Good Day Ascension - Summer 2016

Good Day Ascension

for a ssociates of our one integr ated ministry / Summer 2016

Serving Those Who Served Ascension caregivers are now part of the veterans choice program

Inside: From Amsterdam, New York, to Wichita, Kansas, Ascension ministries support student athletes across the country / The Medical Mission at Home aids our most vulnerable communities / Bringing better care to mothers and their infants through the HANDSÂŽ perinatal safety education program

W e l come

Caring is the Root of One Ascension

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“ Ascension is blessed to have 160,000 caregivers like you who share your gifts and talents as you live our Mission and Values every day...”

ur Mission is at the heart of all we do as a Catholic health ministry, and caring is how we live our Mission.

Ascension is blessed by the tens of thousands of compassionate clinicians who each and every day provide care directly to those we are privileged to serve. Through their personal interactions and tremendous skill, they demonstrate the love of Jesus in ways that often are nothing short of miraculous.

Our clinicians are wonderful care providers. But they are not Ascension’s only care givers. It is clear to me that our Mission calls all of us, no matter what role we play, to be “caregivers.”

Thousands of associates who work in patient registration, in food service or environmental services, in laboratories and back offices, as well as our volunteers, donors and board members, provide and facilitate care that helps bring healing and peace to the lives of all the people they touch.

Professionals with Ascension Information Services, contracting specialists with The Resource Group, accounts payable associates who work at the Ascension Ministry Service Center — all of these women and men, and so many more, show they care by helping to ensure that we can grow our ministry for the future.

The way I see it, Ascension is blessed to have 160,000 caregivers like you who share your gifts and talents as you live our Mission and Values every day as part of our One Integrated Ministry.

That’s why we created Good Day Ascension magazine. We want you to know more about the great work going on across Ascension and how it is helping us achieve our Vision. Good Day Ascension plays an important role in our culture of dialogue and connection.

As a community of caregivers, let us always remember to support and care for each other on our journey of service.

Anthony R. Tersigni, EdD, FACHE President and Chief Executive Officer

Good Day Ascension

Our Mission: Rooted in the loving ministry of Jesus as healer,

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 journey to One Ascension and reflect the commitment of associates, physicians 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.

we commit ourselves to serving all persons with special atten-

Executive Editor: Nick Ragone, Esq., nick.ragone@ascension.org

nities. We are advocates for a compassionate and just society

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

All content copyright 2016 Ascension. Republication or any other use of the contents of Good Day Ascension without the express written consent of Ascension is prohibited. Any reference 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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tion 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 commuthrough our actions and our words.

Contents

Good Day, Ascension!

Features 14 A New Choice for America’s Veterans Ascension offers new options for our nation’s military veterans.

18 Good Sports Sports medicine programs across our national health ministry extend compassionate, personalized care to athletes and teams.

22 Ministries Bring the Mission Home Community outreach through the Medical Mission at Home program helps thousands of the most vulnerable.

24 Into Our HANDS The HANDS® program delivers safer care to mothers and babies.

departments 4 Mailbox 5 Inspiration An excerpt from the Prayer for Our Journey to One Ascension.

6 Living Legacy Learn about the Ascension Sponsor, and meet its members.

8 Up Front The Symphony transformation; Your Move Chess, a partnership making a difference in the St. Louis area; and Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare.

12 Getting to Know You Meet Pat Maryland, Dr.PH, President, Healthcare Operations and Chief Operating Officer, Ascension Health.

13 Wellness Now Dr. Michael Kobernick, SmartHealth, says the first step to improving health is looking at each week and deciding what you can do.

27 News from the Ministries 35 The Last Word See a few stories you might have missed from GoodDay.Ascension.org.

On the cover: Providers across Ascension care for U.S. military veterans through Veterans Choice.

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hen I joined Ascension a couple of years ago, I learned quickly that we had a tremendous opportunity to transform how our One Integrated Ministry shares information.

We were rich with inspiring stories but lacked the internal and external channels to properly tell them.

In short order, Ascension introduced new tools to foster conversation, share best practices and provide dialogue between associates across our ministry. In February 2015, we launched Good Day Ascension, which is updated every Monday–Friday with a spiritual reflection and news stories from across the System.

Several months later, we created the Good Day app so that frequent travelers could access Good Day on the road.

Over the last several months, Ascension has placed more robust content on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest pages, that encourages information sharing among our associates.

Ascension’s two new podcasts — Inspiration for the Ride Home, which offers weekly reflections, and the monthly Good Day Ascension Podcast, which includes in-depth interviews with Ascension’s leaders — have attracted an enthusiastic and growing audience.

Welcome to our latest endeavor — Good Day Ascension magazine. We hope you find that the stories in this inaugural edition provide information and inspiration that support your important service to our national health ministry.

As President and CEO Tony Tersigni says as he leads One Ascension town halls around the country, “Let’s continue the conversation.” We welcome your feedback at GoodDay@ascension.org.

Nick Ragone, Esq. Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

SUMMER 2016

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M AIL B OX

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.

feedback we’ve received about the Good Day Ascension daily news stories online I just wanted you to know how much these articles inspire all of us. Thanks so much for sharing. Be blessed.

Anita Sue, Sacred Heart Health System, Pensacola, Florida

Hello and Congratulations to the Good Day Ascension Team, Great job, and I love this page. Will be my daily duty at the break to click on the Good Day Ascension button.

Linda, Via Christi Village, Pittsburg, Kansas

Thank you for the on-the-job prayers. I keep the daily reflection up all day. So many days it is spot on.

Becky, Via Christi Health, Wichita, Kansas

Some of these stories need to come with “Kleenex-alerts.” LOL. Thank you!

Sherrie, Alexian Brothers Health System, Elk Grove Village, Illinois

Nourishment for the soul!

GDA energizes me at the start of every workday to be doubly committed to the Mission of the ministry.

Thank you, Hema, Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee

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Letters from Those We Serve We want to inform you of two very professional Lab Technicians on your staff. They are Agnes Tibaldo and Shelly George. Recently, [the patient] has had a very rough one to two months of hospital visits and a need for many lab tests. He is very difficult to get blood from, but Agnes has been called on several times to save the day! His last lab visit required 20 vials of blood to be drawn for an immunity panel test. The care, attitude and professional performance were without incident. Agnes and Shelly deserve to be recognized for their painless job well done. Please let them know how much we appreciate their great job. We are patients of Dr. Steve Zimmermann.

We can’t say enough about his care.

SHHEC is the best hospital we have ever been in, and in our 80-plus years, we have never been so happy with care as we now have. Keep up the good work.

Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast, Miramar Beach, Florida

I was scheduled for a procedure on my back earlier this year, but the risks involved left me very uncomfortable and afraid. I was unable to sleep and could not stay focused. Maria helped me to calm down and gain an understanding of the risks the procedure entailed but leaving the decision up to me. Maria is a combination of today’s energetic healthcare professional coupled with yesterday’s dispensing TLC.

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She always demonstrates a genuine interest in her patients and talks with you, not at you. She encourages you to eat properly, take your medicines as prescribed, and to keep the clinic abreast of any change in medication or upcoming procedures. When you leave her office, it’s as if you were visiting a close friend or relative and not an impersonal health care professional going through the motions.

Alice, Saint Agnes Hospital, Baltimore

I would like to give a huge shout out to Nurse David in the PICU. Our son was in the PICU for three days after his surgery. The level of care provided by the entire PICU nursing staff was great, but David holds a special place in our hearts. He is, by far, the most caring and compassionate medical professional I have ever met. He went above and beyond to make sure our son was as comfortable as possible, and it was very evident how much he cares about his patients. He not only provided incredible care for our son, but also made my husband and me feel much more at ease with the situation.

We looked forward each day to the time when he would be returning for his next shift. David is definitely an extraordinary nurse as well as an incredible person. Thanks for everything, David! I hope management gives you the recognition you deserve!

Chris and Greg, St. John Hospital and Medical Center, Detroit

I N S P I R AT I O N

Reflections on Excerpts from the Prayer for Our Journey to One Ascension O God, as we continue our journey to One Ascension, give us the courage to live more fully our common Mission and the wisdom to serve Your people as One Integrated Ministry.

Remind us that though “we are many parts, we are one body”* in You. When we work together in true communion, we can be a powerful force of love and healing in our communities, in our country and in our world.

✙ What quality or virtue do I need to live the Mission more fully as we journey to One Ascension?

✙ When have I experienced the power of being part of a ministry that is present all across our country? What hopes do I have for what we can be together?

Bless all of those who came before us.

They answered Your call to go where they were needed, to serve persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable, and to found ministries in the communities

✙ Who has “come before” me and inspired me in my work?

we serve today.

May we remember their sacrifices, be faithful to their vision and, like them, be open to the new ways You call us in this time to love and serve Your people.

✙ What is something new I am being called to do, which may be a sacrifice?

✙ For the entire prayer by Julie O’Connor, Director, Formation, visit documents.ascension.org/communications/ oneascensionprayer.pdf. Visit ascension.org/podcasts to hear or download Inspiration for the Ride Home podcasts.

*1 Corinthians 12:20.

SUMMER 2016

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Living Legacy

And Now a Word About Our Sponsor Meet the members of Ascension Sponsor, who continue to preserve our catholic identity

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scension as we know it today began in the hearts and minds of the founders of our historic sponsors centuries ago. Catholic Sisters and Brothers forged a faith-filled path that upheld their Catholic traditions as they brought the compassionate healing ministry of Jesus to the far reaches of the United States.

Their influence remains strong today through the Ascension Sponsor, a select group of people who work to preserve the Catholic identity of the five “Participating Entities” that came together to sponsor our healthcare ministry.

“Just as the Spirit imparted gifts which drew together the members of the religious congregations to meet the needs of the times, the Ascension Sponsor was formed to meet the needs of these times as well,” said Gino Pazzaglini, Chair, Ascension Sponsor.

The individuals listed in the accompanying graphic make up the Ascension Sponsor. They work together to uphold our Catholic identity as a ministry of the Church, appoint the Ascension Board of Directors, and serve as a critical link between our past and our future.

The Ascension Sponsor is composed of lay and religious persons. This not only ensures that the Ascension ministry will be sustained and strengthened over time; it also affirms that all Christians — religious and laity alike — through their baptism are called to bear witness to the Gospel through deeds of love and service to others and the Church.

“ The members of the Ascension Sponsor maintain the clarity and responsibility of Catholic healthcare as a ministry of the Church.”

— GINo PAZZ AGLINI, CHAIR , ASCENSION SPONSOR

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“While the model of sponsorship changed and now has multiple dimensions (religious women, religious men, laity), the members of the Ascension Sponsor maintain the clarity and responsibility of Catholic healthcare as a ministry of the Church, with special focus on the needs of those persons most poor and vulnerable,” Gino said.

Wh at i s Sp on sor sh i p ?

The Catholic Health Association defines sponsorship of a healthcare ministry as “a formal relationship between an authorized Catholic organization and a legally formed system, hospital, clinic, nursing home (or other institution) entered into for the sake of promoting and sustaining Christ’s healing ministry to people in need.”

The relationship is formal in that it is guaranteed by civil and Canon (Church) Law, and it is “authorized” by a diocesan bishop, a conference of bishops, the Pope or an office of the Holy See in Rome. While an entire diocese, institute or religious congregation (Participating Entity) may be regarded as a sponsor, specific individuals — such as members of the Ascension Sponsor — are designated to carry out the duties of the sponsorship.

H i story of t h e A sce n sion Sp on sor

Ascension Health was formed in 1999 when the four provinces of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul — now combined into one province, the Province of St. Louise — that were Sponsors of the Daughters of Charity National Health System, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth, Michigan — now part of the Congregation of St. Joseph — brought their health systems together. In 2002, the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet became the sixth Sponsor when its health system became part of Ascension Health.

Beginning in 1999, representatives of the sponsoring organizations served on the Ascension Health Sponsors Council, and in 2006, two lay members joined the group.

In 2010, members of the Sponsors Council recognized that Ascension Health is a ministry of the Church that transcends the individual sponsoring organizations and determined that a non-congregational sponsorship model better enabled the stewardship and strengthening of the ministry.

In summer 2011, the Vatican approved creation of a non-congregational public juridic person (PJP) to serve as the sole Sponsor of Ascension Health. As the sole Sponsor, the PJP — known as Ascension Sponsor — ensures the ministry will be sustained and strengthened over time, with both religious and lay persons serving as members of the

Ascension Sponsor, being responsible for the ministry and welcoming others to join.

A 2012 restructuring created Ascension Health Alliance (now known simply as Ascension) as the new parent organization of Ascension Health. In 2012, the Congregation of Alexian Brothers of the Immaculate Conception Province – American Province joined the sponsorship structure as the Alexian Brothers Health System became part of Ascension.

In 2013, the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother also joined the sponsorship structure as the three regional health systems that comprised its Marian Health System joined Ascension.

Congregation of St. Joseph

Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, Province of St. Louise

Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet

Congregation of Alexian Brothers of the Immaculate Conception Province­­– American Province

Congregation of the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Assisi­­– U.S./Caribbean Province

Founded

1651

1633

1650

1259

1883

Participating Entity Rep.

Sr. Betty Granger, CSJ

Sr. Louise Gallahue, DC

Sr. Danielle Bonetti, CSJ

Br. Lawrence Krueger, CFA

Sr. Lois Bush, SSM

Participating Entity Name

Appoint the Ascension Sponsor Zeni Fox, PhD Appointed to first term (July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2019)

Mr. John Logue Reappointed to a second term (July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2016) Vice Chair (July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2018)

Mr. LeRoy Rheault Reappointed to a second term (July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2017)

Sr. Rita Ann Teichman, CSJ Appointed as the representative of the Congregation of St. Joseph, a Participating Entity (July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2017)

Sr. Mary Kay Hadican, CSJ Reappointed to a second term (July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2016) Secretary/Treasurer (July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2018)

Sr. Barbara Ann Moore, CSJ Appointed as the representative of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, a Participating Entity (July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2017)

Sr. Mary Anne Rodgers, CSJ Reappointed as a member to a third term (July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2018) Second term as Secretary/ Treasurer (July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2016) Chair (July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2018)

Sr. Mary Walz, DC Appointed as the representative of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, Province of St. Louise (July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2017) Second term as Vice Chair of the Ascension Sponsor (July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2016)

Sr. Catherine “Cathy” Marie Hanegan, SSM Appointed as the representative of the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother of the Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi, U.S./Caribbean Province, a Participating Entity (April 1, 2013 – June 30, 2016)

Mr. Gino Pazzaglini Reappointed as a member to a second term (July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2017) Second term as Chair (July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2016)

Appoint the Ascension Board of Directors Ascension SUMMER 2016

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Hitting the Right Notes Symphony Shows the Power of Innovation

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nnovation is a powerful tool. Innovators are often admired for their bravery, creativity and fortitude in the pursuit of something better. But the often overlooked reality is that innovation generally requires sacrifice and persistence.

Ascension’s leaders knew that if the national health ministry were to provide exceptional care and continue its Mission to serve persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable, it would need fundamental change. So in 2009, they approved the Symphony transformation; 450

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leaders from around the System came together to create a roadmap that would guide the innovation.

The plan called for the standardization of policies, processes and systems at the core of human resources, supply chain and finance functions. This required thousands of practices across Ascension to be streamlined and connected, enabled by the Symphony team, the Ascension Ministry Service Center (MSC), The Resource Group, and a System-wide software platform.

This kind of transformation carried significant risk.

UP FRONT

health ministries were brought on or “deployed” onto the Symphony software platform at a blistering pace.

Sacred Heart Health System, Pensacola, Florida, part of the Ascension Gulf Coast Ministry Market, volunteered to be the first to be deployed.

“While we were very excited to lead the way for such a significant transformation within Ascension, being the Alpha Site was tremendously challenging,” said Carol Whittington, who served as Sacred Heart Chief Human Resources Officer during the Alpha Go-Live of 2011.

“This was especially true during the extended stabilization period.

“The temptation was to create local work-arounds to circumvent the issues that we were experiencing, and to look to our past at how it used to be instead of looking ahead at what it was envisioned to be,” said Carol, who is now Senior Vice President of the Ascension Leader Institute. “What kept the amazingly resilient associates of Sacred Heart moving forward was a collective commitment to focus on the future-state vision, recognizing that the short-term pain was necessary to get us there. It was a price that we were all honored to pay for the greater good of our ministry and our Mission.”

“The original goals of the program were high,” said Lee Coulter, CEO, Ministry Service Center. “The many parts of Ascension were not prepared for the depth and breadth of the changes, and we faced many challenges.

Experts advised Ascension that the biggest risk to enterprise transformation is “stall,” which happens when a program reacts to the custom needs of an individual organization as it goes through deep change. The formula for success is to “go live” as quickly as possible, fixing only critical items during deployment, holding all requests for customization and change until enough of the enterprise is “live” to make more fully informed decisions.

In 2011, the Ascension Ministry Service Center began delivering services to Ascension associates. Individual

“ These sacrifices paved the way for One Ascension, and have positioned Ascension to achieve new levels of efficiency, quality and safety.”­ — Lee coulter , ceo, ministry Service Center

SUMMER 2016

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UP FRONT

“While it may not comfort those who suffered through the transformation, Ascension met all of its original goals,” Lee said. “It is essential for us to realize that these sacrifices paved the way for One Ascension, and have positioned Ascension to achieve new levels of efficiency, quality and safety like no other healthcare organization in history.”

In early 2015, after four years of rapid deployments, Symphony leaders listened to feedback and suggestions from users across the ministries and focused on stabilizing and upgrading Ascension’s software and processes. Working together, the MSC, The Resource Group, Ascension Information Services, the Symphony team and the System Office implemented more than 100 improvements including service, system and process overhauls in Contact Center, Talent Acquisition, Consignment and Leave of Absence, as well as the redesign of myAscension.org, the associate portal.

“The Symphony program helped Ascension realize our Vision as we embraced change, worked collaboratively and adopted new ways of working together,” said Linda Werbylo, Senior Vice President, Symphony. “We see a multitude of possibilities as we continue to build standardized capabilities and consistent approaches that will enhance Ascension’s ability to deliver high-quality, lowcost, person-centered care.”

Now that enough health ministries are on the platform, Ascension has moved to a “deploy and continuously

improve” mode. Governance groups in every service area include people from the MSC, Symphony, functional process partners, health ministries and policy owners.

These groups are now driving improvements identified through continuous collaboration.

“We are well on our way to building a common culture, focusing on our quadruple aim of higher clinical quality and safety, better experiences for those we serve as well as for our own associates, all at a lower cost of care,” said Anthony R. Tersigni, EdD, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ascension. “Without the Symphony initiative and the Ministry Service Center, we would not be this far along on our journey to One Ascension.”

Ascension achieved $3 billion in efficiencies, and the MSC is now a central hub for finding solutions through collaboration across the System. Ascension’s new scale is providing unforeseen opportunities for innovation.

The MSC is using leading-edge tools in a growing field called robotic process automation, as well as collaborating with technology partners on widespread digitization projects. These projects eliminate human error and automate repetitive work, creating additional capacity to take on more work with higher quality.

“Programs to reduce cost and improve quality are up and running,” Lee said. “Our focus now is improving the experience of the people we serve and ensuring we are meeting their real needs rather than just checking the box that says we completed the next step in the process.”

Ascension Welcomes Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare Leaders from Ascension and its newest health ministry, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, part of Ascension Wisconsin, came together for a Cultural Engagement Retreat to build a shared understanding of each other’s culture and ministries. The daylong meeting this spring in Milwaukee provided participants an opportunity to talk about their work, charism and history, and founding roots.

The Wheaton system had been sponsored by the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters Participants at a transition ritual in Milwaukee mark Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare becoming part of Ascension Wisconsin.

and Felician Sisters in Southeast Wisconsin. The Sisters held transition rituals at several Wheaton hospitals and the corporate office, allowing an opportunity to mark the milestone and celebrate the ministry’s legacy with leaders from Wheaton and other parts of Ascension, including the other Ascension Wisconsin health ministries.

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UP FRONT

Your Move Chess Program Expands Minds and Opportunities in Ferguson

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or me, it’s just seeing the light in the children’s eyes,” said Wyntra Storms, third-grade teacher at Walnut Grove Elementary School in suburban St. Louis.

Walnut Grove is one of 20 schools in the FergusonFlorissant School District, where more than 250 students participated in Your Move Chess, a program implemented in fall 2015 and made possible by Ascension.

Why chess? It enhances cognitive thinking skills, builds confidence and, as one fourth-grade participant said, “It exercises your brain.”

Last fall, Ascension partnered with the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, a world-renowned chess facility and education center, to make a difference in young lives in the St. Louis region.

Together, the organizations responded to a request by the school district for an after-school chess program in Ferguson, the infamous St. Louis suburb. Events in Ferguson had thrown the community into the international spotlight as a symbol of racial tension and unrest, and a variety of efforts already had begun to help rebuild the town and its reputation.

While other organizations focused on building projects and community outreach, Ascension, the Chess Club and the school district identified a gap in student morale and decided to target that area of community need.

“After all that has taken place, I think the students needed some sign that people are still interested in them, have faith in them and believe that they can accomplish things,” Wyntra said.

Area university researchers who work with the Chess Club were eager to gauge the effectiveness of the program, so they administered a survey to participating students at the beginning of the program and four months in. The survey results highlight the dramatic impact of the program thus far.

• 85 percent of students look forward to school more on days when they have Chess Club • 94 percent reported that chess has taught them they can complete difficult tasks if they work hard • 95 percent reported that learning chess makes them want to challenge themselves more in the future

“For students to make the statement that they look forward to school more, really based on the addition of any educational activity, is a remarkable thing,” said Nick Ragone, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Ascension. “To see this program come to life has shown the dedicated and resilient nature of members of the St. Louis community.”

A fundraiser for Your Move Chess in February 2016 raised enough money to expand the program to other schools in underserved areas in the community. Ascension and the Chess Club plan to continue to make Your Move Chess a model that can be replicated in other areas.

“It’s a simple, concrete step that Ascension can take to support the development of these kids so they’re more equipped to build a better future,” Nick said. “We’re hopeful that this program will encourage other businesses in the community to do likewise and find programs that will enrich the lives of our community members.”

Visit ascension.org/community-impact/your-movechess for more information.

“ To see this program come to life has shown the dedicated and resilient nature of ... the St. Louis community.”

— Nick Ragone, Senior Vice President and chief marketing and communications officer , AscenSion

SUMMER 2016

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Q&A

Getting to Know You Q&A with Pat Maryland, DrPH, President, Healthcare Operations and Chief Operating Officer, Ascension Health Q: Who inspires you?

A: One of my mentors, Dr. Fred “Floyd” Loop at the Cleveland Clinic, challenged me to reach beyond my comfort zone. He challenged me to stretch myself, take a risk and pursue greater professional challenges beyond my role at that prestigious organization. Today, Dr. Tony Tersigni [President and Chief Executive Officer, Ascension] and Bob Henkel [Executive Vice President, Ascension, and President and Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Health] continue to be my role models, providing tremendous mentorship, ongoing collaboration and counsel. In addition, so many Ascension associates continue to inspire me through their dedication to our Mission of service.

Q: What led you to pursue a career in healthcare?

A: My mother was diagnosed with diabetes when I was still very young. As the oldest daughter in a large family, it often fell to me to help coordinate her care — including frequent hospitalizations. She eventually lost her years-long struggle with type 2 diabetes, and although I didn’t have the terminology to describe it then, I recall my frustration with the fragmented healthcare system in which we found ourselves.

Q: What did you learn from that experience?

A: Helping my family cope with my mother’s diabetes provided me a unique perspective into how difficult it can be to navigate the healthcare system when multiple chronic health problems are involved. My passion to create solutions through leadership and healthcare analytics has only grown from there.

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Q: Was there a defining moment in your career?

A: Perhaps the most transformative experience was my return to Detroit to lead St. John Providence Health System as Chief Executive Officer. We were determined to keep a vital presence in the community during the city’s most vulnerable, most financially challenged time. I knew I had to lead with courage, build the business case for my leaders and associates to understand, and move their heads as well as their hearts.

Q: What advice would you give other Ascension associates?

A: I cannot emphasize enough the importance of mentorship. As a mentee, I value the advice of those individuals I hold in such high respect and strive to emulate.

Being a mentor provides an opportunity for me to “pay it forward,” all while growing as a leader. It is also important to remember that making courageous, timely and often difficult decisions is necessary to help drive innovation and change. Last but not least, listening is so integral to being an effective communicator and strong leader. There is great value in seeking diverse voices and different perspectives.

Wellness Now

“ Remember, achieving a healthy lifestyle is a process.

Look at each week and decide what you can do.

Don’t get discouraged if it’s less than the week before.”

— Michael Kobernick , MD

Keeping Well With Dr. K Tips for staying active and eating better, one simple step at a time

At

Ascension, we are wellacquainted with the importance of being active and eating well. Yet, many associates tell me that finding the time to incorporate healthy habits into busy lives can feel overwhelming, if not impossible.

It’s not impossible — but it begins with realistic goals. If your starting goal is to go to the gym every day, it’s highly unlikely you’ll stick with it. With work, kids, aging parents, etc., it can be difficult to stay committed to such an ambitious goal.

Start smaller. Set attainable goals you can stick with. This will help you develop habits you can maintain — and build upon.

G e t movi ng

Getting started is often the hardest part of exercise, so keep your goals simple, like walking 20 minutes a day, three times a week. Even walking 10

minutes twice a week will begin developing the exercise habit.

Many find walking with someone helps create motivation as they enjoy social connection. Others prefer to walk alone and use the time for spiritual or mental renewal.

And consider a tracking device to monitor your progress, like the ones offered to members who participate in the wellness program of SmartHealth, Ascension’s medical plan.

nutrition-tracking apps are available today to help you.

The key to good nutrition is planning.

Waiting until the last minute, when you’re tired and hungry, to prepare or purchase meals makes it harder to choose healthy options. Pay attention to your grocery list. Use meal-planning sites for ideas. People who routinely make healthy food choices typically devote time each week to meal planning.

Wh at c an you do?

E at we l l

Nutrition is directly tied to attitude.

I’m not a fan of the food philosophy that leaves people feeling deprived. I encourage people to think of food as medicine — it’s essential to how we care for our bodies and can prevent many illnesses.

Don’t underestimate the power of fresh fruits and vegetables in maintaining your health. Several

Remember, achieving a healthy lifestyle is a process. Look at each week and decide what you can do. Don’t get discouraged if it’s less than the week before. Just keep moving forward.

Michael Kobernick, MD, is the Chief Medical Officer for SmartHealth, which provides comprehensive medical coverage that supports the health of Ascension associates and their families.

SUMMER 2016

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A New Choice for P r o g r a m A l low s A s c e n s i o n to L i v e O u r M i s s i o n O n e V e t e r a n at a T i m e

America’s Veterans B

ruce Schuler, a Specialist (E-4) Army veteran, served a year in Vietnam. As a convoy mechanic, Bruce spent a lot of time with vehicles, keeping them running safely for his platoon. When Bruce needed two surgeries to repair a hernia and torn meniscus, he again faced extensive time with vehicles — driving more than 130 miles from his Tomahawk, Wisconsin, home to the nearest U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital.

There are a lot of things Bruce would rather do than drive those five-hour round trips, including bowling, bird hunting, woodworking and spending time with his wife. Now that Ascension is an official healthcare provider under the Veterans Choice Program, Bruce and other veterans won’t have to travel as far to receive the healthcare they need.

Through Veterans Choice, veterans can receive primary care, inpatient and outpatient specialty care, and mental health services at Ascension sites of care, rather than through the VA. Eligible veterans must be enrolled in the VA healthcare system and live more than 40 miles from a VA facility with a full-time primary care physician; be unable to get an appointment within 30 days; or not have access to needed specialists at a VA facility.

“Our Mission calls us to deliver compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to those living in poverty and most vulnerable,” said Patricia A. Maryland, Dr.PH, President, Healthcare Operations and Chief Operating Officer, Ascension Health. “Our country’s military veterans deserve that compassion, and we are eager to serve those who have sacrificed and served us so well.”

Bruce received compassionate, personalized care at Ministry Health Care’s Saint Mary’s Hospital in Rhinelander, part of Ascension Wisconsin. With his hernia surgery performed by Todd Sandstrom, MD, and

President and Chief Executive Officer tony Tersigni’s Oath

On behalf of Ascension, I want to add my own solemn oath in support of the Veterans Choice Program. I pledge a continuing commitment to Ascension’s Mission of service to all people, particularly our military veterans and those who are struggling. I pledge my support for Ascension’s caregivers — doctors, nurses and other associates — a number of whom are veterans themselves.

Together, we will improve the health of individuals and communities as we expand the number of healthcare options for those men and women who served our country. As members of a Mission-focused organization, we understand “service.” We will not fail our veterans.

“ Our country’s military veterans deserve that compassion, and we are eager to serve those who have sacrificed and served us so well.”­ — patricia A. Maryl and, Dr.PH, president, healthcare operations and chief operating officer , ascension health

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Veterans choice Did you know?

All veterans and physicians in our Veterans Choice ads are authentic No one knows more about being a proud veteran than a veteran, or more about being a world-class physician than an Ascension provider. That’s why our Veterans Choice advertisements feature real veterans and real Ascension physicians. Our commitment to our veteran patients is authentic — and that starts with elevating our nation’s heroes, and those within our health ministry, to tell the story.

The Veterans Choice Program will expand care for millions of veterans More than 9 million: That’s how many veterans received a Veterans Choice card under the new program. However, any veteran is covered if he or she meets the eligibility requirements. The veteran must be enrolled with Veterans Affairs (VA) and:

orthoscopic knee surgery by James Dyreby, MD, Bruce felt at ease with his care team.

“They really took time to get to know me — and I loved that we could talk about my interests and even how the recovery might impact my bowling game,” Bruce said. “I had thought for sure I would have to go to Madison or Milwaukee, but getting the surgeries I needed so close to home was a benefit. They got me in quickly, and the recovery was fast, too. I was back to bird hunting within three or four weeks, and even walked a little over nine miles one day.”

A L an dm ar k Mom e n t for On e A sce n sion

The Veterans Choice Program is not only an opportunity to give back to our nation’s veterans. It is also the first national healthcare delivery contract for our health system — and our first-ever national marketing campaign as One Ascension.

“We know that many veterans across the country may be unaware of how to access this program,” said Nick Ragone, Esq., Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Ascension.

“Ascension has a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on veterans’ quality of care and quality of life. We look forward to providing this valuable service as the first integrated national effort as part of our journey to One Ascension.”

• Live more than 40 miles from a VA facility with a full-time primary care physician; or • Be unable to get a VA appointment within 30 days of the preferred date or within 30 days of the date deemed medically necessary by his or her physician; or • Lack access to needed specialists Ascension is a longtime advocate for America’s Veterans Ascension senior leaders have met with leaders of the VA and Congress more than two dozen times since 2014 to advocate for

E xce p tional Car e E xp e ri e nce

Ascension’s top priority is creating an exceptional experience for veterans who have in the past faced long wait times or extensive travel to receive care. Ascension has established a National Veterans Call Center staffed by veterans, nurses and other staff. Patient navigators answer questions and help veterans get the information they need about Ascension, our locations and the care we provide in conjunction with the federal health benefit administrators of the Veterans Choice Program.

“We’ve engaged a cross-functional team to create a seamless, easy-to-navigate care process for our veterans,” said Gayle Trupiano, Vice President, Performance Excellence, Ascension Health, who heads the Veterans Choice Program for Ascension. “We are committed to

more healthcare access and choices for our military veterans. In March, Ascension met with the Under Secretary for Health at the VA to discuss our participation in the Veterans Choice Program, our work with the VA to ensure that veterans have the best healthcare available, and our commitment to work with the VA on the planned consolidation of the VA’s community care programs into one new Veterans Choice Program.

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“ These programs go beyond simply meeting medical needs. They take a more comprehensive approach...”­ — k aren springer , Senior Vice President, ASCENSION HEALTH/ TENNESSEE MINISTRY MARKET EXECUTIVE

G ood D a y ascension / a s c e n s i o n . o r g

least 20 percent of returning soldiers show symptoms of PTSD, but only half seek treatment.

Through the Virtual Iraq Veterans Imaging Program at Alexian Brothers, the latest noninvasive brain imaging methods may be used to detect and evaluate PTSD and mild traumatic brain injury.

Using state-of-the-art technology, the program can offer virtual-reality simulators to help veterans learn how to manage triggers in a supportive environment.

“Ascension has created innovative programs to address the unique needs of our nation’s veterans with compassion and respect,” said Karen Springer, Senior Vice President, Ascension Health/Tennessee Ministry Market Executive, who was raised in a military family and whose husband, Brad, is a veteran. “These programs go beyond simply meeting medical needs. They take a more comprehensive approach to addressing the complex emotional and societal factors that impact so many veterans.”

M EETING VETERANS’ OT H ER NEEDS

ensuring all team members understand their crucial role in helping veterans have a positive patient experience with Ascension.”

Long H i story of Ve t e r an Advoc ac y

While the Veterans Choice Program is recent, Ascension’s veteran care has long been part of the fabric of our national health ministry.

In Illinois, Ascension offers specialized behavioral healthcare, including at AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, to help veterans cope with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), brain injury and suicide. A recent Rand Corporation study estimates that at

Ascension is proud that thousands of associates across our integrated national health ministry are military veterans.

Veterans’ specialized needs can make it challenging to re-enter the workforce. Seton Healthcare Family in Austin, Texas — part of the Ascension Texas Ministry Market serving an area between the military communities of Fort Hood and San Antonio — actively collaborates with the Texas Veterans Commission Employment Services and other support organizations to consider qualified veterans for employment. As a result of this focused effort, Seton is considered a leader in hiring veterans.

St. Vincent’s Health System in Birmingham, Alabama, has made hiring veterans a priority through an innovative program: Jeremiah’s Hope Academy offers a job skills program to train people for entry-level healthcare positions. The program is a significant resource and a GI Bill education benefits provider for the nearly 100,000 veterans living in the Birmingham area.

For more information about Ascension’s commitment to care for veterans as part of the Veterans Choice Program, visit ascension.org/veterans.

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Good Sports Many Ministries Across Ascension Take Great Care of Student-Athletes

T

he Amsterdam (New York) Rams girls’ soccer team was playing its archrival, the Broadalbin-Perth Patriots. Mya Searles ran to receive a pass when an opponent came from behind and knocked her to the ground, her head slamming the turf. The result: Mya’s third concussion in less than a year and a recovery that would last well over five months.

Carla Pasquarelli, ATC, Coordinator of Athletic Training Services at St. Mary’s Healthcare in Amsterdam, was there when it happened and has been there for Mya ever since. As an ImPACT concussion-trained athletic trainer, she makes time in her schedule every weekday to work with Mya. Although Mya was given a clean bill of health soon after that fateful

September game, Carla knew differently and referred her to a neurologist.

“As athletic trainers, we develop great relationships with our athletes and their families. In the course of developing these relationships, you get to know your athletes really well.

When something is ‘off’ about them, you are one of the people who notice,” Carla said. “That is the truly special and rewarding part of being an athletic trainer: the bonds and relationships you create with these athletes.”

According to Mya, Carla has become much more than her trusted athletic trainer. She’s become her hero.

Heroes like Carla can be found on the sidelines of sporting events across the country in communities served by Ascension. From St. Mary’s

Healthcare to St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Clay County, Florida, and beyond, Ascension ministries partner with local schools’ sports teams as a way to extend compassionate care to young people.

As for Mya, she looks forward to a full recovery and return to midfield her senior year.

Her mother, Jennifer Baker, who works at St. Mary’s Hospital, said it would never have been possible without Carla’s help.

“She has been such a blessing to our entire family — keeping us informed and being someone we can completely trust with Mya’s long recovery,” Jennifer said. “She has been such an advocate for us through it all.”

Other Ascension ministries with

“ That is the truly special part of being a trainer: the bonds ... you create with these athletes.”­— Carl a Pasquarelli, Athletic Training Services coordinator at St. Mary’s Healthcare, amsterdam, New York

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P h o t o c o u r t e s y L a u r e n S i s l e r , C B S 42 Sp o r t s , B i r m i n g h a m , Al a b a m a

sports medicine programs that support local scholar athletes include the following: St. Vincent’s Health System, an Ascension ministry in Birmingham, and Ascension partner Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center team up with Champion Sports Medicine to provide comprehensive sports medicine services to 43 high schools and six colleges, including The University of Alabama and Auburn University. In addition, the American Sports Medicine Institute on the St. Vincent’s Birmingham campus operates a renowned fellowship program for operative and non operative sports medicine physicians, providing research and biomechanical athlete evaluation to students across the state and the country.

St. Vincent Sports Performance (SVSP) in Indianapolis is part of the Ascension Indiana Ministry Market. In addition to

its impressive track record supporting top collegiate programs, the NFL, NHL, WNBA, NBA, MLB and several Olympic athletes, SVSP also provides cutting-edge strength and conditioning programs for middle school and high school athletes at two training facilities and selected high schools across Indianapolis. From speed and energy system development to Olympic lifting, mobility, pliability and agility, the staff provides programming that challenges those who aspire to make the team, as well as pushes those who are excelling at a high level within their sport.

St. John Broken Arrow and St. John Owasso, both part of St. John Health System of the Ascension Tulsa Ministry Market in Oklahoma, work with trainers at Tulsa Bone & Joint Associates to provide comprehensive sports medicine programs for Broken Arrow Public Schools and Owasso Public Schools. The program includes athletic trainer services and on-site physician

University of Alabama senior running back Kenyan Drake shares a long hug with the Crimson Tide’s primary orthopedic surgeon, Lyle Cain, MD, of the world-renowned Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center.

coverage at a variety of sporting events. The hospitals also provide community outreach and education.

Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital in Binghamton, New York, recently began the Lourdes Sports Medicine Program, which will serve numerous high schools in the area, including Maine-Endwell High School, whose football team secured a historic 62-game winning streak and has claimed the state title five times. The program also will provide services to the local Bible college’s athletic teams.

Via Christi Health in Wichita, in the Ascension Kansas Ministry Market, is home to a large-volume sports medicine clinic with two sports medicine faculty

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members on staff who also educate three Sports Medicine Fellows a year.

Together, they ensure a certified athletic trainer is present for all sporting events for two local school districts.

For Wichita Public Schools, Via Christi Health also provides a physician for all high school football games as well as state basketball, wrestling, and track and field tournaments. At the collegiate level, Via Christi provides care for Wichita State University and Newman University.

Borgess Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, part of Ascension Michigan in Kalamazoo, has developed an outreach program that makes preventative and acute injury care, along with educational opportunities, available to local high school athletes. Primary care sports medicine physicians and athletic trainers provide practice and game day medical coverage with direct access to orthopedic surgeons. The Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Department is also essential to the Borgess Run Camp Program, the largest running camp in the nation.

Above: Rachel Matson, Athletic Trainer with Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital, works with student-athlete Samantha Connery, a member of the women’s lacrosse team at Maine-Endwell High School.

Right: Sara Carey, Athletic Trainer at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – Franklin Hospital, talks with Chad Kanaugh, former Franklin High School player, now at Illinois State University. Bottom: Physical therapists and orthopedic specialists from St. Vincent’s Medical Center Clay County work with area middle and high schools.

The St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation, part of Ascension’s St. Vincent’s Health Services in Bridgeport, Connecticut, has developed a unique way to reach out to area sports teams.

Realizing teens are most influenced by their peers, the Marketing and Communications Department teamed up with exercise physiologists to develop TEAMSVMC, an Instagram account featuring photos and videos of young local athletes exercising — conveying the message of healthy living in a format that resonates with their audience.

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A group of eight doctors at Sacred Heart Health System, part of the Ascension Gulf Coast Ministry Market, has teamed up with two area schools, Catholic High School and Pensacola State College, to provide support to sports teams. The ministry has partnered with outside athletic trainers who refer athletes with injuries to Sacred Heart physicians, who then diagnose injuries and perform surgeries as necessary. As part of the partnership, physicians promise that they will make room for athletes the next day following an injury, no matter what.

and Thursdays, athletes and amateur sports enthusiasts can receive expert advice and treatment with no appointment necessary.

St. Vincent’s Medical Center Clay County, part of the Ascension Jacksonville Ministry Market in Florida, invested in a sports medicine program with area middle and high schools. The partnership with local physical therapy and orthopedic specialists has three primary goals: prevent and minimize injuries by placing certified athletic trainers in the district’s middle and high schools, provide educational opportunities, and buy medical supplies for each school.

Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, part of Ascension Michigan in Rochester, recently signed a fiveyear deal with Rochester’s Oakland University to become the official healthcare provider for the school’s 18 intercollegiate sports. The partnership is expected to provide more than 325 Oakland Golden Grizzlies student athletes with courtside medical care and follow-up care, with expedited access to a wide range of diagnostic and treatment services.

Providence Health System, an Ascension ministry in Washington, D.C., is home to the Rankin Orthopaedic Center, which launched a Sports Injury Clinic last September. On Mondays

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare and Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Services, part of Ascension Wisconsin, have developed a robust athletic training program that provides support

to sports teams and events for high schools, youth sports organizations and tournaments, as well as collegiate and semiprofessional teams.

The program has grown over the past 15 years to serve 39 high schools, recently including 17 within Milwaukee Public Schools, an urban district that previously lacked athletic training services. When injuries occur, orthopedic doctors are dedicated to providing appointments to student athletes within 24–48 hours. In addition to the high school contracts, the athletic training program serves the University of Wisconsin – Parkside and Waukesha Campuses, Milwaukee School of Engineering, and large community events including triathlons and professional bike racing.

Ascension ministries partner with local schools’ sports teams as a way to extend compassionate care to young people.

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“ If we can treat high levels of blood pressure, cholesterol or even sugar, we can prevent many chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.”­ — Ujjwal Gupta , MD, Internal

Medicine physician at St. Vincent Medical Center , Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Medical Mission at Home volunteer

Eight years and 22 events later, Saint Thomas Health has provided tens of thousands of free medical, dental and vision services, medications, behavioral health, and spiritual care to Middle Tennesseans.

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Providence Hospital’s first Medical Mission at Home benefited one of the poorest neighborhoods in the Southeast district of Washington, D.C. The June 6, 2015, event was a pilot location for Ascension’s expansion of the program. In addition to Providence, volunteers came from nearly every Ministry Market and the Ascension System Office in St. Louis.

Ministries Bring the Mission Home Thanks to associates at Ascension ministries across the country, thousands of individuals who are struggling and uninsured are able to access needed primary care and health screenings — from vision checks to vital signs, dental work to prescriptions — through Medical Mission at Home In the last year, Ascension has made a commitment to expand Medical Mission at Home — begun by Saint Thomas Health in Nashville, Tennessee — bringing the Mission of serving all persons into the community and reflecting Ascension’s promise to provide Healthcare That Leaves No One Behind.

“Ascension Medical Mission at Home is a tremendous embodiment of our Mission. We’re able to bring services to those who face poverty, are struggling or vulnerable, and start to develop a relationship with them in a way that fosters trust,” said Timm Glover, Senior Vice President, Mission Integration, Ascension Health. “And not just a relationship for one day but hopefully in an ongoing, sustainable way that will make a difference in their lives for years.”

Ascension Medical Mission at Home is designed to deliver services in locations including places of worship, schools, community centers, homeless shelters and food pantries.

“It’s so rewarding to see our Mission to serve all, with special attention to the poor and vulnerable, come alive by bringing services to those who might not ordinarily have access to care in their own community,” said Nancy Anness, Saint Thomas Health Vice President, Advocacy, Access and Community Outreach.

Nancy cofounded the Saint Thomas Health Medical Missions at Home and has championed or worked with a Medical Mission team of leaders in all its missions.

As a result of the overwhelming impact of the Tennessee events, several Ministry Markets have committed to hosting a local event. Additionally, Ascension will soon launch a national rollout of Medical Mission at Home.

Visit MedicalMissionAtHome.org for more information. See the impact Medical Mission at Home made in several communities in 2015.

G o o d Day a s c e n s i o n / a s c e n s i o n .o r g

Providence Health System Washington, D.C. ­­– June 6

200+

unique patients

600+

services provided

Lourdes Hospital Binghamton, NY –­­ October 24

340+

volunteers

200+

unique patients

670+

services provided

170+

volunteers

Saint Vincent’s Health Services Bridgeport, CT –­­ October 17

6,000+

330+

unique patients

990+

services provided

340+

volunteers

services provided in 2015

Saint Thomas Health Nashville, TN –­­ June 15 & September 26

Providence Health System Mobile, AL –­­ October 30

300+

unique patients

880+

services provided

45+

volunteers

1,100+ unique patients

3,000+ services provided

900+

volunteers

Services provided at 2015 Medical Mission at Home events varied by location.

Nearly 200 associates and volunteers came together, not knowing what the turnout would be, ready to provide care at the first Medical Mission at Home held by Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital in Binghamton, New York. Despite the cold, attendees began lining up as early as 5:30 a.m.

Bayou on the Move Medical Mission was held at Bayou Clinic in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, a large, isolated rural area, where many of the residents are unemployed, unable to read and write, and do not have access to public transportation to Mobile, 30 miles away, where most medical providers and social service agencies are located. Providence Health System in Mobile worked with 26 community agencies to provide services.

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Into Our HANDS Program Delivers Safer Care to Mothers and Babies

W

hen Erica Mitcheltree arrived at St. John Hospital & Medical Center in Detroit, part of Ascension Michigan, she was expecting to welcome new daughter Bentleigh with a fairly routine childbirth. As a mother of two, she felt fairly comfortable knowing what to expect during labor and delivery. Shortly after her water broke, however, the situation changed dramatically for both Erica and Bentleigh.

On October 3, 2014, Anne Healy, RN, stopped by to see Erica and “say hi” before her shift started. But something did not seem right, and Anne quickly stepped into action.

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Good D a y ascens i on / a s c e n s i o n . o r g

The heart rates of both Erica and Bentleigh were dropping dramatically, and Erica was rushed to an emergency Caesarean section. This surgery, which usually takes 60 to 90 minutes, took four hours, as the surgeons found internal bleeding in a most unusual place.

Erica had a ruptured aneurysm in the artery that supplies blood to the spleen. Aneurysms of this artery are rare, with an overall incidence of 0.1 percent. Even more rare is survival of a pregnant woman and her baby after this artery ruptures during the birthing process.

Thanks to Anne’s attentiveness, and the skills of Lisa

Ascension Excellence in Obstetrics Demonstration Sites

Gilbert-Ahee, OD, a St. John Providence obstetrician/ gynecologist, and general surgeon Thomas Knuth, MD, both Erica and Bentleigh survived. Erica spent nine days in the hospital, including seven in the intensive care unit and four on a ventilator. During that time, Anne called every day to check on her, and visited twice.

“Anne is the most selfless person that I have ever met,” Erica said. “She is my hero, and I will forever be grateful.”

Erica and Bentleigh’s story had a happy ending in part because St. John had introduced HANDS® (Handling All Neonatal Deliveries Safely), Ascension’s evidence-based perinatal safety education program.

Erica’s obstetrical team used communication skills and training from the HANDS program to perform the emergency C-section.

For Erica and Bentleigh, teamwork, collaboration and the HANDS program helped turn a potential tragedy into a time of celebration.

“When we look at problems that we’ve had in medicine, over 80 percent of the time it has to do with communication errors,” said David Zalenski, MD, Chair, Perinatal Steering Committee, Ascension. “So that teamwork

• Columbia St. Mary’s, Milwaukee, part of Ascension Wisconsin • Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast, Miramar Beach, Florida, part of the Ascension Gulf Coast Ministry Market • Saint Agnes Hospital, in the Baltimore Ministry Market • St. John Hospital & Medical Center, Detroit, part of Ascension Michigan • St. Vincent’s Birmingham, Alabama, of the Birmingham Ministry Market

aspect, speaking the same language, being respectful of each other — it’s better for everybody.”

When a mother and baby are in distress, the fast work of a skilled clinical team is critical. It is also important for that team to communicate clearly. Communication and teamwork are at the heart of HANDS. Developed by Ascension clinical leaders and tested at five demonstration sites under a grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), HANDS establishes obstetric education standards in the following areas: • An Early Elective Delivery Bundle (a bundle is a defined group of processes and procedures around a specific clinical activity) • E-Learning Modules in Advanced Fetal Assessment and Monitoring, and Managing Shoulder Dystocia • A Shoulder Dystocia Bundle • CORE™ – Communicate Openly, Resolve Early • Simulation and Team Training utilizing TeamSTEPPS®

Anne Healy, RN, St. John Hospital & Medical Center, Detroit, with Erica Mitcheltree and her daughter, Bentleigh. Swift action and mastery of the HANDS program protocols by Anne and other team members helped save both mother and baby. Afterward, Anne developed a close bond with the family and was even invited to Bentleigh’s first birthday. ‘I feel like I’m an honorary member of the family. It’s incredible,’ she said.

The goal of the Ascension HANDS program is to identify the best methods to reduce or eliminate all preventable birth complications, evaluate medical liability models that put patient safety first, and foster better communication with patients and the care team, thereby reducing the number of malpractice lawsuits and decreasing the annual malpractice funding expense for obstetrics.

Based on the success of the Excellence in Obstetrics Demonstration Project (see sidebar on page 26), Ascension began to spread the HANDS care model as a standard for all obstetrics units throughout the health system.

“My hope for the HANDS program is that it becomes more than just an initiative, more than just a program

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Results from Three Year Excellence in Obstetrics Demonstration Project that we are implementing,” said Jennifer Darden, Clinical Director, Care Excellence. “It becomes our standard practice. It becomes just a part of what we do every day without thinking about it.”

System-wide adoption and implementation of the HANDS program began in January 2014. Care Excellence and Ascension Risk Services have provided financial and educational support through the purchase of Noelle® high-fidelity birthing simulators for clinical team training, Shoulder Dystocia and EFM eLearning modules, as well as spread of the CORE disclosure and early resolution program.

In August 2015, the Ascension Care Excellence Committee approved and supported a recommendation presented by the Perinatal Steering Committee to support continuation of the evidence-based HANDS program, and as of Dec. 31, 2015, System-wide adoption of HANDS was at a remarkable 86 percent.

“Across Ascension, if you look at all the obstetrical complications and neonatal injuries that we’ve been able to avoid since 2006, it is really quite remarkable,” said William Cusick, MD, Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Bridgeport, Connecticut.

For Erica and Bentleigh in Detroit, HANDS was literally a life-saver. Following Erica’s surgery, her family asked to speak with Anne, the labor and delivery nurse. Anne shared that she got a hug from Erica’s mother, who tearfully thanked her, saying, “I saw what you did and I saw how people listened to you. I know that you’re the one who saved my daughter’s life, and I know if it weren’t for you, I would have lost both my girls.”

Just over a year later, Anne was invited to celebrate Bentleigh’s first birthday with the Mitcheltree family, whom she has kept in touch with since Erica’s delivery.

“Without the hard work and dedication from everyone on the staff, I wouldn’t be here today, and most of all, my

48.6% decrease in total number of high-risk liability occurrences

98% of all shoulder dystocia emergencies delivered baby within three-minute threshold

57% reduction in rate of actual and potential liability claims

49% increase in reporting of Serious Safety Events beautiful daughter wouldn’t, either,” Erica said. “For that, we say thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

The broad adoption of HANDS promises to provide benefits to many more moms and newborns like Erica and Bentleigh.

For more information, visit caregivercommunity.org and search for “HANDS.”

“ My hope for the HANDS program is that it becomes more than just an initiative. ... It becomes our standard practice. It becomes just a part of what we do every day without thinking about it.”­ — Jennifer Darden, Clinical Director , Care Excellence

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N e w s F r o m t h e Mini s t r i e s

Notes from Across Our One Integrated Ministry Birmingham, Alabama

Highest Heart Accreditations St. Vincent’s Health System is the first and only health system in the nation to hold the highest Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care’s heart accreditations in all three areas: atrial fibrillation, heart failure and chest pain.

St. Vincent’s Health System Opens Urgent Care St. Vincent’s Health System opened its first urgent care location on the St. Vincent’s One Nineteen campus in March.

Bridgeport, Connecticut

Prayer Shawls Bring Comfort, Warmth, Love and Peace St. Vincent’s Comfort Shawl Ministry, sponsored by St. Vincent’s Medical Center Mission Services, brings healing, solace and strength to patients, family members, associates and those in need during times of stress due to illness, loss or bereavement. The shawls also serve as a way to celebrate one of life’s rites of passage.

St. Vincent’s Recognizes Beloved Physician St. Vincent’s Medical Center honored Francis R. Scifo, MD, FAAFP, by naming the new Community Education Room at the state-of-the-art Stratford Health & Wellness Center after him.

St. Vincent’s will offer lectures and presentations in the Community Education Center, which includes kitchen facilities for healthy nutrition and cooking demonstrations.

washington, D.C.

Providence Named Baby-Friendly Providence Hospital is the first community-based hospital in Washington, D.C., to be designated BabyFriendly®, one of only 10 in Ascension, and one of fewer than 350 hospitals/ birthing centers in the United States to be honored with this prestigious international distinction from the World Health Organization and UNICEF. Surgeon Receives Prestigious Orthopedic Honor Providence Hospital’s E. Anthony Rankin, MD, Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery, received the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ (AAOS) 2016 Diversity Award. The award recognizes AAOS members who have distinguished themselves through their outstanding commitment to making orthopedics more representative of, and accessible to, diverse patient populations.

Jacksonville, Florida

100 Years in Jacksonville St. Vincent’s HealthCare is celebrating its 100-year anniversary this year.

Founded by the Daughters of Charity in 1916, St. Vincent’s has grown from a small converted sanatorium to a large health system. While St. Vincent’s has grown, its robust family of associates and physicians still goes above and beyond to embody the image of compassionate care the Daughters brought to Jacksonville 100 years ago.

Gulf Coast

Providence Earns Top Honors Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama selected Providence Hospital in Mobile, Alabama, as a Blue Distinction Center+ for knee

and hip replacement as well as spine surgery. Providence is also one of the first hospitals to receive the Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care designation, a new designation under the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. For the fifth season in a row, the hospital was awarded the “A” Grade for Hospital Safety from The Leapfrog Group for patient safety.

Therapist Serves on Veterans Panel Melodee Jackson, PT, DPT, was honored to serve as a 2015 Brand Ambassador for Women Veterans Interactive (WVI). A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Melodee is employed with Rehabilitation Services at Sacred Heart Hospital Pensacola, Florida. WVI is an organization dedicated to supporting female veterans through advocacy, empowerment, interaction, outreach and unification. Florida is among the top five states with the most women veterans in the U.S. Volunteer Named Community Leader of the Year Sue Martin, who founded the annual Cordova Mall Ball that benefits The Children’s Hospital in Pensacola, Florida was recognized as Community Leader of the Year by the Pensacola Area Chamber. The first event was held in 1995, and Sue continues to serve on the committee every year.

During the past 21 years, the event has raised more than $4 million for sick and injured children from Northwest Florida and South Alabama.

Lewiston, Idaho

Hospital Recognized as One of Best for Cancer Care St. Joseph Regional Medical Center received the 2016 Women’s Choice Award® as one of America’s Best

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Melodee Jackson, PT, DPT, an associate of Rehabilitation Services at Sacred Heart Hospital Pensacola, was named a 2015 Brand Ambassador for Women Veterans Interactive.

Hospitals for Cancer Care. This evidence-based designation is the only cancer care award that identifies the best healthcare institutions based on criteria that consider patient satisfaction, clinical excellence and what women say they want from a hospital.

Chicago

AMITA Health First Anniversary Celebrating the first anniversary of Alexian Brothers Health System (ABHS) and Adventist Midwest Health (AMH) partnering, AMITA Health recently introduced system-wide mission, vision and values statements that reflect and preserve the faith-based traditions of its two legacy health systems. The introduction of the statements was a key step in AMITA Health’s ongoing efforts to integrate the operations of AMH and ABHS and to build a common culture across the organization, according to John Rapp and Bob Smoot, AMITA Health’s Vice Presidents of Mission Integration.

Indiana

Foundation Raises Funds for Mobile Dental Clinic St. Mary’s Health in Evansville unveiled its new Mobile Dental Clinic, which is equipped with three dental chairs and panoramic X-ray equipment. St. Mary’s Health Foundation raised funds for the new clinic in less than a year with great local support. The mobile clinic will travel to six area counties, serving thousands of children to fulfill the mission of bringing dental care to those who need it most.

Hospital Donates Funds for Life-saving Equipment St. Vincent Fishers in Fishers, Indiana, donated $15,884 to the Fishers Fire

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Mobile dental clinic in Evansville, Indiana.

Department for the purchase of 11 automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, in Fishers-area parks and recreational facilities. Through the donation, Fishers residents will have access to live-saving devices that restore heart rhythm during a sudden cardiac arrest.

St. Vincent Indianapolis Named Level I Trauma Center The American College of Surgeons named St. Vincent Indianapolis as a Level I Trauma Center. The designation confirms the hospital is equipped for and capable of providing the highest level of care for patients with the most serious injuries. kansas

Via Christi Recognized for Medical Home Care Model Via Christi Clinic, the multispecialty physician practice of Via Christi Health, is implementing physician-led, teambased care throughout its 20 locations as a result of a three-year pilot test

G o o d D a y ascensi o n / a s c e n s i o n . o r g

of the patient-centered medical home care model. The three clinic locations involved in the pilot achieved Level 3 recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance, a major accomplishment for the 100 clinicians and staff members involved in the project.

Baltimore

Saint Agnes Healthcare and University Announce Affiliation Saint Agnes Healthcare began a new affiliation with University of Maryland Medical System. The agreement will allow for the sharing of resources and create a regional, clinically integrated system of care to improve the health of the communities the two entities serve.

Michigan

Doctors Thank Team Borgess Health for Special Recognition Best Doctors Inc., an international health services organization, has compiled a database of more than 40,000

News From the Ministries

physicians who are cited as among the best. This year, four physicians from Borgess Health in Kalamazoo are listed among 175 West Michigan physicians in a Best Doctors database, representing 48 specialties and subspecialties. “This award goes to Team Borgess — all members of Critical Care Service, nurses, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, dietary staff, care management staff, chaplains, transport staff, environmental services staff — everyone who helps care for our sickest patients,” said Jeffrey L. Wilt, MD, Director, Medical Critical Care Services.

Crittenton Leads State in Quality, Safety in Cardiac Intervention Crittenton Hospital Medical Center in Rochester has been recognized as one of the safest, lowest-risk hospitals in the state for cardiac catheterization, according to the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Collaborative and the American College of Cardiology. Crittenton leads its peers in risk-adjusted ranking for low incidence of transfusion, low risk of major complication and low risk of vascular complication. According to Samer Kazziha, MD, Executive Director of Cardiovascular Services at Crittenton, the hospital’s top position on key quality indicators for cardiac cath can be largely attributed to transradial cardiac intervention, a method of catheterization via the wrist. Crittenton physicians perform more transradial procedures than any other hospital in Southeast Michigan.

Genesys Maternity, Trauma and Home Care Recognized Blue Cross Blue Shield awarded the Blue Distinction Center designation to the maternity care division of Genesys Women and Children’s Center, part of Genesys Health System, Grand Blanc.

This national designation program recognizes healthcare facilities for demonstrating expertise in delivering quality specialty care safely, effectively and cost-efficiently. Genesys Trauma Services achieved a five-star rating from the Michigan Trauma Quality Improvement Program for care quality, identifying best practices and improving patient outcomes. Five stars is the highest rating possible. Reverence Home Health & Hospice was named one of the Top 100 home health agencies in the United States for 2015.

Transitional Unit Opens Genesys Transitional Care Unit opened to provide an intermediate level of care for patients and bridge the gap between the intensive care unit and the medical/surgical and telemetry units. The unit will help improve patient flow, decrease ICU length of stay, and support the Genesys commitment to improved patient safety and care.

St. John Performs First Pediatric HIPEC Surgery St. John Hospital & Medical Center, Detroit, was the first hospital within St. John Providence and Ascension Michigan, and among the first in the United States, to perform pediatric Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) surgery on a 13-year-old boy with rare cancer. The treatment involves surgically removing cancerous tumors from the abdominal cavity, then bathing the cavity with heated chemotherapy. Richard N. Berri, MD, FACS, is a national leader in the HIPEC procedure. The surgery took 12 hours, and 750 tumors were removed.

Longtime Volunteer Honored

by Community Judy Kinkle, 94 years young, has spent over half a century volunteering in a

variety of ways for St. Mary’s of Michigan in Saginaw. She was honored with The Saginaw News Saginawian of the Year award for 2015. Her story was featured in The Saginaw News.

Bariatric Center Receives National Accreditation St. Mary’s of Michigan Bariatric Center received accreditation as a Comprehensive Center under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program.

National accreditation ensures bariatric surgical patients receive a multidisciplinary program, not just a surgical procedure, which improves outcomes and long-term success.

Amsterdam, New York

Birthplace at St. Mary’s Receives Top Awards St. Mary’s Healthcare achieved the designation of Blue Distinction® Center for Maternity Care. Blue Distinction Specialty Care is a national designation program of Blue Cross Blue Shield recognizing healthcare facilities that demonstrate expertise in delivering quality care safely, effectively and cost-efficiently. The Birthplace at St. Mary’s also received the Healthgrades Labor and Delivery Excellence Award.

Binghamton, New York

Outreach Program Recognized The Healthcare Association of New York State highlighted Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in its NYS Triple Aim campaign, focusing on improving population health, enhancing quality of patient care and reducing healthcare costs. Lourdes developed an innovative program called COACH (Coordinated Outreach Achieving Community Health) to help heart failure patients

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News From the Ministries

by coordinating care from inpatient through discharge to primary care.

Maternity Care Distinction Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital has been designated by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield as one of the first hospitals to receive the Blue Distinction Center+ for Maternity Care designation, a new designation under the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Innovative Alliance Provides Complete Cancer Care St. John Health System and Tulsa Cancer Institute began a new era March 1 as Oklahoma Cancer Specialists and Research Institute (OCSRI). OCSRI provides outpatient oncology services at former Tulsa Cancer Institute facilities in Tulsa, Bartlesville, McAlester and Stillwater, while patients can continue to receive CyberKnife Radiosurgery, surgery and other services at St. John Medical Center.

Hospitals Recognized for Quality • St. John Broken Arrow (SJBA) was recognized by Healthgrades as one of America’s 100 Best™ hospitals for joint replacement for the second consecutive year. For the third consecutive year, SJBA received Healthgrades’ Joint Replacement Excellence Award™, was named among the top 5 percent in the nation for joint replacement, and received five-star ratings for total knee and total hip replacements.

• St. John Medical Center’s Heyman Stroke Center again received recognition from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award and Target

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Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus at February’s International Stroke Conference in Los Angeles. The Stroke Center has received the Gold Plus award the past six years and the Target Stroke award the past four, the highest awards available.

Tennessee

Saint Thomas Health Hospitals Given Blue Distinction Several Saint Thomas Health hospitals were recognized as Blue Distinction Centers by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee for their expertise and efficiency in delivering specialty care: • Saint Thomas Midtown, River Park and Rutherford hospitals received the Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care recognition, making them some of the first to receive this honor in the state.

• Saint Thomas Midtown and West received the Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care recognition.

• Saint Thomas Midtown, Rutherford and West hospitals received the Blue Distinction Centers for Knee and Hip Replacement recognition.

First ‘Baby-Friendly’ Hospital in Middle Tennessee Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital received international recognition as a Baby-Friendly Designated birth facility.

Based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, this prestigious award recognizes birth facilities that offer breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies.

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Texas

Recognized for 55 Years of Service Prior to her spring retirement, Jan Howard, EEG Tech at Providence Health Center, Waco, was recognized for 55 years of service — the longest tenure in Providence history. Throughout her career, she provided quality, person-centered care to more than 27,000 patients.

Expanding Access to Care Providence Healthcare Network, Waco, broke ground in March on the Lacy Lakeview Medical Plaza, a 32,000-square-foot care site that will offer the convenience of physician and outpatient services under one roof. The addition of this new site in an underserved area of the community allows Providence to meet the healthcare needs of residents by providing quality, person-centered care closer to home.

Medical School Update Seton Healthcare Family, Austin, is one year from opening Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas (UT) in spring 2017. The new safety net and teaching hospital will be adjacent to Dell Medical School at UT in downtown Austin, opening in June 2016. Staff and physicians are preparing for the move from University Medical Center Brackenridge, the first public hospital in Texas, by redesigning processes to increase focus on each patient and improve the way healthcare is delivered.

Telepharmacy Provides 24/7 Pharmacy Coverage Seton Healthcare Family is buzzing about remote telepharmacy. Seton now offers 24/7 pharmacist coverage through a Skype-like platform.

Rural healthcare providers can verify medication orders, check for drug interactions and make real-time clinical

consultations. “Telehealth allows Seton doctors to share resources across hospitals, so you get the same level of care no matter where you go,” said Kristi Henderson, Seton Vice President of Virtual Care and Innovation, who was a presenter at the 2016 SXSW festival in Austin.

Pasco, Washington

Lourdes Health Network Services Named to Top 100 Healthgrades has named Lourdes Health Network among the top 100 hospitals in the nation for Orthopedic Surgery and Joint Replacement in 2016. Lourdes also received a five-star rating for Spinal Fusion, Hip Fracture Treatment, Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement. In addition, last spring Healthgrades announced Lourdes was

among the top 5 percent of hospitals in the nation for Patient Safety.

Wisconsin

Columbia St. Mary’s Selected for American College of Cardiology’s SMARTCare Program Columbia St. Mary’s was selected as one of 10 healthcare systems in the country to participate in the American College of Cardiology’s SMARTCare pilot program. SMARTCare supports physicians and ischemic heart disease patients in making decisions together about care by providing access to a unique set of tools to help them communicate and collaborate.

Stroke and Cancer Center Awards The Primary Stroke Programs at both Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital Milwaukee and CSM Hospital Ozaukee received the

Providence Healthcare Network, Waco, Texas, is expanding access to care.

Oklahoma Cancer Specialists and Research Institute provides outpatient oncology services in Tulsa.

Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award from the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association. This award recognizes commitment to and success in providing the highest quality of care to stroke patients.

Columbia St. Mary’s Bill and Polly Van Dyke Cancer Center Milwaukee was awarded the 2015 Outstanding Achievement Award by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. The center is one of only 21 accredited cancer programs in the United States to receive this award, which acknowledges cancer programs that achieve excellence in providing care to cancer patients.

Ministry Improving Cancer Care Across Wisconsin Under the leadership of Douglas Reding, MD, Vice President of Oncology Services, Ministry Health Care is launching an extensive effort to maintain and enhance cancer care services in key markets and communities across the state. This includes establishing medical oncology programs at the James Beck Cancer Center in Rhinelander and Ministry Good Samaritan Health Center in Merrill, opening a new state-of-the-art Cancer Center at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton, and partnering with a new medical oncology clinician group, Green Bay Oncology.

Dr. Reding’s vision is to ensure a comprehensive program of services is in place across Wisconsin to deliver high-quality, compassionate, personalized care close to home.

Ministry, Medical College of Wisconsin Work Together Ministry Health Care and the Medical College of Wisconsin have partnered to recruit specialty care clinicians to Ministry facilities in Central Wisconsin.

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Nearly 450 guests, including 18 Felician Sisters, celebrated the 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare — St. Francis in February.

The event raised more than $250,000 to benefit the hospital.

The Medical College of Wisconsin began the recruiting process in early February.

Within a few short weeks, the college signed contracts with four specialists who will live and practice fulltime in the metro Wausau area to provide care at Ministry hospitals and clinics.

Orthopedic Hospital Receives Excellence Awards Orthopedic care at Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital (MOSH), part of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, is among the top 10 percent in the nation, according to this year’s evaluation from Healthgrades. MOSH received the Healthgrades Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award™ and Joint Replacement Excellence Award™ for two consecutive years. The hospital was also recognized by Healthgrades as a five-star recipient for total knee and hip replacement.

Members of Community 3 of the Ascension Leadership Academy.

Agencies Added in 10 Communities Through a phased approach to building Ascension At Home — a joint venture between Ascension Health and Evolution Health announced in September 2014 to provide non-acute care services, including home and hospice care and infusion therapy — agencies in 10 communities were added to the partnership in 2015. Additional Ascension agencies will join over the next three years.

Chief Executive Officer of Ascension Care Management. Within US Health Holdings, Ltd., a subsidiary of Ascension Care Management, Lori Herzog, who had served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, became interim President, and Louis Lapiana, Vice President, became interim Chief Operating Officer. Jason Dinger, Chief Executive Officer of MissionPoint Health Partners, took on the additional role of Chief Operating Officer of Ascension Care Management, and Janet Farrer, part of the Ascension Legal team, now serves as the subsidiary’s General Counsel.

Ascension Care Management

Ascension Clinical Holdings

Changes in Leadership Ascension Care Management made several leadership changes to position it for the rapidly evolving healthcare environment of the future. Paul Posey, President of Ascension Risk Services, took on additional responsibilities as

20 Ministries Switch to New Practice Management Platform Associates with Ascension Clinical Holdings have made significant progress to transition employed ambulatory providers to the group’s practice management platform and processes.

Ascension At Home

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To date, approximately 6,800 providers and 20 health ministries have made the transition. The common platform has enabled a consistent set of performance metrics and the System-wide sharing of best practices.

Ascension Global Mission

Leader Attends U.N. Meeting Susan Huber, Senior Vice President, Global Mission, Governance & Sponsor Relations, attended a March 22 meeting at the United Nations sponsored by the Papal Nuncio to the U.N. that focused on women’s empowerment and the elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls. The Holy See hosted several side events to give witness to the dignity of women and girls in light of Catholic social teaching. A follow-up meeting was held to explore opportunities to support the work of the religious congregations in underdeveloped and developing countries.

News From the Ministries

Ascension Holdings

Virtual Care Pilot A successful virtual care program pilot focused on stroke care (piloted by Ascension ministries St. John Providence, Detroit, and St. Thomas Health, Nashville, Tennessee) has led to expanded work on other use cases, including Telebehavioral, Teleclinic, Hospitalist and others.

Launchpad Takes Off The Innovations Accelerator Team introduced Launchpad, a quarterly competition that rewards Ascension associates who share innovative ideas that present unique and significant opportunities to improve Ascension products, services or processes with funding and coaching. Learn more at ascension.org/launchpad.

Ascension Information Services

Post-ICD-10 Topic of Webinar Ascension Information Services’ Mary Paul, VP Integration and Clinical Knowledge Management; Susan Wilson, BSN, MBA, Director, Clinical Information Systems; and Meg McElroy, ICD-10 Program Manager, led a March 30 Scottsdale Institute webinar titled “Post-ICD-10 at Ascension Health” focused on the shared benefits of strong alignment among clinical, revenue cycle and information technology stakeholders before and after the ICD-10 changeover.

Ascension Investment Management

Investment Conference Planned Former St. Louisan George H. Walker, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Neuberger Berman, and Richard Perry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Perry Capital, will be

the keynote speakers at the fourth annual Investor Conference hosted by Ascension Investment Management July 20–21, 2016. The purpose of the conference is to provide clients and certain qualified prospects an update on Ascension Investment Management’s investment strategies and the current market environment.

Ascension Leader Institute

Community 3 Holds First Meeting On March 28, 18 new members of the Ascension Leadership Academy Community began their formative development journey together. The Leadership Academy was established in 2012 as a venue for promising senior leaders to collectively develop strategic capabilities required to lead Ascension into the future. An integrated approach is designed to enable members to lead transformational change within Ascension as a community of virtuous servant leaders. In addition to seven one-week Residential Sessions, the 2½-year program includes in-field assignments, pilot innovation projects and unique immersion experiences.

The members of Community 3 are Jim Beckmann, Ascension Holdings; Gerry Lewis, Ascension Information Services; Juan Sanchez, Baltimore Ministry Market; Andy Davis, Birmingham Ministry Market; Amy Wilson and Doug Ross, Gulf Coast Ministry Market; Jonathan Nalli, Indiana Ministry Market; Chris McCoy, Legal; Joe Hurshe, Michigan Ministry Market; John Paul Slosar, Mission Integration; Jordan Asher, MissionPoint Health Partners; Fahad Tahir and Karen Springer, Tennessee Ministry Market; Debra Brown, Brett Esrock and Kate Henderson, Texas Ministry Market; Jeff Nowlin, Tulsa

Ministry Market; and Travis Andersen, Wisconsin Ministry Market.

Ascension Medical Group

National Town Halls Ascension Medical Group is facilitating a series of national town halls to begin engaging with local providers and clinicians about the vision for the national provider network. The town halls will continue in local Ministry Markets through the end of the calendar year.

Ascension Ministry service center

Leader Contributes to Book A.J. Hanna, Executive Director of Professional Services, has contributed a chapter to the book Service Automation: Robots and the Future of Work,

by Leslie Willcocks and Mary Lacity.

Team Project a Success A multidisciplinary team of Ascension professionals led by the Ascension Ministry Service Center collaborated on a continuous improvement project related to an excess of unpaid invoices across the national ministry. The project has resulted in a 40 percent reduction in unpaid invoices and a 55 percent reduction in the dollar amount, reducing risk and improving vendor relations.

Ascension Risk Services

Wheaton Risk Managers Attend Orientation The Ascension Risk Services team welcomed more than 20 risk management professionals from Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare’s Southeast Wisconsin region, the newest member of Ascension Wisconsin, with an in-depth orientation to Ascension’s risk management programs. The meeting was held at Ascension Wisconsin’s

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Ministry Health Care location in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

Ascension Senior Living

Pet Therapy Brings Joy Arts and crafts, music and movies, field trips and fitness programs are popular with residents at Ascension Senior Living communities nationwide.

But several communities are stepping outside the box to provide pet therapy programs, enabling residents to interact regularly with animals. Those programs recently received widespread media interest in Kansas, Michigan, Texas and Washington, D.C. Ascension SmartHealth Solutions

New Subsidiary Announced Early in 2016, Ascension announced the creation of Ascension SmartHealth Solutions, a new Direct Subsidiary to deliver innovative, personalized health

and wellness products. Ascension SmartHealth Solutions will partner with Ascension’s enterprise operating and service capabilities, and those of local Ministry Markets plus external partners, to deliver exceptional benefit services to Ascension’s 160,000 associates and their dependents, plus employees of small- and midsized self-insured employers in communities served by Ascension. It is led by Herb Vallier, who retains his role as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Ascension.

Ascension Ventures

The Resource Group

Speak Up: They’re Listening The Resource Group launched a new communications tool: ListenFirst.

ListenFirst is a forum for physicians, clinicians, leaders and associates across Ascension to quickly get answers to questions, share concerns, and provide feedback to The Resource Group about products, purchased and professional services, and capital.

ListenFirst is available via phone (844-7LFIRST, or 844-753-4778), email (ListenFirst@TheResourceGroup. org) and at listenfirst.com.

Matt Hermann Presents at Invest for Health Event Matt Hermann, Senior Managing Director, spoke to approximately 250 people at the Invest for Health event during the 2016 SXSW Interactive Festival in Austin, Texas. The conversation focused on healthcare pain points and potential solutions.

Stay Connected with Ascension @ Home, @ Work, @ your fingertips

Twitter: @Ascensionorg Keep up with Ascension tweets. Follow Ascension.

Learn more about Ascension at ascension.org.

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: https://www.youtube.com/c/AscensionOrg Watch videos about Ascension on an array of topics.

Pinterest: pinterest.com/ascensionorg Choose from various boards, such as Care Excellence, Facility News and Reflections.

G+: google.com/+AscensionOrg Read posts about Ascension and its health ministries.

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LAS T w o r d

As Seen on the Daily Good Day Ascension To read more about these stories and other news from across our One Integrated Ministry, visit goodday.ascension.org from within the Ascension network.

Instructions on how to download the Good Day mobile app are also available.

✙ Dell Children’s Caregivers Play Special Role in Junior Chef’s Life Mia Evans, a 12-year-old girl from Leander, Texas, was born with a genetic condition called PKU that prevents her body from digesting protein. But that didn’t stop her from competing on season four of “MasterChef Junior” on the Fox TV network.

For the past few years, physicians, nurses, genetic specialists and nutrition experts at Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas, part of the Ascension Texas Ministry Market, have worked with Mia to ensure she gets the nutrition her body needs.

Read more at goodday.ascension.org/archive.

✙ Nurse Saves Two Lives in Unusual Circumstances Shawn Shuler, RN, describes Dec. 21, 2015, as a “good day.”

It was a day when the operating room nurse helped save two lives in out-of-the-ordinary circumstances within Borgess Medical Center, part of Ascension Michigan in Kalamazoo.

At 7:30 a.m., a fellow nurse collapsed on the fifth-floor hallway of the Borgess Medical Center surgical unit.

At 3:15 p.m., while in the Borgess cafeteria, a visitor asked Shawn to look at a woman who had suddenly slumped in her chair.

Both times, Shawn immediately called a code, checked for a pulse and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

“Shawn is a provider of compassionate care for everyone — jumping to the aid of a colleague, rushing to support a stranger, and offering day-to-day care in the operating room,” said Holly Mitchell, RN, Surgery Clinical Manager. “He is a team member who makes us all proud.”

Read more at goodday.ascension.org/archive.

✙ Two Ministries Work Together to Adapt Program on Visiting the Sick In an example of the growing connectedness among health ministries on the journey to One Ascension, two ministries separated by 250 miles came together to strengthen their spiritual care programs through pastoral visitor training.

Anne Buening, Vice President of Mission Integration for Saint Agnes Healthcare in Baltimore, read about a program in the Mission Integration newsletter and placed a call to St. Vincent’s Health System in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Read more at goodday.ascension.org/archive.

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Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

Salt Lake City, UT Permit No. 6563

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

Meet Marvin Ruckle, BSN, RN Via Christi Health, Wichita, Kansas Years of service: 26 Current job: Night-shift NICU nurse, relief house supervisor and Boot Camp for New Dads facilitator, Via Christi Hospital St. Joseph Previous jobs: I worked a variety of jobs, including as a radio disc jockey, before finding my calling; began my healthcare career at Via Christi as a sterile processing tech; then served as a crisis case manager, medical/surgical and resource pool nurse.

Best part of my job: Caring for infants as tiny as 16 ounces and as early as 24 weeks’ gestation, experiencing parents taking them home, and receiving pictures as they grow to their full potential.

Most inspirational colleague: Debbie Gunzelman, RN, St. Joseph OR. I don’t know if she even knows that she’s the one who inspired me to become a nurse. But if every nurse were like her, more patients would carry with them pleasant memories of their hospital care.

Why the NICU? I wanted to learn something new. Fifteen years later, I feel like God meant for me to be here. I feel so blessed to get to care for vulnerable babies and to help them grow. It’s been the most gratifying part of my nursing career.

Why an Ascension ministry? I want to follow in the footsteps of the founding Sisters and care for the most vulnerable.