Good Day Ascension - Fall 2019

Good Day Ascension For Associates of Our One Integrated Ministry

FALL 2019

Looking back; looking ahead ASCENSION’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATES JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION

INSIDE: Making a difference for kids / Virtual pharmacy reaches more patients / Ascension Online Care provides 24/7 access

WELCOME

A word from our Sponsor

H

ow exciting it is to celebrate Ascension’s 20th anniversary. Since July I have been privileged to serve as Chair of the Ascension Sponsor, after having been blessed to be part of Ascension’s story in various capacities since its inception in 1999.

Over those 20 years, our commitment to our Mission and Values has led our ministry to accomplish remarkable results in serving individuals and communities, particularly our efforts to serve those most in need — making this anniversary even more meaningful.

Your dedicated service is how we express God’s healing love in the world today, building upon the lives and careers of those who came before us. Through our work, we carry on the same actions that our ancestors witnessed in Jesus: prayer and reflection, healing, teaching, caring for those who are poor and marginalized — all actions that serve human dignity and the common good.

Thank you for the actions you personally contribute to help our ministry flourish.

Sr. Jean Rhoads, DC — Chair, Ascension Sponsor

View from the Board

W

e talk a lot about the pace of change in healthcare. A quick look back helps us put it all into perspective. Twenty years ago, the first digital tape recorder hit the market; Wi-Fi was a brand-new concept; and the smartest phones we had could only text, call and take photos. Indeed, today we live in very different times.

But despite all the changes that have taken place — in healthcare and beyond — the reason we are here has not changed. Our Mission to care for all, especially those who are poor and vulnerable, is just as real and pertinent today as it was when it was penned. Our great hope in common calls us to bring our whole selves to the care of those in our communities and to one another. As we celebrate a remarkable 20 years together, I want to thank each of you for answering the call to Catholic healthcare.

Stephen Dufilho, CPA — Chair, Board of Directors

Leading the transformation

H

appy anniversary, Ascension! As I recently reflected on my own journey, I recalled the safety net hospital in Yonkers, New York, where I was born and how important it is that Ascension continue to serve the people who come to our sites of care seeking compassionate, personalized care. What an incredible gift and responsibility to become living signs of God’s love as we carry on the ministry of Jesus as healer.

We have much to appreciate about the past 20 years — and even more to look forward to in the future. This issue celebrates where we’ve been as a Catholic health ministry and, more importantly, where we are headed. I encourage you to reflect on your own story and how your God-given talents resonate with our shared experience.

As always, I invite you to share your feedback at GoodDay@ascension.org.

Nick Ragone, Esq. — Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Ascension

Our Mission: Rooted in the loving ministry of Jesus as healer, we commit ourselves to serving all persons with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. Our Catholic health ministry is dedicated to spiritually centered, holistic care which sustains and improves the health of individuals and communities. We are advocates for a compassionate and just society through our actions and our words.

2

G O O D DAY A S C E N S I O N / A S C E N S I O N .O R G

CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS 4 Mailbox Patients and families share letters of thanks to caregivers.

Sr. Bernice Coreil, DC, has been an integral part of Ascension’s story of transformation since its founding 20 years ago, and for years before that as part of the leadership of the Daughters of Charity National Health System.

FEATURES 15 Looking back; looking ahead Two decades after Catholic health ministry leaders came together with a bold goal, thousands of Ascension sites of care nationwide remain united by a common Mission and focus on delivering compassionate, personalized care.

24 Making a difference for kids Pediatric leaders from across Ascension work together to enhance quality and services, supported by a coordinated marketing and branding campaign.

26 Innovations in pharmacy practices support safer, more affordable care Via AscensionConnect, virtual pharmacy programs reach more patients with high-quality care.

28 The doctor is in Ascension Online Care provides direct-to-consumer virtual care and 24/7 access to our integrated health system.

Good Day Ascension For Associates of Our One Integrated Ministry

On the cover: FALL 2019

Looking back; looking ahead ASCENSION’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATES JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION

Since its founding on Nov. 1, 1999, Ascension has been a leader in transforming healthcare. Now with a unified Mission and identity, as celebrated at Ascension Seton in Texas, the national health ministry looks forward as our Mission-inspired Transformation evolves.

5 Inspiration As a ministry formed by creative and courageous pioneers, our Value of Creativity: Courageous Innovation is evident in the Mission-inspired Transformation occurring throughout Ascension.

6 Up Front Ascension CEO calls gun violence a public health issue. … Visibility into data leads to a better work environment. … New name for community health centers honors St. Vincent de Paul. … Ascension welcomes G Suite. … myHR portal offers enhanced features. … Providence Urgent Care Center opens in Washington, D.C.

12 Getting to know you Get to know Don King, Senior Vice President, Ascension, and Ministry Market Executive, Ascension Kansas, and Jeffrey Nowlin, FACHE, Senior Vice President, Ascension, and Ministry Market Executive, Ascension Oklahoma.

14 Wellness now Because it’s important to take time to manage your stress, learn three easy ways you can reduce stress when you are feeling overwhelmed.

30 News from across Ascension What’s happening around the ministry?

35 The last word See a few stories you might have missed from GoodDay.ascension.org.

Back cover A mother and her daughters share a combined 31 years of nursing at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis.

INSIDE: Making a difference for kids / Virtual pharmacy reaches more patients / Ascension Online Care provides 24/7 access

FALL 2019

3

M AI LBOX

THE GOOD DAY ASCENSION TEAM WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU ABOUT WHAT YOU LIKE IN THIS MAGAZINE AND SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE EDITIONS. SEND YOUR LETTERS TO THE EDITOR TO GOODDAY@ASCENSION.ORG.

Letters from those we serve From the time I entered your doors until the day I left, I was treated with dignity and respect. As a disabled veteran, I also appreciated the thoughtful and respectful added touches of a flag wristband and flag on my door. Dr. Rajiv Narula, the nurses and aides were outstanding!

Letter to CEO from patient at Ascension St. John Medical Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma

This was my first visit to [Ascension] Saint Agnes Hospital and I found it to be a hospital where the staff is concerned about their patients. Amy Healey, RN, did an excellent job [of] knowing how to make me feel comfortable in spite of how scared I was.

Patient at Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital, Baltimore

I want to take a few moments to tell you about how helpful Lori Stefanski, LPN, was while she was accessing my port for my chemotherapy appointment. She asked me if I had signed up for Look Good Feel Better and if I had looked into getting a wig. She came back later while I was doing chemotherapy with her wig cart and had me try on a few different wigs to try different looks. I appreciate that Lori goes above and beyond to get to know patients and help them build back up their self-esteem during the toughest time of their life.

Dawn Filbert is the nurse who wouldn’t let me leave the doctor’s office without going to the ER to get my chest pains checked out. The result was: Four weeks ago, I was in the operating room having a triple bypass because of the awareness of this wonderful person.

There’s no telling where I would be today, but I’m not thinking about that!

Instead, I will be forever thankful to Dawn!

Patient at Ascension Sacred Heart, Pensacola, Florida

A few days ago, I came to the hospital feeling suicidal, anxious and depressed.

After the intake process through the ER, I was admitted to the mental health unit. Even though I have an opioid addiction, I came here in search of help with my mental health issues.

Stephanie took the time to read my chart, learn my history and help me realize that further treatment is the best plan for me.

Patient at Ascension St. Michael’s Hospital, Stevens Point, Wisconsin

You are blessed to have [Natasha Rusek] on your staff. She is reliable and knowledgeable. Her sense of peace while nursing sets the tone for the patient and the family. She took a very stressful time for our family and put us all at ease.

Patient at Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital, Weston, Wisconsin

Letter to Ascension All Saints Cancer Center, Racine, Wisconsin

4

G O O D DAY A S C E N S I O N / A S C E N S I O N .O R G

A military friend of mine who was battling cancer for the last four years was put in hospice care. The last few days of his life were spent at Ascension Genesys Hospital. The staff were exceptional. I am so incredibly grateful to the staff and facility for their service and recognition to an American hero.

Friend of patient at Ascension Genesys Hospital, Grand Blanc, Michigan

My father was at Ascension St. Joseph ER with complications from stage 4 metastatic lung cancer. Dr. Bob May was amazing, giving us answers we understood. He was compassionate and professional and made us feel at peace with his situation. Because of Dr. May, we took our father home on hospice and will spend what time we have left together as a family.

Son of patient at Ascension St. Joseph, Tawas City, Michigan

Thank you to all the Ascension Standish Hospital staff who were part of our unexpected visit and stay this summer.

We received quick care in the ER. The acute care staff were wonderful. Each department — nurses, doctors, kitchen, testing, respiratory care, housekeeping — [was] friendly and attentive to our needs.

Letter from patient at Ascension Standish Hospital, Standish, Michigan

I N S P I R AT I O N

Creativity: A sustaining Value that continues to inspire This fall, we focus on our Ascension Value of Creativity: Courageous Innovation.

T

here is no better time to highlight the gifts of this Value than in the year we celebrate Ascension’s 20th anniversary. As we reflect, we recognize that our steadfast Mission did not begin 20 years ago with the founding of Ascension, or even 200 years ago with the establishment of our ministry in this country. Our Mission goes back more than 2,000 years to the time of Jesus. We are now compelled to follow in the footsteps of the creative, courageous pioneers who helped bring the loving ministry of Jesus as healer to communities across our country — communities we continue to serve.

These pioneers prayed together and developed relationships of trust; they listened to their own inspired ideas and encouraged and revered the ideas of others, who discerned from those ideas where God was leading, and who walked together in faith and trust. Each generation has faced times of trial and uncertainty, joy and celebration. Each generation has responded to the needs of the times, willing to listen to God’s call and step into the unknown.

Today we continue to see creativity in action in the Mission-inspired Transformation happening throughout Ascension, and in new ways to listen to and serve those who are poor and vulnerable.

One creative effort sponsored by Ministry Formation resulted in an award-winning film, “Inherit the Earth,” a quiet meditation on loss and hope within the struggle of urban poverty that lifts up the voices in communities who so need the ministry we provide (watch at vimeo.com/350027983).

Ascension is listening to these needs of the times in innovative and creative ways.

Some questions for your consideration: • During this time in Ascension, what is our Value of Creativity inviting us to be as a community, in our departments, our units? What am I being invited to?

• How might I be more courageous in offering my ideas? What keeps me from doing that?

• How might I encourage others to share their ideas and create an even safer and more trusting community?

FALL 2019

5

UP FRONT

Overcoming tragedy GUN VIOLENCE IS A PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE, SAYS ASCENSION CEO

S

hortly after El Paso, Texas, was rocked by a mass shooting in August, Joseph Impicciche, JD, MHA, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ascension, and other Ascension leaders visited Centro San Vicente, Ascension’s community health center in the city.

“We had the opportunity to meet with several Centro San Vicente leaders and associates,” Joe said. “We learned about how the ministry and the city were affected by the terrible tragedy.

Centro San Vicente’s caregivers are on the front lines of dealing with the aftermath of the shooting and the emotional

and mental health toll it has taken on so many members of the community — including themselves.” Supported

by Ascension, Centro San Vicente is an independently owned and operated Federally Qualified Health Center.

Joe said El Paso is a strong, resilient city. “Leaders and associates across Ascension are with the city in spirit as it recovers from this tragedy,” he said.

Ascension views gun violence as a public health issue that must be addressed, Joe said.

“We should all be in solidarity with the victims of violence in El Paso, Dayton, Gilroy, Las Vegas, Parkland and

unfortunately so many other places, including the emergency rooms of our healthcare facilities,” he said. “Catholic healthcare ministry is rooted in a commitment to promote and defend human dignity. And silence in the face of such tragedy and wrongdoing falls short of our Mission to advocate for a compassionate and just society.

“Ascension stands with its spiritual brothers and sisters in the Catholic community to ask our elected officials to address the issue of gun violence. Some things to be considered include more research dollars to better understand the root causes of gun violence, mandatory criminal background checks for every purchase of a firearm, and greater investment in mental and behavioral health treatment, among other things.”

Joe called on all Americans to engage in a constructive and empathetic dialogue on gun violence.

“All Americans oppose these senseless killings, and we should unite around an achievable platform that can save some lives even if it cannot eradicate all weapon-based violence,” he said. “The time has come to address this public health crisis.”

Ascension’s Joseph Impicciche, JD, MHA, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Carol Schmidt, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Clinical & Network Services, meet with Angel Flores, right, a community health worker at Centro San Vicente, El Paso, Texas.

6

G O O D DAY A S C E N S I O N / A S C E N S I O N .O R G

UP FRONT

3

1

2

5 4

11

7

6

8

9

10

15

13

14

12 16

17

18

Acute Care Therapy department associates at Ascension St. Vincent’s in Birmingham, Alabama, enjoy Lunch with Leaders: (1) Kelly Argo, (2) Tina Dickinson, (3) Jay Sims, (4) Nicole Hill, (5) Nathan Rhudy, (6) Kala Hudson-Wiltz, (7) Shondell Scott, (8) Whitney Abney, (9) Anna Maria Ray, (10) Brittani Johnson, (11) Jan Hughes, (12) Catherine Wallace, (13) Erica Allen, (14) Mary Revell, (15) Sarah Anne Allen, (16) Lauren Cleavelin, (17) Erica Bonner and (18) Lauren Tillman.

Collaborating to serve VISIBILITY INTO DATA LEADS TO A BETTER WORK ENVIRONMENT

A

comfortable environment, food and great dialogue seem to be the ingredients behind recent improvements at Ascension St. Vincent’s in Birmingham, Alabama.

That’s the formula for Lunch with Leaders, a program introduced at Ascension St. Vincent’s East that has been getting associates excited.

Lunch with Leaders is a monthly event where senior leadership and associates in different units eat lunch together and talk about ways to enhance the work environment to better serve patients and their families.

“We provide lunch to them, meet in the break rooms and have informal conversations about whatever topics they’d like to discuss. Because of the

open dialogue, several actionable items are always discovered,” said James Epperson, Chief Nursing Officer, Ascension St. Vincent’s East.

One simple change included firming up the process of obtaining bedside commode buckets and identifying where the supply or stock should be stored. “It was good to be able to speak with the leaders and have transparent communication. We were able to voice concerns straight to the source,” said Adam Weekley, RN, Medical Intensive Care Unit. “[We] were comfortable sharing concerns and suggestions. The lunch setting made it easy to talk to the leaders,” added Kimberly Hill, RN, 5 North.

Perhaps surprisingly, Lunch with Leaders is rooted in results from Ascension’s Associate Engagement Survey and data analytics from Ascension’s workforce analytics solution, Visier. Visier can answer many questions for managers including about hiring rates, generational gaps and other demographics.

“Without the knowledge Visier provided, programs like Lunch with Leaders wouldn’t have been implemented,” said Ashley Thomas, Human Resources Business Partner, who supports Ascension Alabama. “We have the opportunity to look at what we can do to retain valued associates through ensuring they feel comfortable voicing their input with leadership and that changes are made based on their feedback.”

FALL 2019

7

UP FRONT

Community health centers renamed NAME HONORS DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY CO-FOUNDER ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

A

scension community health centers in Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas have taken on a new name: Ascension DePaul Services. Community health services, education services and neighborhood-based programs have adopted the Ascension brand as part of their new name.

The change is part of work across our integrated national health ministry to create a unified Ascension identity reflecting our shared Mission of serving the poor and vulnerable, as well as to make patient and consumer navigation easier and more accessible.

The Daughters of Charity established the community centers to serve those who are poor and vulnerable with unique services and models of care. The care sites that serve those most in need in Arkansas and Louisiana now operate as DePaul Community Health Centers, while sites in San Antonio, Texas, are known as Ascension DePaul Services. The services, programs and commitment to the community stay the same but now draw upon the legacy of the name DePaul, which holds rich significance in these communities and honors St. Vincent de Paul, one of the Daughters of Charity founders.

These services have been part of Ascension for 20 years. Bringing them together under the Ascension name advances our Mission and strengthens our efforts to connect our care and reduce disparities in healthcare.

Our Mission to improve the health and well-being of our community remains steadfast and is strengthened by this new name, which ties directly to St. Vincent de Paul’s passion to care for the sick and those living in poverty.

New signage welcomes those seeking care to the DePaul Community Health Centers.

8

G O O D DAY A S C E N S I O N / A S C E N S I O N .O R G

UP FRONT

Going G Suite MOVING TO GOOGLE TOOLS WILL ENHANCE COLLABORATION FOR ASCENSION ASSOCIATES

A

scension associates will be “Going G Suite” when they move from Microsoft Office applications to Google’s G Suite productivity tools on Dec. 9.

G Suite provides the digital tools many people use every day — email, calendar, word processing, spreadsheets, storage folders, video conferencing and more — in a seamless, cloud-enabled experience to help associates collaborate better and get things done more easily and effectively.

But G Suite is not about swapping out one platform for another. It will support new ways of working, with an emphasis on real-time collaboration, secure file sharing, and access to files and documents any time, anywhere, on any device.

“The shift to G Suite is not simply a shift in IT strategy,” said Eduardo

Conrado, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Innovations Officer, Ascension. “It will ensure we have a digital workplace that is a core enabler for our Mission-inspired Transformation.

It will help us think, act and move faster so we can serve consumers when, where and how they want and need.”

The G Suite platform is already in use by more than 5 million businesses worldwide. Esha Bhargava, Vice President, Experience Research, Ascension, was with Motorola Solutions when the company migrated from Microsoft to Google tools.

Since joining Ascension early in 2019, she and her team have spent hundreds of hours observing workflows in hospitals to help them identify technology solutions to create a better, more efficient work experience for clinicians.

“With G Suite, our front-line teams will be able to share knowledge and

new ideas plus collaborate seamlessly at a level they never have before,” Esha said. “We can all focus more on creating value for those we serve and less on routine tasks.”

Changing basic work tools can be intimidating, but G Suite is intuitive and user friendly, with a short learning curve. The data in associates’ Microsoft calendar, email and OneDrive will automatically migrate to G Suite.

Ascension’s move to G Suite is being supported by a full array of training and resources, including a dedicated information-sharing community at jam.ascension.org/GSuite. In addition, a specially trained group of G Suite “Guides” from across Ascension already has gone through the transition and is ready to help other associates “Go G Suite.”

FALL 2019

9

UP FRONT

Associates now have access to next-generation shared services HR TRANSFORMS ITS ASSOCIATE SUPPORT MODEL

H

ealthcare happens 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To enhance the experience for Ascension associates around many moments that matter within the workplace and at home, it’s now easier to find, access and update Human Resources information wherever and whenever needed.

Through the myHR portal via myAscension, associates can update and view personal information, licenses, certification, pay, benefits and more in one area. Highlights include: • Enhanced online search — An intuitive search feature that allows associates to look for answers to many HR-related questions and includes links to review a quick reference guide or start a case.

• Phone or chat — Access to the HR Central team through live online chat, or by phone with a new, easy-to-remember number: 844-8HR-HRHR (844-847-4747).

“This is truly a one-stop shop for associates to have their HR questions answered,” said Brian Lambright, HR Shared Services Specialist.

The team behind the scenes The HR Central team participated in an intensive three-month training program to empower its members with tools and resources to effectively and efficiently serve associates when they need HR assistance.

Bringing the myHR portal and shared services delivery model to life was a

testament to the Ministry-wide Functions working in collaboration. “We set out to make a difference for our associates and we are committed to providing an exceptional HR experience every time, every day,” said Alexis Callender, Senior Director, Operations, Human Resources.

In its first week, more than 46,000 associates logged on to the myHR portal. The team handled nearly 5,000 calls, more than 1,200 chats and 700 online cases.

“The team starts each day with prayers and reflection,” said Sylvia Williams, HR Shared Services Specialist.

“This foundation sets the tone for what we bring to our fellow associates. We handle every call with integrity and compassion.”

“It is all about serving those who serve others … and treating others the way they want to be treated,” Brian said.

Associate feedback to myHR has been positive.

“Even though I am not playing a hands-on role with the patients, I do have a role in the time our caregivers spend at the bedside. Helping is where my heart is, even if the associate does not see me,” said Kimberly Roy, HR Central Specialist.

Ndeye Diouf, HR Specialist, is part of the HR Central team specially trained to assist associates with HR needs.

10

G O O D DAY A S C E N S I O N / A S C E N S I O N .O R G

UP FRONT

Care where it counts NEW PROVIDENCE URGENT CARE CENTER IS FIRST IN D.C.’S WARD 5

A

scension’s Providence Health System celebrated the opening of the Providence Urgent Care Center in Washington, D.C., and it’s already treated thousands of community residents in need.

The Urgent Care Center is just one part of Providence’s strategy to address unmet health needs of residents through its transformed Providence campus, encompassing a community of healthcare and non-healthcare partners supporting the whole person and his or her well-being.

“Providence will continue to work toward meeting patient needs and addressing the social factors that influence a person’s health,” said Tamarah Duperval-Brownlee, MD, MPH, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer, Providence Health System, and Chief Community Impact Officer, Ascension. Dr. Duperval-Brownlee highlighted the importance of the opening of the urgent care facility as “a major milestone in our commitment to serve the people of the District, with special attention to those most in need.”

The Urgent Care Center provides treatment for a wide range of common, nonemergency illnesses. These services

range from treating those suffering from the flu, strep throat or asthma, to the treatment of sprains, strains and broken bones, along with offering vaccinations.

Calling the center “a new and exciting frontier” for Providence, Dr. Duperval-Brownlee said a survey of Washington residents found that many do not have a primary care provider and cannot get timely doctor’s appointments.

“We will serve people who want access to healthcare and who want to be healthy,” she said. “We want to be a superpower providing compassionate healthcare to this community.”

William Strudwick, MD, a physician who has served at Providence Hospital and now Providence Urgent Care Center for the past 26 years, said, “We are grateful we get the opportunity to continue to serve this community.”

Providence has served patients in D.C. for more than 150 years and continues to operate primary care services, skilled nursing care at Carroll Manor, outpatient behavioral health and care coordination for Medicaid beneficiaries through the My Health GPS program.

Dignitaries including Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, Archbishop of Washington; Sr. Suzanne Baumgartner, DC; and Dr. Tamarah Duperval-Brownlee, President and Chief Executive Officer, Providence Health System, officially open the new Providence Urgent Care Center.

FALL 2019

11

PERSONAL PROFILE

Getting to know you DON KING, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, ASCENSION, AND MINISTRY MARKET EXECUTIVE, ASCENSION KANSAS read about our caregivers and physicians and how they go the extra mile to extend themselves in service.

Q: What are your priorities for Ascension Kansas?

A: I want Ascension Via Christi to be the best possible place in which to give and receive care, which requires creating a positive experience for patients, their families, associates and our physician partners. Additionally, we must continue to ensure that the care we provide is accessible to the communities we serve, with a focus on addressing social determinants of health and care for the underserved.

Q: What was your first job?

A: I began work at age 15, throwing square bales as part of a hay crew. When I got my driver’s license ... I went to work in the deli at Jerry’s United Super in Peculiar, Missouri.

Q: What led you to healthcare and Ascension?

A: I knew from the time I was in high school that I was interested in healthcare, having been exposed to allied health as the result of several sports injuries. I began my career as a physical therapist and then moved into administration. What has kept me here is the ability to have a positive influence in the communities in which we serve and help create a positive work environment. I chose to become a part of Ascension because of how well my personal values and the organization’s Values align.

Q: What is one word that describes you?

A: Collaborative.

Q: What inspires you?

A: I have always been inspired by honorable people who put the greater good ahead of self. Serving in healthcare allows me to witness this on a daily basis as I see, hear and

12

G O O D DAY A S C E N S I O N / A S C E N S I O N .O R G

Q: What should healthcare consumers know more about?

A: Consumers need to know that healthcare is in the midst of a tremendous transformation, one that will lead to a much more consumer-centric model of care. This transformation is being driven in part by technology, but also because the voice of the consumer is being heard. Best of all, this work is being led nationally by Ascension. We hear you and you can count on us to transform healthcare access and delivery.

Q: What have you learned through your career?

A: Over the years, I’ve learned that everyone has gifts to offer. I’ve also discovered that helping others identify and share their gifts is one of the most fulfilling things you can do — in the workplace, at home and in your community.

Q: How do you make time for community organizations and convey the benefits of such commitments to associates?

A: While Wendy (my wife) and I are still getting plugged in to (Kansas) community organizations, we both are committed to ... contributing our time and financial resources when and where we can. I believe in leading by example.

We make the time by making it a priority to give back.

PERSONAL PROFILE

Getting to know you JEFFREY NOWLIN, FACHE, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, ASCENSION, AND MINISTRY MARKET EXECUTIVE, ASCENSION OKLAHOMA communities we serve. Ascension St. John will also continue its pursuit of a Dual Transformation — transforming our core operations while developing new transformational models of care for the future.

Q: What is your leadership approach?

A: My approach is to value and empower those around me so that together we can deliver on our Mission. Whether you are an associate, physician, board member or volunteer, your commitment to the ministry and our Mission allows us to deliver on the healthcare needs of Oklahoma.

That’s what excites me about serving in this ministry.

Q: What led you to a career in healthcare and Ascension?

A: Growing up, I didn’t have any immediate family in the healthcare field, but I always had an interest. While in business school, I mentioned to my future fiancee (now my wife of 25 years) this interest, and she offered an introduction to her roommate’s father, who was a hospital administrator.

He [invited] me to spend some time with him and his team, and it was through this experience that I decided to pursue a career in healthcare. Early in my career, I had a mentor who described this work as a calling and a ministry. That connected with me and created a desire to work in a faith-based health system. That opportunity, which first came through St. John and then Ascension, very much lined up with my values and desire to be part of the healing ministry of Christ.

Q: What are your priorities for Ascension St. John?

A: Our priorities will continue to be focused on delivering the highest quality and safest care possible, to elevate the patient and provider experience and to deliver on operational excellence, while staying true to our Mission of care for the poor and vulnerable. In addition, we will remain focused on growing services to meet the needs of the

Q: How do you define success?

A: On the professional side, success is defined by the impact we have on those we are privileged to serve. At the end of the day, we must ask ourselves if we are moving the needle forward, advancing our strategies, and not compromising our Mission of caring for the poor and the vulnerable. A favorite part of my job is rounding on our patients and associates.

To see the work that’s carried out by our caregivers and the impact to our patients — this is very inspirational. It is here where you see our Mission come to life. On the personal side, success is defined by my commitment to my faith, family and those around me.

Q: What words best define you?

A: Engagement and presence. I am always working to be fully engaged and present in every conversation or meeting I participate in. In this day and age of email, texts, instant messaging and social media, engagement and presence is something that is sometimes lacking and one that I believe is critical to the work that we do.

Q: What was your first job?

A: My first job was yard service. I loved the work, and early on it taught me the principles of quality, accountability, customer service and growth. To this day, I still enjoy working in my yard.

FALL 2019

13

WELLNESS NOW

Slow down for stress relief 3 EASY WAYS YOU CAN MANAGE YOUR STRESS

S

ometimes our lives get so fastpaced that it feels like our stress levels are going through the roof.

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to take time to manage your stress. Here are three easy ways you can reduce your stress:

1. Increase physical activity One of the best ways to manage stress is by incorporating regular physical activity into your schedule. According to the American Psychological Association, exercise benefits your mind as well as your body. There are long-term benefits of a regular exercise routine. But even if you just exercise in the short term,

you’ll be able to decrease your stress levels. Try going for a walk, run or ride your bike.

2. Find time to meditate Meditating is a great way to stop and allow your mind and body to relax. Close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths, and let the stress drain from you. You can even find meditation apps that walk you through the process. Research shows that meditation can have immediate benefits for those feeling stressed.

Even just a five-minute meditation when you are feeling stressed out can be beneficial.

3. Eat healthy foods Stress eating is a common occurrence and something you should look out for.

It’s easy to reach for foods that give us comfort during peak times of stress.

However, grabbing a cookie filled with processed sugar will only make your stress levels worse. It’s best to stay away from carbs and processed sugar.

You can replace them with healthier options that include fresh fruits, veggies and lean proteins. For example, you can grab a healthy snack such as celery with peanut butter. This will not only make your body feel better but also help your mind feel better too.

Well-being Program update In 2020, the Well-being Program will begin using Virgin Pulse! This new online platform will include the tools that associates rely on to monitor their health and well-being, along with other features. SmartHealth will continue to offer $225 in Healthy Rewards for covered associates who complete well-being activities. A health assessment will still be required for any rewards to be earned, and annual physicals/well visits will be rewarded only for visits to Ascension Network (Tier 1) providers (the incentive amount is $125).

Watch your email in January for more about the SmartHealth 2020 Well-being Program.

14

G O O D DAY A S C E N S I O N / A S C E N S I O N .O R G

Looking back; Two decades after the founding of Ascension, thousands of sites of care nationwide remain united by a common Mission and focus on compassionate, personalized care.

looking ahead T

wenty years ago, a group of Catholic health ministry leaders came together with a bold goal and an inspiring vision — to create a national Catholic health system by combining the strengths and charisms of its founding religious sponsors to provide spiritually centered, holistic care that would sustain and improve the health of individuals and communities.

By 1999, the Daughters of Charity National Health System and the Sisters of St. Joseph Health System already had strong histories of providing healthcare services with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. When the two health systems combined to form Ascension on November 1, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet added their health system a few short years later, they ensured that the national system, rooted in the loving ministry of Jesus as healer, would flourish even as the healthcare environment rapidly evolved. Ascension was strengthened further by the later

additions of the health ministries of the Alexian Brothers and the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, and then Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare and Presence Health.

Memorable, meaningful and powerful stories of work and service performed by Ascension’s historic Sponsors throughout the centuries helped guide its leaders

FALL 2019

15

Looking back; looking ahead

Right: Integral leaders to Ascension’s story of transformation include Sr. Bernice Coreil, DC, Senior Executive Advisor to the President and CEO, and former President and Chief Executive Officer Anthony R. Tersigni, EdD, FACHE.

during the first years after Ascension was formed.

Those stories and new narratives were repeated during a transformation process that resulted in a new culture throughout Ascension — a culture of collaboration, innovation and steadfast fidelity to the Mission.

In some ways, those stories mirror that of Sr. Bernice Coreil, DC, Senior Executive Advisor to the President and CEO, Ascension. Sr. Bernice’s life and career have been the embodiment of the Values of Ascension. She has been a steady, guiding influence on the health ministry since its formation, and for years before that as part of the leadership of the Daughters of Charity National Health System. The history of the nation’s Catholic health ministry is replete with her Spirit-led contributions, prayerful leadership and inspiring guidance. Ascension has been blessed by her presence as she prepares to step down from her role effective Dec. 31, 2019.

16

Similarly, Ascension’s first two decades reflect the leadership of former President and Chief Executive Officer Anthony R. Tersigni, EdD, FACHE, who guided the national health ministry for 15 years beginning in 2004. Now serving as Executive Chair of the Board for Ascension Capital, LLC, Tony was a visionary servant leader who shepherded Ascension through a period of unprecedented change in the U.S. healthcare industry, focusing his time and energy on innovating and creating the future.

On pages 18–19 you will find a graphic representation of many of the milestones in Ascension’s two decades of leading the transformation of healthcare. You will see how, under Tony’s leadership, Ascension developed a groundbreaking Call to Action, a promise to deliver Healthcare That Works, Healthcare That Is Safe, and Healthcare That Leaves No One Behind. That Call to Action would evolve to become the Strategic Direction, an overarching commitment that still guides the ministry today.

On page 20 you will see a story that outlines the many clinical successes achieved by Ascension caregivers, who came together as

G O O D DAY A S C E N S I O N / A S C E N S I O N .O R G

a clinically obligated group in which everybody teaches and everybody learns, all to improve patient safety and clinical quality.

On pages 21–23 you can read reflections and memories of longtime Ascension associates, who share some of the changes they’ve lived through over the past two decades.

Today, consumers are more empowered, with more options and information than ever before.

They’re making decisions about their care based on quality, affordability, service and experience.

This changing landscape offers opportunities for Ascension caregivers to build upon the successes of the ministry’s first 20 years and to think and behave differently by putting consumers and their needs first.

Ascension and its caregivers are evolving from treating people when they are sick to being a partner in the well-being of individuals. And from

measuring success not by the volume of care we deliver, but by the value we provide and the quality of outcomes.

Together, as One Ascension, we are leading the transformation in healthcare by aligning our health systems across the country with a unified name and brand that reflect a consistent approach to delivering compassionate, personalized care for all, with special attention to people living in poverty and those most vulnerable.

We are transforming from an acute care delivery focus to one that supports the long-term health of individuals and communities.

At the heart of this transformation are our physicians, caregivers, associates, board members and volunteers across thousands of sites of care nationwide. We remain united by a common Mission and identity, formed 20 years ago yet forged in the life and example of Jesus as healer. And we live our shared Values each and every day, reflecting One Mission, One Integrated Ministry, One Ascension.

FALL 2019

17

Looking back; looking ahead

20 years of transformation 2011

CMS Partnership for Patients (PfP) Hospital Engagement Network (HEN) contract begins

HEALTH MINISTRY

16

50

t.

J

2012

Alexian Brothers becomes a Sponsor; Alexian Brothers Health System joins Ascension

2008

2002

Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet becomes a Sponsor; Carondelet Health System joins Ascension

Outcome: Exceeded goal and saved 1,500 lives by reducing serious safety events in 8 priority areas

2002

2005

Our Call to Action Healthcare That Works, Healthcare That Is Safe and Healthcare That Leaves No One Behind

Ascension establishes Strategic Direction 2002

Journey to Zero campaign begins

18

G O O D DAY A S C E N S I O N / A S C E N S I O N .O R G

2013

Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother becomes a Sponsor; Ministry Health Care (WI), St. John Health System (OK) and Via Christi Health (KS) join Ascension

188 3

9 86

oseph – 20 07 t. J

VALUES

OUR VISION

ministry vibrant Catholic the We envision a strong, which will lead to in the United States, ensure service healthcare. We will for our transformation of to health and well-being that is committed the needs of that responds to communities and will expand the life cycle. We individuals throughout leadership and sponsorship, both the future. the role of laity, in health ministry of to ensure a Catholic

localtry form s Trans h minis healtoperation

Roo OU hea ted R MI ler, in pers we the who ons com loving SSION hea are poowith mit oursministry cent lth min r andspecial elve ered istry vuln atte s to of Jesu imp rove , holistic is ded erab ntion servings as com care icat le. Our to thos all com mun s the Cath e pas ities health , whiced to sion olic . We of h spir our ate are indi sustainsitually acti and adv vidu ons just ocat als and and soci es and our ety for wor thro a ds. ugh

®

Healing Without Harm by 2014 begins

Ne w

ASCENSION SPONSOR Public Juridic Person 2011

This Strategic Learning Map visual is a product of Root Inc., Sylvania, OH 43560 www.rootinc.com

2008

Al ex ian

rrowful Mo th So er –

t. J os e

rticipating Pa

Da ug ht er s

Charity – 1 63 of 3

Co ng reg ati z ar on eth of ,M S I– 1

Sis te rs of th e

er oth s – 12 Br

Na

Sis ter so fS

Caro of de ph le t–

e p h of

Ascension forms as new parent organization of Ascension Health and other subsidiaries

WORKING TOGETHER TO TRANSFORM HEALTHCARE

os

2012

fS

Vatican approves request to establish a Ministerial Public Juridic Person, now known as the Ascension Sponsor

o ers Sist

The Daughters of Charity National Health System and the Sisters of St. Joseph Health System come together to form Ascension Health, sponsored by the Daughters of Charity and the Sisters of St. Joseph

n

Ascension Health is formed

s 00

2011

s titie En

1999

Clinical Holdings

/ ician ery phys the en deliv re lop -driv futu Devegiverel of the care mod

ice pract nt ize dard geme Stan mana ces servi

Holdings Health Ministries stries

olic ing

lity, -qua ctive high -effe ide cost to Provient, ices Health n effic servnsio Asce

Cath en serv ngthare by ems Stre lthc r syst hea othe

s

idea ue to pursntial are and lthc tify the pote m hea Idenwith sfor tran

to m gra ies pro activitses ed ines icat e newbus Ded luat new eva and

ers oth s with way ratevative

labo Col in inno

2019

2015 2015

Ascension celebrates 20 years!

Ascension selected for HEN 2.0 contract

Crittenton Hospital joins Ascension 2019

Ascension unveils Mission-inspired Transformation 2016 OUR PROMISE

HEALTH MINISTRY

Our One Ascension journey begins

Health Ministries es

Health Ministries

Risk Services

Innovations Accelerator H E A L T H

I N F O R M AT I O N S E R V I C E S

Market and sell services and solutions to other health systems

Health Ministries

2014

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare joins Ascension

Diversify revenue across the full continuum of care re Realize investme positive nt returns

Ventures

Enhanc associa e te health ealth

Global Mission

Stron ng, Develop Finan Diversified cial Platfo rm

Investment Management

transfo

Form rmatio nal leader aders s

Prese

rve

Ensu

missio

associEngag our ates e the vision in future ure for their aand r role rol

n-base to healthd

comm

re the y commitmen he Hea unitiet Asso lthie s ciat st, ciate st M Mod M s as Mos el Com We t Insp mun Realize ired ity Amb Our ition

Leadership Academy

m s fro : Theme Vision Our nt Catholic

try • Vibra h minis ards stew h healt sted healt • Entru agining • Reim

le:

My Ro

Ascension 2ASCE01-001_102913

©2013

2018

Presence Health joins Ascension

2014

PfP contract closes with 98 participating hospitals Outcome: Avoided 3,461 injuries, infections and adverse events; saved 291 lives; $38M in cost savings

2016

Ascension celebrates a shared Mission and announces a unified brand in Michigan and Wisconsin

2017

Ascension announces our Advanced Strategic Direction and Dual Transformation Strategy

2016

Outcome:

2014

Outcome: Reduced serious safety events by 70%, exceeding 40% target; 120,000+ individuals trained in high-reliability principles; adopted a single event reporting process

Avoided 4,900 injuries, infections and adverse events; saved more than 335 lives; $45M in cost savings

2016

Ascension commits to eliminate preventable disparities in healthcare outcomes by 2022

Operational Strategic Clinical FALL 2019

19

Looking back; looking ahead

Our quality journey Highlights from Ascension’s two decades of healthcare

O

ver its first two decades, Ascension’s quality journey has been marked by tremendous successes in several innovative initiatives. Quality remains a top priority, as Ascension has adopted a holistic, person-centered approach for the future.

Here are some highlights from our journey.

Journey to Zero (2002–2008) Ascension committed to becoming the first large organization to take on eliminating preventable injuries and deaths. Using benchmark data, we estimated that we could save at least 900 lives.

Leaders identified eight priorities for System-wide action and used affinity groups to help spread action bundles in each area. Our goals were greatly exceeded, with over 1,500 lives saved and improved outcomes for 5,000 more individuals.

Healing Without Harm (2009–2014) Ascension committed to becoming a high reliability organization, training 120,000 associates on high-reliability principles. Concurrently, Ascension was one of five health systems selected to participate in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Partnership for Patients (PfP) campaign from 2011 to 2014.

Ascension was then selected to participate in PfP’s Hospital Engagement Network 2.0 in 2015. Our focus expanded to include combating antibiotic resistance, enhancing person and family engagement, and designing care models to lead the transformation to compassionate, personalized care across the continuum.

In addition to contributing to remarkable national results, Ascension avoided more than

20

4,900 injuries, infections and adverse events; saved more than 335 lives; and yielded $45 million in cost savings.

Eliminating preventable disparities in healthcare outcomes (2016–2022) Ascension set a goal to eliminate preventable disparities in healthcare outcomes — variations in outcomes due to factors such as poverty, race, ethnicity and language — by 2022. Through leveraging data, creating innovative care models, and collaborating with local and national partners, we are removing barriers to access and treatment, with a current focus on chronic diseases and screening.

Ascension has already exceeded target reductions in hospital admissions for persons with Medicaid who had heart failure, resulting in 3,233 fewer unnecessary admissions in FY2019. Thanks to additional efforts, 8,166 more persons with Medicaid received colorectal cancer screenings in FY19. The current focus involves reducing disparities among African-American persons with diabetes.

Several other important initiatives helped accelerate quality improvement through the years: Ascension’s nursing workforce optimization and Nursing Center of Excellence; the Ascension Experience Model to support rounding and encourage customer voice at the point of care; a single safety event reporting system to aggregate safety data and enable process improvement; Handling All Neonatal Deliveries Safely, an integrated approach to perinatal safety; the Center of Excellence for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention; and a focus on clinical process reliability across national service lines.

During FY19, a System-wide effort of preventing and improving the detection and management of sepsis was implemented in all Ascension hospitals.

The initiative required strong engagement of all disciplines with the creation of market- and hospital-based teams to address sepsis care, and the standardization of best practices through integration into the electronic health record. The effort led to an 11.5 percent relative reduction in mortality, resulting in 427 lives saved.

G O O D DAY A S C E N S I O N / A S C E N S I O N .O R G

Always

PUTTING PATIENTS FIRST Longtime associates reflect on their time with Ascension

21

41

Working together

Patients first

Farrah Allen — 21 YEARS

Susan Weddeke — 41 YEARS

In her role as transport coordinator, Farrah Allen, BS, RRT-MPS, C-NPT, manages three teams that transport high-risk obstetric, neonatal and pediatric patients to Ascension St. Vincent Evansville in Indiana. She started her healthcare career in 1998 as a respiratory therapist at the hospital (known then as St. Mary’s of Evansville) transporting sick preemies to the Neonatal ICU. “I remember when Ascension became part of the vocabulary, and at that time, we didn’t really understand what it meant. Then, things started to happen; collaboration began among the Ascension Indiana hospitals and St. Mary’s transitioned its name to Ascension St. Vincent.

And fast-forward to today in my perinatal world, all eight birthing hospitals gather as a team, working together as a network.

“Healthcare is a changing world out there,” Farrah said, “and we have to adapt with the climate. … Together, we can do the best that we can for our patients.”

Her first job was in the coronary care unit at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, Florida, and since 1979, Susan Weddeke, LPN, has remained an Ascension Sacred Heart associate.

“The reason why I have stayed here is because patients always come first at this organization; no one cares more about the patient,” Susan said. “I see a lot of people who need healthcare and they can’t even get decent care because they don’t have insurance or money.

At Ascension Sacred Heart, people get the care they need, and they get it with compassion.”

For the past 17 years, Susan has worked at the Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart Medical Park at Tiger Point in Gulf Breeze, Florida, an Ascension Sacred Heart primary care group practice.

“Ascension sure has grown, but today we can give patients better access. If you see an Ascension sign, you know this is one you can trust; this is one who believes you are [a] person.”

FALL 2019

21

Looking back; looking ahead

26

Great journey by the river

Huson Gilberstadt — 26 YEARS As the former chief of the Emergency Department for two decades at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside in Jacksonville, Florida, and now as Chief Clinical Officer for Ascension Florida, Huson Gilberstadt, MD, has witnessed a tremendous transformation at Ascension, including the priority placed on EDs as a critical access point for patient satisfaction and quality.

“It’s been exciting to see the massive acceleration of Ascension taking advantage of its economy of scale and all our ministries coming together as a community as we move forward,” Dr. Gilberstadt said.

“My father, sister and I were born here, as were all my children,” he said. “As a kid, I grew up just a few miles from the hospital and spent my early years fishing and shrimping in the river the hospital sits on. It’s been a great journey for me.”

Work family Neal Sims — 27 YEARS

27

“I love working at Ascension St. John Hospital with a passion.

Words cannot express how much I enjoy helping people through the healing process,” said Neal Sims, a Rehabilitation Technician. Neal first worked as a cook, then moved to corporate transportation at the Detroit hospital. Besides caring for children and adults in the Rehab Services department, Neal is part of the hospital’s Hearts in Motion (HIM) team and the Mission and Spirituality Committee. “It’s important to me to help make positive change in our work environment, improve customer service and our HCAP scores, and relationships between co-workers,” he said.

“One of the main things I love is the fact that most of the time we spend more time with our work family than we do our own family, and then they actually become your family,” Neal said. “I’ve always been involved with my co-workers on

22

G O O D DAY A S C E N S I O N / A S C E N S I O N .O R G

that level. There are people that I know that have been here as long as I have been here. As far as my own family, I got married while working here, and our three children were all born at St. John Hospital. I thank God for being able to continue to evolve with this organization. It’s a beautiful thing.”

21

Grounded in Mission

Lisa Davis — 21 YEARS “It’s been great to be a part of Ascension’s growth that I’ve seen over the last 20 years and the work that’s been done in Finance,” said Lisa Davis, who started at Saint Thomas Health as an accounting manager and now serves as Ascension Tennessee Chief Financial Officer. “We were the beta site for the Symphony implementation, so just to see and be a part of the transition from everyone operating in silos, to now being this [Finance] Ministry-wide Function. We now have a work structure within Finance that I think truly supports the strategic and operational components of our market.”

Lisa also serves on the Sustaining a Community-driven Ministry Presence, part of Ascension’s Mission-inspired Transformation work. “My market is piloting a couple initiatives coming out of these teams, and one in particular is Hospital at Home, which proposes admitting patients to their home for inpatient care and being the first to market to be able to provide that service,” Lisa said. “This program is groundbreaking, and it’s exciting that Ascension is willing to take on a new and innovative way of delivering care in our communities.”

Lisa shared that it’s hard to believe she has been with Ascension for over two decades already. “As difficult as it is to work in healthcare and all the change that happens constantly, it’s good to be in an organization that stays grounded in our Mission,” she said.

Like a family

46

Roseann Nicosia — 46 YEARS

Roseann Nicosia, Patient Advocate/Rights Advisor at Ascension St. John Hospital, Detroit, jokes that she was practically recruited from the nursery. She worked part time

in Dietary during her senior year in high school and then became a health unit coordinator. Roseann transitioned into Human Resources in 1988 as a secretary, and once she received her degree, she became an employment representative. In 2018, she moved into Patient Relations.

“I work with patients and their family members that have concerns and in turn collaborate with our leaders in getting those concerns addressed,” Roseann said. “I work a lot with the behavioral health unit; if a patient has a complaint or a recipient rights complaint, we take care of their concerns too.”

Roseann also participates on the hospital’s Hearts in Motion team, which meets monthly to discuss ways to improve the patient experience.

Roseann shared that no matter where she has worked at the hospital, the family atmosphere is always present. “I love the people I work with, and it makes a big difference,” she said. “Everywhere I’ve worked, it’s been that way. It’s like a family here.”

Rooted here Karen Wisniewski — 31 YEARS

31

Brand-new nurse Karen Wisniewski, RN, CNRN, walked into the Neuro Intensive Care Unit at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital, Saginaw, Michigan, on her first day on the job in 1988, and she continues to care for patients there today. “Bedside nursing is my niche,” said Karen, who carved out time from patient care for a few years to coordinate the certification of the hospital as a stroke center.

“Looking back, what stands out for me is the progress we’ve made with stroke care. Years ago, we couldn’t do much but provide supportive care as the stroke progressed and, unfortunately, many people ended up severely debilitated,” Karen said. “Now we give drugs that can dissolve the clot, or surgically remove it before the stroke happens.”

Raised Catholic in Saginaw, Karen chose to work at Ascension St. Mary’s over the area’s other hospitals.

“Catholic values and traditions are very evident here.

It’s a great place to work and a good fit for me. People want to work here,” she said. People like her son, Tommy, who joined his mom in the Neuro ICU when he completed nursing school. “We work opposite shifts and often hand patients off to each other. Ascension St. Mary’s is a good fit for him, too.”

A calling Carla Rouse — 26 YEARS

26

“I never expected to be sitting in this chair when I started as a staff nurse,” said Carla Rouse, RN, Administrator/Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at Ascension St. Vincent Randolph Hospital, Winchester, Indiana.

After caring for patients in the surgery, labor and delivery, and medical/surgical units, Carla moved into clinical nurse manager roles, then CNO until she was asked to also serve as administrator of the 25-bed critical-access hospital.

Whether it’s a local 4-H fair, food drive or women’s health event where staff help with screenings or finding access to insurance, Carla said associates feel adamant that the services provided in the hospital should also extend out into the community. “No one goes underserved here, and it’s amazing to see given all the folks who have needs,” she said. “I can tell you everyone feels it’s a calling to work here, and what I value most about working for a faith-based organization is our Mission and Values.”

Carla retired earlier this fall.

FALL 2019

23

Making a difference for kids Leaders collaborate to enhance pediatric services

P

ediatric leaders from across Ascension have begun to work together to enhance pediatric quality, services and growth.

“Ascension recognizes the unique role played by our five pediatric hospitals — especially in serving some of our most vulnerable patients. We anticipate that the Pediatric Service Line Leadership Council will become a great resource for advancing quality, improving access and reducing clinical variation,” said Mark Whalen, Chief Strategy Officer, Clinical & Network Services, Ascension.

At the first meeting, hosted by Ascension Indiana’s Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital last summer, each of the pediatric hospitals presented a comprehensive view of its local communities, including services, volumes and initiatives. Early conversations then began about setting goals in advancing clinical quality, improving patient access, reducing clinical variation around best practices and physician engagement.

“I’m looking forward to working with other members of the council,” said Meena Iyer, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas, Austin. “Dell Children’s has achieved many major accomplishments since opening in 2007, and the establishment of the Ascension pediatric council is a tremendous step in further strengthening the care we provide to our patients in Texas as well as throughout Ascension.”

While pediatric services are offered throughout Ascension sites of care, initial work will begin with the five dedicated children’s hospitals: Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas, Austin; Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart, Pensacola, Florida; and Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, Indianapolis, which are freestanding hospitals, and Ascension St. John Providence Children’s Hospital in Detroit and AMITA Health Women & Children’s Hospital in Chicago, each of which is part of a larger tertiary hospital. Eventually the council plans to integrate with all pediatric sites of care, including Ascension Medical Group’s more than 800 employed pediatricians as well as advanced care practitioners, nurse practitioners and physician assistants who work in pediatrics.

The council will establish clinical, quality and information technology subcommittees staffed by associates across Ascension and looks to have as much representation from all markets as possible to help with the challenges of standardization.

ADDRESSING ASTHMA AND REFERR ALS Asthma is one of the top clinical diagnoses among inpatient hospitalizations across Ascension, and the disease was also a large part of the discussion among the pediatric leaders last summer.

Much work has already been done to standardize identification, treatment and continued care of this pressing need. A scoring system, currently under review, will be used in asthma

24

G O O D DAY A S C E N S I O N / A S C E N S I O N .O R G

Participants at the Ascension Pediatric Service Line meeting, from left: (standing) Mike Wray, Vice President, The Resource Group; Cristi Gillming, Project Manager, Ascension; Dr. Hossain Marandi, President, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, Ascension Indiana; Dr. Kevin Grady, Chief Medical Officer, Ascension Michigan; Dr. Marcus DeGraw, Medical Director, Pediatrics, Ascension Michigan; Jim Palazzo, then Vice President, Service Lines, Ascension; Will Condon, President, Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart, Ascension Florida; Dr. Mohamad Fakih, Vice President, Quality and Clinical Integration, Ascension; John Walker, Chief Resource Officer, The Resource Group; Jason Coleman, Program Director, Clinical Integration, Ascension; and Nicole Toole, Director, Clinical Operations – Pediatrics, Ascension Indiana; (sitting) Lisa Gardner, Vice President, Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart, Ascension Florida; Ashley Pollard, Director, Marketing and Communications, Ascension; Karen Smethers, Vice President, Pharmacy – Clinical Integration, Ascension; Deb Brown, Chief Operating Officer, Dell Children’s Medical Center, Ascension Texas; and Dr. Meena Iyer, Chief Medical Officer, Dell Children’s Medical Center, Ascension Texas.

Not pictured: Len Wilk, President and Chief Executive Officer, AMITA Health St. Alexius Medical Center, and Dr. Erik Johnson, Vice President, Pediatric Service Line, AMITA Health.

treatment to identify a child’s acuity, type of care needed and the care pathway the child should receive based on that score.

The council also discussed ways to enhance the referral process within Ascension’s pediatric network, providing access to specialty services for even more patients and their families.

CAMPAIGN FOR KIDS The new council also learned how pediatric marketing and branding have come together under the Ascension name across all markets to promote awareness and growth.

“The marketing campaign will support and raise awareness of Ascension’s large footprint and establishes the System as a leading pediatric provider,” said Nick Ragone, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Ascension. “Ads will focus on our clinical expertise of treating the most specialized and complex cases with high-quality clinical expertise from the best pediatric specialists and sub-specialists in the country.”

This fall, an advertising campaign positions Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart as the premier choice for pediatric specialty care in Florida’s Gulf Coast region. The campaign features professional golfer Bubba Watson and his personal commitment to the hospital.

Here Here in in a a big big way way for for kids kids and and their their families families

Sometimes people are surprised to learn that Sometimes people are surprised to learn that Ascension is one of the largest networks of pediatric care Ascension is one of the largest networks of pediatric care in the nation. As an associate, we hope you feel proud knowing in the nation. As an associate, we hope you feel proud knowing that you’re on a team with highly skilled doctors who deliver that you’re on a team with highly skilled doctors who deliver complex care at four trusted pediatric hospitals designed just for complex care at four trusted pediatric hospitals designed just for kids. No matter the location or the city, our purpose is the same— kids. No matter the location or the city, our purpose is the same— listening to families and their children, and providing care that’s right listening to families and their children, and providing care that’s right for their every need, big or small. for their every need, big or small.

Ascension’s pediatric hospitals include: Ascension’s pediatric hospitals include: • Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent • Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent in Indiana in Indiana • Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart • Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart in Florida in Florida • Ascension St. John Children’s Hospital in Michigan • Ascension St. John Children’s Hospital in Michigan • Dell Children’s Medical Center, part of Ascension Texas • Dell Children’s Medical Center, part of Ascension Texas

ascensionpediatrics.org FALL 2019 25 ascensionpediatrics.org © Ascension 2019. All rights reserved. © Ascension 2019. All rights reserved.

Innovations in pharmacy practices ADVANCED ASCENSION TEXAS VIRTUAL PHARMACY PROGRAMS SUPPORT SAFER, MORE AFFORDABLE CARE

F

or patients admitted to the hospital through the emergency department, an accurate medication history is an early — and crucial — step toward developing a safe and effective treatment plan. Incorrect medication histories can lead to inaccurate and incomplete medication reconciliations, or comparisons of a patient’s medication orders to all the medicines a patient has been taking at home.

Medication reconciliation helps avoid medication errors that have the potential to cause adverse drug events and unplanned readmissions, both of which increase total healthcare costs.

VIRTUAL MEDICATION HISTORY Thanks to an innovative virtual medication history program created by Ascension Texas in 2014 and supported by AscensionConnect, pharmacy technicians working remotely can quickly identify what medications a patient was taking prior to admission, right at the patient’s bedside. AscensionConnect brings many services together to better serve patients, including appointment scheduling, video monitoring for patient safety and remote patient monitoring.

To obtain a virtual medication history, pharmacy technicians tap into AscensionConnect’s bed board tracking system to learn when patients are admitted from the ED and moved to a room. ED staff and unit clerks can deliver and activate a mobile telemedicine cart equipped with videoconferencing technology right in the patient’s room. From there, certified pharmacy technicians can confer with patients about the prescriptions they’ve been taking at home and enter the information into their medical record for their providers to review and consider.

“The virtual medication history program lets us deliver the same high-quality care we provided with on-site pharmacy technicians, and reach more patients,” said Brandy McGinnis, PharmD, BCPS, Clinical Pharmacy Manager, Ascension Texas.

“Through AscensionConnect, six full-time certified pharmacy technicians can cover all our Austin hospitals, as well some shifts at Ascension Providence Hospital in Waco.”

26

G O O D DAY A S C E N S I O N / A S C E N S I O N .O R G

TELEPHARMACY In addition to the virtual medication history program, in 2016 Ascension Texas launched a telepharmacy program — one of the country’s first — designed to support remote patient monitoring through AscensionConnect. The telepharmacy program focuses on newly discharged patients at high risk for readmission, for example, those with heart or respiratory conditions or diabetes.

“Despite our best efforts to educate patients before they leave the hospital, we often find that they’re not sure which medications they should be taking once they get home,” said Shewan Aziz, PhD, Vice President of Pharmacy Services, Ascension Texas.

“Patients can experience adverse side effects if they don’t take their medications as prescribed. Through AscensionConnect’s telepharmacy program, patients have added support that helps them feel confident about taking care of themselves.”

Telepharmacy consults start when AscensionConnect nurse navigators identify candidates and offer them two options for engaging in the remote patient monitoring program: weekly follow-up phone calls or a videoconference using a free wireless-enabled tablet that doesn’t cost them minutes or data. The program lets a single clinical pharmacist remotely provide medication management services to at-risk patients discharged from any Ascension Texas hospital.

“Ambulatory care pharmacists are trained to provide medication therapy management, education and disease state management, all of which can have a positive impact on medication adherence and patient outcomes.

Providing these services through telepharmacy allows for a more streamlined and efficient means of communication while allowing the patient to be comfortable in their own surroundings,” Dr. McGinnis said.

Thus, the ambulatory care pharmacist also plays an important role in helping to prevent readmissions by

reviewing hospitalization notes and available outpatient records for appropriate interventions, including patient education, medication reconciliation and review, and drug therapy review and management.

KEEPING PEOPLE HE ALTHIER Brian Nguyen, PharmD, BCACP, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, AscensionConnect, likes the fact that when he talks with patients, he can give them the time they need to learn about their prescriptions, including when or how to take them, what to do if they experience side effects and any potential drug interactions. In addition, he works closely with providers to ensure his patients are on the right medications and adjust as needed.

“It’s a really collaborative and innovative process, one that lets us ease the transition from inpatient to outpatient care,” Dr. Nguyen said. “And patients love it. They express great appreciation for our program and tell me they’re really glad our team is following up to provide additional support and closely monitoring their health status.”

Making sure patients have access to prescriptions is also part of his job. To assist those who can’t afford their medicines, he works with AscensionConnect’s social work team to offer a variety of resources, including coupons, vouchers and patient assistance programs.

“It’s a great feeling at the end of the day to see that we can make such an impact on patient care using this technology and innovative approach to care,” he said.

“With these two virtual programs, our pharmacists have taken a more active role in improving medication safety for discharged patients,” Dr. Aziz said. “Providing an effective transition of care between hospital and community settings greatly reduces the risk of medication errors leading to hospital readmissions.”

SPRE ADING THE BENEFITS Now, Ascension is looking to spread these programs to other markets.

“The program in Ascension Texas is innovative and progressive, and we want to evaluate the opportunity to provide this personalized, high-quality care for all our patients across Ascension,” said Ascension Chief Pharmacy Officer Lynn Eschenbacher, PharmD, MBA, FASHP. “Through the work of the Mission-inspired Transformation team for Designing the Caregiver

Above, from left: Lynn Eschenbacher, PharmD, MBA, FASHP, Ascension Chief Pharmacy Officer; Brian Nguyen, PharmD, BCACP, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, AscensionConnect; Shewan Aziz, PhD, Vice President of Pharmacy Services, Ascension Texas; and Brandy McGinnis, PharmD, BCPS, Clinical Pharmacy Manager, Ascension Texas. Below: Ascension Texas pharmacy technician Megan Hietpas, CPhT, uses AscensionConnect to obtain a patient’s medication history virtually.

Experience of the Future, we are bringing the joy back to caregivers, and part of that is to identify infrastructure that will allow them to function at the top of their practice. Virtual medication histories allow pharmacy technicians the ability to impact patient care and provide valuable information to the rest of the care team to prevent adverse events and improve outcomes.”

Ascension Tennessee is the second market within Ascension to implement a virtual medication history program.

“We’ve been working with local stakeholders from our EDs and we’re currently onboarding pharmacy technicians,” said David Neu, PharmD, MSHSA, Vice President of Pharmacy Services, Ascension Saint Thomas. “We’re excited to partner with Ascension Texas to learn from them and launch this important program for our market.”

FALL 2019

27

Gone virtual:

Ascension Online Care available across markets Marketing and advertising campaign promotes anytime, anywhere access to care

T

hrough our Mission-inspired Transformation, our national ministry is working to improve the health of those we serve and impact the health of communities by increasing access to quality care. One type of care many consumers seek is virtual care for urgent, episodic and nonemergency needs.

“Virtual care options are important components of our care model portfolio as we more fully open the front doors of our health system,” said Joseph Cacchione, MD, FACC, Executive Vice President, Clinical & Network Services. “Ensuring that consumers have on-demand access to care when and where they need it is key to providing a more convenient and personalized care experience.”

Ascension Online Care, our solution for direct-to-consumer virtual care, is the first Ascension-branded

consumer product and one of the first viable solutions coming out of our Mission-inspired Transformation.

Consumers have on-demand access by video to doctors 24/7, and the peace of mind knowing it’s offered by a high-quality network of care.

“As we continue our Mission-inspired Transformation, we are committed to providing care to our patients when and where they need it,” said Nick Ragone, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Ascension. “Consumers want easier, more affordable access to care from a healthcare brand and quality care provider that they know and trust. That’s what we aim to provide with Ascension Online Care, our branded consumer product for access to care — anytime, anywhere.”

Since the launch of Ascension Online Care, Marketing and Communications has implemented a carefully planned marketing strategy for this solution — starting with introducing Ascension Online Care to our own associates and brand champions, existing patients who are likely advocates, and people in our communities who would appreciate this type of service.

A broad consumer advertising campaign launched over Labor Day weekend to build awareness and position our Ascension brand as synonymous with 24/7 access — anytime, anywhere.

Associates have been encouraged to be among some of the first to use this service, and many already have.

“I was worried about a bug bite that looked infected.

I heard about Ascension Online Care in a work meeting,” said Julie, an associate with Ascension Technologies.

“I accessed the link on our intranet, and after a few minutes, I was connected with a care provider. A few questions and a short conversation later, she called in a prescription that I was able to pick up the same day at our on-site pharmacy.

It was such a convenient and quick solution to a need I had that day.”

The Ascension Online Care mobile app is available for download on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

28

G O O D DAY A S C E N S I O N / A S C E N S I O N .O R G

Ascension Online Care Anywhere, anytime

Ascension Online Care is here for you and your family 24/7. From anywhere, at any time, talk with a doctor using your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Get the care you need and start feeling better for only $49 per visit.

No insurance required.

See us for a wide variety of symptoms and conditions, including: • Sinus or upper respiratory infections • Eye infections • Allergic reactions • Cold/flu

Get started at ascension.org/onlinecare or download the mobile app.

• Fever • Allergies • Urinary tract infections Visits will be $59 starting January 1, 2020.

If you are experiencing a major emergency, go to the ER as soon as possible or call 911.

© Ascension 2019. All rights reserved. The “Android” name, the Android logo, the “Google Play” brand, and other Google trademarks, are property of Google LLC. All rights reserved.

Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc. All rights reserved.

NE WS FROM ACROSS A SCE NSION

ALABAMA

Honor for helping students The Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) presented its Alabama-APSE Large Employer award to Ascension Providence Hospital in Mobile. The award was in recognition of Providence’s four years as a host site for Project Search, a program designed to give students with special needs marketable job skills. Providence was also recognized for providing a welcoming environment, involving interns in community service projects and offering interns employment opportunities.

Survey results in awards The Birmingham Parent Magazine’s Family Favorite Survey awarded Ascension St. Vincent’s Birmingham with the Favorite Women’s Health Facility and the Favorite Birthing Suites awards. This is the sixth year the facility has won the Favorite Birthing Suites award.

AMSTERDAM, NEW YORK

Serving women’s health An expanded and renovated Women’s Health/OB-GYN Health Center opened at St. Mary’s Healthcare this fall, offering services by physicians, nurse practitioners and certified midwives.

The center is home to comprehensive women’s health services, including the St. Mary’s prenatal care program.

BALTIMORE

Ascension Saint Agnes repeats with highest awards for stroke care Ascension Saint Agnes earned the Get With The Guidelines® Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association for the second year in a row.

30

Ascension Saint Agnes partners with Baltimore to reduce homelessness A new collaboration between Baltimore and local hospitals, including Ascension Saint Agnes, will provide 200 homeless families with permanent housing and wraparound support services.

Level 1 Center by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program. During a site visit, the surveyor identified 10 best practices that were shared with other participating centers for process improvements.

FLORIDA

BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK

Sneakers, socks, sunscreen Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital held a Sneakers, Socks and Sunscreen event at the St. Michael’s Community Meal as part of its Ascension Medical Mission. Lourdes gathered donations from associates and gave away more than 200 pairs of sneakers and socks, along with sunscreen, to enable kids in need to enjoy the summer outdoors. Lourdes does its Ascension Medical Mission a bit differently than other markets by returning to the same community meal to offer different services once a month, such as blood pressure, foot and prediabetes screenings, mammograms, primary care information and information about the Lourdes Patient Financial Assistance Program.

Bariatrics program reaccredited The Lourdes Bariatric Surgery Program was reaccredited as a Comprehensive/ From left, Stephanie Ward, Project Search Skills Training Instructor; Tonja White, HR Business Partner; and Dabra Broome, Special Services, Mobile School System, with the APSE award presented to Ascension Providence Hospital in Mobile, Alabama.

G O O D DAY A S C E N S I O N / A S C E N S I O N .O R G

New emergency center Ascension Sacred Heart is building a new emergency center in North Pensacola that is expected to open in 2020.

The $11 million facility will include 13 treatment rooms and two trauma rooms staffed by emergency medicine physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists.

Designing the future Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside launched the first Designing the Caregiver Experience of the Future pilot as part of our Mission-inspired Transformation.

The new model is designed to bring back the joy to caregiving while transforming the future of healthcare.

New option for sleep apnea Ascension St. Vincent’s Lung Institute was the first pulmonary program in Jacksonville to offer an implantable option to treat sleep apnea. The device delivers stimulation to airway muscles during sleep, allowing the airway to remain open.

NE WS FROM ACROSS A SCE NSION

ILLINOIS

AMITA Health leads in treatment for law enforcement AMITA Health has begun one of the nation’s first private substance abuse units designed solely for active and retired law enforcement officers. Dedicated as Saint Michael’s House, the program was created through the collaboration of hospital administration and local and state law enforcement administrators. The program features unique elements to protect officers’ confidentiality and integrity, including a separate admitting process, a private elevator directly to the unit and the ability to bypass check-in at the front desk. There also is an internal, confidential phone line for officers to speak directly to counselors 24 hours a day.

INDIANA

Peyton Manning kicks off ad campaign for namesake hospital Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis launched an advertising campaign featuring former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning. A father of two, Peyton creates a unique masterpiece with crayons alongside a young patient in one of the ads.

Orthopedic hospital opens Ascension St. Vincent Orthopedic Hospital is a partnership between Ascension St. Vincent Evansville and Tri-State Orthopaedic Surgeons. It’s the only hospital in southern Indiana dedicated solely to orthopedic care, from pre-procedure testing through surgery to therapy.

Ascension St. Vincent Evansville is training site for new internal medicine residency program Indiana University School of Medicine, the largest medical school in the United States, is working to help fill a statewide physician shortage with the establish-

The ‘Big Kid’ ad campaign features football great Peyton Manning and takes a lighthearted tone that highlights Peyton’s approachable personality, sense of humor and the positive energy he brings when visiting Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis.

ment of the first internal medicine residency program in southwestern Indiana.

KANSAS

Rehab hospital completes update An $8.8 million renovation of Ascension Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital is complete, converting the facility to one featuring 30 private rooms and updated decor throughout. The hospital has a new, state-of-the-art gait and balance system that improves patient outcomes without the risk of falling.

MICHIGAN

Guardian Angels serve for 20 years Ascension St. Mary’s in Saginaw held a picnic this summer to celebrate 20 years of providing the Guardian Angel program, which has helped hundreds of families and special-need adults.

Ascension Michigan northern ministries volunteer at community events Hundreds of associates, physicians and volunteers have stepped up to volunteer in communities to reinvigorate their presence where they provide care. Ascension St. Mary’s has been active at local community activities and statewide events. Ascension St. Joseph and Ascension Standish Hospital began a monthly series to inform and

educate their communities about health and wellness topics, introduce new providers, and highlight services and programs. The programs are receiving rave reviews and growing community participation.

Healthy Heart Project screens 900 Attendees received free screenings for heart disease at recent Healthy Heart Project events at six Ascension Michigan locations. Ascension Providence Hospital, Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital and Ascension St. John Hospital celebrated 15 years as participants in the project, and Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital celebrated its third year. First-time participants included Ascension Borgess Heart Institute, Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital and Ascension Genesys Hospital. Over 900 people were screened, 123 follow-up appointments were made, and 10 participants were sent to emergency departments during the event. One attendee was scheduled for open-heart surgery.

New tower means more patient privacy Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Warren Campus, completed a $48.1 million construction project designed to enhance the patient experience through improvements in comfort, privacy and communication.

FALL 2019

31

NE WS FROM ACROSS A SCE NSION

Heart care milestone achieved Christian Machado, MD, Medical Director, Electrophysiology at Ascension Providence Hospital, Novi Campus, performed the facility’s first right-sided ablation. Earlier this year, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Cardiac Catheterization Standard Advisory Committee passed a resolution to amend regulatory language to allow this procedure at hospitals without an open-heart surgery program.

OKLAHOMA

Outpatient group therapy for seniors Ascension St. John Sapulpa entered into an agreement with Senior Life Solutions to offer an outpatient group therapy program designed to meet the unique needs of adults over age 65 with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Following an assessment, participants meet three times a week in a supportive group setting. The staff includes a psychiatrist, licensed social workers, a registered nurse and other professionals dedicated to the emotional well-being of seniors in the community.

Veterans recognition program begins To honor those who have served in the U.S. military, Ascension St. John launched a Veterans Recognition Program. Patients who confirm they are veterans upon admission to Ascension St. John hospitals are asked if they would like an American flag bracelet to wear and an American flag magnet on their hospital room door.

TENNESSEE

Groundbreaking ceremony held for behavioral health facility Ascension Saint Thomas and Acadia Healthcare broke ground Aug. 13 on the construction of Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital, a new inpatient hospital in Nashville’s Metro Center. Saint Thomas

32

Behavioral Health will provide access to all levels of care, including inpatient acute care, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient services, traditional clinic services, residential care and opioid addiction treatment programs.

Hospitals receive quality award Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown and West hospitals received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-AFIB Bronze Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association.

TEXAS

New pediatric cardiac care unit at Dell Children’s Medical Center Dell Children’s Medical Center has opened a new pediatric cardiac care unit, part of the Texas Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease.

The 24-bed inpatient unit includes state-of-the-art technology and is the first and only dedicated pediatric cardiac care unit in Central Texas.

Ascension Seton launches Veteran Restore Program Ascension Seton’s Veteran Restore Program is a six-week intensive outpatient program for veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder.

Rural healthcare clinic opens Ascension Seton opened a multispecialty health center in Buda, a rural community in Hays County, one of the fastestgrowing counties in the country.

Ascension Providence expands structural heart program Ascension Providence expanded its structural heart program and now offers an alternative treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation who must take blood thinners to reduce their risk of stroke.

G O O D DAY A S C E N S I O N / A S C E N S I O N .O R G

The device was designed to keep harmful blood clots from entering the bloodstream, potentially causing stroke.

WISCONSIN

Nurse examiners recognized The Women’s Community in Wausau has named the Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program as one of three recipients of its 2019 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Supporting Sexual Assault Victims.

Office serves women and children A Women, Infants and Children office opened in the Women’s Outpatient Center at the Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital — St. Joseph Campus. Working with the Milwaukee Health Department, the federally funded program provides supplemental food, healthcare referrals and nutrition education for low-income pregnant and postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to age 5.

Spirit earns full reaccreditation Ascension Wisconsin Spirit Medical Transport earned full reaccreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems, the gold standard in medical transport.

Ascension Medical Mission serves Racine More than 400 volunteers provided free healthcare and social services to 280 people in need and dental services to 118 at the Ascension Medical Mission in Racine, Wisconsin.

Hospitals receive donation awards Ascension St. Michael’s Hospital in Stevens Point won the Excellence in Tissue Donation award. With support from longtime donor liaison and House Supervisor Sandra Holmes, Ascension St. Michael’s saw a 60 percent tissue consent rate in 2018, impacting the lives

NE WS FROM ACROSS A SCE NSION

of more than 150 people, with two donor heroes. Additionally, Ascension NE Wisconsin — Mercy Campus in Oshkosh won the Gold Award of Hope.

Inaugural ASPIRE members are, from left, front row: Heidi Abdelhady, Nicole Commodore, Ira Brown, Lee Duong, Adrienne Maygarden; second row: Talib Khan, Rebecca Adkins, Cassandra Jackson, Wesley Bryan, Ellie Michael, Tamela Pugh; third row: Timothy Falade, Peter Confalone, Drinka Marinkovic, Clauselie Prinvil, Melissa Weston; back row: Michael Howze, Nick Rossi, Brian Swaim, Karen Riewerts, Elijah Murrell and Rebecca McCormack.

Not pictured: Marysabel Delgadillo and Christine Way.

ASCENSION CARE MANAGEMENT

Collaborative pilot program launched Ascension Care Management has launched a pilot Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model program in partnership with Ascension Saint Thomas Medical Partners in Nashville, Tennessee. The goal is to demonstrate that behavioral health condition management can be provided by an enhanced primary care team resulting in increased access, better control of conditions and lower total cost of care. The pilot launched in June 2019, and outcome data is being collected.

tional $75 million to $125 million in assets to investments globally that further a Catholic social responsibility mission and/ or environmental stewardship. AIM has already committed $110 million to these types of investments and is attempting to measure the impact generated.

ASCENSION GLOBAL MISSION

Global Solidarity Fund makes plans Last summer, the Global Solidarity Fund held a strategic planning workshop with several potential partners in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as it moves toward a 2020 launch. Ascension is one of four founding members of the Global Solidarity Fund, which seeks to enable sustainable alternatives to migration through an integrated approach that combines economic empowerment, health and education, with a focus on women and families. The purpose of this workshop was to define and endorse a common partnership strategy to foster projects led by orders and congregations of men and women religious, working collaboratively with businesses and other development actors.

ASCENSION INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

Impact investment program growth Ascension Investment Management (AIM) is advancing its impact investment program and seeking to commit an addi-

ASCENSION LEADER INSTITUTE

ASPIRE cohort graduates The inaugural cohort of the ASPIRE program recently graduated 24 members who helped to co-create the innovative leadership development platform as part of the Ascension Leader Institute offerings. Through experiential learning, ASPIRE accelerates the sponsorship and development of emerging leaders who reflect the diverse communities we serve.

ASCENSION LIVING

Annual awards Ascension Living celebrated the outstanding work of leaders and associates during its first annual awards ceremony.

A panel of expert post-acute and senior living leaders reviewed all nominations and selected the recipients. Winners include Rosie Bozeman, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Ascension Living Alexian Village; Vicki Guertin, Site Director, Alexian Brothers PACE; Ken Kolich,

Executive Director, Presence Resurrection Retirement Community; Rachel Morris, RN, Director of Nursing, Ascension Living Carondelet Place; JW Musil, RN, Director of Nursing, Ascension Living Providence Village; Amanda Sonnier, Executive Director, Ascension Living Providence Village; Danny Stricker, President, Ascension Post-Acute Services; Viston Taylor, Executive Director, Alexian Brothers PACE; and Tiffany Tisue, Director of Clinical Services, Ascension Living Providence Village.

ASCENSION TECHNOLOGIES

Response analyst wins competition Ascension Technologies Incident Response Analyst Sean Jordan won a computer security contest in nearly record time. As part of the SANS Fire NetWars team competition, Sean achieved 100 percent accuracy in locating cyber threats, similar to the work he does at Ascension’s Security Operations Center in Troy, Michigan.

ASCENSION VENTURES

Investment successes lead to returns Ascension Ventures ended fiscal 2019 by returning a record $90-plus million to Ascension from investments with a cost basis of less than $20 million. In June, Ascension Ventures closed a new

FALL 2019

33

NE WS FROM ACROSS A SCE NSION

investment in The MENTOR Network, a national network offering home- and community-based services to a variety of populations, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In July, Ascension Ventures and Ascension customer Phreesia completed its initial public offering. Phreesia provides an automated intake platform that enables an individualized patient experience.

CLINICAL & NETWORK SERVICES

Sepsis efforts saves lives Ascension’s work during FY19 on improving processes for the early identification and management of sepsis, as well as the prevention of hospital-acquired sepsis, has resulted in an 11.5 percent relative reduction in inpatient mortality, saving 427 lives. The sepsis initiative also helped to decrease the mortality rate in other non-sepsis disease processes through early recognition and treatment of infections. Together, these efforts have resulted in a reduction in healthcare costs

of $13.6 million. Sepsis remains a focus in FY20, as we continue to learn from each other, across the care continuum.

COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS

Grant increases access to behavioral healthcare DePaul Community Health Center in Arkansas has been awarded a second Small Health Care Provider Quality Improvement Program Grant by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy with the Health Resources and Services Administration. The award will provide $592,774 to support the center’s Whole Health Program, a behavioral health integration project to further enhance patient-centered care.

MEDXCEL

New customer service model Medxcel is working to develop and adopt a customized customer service model with an associate focus. Care and

Stay connected with Ascension @ HOME, @ WORK, @ YOUR FINGERTIPS Twitter: @ascensionorg Keep up with Ascension tweets. Follow Ascension.

Facebook: facebook.com/ascensionorg Like our Ascension page and get the latest updates on your newsfeed.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ascensionorg Stay up to date with organization news and connect with other associates.

YouTube: youtube.com/c/ascensionorg Watch videos about Ascension on an array of topics.

Instagram: instagram.com/ascension_org Check out the latest Ascension posts by following Ascension.

Learn more about Ascension at ascension.org.

34

commitment to associates is just one of the reasons Medxcel was named one of Achievers 50 Most Engaged Workplaces for the fourth year in a row.

G O O D DAY A S C E N S I O N / A S C E N S I O N .O R G

THE RESOURCE GROUP

The Resource Group marks 10 years The Resource Group, Ascension’s resource and supply management subsidiary, celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. The Resource Group was formed with the goal of consistently supporting caregiver satisfaction and patient safety, while meeting stewardship and savings goals through an efficient supply chain process. Now, after a decade of listening, learning and growing, Ascension and The Resource Group have achieved more than $1.2 billion in annual savings across our ministry. The 500 associates of The Resource Group participated in small celebrations across Ascension reflecting the three themes of its 10-year anniversary: Service, Innovation and Collaboration.

Good Day Ascension / Fall 2019 - Issue 11 Good Day Ascension is published by Ascension Marketing and Communications for associates and family members across our integrated national health ministry. Stories in Good Day Ascension support our One Ascension journey and reflect the commitment of associates, providers and volunteers across the health ministry to provide compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable.

Executive Editor: Nick Ragone, Esq., nick.ragone@ascension.org Editor: Ted Siegel, ted.siegel@ascension.org Design and Production: dcpubs.com To share comments, ask questions or suggest articles for Good Day Ascension, please email GoodDay@ascension.org, or send a note to Editor, Good Day Ascension, Ascension Marketing and Communications, 101 S. Hanley Road, Suite 1100, St. Louis, MO 63105.

All content copyright 2019 Ascension. Republication or any other use of the contents of Good Day Ascension without the express written consent of Ascension is prohibited. Any reference to or depiction of a product or service does not constitute or imply an endorsement by Ascension. Online version available at Ascension.org/goodday.

L AST WORD

As seen on the daily Good Day Ascension TO READ MORE ABOUT THESE STORIES AND OTHER NEWS FROM ACROSS OUR ONE INTEGRATED MINISTRY, VISIT GOODDAY.ASCENSION.ORG FROM WITHIN THE ASCENSION NETWORK.

✙ Ascension supports care for Hansen’s disease victims in Vietnam Through a generous donation by Ascension and its President and CEO, Joseph Impicciche, JD, MHA, victims of Hansen’s disease in Vietnam soon will have a new place to receive care.

Cross Catholic Outreach is supporting construction of a long-term care facility for patients with Hansen’s disease, commonly known as leprosy. The facility currently serves 178 leprosy patients in 40 villages. Many of its patients live too far away from the clinic to access it without reliable transportation.

Last year, a Cross Catholic Outreach supporter donated the funds to buy the land needed for the facility. In preparation for another miracle of generosity, the organizers of the facility assembled construction plans and pulled the appropriate permits to start building — but they needed more help.

Read more at goodday.ascension.org/archive

✙ Thanks to Ascension, former patient continues to enjoy family milestones Paul Britton of Halstead, Kansas, celebrated his 48th birthday this year — an event made possible he says by the grace of God and the care he received last summer from the staff in the Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Medical Intensive Care Unit in Wichita, Kansas.

“I was near death from respiratory failure on two occasions and they kept me alive!” said Paul, who contracted histoplasmosis, a lung infection caused by inhaling soil-related fungal spores that can be particularly dangerous to the young, elderly and anyone with a compromised immune system.

“If I had not survived I would have missed so much since last summer: the wedding of my son, the birth of my fifth grandchild, holidays and my youngest daughter’s high school graduation,” said Paul, who returned to work last November after several months of rehab.

Read more at goodday.ascension.org/archive

✙ Ascension Saint Thomas serves 485 people at Ascension Medical Mission Ascension Saint Thomas in Nashville provided 485 Middle Tennesseans free medical, dental and vision care at a recent Ascension Medical Mission. The event began at 8 a.m., and some participants waited outside the auditorium doors as early as 4 p.m. the day before. No one was turned away.

Free pharmacy services, dental services, mammograms, vision services, foot and wound care, lab and imaging services, and spiritual care were provided. A total of 353 lab tests were completed, 313 pairs of eyewear were dispensed, 269 prescriptions were filled, 228 flu vaccines were provided, and 152 teeth were extracted. Attendees left the event with free bags of fresh fruit and toiletries.

Read more at goodday.ascension.org/archive

FALL 2019

35

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

101 South Hanley Road Suite 450 St. Louis, MO 63105

Oakland, CA Permit No. 1584

WE ARE ASCENSION

Colleen Groves Sue Hatcher Catie Walden Mother-daughters nursing trio serves at Ascension St. Vincent

Although Colleen Groves had a bachelor’s degree in theology, being a nurse had tugged at her heart for many years. “I always thought I would be a nurse, and even after I earned my first degree, I still had a desire to do it,” she said.

Colleen’s journey to nursing began as a teenager when her dad, an emergency physician, was hospitalized. She was 15 when he was a patient awaiting a heart transplant at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis. “My dad was in the hospital for 10 months, and my family spent a lot of time at the hospital,” she said. Seeing the personalized care he received influenced Colleen’s decision to become a nurse.

While Colleen was in nursing school, her mother, Sue Hatcher, also enrolled. A career accountant, Sue switched careers for the same reasons as Colleen. The two graduated a year apart: Colleen in 2007 and Sue in 2008.

“I’ve been on both sides as a family member and a care provider,” Sue said. “I decided to become a nurse so that I could help families feel what we felt.”

With two Ascension St. Vincent nurses in the family, Catie Walden decided to follow her mother and sister. She had degrees in history and German and was on a different career path before choosing nursing. Catie graduated from nursing school in 2011.

Today, this family of nurses has a combined 31 years of nursing at Ascension St. Vincent. They say their experience on the patient/ family side was the biggest factor that propelled them into a career in nursing, and they can’t imagine doing anything else.

“The holistic care at Ascension St. Vincent encompasses the whole person — body, mind and spirit,” Sue said.