Ascension Living is keeping the PACE with seniors

AT-HOME PROGRAM LEADS THE WAY IN CARING FOR THE VULNERABLE

Ascension’s Strategic Plan includes a focus on care outside the hospital. Programs that support care at home are one way we are providing high-quality care in the locations where our consumers need us most.

Ascension Living’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) helps seniors who need care and services provided in the home due to their health conditions or resources.

The unique PACE model of care helps adults 55 and older who are at high risk of hospitalization or other medical interventions to stay living in their home and the community they love. PACE’s wraparound care model combines in-home, virtual and on-site care that provides personalized engagement; convenient access; and enhanced navigation, scheduling, education and support.

“After several months of my mom being enrolled in the PACE program, I have seen such a huge change in her!” said Loraine Travis, daughter and caregiver of an Ascension Living PACE Michigan participant. “She now goes to the day center twice a week and really looks forward to it; she is really thriving with this type of interaction! I absolutely love and appreciate that all of her medical needs are taken care of right there at PACE, her medications are delivered promptly to our home, and she gets regular interventions with a nurse and social worker. I am so grateful for PACE and how it has changed our lives for the better.”

The main components — medical care, home care and adult day center services — are structured to foster independence for PACE participants and provide medical management and support for physiological, emotional/

psychological and social needs. PACE’s interdisciplinary team is made up of 11 healthcare professionals, including a physician, who work directly with program participants and their caregivers to provide care for all medically necessary preventive, primary, acute and long-term care services.

“This interdisciplinary approach allows PACE care teams to be proactive, responsive and creative in delivering participants’ care,” said Brian Cooper, Vice President of PACE Operations, Ascension Living. “And PACE provides participants and their families with peace of mind knowing a full team is there to support them through their healthcare journey.”

PACE was developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to provide quality care and coverage. As a participant’s care needs increase, PACE programs can continue to provide services to support a participant’s body, mind and spirit through a proactive, coordinated care team. PACE helps participants enjoy their lives in the comfort of their home and community.

A progressive care model, PACE focuses on providing access to care for all by working with participants and providing the help they need when they need it, including: • Dedicated full clinical team including primary care provider, registered nurse and social worker. • Transportation to the PACE medical clinic and medical appointments. • In-home support for daily living activities, such as meal preparation, personal care, housekeeping and laundry. • Physical and occupational therapy at the PACE center and independent programs, and all needed durable medical equipment while there. • Socialization, activities, meals and outings through the PACE adult day center. • Medications, medical supplies and durable medical equipment ordered and delivered to the participant. • Extended support to the participant’s family caregiver through disease management education, 24-hour on-call availability, and medical and caregiver respite.

Ascension Living currently operates PACE programs in three locations — Ascension Living Alexian PACE in Chattanooga, Tennessee; Ascension Living HOPE in Wichita, Kansas; and Ascension Living PACE Michigan in Flint — and has plans to open its fourth location, Ascension Living St. Vincent PACE in Indianapolis, in 2022. The program is looking forward to expanding this option for seniors in more markets in the future. To learn more about Ascension Living PACE programs, visit ascensionliving.org/pace.

ALABAMA

Team donates baby formula The Ascension St. Vincent’s Population Health team donated more than 280 cans of baby formula to three Birmingham organizations — Cahaba Medical, Christ Health and La Casita Guadalupan Multicultural Services. “Access to formula is an important community need, especially right now, and we are humbled to be a part of the response,” said Randy Granata, Vice President of Population Health, Ascension St. Vincent’s.

Leaders recognized Two Ascension leaders received top recognition from the Birmingham Business Journal. Jason Alexander, Senior Vice President, Ascension, and Ministry Market Executive, Ascension Alabama, was among “Birmingham’s Power 60: Most Influential Executives.” Kristin Costanzo, Chief Human Resources Executive, was selected as a “Top 40 Under 40.”

BALTIMORE

Out to the ballgame Ascension Saint Agnes treated more than 900 associates and their families to a Major League Baseball game in which the Baltimore Orioles took on the Tampa Bay Rays. Associates also enjoyed a treat during the game. Although the Baltimore Orioles lost, associates had the opportunity to win Orioles fan gear and collectibles in a raffle.

BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK

National award for environmental sustainability Lourdes Hospital received the 2022 Partner for Change Award from Practice Greenhealth, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to environmental sustainability in healthcare, in recognition of achievement and innovation in healthcare sustainability. The annual award honors superior performance in environmental sustainability, covering a range of sustainability programs and activities.

FLORIDA AND GULF COAST

Manager receives national award Barbara Dearmon, Manager of Oncology Support Services (Cancer Registry) at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside, was honored with the 2022 National Cancer Registrars Association Distinguished Member Award for her outstanding contributions to the cancer registry profession.

New hospital opens Ascension St. Vincent’s St. Johns County in Florida opened this summer. Construction on the $175 million hospital and an adjacent medical office building began two years ago. The hospital, with 56 inpatient beds including eight intensive care unit beds, is in what many consider the fastest-growing county in the nation.

Ascension hospital on 100 Top Hospitals list Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast in Miramar Beach, Florida, was named to the 100 Top Hospitals list based on an annual research study by Merative, formerly IBM Watson Health. It is the sixth time the hospital has received the recognition.

Barbara Dearmon, Manager of Oncology Support Services at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside, in Jacksonville, Florida, was recognized with a 2022 National Cancer Registrars Association Distinguished Member Award. ILLINOIS

Physician receives award Ana Gephart, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Ascension Saint Joseph –Eglin and an Ascension Medical Group primary care physician, was recognized as one of the best family physicians by the Kane County Best of the Fox Readers Choice Awards.

Recognition during pandemic Ascension Saint Alexius – Hoffman Estates recognized the two-and-ahalf-year anniversary of treating the country’s second identified COVID-19 patient. The initial care and response informed national protocols and operations developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the Cook County Department of Public Health. Leaders shared memories of battling the pandemic, expressing their deep appreciation for the dedication and courage of the nurses, physicians, infection control professionals, respiratory therapists and support staff who not only jumped into the unknown in those early days, but who continue to deal with COVID-19 today.

Cancer care expands Community members and patients gathered with leaders and staff to bless and celebrate the opening of the Cancer Care Center addition to the Ascension Illinois Health Center – Romeoville, near Chicago. The facility offers 11 exam rooms dedicated to cancer care as well as 22 infusion chairs — 16 in private rooms and six in a common area.

INDIANA

New women and children’s tower A ceremony was held to celebrate the groundbreaking for a new Women and Children’s Tower at Ascension St. Vincent and Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. Ascension St. Vincent Women’s Hospital will relocate to the new tower, which will also include 109 additional private neonatal intensive care rooms. This private-room model has become the standard of care, so moms and babies can be in the same room while receiving treatment.

Neighborhood hospital planned Ascension St. Vincent is expanding its presence in the West Lafayette, Indiana, area with a neighborhood hospital in the Discovery Park District at Purdue University. This medical facility will be the first to provide inpatient and emergency care within the city of West Lafayette and the first of several facilities that will comprise a medical complex on the Purdue University campus focusing on outpatient care.

Joint Commission award Ascension St. Vincent Hospital was the fifth hospital in the nation, the first hospital in Indiana and the only Ascension ministry to earn The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Brain Tumor Certification, awarded for a two-year period. Hospitals receive ‘A’ grade Ascension St. Vincent Carmel, Ascension St. Vincent Fishers and Ascension St. Vincent Evansville each received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for spring 2022. This national distinction recognizes the achievements by these ministries to protect patients from preventable harm and medical errors.

Center achieves accreditation The Ascension St. Vincent Evansville Bariatric Surgery Center earned accreditation as a Comprehensive Center with Obesity Medicine Qualifications by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, a joint quality program of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

Hospitals noted for maternity care Ascension St. Vincent Carmel and Ascension St. Vincent Evansville were recognized in the 2022 America’s Best Maternity Hospitals list by Newsweek and data firm Statista.

Serenity Park opens Ascension St. Vincent Evansville hosted a blessing ceremony for its new Serenity Park on the 150th anniversary of the ministry’s service to the community. The park was designed to create a place that nurtures the emotional health of associates and visitors through a private and tranquil setting.

School garden collaborative Ascension St. Vincent Evansville and several community groups received a Healthy Eating & Active Living grant from the Welborn Baptist Foundation to build a garden and outdoor learning space at Cedar Hall Community School in Evansville. This outdoor space helps increase access for students and the community to affordable, nutrient-rich vegetables and provides hands-on learning experiences about gardening.

Participants take part in a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Women and Children’s Tower at Ascension St. Vincent and Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.

KANSAS

Service offers free rides The Care Van at Ascension Via Christi in Pittsburg is giving rides to those within 30 miles of Pittsburg who are in need of transportation to and from all Ascension Via Christi sites as well as private medical staff offices.

Advanced imaging test Ascension Via Christi in Manhattan is one of the few locations in Kansas to offer prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography studies. The studies are designed to detect positive lesions in the prostate, lymph nodes, bones and other parts of the body that different types of imaging scans may not pick up.

New cancer services Ascension Via Christi continues to invest in new programs and services designed to find lung cancer at its earliest stage and begin treatment quickly, including a lung nodule clinic where patients are seen by a multidisciplinary team of specialists who develop and implement a treatment plan within seven to 14 days. A robotic-assisted system was added to locate and reach nodules as small as 1 millimeter with minimally invasive peripheral lung biopsies, as well as enhanced imaging software. A second lung cancer nurse navigator was also added to the Ascension Via Christi Cancer Outreach and Risk Assessment team.

Unit advances heart care Ascension Via Christi St. Francis’ 4SW was converted to a Cardiothoracic Progressive Care Unit. The conversion, undertaken in response to the consistent growth of the Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Cardiovascular Service Line, is designed to further improve quality outcomes for patients undergoing structural heart, vascular and cardiothoracic procedures and surgeries.

MICHIGAN

Hospital leads in stroke care Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital is among a select few U.S. hospitals using advanced robotic technology to care for those suffering a stroke. Physicians use a robotic-assisted system that’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use with catheters, wires, balloons and stents during nonsurgical coronary and vascular procedures to open artery blockages and help improve blood flow. This innovative technology could lead to lifesaving remote stroke treatment in rural communities in the future.

Grant helps combat opioid crisis The buprenorphine team at Ascension Genesys Hospital received an $11,500 grant from the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation to help combat the opioid crisis in the community. The grant will be used to increase affordability of and access to naloxone and other medications for opioid use disorder, increase awareness for medication “Take Back Days,” and facilitate creation of a youth education program about recognizing signs and symptoms of opioid overdose and how naloxone can be used to save lives. Hospital earns 3 stars Ascension Borgess Hospital has earned a distinguished three-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons for its patient care and outcomes in aortic valve replacement combined with coronary artery bypass grafting. The three-star rating denotes the highest quality category.

Top maternity ranking Ascension Providence Hospital, Southfield Campus, was included in the America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2022 list published by Newsweek. The hospital was ranked in the highest performance category, receiving five ribbons. The ratings are based on a national survey of hospital managers and maternity healthcare professionals, hospital performance data, and patient satisfaction data.

Physician receives award Louis Saravolatz, MD, Chair of Internal Medicine at Ascension St. John Hospital, received the 2021 Alvan R. Feinstein Memorial Award from the American College of Physicians. This award honors the late Dr. Feinstein, who was internationally recognized as the father of clinical epidemiology.

Dogs benefit from Stop Food Waste Day In honor of Stop Food Waste Day, the TouchPoint Food and Nutrition Services team at Ascension River District Hospital found a creative way to use outdated blueberries and bananas. The fruit, along with other ingredients, was used to make healthy dog biscuits for associates to take home for their dogs.

Go Clear Award received The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses presented Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Warren Campus, the AORN Go Clear Award™ –

Dr. Louis Saravolatz, Chair of Internal Medicine at Ascension St. John Hospital, was honored with the 2021 Alvan R. Feinstein Memorial Award.

Gold Level, which recognizes healthcare facilities committed to a surgical smokefree environment for their perioperative team and patients.

Safety Day educates community Ascension St. Joseph Hospital associates and volunteers participated in a Water and Sun Safety Day at Tawas Point U.S. Coast Guard Station in East Tawas. The free, family-oriented event educated individuals about how to stay safe during the summer while on the water and outdoors in the sun. Oncology services staff offered sun safety tips and sunscreen, nutritional staff highlighted the importance of staying hydrated, and volunteers provided complimentary snacks.

OKLAHOMA

New wound clinic Dignitaries and associates celebrated the opening of the Ascension St. John Sapulpa Wound Clinic. The clinic delivers inpatient and outpatient care, including ultrasonic and negative pressure vacuum therapies, epidermal autografting, and infection management and prevention.

The new Ascension St. John Sapulpa Wound Clinic in Oklahoma provides inpatient and outpatient care.

TENNESSEE

Award received for stroke care Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines – AFIB Gold quality achievement award for its commitment to managing atrial fibrillation (AFib).

Geriatric emergency care The Emergency Department at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West became the first in the state to receive accreditation by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) for geriatric care. ACEP’s Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation Program recognizes departments that offer specialized care for patients age 65 and older. With the Level 3 accreditation, the department will continue to serve adult patients of all ages while integrating best practices for geriatric care as outlined by ACEP.

Rehab hospital opens Ascension Saint Thomas, with Kindred Rehabilitation Services, a business unit of LifePoint Health, began accepting patients at its new 40-bed rehabilitation hospital, which provides care for individuals recovering from stroke, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, surgeries, and similar conditions.

Nursing fellowship begins Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown launched its Labor and Delivery (L&D) Fellowship Program, an opportunity to educate, equip and encourage new L&D nurses through evidence-based education, interactive programming and multidisciplinary input. The yearlong program focuses on physiologic birth, positioning and labor support, birth equity and inclusion, and obstetric emergencies.

The Ascension Saint Thomas Rehabilitation Hospital in Tennessee provides a gym with advanced technologies including a smart car to help patients learn car transfer skills year-round.

TEXAS

Level IV redesignation Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin has been redesignated a level IV maternal care facility by the

Texas Department of State Health Services EMS/Trauma Systems Office. To achieve this designation, a hospital must provide comprehensive care for pregnant and postpartum patients, from low-risk cases to the most complex medical, surgical and obstetrical conditions that present a higher risk of maternal morbidity or mortality.

Dell Children’s Medical Center celebrates anniversary Dell Children’s Medical Center celebrated the 15th anniversary of opening its doors to serve children with medical concerns. Associates celebrated as teams rounded throughout the hospital with carts filled with prizes, drinks, snacks and special treats. Each department also received a “party in a bag” kit that included photo booth props for associates to post pictures on a Kudoboard created to highlight this special day and to share memories of Dell Children’s. Scott Herndon named top CFO Scott Herndon was recognized by the Austin Business Journal as the top nonprofit Chief Financial Officer in Austin. A panel of judges including other local, respected CFOs reviewed the applications to determine winners. Scott is now Senior Vice President, Operational Finance, Ascension.

First autonomic lab opens Dell Children’s Medical Center opened a Pediatric Autonomic Lab, the first of its kind in Central Texas. The laboratory is jointly overseen by Manikum Moodley, MD, who previously served as the director of the pediatric vascular autonomic lab at the Cleveland Clinic, and Veda Vedanarayanan, MD, who oversaw the Electromyography and Autonomic Laboratory at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Dr. Jay Balachandran, Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin. WISCONSIN

Dr. Jay Balachandran recognized Jay Balachandran, MD, pulmonologist with Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin, was recognized among “Wisconsin’s 35 Most Influential Asian-American Leaders“ by Madison 365.

Top doctors recognized More than 200 Ascension Wisconsin physicians were recognized as “Top Doctors” by Milwaukee Magazine. The complete list features physicians from Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin, Madison Medical Affiliates, Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital and Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin, all affiliated with Ascension Wisconsin.

ASCENSION INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

Advocacy award recipient Ascension Investment Management received the Advocate of the Year designation from Institutional Investor, a leading international business to business publisher focused primarily on international finance.

ASCENSION LIVING

Memory support residence opens Ascension Living Bethlehem Woods Village in La Grange Park, Illinois, celebrated the grand opening of its assisted living memory support residence. The newly renovated space is designed around what is familiar and comforting to residents with dementia in a cottage-like setting. From color choices to noise control, lighting, table designs and room layouts, everything was taken into consideration to honor each resident’s unique needs. The new wing offers 20 apartments.

ASCENSION RX

New Chief Pharmacy Officer named Michael Wascovich, PharmD, MBA, RPh, was named Vice President, Ascension, and Chief Pharmacy Officer, Ascension Rx Pharmacy Services. Michael is leading all aspects of Ascension Rx Pharmacy Services, including business and operational strategy and oversight; medication safety and quality; internal and external collaborative partnerships; and continuous enhancements to the patient and clinician experience. Michael has a wealth of pharmacy operations and business experience, having served most recently as Vice President at Premier, Inc., and earlier at the Cleveland Clinic.

COMMUNITY HEALTH MINISTRIES

Center receives top ratings The Population Health team at DePaul Community Health Centers (DCHC) in New Orleans has focused on improving

Brenda Lasater, Seton Center Dental Director, center, receives the Reaching Out For Excellence in Dental Health Award from the University of Missouri Kansas City Dental Hygienists’ Alumni Association honoring her longtime work supporting the community in Kansas City, Missouri.

its medication adherence rates with Medicare Advantage plans. The project, led by Jeanne Alleman, Population Health RN, works proactively with patients and payers. As a result, DCHC’s medication adherence improved significantly.

Director receives award The University of Missouri Kansas City Dental Hygienists’ Alumni Association honored Brenda Lasater, Seton Center Dental Director, with its Reaching Out For Excellence in Dental Health Award. Brenda was recognized for her impact on the Kansas City, Missouri, community through her time and commitment for the past 23 years.

MEDXCEL FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

Supporting the Net Zero Places effort Medxcel is supporting Ascension’s Net Zero Places effort to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040 with the addition of electric vehicles (EVs) for use at Ascension St. Vincent Anderson in Indiana and Ascension Via Christi in Kansas. The team is exploring features of the vehicles including battery range and overall functionality and is continuously learning about the availability and capabilities of technology around EVs/ hybrids for future opportunities.

THE RESOURCE GROUP

Internship program marks a decade Last August, The Resource Group wrapped up the 10th summer of its internship program, a highly sought-after opportunity in which 600 applicants competed for 35 positions this year. Through immersive learning experiences, The Resource Group delivered career-applicable experience while also realizing value through the completion of 17 complex, cross-functional projects. By investing in interns, The Resource Group is cultivating the next generation of leaders for future roles within the Ascension subsidiary.

Learn more about Ascension at ascension.org.

The internship program at The Resource Group provides an immersive learning environment and career-applicable experience for 35 participants every year.

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Carolyn LeFevre, an Ascension Via Christi athletic trainer, has served at Wichita West High School in Kansas for more than two decades.

During that time, Carolyn has had many memorable moments caring for student athletes, including helping save the life of a fan who suffered a heart attack at a West High alumni football game.

So it was only fitting that Carolyn’s name was included on the high school’s new Pioneer Society Hall of Fame wall.

“The students at West High School respect Carolyn so very much,” said Travis Francis, longtime director of Ascension Via Christi Sports Medicine. “They adore her and she loves each one of them equally.”

Carolyn said seeing her name on the wall affirms the midlife career change she made in 2020 after earning her national certification in 1997. Having previously earned national certification as a clinical chemist, she worked for more than a decade in the Ascension Via Christi St. Francis laboratory. While working on her athletic training certification, she worked as a hospital switchboard operator prior to becoming one of the first group of athletic trainers dedicated to serving local high schools.

“It was quite a surprise,” said Carolyn, who noted that her athletic director told her about it two weeks in advance of the dedication ceremony. “While some plaques have more than one name, he wanted mine to be an individual one.”

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