technologies like digital mammography and open-bore MRI (see Page 3). Our expanded and retooled ER will speed care, while the G Building will include modern space for our Behavioral Health Services department and unify our wound, hyperbaric and ostomy care staffs. In fiscal 2011 we look forward to the completion of most of our construction projects and to adding more innovative services and superior technology for the people of our region who need advanced medical care close to home. Sincerely,
* July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010 5
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Key hospital statistics Admissions
20,437
(includes newborns)
Inpatient days 91,358 Average length of stay Outpatient visits
4.47 386,321
Emergency 67,570 room visits Inpatient surgical procedures
6,513
Outpatient surgical procedures
16,609
Our patient care revenues come from:
Highlights: 2
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Medicaid 13.65% Commercial insurances
7.00%
Managed care
25.93%
Self-pay 1.89% Other 1.53%
Where we spend our dollars:
JULY
December
Altoona Regional presents six local fire departments with $2,000 each to assist with decontamination coverage, bioterrorism and other public health emergencies. The state funds are for preparedness for bioterrorism and other public health emergencies. Safe Kids Blair County educates 10 area residents to become nationally certified child passenger safety technicians in their communities. Altoona Regional is the lead agency for Safe Kids Blair County. The Center for Cancer Care treats its first patient with the new Elekta Synergy® S linear accelerator, becoming the first in Pennsylvania to offer revolutionary radiation treatment technology unique in ts ability to target and kill tumors.
October A digital system becomes operational that allows referring physicians to receive results of cardiac catheterization procedures and echocardiograms the same day.
November Radiation Oncology and Nuclear Medicine pass an unannounced inspection by the state Department of Environmental Protection with no deficiencies.
Pink fund-raising campaign in support of lifesaving digital mammography. Thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair, or TEVAR, is introduced by a comprehensive team of physicians to make treatment easier for some patients with aortic aneurysms.
WebMD Health Corp. presents Altoona Regional physician Zane Gates with one of its 2009 Health Heroes awards. Dr. Gates was recognized for serving the working poor, establishing a foundation to help kids in two local housing projects, and helping to design a March low-cost, hospital-only Altoona Regional once insurance plan. again sponsors the Altoona Regional’s low American Cancer Society’s rate of hospital-acquired Daffodil Days. infections earns the April Unison Health Plan of Altoona Regional, along Pennsylvania’s Gold Star II with other national, award recognizing health state and community care providers with the organizations, leads a highest level of quality care massive effort to highlight for Unison’s members. the importance of advance health care decision2 0 1 0 making — an effort that has culminated in the January formal designation of April Altoona Regional 16 as National Health Care announces a project to Decisions Day. expand and enhance The Center for Cancer services at the Altoona Care earns a threeHospital Campus year accreditation with Emergency department. commendation by the The Accreditation Council Commission on Cancer of for Graduate Medical the American College of Education accredits the Surgeons. Altoona Family Physicians The Pastoral Care (AFP) Residency Program department holds a for five years — the commissioning service for maximum allowed. AFP 22 new Prayer Partners — is affiliated with Altoona volunteers who spiritually Regional and trains minister to patients and physicians in the specialty their families. of family medicine.
May
February Weis Markets Inc. contributes $20,000 to the Foundation for Life’s Team
Hospital
Salaries and wages
37%
Employee benefits
12%
Professional fees, supplies & others
41%
Depreciation and amortization
4%
July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010
9
August
Medicare 50.00%
Clinical and community service
Financial Information
7/1/09 to 6/30/10
Income statement
The Stroke Program receives the American Heart Association/
JUNE Altoona Regional is a silver sponsor of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Employees join various teams to demonstrate their commitment to eliminating cancer and show their support for survivors. Lexington Radiology, a newly formed group of extraordinarily trained and experienced radiologists, becomes the exclusive provider of radiology services at Altoona Regional.
Bal ance sheet Assets Current assets
65,050,606
Assets whose use is limited
110,784,257
Other assets
105,838,896
Total assets
281,673,759
Total operating revenues
319,008,262
Liabilities
Total operating expenses
315,831,800
Current and other liabilities
82,579,638 87,333,163
Income from operations
3,176,462
Long-term debt
Provision for bad debt 5%
Nonoperating gains
2,095,047
Fund balance
Interest 1%
Excess revenues over expenses
5,271,509
6
American Stroke Association’s Get with the Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award for excellent care for stroke patients. As a tribute to the 25th anniversary of Pennsylvania Student Assistance Programs, and in observance of Mental Health Month in May, Altoona Regional cosponsors a parental skill-building workshop with a program titled, “A Sigh of Belief: Building Confident Families.” The Foundation for Life reports breaking the half-million-dollar mark in pledges for its Team Pink campaign for digital mammography. The donations come from employees, medical staff, volunteers and community individuals and businesses.
Total liabilities and fund balance
111,760,958 281,673,759
Report
of charitable giving
Following is a list of those who generously extended financial support to Altoona Regional Health System during fiscal 2010 (July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010). As a nonprofit charitable organization, Altoona Regional is grateful to every donor for helping us strengthen and enhance health care in our community.
In memory of Jean L. WisniewskiScherzinger Mr. and Mrs. Carl F. Brendel Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Larson Mrs. Mary W. Luxbacher Ms. Christine A. White Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Wisniewski
Maternity Department General
In memory of Daniel A. Petta Mrs. Mary Jo Aukstik Mr. and Mrs. Walter F. Dockus Ms. Stella R. Petta
Mrs. Helen L. Aikens Leda M. Battisti Mrs. Joyce M. Beck Blair County Respiratory Disease Society Mrs. Lois E. Bottomfield Ms. Helen M. Butler Mrs. Karen Chappell Mrs. Esther Chernicky Ms. Maxine Colyer Mrs. Jill B. Currier Ms. Nancy Delozier Mrs. Rosemarie Dibert Ms. Sandy Eichelberger Ms. Joan Estep Friends of Altoona Regional Health System Mrs. Cindy Gardner Ms. Dana Gunsallus Mrs. Louise C. Hampton Mrs. Eleanor Hirchak Mrs. Betty L. Kimmel Ms. Emma Kneidinger Ms. Phyllis Kosut Ms. Lois Kuhn Ms. Carol E. Leonard Mrs. Elsie T. Massimilla Ms. Mary G. Mauk Ms. M. Yvonne McConnell Mrs. Sara G. Miller Mrs. Elizabeth R. Muhlbauer Ms. Donna Otto Mrs. Carole Rea Mrs. Janice A. Snowberger Ms. Virginia Socey Ms. Martha Stouffer Mrs. Carol M. Trexler Ward Ave. United Presbyterian Church Mrs. Beverly E. Way Mrs. Sally A. Wharton Mrs. Cheryl L. Wherry Ms. Patricia A. Winters Ms. Paula Wyant Mrs. Naomi M. Yonkosky Mr. Thomas Yonkosky
Center for Cancer Care General
Medical Education General
General
Anonymous (3) Mrs. Edna H. Brenneman Mr. Richard Reeder Mr. and Mrs. James D. Stuart Sr. Mr. John W. Zook
In Honor Of
In honor of Altoona Regional Board Members, Employees, Physicians, Volunteers, Friends Mr. and Mrs. Byron E. Brumbaugh Jr. In honor of Anthony Bartkowiak Anonymous In honor of Jack Schocker Runk Families (Donald and Roberta) In honor of Michael Walton Mrs. Betty L. Kimmel
In Memory Of
In memory of Sherman Benton Anonymous In memory of Gerald Treece Mrs. Dorothy M. Treece In memory of Louis and Jane Walton Dr. and Mrs. Michael C. Saltzburg
Departmental Gifts Mary Kaye Blair Memorial General The Estate of Mary Kaye Blair
CArdiology In Memory Of
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory M. Price
In Memory Of
Ms. Frances Musselman
In Memory Of
In memory of Donald & Roberta Runk Runk Families
In memory of Barry D. Pellas Mr. and Mrs. Drew M. Appleman Jr.
Drug & Alcohol Services General
The EADS Group Employee Charity Fund
Medical Oncology General
Mrs. Rochelle L. Jock
Glover Memorial Library General
Partnership for Free Medical General
Altoona Regional Health System Medical Staff
Ira B. Kron Dialysis Unit General The Samuel and Rose Port Philanthropic Fund
In Memory Of
In memory of Harry E. Criswel Mrs. Doris A. Criswell In memory of James Litzinger Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Hoover In memory of William J. Staub Mr. John Allison Bedford County Courthouse Employees of Courtroom 2 Bedford County Rod and Gun Club Mrs. Jean M. Bressler Mrs. Tina M. Brown Mr. and Mrs. Frank Burket Ms. Rachel Feather Growmark FS, LLC Mr. and Mrs. James M. Little Norfolk Southern Employees Ms. Jayne Polliard Mr. and Mrs. Jay V. Ramsey Ms. Gwendolyn E. Ray Dr. and Mrs. Edward D. Schultz Mr. and Mrs. Brooks R. Shoemaker Ms. Donna L. Staub Mr. Glenn Staub Mr. Karl G. West
Anonymous Ms. Colleen Becker
In Memory Of In memory of Robert Crum Mrs. Courtney Beers In memory of Albert P. Fleck Mr. and Mrs. Byron E. Brumbaugh Jr. Runk Families In memory of Gloria, Mother of Dr. Zane Gates Mr. and Mrs. James J. Klueg
Radiation Oncology General
Ms. Emma Kneidinger Mrs. Dorothy L. Marchetti Mrs. Janice A. Snowberger
Bernard A. Rosch Palliative Care In Memory Of In memory of Tami Barefoot Mr. and Mrs. Terry A. Gilman In memory of Robert E. Black Kathryn E. Black In memory of Jerry Chapman Equity Concepts North In memory of George DelBaggio Mr. John Hayes In memory of Jesse Detwiler Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Detwiler
In memory of Wayne Keller Ms. Madeleine L. Keller In memory of Robert Kennedy Anonymous In loving memory of Georgia McCabe-Gracey The McCabe Group, Inc. In memory of Kathleen Montgomery Valley View Community Church In memory of Theresa Peo Ms. Betsy L. Goulionis In loving memory of Daniel A. Petta Mrs. Mary Jo Aukstik In memory of Daniel A. Petta Alpha Iota Chapter of Phi Lamda Delta The Bunco Families In memory of Fred R. Seaman Altoona Regional Health System - Tower 14 Medical Nursing Staff In memory of William J. Staub Ms. Jane Black Mr. Jonathan D. Feather Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Kriczky Norfolk Southern Employees Mr. and Mrs. Donald W. Staub In loving memory of Dorothy M. Warner Mr. and Mrs. Christian E. Beckwith Mr. and Mrs. Gary Caldwell Mrs. Joyce Grove Ellinger
Trauma Services General
Juniata United Methodist Church - Bear Makers
General Altoona Regional Health System Environment of Care Department Anonymous Mrs. Dolores M. Fabbri Mr. and Mrs. Fred P. Fraundorfer Mr. and Mrs. Lee Helmer Mrs. Lydia M. McCalpin Mr. and Mrs. Samuel L. McClure Sr. Mr. Richard Reeder Mr. Richard C. Slutzker Mrs. Joyce A. Wright Mrs. Emily G. Yeatts
In Honor Of In honor of Altoona Regional Health System Foundation for Life Board and Staff J. Emery Consulting, Inc. In honor of Ed and Patti Boslet Mr. and Mrs. Clayton C. Rickens In honor of Aaron J. Brumbaugh Mr. and Mrs. Byron E. Brumbaugh Jr. In honor of Ian B. Brumbaugh Mr. and Mrs. Byron E. Brumbaugh Jr. In honor of Erin Dodson Mr. and Mrs. Byron E. Brumbaugh Jr. In honor of Ralph Farabaugh Mrs. Theresa Storm In honor of Burt Fazi Mr. John S. Jackson In honor of Robert J. Gherrity Mrs. Virginia L. Gherrity In honor of Grandchildren - Izaiah, Sierra, Kiarra & Dillan Mr. and Mrs. Duane P. Bordell In honor of Sheila Hoffman Mrs. Lilia J. Sprankle In honor of Donald MacDonald Mrs. Helen R. MacDonald In honor of Pete & Shirley McConnell Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. McConnell In honor of Brenda Reeder Mrs. Dorothy L. Reeder 7
In honor of Clayton and Doris Rickens Mr. and Mrs. Clayton C. Rickens In honor of “Women of Will” Anonymous In honor of Vicki Wertz The Honorable Jolene Grubb Kopriva
In Memory Of In memory of Gladys Adams Mr. and Mrs. Byron E. Brumbaugh Jr. In memory of Ralph Alexander Mrs. Vicki Baughman Mr. Mark A. Rhodes In memory of Theresa M. Alexander Mrs. Vicki Baughman In memory of Dom Aversa Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Murray In memory of George I. and George D. Bardell Mrs. Dona K. Bardell In memory of Matthew and Danny Barton Mrs. Rosemary Barton In memory of Earl and Ruth Beldin Ms. Eileen Rabish In memory of Millard and Grace Beyer Mr. and Mrs. John R. Beyer In memory of Thomas & Edith Bidoli Ms. Grace Steinbugl In memory of Ryan Bishop Ms. Anne T. Stoltz In memory of Eric Bordell Mr. and Mrs. Duane P. Bordell Mr. and Mrs. Alex Kulmatycki In memory of Heather Bouch Ms. Amy J. Vinglish In memory of Charles W. “Bill” Boyer Mrs. Joyce H. Boyer In memory of Lora L. Brashears Mr. and Mrs. Byron E. Brumbaugh Jr. Mrs. Judith M. Hollern In memory of Bernice Breon Mr. and Mrs. Ernest E. Eakins In memory of Paul Breon Mr. and Mrs. Ernest E. Eakins In memory of Angela Elizabeth Brumbaugh Mr. and Mrs. Byron E. Brumbaugh Jr. In memory of Emma G. Burk Mr. Donald F. Burk In memory of Ronald E. Bush Mrs. Anna M. Bush In memory of Richard Campbell Mrs. Nancy E. Campbell In memory of Joe Campolong Ms. Mary J. Campolong In memory of “Pooch” Caporucio Mrs. Linda A. Harshberger In memory of Amerigo Caporuscio Mrs. Rosie J. Caporuscio In memory of June M. Cicero Mr. Joseph D. Cicero In memory of Joy Clapper Mr. John Clapper In memory of Joy Stevanus Clapper Mrs. Norma J. Stevanus In memory of Barbara J. Clever Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth E. Graham In memory of Phyllis Connelly Mr. Jerry Connelly Mr. and Mrs. Donald Squillario In memory of Herm and Melania Dambeck Mrs. Margie M. Burchfield In memory of Deceased Cecchine/ Miller Family Members Mr. and Mrs. Allen Cecchine In memory of Mary Clare Delozier Mr. Leo J. Delozier In memory of Cora Diehl Mrs. Dorothy M. Steele In memory of Uncle Joe Diehl Ms. Margaret L. Mengel In memory of Helen G. Dodson Ms. Susan A. Dodson In memory of Paul S. Downing Mrs. Debbie McClellan In memory of Catherine Eakins Mr. and Mrs. Ernest E. Eakins In memory of Ernest E. Eakins Mr. and Mrs. Ernest E. Eakins In memory of Frank “Dutch” Elling Ms. Mary J. Campolong In memory of Mary Farabaugh Mrs. Theresa Storm In memory of Linda Flaherty Mrs. M. Carol Makdad
In memory of Mary Fries Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Ellis In memory of William Green Mrs. Deborah A. Henshey In memory of Nellie Gunsalus Mrs. Norma L. Knouse In memory of Catherine, Frank and John Gutwald Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Klesius In memory of Alan L. Harshberger Mrs. Linda A. Harshberger In memory of William L. Harshberger Mrs. Linda A. Harshberger In memory of Cameron L. Hazard Mr. and Mrs. Byron E. Brumbaugh Jr. In memory of Sprague C. Hazard Mr. and Mrs. Byron E. Brumbaugh Jr. In memory of Susan E. Heaton Mr. and Mrs. George Heaton In memory of Elmer and Pearl Helsel Mr. and Mrs. Les M. Weise In memory of Josephine Hicks Ms. Jacqueline M. Hicks In memory of Mary and Ferd Hite Mr. and Mrs. Paul F. Hite In memory of Mike Hook Mr. and Mrs. Raymond R. Dodson In memory of John Hopfl Captain Lynne M. Hopfl In memory of Dave Hostler Ms. Becky Henshey In memory of Eggy Ingham Mrs. Elsie M. Nash and Mr. Elvin Ingham In memory of Leslie Nicole Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Elvin Johnson In memory of Frances Kasun Mr. and Mrs. Byron E. Brumbaugh Jr. In memory of Dorothy Koch Anonymous In memory of Gary Koch Anonymous In memory of Mary and Andy Kozielec Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Kozielec In memory of Fred Lakner Mrs. Betty B. Lakner In memory of Jaime Lee Mr. and Mrs. Byron E. Brumbaugh Jr. In memory of Hayden Scott Link Mrs. Ramona F. Shrift In memory of William Little Mr. and Mrs. Byron E. Brumbaugh Jr. Sister Mary A. Tolusciak In memory of Frank & Mary Livoti Mrs. Sharon L. Ciccarella In memory of Richard B. Magee Mrs. Louise Magee In memory of Daniel A. Marchetti Mr. Anthony D. Marchetti and Mrs. Rose Marchetti In memory of Sandy Marchi Mr. and Mrs. William P. Benzel In memory of Donnie McCabe Mrs. Joanna M. Heinsling In memory of Liam Sean Patrick McCaulley Mrs. Norma A. Smith In memory of Shane Conlon McConnell Mr. and Mrs. Byron E. Brumbaugh Jr. In memory of Tom McIntire Mr. and Mrs. William Shaffer In memory of Debra McNerlin Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Campbell In memory of George Miller Mr. and Mrs. Paul F. Hite In memory of Louise Miller Louise Miller Family In memory of my sister Marian Mills Mrs. Marietta G. Dente In memory of Irene Mirkowski Dr. Amy K. Metzger In memory of Stella Palochak Ms. Brigid Palochak In memory of Mary and Nicholas Pasquino Mrs. Susan M. Replogle In memory of Mary Reed Mrs. Linda A. Harshberger In memory of LeRoy M. Riley Ms. Shirley F. Riley In memory of Patrick M. Riley Mr. and Mrs. Byron E. Brumbaugh Jr. In memory of Anthony Roberts Mrs. Mary A. Roberts In memory of Nancy Robison Ms. Dana J. Shade In memory of Norman Rose The Rose Family
In memory of Carolyn Routch Mr. and Mrs. Byron E. Brumbaugh Jr. In memory of J. Carolyn Routch Routch Family In memory of Palma Scarfone Mr. and Mrs. Tiberio A. Scarfone In memory of Joan Seltzer Mr. and Mrs. Steven S. Seltzer In memory of Charles and Alice Sheehan Ms. Ruth A. Slippey In memory of Patricia A. Shellenberger Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shellenberger In memory of Harold and Margaret Sickles Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Sickles Jr. In memory of Harry Sprankle Mrs. Lilia J. Sprankle In memory of Edward & Mary Squillario Mr. and Mrs. Donald Squillario In memory of John J. Stoyanoff Mrs. Shirley M. Stoyanoff In memory of Lisa Tedora Mrs. Alberta Tedora In memory of Ann Thompson Mrs. Linda A. Harshberger In memory of Zachary Topper Mr. and Mrs. Daniel B. Boyles In memory of A. James Trexler Mrs. Marguerite Trexler In memory of Ron Ullery Mrs. Linda A. Harshberger In memory of Nancy Walla Mr. Andrew Walla In memory of Adeline Wance Mrs. Stella C. Conte In memory of Lester and Ester Weise Mr. and Mrs. Les M. Weise In memory of Mary Yeager Mr. and Mrs. Byron E. Brumbaugh Jr. In memory of Richard A, Rosemary & Robert Yohn Mrs. Nancy Newkirk In memory of Jim Young Mr. and Mrs. Travis B. Young In memory of Diane Ziegler Mr. and Mrs. James R. Feathers
General
Anonymous (2) Ms. Karen Adams Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Adler Mr. Ralph J. Albarano Jr. Mr. Dennis W. Albright Dr. and Mrs. Rajih Alkafaji Allegheny Brain and Spine Surgeons Altoona Area High School Girls Volleyball Team Altoona Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Altoona Family Physicians and Women’s Health Souce Altoona Firefighters - Local #299 Altoona Hospital Alumni Nurses Association Altoona OB/GYN Altoona Regional Health System Employees Altoona Regional Health System Nutrition Services Altoona Regional Health System - SICU Staff AMED Ms. Denise Arnold Andy Ayers Ms. Cheryl Bakale Mr. and Mrs. James W. Barner Mrs. Rosemary Barton Lori J. Bechtel-Wherry, Ph.D. Bellwood Antis High School Bennett Holdings, Inc. Benzel Food Distributors Mr. David Bickers Ms. Barbara Biehner Bishop Guilfoyle High School Girls Volleyball Team BKD, LLP Mrs. Lucinda A. Black Ms. Cindy Blackburn Blair Companies Blair County Anesthesia Blair County Antique Auto Club
Blair County Plastic Surgery, Inc. Blair Gastroenterology Associates Ms. Nicole Bonsell Mr. and Mrs. Duane P. Bordell Boston Scientific Ms. Robin Brown Mr. and Mrs. Byron E. Brumbaugh Jr. Dr. Janelle L. Brumbaugh Mr. Karl Brustel Mr. and Mrs. David Burchfield Mr. Sean Burke Mrs. Louise Burley Mr. and Mrs. Willard Campbell Carbis Walker LLP CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services, Inc. Charis Health Care Mrs. Connie J. Chilcote Mr. Mark Chuff Mr. Daniel B. Cidor Claysburg Kimmel High School Clearfield Hospital Cohen and Grigsby Collection Service Center, Inc. Mr. Tony Conrad Cornerstone Advisors Asset Management Mr. and Mrs. Michael Corso Jolie Cover Dr. and Mrs. David L. Cowger Credit Control Collections Ms. Laura Cresswell Mr. and Mrs. Frank Cristello Mr. David M. Cuzzolina Degol Carpet Mr. and Mrs. Michael DelGrosso Deliotte & Touche, LLP Mr. and Mrs. James V. DeStefano Mr. and Mrs. Donald Devorris Mrs. Beth Diantoniis Dick’s Sporting Goods Dr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Dietrick Mrs. Flo Eberhart Mike Edwards Mrs. Carol Emeigh Empire Communications Mrs. Margaret E. Filer Mr. Leonard S. Fiore FIT Optimized Solutions Mr. James Folcarelli Mrs. Jean A. Forbeck Mr. and Mrs. Michael Forosisky Mrs. Kathleen M. Frederick Mr. Mark Frederick Friends of Altoona Regional Health System Fugi Dr. and Mrs. Gregory Fulchiero Jr. Dr. Gregory J. Fulchiero Sr. Dr. Brian Gates Ms. Jaime Genovese Miss Patricia M. Gildea Ms. Rachel Gingrich Mrs. Connie Gore Mr. David Gracey Jr. Mrs. Eleanor Grossman Mrs. Linda L. Guida Dr. and Mrs. Charles Haas Dr. Haleh Haerian-Ardakani and Dr. Mehrdad Ghaffari Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Halbritter Ms. Ellen M. Hale Attorney and Mrs. David Halpern Mrs. Diane L. Harris Attorney and Mrs. Frank Hartye, Esq. Hayes Large Architects HealthCare Benefits, Inc. HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital Mrs. Joyce L. Hess Megan Hess, M.D. Mr. Raymond C. Hess Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Pittsburgh Miss Judith A. Himmelein Ms. Laura M. Hindinger Mr. Ryan Hindinger The Hite Company Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Hockenberry Mrs. Judith M. Hollern Home Health Resource Hoss’s Steak & Sea House Corporate Office Mr. and Mrs. William J. Hoyne Dr. Michael Humphrey and Dr. Jane Rowe Mrs. and Mr. Betsy K. Hurst Insight Investments Mr. and Mrs. Randal Isenberg Jacoby Trexler Architects JLG Medical Transcription SVCS Drs. John and Alice Joyce Ms. Karen Kaczmarek Dr. Neil Kaneshiki Dr. Natasha M. Karanjia Kasun Architects, Inc. Ms. Caroline Kelly Mrs. Donna L. Kenner Mr. John R. Kepler Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Kibelbek Mrs. Nanna J. Klayko Kopp Drug Store
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Kopriva Mr. Scott Krantz Mrs. Dorothy Lansberry Mrs. Carolyn Lapierre H.F. Lenz Company Leonard S. Fiore, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin I. Levine Jr. Ms. Diana L. Lidwell Limbach Facility Services, LLC Ms. Kimberly Litzinger Ms. Louisa T. Lobre-Riley Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. Lupinetti Mrs. Jennifer Lynn Ms. June D. MacGregor Dr. and Mrs. R. Samuel Magee Mainline National Bank Dr. and Mrs. Subhashis Maitra Ms. Robin E. Malone Ms. Colleen Maloney Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Maniglia Ms. Patty Marine Ms. Stacey Martilotta Mr. Thomas C. Martin Matosziuk Bickley & Associates Mr. Mark Matthews Maxwell Transit Mrs. Sherry McCall S.P. McCarl & Company, Inc. Mrs. Carol A. McCartney Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. McConnell Ms. Stephanie McConnell Ms. Norma McCormick Mrs. Diana McElheny Ms. Carole A. McElhinney MedAsset Medline Ms. Margaret L. Mengel Merry X-ray Mrs. Polly L. Mickel Mr. John C. Miller Ms. Kayla Miller Dr. and Mrs. Russell Miller Ms. Stacey Miller Ms. Justine Molinick Morefield Communications, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Mark Moschella Scott Moyer MTS Transportation, Inc. Mrs. Gail M. Murphy Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Murray Ms. Tammie L. Myers Ms. Debra Nagle Mr. and Mrs. Gary Naugle Mr. Roman Nestor Ms. Corinne L. Nevling Dr. and Mrs. Hugh Newman Mrs. Amy Nimitz North Blair Co Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Mrs. Verla Oakley Mrs. Laura O’Farrell Dr. Emmanuel Osagiede Mrs. Deborah A. O’Shell Owens & Minor, Inc. Parsi Healthcare Linen Passarello & Sisto, P.C. Dr. Rakesh Patel Patterson Ms. Shirley Pechter Penn State Altoona Penn State Altoona - Women’s Basketball Pepsi Bottling Group, Altoona Ms. Denise A. Perehinec Mrs. Tanya L. Phillips Dr. Debra S. Pike Pinnacle Plumbing & Heating Mr. and Mrs. Neil Port Primary Health Network Mr. and Mrs. Kevin L. Pruznak Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Pufka Radiology Business Solutions Ms. Carole B. Rainey Dr. David Rasmussen Ravine Golf Reilly, Creppage & Co., Inc. Ms. Mary Jane Rhoads Mr. and Mrs. Clayton C. Rickens Mr. and Mrs. John A. Roberts Jr. Mrs. Joanne Romine Attorney James S. Routch and Mrs. Shari Routch Ms. Irene M. Rubus S&T Bank Mr. Stephen S. Sangiorgi, C.P.A. Mrs. Julia A. Scarfone Dr. and Mrs. Jack D. Schocker Sheetz, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shellenberger Mr. and Mrs. George L. Shevenock Mrs. and Mr. Sandra D. Shover Ms. Jeannine Showalter Mrs. Ramona F. Shrift Bradley Shutack The Siemens Philanthropic Fund Dr. Laura Siems Dr. and Mrs. Robert Singer Mr. and Mrs. Jack Sloey 8
Ms. Brenda A. Smithmyer Mrs. Alisha D. Snowberger Dr. and Mrs. Rodney L. Sponsler Mr. and Mrs. Donald Squillario St. Jude Medical Staff Care STAT MedEvac Mrs. Connie A. Steinbeiser Ms. Paula Stellabotte Mrs. Lisa Steward Stiffler, McGraw & Associates, Inc. Ms. Christa Stipanovich Mrs. and Mr. Sarah A. Storm Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Strawser Ms. Jenny M. Strittmatter Ms. Patti K. Sweet Mrs. Susan J. Taneyhill Ms. Nancy Tarango Ms. Kathryn Terlinsky Sister Mary A. Tolusciak Mrs. Cindy Trimarco Dr. David M. Tsai Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Turiano Tyrone Hospital United Medical Products University Orthopedics Dr. Vijay Spratubga Vakharia Ms. Mary G. Vogel Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wall Mrs. and Mr. Carolyn Ward Weis Markets, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Les M. Weise Ms. Charlotte Weiser Mrs. Leonard Whiting Dr. Carlos Wiegering and Ms. Maria Friday Mr. and Mrs. David Willnecker Mrs. Connie A. Wills Mrs. Judith Wilson Ms. Leslie P. Wilson Mrs. and Mr. Ann Wolf Ms. and Mr. Barbara A. Woolheater Mr. and Mrs. Donald Woomer Mrs. Loretta F. Wyland Xanitos Inc. Mrs. Sandy Young Dr. Maged Zaky and Dr. Irini Youssef Mr. Butch Zavalanski Mrs. Karen J. Zimmerman Zimmer-Randall Dr. and Mrs. George Zlupko Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Zorger Mr. and Mrs. Gary Zuckerman Ms. Jennifer Zurin
In Honor Of In honor of Altoona Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Mrs. and Mr. Charlotte Conzo In honor of Audrey Craine Anonymous In honor of Doreen R. Fogle Ms. Barbara Hileman Ms. Jenn Hofer In honor of Lori Myers Ms. Dana Stohon
In Memory Of In memory of Antonio Anton Altoona Regional Health System Laboratory In memory of Gladys L. Brown Altoona Regional Health System - Supply Chain Department In memory of Ann Craine Anonymous In memory of Family Members with Breast Cancer who are now deceased Ms. Virginia Wible In memory of J. Scott Hommer Mrs. Carol Fleisher
In memory of Oscar Lang Altoona Regional Health System - Supply Chain Department In memory of Pam Lind Altoona Regional Health System Laboratory In memory of Glover Scheuck Mrs. Judy P. Lloyd In memory of Virginia C. Tate Mrs. Susan Meadows
General
Anonymous (4) Mr. and Mrs. Jack B. Barton Bennett Holdings, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. C. Elton Crider Curve Baseball, LP Attorney John E. Eberhardt Jr. Mrs. Dolores M. Fabbri Mary Jordan Fleck Trust Mr. Peter Gifttest Miss Patricia M. Gildea Mr. and Mrs. Randal Isenberg Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Kibelbek Mrs. Betty L. Kimmel Theodore J. Krol - Attorney at Law Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin I. Levine Jr. Mrs. Mary L. Lorow Dr. and Mrs. R. Samuel Magee Mrs. N.K. Moyer Penn State Altoona Lion Ambassadors Proficient Learning, LLC Mr. Richard Reeder Ms. Patricia Sheetz Mr. Marvin L. Snyder Mr. and Mrs. Edward T. Strong Mr. and Mrs. James D. Stuart Sr. Mr. and Mrs. William G. Wallen Mr. Charles W. Whetstine Mrs. Ann Wolf Mr. John W. Zook
In Honor Of In honor of James W. Barner Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Schmidt In honor of Valerie Brumbaugh Mr. and Mrs. William P. Benzel
In Memory Of In memory of Ralph Alexander Mrs. Beverly A. Blackburn Mr. and Mrs. Byron E. Brumbaugh Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Carl J. Bullock Mr. John Urban In loving memory of Frank “Dutch” Elling Ms. Mary J. Campolong In memory of Dorothy Hoover Anonymous In memory of Garnet Hoover Mr. and Mrs. Richard Turner In memory of Cleo G. Lukehart Mrs. Margie M. Burchfield In memory of Elois Means Mr. and Mrs. Byron E. Brumbaugh Jr. In memory of Margaret J. Meloy Mr. and Mrs. John R. Beyer In memory of Daniel A. Petta Mr. William M. Patterson Jr. In memory of Linda L. Whited Anonymous In memory of Janet Yon Mrs. Naomi R. Yon In memory of Lois Young Mrs. Kathy J. Vincent
How
to give
Through a variety of tax-deductible options, donors are encouraged to make unrestricted gifts for programs and services where the need is most urgent. Gifts to Altoona Regional Health System are tax-deductible as allowed by law and directly impact the well-being of thousands of patients and families each year. As a donor to Altoona Regional, you have the opportunity to make a difference for your friends, neighbors and family in the community. If you would like to make a gift to Altoona Regional Health System, please contact the Foundation for Life at 814.889.6406 or visit www.altoonaregional.org/gift_ giving. We have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy of this list and ask that you please email us at foundation@altoonaregional.org or call 814.889.6406 if you find an error or omission.
Fou n dation e v e nt will honor ‘exceptional’ contributions Altoona Regional Health System Foundation for Life’s second Health Care Honors recognition dinner will take place March 28 at the Blair County Convention Center, Altoona. Health Care Honors is held to recognize exceptional personal contributions by Altoona Regional board members and employees, as well as associated health, safety and social service providers and philanthropists, to improve community health. Proceeds are used to support a recognized institutional need. The inaugural Health Care Honors in 2008 recognized retiring president and CEO Jim Barner’s 30 years of service. Six award categories The 2011 Health Care Honors dinner will recognize people in six distinct award recognition categories. Ann Benzel, chair of the Altoona Regional Health System Foundation for Life, attributes the decision to increase the number of awards to the event committee’s work in identifying exemplary efforts.
“Quite frankly, it was difficult to limit the number of categories to six,” she said. “There are so many individuals who have made an impact on the health of the community through education, volunteerism or as health care professionals. They deserve recognition for their community contributions. “Also this year, because of the challenges facing health care providers like Altoona Regional, we felt it important for the Foundation to start recognizing exceptional philanthropic gifts made by individuals, businesses, corporations or foundations to Altoona Regional. Charitable gifts are of growing importance and are going to play a vital role in shaping the future of health care in our community.”
Nomination forms with selection criteria for each of the Health Care Honors awards are available at www.altoonaregional.org. Nominations must be submitted to the Foundation no later than Friday, Jan. 14. You can get ticket information on the Web site or from the Foundation office, 889.6406.
H E A LT H C A R E H O N O R S Award categories and criteria
2011
Honorees
Health Care Honors award categories include:
Board of directors award Recognizes an Altoona Regional board member who has provided outstanding leadership and/or service that has resulted in policies or actions that have improved the quality of health care services or led to improved efficiency and financial performance.
Award of Honor Recognizes creative, insightful, effective and altruistic leadership by an Altoona Regional employee during his or her lifetime to ensure exceptional health care or essential social support services in the community.
Health Care Professional Award Recognizes a physician, nurse or allied health care professional who has demonstrated long-term (multiyear or lifetime) contributions of personal time, talent and/or financial resources to the health system and/or community health or social service needs. Nominees should be leaders who help set a standard for exceptional and compassionate patient care.
Volunteer Award Recognizes someone who gives significant personal time and talent to Altoona Regional for the benefit of the health or welfare of our community. Nominees should have a record of long-term, selfless and exceptional dedication to nonprofit health, family service, social welfare or religious organizations that improve our community.
First Responder “Hero” Award Nominees will have provided exceptional life-sustaining care to a patient or community member. In addition to Altoona Regional employees, nominees can be firefighters, police officers, EMTs or others who performed unselfish acts with a risk to their own life.
Philanthropy Award Reserved for people, foundations or businesses that have helped establish a standard of philanthropic giving to Altoona Regional Health System’s Foundation for Life. Candidates for this award will have made an exceptional outright or planned charitable contribution to improve access to health care or to expand health care programs or services for the benefit of all members of our community.
Give to honor, remember or thank Did you know you can make a gift online to the Altoona Regional Health System Foundation for Life by going to www.altoonaregional.org and clicking on Give a Gift? Using the secure Web site, make a special tribute gift to honor or memorialize a loved one; to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or special occasion, or to say “thank you” for exceptional care provided to you or a family member. Donations made to the Foundation help support Altoona Regional’s mission and ensure access to exceptional care for all members of our community. Remember — your thoughtful and generous gifts to the Foundation for Life contribute to the health and well-being of all community members. 9
New Pap testing method
increases accuracy, reduces repeat collections
Women who have Pap smear testing for cervical abnormalities and whose doctors use the Altoona Regional laboratory for testing can rest easier knowing their sample has been thoroughly screened using state-of-the-art equipment. The lab’s new technology has been shown to increase the detection rate for cervical cancer nearly 20 percent, according to the FDA. Also, the collection process reduces the need for repeat testing. The new equipment is the BD FocalPoint GS (Guided Screening) Imaging system, which assists the laboratory’s three-full-time cytotechnologists in examining 17,000 tests every year, with a turnaround time for each test of 36-48 hours. “PAP smears are very important to women’s health,” according to lab director Joe Pufka. “Having the latest technology here to diagnose cervical cancer is a wonderful opportunity.” First in area with new technology In addition to cancer, PAP smears detect infections such as fungus and herpes. “Additional testing for HPV (human papillomavirus), gonorrhea and chlamydia can also be performed on the liquid-based specimen,” Joe said. “Currently, the specimen is sent to a reference laboratory for the additional testing. However, we will be doing the HPV testing in-house within the next year.” Available here since 2007, Focal Point technology uses a computer to assist the cytotechnologist in examining a Pap slide. In 2009, the company refined the technology with Guided Screening and Altoona Regional is the first in the area to use it. Becky Illig, CT (ASCP)
“This technology increases the detection rate for cervical cancer, according to FDA clinical trials,” cytotechnologist Becky Illig, CT (ASCP) said. “The detection rate for high-grade dysplasia increased 19.6 percent, and 9.8 percent for low-grade dysplasia.” Guided Screening highlights 10 areas with the most significant or abnormal cells, Becky explained. These areas are conveyed to the cytotechnologist, who takes a closer look at them, reviews the entire slide and determines if further evaluation is necessary. If so, the entire slide is sent to the pathologist for further review and diagnosis.
HPV
causes most cervical cancers
Enhanced collection method “Each patient slide is seen by the cytotechnologist,” Becky said. “The Guided Screening assists the cytotechnologist in seeing the most significant areas and reinforces the cytotechnologist’s expertise in rendering a diagnosis.” Another quality measure for the patient is the way the sample for the Pap test is taken. “We do liquid-based Sure Path process Pap smears,” Becky said. “We obtain 100 percent collection of cells because the gynecologist uses a brush to take the sample from the patient and submits the entire collection device for processing. We can prepare up to nine slides from each brush. The process takes out the blood and inflammation, leaving just cells, and the cells are much easier to see as the field is much clearer.” This process results in fewer unsatisfactory results due to obscured cells or inadequate cell collection, and a more accurate test result. This means fewer women are called back to the doctor’s office for a repeat collection. 10
Each day in the United States, 30 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer (about 11,000 women each year) and 11 die from it. Top photo: Becky Illig, Cytology supervisor, examines a Pap smear slide. Bottom photo: A slide is loaded onto the Focal Point instrument to be scanned by the computerized microscope. The scan data is forwarded to the cytotechnologist for evaluation.
Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina). Unlike other cancers, cervical cancer is not considered to be passed down through family genes. Most cervical cancers are caused by certain types of a virus — human papillomavirus, or HPV. Specifically, types 16 and 18 cause 70 percent of cervical cancers. When a woman is infected with these types of HPV and the virus doesn’t go away on its own, abnormal cells can develop in the lining of the cervix. If these abnormal cells are not found early and treated, precancers and then cervical cancer can develop. The progression of this disease can be prevented by annual visits to your gynecologist. The Pap smear has reduced the incidence of cervical cancer and drastically reduced the fatality rate. The introduction of the HPV vaccine may further diminish the disease. Talk to your doctor or health care professional if you want to know more about diseases caused by HPV.
Urologist specially trained in advanced kidney procedure
Organ removal offers best chance of cancer survival
Kidney cancer will cause more than 13,000 deaths this year, and more than 58,000 new cases will be diagnosed. The Altoona region has a higher-than-average rate of kidney cancer, according to urologist Steven O. Bossinger, M.D. of Altoona, who said it is likely due to the high rate of cigarette smoking — a known risk factor. Of the several types of kidney cancer, the most common is renal cell carcinoma, which accounts for nine out of 10 cases. Dr. Bossinger noted that kidney cancer is often found “by accident” when performing imaging studies for other reasons. “A patient may have a CT scan for gall bladder symptoms,” he said, “and a small tumor may show up on the kidney.” He added a hopeful note: “We are finding kidney cancer when it is smaller and more curable.” Performs about 60 a year Unlike other cancers, it does not respond to chemotherapy or radiation treatment, so surgical removal of the kidney offers the greatest chance of survival, he said. And he performs about 60 such laparoscopic procedures a year, drawing patients from as far away as Pittsburgh. “Sixty per year is a fairly large volume,” Dr. Bossinger said. “Laparoscopic nephrectomy (kidney removal) is not routinely offered in a community hospital. Fewer than 33 percent of urologists are trained in this surgery.” Dr. Bossinger received his laparoscopic nephrectomy training under Dr. Stephen M. Nikada at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Dr. Bossinger has been performing the surgery at Altoona Regional for three years, with assistance from general surgeon Dr. Robert Wertz. This minimally invasive surgery reduces the patient’s hospital stay to a night or two. When a kidney is removed using conventional, open-incision surgery, a hospital stay is typically five to seven nights, the doctor said.
About kidney cancer The kidneys are located just to the left and right of the spine. The lower ribcage protects them and their main job is to filter blood and help the body get rid of excess water, salt and waste products by making urine. The urine travels through long, thin tubes (ureters) to the bladder, where it is stored until you urinate. According to the American Cancer Society, early kidney cancer does not usually cause any signs or symptoms. Possible signs and symptoms in later stages include: • Blood in urine • Low back pain on one side (not from injury) • A mass or lump on the side or lower back • Tiredness • Weight loss, if you are not trying to lose weight • Fever that doesn’t go away after a few weeks and that is not from an infection • Swelling of ankles and legs Risk factors include:
Quicker recovery “The overwhelming majority of kidney cancer patients are candidates for this less invasive surgery,” he said. “Recovery time is much quicker — one month compared to six or eight weeks. There is less chance of morbidity (complications) and a quicker return to normal activities and work.” In stark contrast to traditional surgery, which requires a six-inch incision from the mid-back to the front, this surgery is performed through multiple small incisions in the abdomen. This difference in incisions accounts for the difference in recovery times. The five-year survival rate for cancer that has not spread beyond the kidney is 81 percent, according to the American Cancer Society. The same survival rate for kidney cancer diagnosed in the late stages, after it has spread to the lungs, brain and bones, is about 8 percent.
• Smoking • Obesity The American Cancer Society also cites many studies that suggest exposure to certain chemicals increase the risk of kidney cancer. Some of these are asbestos, cadmium (a type of metal), some herbicides, benzene and organic solvents.
“Removal of the kidney is really the only viable curative treatment,” Dr. Bossinger said. “And, as with most cancers, early detection is critical.”
Contact: Steven O. Bossinger, M.D. 1701 12th Ave., Bldg. E Altoona, PA 16601 941.7304 11
Steven O. Bossinger, M.D.
Altoona Hospital Campus 620 Howard Avenue Altoona, PA 16601-4899 A nonprofit community health care system
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Altoona Regional Health System
Change Service Requested
ASK THE SPECIALIST Dr. Henry C. Wong is a board certified urologist with Blair Medical Associates.
At what age should a man begin screening for prostate cancer? The trend now is to start prostate cancer screening at age 40 for all males because prostate cancer tends to be more aggressive in the younger male, is most treatable when identified early, and the cost of screening with PSA is lower than before. We know that earlier screening will help reduce prostate cancer-related deaths by 25 percent. Treatment of early-stage prostate cancer is much better than waiting and treating advanced cancer when symptoms appear. So at age 40 I recommend screening with a blood test and a digital rectal exam during the annual physical. This is supported by the American Urological Association. What treatment options exist for prostate cancer? Prostate cancer treatment is very individualized based on the
cancer’s aggressiveness, volume and spread, along with the patient’s age and overall health. It is a decision made between the patient and doctor. I am comfortable with discussing with the patient treatments such as radiation seeds (brachytherapy), cryotherapy, radical surgery and robotic options. In the discussion of risk and benefits, the greatest focus is on impotence and incontinence, which should be compared between the different treatments. As a surgeon who performs these procedures, I seek the best outcome by preserving function without compromising cancer treatment. What is prostate enlargement? Benign prostate enlargement probably starts in the 40s and may be due to increased prostate male hormone levels but is not fully understood. Most men become symptomatic in their 50s-60s, and
because of the prostate’s location beneath the bladder outlet, it causes obstruction of the part of the urethra that passes through the middle of the prostate gland, making urination and bladder emptying increasingly difficult with time.
are medications we can try to improve urinary function and its associated symptoms. Today we have highly sophisticated fourth-generation lasers with much less morbidity than the standard surgery we did 20 years ago. Laser results in little to no blood loss and the patient usually goes home the same day.
What are the symptoms and is treatment available?
Is there anything a man can do to keep his prostate healthy?
Common complaints include urinary frequency (going more often) and waking up at night more often to urinate. Men may also note a weaker urine stream, hesitancy (takes more time to start flow) and not feeling satisfied that the bladder is empty after voiding. Some have to urinate again 5-10 minutes after voiding because they are not emptying. There p
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be beneficial but, again, nothing has been proven. Investing in men’s vitamins and eating fruits and vegetables can’t hurt!
Difficult to answer because there are no double-blinded prospective studies to prove what we observe: that high levels of zinc, selenium and lycopenes are found in healthy prostates. There are many supplements and vitamins with these added. Lifestyle factors such as a low-fat diet high in Vitamin C may
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Dr. Henry C. Wong is board certified by the American Board of Urology. He received his medical degree from Rush Medical College, Chicago, Ill. He did his internship at Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, Va., and his residency at Naval Medical Center, San Diego, Calif. During his naval career, he lived overseas. He came to Altoona from Seattle, Wash. Contact: Blair Medical Associates Urology, 601 Hawthorne Drive, Suite 100, Hollidaysburg; phone 946.1655. 12