Good Day Ascension Magazine - Winter 2022 by Ascension

Good Day Ascension For Associates of Our One Integrated Ministry

WINTER 2022

Focus on sustainability

Ascension leads the way in environmental efforts

INSIDE:

Ascension makes research a priority / Ascension Rx improving access / Supplier diversity supports economic justice

WELCOME

HOPE AND HEALING FOR 2022

s we begin 2022, I want to share with you my expectations for a bright future for our healing ministry. I must begin by thanking all of our associates, volunteers and affiliated clinicians for your dedication, hard work and ongoing commitment to safety — safety for you and your loved ones, for our co-workers, and for all those we are privileged to serve. Helping to ensure the safe and effective operations of our hospitals and other sites of care continues to be our top priority. Since Ascension’s founding in 1999, we have talked about leading the transformation of healthcare. And in many ways, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated that transformation as we have adopted new clinical and operational processes and procedures. It also has reinforced the importance of a culture of appreciation and gratitude that ensures we are caring for our associates — in mind, body and spirit. As we look ahead, we will continue to build a culture of safety, support and healing for those we serve and those we serve beside.

IN THIS ISSU E

In this issue of Good Day Ascension, you will read about our intensified focus on environmental stewardship, consistent with our identity as a Catholic ministry, to take the lead in helping to create a healthier, safer, cleaner, zero-carbon world. You also will learn about the many ways Ascension is taking a leadership role in research, not only in clinical realms, but in many other disciplines as well. In addition, you will find updates on ABIDE, Ascension Rx and much more. Thanks to these efforts and the ongoing commitment, dedication and compassion of our 150,000 associates, we truly have a new hope for the future. I have never been more humbled and more grateful to be part of this healing ministry and to serve alongside our tremendous colleagues.

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

Good Day Ascension / Winter 2022 - Issue 17 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 Environmental impact and sustainability

Ascension is taking a more focused approach on energy conservation, waste management and more.

20 Research is driving the future of care across Ascension New insights are improving clinical and spiritual care, nursing operations, and more.

26 Supplier diversity: An engine for economic justice

Ascension supply initiatives reflect the ABIDE hallmark of inclusivity.

28 Changes come to SmartHealth benefits plan

Ascension Rx home delivery helps lower costs and increase convenience.

Patients and families share letters of thanks to caregivers.

5 Inspiration

Ascension Spiritual Care and Mission Integration Researcher Beth Muehlhausen on finding vocation at work.

6 Up front

Improving consumer experience through the Ascension Strategic Plan. … Ascension Insurance connects seniors and the underserved with affordable coverage. … Socially Just Wage reflects Ascension’s commitment to fair and just pay. … The Ascension Nursing Center of Excellence delivers value for nurses and patients. … Foundations and donors help advancements in care.

14 Getting to know you

Meet Estrellita Redmon, MD, Chief Clinical Officer, Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast.

15 Wellness now

A mobile app supports health on the go.

30 News from across Ascension

What’s happening around the ministry.

Good Day Ascension For Associates of Our One Integrated Ministry

On the cover: WINTER 2022

Focus on sustainability

Ascension leads the way in environmental efforts

INSIDE:

Ascension makes research a priority / Ascension Rx improving access / Supplier diversity supports economic justice

On the roof of Dell Children’s Medical Center in Ausitn, Texas, clockwise from top left, Anthony Branch, Maintenance Mechanic II; David Benitez, Facility Tech; Douglas Galeano, Facilities Manager; Grant Wahlberg, Facility Tech; and Kim Fisher, Facility Coordinator, inspect and clean the solar panels weekly or sooner depending on the weather. Renewable energy sources are a key factor in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving health outcomes for patients, visitors, staff and the community by reducing carbon consumption and emitting fewer toxins into the environment.

Back cover

Joseph Ruiz, Maintenance Mechanic III, ensures the safe operation of critical facilities equipment at AMITA Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee, Illinois.

WINTER 2022

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 I want to give a shout-out to Whitney Wilson, NP! Her care and compassion were obvious! I feel blessed to know that I have a caring provider on my team! Patient (and retired associate) at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville, Indiana

I would like to sing the praises of the team that was on call in the ER. ... I credit this group of fabulous young people for saving my husband’s life. I feel very strongly that without their quick response upon our arrival, my husband would not have survived his aortic dissection. Family member of patient at AMITA Health Saint Joseph Medical Center, Joliet, Illinois

Shortly after [my husband’s] arrival, I received a call from the patient advocate, Marie Singleton. I contacted her a few times and she was so caring and quick to care for my concerns and those of my husband. Sadly, my husband passed away. … I ended up having to get in touch with Marie again as his eyeglasses were missing from his belongings and they were and are a very important part of him. … Marie called and said THEY FOUND THE GLASSES! ... My daughter and I had the pleasure of meeting Marie in person. ... I will never forget her kindness and the way she just didn’t give up. Marie IS a keeper. Family member of patient at AMITA Holy Family Medical Center, Des Plaines, Illinois

My 87-year-old mom … lost my dad — her husband of 68 years — peacefully,

but unexpectedly recently. She and we have never known such kindness as the staff and residents have shown her these days. Thanks to Drew and [everyone] who has lent an ear, a shoulder and a prayer. Providence Village is truly a family. Family member of resident at Ascension Living Providence Village, Waco, Texas

The [Ascension Living Alexian Village] PACE program is wonderful, but so are you and your team. Family member of resident at Ascension Living Alexian Village, Chattanooga, Tennessee

Debra Terri-larson, Director of Nursing … on more than one occasion took my uncle outside to get the warmth of the sun. Stacy Ladra … does SO much more than just admissions. … Kristen Felker, Director … knows every patient’s situation like they are the only patient there. ... On the day of my uncle’s passing, these three wonderful women were there when my family arrived. ... Please recognize that Saint Benedict is more than a nursing facility. For some people it is home. Family member of resident at Ascension Living Saint Benedict Village, Niles, Illinois

[The staff] were professional, courteous and respectful toward the silly tourist (me) who had too much sun and fun. They provided efficient and skilled medical care. … Spending the evening in an ED on my vacation was not planned, obviously, but I was glad it was this ED. Patient at Ascension Sacred Heart Bay, Panama City, Florida

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I always think Dr. J. Michael Gonzalez and his team are outstanding. That is why I have been going there for so many years. … They always explain everything well, listen to me, make me feel comfortable, and always give me the best care to make sure I am healthy and doing good. Patient at Ascension Medical Group – Creekside, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

The Ascension Via Christi Cancer Wellness Center was, in all honesty, a second lifesaver for me … I was introduced to Trish [Gaston]. … Knowing that she had the training and experience to work specifically with cancer patients and the treatments that go along with it allowed me to trust her instruction and guidance. Trish gave me the lifelong knowledge I needed to keep my new body functioning, that otherwise, I would have never received. Patient at Ascension Via Christi Cancer Wellness Center, Wichita, Kansas

I am 90 years old and was hospitalized in November because I couldn’t breathe. I had COVID-19. … My condition improved enough and I was discharged. ... The doctors said I would probably be on oxygen the rest of my life. ... Jessica Cheadle was my respiratory therapist. ... With Jessica’s help and my determination, I made it. … I’m doing very well and working on getting back to walking one to two miles a day. Patient at Ascension Genesys Hospital, Grand Blanc, Michigan

I N S P I R AT I O N

Finding vocation at work

t one point or another, many of us have wondered if we have a calling, something distinct we were put on this world to be or to do, something we might call a “vocation.” The writer Frederick Buechner offers a beautiful way to consider this question that makes space for a variety of paths over a lifetime: Vocation is “the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” Ascension Spiritual Care and Mission Integration Researcher Beth Muehlhausen, PhD, M.Div., BCC, LCSW, has followed several paths during her professional career as a social worker, licensed clinical therapist and board-certified chaplain. “I would say I always felt very called to go to seminary, to be a clergyperson, but I never felt called to parish ministry. I just knew that wasn’t where God wanted me to be,” she said. “What I love about spiritual care is that you take all that theological training, but you’re also sitting with people in the depths of their pain, sometimes on the very worst day of their lives, and you are coming in as a representative of the divine, of hope in the midst of immense despair, and a ‘witness’ that not everybody is capable of — that ability to not worry about fixing things, but just walking alongside, lifting people up.” Beth’s interest in the intersections of social work and spiritual care ultimately led her to pursue a doctorate, starting in 2004. Now, she said, “the trifecta is spiritual care research, where I can advocate for people, I can advocate for spiritual care, and I can engage that part of me that loves academia.” (Read more about Ascension spiritual care research on page 20.) “There needs to be a difference between what a professional spiritual care provider does, versus a good friend or a well-meaning person, and that’s

where research comes into play,” she said. “What is the ‘it’ factor about spiritual care that makes it a profession? What is it that we do besides the requirements for training, etc.? What is the skill set? How can we define that? How can we tell a story about that through qualitative research? Or tell a story through numbers and impact measures?” Telling that story through spiritual care research is where, for Beth, “the world’s greatest need and my greatest joy” come together. Where do they come together for you?

WINTER 2022

UP FRONT

The Ascension Strategic Plan aims to improve the consumer experience FASTER CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE ENHANCES SCHEDULING AND CARE NAVIGATION

he Ascension Strategic Plan intersects all aspects of clinical life and day-to-day operations across the System. Through the plan, Ascension is accelerating our transformation to an integrated health ministry that delivers improved health outcomes for the individuals and communities we serve, with special attention to persons who are poor and vulnerable. Improving the consumer experience in healthcare is a critical component of the Strategic Plan. Consumers expect conveniences and personalization in transactions. For instance, it’s easy to shop online or make a restaurant reservation or virtually check in for airplane travel. Healthcare providers on the leading edge are finding ways to make the consumer experience as smooth and productive as possible for those we serve. That’s because satisfied patients become more loyal patients, and they often tell others about their positive experiences. “By improving scheduling and care navigation, Ascension is creating greater access and convenience, contributing to better outcomes and a true compassionate, personalized experience,” said Tara Raeber Vail, Vice President, Marketing and Consumer Engagement, Ascension. “Together, we can improve the care

From top: Tara Raeber Vail, Vice President, Marketing and Consumer Engagement, Ascension; Tess Foster, Patient Access Team Lead; and Miranda Solis, Patient Access Representative.

for those we serve — and create a differentiating and shareable experience that helps others choose Ascension first.” At Ascension, Contact Center representatives on the patient access team are often the first Ascension voices that a patient might hear when seeking medical attention. Those patient access experts are getting new software tools to streamline appointment scheduling and provide information that patients and their loved ones need.

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As we commit ourselves to delivering high-quality clinical care, it is equally important to handle every nonclinical interaction with excellence and speed. NEW SOF T WARE E NABLES FA STE R SCH E DU LING AND FOLLOW- U PS TH ROUG H TH E CONTACT CE NTE R

A key element in improving consumer experience is building a personalized relationship with those we serve. Supported by a new customer

UP FRONT

What was the biggest challenge you faced in your role prior to the launch of the CRM tool? Tess: Following up with patients and being able to keep track of what needs follow-up was the biggest difficulty. When a patient called, there was no way to document it in a centralized location that our entire team could see. It was on the shoulders of one person to make sure they did all the follow-up and make sure the patient was taken care of. Another big challenge was there previously was no opportunity to deliver personalized service as we had to treat each caller as a general consumer, even if they’ve been a patient for many years.

relationship management (CRM) platform, that consumer and patient engagement is now live across all Ministry Markets, reaching millions through email and other channels already this year. Patient Access Team Lead Tess Foster and Patient Access Representative Miranda Solis shared their experiences with the enhanced capabilities as early users of the CRM application.

Miranda: When answering the phones for a patient who has called multiple times, we would have to use Chat to figure out who on our team talked to the patient we were trying to help. We had to track down the representative so we could understand the backstory and get a timeline of events and updated information. We would also have to track the person who submitted the ticket and get follow-up information to relay to the patient, if it wasn’t the same person. This caused tremendous hold times for patients. The CRM software allows us to personalize replies and streamline the process with tracking calls and building cases. We are now able to view the whole picture and give updates to cases involving tickets in real time. How has the new software changed the ways you do your job? Tess: It auto-populates the patient’s chart based on the phone number they are calling from. We know who we’re talking to right away and just have to verify their identity with a date of birth

and a second data point. It turns the conversation from requesting a full download of who they are to, “I see that I’m talking to Michael. Is that correct?” then, “I’ll just need your last name and date of birth” to make sure I have the right chart. Miranda: The software allows us to see everything about the patient and makes following up so much easier. The patients are much happier, which gives us the opportunity to make a more personal connection with them. With some simple copying and pasting of information while we’re chatting, I can say, “OK, you’re scheduled.” What used to be a 15-minute call just takes three minutes. How are patients reacting to the new capabilities and the ways that they improve the consumer experience? Tess: Patients really appreciate the personalization and speed. When I start the conversation with, “Am I talking to Jennifer?” they will say, “How do you already know who I am? You’re already 10 steps ahead to help me with the problem.” Miranda: I’ve had so many comments from patients saying, “You have done such an amazing job!” Even better is when they also say, “I’m going to tell my aunt because she wants to get scheduled, too.” It feels good to know that patients are definitely appreciating how quickly we can navigate and get their information as quickly as possible to get them scheduled. Visit the Good Day Ascension Intranet for more news about how Ascension plans to use CRM software to improve customer service and service recovery.

WINTER 2022

UP FRONT

Coverage where it counts ASCENSION INSURANCE CONNECTS SENIORS AND THOSE WHO ARE UNDERSERVED WITH AFFORDABLE COVERAGE

rom suporting newborns to seniors, Ascension Insurance offers products designed to meet the full health needs of its members. One example is Ascension Complete, a Medicare Advantage plan for seniors that Ascension doctors took an active role in designing. Member health was their top priority as they worked to create a simple and straightforward member experience that includes dental and vision care, spiritual care, hearing services, transportation, meal benefits, and more. “Our goal is to connect seniors with a Medicare plan that meets their needs and lets them access their Ascension doctors and specialists,” said Tim Moorhead, Senior Vice President, Ascension, and President, Ascension Insurance. Ascension Complete is offered in Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Tennessee and Texas. Another offering is the Dell Children’s Health Plan, a Children’s Health Insurance Program and STAR Medicaid plan for newborns, children, and pregnant and new moms, offered in central Texas. This plan includes many extras, such as vision care, dental care, checkups, a 24-hour nurse line, mental well-being resources, gym memberships, rewards for healthy activities and more. “We created Dell Children’s Health Plan to encompass coverage throughout the health insurance

Shannon Davis, Benefits Consultant at Pediatrics at Providence Park in Mobile, Alabama.

journey, providing a seamless experience between products for mothers and their children,” said Marinan Williams, Vice President, Ascension Insurance. Also, launched this fall in Indiana, Kansas and Michigan is Ascension Personalized Care, an Affordable Care Act plan for individuals and families. Ascension Personalized Care takes the confusion out of health insurance and offers a variety of flexible, affordable health insurance plans, designed to be easy to understand and use so members can focus on their health. “We believe we can provide a strong continuity of care and overall better care experience for these individuals and families, with a uniquely Ascension touch,” said Mary Morrow,

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President, US Health Holdings, an Ascension Insurance affiliate. All of these offerings encourage members to stay within the Ascension network, resulting in lower out-ofpocket costs, higher-quality care, improved health outcomes and more. “Not only do our insurance members receive great benefits, but our providers do too,” Tim said. “Our insurance offerings include local health plan resources dedicated to enhancing the provider experience and offer providers the option to share input on plan design and processes to better serve their patients and the Ascension Mission.”

UP FRONT

Socially Just Wage is just one part of Ascension Total Rewards PAY AND BENEFIT OFFERINGS RECOGNIZE AND REWARD ASSOCIATES

ach day, associates across Ascension deliver compassionate and personalized care, develop and implement innovative solutions, and are careful stewards of our resources. That’s why Ascension continues to enhance several pay and benefit offerings that recognize and reward associates through what’s called Total Rewards. “These offerings include your compensation; SmartHealth plans; disability and life insurance; retirement; tuition reimbursement; paid time off; well-being and wellness programs for emotional, physical and financial health; employee assistance programs; associate discounts; family benefits; adoption assistance; dependent care flexible spending; transportation benefits; and more. Many of the rewards are paid by Ascension and offered at no cost to associates and their family members,” said Herb Vallier, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Ascension, and CEO, Ascension SmartHealth Solutions. Socially Just Wage, which is Ascension’s minimum wage, is part of associates’ Total Rewards and reflects Ascension’s commitment to ensuring fair and just pay. Our minimum wage is continuously reviewed using local and national data.

ASCENSION TOTAL REWARDS

Compensation Time Off Benefits Health Insurance Disability Benefits Life Insurance Retirement Life and Family Benefits

“In January 2022, Ascension’s Socially Just Wage rate increased to $15 an hour. This is ahead of our initial plan to implement the increase in January 2023,” Herb said. In addition to Socially Just Wage, Ascension is committed to compensating associates competitively through the following: • Market assessments — A market assessment is completed on an annual basis. Pay grade ranges and associate base pay are reviewed to determine if they are competitive in their market and within the industry. • Annual pay increase — Ascension also ensures that pay continues to be competitive with an annual increase. • Enhanced compensation initiatives — Ascension is continuously enhancing compensation offerings to meet the needs of and recognize associates. We have introduced a Ministry Performance Award, a discretionary compensation program that awards associates for accomplishing priority goals. Associates can learn more about their personal Total Rewards by visiting Good Day Ascension Intranet >Resources> myAscension> myHR> My Benefits>My Total Rewards Statement.

COVID-19 Support Other Benefits

WINTER 2022

UP FRONT

Nursing Center of Excellence recognizes voice of the nurse

he Ascension Nursing Center of Excellence (COE) was established in 2019 with the ambition to make Ascension the best place to practice nursing by transforming how we care for ourselves and others. Since then, the Ascension Nursing COE has remained committed to listening to and learning from our nurses in order to develop strategies, initiatives and programs enabling them to grow, thrive and experience joy in their work. “We honor our nurses, elevate their role and work toward returning the joy to caregiving so that our nursing community can continue to deliver personalized Karen Springer, MSN, RN and compassionate care to all,” said Karen Springer, MSN, RN, Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive, Ascension. “Everything we do is to improve the quality, safety and experience of patients and communities. We are committed to improving our work experience through an approach designed for our nurses, by our nurses.” Everything our nurses do demonstrates Amy Wilson, DNP, RN, their connection to the entire care team, CPHQ and it is their well-being, reduction in work burden, work environment perception and engagement, and how empowered they feel that ties directly to the improvement of patient outcomes. Because of this, the Ascension Nursing COE remains committed to engaging with the nursing community to discover what brings nurses joy both personally and professionally. Their mental, emotional and spiritual well-being is top priority, with a goal to invest in their well-being to ensure they feel valued and respected.

“In simple terms, we care for our Ascension nurses and nursing support professionals so that they can care for our communities,” Karen said. Committed to ensuring the nursing community flourishes personally and professionally, the Ascension Nursing COE strategic plan and implementation focus on measures to determine which elements of work drive improved patient outcomes and harm reduction, then work to streamline processes and eliminate non-value-added tasks. This process has resulted in many successes that have improved outcomes and decreased harm to patients, including a reduction in pressure ulcers. In addition, the work of the Ascension Nursing COE focuses on the future of care delivery through innovation and defining new nursing roles and nursing practice. Strategic initiatives for nurses implemented over the past two years demonstrate the breadth of results attained when nurses work together toward common goals and when the voice of nurses is heard. Improved workflow and greater flexibility means nurses are able to spend more time at the bedside with their patients. Amplifying the nurse voice means greater input into clinical decision making. Elevating the role of nursing in Ascension means greater opportunities to flourish and grow personally and professionally. Defining nursing practice in new lines of service means better care and improved access for patients and communities. And new ways of communicating across the nursing community mean increased engagement in all aspects of nursing. Following are just a few initiatives that made a difference this past year. NURSING DOCUMENTATION TRANSFORMATION

Nursing Documentation Transformation seeks to improve value-added work for nurses by removing non-value-added

“We honor our nurses, elevate their role and work toward returning the joy to caregiving so that our nursing community can continue to deliver personalized and compassionate care to all.” — K AREN SPRINGER, MSN, RN, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF NURSING EXECUTIVE, ASCENSION

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N U R SING C ARE E R COACH

Developed to help nurses navigate their careers and all stages of their journey, nine nursing career coaches completed their inaugural year by providing one-on-one coaching to over 1,800 associates, and two more career coaches joined the team in January 2021. MYSCH E DU LING - U KG (KRONOS)

From left, Lacey Lefere, MSN, RN, Practice Transformation Director, Michigan, rounds with members of the 5E team at Ascension Providence Hospital, Southfield Campus, Tennille Kozak, RN, Sylvia Zink, Student Nurse Intern, Shumaila Mir, RN, and Cheryl Whitfield, RN.

documentation requirements that often prove burdensome and time consuming. The work involves collaboration between nurses and their clinical and informatics partners. This effort saved nurses more than 1,100 hours per month, providing time back to the nurse to spend more time at the bedside and focus on delivering high-quality patient care and improving the patient experience. “We are seeing an increase in compliance and quality metrics,” said Jeanne Braun, RN, Clinical Informatics Director, Ascension. “Admission time has been reduced by 4.5 minutes per patient. Clinical teams report saving 7 minutes when taking the surgical/procedural history and, as reported by the Cerner team, 330 nursing hours on certain documentation.” NATIONAL N U R SE AFFINIT Y G ROU PS

The Ascension Nursing COE continues to deliver on its promise to elevate our nurses’ voices and embrace their thought leadership by establishing four nurse national affinity groups: National Nurse Affinity Group (2019) and the Nursing Research, Evidence-Based Practice/Implementation Science, and Innovation groups (2021). These groups represent the voice of nurses across Ascension and provide a System-wide platform for our nurses to create positive and meaningful changes, collaborating with their team and nursing leaders on initiative and program decision-making and approval processes. The Ascension Nursing COE is positioning nurses as they desire to be seen — innovative, inspired, caring, knowledgeable and empowered.

Based on the voice of our associates, the Ascension Nursing COE is leveraging technology to provide flexibility and minimize the amount of manager approvals required, and empower our nurses to have more control of their work schedules. “We have so much to offer by sharing our voices, being heard and hearing one another,” said Amanda Meyer, BSN, RN, Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital, Ozaukee, Wisconsin. “We learn from one another, inspire others and grow stronger together. We are making a meaningful difference in the lives of ourselves and others. I’m so grateful that everything within the Ascension Nursing COE is designed for our nurses, by our nurses.” DE LIVE RY OF CONTIN U ING E DUC ATION U NITS

New tools and technologies have greatly expanded nurses’ access to continuing education opportunities at Ascension. A standardized, System-wide Joint Accreditation Interprofessional Continuing Education program has been deployed across Ascension. A variety of free continuing education units (CEUs) are available to nurses through Nursing Reference Center Plus and the national Joint Accreditation Program. To date, nurses have completed 4,125 CEUs in person, 21,410 through livestream events and 1,909 through on-demand learning platforms. “The Ascension Nursing COE works relentlessly to honor our promise to ensure the voices of our nursing community continue to be heard,” said Amy Wilson, DNP, RN, CPHQ, Senior Vice President, Ascension Nursing Center of Excellence. “We are committed to listening to them to better understand what they want and need as we continue connecting with and strengthening our community of more than 60,000 strong.” “Open and transparent communication is vital in identifying areas of improvement,” said Kaitlyn Walling, RN, Ascension St. Vincent’s, Birmingham, Alabama. “With the new initiatives and programs being developed, the voice of the nurse is being recognized, and you can see it in all the tools and resources now available.”

WINTER 2022

UP FRONT

Philanthropy plays important role in promoting research across Ascension FOUNDATION AND DONOR SUPPORT HELPS ADVANCEMENTS IN CARE

Thomas Mackey Center for Infectious Disease Research

PEYTON MANNING CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL RECEIVES $100,000 GRANT IN SUPPORT OF CANCER RESEARCH

upport from our foundations, supporters and donors is critical to Ascension ministries across the country, including advancing research capabilities across service lines.

ASCENSION ST. JOHN INFECTIOUS DISEASE RESEARCH PROGRAM EXPANDS THANKS TO $2 MILLION GIFT

Ascension St. John Foundation (Detroit) A $2 million gift from Thomas Mackey is helping expand the Infectious Disease Research Program at Ascension St. John Hospital through the construction of the Thomas Mackey Center for Infectious Disease Research. This expansion comes at a time when infectious disease efforts are at the forefront of healthcare because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tom is grateful for the care he received at the hospital, most recently from infectious disease specialist Miriam Levine, MD. Working with Ascension St. John Foundation, he wanted to give back and support an area that had meaning to him and relevance to the community. “It’s the right thing to do at the right time, and I’m fortunate to have the means to help,” said Tom, who also gave $1 million for a new hybrid cardiac catheterization laboratory. “Those who are blessed with great wealth have an obligation to give back and help others.”

The mission of the Thomas Mackey Center for Infectious Disease Research is to perform research to improve the clinical care of patients and provide diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive strategies against serious infectious diseases. “We couldn’t be more grateful to Mr. Mackey,” said Kevin Grady, MD, President, Ascension St. John Hospital. “We are thrilled to be expanding our program — and that it’s something Mr. Mackey was looking to support for the greater good of the community.”

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Ascension St. Vincent Foundation (Indianapolis) Donors continue to be key in the fight against childhood cancer — they “stand in the gap” between the need for research and the ability to fund it. Working through Ascension St. Vincent Foundation, Hyundai Hope on Wheels awarded a $100,000 Hyundai Impact Award Grant to the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disease at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, one of 77 hospitals nationwide to receive a grant. “We are grateful for organizations like Hyundai Hope on Wheels who are joining us in this fight to help save the lives of children,” said Ann Haupt, Vice President, Ascension St. Vincent Foundation. “Their gift provides hope to families whose only desire is for their child to grow and live a full and healthy life.” This grant has made a huge impact on the lives of pediatric cancer patients and their families, helping 25 patients enroll in pediatric oncology clinical trials. This assistance is vital as insurance often doesn’t cover costs associated with treatments and medications that are a part of ongoing clinical trials. Thanks to community donors and companies such as Hyundai Hope on Wheels, as well as Ascension St. Vincent’s extraordinary pediatric oncology staff, more patients can continue their lives healthy and cancer-free.

Many reasons call us to care for you

At Ascension, 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

PERSONAL PROFILE

Getting to know you ESTRELLITA REDMON, MD, CHIEF CLINICAL OFFICER, ASCENSION FLORIDA AND GULF COAST

Q: What led you into a career in medicine? A: When I was 11 years old, on Christmas Day, my great-grandfather collapsed and died due to a heart attack. That was so traumatic for me that it fueled my desire to go into medicine. I started my healthcare career by getting a degree in pharmacy before I went to medical school at the University of Florida. Q: Five years ago, you wrote a book, “Victors Over Leukemia,” about your son Victor’s struggle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia while he was in college. What did you want to share about that experience? A: I wanted to encourage not only patients with cancer, but those who are impacted by the diagnosis and the treatment. That includes parents, loved ones, co-workers, friends — anyone who knows someone diagnosed with cancer. When something like this happens, those around you are at a loss of what to say or do, and they don’t understand all of the challenges facing a person with leukemia. I thought our family’s story could help illuminate some of those difficulties.

Estrellita Redmon, MD, serves as Chief Clinical Officer, Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast, and oversees clinical care at nine hospitals and dozens of other healthcare facilities in Jacksonville, Florida; Mobile, Alabama; and across Northwest Florida. Dr. Redmon joined Ascension St. Vincent’s in Jacksonville in 2014 and in 2016 became President and Chief Medical Officer of Ascension Medical Group St. Vincent’s. Prior to joining Ascension, Dr. Redmon served for 19 years at Capital Health Plan in Tallahassee, Florida, initially as a primary care physician and later as Medical Director.

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Q: How is Victor doing today? A: He is doing well. He is serving as chief resident in the Internal Medicine-Pediatric residency program at the Medical College of Wisconsin and planning to start a cardiology fellowship in July 2022. Q: COVID-19 has taken a physical and emotional toll on our front-line healthcare teams. What can they do to stay healthy? A: I encourage our physicians, clinicians and associates to remember to take time for themselves and spend time with their loved ones, which in turn makes them more equipped to provide patients with the care they need.

WELLNESS NOW

All your care needs across Ascension sites and services—online and all in one place. The SmartHealth app features: • Details about your plans and benefits, including Rx benefits • An electronic version of your ID cards • Claims information within the app • Improved provider search capability • Improved facility search capability • Access to the SmartHealth mobile app for dependents under your healthcare coverage The SmartHealth app is available for Android and Apple iOS smartphones and mobile devices.

Wellness on the go MOBILE APP SUPPORTS ASSOCIATES’ HEALTHCARE JOURNEYS

The SmartHealth mobile app is available for Android and Apple iOS smartphones and mobile devices. Jonathan Lopez, Product Manager of Member Experience at Ascension’s Digital Studio, said he was excited to share this new technology with associates at Ascension and praised its development, which he said was driven “by SmartHealth members for SmartHealth members.” His team directed the project and made sure that the app was built to work in a way that makes sense to The SmartHealth app features: members and is easy to use. TH E SM ARTH E ALTH APP FE ATU RES Rx benefits • Details about your plans and benefits, including • An electronic version of your ID cards For more information on how • Details about a member’s plans and benefits, including pharmacy benefits. • Claims information within the app SmartHealth members can start using • Claims information. • Improved provider search capability the new app, visit mysmarthealth.org/ • Improved provider search capability. • Improved facility search capability • Access to the SmartHealth mobile app for dependents under your smarthealth-mobile-app. • Improved facility search capability. healthcare coverage • Access for dependents under the member’s healthcare coverage. The SmartHealth app is available for

scension is committed to the health and well-being of all associates by providing wellness information and tips through a variety of communications channels. One example is a new mobile app for SmartHealth members designed to help them get the most out of their benefits and support their health journey. The SmartHealth mobile app is part of Ascension’s use of transformational innovative solutions using good design and agile methodologies. The introduction of this app is part of SmartHealth’s focus on optimizing members’ experience while promoting health and wellness. The app advances Ascension’s dedication to making benefits more accessible. SmartHealth now fits in your pocket — online and all in one place.

All your care needs across Ascension sites and services—online and all in one place.

Android and Apple iOS smartphones and mobile devices.

“By understanding and using SmartHealth benefits more effectively with the SmartHealth mobile app, Ascension associates can improve their own health and wellness,” said Ellen Gifford, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Ascension.

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Medxcel associates, from left, Jake Lucas, Landscape Manager; David Mrotek, Landscaping Tech 1; and Dan Gettelman, Landscaping Tech 2, maintain a half-acre green roof at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Milwaukee that absorbs rain while protecting the roof. Built in 2011, the roof helps protect rivers and Lake Michigan by capturing rainwater and keeping it out of the regional sewer system. It also provides other environmental benefits, including lowering energy costs, reducing the urban ‘heat island’ effect and extending roof life.

Environmental impact and sustainability WHEN THE IMPORTANT BECOMES THE URGENT

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s one of the principles of Catholic social teaching, care for God’s creation remains as important to Ascension now as it was for the ministry’s historic sponsors. Recognizing healthcare’s impact on the environment and its link to the health of communities and patients, Ascension began to ask important questions. What if there was a way to change healthcare as it relates to environmental impact and sustainability so that it has a profound effect on associates, patients and the communities that Ascension is privileged to serve? How does this work get integrated into the ministry to bring about meaningful, sustainable change over time? How can Ascension harness the power of 150,000 associates and their families and all the people they impact to make a tangible difference to patients and communities — and likely change healthcare as a whole?

Three pillars of work Net zero places • Energy efficiency

Responsible supply chain

• Renewable energy

• Sourcing

• Mobility

• Waste

Healthy communities • Partnerships • Community engagement • Public policy

“As a healthcare ministry, rooted in our Catholic faith and social teaching, we believe it’s an expectation and enormous opportunity for us to approach our work in a different way,” said Craig Cordola, MBA, MHA, FACHE, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Ascension, and Environmental Impact and Sustainability Champion. “We are uniquely positioned to make a difference. Care for God’s creation is one of the principles of Catholic social teaching and serves as a beacon for all of the Catholic ministry to lead the way on environmental sustainability.” Ascension recently developed a long-term Environmental Impact and Sustainability Program to augment continued efforts around energy conservation, waste management and recycling, environmentally preferred purchasing, and the use of renewable fuels. With the leadership of executive and senior leaders, as well as internal and external subject matter experts, Ascension developed the following purpose statement, along with three pillars, to guide this work: “Ascension’s commitment to reducing our environmental impact and achieving sustainability is rooted in our Mission, which calls us to be advocates for a compassionate and just society in our actions and our words. Through Catholic social teaching, we recognize the human dignity of all people and the common good as we work toward equitable access to resources to improve community health and the lives of individuals we serve.” The renewed focus is the result of a yearlong effort to develop a bold, new strategy that will position Ascension’s sustainability program to maximize environmental impact for

decades to come. The Environmental Impact and Sustainability Program will focus on activities in the following three pillars: NET ZERO PLACES

This work is focused on carbon sources associated with physical environments — energy management, water management and mobility, both moving within those environments and getting to and from them. The concept of net zero places considers the carbon footprint and operational efficiency of facilities as well as sustainable transportation. Objectives: Ascension seeks to create and support a resource-efficient, cost-effective and resilient ecosystem of Ascension facilities and real estate with minimized impact to the environment and maximized care for patients and associates. Bold goal: Achieve a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and net zero carbon emissions by 2040. RESPONSIBLE SUPPLY CHAIN

This work is focused on the flow of goods from their procurement all the way through their disposition after use — encompassing sustainable sourcing, product usage management, recycling and waste management. Responsible supply chain efforts address responsible purchasing — to ensure Ascension buys only what is needed — as well as sourcing and waste management. Together, these efforts will lower environmental impact and provide social good. Objectives: Ascension’s responsible supply chain seeks to create and support a cost-effective, healthy, circular and resilient value chain that catalyzes change toward a value-based care

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The Medxcel Energy team monitors data at each hospital to ensure Ascension facilities remain compliant, comfortable and cost effective. Its remote nature enables team members to manage data from anywhere across Ascension.

model, in alignment with Ascension’s commitment to holistic care for the person and the common good as well as to Catholic social teaching. Ascension has a tremendous opportunity to optimize its work in supply chain management on what comes in and out of its facilities as well as the impact on the footprint that it leaves behind. Bold goal: Recycle 50% of nonhazardous waste from all managed facilities by 2030; zero waste by 2040. HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

Most of Ascension’s work up to this point has focused on realizing energy savings and thinking differently about how to construct and operate facilities. Efforts toward healthy communities are at the heart of the Environmental Impact and Sustainability Program. This work is focused on the relationship between sustainability and social determinants of health, linking this back to Ascension’s Mission to sustain and improve the health of individuals and communities that the ministry is privileged to serve. Objectives: Examine communities and social determinants of health and design programs and processes that support clinical interventions to address environmental effects on patients and create healthier environments in communities Ascension serves. Bold goal: Ascension will walk alongside the individuals and communities most impacted by climate change in an effort to improve their lives and livelihood. Other intended outcomes

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CRAIG CORDOLA RECALLS TWO HURRICANES’ COMMUNITY IMPACT When Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the Gulf Coast in 2015, Craig Cordola, Ascension’s current Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, was serving as Chief Operating Officer at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. Here, he reflects on that experience: For me, one of the most impactful moments took place earlier in my career, serving in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I will forever remember sitting at our transfer center in Houston around midnight, watching our helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and ambulances set out for New Orleans to help evacuate people to our city. In the days to come, busloads of people arrived at the Astrodome and the convention center, where we were providing care. They came with nothing other than what they could carry — totally displaced from family members, dropped off in an unfamiliar city. It impressed on me how when the fabric of a community breaks down following a natural disaster, you really don’t have normal infrastructure and processes. Things like security, safety, food, access and relationships get stripped away. Katrina left two cities forever changed. All because of a natural disaster, exacerbated by climate change. As I reflect on Katrina and Rita, and the countless wildfires, floods and extreme heat events that have happened since, I am struck by the immediate and lasting impact these events have on individuals and communities, especially those people who are poor and vulnerable.

Climate change impacts on the poor and vulnerable the social determinants of health (SDOH) 1 Healthcare 20%

Wildfires

Flooding

Physical environment 30%

Health behaviors 30%

Health and well-being2

Extreme heat

Hurricanes

Social and economic factors 20%

1 County Health Rankings (https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/our-approach) 2 American Hospital Association, Addressing Social Determinants of Health (https://www.aha.org/addressing-social-determinants-health-presentation) Graphic by ENGIE Impact and Ascension. © Ascension 2021. All rights reserved.

of this important work include safer, healthier communities; improved patient comfort; and improved patient safety. “This is a new beginning for Ascension but also a continuation of work that’s been underway since 2008,” said Dan Scher, Vice President of Strategic Planning and Sustainability, Medxcel, an Ascension subsidiary. “We are taking a fresh look at Ascension’s sustainability initiatives to counteract the effects of climate change, expand and enhance ‘green thinking’ across our organization, and truly make a Dan Scher difference in the communities we serve.”

Looking at what lies ahead, Ascension recognizes that care of God’s creation is not only important; it is becoming an urgent matter that demands immediate attention. “When I think about my children, and future generations, and our associates, and the patients and communities we serve, I realize just how much the important matter of environmental sustainability cannot wait,” Craig said. “Wildfires and floods, hurricanes and extreme heat will increasingly affect our health — further compounded by social determinants impacting those who are poor and vulnerable.”

“ We are taking a fresh look at Ascension’s sustainability initiatives to counteract the effects of climate change, expand and enhance ‘green thinking’ across our organization, and truly make a difference in the communities we serve.” — DA N S C H E R , V IC E P R E S I D E N T OF S T R A T E G IC P L A N N I N G A N D S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y, M E DXC E L

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Research is driving the future of care NEW INSIGHTS A R E IMPROV ING CLINICA L A ND SPIR ITUA L CA R E, 20

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esearch has led to many remarkable breakthroughs in medicine, from the discovery of penicillin to the development of anesthetics, therapeutics and vaccines. But in healthcare, research extends far beyond the laboratory. Across Ascension, teams are using scientific methods of research to improve not only care processes but also the ways we live out our Mission every day by serving individuals and communities. Associates are harnessing the scale and scope of Ascension to support clinical advances; identify the most effective and meaningful ways to provide spiritual care; ensure that nurses are providing compassionate, personalized care in the most effective ways; and even determine how best to share messages and stories about the work of our tremendous caregivers and clinicians with consumers. The goal is to make Ascension a national leader in applying research to better serve individuals and communities. Research helps us know what patients hear and want. To more fully realize Ascension’s Mission, we continue to pay close attention to the changing needs of those we serve. Caregivers and others on the front lines do it instinctively, one person at a time. But can it be done across larger population groups?

MARKETING RESEARCH LISTENS TO CONSUMERS

Pharmacy residents at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola in Florida like Allison Durant, PharmD, and Anna Lee Petitt, PharmD, are engaged in research projects.

across Ascension NURSING OPER ATIONS, AND MORE

Marketing’s research and insights team, led by Chris Manley, Senior Director, Research and Analytics, Ascension, has been listening to consumers, patients, associates and other stakeholders for years and has continued engaging through the pandemic to better understand the changing healthcare landscape and consumer needs. “This work gives people time, space and a platform to talk about what’s important to them,” Chris said. “Those conversations can be more challenging in a clinical setting. We create opportunities for people to tell us what they need to see and hear in order to choose Ascension for their care.” Over the past five years, Chris and his team have spoken to about 2,500 consumers and associates in person (or more recently, by videoconference) and surveyed at least 50,000 people from across Ascension’s markets.

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Nursing residents at Ascension Saint Thomas West Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, participate in a research study to assess the ability of new nurses to clinically think and reason and the impact of virtual simulation on the development of those abilities.

“We’ve been able to learn from an incredible diversity of people on a broad range of topics,” said Anne Butler, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Ascension, who manages qualitative research. In late 2020, Chris and Anne tested seven ways of explaining the value of upcoming COVID-19 vaccines with consumers from six different Ascension markets. In July 2021 they spoke with hundreds of mothers in Indiana, Texas, Michigan and other markets to understand how Ascension can better explain high-risk maternity and pediatric services to people worried about complex care needs. A few years ago, associates and patients in Wisconsin, Tennessee and Florida provided their perspectives on how to ensure a smooth transition from legacy brands like Saint Thomas to a stronger Ascension Saint Thomas brand that’s backed by the resources of a national system. Members of the research and insights team keep their fingers on the pulse of our communities with a public opinion survey that runs all year, collecting thousands of opinions each quarter. “It gives us a good baseline understanding of how people see us and what they want most,” Chris said. “Whenever we need to understand something specific, we listen to the people we’re here to serve and Frederick Masoudi, MD support.” BUILDING A COMMUNITY OF SCIENCE INVESTIGATORS

Richard Fogel, MD

Ascension’s clinical research team, led by Frederick Masoudi, MD, MSPH, Chief Science Officer and Vice President, Clinical Research and Analytics, Ascension, is building a program that will advance Ascension as a national leader in

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healthcare research and improve patient outcomes across our communities. “As one of the nation’s largest health systems, we have the opportunity to be a national leader in clinical research,” said Dr. Masoudi. “This begins by developing the infrastructure to conduct trials across the organization and to serve as the basis of a learning healthcare system — an organization that studies its successes and opportunities to better inform how it delivers care.” Dr. Masoudi and his team focus on a broad range of research taking place across the ministry, including research into systems and processes as well as clinical trials. The Ascension Clinical Research Institute and the Ascension Data Science Institute work together to facilitate national collaboration, support clinical investigators throughout the ministry, and put Ascension’s clinical data to work to identify opportunities to improve care across the continuum. “Research is essential for Ascension to provide the highest levels of quality to our patients,” said Richard Fogel, MD, FACC, FHRS, Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer, Clinical & Network Services, Ascension. “By aligning our research efforts nationally, we can tap into clinical analytics to identify new ways to advance care. Given our size, the new clinical research program has the potential to be one of the most impactful research programs in the world.” Clinicians across Ascension conduct hundreds of research studies on new treatments and care strategies. The new clinical research program is standardizing our Institutional Review Board structures and Clinical Trials Management Systems around best practices, encouraging clinicians to better align their research efforts. In addition, the program focuses on strengthening and creating new partner relationships with a broad range of

stakeholders — including academic institutions such as Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Alabama at Birmingham — which will grow the capacity and reach of research in Ascension. “Across the ministry, our clinicians are making important discoveries,” Dr. Masoudi said. “By creating an enterprise-wide clinical research program that elevates their work and fosters collaboration, we can build a strong community of clinician scientists.” RESEARCH ADVANCES SPIRITUAL CARE

Spiritual care serves an integral need across Ascension. As members of interdisciplinary care teams, chaplains are professionally trained individuals, uniquely prepared to provide spiritual care to patients and their families; support associates’ spiritual needs; and help build a culture that supports spiritually centered, holistic care. Like many disciplines across Ascension, spiritual care and chaplaincy continue to move toward evidence-based practice. Mission Integration researchers such as Beth Muehlhausen, PhD, M.Div., BCC, LCSW, Research Manager, Ascension, are working to ensure that chaplains compassionately deliver care based on sound research and deliberate design. Research projects helping to deliver an improved, holistic experience for patients, associates and the community include: • Two System-wide projects explored the efficacy and value of virtual spiritual care support for patients and their loved ones. • Two projects captured the experiences and responses of spiritual care related to the COVID-19 pandemic. One asked chaplains to journal how their roles changed as a result of the pandemic. The other followed about 20 directors over nine months to determine how their perspectives and leadership shifted. • A journal article featured a study that took place in Ascension Indiana looking into what mattered most to patients and loved ones in relation to spiritual care. • Another study involved interviewing a number of trauma surgeons, physician assistants and nurse practitioners about their experiences of spirituality in the context of their trauma work. Dr. Muehlhausen leads a monthly Research Journal Club where participants review timely journal articles and invite guest speakers to discuss leading-edge research as

Brenda Walls, MA, M.Div., BCC, Staff Chaplain, Ascension St. Vincent, Indiana, participated in a research project studying telechaplaincy with oncology patients. She also participated in a research project in which chaplains kept a journal of their experiences during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

a way for chaplains to become more research literate and stay apprised of current topics. “In addition to ongoing support to patients and their families, chaplains have played an indispensable role in helping our associates and clinicians, especially during the pandemic,” said Timothy Glover, M.Div., Executive Vice President and Chief Mission Integration Officer, Ascension. “This spiritual care research is one of many ways we are leading through our Mission.” PHARMACY RESIDENCY RESEARCH FOCUS

Similar to a physician’s residency program, the Ascension Rx residency program provides pharmacists who are one- and two-year postgraduate the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to patient care and operations. The opportunity to lead a guided research project is a key differentiator for the program. Much of the research focuses on unanswered questions within clinical areas of focus and on expanding the role of pharmacy and how pharmacists practicing at the top of their licenses can benefit patient care. While Ascension pharmacists have long been essential members of research teams, a multicenter focus is a new approach for Ascension Rx. This past year, residents from multiple markets worked collaboratively, enabling outcomes that spanned several care settings. “Multicenter research within pharmacy residencies offers several advantages including an increase in the amount of data, a diverse patient population, further collaboration among pharmacy colleagues to enhance methodology, and more resources for statistical analysis,”

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said Bradley Haan, PharmD, BCCCP, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Critical Care, Ascension Michigan. A project led by then-resident and now associate Arsany Gadallah, PharmD, MBA, Clinical Specialty Pharmacist, looked at how virtual medication history technicians could reduce discrepancies in the records of patient medications. The study — published in the April 19, 2021, issue of the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy — found that the rate of incomplete medication histories was significantly lower for virtual pharmacy technicians than for other clinicians (6.7% vs. 62.5%, respectively — a marked improvement). “The residency project, whether research or quality improvement in nature, aims to evaluate novel and/or alternative solutions to current problems impeding patient care,” Dr. Gadallah said. “By conducting and leading the project, the resident holds the opportunity to change contemporary medical practice and directly impact patient outcomes.” “We’re investing in the future of pharmacy and growing future leaders. The program is also becoming a recruitment and retention enhancer,” said Lynn Eschenbacher, PharmD, MBA, FASHP, Vice President, Medication Management, and Chief Pharmacy Officer, Ascension. DELIVERING NURSING RESEARCH TO THE BEDSIDE

The Ascension Nursing Center of Excellence (COE) was established to make Ascension the best place to practice nursing by transforming how our nurses and nursing support professionals care for ourselves and others. And research is central to that work. “As nursing becomes a Ministry-wide Function, our nursing community will achieve greater coordination,

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enabling our programs to scale and spread across the care continuum,” said Karen Springer, MSN, RN, Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive, Ascension. “Nurses will have greater opportunities to lead the transformation of healthcare.” To deliver on this ambition, the Nursing COE is extending to all Ascension nurses the opportunity to advance the science of nursing. This will contribute to nursing not only within Ascension but also across the nursing profession and positively impact outcomes for nurses, patients and the communities we serve. Led by Mary Sitterding, PhD, RN, CNS, FAAN, Vice President, Nursing Research, Evidence-based Practice and Implementation Science, Ascension’s nursing research team has created programs of research and research priorities to advance Ascension nursing as a national leader in health services research. This research is informed by the Ascension Strategic Plan, Nursing Dynamic Plan, Future of Nursing 2020-2030 and the National Institutes of Nursing Research. “Nursing research is the lens through which the most pressing challenges in healthcare can be systematically examined to address priorities in models of care delivery, population health and health equity,” said Melissa Faulkner, PhD, RN, FAAN, National Senior Director of Nursing Research. Melissa joined Ascension in October to strategically execute on the team’s programs of research. She brings a wealth of experience, including a number of endowed faculty and leadership positions, extensive research contributions through National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding, and experience as a co-investigator for training

“ Nursing research generates new knowledge, thereby equipping the Ascension nurse to advance the practice of nursing, advocating for those we serve and serving at the bedside.” — M A RY S I T T E R DI N G , V IC E PR E S I DE N T, N U R S I N G R E S E A RC H & E V I DE N C E -B A S E D PR AC T IC E , A S C E N S ION

early-career nurse scientists through an NIH grant. One of many capacity-building opportunities for nurses is the Ascension National Nurse Affinity – Nurse Research group, which represents all markets and nursing roles. The group connects Mary Sitterding, PhD, RN, CNS, FAAN nurses at the point of care with associates at the highest level of decision making supporting nursing programs of research. “Providing capability-building research competencies among nurses places them at the interprofessional research table, enabling the nurse to become an equal contributor and partner in the development, publication and impact of clinical and health services research,” Mary said. Nursing research program areas include workforce (joy in nursing, practice-ready nurse graduates, technologyenabled nursing, care models of the future), safety (culture of safety, process reliability, and nurse recognition and rescue), and health equity (social determinants of health, social determinants of learning and diversity in nursing). Ascension’s 60,000 nurses are poised to contribute meaningfully to advancing the practice and science of nursing. “Through our enterprise-wide nursing function and developing research infrastructure, we are well positioned through collaborative partnerships to positively impact through discovery those we serve and serve beside,” said Amy Wilson, DNP, RN, CPHQ, Senior Vice President, Nursing Center of Excellence. ASCENSION STUDIO’S HUMAN-CENTERED APPROACH

The Ascension Studio’s purpose is to create technologyenabled services for Ascension that are scalable, people-centered, and best-in-class for patients and caregivers to meet the demands of today and the future. From products like Video Chat for remote visits between patient and clinician to a self-screening Screen & Go

tool for COVID-19 and a Surgery Scheduling Manager for streamlined surgical scheduling, the Studio works toward solutions that improve both the patient and the clinician experience. Members of the Studio also collaborate with teams across Ascension, such as Ascension Rx and other service-based solutions, to improve the healthcare journey. When the studio aims to solve a particular healthcare or business challenge, its Experience Research and Design (xRD) team employs a diverse array of research methodologies to gauge user needs and expectations. This includes field studies, observations, interviews, focus groups, surveys, video journaling, journey mapping, design co-creation sessions and workshops, usability testing, and more. They engage early and often with those who will eventually use the product or service, creating an array of data points and insights that can influence design, development and implementation. This exploratory research at the beginning of the design process helps ensure that the solution meets both current and future user needs. The xRD team also seeks to understand clinical workflows and patient journeys. Whether the goal is reducing the amount of time clinicians spend in front of screens instead of providing patient care, or eliminating consumer healthcare barriers, technology can have a positive impact, as can human behavior and psychology, which is why the research team includes associates from backgrounds such as anthropology, psychology and human factors. The team is focused on identifying the right solution to the right problem and creating a differentiated — and better — customer and patient experience. “We take a human-centered approach. We talk to actual patients, consumers, clinicians and staff so we can understand what solutions and designs may be the best fit for them,” said Michael Chapman, Senior Director of Experience Research for the Ascension Studio. “We’re trying to solve problems for those that we are privileged to serve.” And that, after all, is the goal behind all of Ascension’s research efforts.

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Supplier diversity: An engine for economic justice NEW INITIATIVES REPRESENT THE ABIDE HALLMARK OF INCLUSIVITY

mid the national conversation about the importance of diversity and inclusion, AMITA Health, Ascension’s joint venture in Chicago with AdventHealth, and Medxcel — Ascension’s facilities management and construction management subsidiary — have been taking steps to address economic justice in the community through a focus on supplier diversity. The initiative, led by The Resource Group, promotes an inclusive approach to procurement by ensuring that companies owned by individuals from underrepresented groups have an equitable chance to compete for opportunities. The work, a representation of the ABIDE hallmark of inclusivity, helps level a playing field where larger suppliers often have a competitive advantage based on resources and brand recognition. To ensure inclusion, companies must be intentional about reducing the

barriers faced by many small and diverse businesses. The hallmarks of the Ascension ABIDE framework — Appreciation, Belongingness, Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity — are demonstrations of Ascension’s historic Mission, Values, and commitment to social justice, compassionate action and advocacy for all, especially the most vulnerable. As a show of its commitment, AMITA Health has pledged 8% of its annual contracted spending toward vendor services with diverse businesses. That translates to a $38 million promise to do business with firms owned by women, veterans, ethnic and racial minorities, and other groups.

“Our hospitals have an economic impact on our communities. It’s important that we work with businesses that reflect the values and diversity of the communities we serve,” said Pamela Mitchell-Boyd, ABIDE Director and former System Director of Diversity Inclusion and Language Services at AMITA Health. AMITA Health’s commitment to an inclusive procurement process extends beyond its financial pledge. It also includes: • Training and mentorship opportunities designed to support the growth and sustainability of diverse businesses. • Peer-to-peer and community-based collaborations to leverage best practices and thought leadership.

“ It’s important that we work with businesses that reflect the values and diversity of the communities we serve.” — PAMELA MITCHELL-BOYD, ABIDE DIRECTOR AND FORMER SYSTEM DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY INCLUSION AND LANGUAGE SERVICES, AMITA HEALTH

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“ xxxxxxxxxx”

• Standardized metrics, reporting and feedback loops designed to support vendor operations and efficiency. With the help of The Resource Group, Medxcel is also committed to the diversity spending initiative. The organization is working to ensure that prime suppliers such as general contractors, architects and engineers are including small and diverse businesses as subcontractors in their projects. “We’ve begun to track the diverse spend of each of our prime contractors and will hold them accountable to ensure that small and diverse suppliers are included in the facilities and construction work that is happening inside our ministries,’’ said Joe Stark,

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Regional Construction Manager, Medxcel Facilities Management. The identification of eligible businesses is an important component of supplier diversity. Katrina Scott, Senior Manager for Diversity and Sustainability at The Resource Group, leads efforts to ensure the pipeline of eligible businesses is diverse. She works with organizations such as the National Minority Supplier Development Council, the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council and others to ensure equal opportunity for all suppliers who want to do business with Ascension and its subsidiaries. “We make sure those businesses understand how to register in our

supplier portal and are considered as part of our ‘RFx Inclusion’ initiative — an effort that ensures all RFI [requests for information] and RFPs [requests for proposals] include at least one small or diverse business, where possible in the bidding process,” she said. “We aim to engage the very best suppliers who share our values and commitment to quality and excellence. By providing opportunity to a diverse slate of suppliers, we foster not only the growth of small businesses and the communities they represent but also the growth of our organization and those we are fortunate to serve.’’

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New changes come to Ascension SmartHealth benefits plan ASCENSION RX HOME DELIVERY HELPS LOWER COSTS, IMPROVE OUTCOMES AND INCREASE CONVENIENCE

or the leaders of Ascension Rx, our comprehensive pharmacy services, the strategic objective has been clear from the start: create a high-touch experience that ensures that all patients have access to the right medications at the right time. “Patients, many of whom are our own associates, often face high drug costs and a complex process to obtain the prescriptions they need,” said Lynn Eschenbacher, PharmD, MBA, FASHP, Vice President, Medication Management, and Chief Pharmacy Officer, Ascension. “We knew that Ascension Rx would have to innovate to solve those challenges. We’ve worked ministry-wide to bring together a multidisciplinary pharmacy team and clinicians to help improve affordability — while simplifying and personalizing the patient experience and delivering the best health outcomes.” Ascension established the Ascension Rx brand in fall 2020 to expand its vision for pharmacy services that will enable a high-touch clinical model centered on the patient-clinician relationship, and supported by an engaged pharmacy team. Ascension’s strategic approach

Keisha Boles, Lead Pharmacy Technician, Home Delivery, Ascension Rx, processes a prescription.

to engaging consumers in the launch of the Ascension Rx brand mirrors this high-touch model of care delivery and offers a complete, coordinated approach to medication management. “Our marketing approach defines and positions Ascension Rx as a brand of choice for medication services,” said Nick Ragone, JD, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Ascension. “We’ll feature

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the many benefits Ascension Rx can provide: enhanced service offerings; a compassionate, connected patient experience; and even financial assistance for those in need. We’ll strive to influence consumer behavior and differentiate Ascension Rx from its competitors with messaging informed by consumer research about access, convenience, and connecting the dots between all Ascension services and sites of care.”

“ Our pharmacy is different because our clinicians and pharmacists are embedded in care teams that are closest to the patient when the script is written. That puts us in a unique position to manage complex medications and keep patients in excellent health.” — BALIGH YEHIA, MD, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, ASCENSION, AND PRESIDENT, ASCENSION MEDICAL GROUP

Ascension Rx has introduced convenient home delivery services in all Ministry Markets, with a focus on helping SmartHealth members become the early beneficiaries of this personalized pharmacy model. In addition to convenience, other benefits of using Ascension Rx include having the support of an Ascension pharmacist who can help answer medication questions and better connect care. “Our pharmacy is different because our clinicians and pharmacists are embedded in care teams that are closest to the patient when the script is written,” said Baligh Yehia, MD, MPP, FACP, Senior Vice President, Ascension, and President, Ascension Medical Group. “That puts us in a unique position to manage complex medications and keep patients in excellent health.” Numerous Ascension Rx retail pharmacy sites are open to the public and provide both prescription and nonprescription drugs, such as over-the-counter medications and vaccinations. Many of these sites

also offer convenient, contactless service options including curbside pickup. Ascension Rx also offers an opportunity for patients to fill their prescriptions at an Ascension pharmacy at the time of their discharge from our hospitals — ensuring patients have access to medication at the right place, at the right time. Ascension Rx accepts most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Working with clinicians, the Ascension Rx pharmacy team can also help with complicated insurance issues including coordination of benefits as well as medication assistance. Signing up for home delivery service is as easy as calling 833-Meds-ARx (833-633-7279). SmartHealth members can waive their first co-pay on one of their maintenance medications when changing it to Ascension Rx through the end of 2022. Ascension Rx is an example of how the Ascension Strategic Plan is focusing on enhancing the System’s overall footprint — by filling gaps in Ministry

Effective Jan. 1, 2022, Ascension Rx is the preferred plan option for SmartHealth members to order specialty medications and other maintenance medications (greater than a 30-day supply) and have them conveniently delivered directly to home.

Markets and adding convenience, higher quality of care and lowering costs for patients. One example is the recent launch of the new Ascension Rx mobile app. The app can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play and provides patients with an easier way to manage medications anytime, anywhere. Patients can use the Ascension Rx app to: • Refill medications by quickly scanning the label on the medication bottle. • View a list of medications, including prescription numbers, dosages, number of refills left and expiration dates. • Get notifications as soon as the prescription is ready. • Set reminders to take medications. • View prescribing doctors and sites of care. • Transfer prescriptions to Ascension Rx from other pharmacies. • Search for Ascension Rx outpatient pharmacies locations and set preferences based on ZIP code. To learn more about Ascension Rx services, visit ascension.org/ AscensionRX.

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ALABAMA

Quality award received Ascension St. Vincent’s Birmingham earned a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The overall star rating is based on how well a hospital performs across different areas of quality, such as treating heart attacks and safety of care. Magazine recognizes birth suites Ascension St. Vincent’s Birmingham was chosen again as the Favorite Birthing Suites in Birmingham Parent Magazine’s 2021 Family Favorite awards. Bariatric program accredited The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery program at Ascension St. Vincent’s East received accreditation from the American College of Surgeons through 2023. The program demonstrated that the surgical weight loss program meets the needs of patients by providing multidisciplinary, high-quality, patient-centered care. BALTIMORE

Ascension branding complete Ascension Saint Agnes completed its transition to the unified Ascension brand. The hospital and clinics display new signage in the community.

and medical oncology services. For the first time since Hurricane Michael affected Bay County in 2018, residents now have access to advanced cancer care. Grant funds vaccine van Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf in Port St. Joe, Florida, received a grant for $84,314 through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program. The funds were used to buy a mobile health unit to help in vaccination and education of people living in rural communities as part of COVID-19 relief efforts. ILLINOIS

New AMITA Health leaders Eric Rhodes was named President of AMITA Health Saint Francis Hospital Evanston. Susan Okuno-Jones was named Chief Nursing Officer for AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Medical Center, Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Kalisha Hill, MD, was promoted to Regional Chief Medical Officer for AMITA Health Saint Joseph Medical Center Joliet and AMITA Health St. Mary’s Hospital Kankakee.

Living Tribute space opens Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital dedicated a Living Tribute on its hospital campus, part of a memorial garden and meditation space featuring benches and a COVID-19 time capsule. FLORIDA AND GULF COAST

Cancer clinic opens Ascension Sacred Heart Cancer Center opened a clinic in Lynn Haven, Florida, to provide community access to outpatient chemotherapy

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Pulmonary services added AMITA Health St. Mary’s Hospital Kankakee began offering inpatient and outpatient pulmonology care, including treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia; screening for lung cancer and lung nodule management; asthma management; evaluation of shortness of breath, cough and chronic bronchitis; and treatment of pleural effusion, or excess fluid between the lungs. Hospital receives top rating AMITA Health Saint Joseph Hospital Chicago received a five-star quality rating by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The federal agency recently updated its hospital quality ratings for 2021, which assess more than 4,500 U.S. hospitals on measures such as safety, mortality and effectiveness of care. INDIANA

Heart Center receives highest ranking Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center was awarded a five-star rating in all five of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services CMS Stars measure groups, including quality of care, patient safety and the patient’s experience in the hospital.

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Team members at Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center in Indiana.

First-in-world research procedure David Heimansohn, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center, was the first in the world to successfully perform a research procedure testing a new type of mitral valve. As part of a U.S. early feasibility research study, Dr. Heimansohn surgically replaced a diseased mitral valve with an innovative biopolymer heart valve. It is hoped that this artificial valve will prove effective through this research study in restoring quality of life without the lifelong use of anticoagulants for patients with mitral valve disease. Father-son doctors in the news Constantine Mavroudis, MD, Medical Director of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent, and his son, Constantine Mavroudis, MD, MSc, MTR, share a bond that only a handful of fathers and sons around the world have — they are both pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons. A story featuring both father and son aired on the “Today” show. Hospital receives high survey marks Ascension St. Vincent Evansville received impressive results during its triennial survey by The Joint Commission by achieving 97% compliance. Surveyors gave special recognition to the ministry’s dedication to learning and correction of risks identified during the survey.

Associates create COVID-19 memorials Associates created memorials at Ascension St. Vincent sites of care to honor those lost to COVID-19. The Spiritual Care and Healing Arts departments at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis assembled a display of 1,000 origami cranes to represent hope and healing. KANSAS

Physician receives international award Samuel “Todd” Stephens, MD, a clinical associate professor with the Ascension Via Christi Family Medicine Residency program, received the 2021 Gabriel Smilkstein Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Growth and Development of Family Medicine Education Throughout the World. This prestigious award is given annually to an individual whose career work exemplifies the work of Gabriel Smilkstein, one of the earliest family physicians. MICHIGAN

Nurse creates artwork Donna Dzialo, CRNA, Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital, showcased her pandemic-inspired artwork during Art Prize, an international art competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Donna’s artwork featured various drug caps that illustrate how COVID-19

enters and infects a cell, reproducing itself multiple times over to launch its attack. Time capsule placed inside center Following the 2021 National Day of Prayer, associates gathered at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital in Saginaw’s new Emergency Care Center for a blessing and placement of a time capsule in a vault inside the entrance. The Mission team gathered items to place inside the capsule, which will be reopened in 50 years. Golf events raise money The Ascension hospital foundations in mid- and northern Michigan raised more than $240,000 from summer golf events. The Ascension Genesys Charity Golf Classic raised more than $127,000. Ascension St. Mary’s Foundation raised over $72,000, while an Ascension St. Joseph Foundation golf event produced more than $30,000. Over $12,000 was generated from the Ascension Standish Development Fund golf tournament. All event proceeds support the purchase of advanced equipment for each hospital. Novel TAVR approach presented Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is the gold standard for managing aortic valve stenosis. The structural heart team at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital in Saginaw developed a new approach to implanting the valve and presented information at an American College of Cardiology meeting. Halfway house under construction Ascension Michigan broke ground on the Ascension Brighton Center for Recovery Halfway House, a sober living residential facility for men and women to continue their path to lifelong recovery. Scheduled to open in summer 2022, the home will be managed by clinical addiction professionals and supervised by Ascension associates 24/7.

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School-based health center opens Ascension Southeast Michigan Community Health opened its newest school-based health center at Eastwood Elementary School in Sturgis. The center will provide a wide range of clinical services including general health exams, sports physicals, laboratory and diagnostic testing, dental care and immunizations, along with behavioral health intervention and counseling. First BSN grads Ascension Michigan nursing leadership celebrated the first graduating class of nurses from Lawrence Technological University, with several leaders participating in a pinning ceremony. Of the 26-member graduating class, 25 started careers with Ascension. Antimicrobial stewardship designation Ascension St. John Hospital earned the Antimicrobial Stewardship Center of Excellence designation from the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Ascension St. John joined an elite group of designated institutions that define excellence in the practice and implementation of the appropriate use of antimicrobials, including antibiotics.

at Lourdes Hospital in a ceremony led by Bishop Douglas Lucia of the Diocese of Syracuse, New York, to offer prayer and reflection on hope and healing. The crucifix was on display at Lourdes Hospital before traveling to other Lourdes sites of care.

Top cardiology award Ascension St. John Medical Center was one of 60 hospitals nationwide to receive the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain — MI Registry Gold Performance Achievement Award for 2021. TENNESSEE

OKLAHOMA

Tulsa Race Massacre remembrance Ascension St. John Medical Center participated in Lighting Up Green in remembrance of the 100th anniversary of the Greenwood District of Tulsa Race Massacre. Ascension St. John associates participated in a Century Walk, which retraced the steps of Black Tulsans who fled the massacre and fire in Greenwood. Bariatric center accredited Ascension St. John Medical Center’s bariatric surgery center was accredited as a comprehensive center 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.

New Dispensary of Hope site An opening ceremony was held for the Dispensary of Hope, a community pharmacy operating in collaboration with Ascension Saint Thomas River Park Hospital, in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a goal to make vital medications more affordable and accessible to those in need, the pharmacy serves low-income and uninsured residents with no-cost, or lowcost, prescription drugs. Dispensary of Hope got its start in Murfreesboro around 15 years ago and has grown to over 300 pharmacies in 40 states. This is the fifth location where Ascension Saint Thomas has partnered with Dispensary of Hope. Surgery center unveiled New Salem Surgery Center, a joint venture of Ascension Saint Thomas, United Surgical Partners International, and physicians, opened in Murfreesboro.

BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK

Diabetes Honor Roll The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association recognized Lourdes Hospital nationally for the Gold Plus with Target: Diabetes Honor Roll Get With The Guidelines award. Hospitals receiving this award have reached a goal of treating patients with 85% or higher compliance to core standard levels of care as outlined by these organizations for two consecutive calendar years. Bishop leads prayer, reflection A pandemic crucifix was presented to the greater Binghamton community

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Bishop Douglas Lucia and Lourdes Hospital President Kathy Connerton at the prayer ceremony.

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Retired Lt. Gen. Dr. Richard Teff now serves at Ascension Medical Group Providence in Waco, Texas.

In addition to ambulatory surgery services, the center houses an Ascension Medical Group specialty clinic for urogynecology and gastroenterology. TEXAS

Specialized delivery unit Dell Children’s Medical Center opened a specialized labor and delivery unit designed for mothers who are patients of the hospital’s Comprehensive Fetal Care Center. The unit is designed for moms who are considered low risk and whose babies have been diagnosed with a complex fetal or congenital condition; they will be able to deliver and recover in the same hospital where their newborn will receive specialized treatment and care. Military hero provides care Richard Teff, MD, joined the Ascension Medical Group Providence Neurosurgical Clinic in Waco after serving 22 years in the military. A retired lieutenant general, Dr. Teff is the longest-deployed neurosurgeon in the U.S. medical corps, serving over two years as a neurosurgeon in a combat zone. He earned the Bronze Star for service and made national headlines with lifesaving surgeries. Life jacket program honored Dell Children’s Medical Center’s life jacket loaner program was recognized by the Travis County Commissioners Court.

Last summer marked 15 years of service for the program, which continues to enhance water safety in the community. Sleep center opens Ascension Seton Williamson is collaborating with Texas State University Round Rock Campus on a sleep center to offer comprehensive sleep diagnostics and therapeutics to patients 12 and older in the Williamson County area with problems sleeping or staying awake or troublesome behavior during sleep.

WASHINGTON, DC

Celebrating 160 years Providence Health System celebrated its 160th anniversary with a special Mass with Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, and a community celebration on the Providence campus. Imaging center opens Providence Health System expanded to meet the community need for advanced diagnostic services with the opening of Providence Diagnostic Imaging Center. WISCONSIN

Bernie Sherry honored The Harvard Business School Club of Wisconsin honored Bernie Sherry, Senior Vice President, Ascension, and Ministry Market Executive, Ascension Wisconsin, as the Wisconsin Business Leader of the Year for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hospital completes benchmark program Ascension Providence in Waco was the first hospital in Texas recognized through the Edwards Benchmark program for the treatment of patients with aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement, a minimally invasive option for patients at intermediate or high risk of complications from open-heart surgery.

Physician serves at Olympics Armando Sanchez, MD, a family physician with Ascension Gateway Clinic, served as a boxing ringside physician during the Tokyo Olympics. He competed growing up but didn’t aspire to be a boxer. As a ringside physician, Dr. Sanchez ensured that the athletes were physically prepared to compete.

Clinic celebrates 500 procedures The Ascension Seton Heart Valve Clinic team completed its 500th transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure. “Our heart valve program now is the fastest growing CV [cardiovascular] subspecialty program in the network, nearly doubling our volume over the past two years,” said Mark Pirwitz, MD, Interventional Cardiology, President, Ascension Texas Heart & Vascular Institute.

Mobile market on campus Ascension St. Joseph in Milwaukee welcomed the Hunger Task Force Mobile Market to its campus for two weeks, providing an opportunity for neighbors, patients and associates to buy healthy, affordable foods. ASCENSION GLOBAL MISSION

Programs transition, advance After seven years, Ascension Global Mission’s initiative in Guatemala

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permanently transitioned to the communities with which it worked, as planned. The Method for Collaborative Governance, an approach co-created by Ascension Global Mission, a council representing three Catholic organizations in Guatemala, and local Guatemalan communities, has been implemented in 35 communities, representing over 26,000 people. It is poised for adoption and implementation in other communities in Guatemala. The Global Solidarity Fund (GSF), a not-for-profit organization founded by Ascension through Ascension Global Mission and seven international foundations, participated in several high-profile events including an internationally televised event, “Global Citizen’s VAX LIVE: The Concert to Reunite the World.” GSF facilitated Pope Francis’ recorded message for this event. GSF also launched the Innovation Lab on Job Creation for Migrants and Refugees, leveraging lessons learned from work in Ethiopia. GSF continues efforts to bring together different sectors, reinforcing collaboration with leaders of international organizations in the field such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; the World Health Organization; Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; and the International Labour Organization to address the needs of migrants and refugees and help them to access labor markets.

into investment portfolios, informed by Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment. ASCENSION LEADER INSTITUTE

New offerings support leaders A new Ascension Leader Institute offering, the Manager Development Series, was piloted in the spring and formally launched in the summer. This three-part series is designed to build foundational leadership capabilities for recently promoted or newly hired leaders and builds upon learnings from New Leader Orientation. Participants learn about forming cohesive teams, effectively interacting with direct reports and fostering accountability for results. Scheduling may vary due to changing staffing needs. To learn more or to schedule a cohort of 30 to 50 leaders from the same market or division, go to Ascn.io/leaderinstitute, go to the Manager Development Series page and select “Contact Us.” ASCENSION LIVING

Repositioning for the future Ascension Living initiated significant repositioning construction projects at three communities to better utilize existing space to meet the needs of area seniors. Ascension Living Sherbrooke Village in St. Louis relo-

ASCENSION INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

Workshop on environment Ascension Investment Management participated on a panel at the Resource Center for Religious Institutes national conference highlighting approaches to incorporate environmental considerations

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cated all of its short-term rehabilitation and long-term care units to create 30 private short-stay rehabilitation rooms. The vacated space was transformed into a dedicated memory support cottage capable of serving 18 and will allow for 40 assisted living apartments and the creation of 24 independent living apartments that will offer seniors a new tiered pricing and service model. Ascension Living Providence Village in Waco, Texas, is converting the first floor of the skilled nursing unit into four separate memory support cottages specially designed to help 40 residents maintain their independence, thrive and enjoy activities for as long as possible. Ascension Living Bethlehem Woods Village in LaGrange Park, Illinois, is converting a portion of its assisted living community into a 20-unit memory support cottage and renovating its independent living dining room. ASCENSION TECHNOLOGIES

Easy-to-access resources Ascension Technologies launched several self-service tools to help associates quickly resolve tech issues and questions. Associates can find general answers with the “Lucy” virtual support agent, reset passwords with Password Reset Station, search basic Global Solidarity Fund (GSF) leaders attend a private audience with Pope Francis during meetings in Rome, including Anthony Tersigni, Board Chair of Ascension Capital, LLC, and Chair of the GSF Board; Sr. Kathy Brazda, CSJ, GSF Advisory Board member and Chair of Ascension Global Mission Board; and Susan Huber, President, Ascension Global Mission and GSF Board Treasurer.

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computer fixes using the Optibot Healing Station desktop app or connect with a Service Desk agent using Google Chat. Information about these tools and more is on the Technology page of the Good Day Ascension Intranet, under Resources. ASCENSION VENTURES

New investments Ascension Ventures announced several new investments, including Community Psychiatry, a multisite provider of in-network, outpatient mental health services; Vori Health, which offers a comprehensive care management solution for patients suffering from musculoskeletal conditions; and an early-stage gene therapy company. Several other portfolio companies raised capital recently, including Syapse, Imperative Care and Olive AI.

COMMUNITY HEALTH MINISTRIES

Children receive school supplies Seton Center in Kansas City, Missouri, held its annual Back to School program for needy neighborhood children. With the help of volunteers and donors from St. Thomas More Parish, each child selected a new backpack and received grade-appropriate school supplies. Children also received new underclothes and socks to start the new school year. MEDXCEL

Virtual celebration for efforts Using teamwork and ingenuity, Medxcel worked alongside its partners across Ascension to provide associates with safe and healthy environments throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. To recognize those efforts, many Medxcel associates joined in a virtual

celebration to reflect on Medxcel’s achievements, service commitments and efforts. THE RESOURCE GROUP

Customer experience program begins For The Resource Group, it’s important to deliver financial and operational results in support of Ascension’s Mission through a foundational yet simple focus on kindness, hospitality and the customer experience. The Resource Group began a Kindness & Hospitality Program to equip its associates with a practical framework to approach every interaction with awareness, empathy, compassion and understanding, and continually improve the customer experience.

CLINICAL & NETWORK SERVICES

Metrics provide quality, safety focus In alignment with Ascension’s Strategic Plan, Clinical & Network Services and Ascension’s National Quality Team have prioritized Total Quality Care (TQC) metrics. By honing in on these key metrics, the National Quality Team will be able to provide more targeted assessments and develop education per Ministry Markets electronic health records’ needs and clinician workflows to assist with documentation. In addition, a newly enhanced TQC dashboard will incorporate filters for various populations, including payer and social determinants of health such as age and race, allowing clinicians to better personalize care for patients.

Stay connected with Ascension @ HOME, @ WORK, @ YOUR FINGERTIPS Twitter: @ascensionorg Keep up with Ascension tweets. Follow Ascension. Facebook: facebook.com/ascensionorg Like our Ascension page and get the latest updates on your newsfeed. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ascensionorg Stay up to date with organization news and connect with other associates. YouTube: youtube.com/c/ascensionorg Watch videos about Ascension on an array of topics. Instagram: instagram.com/ascension_org Check out the latest Ascension posts by following Ascension. Podcast: ascension.org/news/podcasts Listen to the latest Good Day Ascension Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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WE ARE ASCENSION

Joseph Ruiz,

Maintenance Mechanic III Medxcel

For many associates across Ascension, furthering their education has had a positive impact and helped them advance their careers. A good example is Joseph Ruiz, who recently completed his bachelor’s degree in business management. Joseph is a Maintenance Mechanic III who has served at AMITA Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee, Illinois, for three years. Joseph ensures the safe operation of critical facilities equipment including boilers, chillers and medical air systems. “Earning my degree was something I’ve wanted to accomplish for a long time,” he said. “As many people would say, ‘life happens,’ and years fly by. Not only did it further my own education but it also served as an empowerment for my daughter and to show the importance of education. “The knowledge I learned in pursuing my degree is invaluable. The methods I use that implement strong inclusion and teamwork have helped our team tremendously. My hope is that in my career with Medxcel I can continue to grow and learn all that I can, not only to support my fellow co-workers but also to better serve our facilities and people.” Joseph shared advice for those considering training and growth opportunities: “Do not let the fears of finances or time hold you back! Embrace that fear and turn it into strength to push forward and achieve your successes.”

Good Day Ascension Magazine - Winter 2022

Articles inside

Changes come to SmartHealth benefits plan

Supplier diversity An engine for economic justice

Research is driving the future of care across Ascension