Good Day Ascension Magazine - Spring 2022

Good Day Ascension For Associates of Our One Integrated Ministry

SPRING 2022

Hitting the right notes

MESSAGES CAPTURE OUR CAREGIVERS’ CALLING

INSIDE:

Telehealth improves access / Our population health vision / Caring for clinicians

WELCOME

CARING AND COMMITMENT

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hese past two years have been unprecedented for our ministry, our industry and our world, and I remain so appreciative for your dedication and selflessness in caring for those we are privileged to serve.

Each of you has unique gifts, talents and perspectives that you bring to work every day, and they are what makes Ascension such a special place to work and serve.

In this issue of Good Day Ascension, we share several stories that revolve around hope and sharing, commitment and care. The COVID-19 pandemic helped us identify a need for associates to more quickly and easily access information and resources all in one place, and out of that was born the

Good Day Ascension Intranet and OneNurse app, which you will read about on page 6. We also explore the power of virtual care, which has become an important tool.

This issue also highlights Ascension Medical Group’s annual Community Commitments Awards. You’ll also read how “Marty” is helping associates learn more about Ascension’s commitment to population health.

Thank you for answering the call to be part of Ascension.

Joseph R. Impicciche, JD, MHA PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ASCENSION

“Each of you has unique gifts, talents and perspectives that you bring to work every day, and they are what makes Ascension such a special place to work and serve.”

Good Day Ascension / Spring 2022 - Issue 18 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, clinicians 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, JD, 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, 4600 Edmundson Road, St. Louis, MO 63134.

All content copyright 2022 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.

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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.

CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS 4 Mailbox

FEATURES 16 Hitting the right notes

A new marketing campaign highlights our associates’ joy in caring for those we are privileged to serve.

20 The power of virtual care

The accelerated growth of telehealth continues to improve access for Ascension’s most vulnerable patients.

22 Meet Marty

Ascension’s evolving care model takes a population segment-based approach focused on quality, experience, value and affordability.

24 Clinician well-being is a priority for Ascension Medical Group New resources support a culture of wellness.

26 Reducing food waste

Environmental pilots pave the way for permanent change.

28 More than meets the eye

ABIDE hallmarks highlight inclusivity, including people with nonvisible disabilities.

Good Day Ascension For Associates of Our One Integrated Ministry

Patients and families share letters of thanks to caregivers.

5 Inspiration

Practice compassion, anytime, anywhere.

6 Up front

The OneNurse app is connecting associates across Ascension. ... In-market foundations support our healing ministry. ... AMG Community Commitments Awards recognize clinicians. …

Good Day Ascension Intranet continues to expand.

14 Getting to know you

Meet Stacy Garrett-Ray, MD, MPH, MBA, Senior Vice President and Chief Community Impact Officer, Ascension.

15 Wellness now

Spring into fitness in the great outdoors.

30 News from across Ascension

What’s happening around the ministry.

Back cover

Reginald Adams, DO, Family Medicine, Ascension All Saints Hospital Wisconsin Avenue Campus, Racine, Wisconsin, is deeply committed to his patients.

On the cover: SPRING 2022

Hitting the right notes

MESSAGES CAPTURE OUR CAREGIVERS’ CALLING

Ascension Saint Thomas West associates Chevela Lightfoot, RN, Med-Surg, and Joshua Ramsey, MD, Hospitalist, participated in a new marketing and brand campaign that features Ascension’s nurses, doctors, caregivers and associates. The many reasons associates are called to serve were the inspiration for the campaign.

INSIDE:

Telehealth improves access / Our population health vision / Caring for clinicians

SPRING 2022

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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.

Messages from those we serve … When I was admitted [on my wedding anniversary] the doctors and nurses here were outstanding!

Patient at Ascension Seton Hays, Kyle, Texas

I was rear-ended ... by an 18-wheeler. It totaled my vehicle, deployed all air bags and stopped traffic on the road for miles. ... I was transported to [Ascension] St. John, where the ambulance could not get in the drive as there were more than eight ambulances already there. ... [T]he staff of [Ascension] St. John, everyone, were as kind, compassionate and helpful as I could ever ask. ... [I]t was one of the most positive hospital experiences I have had, and I’ve had many. ... Please pass along to the administration and to the staff that their kindness and professionalism were comfort in the midst of what was a traumatic situation.

Patient at Ascension St. John, Tulsa, Oklahoma

I want to thank the doctors, nurses, in-flight medical team and anyone else who was involved in saving my son. My heart dropped when I was told he was on life support while I was making the threehour-plus drive from Apalachicola. By the time I arrived, he was awake (no tubes!) and acting like his normal silly self! I still have my baby boy, thanks to all of you!

He is home and doing well. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Family member of patient at Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart, Pensacola, Florida

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… I was blindsided with my mother’s immediate health collapse two days before Christmas 2020. … A case manager told me to authorize them to transport mother to [Ascension Living] St. Joseph Place, saying, “They are good people.” … I had no experience with dementia, so the staff was able to advise me as to the ongoing changes she experienced. … Toward the end, [Ascension Living] St. Joseph Place suggested hospice care, so even at that time, I never felt alone.

Family member of resident at Ascension Living St. Joseph Place, Overland Park, Kansas

My husband was in critical condition from complications from COVID at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis. He was on a ventilator and wasn’t expected to pull through. Dr. Abdel-Ghanie Abu-Samra (Ascension Medical Group Via Christi) gave me hope at a time when I really needed it. He was watching my husband’s respiratory stats and let me know that [they were] encouraging.

Today, my husband is off a ventilator.

Although we still have a long recovery ahead of us, I will forever be grateful.

Family member of patient at Ascension Via Christi, Wichita, Kansas

I have thought about this a lot, and there is nothing that I can say that would ever compare to the gift you gave me. Thanks to you, my kids still have a mom, and my husband still has a wife, and my parents still have their daughter and I have my baby. Thank you, because you gave me the best gift

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

ever — you gave me my life and my son’s life. You went above and beyond what I could ever have expected, and I am very thankful to have ended up at Ascension St. Vincent. I am very thankful and very blessed.

Video message from patient to staff at Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis

Last year at this time, I was in the ICU at Ascension Elmbrook. I have no idea where or even if I would be here today, were it not for your care. … Not a day passes without my thoughts turning to you. Remembering you, thanking God for you and marveling at your spirit.

You are beyond the best.

Patient at Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital – Elmbrook Campus, Brookfield, Wisconsin

… The experience in the ER was so hands-on and the nurses were kind. … Dr. [Jiri] Bem put me in the hospital that night … It felt like I was in a 5-star hotel. … The world’s a better place [thanks to the] people at Lourdes.

Patient at Lourdes Hospital, Binghamton, New York

I was in your hospital for a week with COVID-19 on the 10th floor. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of the caring staff who took care of me. I won‘t remember all of my nurses by name. …

Thank you for making me feel comfortable and like a person, not a number.

Also, thank you to the housekeeping crew. They are so sweet!

Patient at Ascension Providence, Mobile, Alabama

I N S P I R AT I O N

Flour·ish·ing adjective 1. developing rapidly and successfully; thriving.

From the Latin flos, or flor: “flower.”

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s a ministry of the Catholic Church, Ascension is committed to the full flourishing of each of our associates.

As we know firsthand, the past two years have been incredibly taxing, not only for those of us in healthcare, but for people in all walks of life throughout the world. It’s no surprise that articles and tips on mindfulness, meditation and self-care have appeared everywhere, both online and in print. Under stress, flourishing takes practice. We in Ascension have shared our own offerings, providing an abundance of wellness resources on several platforms, including the Wysa app and our myCare website.

While some well-being practices require distinct times and physical spaces, one practice is always available — in the car, at the grocery store, even during a Zoom meeting: wishing people well.

Take a nice, deep, intentional breath, then look around and find someone. You may know and recognize them, or not. Next, simply and silently, wish them well: May they be happy and healthy. May they be free of suffering. May peace dwell in their heart. Use whatever words make sense to you. Pause briefly, then repeat.

Then take one more intentional breath.

You can do this with strangers, acquaintances, those close to you, those you struggle with, those who have been on your mind. Anyone at all.

You might even try starting with yourself.

Whether or not this simple practice makes a difference for others, it definitely makes a difference for you. Practiced enough, it creates the habit of

compassion, a form of inner flourishing that no person or circumstance can take away.

Surely the Apostle Paul had something like this in mind when he wrote to the Philippians: “Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8).

As Timm Glover, Executive Vice President and Chief Mission Integration Officer, often says, “We’re always practicing something.” May you flourish as you practice compassion, anytime, anywhere.

SPRING 2022

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UP FRONT

Technology connects nurses, associates from across Ascension THE ONENURSE APP IS HELPING CAREGIVERS ACCESS INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON

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hen members of the Ascension Nursing Center of Excellence (COE) asked what mattered most, nurses and nursing support professionals identified the need for a seamless, automated way to: • Connect and change their schedules in real time, without having to log in to a computer.

• Access evidence-based training and well-being resources at their fingertips.

• Connect with a career coach.

• Receive updates and announcements from the Ascension Nursing COE. • Connect to market-specific news and events.

• Communicate with and learn from one another.

• Enable more time at the bedside.

Today, a one-stop mobile app designed for Ascension nurses, by Ascension nurses is helping connect caregivers with information — and with one another. When fully launched, OneNurse will be available to more than 60,000 nurses and nursing support professionals across Ascension — providing functions in one place, 24/7, at the touch of a button.

“This app is a one-stop shop easily accessible from my cellphone. And I really like that I can easily link up with my career coach,” said Katherine Zambardi, BSN, RN, Ascension Saint Thomas West Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee. “I had an opportunity to sit with other nurses and share our thoughts with the Ascension Nursing COE Katherine Zambardi, BSN, RN and leadership on what we wanted in the app. It was truly an honor to be a part of that experience and ensure my own voice was heard.”

Even the app name was a direct result of Ascension nurse input.

ONENURSE USER RESPONSES “It’s a lot easier than logging on to Kronos.”

“That was surprisingly simple.”

“I really like this schedule; I don’t have to put it in manually.”

“I think this will be a great tool to enable nurses to gather needed information as well as easily swap schedules at the touch of a button.”

“Looks great!”

“I really enjoy the app! I love the different ministries you can follow.”

“Nice and easy navigation.”

“I like how easily and quickly I can access the schedule.”

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TEXT MESSAGING SERVICE In addition to OneNurse, more than 5,700 nurses and nursing support professionals have opted into another communication channel that allows nurse leaders to more immediately deliver breaking news, inspirational Leaisha Adkins, LPN, LVN, Ascension Via Christi St. Teresa, Wichita, Kansas, takes a moment to check the OneNurse app.

messages, facility- and System-wide updates, and more: text messaging.

“I would go days without checking emails and sometimes felt I was behind with what was going on in the

Ascension nurses were invited to share their voices by submitting names for the new nursing app. Out of 696 names submitted, six names made the short list.

Thousands of Ascension nurses selected OneNurse as the clear winner.

Patricia “Patty” Lamp, APN, Ascension Illinois; Kristen Holdren, LPN, Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast; and Lauren Riisoe, RN, Ascension Kansas, each independently submitted the winning name.

Patricia ‘Patty’ Lamp, APN “I chose OneNurse because ‘one’ exemplifies unity and togetherness, which has been particularly present during the pandemic,” Patty said. “We must work together as nurses across Ascension to support one another while sharing in both our struggles and victories.”

“In this fast-paced, technology-savvy world, it is helpful to have all the information in one spot, and OneNurse provides that,” said Kim Yanello, BSN, RN, CCRN, Product Manager, TeleHealth, Ascension Illinois. “It’s also helpful to have one source for all things nursing.

OneNurse helps us connect with and Kim Yanello, BSN, RN, learn from each other, ensuring we CCRN continue to deliver consistent, high-quality care throughout Ascension.”

industry and within Ascension,” said Erica Burnett, BSN, RN, Ascension St. John Hospital Medical Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma. “Receiving work texts Erica Burnett, BSN, RN

directly to my phone, I am now more connected with the different levels of

management at my hospital and other nurses throughout the ministry. The neatest thing about receiving texts are the inspirational quotes and encouragement from my Chief Nursing Officer, Lisa Medina.”

“As we listened, we learned that nurses wanted an easy way to connect, swap schedules and stay informed. The OneNurse app made all that a reality,” said Karen Springer, MSN, RN, Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive, Ascension. “It was a Karen Springer, MSN, RN tall order to design an app that achieved all these objectives, and we were able to work through some challenges along the way. I’m so excited that OneNurse is finally here and am humbled by how great it turned out, thanks to all the nurses who helped design every aspect.”

SPRING 2022

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UP FRONT

Going above and beyond HOW ASCENSION FOUNDATIONS HELP EXTEND OUR HEALING MINISTRY THROUGH PHILANTHROPY

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ur health ministries across the country are among the best at what they do — caring for the sick, improving the health of our communities and saving lives. With the help of our in-market Ascension foundations, our Mission of caring for all extends far outside the clinical care setting and into the daily lives of those we are privileged to serve — especially those most vulnerable.

A SCE NSION WISCONSIN FOU NDATION (MILWAU KE E)

Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital saved a woman’s life — physically and emotionally — after her diabetes diagnois A trip to Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Emergency Department saved Shelly Greer’s life. That’s where she learned her blurry vision was being caused by Type 2 diabetes.

Since that ED visit, Shelly learned how to manage her diabetes and her blood sugar numbers improved.

She ate better, took her insulin and medication, and started to exercise.

But that wasn’t enough. Her physical symptoms were under control, but the mental aspect of diabetes was slowly dragging Shelly into depression.

That’s when Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital’s Under 8 program changed everything.

Under 8 is made possible through the generosity of Ascension Wisconsin Foundation donors.

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Nancy Leahy, APRN, Nurse Practitioner, Ascension Community Services, Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s, left, and patient Shelly Greer.

All participants are provided with education, resources and a safe space to share their experiences.

Participants are empowered with the knowledge to continue their efforts to live healthier lives and gain a shared strength through a support-group atmosphere.

“I was mentally depressed. Mentally saddened. I was feeling like, ‘why me?’ ” Shelly said. “When I got the call from Nancy [Leahy], I felt relieved. That friendly voice came over the line and told me a date, and I knew I’d be there. The mental and emotional support from the group gave me strength. I knew it was going to be OK because I was amongst friends and family.”

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

“We are deeply committed to improving the health of our vulnerable community members and increasing access to care,” said Reggie Newson, Chief Community Impact and Advocacy Officer, Ascension Wisconsin. “The Under 8 program is one way Ascension Wisconsin concentrates its efforts to create healthier communities by assisting our patients with education and access to healthy foods. We’re thankful for our dedicated community services team members, our Ascension Medical Group providers and our generous donors that enable the program to be successful.”

UP FRONT

ASCENSION ST. MARY’S FOUNDATION (SAGINAW, MICHIGAN)

Ascension Chesaning Resource Center supports patient families in need The Ascension Chesaning Resource Center opened to help Ascension Michigan patient families obtain basic supplies and resources without having to travel far. The center serves the families of patients who are managing chronic disease and are experiencing economic instability.

“There is a great need to help my community. I knew we had to do something,” said Jocelyn Millender, Care Coordinator, Ascension Medical Group Chesaning Family Practice.

Thanks to Jocelyn’s compassion and desire to help others, an incredible associate team, and the support of Ascension St. Mary’s Foundation and its donors, the Ascension Chesaning Resource Center was able to open its doors.

As a care coordinator, Jocelyn sees the daily struggles of many families who live in and around the small town of Chesaning, Michigan, on the outskirts of Saginaw County.

The Ascension Chesaning Resource Center provides several life-changing resources to families, who often would have to travel more than 30 minutes to get essential supplies, such as: • A pantry stocked with nonperishable items including diapers, personal hygiene products, formula, toothbrushes, toothpaste and more.

• Grocery gift cards to help families buy fresh fruits and vegetables in partnership with a local grocer.

• Patient transportation gas cards to help patients get to out-of-town medical treatments.

Jocelyn Millender, Care Coordinator, Ascension Medical Group in Michigan, helps provide families with much-needed supplies.

“This is something that truly makes a difference in the lives of those we serve and will ultimately improve the health of the community as a whole.”

— STEPHANIE DUGGAN, MD, REGIONAL PRESIDENT, ASCENSION MICHIGAN NORTHERN MINISTRIES

“This is yet another example of Ascension St. Mary’s going above and beyond to continue to fulfill our Mission of caring for all — especially those most vulnerable across our communities,” said Stephanie Duggan, MD, Regional President, Ascension Michigan Northern Ministries. “Our patients are so grateful to receive these resources and supplies. This is something that truly makes a difference in the lives of those we serve and will ultimately improve the health of the community as a whole. I am so grateful to our donors and our Chesaning team for making this a reality.”

SPRING 2022

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UP FRONT

Ascension Medical Group honors clinicians for compassionate, personalized care THE AMG COMMUNITY COMMITMENTS AWARDS RECOGNIZE CLINICIANS

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scension Medical Group (AMG) is committed to creating an environment that enables clinicians to flourish personally and professionally. To support this work and recognize the contributions of clinicians who embody AMG’s Community Commitments, the group announced 2021’s AMG Community Commitments Awards winners.

The Community Commitments flow from the Ascension Mission, Vision and Values, and are practices that define how AMG associates live out these Values through what they do.

“Our Community Commitments serve as a compass and reflect who we are as a medical group,” said Carol Schmidt, FACHE, Senior Vice President, Ascension, Chief Operating Officer, Clinical & Network Services. “They were created in 2020 in partnership with clinicians and associates and help to set us apart from other organizations.”

“Ascension has a vital Mission, and that Mission is to serve all with special attention to those who are most vulnerable,” said Baligh Yehia, MD, MPP, FACP, Senior Vice President, Ascension and President, AMG. “Never has this been more true than now. Over the last year, I have had the honor of seeing our Mission in action as we cared for our patients and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I have also seen how our clinicians and associates have cared for each other. These Community Commitments have truly been on display by so many of our clinicians and associates.”

“We would like to congratulate and thank all of our winners and nominees for demonstrating what it means to be part of Ascension Medical Group and for all the work you do every day,” said Joseph Cacchione, MD, FACC, Executive Vice President, Clinical & Network Services, Ascension. “You have demonstrated what it means to provide compassionate, personalized care, and we thank you.”

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PHYSICIAN AWARD WINNER : E RIN O’ TOOL , M D

Dr. O’Tool has been instrumental in helping AMG Wisconsin develop and implement several of its most successful programs, including the state’s first post-acute COVID-19 recovery clinic. He also helped with the creation of AMG’s statewide respiratory clinics, sharing his learnings nationally and assisting other Ministry Markets in establishing their own programs. He has also been an advocate at the state level, petitioning for opportunities to vaccinate communities, fully embracing the need to focus on the most vulnerable populations.

“Erin has exemplified many of the qualities we look for in our future leaders,” said Doug Culling, DO, former AMG Wisconsin clinical dyad leader. “He continuously seeks to improve his relationships among colleagues, patients and leaders within our organization. As his leader for the past several years, he has been open to my feedback and consistently challenges himself and his staff to provide the best care possible for our patients.”

ADVANCED PR AC TICE PROVIDER WINNER : E LIZ ABETH H E LMS , NP

E ARLY C AREER AWARD WINNER : LU L A GALGALO, NP

Nurse Practitioner Elizabeth Helms practices at AMG Indiana and is praised by her peers for her ability to ask the right questions, identifying what needs the patient has, what barriers might stand in the way of their health, and what the best options for a treatment plan may be.

“One of the reasons Elizabeth is effective with her patients is that she listens to them, a key essential behavior,” said Michael Emmons, DO, AMG Indiana clinical dyad leader.

“Because she takes the time to listen — and to ask the right questions — she is better able to understand and therefore better able to help her patients achieve good outcomes.”

Elizabeth’s peers also lauded her ability to collaborate with and motivate not just her patients but also those who work alongside her. Elizabeth installed a victory bell at the clinic where she works and has encouraged her patients to stop smoking, lose weight and more. When patients make progress toward their goal, the whole office celebrates with the patient ringing the bell.

Nurse Practitioner Lula Galgalo, AMG Saint Thomas, joined Ascension in 2018, providing acute care in express care and caring for the most vulnerable populations. In 2020, her clinic in Antioch, Tennessee, was converted to a respiratory clinic that now offers preventive education, COVID-19 testing, and acute and chronic care management.

“Lula’s quiet and faithful presence in the Antioch clinic represents the best of healthcare,” said Brian Wilcox, MD, AMG Saint Thomas clinical dyad leader. “Lula represents our Mission to the fullest. She is professional, always respectful to others and to all of her patients. … Lula makes Antioch a better clinic site every day she is here and makes the world a better place by her very existence.”

“Our Community Commitments serve as a compass and reflect who we are as a medical group.”

— CAROL SCHMIDT, FACHE, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, ASCENSION, CHIEF OPER ATING OFFICER, CLINICAL & NETWORK SERVICES

SPRING 2022

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UP FRONT

Central communication source THE GOOD DAY ASCENSION INTRANET EXPANDS TO IMPROVE ASSOCIATES’ ONLINE EXPERIENCE

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ince the launch of the Good Day Ascension Intranet last June, associates across Ascension have had a central source of news, information and links to resources, no matter their location. The effort to unite all in-market intranets to better serve our associates, and ultimately those we serve, continues to be a priority as part of Ascension’s technology and communication transformation.

“The Good Day Ascension Intranet has served as an important communication channel during the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering timely updates, FAQs and important information for all associates during this difficult and challenging time,” said Nick Ragone, JD, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Ascension.

The primary goal of this multiyear project is to create a valuable, unified intranet, optimizing new technology tools to streamline associates’ online experience. Over the past year, the project team has launched numerous sites within the GDA Intranet homepage environment as well as two Ministry Market intranets that are part of the unified platform: Ascension St. Vincent in Indiana and Lourdes in New York. Plans are underway to migrate additional Ministry Market intranets throughout 2022 and into 2023.

Even before these transitions are completed, all associates across Ascension with ascension.org email addresses

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can access the Good Day Ascension Intranet at GDAIntranet.ascension.org.

As each Ministry Market transitions to the central intranet site, associates will continue to access their market-based intranet homepage from the myMinistry drop-down in the main navigation. From there, they can find in-market news and resources as well as Ascension-wide information, updates and news.

And to continue to improve associate engagement and collaboration, a mobile version of the GDA Intranet is in development.

GOOD DAY ASCENSION INTRANET HIGHLIGHTS • Daily news and announcements from across our ministry | From the Good Day Ascension Intranet homepage, view the Carousel items or ALERTS.

• Associate Events Calendar to learn about upcoming prayer group events, meditation sessions and more | From the Good Day Ascension Intranet homepage, click “Resources,” then click “Associates Events Calendar.”

• Associate discounts including vacation specials | From the Good Day Ascension Intranet homepage, click on “I want to,” then “View associate discounts.”

Not feeling well today?

Find the care you need now — we connect the dots on the rest

Choose Ascension, and you’ll always be connected to the right care, at the right place and at the right time.

Every visit starts with a conversation about how you are feeling. Find all the care you need, doctors who listen, and convenience and care that are connected.

Care right away 24/7 emergency care when you need it most Care today Urgent care for when it’s not an emergency, but you still need care now Care any time Talk to a doctor about anything — screenings, routine and preventive care Care online Talk to a doctor 24/7 from wherever you are

Call to schedule, check in online or walk in any time ascension.org If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911. © Ascension 2022. All rights reserved.

PERSONAL PROFILE

Getting to know you STACY GARRETT-RAY, MD, MPH, MBA, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF COMMUNITY IMPACT OFFICER, ASCENSION

At 6 years old, Stacy Garrett-Ray knew she wanted to be a physician. Her calling led her to major in biology and minor in women’s studies at the University of Richmond, where she was a Cigna Scholar; earn a medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine; and serve her family medicine residency at the University of Maryland Department of Family and Community Medicine, where she was chief resident.

Later she took on administrative roles in public health that eventually led her to Ascension in October 2021. Today, she is Senior Vice President and Chief Community Impact Officer.

She describes it as a role aligning so perfectly with her interests and gifts that she could never have imagined it.

Q: How did your personal interests lead you to Ascension?

A: I’m a family physician by trade, an interest stemming from a need to have a positive impact on other people’s lives. Early in my career while practicing in Baltimore, a mentor commented that “you will work beyond the physician’s office.”

That assessment was accurate, and my first position in public health was at the city level in Baltimore. We were

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focused on the uninsured, the underinsured and growing our cancer care program. I learned that everything we did relied on community partnerships and was ultimately impacted by social determinants.

This means that to provide healthcare, we have to focus on the whole being. We have to determine what the needs are such as food, transportation or affordable housing, and develop partnerships and resources outside our walls to meet the needs of the whole being.

I also served the Department of Veterans Affairs, where we were focused on healthcare transformation — building integrated, patient-centered care, including virtual care and comprehensive care for women. I was then called to the University of Maryland Medical System, where we were focused on value-based care to improve outcomes and experience for patients and providers within the community, while also addressing costs.

Q: How does the daily work of Ascension associates impact our communities?

A: Looking at our Mission and history, the Sisters’ work was always transforming beyond the walls. It does start at the individual associate and that includes the front-line caregiver; even things like documentation and coding contribute to our impact.

Q: How would you describe your approach to leadership?

A: My philosophy is we are here to serve. As servant leaders we have the ability to be a teacher and learner with every encounter we have.

I’m also interested in creating a legacy of health for our patients and the communities in which we serve. That means creating sustainable and generational impact.

The work we are doing with our patients and within the community today should set the stage for improving the future lives for patients’ children and future generations.

WELLNESS NOW

Spring into fitness A GUIDE TO EXERCISING OUTDOORS

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tarting a new exercise routine outdoors can be just the change you need to stay motivated as the seasons change. Working out in the fresh air can be a game changer, so this guide can help you jump-start a new habit.

WHO

All you need to start a journey in outdoor exercise is you.

However, it is more effective if you bring along some support. Your motivation can be maintained by inviting friends, family or colleagues to join your open-air workout routine and keep you accountable.

WHAT

The weather warming up brings a variety of ways to break a sweat outdoors. From hiking to biking, kayaking and paddleboarding, to a simple walk or jog, you can find many opportunities to expand your fitness. You can even go out of your comfort zone with adventurous activities such as rock climbing, ropes courses or an adult sports league.

WH E RE

Warm weather also allows for the use of parks, nature trails or neighborhood sidewalks. Even your backyard can be an ideal spot for an evening yoga session.

WH E N

As summer gets nearer, the midday heat may become unbearable, so exercising in the morning or early evening may be the best option. However, if the weather is mild, you can have an open-air workout session any time of day. Just remember to wear sunscreen and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes.

WHY

Benefits abound when you choose to exercise outdoors, but most importantly, working out outdoors can boost your mood. According to the American Psychological Association, spending time outdoors can increase “happiness, subjective well-being, positive affect, positive social interactions, and a sense of meaning and purpose in life.”

The great outdoors is the perfect place to maintain or improve your health through exercise. So plan to get outside as soon as you can and enjoy all the benefits that it provides.

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Start a conversation with a doctor today Schedule now at ascension.org Wherever and whenever you need us, we’re here — with same-day and next-day care and virtual visits.

Madeline Chikamba, MD Internal Medicine

Madeline Chikamba, MD Ascension Medical Group St. Vincent Anderson Internal Medicine and After Hospital Care 2101 Jackson St., Suite 209 Anderson, IN 46016

Chad Curtis, DO Family Medicine

Get connected to the right care, close to home

Chad Curtis, DO Ascension Medical Group St. Vincent Anderson Primary Care 141 W. 22nd St., Suite 311 Anderson, IN 46016

Do you have health questions or symptoms that have been weighing on your mind or waiting on your list? It’s easy to reach out to Drs. Madeline Chikamba and Chad Curtis with Ascension Medical Group and start a conversation about: • • • • • • •

Annual checkups and physicals Screenings Care for new symptoms or chronic conditions Care for the whole you — including mental and emotional health Scheduling imaging and lab tests Prescriptions through Ascension Rx or your preferred pharmacy Connection to specialists for additional care

866-781-7649

We’re maintaining strict precautions to keep you safe.

Ascension St. Vincent

© Ascension 2021. All rights reserved.

Hitting the right notes CAMPAIGNS HIGHLIGHTING CLINICIANS HELP CONSUMERS CONNECT WITH ASCENSION

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ratitude for each other and those we serve, messages of hope and healing, and our commitment to care for all at the right time, in the right place, are unifying themes in several marketing campaigns launched in late 2021 and into the new year.

CALLED TO SERVE

Ascension’s nurses, doctors, other clinicians and associates love what they do. And each individual has a reason he or she was called to serve.

Those countless reasons, and the gratitude our associates feel for each other, were the inspiration for a new marketing and brand campaign that launched at the end of last year and continues today.

The campaign features the voices of our clinicians and associates and highlights their joy in caring for those we’re privileged to serve.

Created by Ascension Marketing and Communications to continue building awareness and preference for Ascension as

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“Our caregivers are the healing hands and hearts of our ministry, and this campaign beautifully captures their compassion in service to all.”

— N IC K R AG ON E , J D, E X E C U T I V E V IC E PR E S I DE N T A N D C H I E F M A R K E T I N G A N D C OM M U N IC AT ION S OF F IC E R , A S C E N S ION

the compassionate, personalized care choice for all, this campaign shares how that spirit of service unites us all.

The television commercials repurposed an instrumental version of the original song “I’m Not Going Anywhere” written and produced by Kelly Lang. Kelly, a professional musician and former Ascension patient, wrote the song as an ode to her caregivers and to others struggling with cancer diagnoses.

The song was the unifying thread and focus in Ascension’s previous “Your Care is Our Calling” campaign and has become a signature identifier for the Ascension brand.

“Our caregivers are the healing hands and hearts of our ministry, and this campaign beautifully captures their compassion in service to all,” said Nick Ragone, JD, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Ascension.

The integrated campaign, including market-customized TV commercials, newspaper ads, social media and public

relations outreach, appeared in all Ascension markets during the year-end holiday season and will continue through spring 2022. TV commercials aired during high-profile events such as the 95th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

REMOVING BURDENS

Based on ongoing consumer research conducted by Ascension’s Market Intelligence team, consumers continue to look for care options that remove the burdens of finding a doctor and scheduling an appointment, and the perceived barriers of coordinating and managing their healthcare. To meet consumer expectations, a new primary care access and promotion campaign is launching in 2022 that communicates the ease of connecting to and receiving care with Ascension Medical Group providers and care teams.

Many reasons call us to care for you At Ascension St. John, you’ll find nurses, doctors, caregivers and more who deeply care about you and your health. We have countless reasons for loving what we do: listening and caring for you — body, mind and spirit. Whenever you need care, we’ll be there with the right care, at the right place, at the right time.

It’s our calling.

ascension.org jobs.ascension.org © Ascension 2022. All rights reserved.

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The campaign creates a unified approach and messaging for primary care engagement that promotes ease and accessibility based on consumer need and expectations. Knowing that consumer healthcare needs may change based on the time of year or age or lifestyle of a consumer, advertising elements engage around appointment availability as well as messaging that supports the right care in the right place at the right time.

The campaign is designed to complement other campaigns that showcase the trusted voices of Ascension leaders and providers while reinforcing Ascension’s brand promise to listen and care for all.

Advertising elements are customized by market and location, and include toolkits and signage for Ascension Medical Group locations. Newspaper ads, radio spots, outdoor billboards, social media content, online advertising and earned media, as well as email and direct mail, support this campaign across Ministry Markets.

To view and share the “Reasons We Care for You” television commercial, visit youtube.com/watch?v=HMiQPaljxR0.

A NEW CAMPAIGN IS POSITIONING ASCENSION AS THE BRAND OF CHOICE FOR WOMEN

In support of the Ascension Strategic Plan and the priority for women’s health programs across Ministry Markets, Ascension will soon debut influencer and testimonial-driven advertising that reaches women at any age for any need.

The new approach creates a comprehensive identity for women’s care — including maternity care and gynecology, heart care, oncology, weight loss, and other services including lab, imaging and pharmacy.

The new women’s care advertising positions Ascension as the right choice every step of the way with doctors who start by listening — and then working with women to build a relationship throughout their life for themselves, their children and others in their care.

Advertising elements include new newspaper ads, radio, outdoor billboard advertising, social and earned media, as well as online and storytelling content designed to share.

Additional media placements in trusted online communities and sites featuring women influencers will extend the reach of the campaign.

Get care for your health needs — big and small Start a conversation with a doctor who listens Do you have health questions or symptoms that have been weighing on your mind? Reach out to care teams at Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin and start a conversation about screenings, new symptoms and chronic conditions. And if you need other care and services, including imaging and lab tests, and prescriptions with Ascension Rx or your preferred pharmacy, we’ll connect you. Choose from flexible appointments, same-day and next-day care, and virtual visits.

Schedule now at ascension.org Ascension Wisconsin © Ascension 2022. All rights reserved.

We’re maintaining strict precautions to keep you safe.

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The power of virtual care TELEHEALTH CONTINUES TO PROVIDE ACCESS FOR ASCENSION’S MOST VULNERABLE PATIENTS

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he COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a growing trend in the use of telehealth across the country.

In fact, from March 1, 2020, to March 16, 2022, more than 9,700 Ascension clinicians conducted a cumulative total of 3.23 million outpatient virtual visits.

The rapid use of telehealth during this time expedited years of care delivery advancements in a few short months — helping meet the clinical, safety and access needs of our patients. Our varied telehealth interventions allowed us to continue to provide care while mitigating physical — and sometimes psychological — challenges facing many of our most vulnerable patients.

A CASE FOR ACCESS

From October 2020 through March 2021, Ascension Medical Group same-day appointments for established primary care virtual video visits occurred at nearly twice the rate of in-person visits, and that number only continues to grow. On average, the gap between the schedule and appointment date is 65% less for primary care physicians and 17% less for specialists with a video visit vs. an in-person visit. In addition to providing greater

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access to care, another plus has been a System-wide reduction in patient no-show rates of over 7%.

According to Baligh Yehia, MD, MPP, FACP, Senior Vice President, Ascension, and President, Ascension Medical Group, accessibility to care is critically important, especially for individuals impacted by health disparities.

“Health disparities across race, age and geography are well documented, and telehealth offers the potential to mitigate those inequities by offering care to underserved communities,” he said. “In response to this need, many of our Ministry Markets have found more opportunities to utilize telehealth.”

An example is the recent establishment of a virtual primary care clinic at a soup kitchen called My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) in a medically underserved area of Baltimore. MBK serves nearly 100 people per day, initially functioning as a community hub providing meals and social services. After collaborating with Catholic Charities to further evaluate community needs, the team at Ascension Saint Agnes, Baltimore, launched a virtual primary care clinic at the site.

“In addition to supporting our Mission, we are ensuring that our virtual care solutions are meeting patients wherever they are,” said Tania Elliott, MD, FAAAAI, FACAAI, Chief Medical Officer, Virtual Care, Clinical & Network Services, Ascension.

“We are able to provide patients with a virtual physical exam and the medications they need for acute and chronic care needs.”

A similar virtual care clinic was established last year at Ascension St. Ben’s Clinic in Milwaukee. The clinic provides primary care to patients who may experience multiple barriers, including mistrust in large systems of care, chronic homelessness, and/or challenges related to mental illness or substance abuse. The current program supports both adult rehabilitation and a women and children’s shelter in downtown Milwaukee. There is a plan to add a third virtual clinic in the largest shelter in Milwaukee soon.

WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON?

“As Ascension continues to be on the forefront of the changing telehealth landscape, it will be important for us to look for unique opportunities to serve diverse populations,” Dr. Yehia said. “This includes continuing to work with Ministry Markets on development of additional telehealth programs based on community needs.”

Ascension is also looking at telehealth solutions outside of virtual primary care and urgent care, including the areas of palliative care, virtual nursing and medical assistant utilization, pharmacy and medication management, and digital therapeutics, as well as continuing to expand remote monitoring.

“To be successful, we must continue to develop solutions that make the lives of clinicians, patients and care teams easier, without compromising clinical quality,” Dr. Elliott said.

“Keeping these three customer and clinical outcomes in mind, we can optimize clinical care delivery and meet the needs of all of the patients we serve, wherever they are. The bottom line is we want our clinicians, office staff and patients to recognize the value of hybrid care.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PAST YEAR INCLUDE:

• E stablishment of dedicated Virtual Care Leads (Clinical and Operational) in all Ministry Markets.

• Launch of Maternal Hypertension Remote Patient Monitoring Program in two markets (Indiana and Texas).

• Deployment of Ascension Video Chat in partnership with the Ascension Studio.

• Monitored more than 10,000 patients in COVID-19 Home Remote Patient Monitoring Program.

• Washington, D.C.: Cared for 80% of behavioral health patients virtually and 100% of geriatric patients in facilities virtually.

• Ascension Texas: Within hours of a February 2021 storm hitting Austin, all clinics switched to virtual operations.

This resulted in limited interruptions to clinic visits. While surgeries peaked in the week following the storm, pre-op visits continued virtually.

• Ascension Indiana: Integrated a Maternity Model that incorporated virtual visits with in-person visits during the prenatal and postpartum phases of care.

• Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast: Opened a 100% virtual primary care practice.

• Binghamton, New York: Launched a virtual urgent care practice with plans for a virtual clinic in a homeless shelter.

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Meet Marty NEW INITIATIVES ARE PERSONALIZING POPULATION HEALTH

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scension continues to accelerate our transformation as an integrated health ministry that delivers improved health outcomes for the individuals and communities we are privileged to serve, with special attention to persons who are poor and vulnerable. As part of the Ascension Strategic Plan, we are evolving our care model to one that takes a population segment-based approach — focused on quality, experience, value and affordability.

“Our goal is to improve our patients’ health status and experience through a variety of meaningful programs, services and Mark Whalen activities that emphasize the importance of quality and integrated care across the continuum,” said Mark Whalen, Senior Vice President, Population Health and Service Line Operations, Ascension. “By further defining and personalizing Ascension’s population health capabilities, we aim to raise awareness about our vision for population health, its role in Ascension’s

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transformation and ultimately how we will continue to enhance care for all the populations we serve.”

To help share our care model approach with associates, Ascension’s Population Health team partnered with Marketing and Communications to create and launch a video that introduces viewers to an animated Ascension “patient” named Marty.

Viewers are taken through Marty’s complicated health journey — captured through the personal lens of Marty and his family, including his caregiver and daughter, Alexis.

In the video, Marty struggles to stay healthy, frequently visits the

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Emergency Department and feels his care is disconnected when he sees his providers. Meanwhile, Alexis struggles to manage her dad’s health as she works away from home and also takes care of her son.

However, we can improve Marty’s health outcomes through a population health approach. This begins by delivering care anchored in quality, exceeding patient expectations and coming together across the care continuum to coordinate care.

“Marty reflects many of our patients here at Ascension who are struggling to navigate their care due to multiple chronic conditions

SHARE YOUR MARTY MOMENT We want to hear your stories on how you or others have engaged in population health to provide personalized care to our patients like Marty. For example, did a referral for local transportation help a patient attend their appointments? Or did you help a caregiver take steps to care for a loved one?

Visit the Good Day Ascension Intranet’s Meet Marty page (gdaintranet.ascension.org/home/meet-marty) to share your story.

and barriers related to social determinants of health,” said Aaron Shoemaker, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Ambulatory Services and Aaron Shoemaker, MD Population Health, Clinical & Network Services, Ascension. “Through the video, we hope to not only share our approach to how we care for the populations we serve but also inspire our associates to take part in shaping a positive care journey for patients and their families.”

Ascension’s population health approach is rooted in incorporating shared decision-making and coordinated communication between patients and clinicians to build trust.

This trust can ultimately contribute to better adherence to treatment recommendations and more appropriate healthcare utilization. Strong patient engagement is a core pillar of meaningful healthcare. This approach also aims to reduce costs by leveraging technology such as electronic health records and expanding access through optimizing health promotion and disease prevention.

A new initiative called Neighborhood Resource is one of the many ways Ascension is identifying gaps to help improve the health of each patient and deliver personalized care. Neighborhood Resource is a free and easy-to-use online platform that connects those in need to social services and resources right in their own community. Through a simple ZIP code search, patients can find free or reduced-cost services in their community, including food, housing, transportation, job training, legal help and more.

The Neighborhood Resource program is already in use in a few markets, with great success. One nurse care manager noted: “I recently used Neighborhood Resource to connect my patient Mary with transportation and food resources after receiving a referral from her primary care physician. My patient is now receiving benefits for food assistance and is able to get transportation to and from her doctor appointments without having to rely on her one friend all the time.”

“Engaging in personalized care begins by listening to the patient, asking action-oriented questions and working collaboratively across care teams to deliver patient-centered

care plans based on what matters to the patient,” said Rebecca Adkins, Vice President, Population Health Operations, Rebecca Adkins Clinical & Network Services, Ascension. “Every patient should have the opportunity to reach their full health potential just like Marty. By identifying gaps in care and reducing disparities, we can improve the health of our communities.”

Learn more by visiting healthcare. ascension.org/neighborhood-resource.

JOIN MARTY’S JOURNEY TO BETTER HEALTH Scan the QR code below to watch the video introducing Marty and see how you can engage in population health.

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Clinician well-being is a priority for Ascension Medical Group NUMEROUS RESOURCES ARE NOW AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT A CULTURE OF WELLNESS

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scension is committed to promoting a healthcare environment that supports clinicians in their calling to provide compassionate, personalized care to patients and families, and enriches our clinician community with a sense of balance, meaning and life purpose.

“As Ascension Medical Group (AMG) continues its journey to become the preferred place for clinicians to practice, we recognize that clinician experience is closely tied to clinician well-being, which can be achieved in part by fostering a culture that inspires and nurtures clinicians personally and professionally,” said Baligh Yehia, MD, MPP, FACP, Senior Vice President, Ascension, and President, AMG. Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the work of fostering clinician well-being has never been more important.

Even before the pandemic, more than 50% of clinicians treating patients reported that they had experienced symptoms of burnout, “a syndrome characterized by high emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization (i.e., cynicism), and a low sense of personal accomplishment from work.” (This data was included in “Taking Action Against Clinician Burnout: A Systems Approach to Professional Well-Being,” National Academy of Sciences.)

Creating a culture of wellness first requires breaking down the stigma often associated with clinicians asking for help, according to Jennifer Stanley, MD, practicing family physician at Ascension St. Vincent in Indiana and Chair of the System-wide AMG Clinician Engagement and Well-Being Council.

“I’m a doctor and I’m a mom, and so I generally put everybody else’s needs in front of mine,” she said. “As clinicians, it’s just part of what we do. But we need to learn to pause and prioritize our own well-being without feeling selfish or ashamed.”

One way AMG is offering support for physicians, advanced practice providers, pharmacists and medical residents in prioritizing their own emotional health is through the Well-Being Index. This brief, anonymous and confidential online self-assessment provides immediate individualized feedback including tools and both in-market and System-level resources to address well-being.

Setting up an account is easy and completing the Well-Being Index takes under three minutes. Download the Well-Being Index app for Apple or Android or use the QR code below.

“While we continue to look at practice efficiency interventions to help restore work-life balance among our clinicians, we can’t lose sight of the importance of self-care,” Dr. Yehia said. “We know that the only way our clinicians can continue to take good care of our patients is by taking care of themselves.”

USING THE MYCARE WEBSITE All associates can take advantage of Ascension’s many and varied support resources by visiting the myCare website at ascension.org/mycare. On the site, you will find: • The Ascension Wysa app, a pocket companion for holistic, day-to-day well-being.

• Information on the Employee Assistance Program, which is available all day, every day, with up to eight free counseling sessions.

• Virtual Spiritual Care, which enables associates and their immediate family to speak to a chaplain any time of the day or night free of charge.

• The Associate Events Calendar, which provides opportunities to pause during the day for prayer, peer support, meditation and more.

Learn more about how Ascension is prioritizing clinician well-being by watching this short video featuring personal stories from our clinicians.

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Environmental pilot paves way for permanent change ADDRESSING FOOD WASTE AND INTRODUCING SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS ACROSS THE MINISTRY

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magine the sheer number of Ascension hospitals and other sites of care across the country that serve food. Now think about the amount of food that is generated to nourish all of the patients, loved ones and caregivers within those facilities on a daily basis — more than 150,000 meals a day on average. Although processes are in place to reduce its impact, it’s not surprising that waste due to preparation, overproduction and uneaten food can account for up to 15% of Ascension’s total municipal solid waste sent to landfills.

Ascension is working to change that, with a goal to reduce total waste sent to landfills by 6% by May 2023.

Medxcel, in cooperation with The Resource Group and TouchPoint Support Services, which serves as Ascension’s Food and Nutrition Services provider, led a three-month food digester pilot study at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside in Florida and Ascension Saint Agnes in Baltimore to determine if the technology would benefit other Ascension hospitals.

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At the conclusion of the 12-week pilots, 32 tons of food scraps and downstream food waste were successfully diverted from landfills and instead became gray water.

Gray water is wastewater such as from a sink or bath that doesn’t contain any serious contaminants.

“Not only is this program reducing our environmental footprint, we also are making it safer and easier for our Food and Nutrition associates,” said Matt Tromba, Director of Food and Nutrition at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside. “By cutting our production of waste, we will require fewer heavy containers to be carried to a dock or dumpster.”

“The food digester work is a great example of how collaboration has led to long-lasting change for our hospitals, our communities and the environment.”

— CRAIG CORDOLA, MBA, MHA, FACHE, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, ASCENSION

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FIVE SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR HOME Ascension continues to find ways to reduce our environmental footprint.

Associates can make a difference in their home and around their communities as well: • M inimize single-use plastics such as straws, cup lids, storage bags, utensils and bottles.

• Replace fluorescent and incandescent light bulbs with LEDs. • Buy products from companies that are dedicated to environmental responsibility.

• Plant a garden. Beginners can start with easier plants such as tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, basil and beans.

• Reduce your meat consumption.

Try going meat-free on Mondays or Fridays or stick to vegetarian meals before dinner.

Chase Turgeon, TouchPoint Support Services Regional Executive Chef, operates a food digester at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside in Jacksonville, Florida.

Installation of 60 food digesters across Ascension is underway, following an exploration of other sites that could benefit and continue the success of the pilot program. During installation, Food and Nutrition Services associates are trained on the new technology, which has also increased operational efficiencies in the kitchens and waste collection areas while simultaneously reducing Ascension’s carbon footprint.

“The food digester work is a great example of how collaboration has led to long-lasting change for our hospitals, our communities and the environment,” said Craig Cordola, MBA, MHA, FACHE, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Ascension. “This is just one of many ways we are changing how we do things to better care for God’s creation and attain our bold goal of net zero carbon emissions and zero waste by 2040.”

JOIN A GREEN TEAM Check out the Environmental Impact & Sustainability microsite to learn more and get involved.

Visit ascension.org/sustainability.

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Disabilities can mean more than meets the eye ASCENSION’S ALICIA BARLOW SHARES SOME OF THE LESSONS LEARNED FROM HER DAUGHTER’S TRIUMPHANT EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY DEALING WITH DYSLEXIA

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t Ascension, our ABIDE hallmarks (Appreciation - Belongingness - Inclusivity - Diversity - Equity) serve as constant reminders that encourage us to cultivate inclusive, welcoming and accommodating environments resulting in equal opportunity for all — especially for those of us living with unseen challenges.

According to the Invisible Disabilities Association, nonvisible disabilities are those that are not immediately obvious.

They include, but are not limited to, autism, mental health conditions, and cognitive impairments such as dementia or learning difficulties.

Without the presence of physical supports such as a wheelchair, walker or splints to indicate a disability, individuals challenged by nonvisible impairments are sometimes misunderstood and, as a result, often go without necessary support.

Alicia Barlow, ABIDE Council Lead for Ascension Indiana,

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Manager of Community Development at Ascension St. Vincent and mom of four, understands this dynamic quite well. Her daughter Morgan Anderson, now a straight-A eighth-grade middle school student who plays three sports, initially struggled with schoolwork during preschool and kindergarten before being diagnosed with dyslexia in the fourth grade.

“Very early on, I could tell something was different about the way she was connecting with numbers, letters and sight words,” Alicia said. “People would tell me, ‘Oh, it’s only preschool, she’ll get it. She is still in kindergarten.

Give her time. Give her grace.’ Some

even suggested that I was unfairly comparing her progress to that of my high-ability son, Camren.’’

Alicia said that despite the feedback from others, she had a deep sense that something wasn’t right.

“I was spending two to three hours each night on homework with my daughter that should have taken us about 20 minutes,” she said. “I’ve always been hands-on with my children’s education, but this situation caused me to take my involvement to even higher levels.’’

In addition to doubling down on the individual time spent with her daughter, Alicia increased outreach to Morgan’s teachers and school

“We may work alongside leaders or colleagues every day who suffer from challenges we don’t know anything about.”

— ALICIA BARLOW, ABIDE COUNCIL LEAD FOR ASCENSION INDIANA, MANAGER OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, ASCENSION ST. VINCENT

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Alicia Barlow and daughter Morgan Anderson

administrators and tapped the expertise of an aunt whose son has cerebral palsy. “She was an advocate for my cousin and knew the system,” Alicia said. “She understood supports and could speak the lingo. She knew how to help me help my daughter.”

Alicia said her aunt made a special trip from Washington, D.C., to Indianapolis to accompany her during a visit with the school psychologist and to demand the development of an individualized educational plan (IEP) for Morgan. After quite a bit of back-and-forth with the school administration and her insurance company, Alicia said, Morgan finally got the support she needed.

“We went from D’s and F’s to straight A’s. My daughter currently advocates for herself, knows what’s in her IEP, understands the supports she needs and knows what works for her,” Alicia said. “It took about four years for us to get here, but there has been a complete turnaround.”

Morgan is equally proud of how far she’s come and said she’s not defined by her learning challenges or by the expectations of those who don’t understand them. “There is so much more to me than what you see,” Morgan said.

Alicia and her daughter’s triumphant journey led to them being recognized as Parent Advocate and Student Advocate of the Year, respectively.

Alicia said her experience with her daughter has emboldened her passion and commitment to help other families and students who are struggling with unseen disabilities as well as those who face other challenges.

“I even correlate this to my work managing language and translation services here at Ascension because it mirrors the situation with my daughter,” Alicia said. “Here’s a population of people who are experiencing communications challenges. It’s similar to dyslexia. If individuals can’t speak, read or understand a language,

how can they communicate? It’s our responsibility to provide the necessary support to them.”

Alicia said the work she leads to provide translation and interpretation services for individuals with limited English proficiency served by the northern and southern regions of the Indiana Ministry Market plays an important role in supporting health equity for those with challenges.

“Individuals need to receive their health information in the language and format they can understand to comply with the guidance of their doctors, to read prescriptions and to get the care they need,” she said.

“This work helps further Ascension’s commitment to providing equitable outcomes for all.’’

Equity is one of several ABIDE hallmarks Alicia believes everyone can use as a guide in support of those who face unseen challenges.

“Just because someone has a disability, it doesn’t mean they can’t do the work,” she said. “We may work alongside leaders or colleagues every day who suffer from challenges we don’t know anything about. We must appreciate everyone for who they are, what they are and their ability status. It’s important to create safe spaces where people feel like they belong and are free to bring their unique gifts to the workplace.

Likewise, it’s important to be inclusive for the same reasons.”

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NE WS FROM ACROSS A SCE NSION

ALABAMA

BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK

Communities recognize hospitals Ascension St. Vincent’s Blount was named the Organization of the Year by the Oneonta Business Association.

This award recognizes the outstanding commitment and dedicated service associates provide to the community.

Also, Ascension St. Vincent’s St. Clair was awarded the Pell City Chamber of Commerce 2021 Industry of the Year.

Hospital recognized for outcomes The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program recognized Lourdes Hospital as one of 90 participating hospitals to achieve meritorious outcomes for surgical patient care in 2020. Lourdes is required to track the outcomes of inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures and collect data that assess patient safety and can be used to direct improvement in the quality of surgical care. Lourdes was in a select group that achieved a meritorious composite score in “All Cases.”

Sleep center opens Ascension St. Vincent’s One Nineteen opened its Sleep Wellness Center.

The sleep lab has two certified sleep educators on staff and offers a hotel-like atmosphere while providing state-of-theart technology.

Wound center blessing A blessing was held for the new Wound Center at Ascension St. Vincent’s Chilton.

BALTIMORE

Honoring Population Health team and Healing Hands Society inductions Ascension Saint Agnes received the 2021 Mayor’s Business Recognition Award from the Greater Baltimore Commission. The award recognizes the Population Health team’s hard work and dedication to building partnerships to vaccinate vulnerable groups in the community against COVID-19. A special ceremony was also held to celebrate the newest classes of physicians in the hospital’s Healing Hands Society. This cherished event honors physicians who have served the hospital and region with clinical excellence, innovation, leadership and service to the community. The double ceremony honored 2020 and 2021 inductees after last year’s celebration was postponed due to pandemic restrictions.

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Grant supports trauma victims Lourdes was awarded a three-year grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation in New York to support its Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) program, which offers free health and wellness support services for children and adults who have experienced a traumatic event, abuse or violence. ACEs helps families manage their traumatic experiences and promote a healthy path forward.

New department of research Lourdes Hospital established a Department of Research as part of its Oncology

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Service Line to enhance oncology treatments and improve patient outcomes.

Lourdes is conducting three oncology clinical trials relating to bladder cancer and metastatic prostate cancer with and without a gene mutation; Kathleen McGinley, DO, is the principal investigator.

FLORIDA AND GULF COAST

Best maternity hospitals recognition Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola, Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside and Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County were named to the Best Hospitals for Maternity list by U.S. News & World Report. The publication rated how well hospitals performed on cesarean sections, newborn complications, breast milk feedings, early elective delivery rates and availability of vaginal birth after C-section.

Hospitals earn Leapfrog’s ‘A’ for safety Ascension Providence in Mobile, Alabama; Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside in Jacksonville, Florida; Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast in Miramar Beach, Florida; and Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola, Florida, earned a grade of “A“ on the fall 2021 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. The safety grade is based on a hospital’s performance on 27 measures

Ascension St. Vincent’s Blount associates hold an award received for dedicated service.

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An Ascension St. Vincent Medical Mission at Home event provides hundreds of clothing items for individuals in need.

related to preventing medical errors, injuries, accidents, infections and other harms to patients in their care.

evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.

New Florida hospital set to open The new Ascension St. Vincent’s hospital in St. Johns County, Florida, is expected to open in July 2022. The 150,000-squarefoot facility will have 56 inpatient beds including an eight-bed intensive care unit, a 15-bed Emergency Department, nine procedural areas and six operating rooms.

Top hospital citation Named a Top Teaching Hospital by The Leapfrog Group for 2021, Resurrection Medical Center was honored for its nationally recognized achievements in patient safety and quality. It was one of only two teaching hospitals in Illinois to receive the honor.

ILLINOIS

INDIANA

Collaboration expands cancer care University of Chicago Medicine (UCM) launched a collaboration at Saint Joseph Hospital Chicago that brings UCM’s specialized cancer expertise, access to advanced therapies and innovative clinical trials, and greater cancer care options.

The collaboration includes radiation, medical and surgical oncology services, as well as research services. Patients can see UCM oncology physicians at the Saint Joseph Hospital Chicago campus.

Heart center receives top honors Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center was named to Newsweek’s 2022 World’s Best Specialized Hospitals – Cardiology list for the third consecutive year — the only hospital in Indiana to receive this honor. The center was also recognized as one of the nation’s top-performing hospitals by Fortune and IBM Watson Health. This was the 10th consecutive year that the center has been recognized as one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals in this study, which uses a balanced national scorecard of hospital performance metrics including clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, financial performance and patient experience.

Reaccreditation for chest pain center St. Mary’s Hospital Kankakee has been recognized by the American College of Cardiology with Chest Pain Center Accreditation for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. The renewed accreditation is based on rigorous on-site

New centers offer advanced care Ascension St. Vincent opened the Ascension St. Vincent Adult and Pediatric Burn

Center and the Pediatric Trauma Center at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent. These new centers, combined with the Ascension St. Vincent Adult Level I Trauma Center, provide severe injury care for the entire family in the same place.

Medical Mission at Home In partnership with St. Monica Catholic Church in Indianapolis, the Ascension St. Vincent Medical Mission at Home event provided 450 sets of winter accessories and coats and more than 100 bags of food and personal care items. COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations were administered, and the Ascension St. Vincent Health Access team assisted individuals with insurance.

Maternal and infant health honored All eight Ascension St. Vincent delivering hospitals earned the INspire Hospital of Distinction recognition from the Indiana Hospital Association for the second consecutive year. The recognition honors associates and clinicians for having shown supporting evidence in at least four of the five key drivers of maternal and infant health.

Family makes games donation Working with certified child life specialists at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent, an Indianapolis family donated $15,000 in video game systems and accessories for the enjoyment of young patients.

COVID-19 survivor discharged after 6 months After 175 days of hospitalization for COVID-19, 160 of those spent on a ventilator, Wesley was discharged to begin rehab. During his stay at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent, the 16-year-old had 12 caregivers in and out of his room almost daily, representing about seven

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specialties. He also received approximately 233 hours of physical and occupational therapy. The teen kept up with his education through the hospital school program.

Wesley said he was so grateful for the many clinicians who cared for him that he plans to become a respiratory therapist and then obtain a nursing degree.

KANSAS

Heart valves clinical trials Ascension Via Christi’s Structural Heart team is participating in two pivotal U.S. clinical trials that will help advance new therapeutic options for patients with failing tricuspid valves. Until recently, patients with failing tricuspid valves have had limited treatment options, resulting in heart failure, frequent hospitalizations and a diminished quality of life.

MICHIGAN

Hospitals to train medical students Ascension Michigan has signed a 25-year agreement with Central Michigan University College of Medicine to help educate and train third- and fourth-year medical students at several Ascension Michigan hospitals, including Ascension St. John Hospital in Detroit, Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital in Saginaw and Ascension Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc.

optimal heart health based on a care model that specifically addresses the unique ways heart disease presents itself in women of all ages.

Emergency care expansion complete The expansion of Ascension St. Mary’s Emergency Care Center is complete, including a 12,600-square-foot addition to the front of the hospital. The space provides 24 treatment rooms, two state-of-the-art trauma rooms, and improved access for ambulances and the public.

Health center under construction Ascension Michigan began construction on the Ascension St. John Hospital Health Center. The outpatient center, designed with patients in mind, will provide personalized care by offering convenient access to many amenities and services, including 24/7 emergency care, a full range of imaging and lab services, and physician practices.

Completion is expected in 2023.

Top 50 heart hospital Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo was named to the 2022 Fortune/IBM Watson Health Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals list for the second year in a row.

Cancer center opens Ascension Borgess Hospital opened a 38,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art cancer center in Kalamazoo. The center offers medical oncology, hematology and infusion services in a multilevel, contemporary clinical space.

Clinic for women’s heart health Ascension Providence Hospital, Southfield Campus, opened a Women’s Heart Clinic focused on helping women with risk factors for heart disease maintain

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OKLAHOMA

Community health strategy launched Ascension St. John launched the Community Health Equity Catalyst Strategy, a long-term grant-making strategy that will deploy Ascension St. John Foundation funds to community-based organizations working to reduce health disparities in underserved communities and populations. Awards range from small single-year grants to significant multiyear grants for long-term transformational programs and projects.

Tobacco cessation efforts recognized Ascension St. John Broken Arrow and Ascension St. John Owasso were among 14 hospitals and clinic partners recognized for participation in Hospitals Helping Patients Quit, an initiative of the Oklahoma Hospital Association to reduce tobacco use in the state.

TENNESSEE

Hospital celebrates expansion milestone Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital is expanding and updating its Midtown campus with a new $300 million surgery and critical care building that will include 18 operating suites, an intensive care unit, an innovation and learning suite,

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The last steel beam for an Ascension Saint Thomas expansion project, covered with signatures and best wishes from associates, is lifted into place.

at The University of Texas at Austin, launched a kidney transplant program to ensure that Central Texans have superior care close to home.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

and a new home for the spine institute.

Additionally, a new rehabilitation hospital, a joint venture with Kindred Health Care, will offer state-of-the-art rehabilitation for patients who have had strokes, traumatic brain injuries, some spinal cord injuries and similar conditions.

Life after football Ascension Saint Thomas, Cigna and the Tennessee Titans are offering retired football players access to a supplemental healthcare program through the NFL’s Dedicated Hospital Network Program.

Joint venture extends care A post-acute care space opened on the Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West campus. The 30-bed facility, operated by Select Specialty Hospital, is a “hospital within a hospital,” allowing for greater continuity of care and easy access between the intensive care unit and postacute care for physicians and patients.

Emergency air medical coverage Air Evac Lifeteam and Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital have a dedicated medical helicopter for Rutherford County. The helicopter provides emergency medical coverage to Rutherford County and surrounding communities. Each crew includes an Air Evac pilot, nurse and paramedic with extensive education and experience in their field.

First neighborhood hospital A satellite of Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital, Tennessee’s first neighborhood hospital, will include eight private medical beds and an Emergency Department with eight treatment rooms. The hospital will offer advanced diagnostic imaging, a pharmacy and a laboratory with outpatient services.

Top heart transplant ranking Ascension Saint Thomas Heart West ranks in the top 1% for positive outcomes for heart transplant patients. Of the 148 results for adult heart transplant centers on the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, the hospital placed in the top 5% for survival on the waitlist; top 1% for getting a transplant faster; top 1% for oneyear survival, and top 25% for volume/ number of transplants performed in a year.

TEXAS

New women’s health tower Ascension Seton plans to build a new women’s health tower on its Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin campus.

The $320 million investment is part of a broader expansion and modernization plan. Construction will begin fall 2022 and the tower is expected to open in fall 2024.

Center offers new hope Ascension Seton and UT Health Austin, the clinical practice of Dell Medical School

Imaging center accredited The Providence Diagnostic Imaging Center earned American College of Radiology accreditations for Closed MRI, Open MRI, CT, Mammography and Ultrasounds through 2024.

WISCONSIN

Influential doctors recognized O’Rell Williams, MD, Medical Director, Ascension Wisconsin–Milwaukee North Region, and Reginald Adams, MD, family medicine physician, Ascension All Saints Hospital, were recognized among Wisconsin’s 48 Most Influential Black Leaders by Madison 365.

Donation expands food programs Ascension Wisconsin donated $500,000 to PRISM Economic Development Corporation to continue support of a COVID-19 Emergency Meals Program and UpStart Kitchen entrepreneurs and the development of a youth culinary training program.

Hospitals recognized for excellence Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital Milwaukee made the list of Healthgrades 2022 Cranial Neurosurgery Excellence Awards, recognizing hospitals that show “superior patient outcomes in cranial neurosurgery.” Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital Ozaukee achieved accreditation as a Comprehensive Center for Obesity Medicine from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program in partnership with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the American College of Surgeons.

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Doctor voted best pediatrician Margaret Hennessy, MD, Ascension All Saints Hospital, was chosen as Best Pediatrician in Racine County following a vote in the Racine Journal Times.

Leaders named notable heroes Several leaders were named Biz Times’ Notable Heroes in Healthcare for their dedication to improving the health and well-being of the Greater Milwaukee community: Vanessa Freitag, Vice President, Pharmacy & Lab, Ascension Wisconsin; Erin O’Tool, MD, family medicine physician, Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin; Melissa Kersten, APNP, Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Regional Burn Center; and David Galbis-Reig, MD, Medical Director, Addiction Medicine, Ascension All Saints Hospital.

MME honored as leader of the year Bernie Sherry, Senior Vice President, Ascension, and Ministry Market Executive, Ascension Wisconsin, was honored by the Harvard Business School Club of Wisconsin for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ASCENSION GLOBAL MISSION

Innovation Lab project creates job opportunities The Global Solidarity Fund, the notfor-profit organization founded by Ascension, through Ascension Global Mission and seven international foundations, first launched an Innovation Lab project to create job opportunities for the most vulnerable last July.

With partners the Tent Partnership for Refugees and Goal 17 Partner, the initiative has advanced to include private sector leaders and faith-based organizations to solve issues affecting migrants and produce positive social impact.

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ASCENSION INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

Impact investments Ascension Investment Management is continuing its efforts to source impact investments that have the capacity to generate a beneficial social and/or environmental impact, while targeting a market-based return for its investors.

Since 2014, Ascension Investment Management has aggregated $264 million to fund impact investments.

ASCENSION LIVING

Best nursing homes Sixteen Ascension skilled nursing facilities, including 13 that are part of Ascension Living, were named by U.S. News & World Report as “America’s Best Nursing Homes” for 2020-21. The publication evaluated over 15,000 sites nationwide, in every state and nearly 100 major metropolitan areas.

ASCENSION TECHNOLOGIES

Tech resources made available Ascension Technologies launched several self-service tools to help associates resolve tech questions, including the ability to reset passwords with Password Reset Station, find one-click solutions by clicking the Optibot Healing Station desktop icon, or quickly connect with a

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Service Desk agent using Google Chat.

The tools and more are on the Good Day Ascension Intranet Technology page.

ASCENSION VENTURES

New investments, capital Ascension Ventures announced two new investments: Cala Health, a medical technology company pioneering a new class of electrical medicine called neuroperipheral therapy, and Help at Home, a national provider of person-centered home care services.

Several other Ascension Ventures portfolio companies raised capital, including AristaMD, Cardionomic, Cofactor Genomics, Community Psychiatry, CSA Medical, HealthMyne, Ivantis and Regent Surgical Health. Three portfolio companies were acquired and one completed an initial public offering.

CLINICAL & NETWORK SERVICES

Two new service lines established The identification and transfer of best clinical practices across our ministry is one advantage of our growing clinical service line structure. Our commitment to innovation requires strong collaboration, alignment and shared accountability.

To that end, Clinical & Network Services recently established two new service lines: Behavioral Health and Maternal

The Global Solidarity Fund, supported by Ascension Global Mission, brings leaders together.

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Health and Perinatal Medicine. The development of the Behavioral Health Service Line allows us to leverage the collective expertise across our System and address the needs of even more patients.

Focused on high-reliability principles for safe and high-quality care, health equity, patient experience, strategic marketing, and financial sustainability, the new Maternal Health and Perinatal Medicine Service Line provides the ability to collaborate with multiple service lines, including the Oncology Service Line in the areas of women’s cancer screening and gynecologic oncology care. The continued focus on service lines supports the evolution of our current structure to align strategies and resources and leverage internal expertise to ultimately improve access to care and achieve optimal outcomes for those we are privileged to serve.

COMMUNITY HEALTH MINISTRIES

Collaboration trains physician assistants Michael Griffin, President and CEO, DePaul Community Health Centers (DCHS), and Gary Cloud, PhD, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, A.T. Still University, announced a new collaboration designed to train physician assistant students. The first cohort of students began their year of training at DCHS in September 2021 and additional cohorts will arrive each fall.

Associates provide ‘blessing boxes’ Associates at DePaul Community Health Centers Arkansas used a grant to build two “blessing boxes” designed to help residents meet basic food and hygiene needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The boxes include canned corn and beans, macaroni and cheese, granola bars, toiletries, bath soap, diapers, and feminine hygiene products.

Senior Christmas giving Ascension DePaul Services of San Antonio held its annual Senior Christmas drive-thru event distributing bags of food, hygiene items, warm clothing and special gifts to 298 seniors and their families. In collaboration with John Paul II Catholic High School, the ministry’s Social Services team hosted a similar Christmas distribution at the El Carmen Wellness Center and served 130 seniors.

MEDXCEL

Podcast launched Early last year, Medxcel launched “Greater Than Words,” an internal podcast that airs across the Medxcel organization to build connections with others and foster an opportunity to recognize associates for who they are personally and professionally. Associates have enjoyed listening to others share their vision, tell their personal stories about their

passions and commitments for life, and hear funny stories. The podcast supports the element of Inclusion in the ABIDE framework, focusing on self-awareness and relationships.

THE RESOURCE GROUP

Associates lend a hand To ensure that The Resource Group continues providing the highest level of service to clinicians during these challenging times, it instituted a “Lend-A-Hand” program through which associates from vice president to intern temporarily relocated to markets in need of additional labor support. At publication time, 40 associates had contributed more than 1,100 hours of service supporting frontline staff. The Resource Group reported that through this effort, it became a closer family and gained a greater sense of appreciation and solidarity across Ascension.

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WE ARE ASCENSION

Reginald Adams, DO

Family Medicine, Ascension All Saints Hospital Wisconsin Avenue Campus, Racine, Wisconsin

Solving patient problems is the most rewarding part of his work for Reginald Adams, DO, who serves as a family medicine practitioner in his hometown of Racine, Wisconsin.

“It feels good to work in the community you grew up in,” said Dr. Adams.

The ability to work with a diverse group of patients on an array of procedures is what initially drew him to family medicine.

“From caring for children to adults to seniors, I have the opportunity to do a variety of procedures, such as draining a knee or providing an injection. I’ll also consult on chronic illnesses such as diabetes,” he said.

According to Dr. Adams, diabetes care has been even more challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic because some patients have been avoiding visits to the doctor. “Diabetes is a hands-on condition, and due to COVID, people don’t want to

come to the clinic right now. Diabetes care changes over time.

Something that works now may not work a year from now,” he said.

When Dr. Adams isn’t caring for patients or making the 45-minute drive between Milwaukee, where he lives, and Racine, he likes to spend time with his family, cook and dance, noting that he and his hobbies are a “work in progress.”

“My wife will occasionally check on me, making sure I’m still content with making the drive or if I need a change,” he said.

“But I’m happy where I work; I like serving in Racine.”

Dr. Adams was recognized as one of the 48 Most Influential Black Leaders in Wisconsin by Madison365, a publication dedicated to fostering conversations, solutions and community building, as well as the development of leaders in the communities of color in the greater Madison, Wisconsin, area.