Our voıce
November 2017
A publication about the team that cares for our patients.
JACKIE HOWARD The Power of Compassion and Courage
the house that
determination built
Life Dedic ated to Ser vice
RICH AND BARBARA KRAMER are a committed team who have made significant and lasting contributions to improving healthcare in the Chattanooga area, specifically with their years of work at CHI Memorial. Even though they aren’t full-time employees, they’ve proven themselves to be enthusiastic and dedicated to furthering our mission through their long relationship with the Foundation and the Auxiliary’s volunteer programs.
The Kramers are more than just volunteers, or donors, or even impassioned participants in the work of our healthcare system. They’re people who’ve seen a need and responded in every possible way—by giving their time, their resources and their expertise to improve the quality of care we provide.
“Our involvement with CHI Memorial began as donors to the new MaryEllen Locher Breast Center. Our business didn’t allow for volunteering at that time, but when it sold we had an abundance of time on our hands. We also realized that we had much to be thankful for,” remembers Rich. “We became volunteers to give back in some way, and the prospect of helping people and being part of something special was very appealing to us.”
In 2000, the Kramers made their first major contribution that funded a room in the newly created inpatient oncology unit. They quickly began hearing that the gift made a real impact in people’s lives and they wanted to do more. In the same fundraising campaign, they made a second $100,000 gift allocated for the MaryEllen Locher Breast Center. Additional smaller gifts were made to support the Pink! Gala, the creation of the simulation learning center and to a campaign to fund a dedicated breast MRI at CHI Memorial.
In the years since, Rich and Barbara deepened their commitment through significant gifts to fund the Buz Standefer Lung Center, to name the Kramer Family Cardiac Imaging Center in the Guerry Heart and Vascular Center and to bring a second 3D mammography unit to CHI Memorial’s Chattanooga campus. To date, their gifts and pledges total nearly 1.3 million dollars.
where do you find purpose? Giving Generously of Their Time
Not only have the Kramers given financially, they’ve invested thousands of hours into CHI Memorial’s Auxiliary, essentially going from working full-time to volunteering full-time. Rich and Barbara have both served in leadership roles on the Auxiliary and Foundation board of directors, while co-chairing fundraisers and serving two mornings a week as greeters in the Guerry Heart and Vascular Center and at the surgery waiting desk. There they help create the best possible patient experience by escorting families to other areas of the hospital and pitching in however they can with compassion, passion and a genuine spirit to help all in need. For Rich and Barbara, volunteering has become a way of life. “Volunteering has given me an insight into a world that I was not familiar with,” says Barbara. “It’s shown me that a kind word or a willingness to listen and just ‘be there’ for someone can do a lot to calm them in a stressful situation.” “I'm not sure I can put into words what being a member of the CHI Memorial Auxiliary has done for me. As volunteers, we have the opportunity to impact others each time we encounter a patient, family member or visitor. Aside from the numerous friends we’ve made and the ‘too many to count’ stories I could share, being a volunteer has made me a better person,” says Rich. “I’ve learned things that could never be taught in a classroom, including compassion, care for my fellow man and what it means to meet someone more than halfway in order to make their day a little easier.” A Lifetime Commitment
We all know volunteering takes commitment. According to the Kramers, one person can make a difference—so why not be that person? “Barbara and I truly believe in CHI Memorial—it’s where we’ve committed our time, talent and treasure for a reason. We believe that reverence, integrity, compassion and excellence are more than just four eye-catching words,” says Rich. “It’s a way of life within the confines of the buildings that carry the CHI Memorial name and a message that resonates into the communities it serves. We are proud to be a small part of that.”
rich carries this poem in his wallet. it offers him perspective during difficult situations. “To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a little better—whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition, to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is the meaning of success.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson
barbara & Rich KRAMER 10 years // CHI Memorial Auxiliary
FUN FACT In their time with CHI Memorial Auxiliary, Rich has donated more than 3,867 hours of service, and Barbara has donated 3,655 hours of service.
How do you make a difference?
The House That Determination Built Lisa GARRETT TUMLIN Telecommunications Specialist 30 years // PBX FUN FACT To relax, Lisa turns to classic television shows she watched as a kid, such as Alice and Columbo.
PROVIDING A SAFE, secure home for people who are HIV+ has been on Lisa Tumlin’s heart for a very long time. She worked with infectious disease specialists and for a primary care physician who operated an HIV clinic, where she saw firsthand the challenges that people with HIV faced—especially when they didn’t have a permanent home. “So many people I encountered were couch-surfing, staying with people for short stints. I could see it was having a negative impact on their overall health,” says Lisa, a telecommunications specialist at CHI Memorial who also works for the regional HIV/AIDS agency called Chattanooga CARES. “It’s hard to be compliant with medications if you don’t know where you’re going to sleep.”
What is HIV? HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is an infection that attacks the immune system, our body’s natural defense against illness. It’s spread primarily through unprotected sex, contaminated blood transfusions, hypodermic needles and from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding. Without treatment, it leads to the deadly condition called AIDS—a set of symptoms that develops when a person’s immune system is too weak to fight off infection. No cure exists, but proper medical care can control symptoms.
1.1 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV, and 1 in 7 of them don’t know it. What’s more, Hamilton County ranks third in Tennessee for the number of people with the condition.
Offering a Second Chance
Lisa brought her idea about starting a home specifically for people with HIV to several individuals and groups, but no one was ready to take on the massive challenge. After years of planning and going through a LAUNCH business academy, Lisa established The Springs, a nonprofit that offers free housing and counseling and connects people to local resources to help them find stability for themselves and their families. The Springs is completely funded through donations, and Lisa has outfitted and maintained the home through fundraisers with no compensation for herself.
Ideally, residents of The Springs can stay rent-free for six months, but up to 21 months if needed while they get their finances in order to live independently. They must also sign a contract and agree to be drug—and alcohol— free or in rehab, and leave during the day to work or look for a job. Since the doors opened in January 2017, six people have lived at The Springs, and three have moved on to secure housing. It’s a proud moment, but also nerve-wracking for Lisa to see her new friends go back out into the world.
“There are many misconceptions about HIV and AIDS, and I wanted a place where people could feel safe and not judged for their health condition,” says Lisa. “Some people just need a way to regroup and start over, and The Springs provides that safe place where they can get mentally and physically well. I felt compelled to help, so I prayed and then stepped out in faith.”
“I’ve been told that when you’re in transition, you don’t feel like you can pick yourself back up. My purpose is to give people that opportunity, and it’s rewarding to see when people can get back on their feet again—even though my helicopter mothering kicks in,” laughs Lisa. “Not everyone will fall on hard times, but I do believe everyone deserves a second chance.”
A FRESH START AT THE SPRINGS The Springs is a nonprofit organization that provides transitional housing to women in Chattanooga who are living with HIV and who often face housing discrimination. Accommodating up to three people at a time, the organization provides a fully furnished, stable home and time needed to help residents secure a job, receive counseling and other assistance to create a stable income and environment, and often make efforts to reunite their families. Ready
to Get Involved?
The Springs operates solely on donations and is focused on helping each individual begin their journey toward a more positive and secure future.
Visit thespringschattanooga.org to learn more or make a donation. Financial contributions and pantry and household goods are welcome.
what have you overcome?
A RESILIENT HEART, MIND AND SPIRIT JACKIE HOWARD, radiologic technologist at CHI Memorial, has overcome huge obstacles in her 30 years—and she’s done it with a positive outlook, infectious smile and will to succeed. As Jackie remembers, her life as a young child was normal and pretty happy. But things began to change at age 11, and the increasing mental and physical abuse happening in the home led to her parents’ divorce. After her dad moved away, things continued to get worse between Jackie and her mom. At 13, she moved to Tennessee to live with her father.
jackie
“My dad was a good guy but HOWARD was never really involved in my Radiologic Technologist // 7 years life. I was left to CHI Memorial Imaging Center figure things out for myself. When FUN FACT I was 17, he and Jackie went skydiving last year his second wife with her brother, sister and husband. divorced and he And she plans to do it again! planned to move back to Georgia,” remembers Jackie. “Because of my history and the life I’d made in Tennessee, I didn’t want to go. So I lived in my dad’s home and paid rent, working two jobs and finishing high school.” Devastating News
Around that same time, Jackie’s mom discovered that she had Huntington’s Disease—an inherited condition that causes a progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. Jackie’s grandfather and aunt also have Huntington’s, an illness that has a major impact on a person’s functional abilities, affects movement and critical thinking, and can result in psychiatric disorders.The diagnosis explained much of her mom’s erratic behavior, but also left Jackie with no way to care for her. “As I was coordinating care for my mom, my dad’s house was repossessed, and I had nowhere to live. With essentially zero credit and no one to cosign on an apartment, I didn’t know where to turn,” says Jackie. “I had been dating my husband, Kyle, less than three months, and his parents took me into their home even though they barely knew me.” Living with the people who would later become her in-laws was an experience that drastically changed the course of Jackie’s life. Even though Jackie tried to pay rent, they wouldn’t accept it. Kyle’s mom made her lunch and dinner every day and washed her clothes. It was such a stark contrast to the home life Jackie had always known. She felt cared for and loved.
“I didn’t have guidance in my life—no goals or thoughts about college and career. I didn’t have the push, even though I wanted to go to school and continue my education,” says Jackie. “Kyle’s parent took me in and helped mold me into the person I am today. Their compassion had a huge influence on me, and I don’t know where I’d be without them.” A Career with Purpose
After graduating from high school, Jackie attended Cleveland State Community College. Her husband, Kyle, paid for her first semester of school, and afterwards she was able to secure financial aid and scholarships. After earning her associate’s degree, Jackie was accepted into Chattanooga State Community College’s radiology program on the first try. It was in this program where she found her passion and a way she could give back and help people. In 2010, Jackie graduated summa cum laude, with her husband, in-laws and several other family members cheering her on. She earned six of the eight awards given that day. “I met so many people who helped me during this time— including my mentor and manager Debbie Ralston, who would eventually hire me to work at CHI Memorial. She encouraged me in my education and has helped me professionally reach my goals while also being a great support to me personally.” Making Amends and Looking to the Future
Before Huntington’s Disease took Jackie’s mother’s life, the two were able to reconcile. And because of how Huntington’s is passed down through families, Jackie has a 50/50 chance of developing the condition herself. Although it’s a terrible thought in the back of her mind, it’s also been a driving force in Jackie’s life to accomplish her goals, seek adventure and live every day to the fullest. “Seeing what this condition has done to my family is devastating, but it’s also driven me to not put off for tomorrow what I can do today,” says Jackie. “I’m a 'glass half full' kind of girl, always finding the positive in every situation. Rais I don’t know what the future holds for aware e ne me, but regardless of what happens and ge ss I can smile and say I’ve given it my all.” t
For more information about Huntington’s Disease or how you can get involved to raise awareness, visit Huntingtonsdiseasefoundation.org.
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Chattanooga, TN Permit No. 256
Memorial Hospital 2525 deSales Ave Chattanooga, TN 37404
OUR VOICE EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Lisa McCluskey, MBA Sonia Moss WRITERS Lauren Lawson CONTRIBUTORS Vickie Cox, MBA, PHR John Steele, MSM, PHR, SHRM-CP DESIGN LEADER Victoria R. Carlson DESIGNER Caitlin Rozell PHOTOGRAPHERS Derek Peters
MANAGING EDITOR
Maximize Your Benefits—Prescription Drug Costs CHI Memorial’s Retail Pharmacy offers additional savings and convenience for employees enrolled in the CHI Medical Plan, including: • 50% savings on prescription drugs. • Payroll deduction. • M aintenance medications (90-day) filled at CHI Memorial’s Retail Pharmacy instead of CVS/Caremark mail order can save you up to $160 on your copay for a single 90-day prescription!
• T he ScriptCenter kiosk at CHI Memorial Hospital Hixson which is available 24/7. You can even receive a text or email notification when the prescription has been loaded into the ScriptCenter and is ready for pick-up. • P harmacy staff who want to help you search for coupons, vouchers, and other ways to save money.
The pharmacy is located inside the Outpatient Services Entrance F on the CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga campus and is open Monday—Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (closed for lunch 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.). For more information, call (423) 495-8981.
Prescription Levels
GENERIC
NON-PREFERRED BRAND NON-FORMULARY
PREFERRED BRAND FORMULARY
CHI Memorial Retail Pharmacy or CHI Memorial Hospital Hixson ScriptCenter 30-day Prescription
$5 copay
15% coinsurance ($20 min/$55 max)
25% coinsurance ($32.50 min/$80 max)
90-day Prescription
$12.50 copay
15% coinsurance ($50 min/$87.50 max)
25% coinsurance ($80 min/$162.50 max)
Other Retail Pharmacies 30-day Prescription
$10 copay
30% coinsurance ($40 min/$110 max)
50% coinsurance ($65 min/$160 max)
CVS/Caremark Mail Order 90-day Mail Order Prescription
$25 copay
30% coinsurance ($100 min/$175 max)
50% coinsurance ($160 min/$325 max)
Note: The deductible is the amount you pay for certain services before the plan begins to pay its share. If you have the Integrated HDHP/HAS plan, you will pay the full cost of your prescription drugs until you meet the medical plan deductible.
The amounts listed in this chart are the amounts you will pay for prescriptions if you are enrolled in the CHI Medical Plan.