Gems
O C T O B E R
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Exceptional Lives Here.
Celebrating Our Strength Saluting Warriors, Fighters, Survivors and Supporters
Garnet Health Medical Center Receives Prestigious 2023 Healthgrades Awards for Cardiology Garnet Health has been nationally recognized by Healthgrades as a 2023 recipient of the America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention! This achievement reflects our outstanding clinical outcomes for Coronary Intervention and puts Garnet Health Medical Center in the top 2% of hospitals nationwide for Coronary Interventional Procedures. GHMC also received these Healthgrades awards and distinctions: Recipient of the Coronary Intervention Excellence Award™ for 2023 Named among the top 5% in the nation for Coronary Interventional Procedures for 2023 Named among the top 10% in the nation for Coronary Interventional Procedures for 2023 Five-star recipient for Coronary Interventional Procedures for 2023 Five-star recipient for Treatment of Heart Attack for 6 Years in a Row 2018-2023 Five-star recipient for Defibrillator Procedures for 2023 A sincere thank you and congratulations to all who helped achieve these honors!
Quality Corner Commitment to Health Equity The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released its Framework for Health Equity 2022-2023. Hospitals are challenged to address healthcare disparities and embed health equity across the organization. CMS is also including new measures on health equity in its quality reporting programs to better monitor how disparities impact quality of care and patient outcomes. Beginning in 2023, hospitals will need to demonstrate their commitment and activities related to health equity in the following five domains: Equity is a strategic priority: Strategic plan identifies priority populations, goals and actions, resources, and approach. Data collection: Hospital collects race, ethnicity and social determinants of health data and provides training on the collection of this data. Data analysis: Hospital stratifies performance measures by demographic/social determinants of health to identify gaps in care. Quality improvement: Hospital participates in regional or national quality improvement initiatives focused on reducing health disparities. Leadership engagement: Hospital senior leaders and governing body annually review the strategic plan and performance measures for achieving health equity.
Garnet Health is committed to placing health equity at the center of our work to improve care for our patients who are underserved or disadvantaged. We have a group of dedicated leaders who are meeting to assess our current activities and will develop the plan to ensure that we meet the CMS criteria. If you would like to assist in our health equity activities, please contact mcrittenden@garnethealth.org. 2
October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month Breast cancer remains the most common type of cancer in women in the United States. One in eight women will develop the disease. Encourage the women in your life to get a breast screening — or discuss with their provider if a mammogram is necessary. When breast cancer is detected early and is in the localized stage (has not spread beyond the breast), the five-year survival rate is 99%. Today, there are more options in terms of technology and medicine than ever before. Garnet Health’s 3D mammography technology, located on the Harris and Middletown campuses, can detect breast cancer 40% more accurately and earlier than standard 2D mammography, which is critical to successfully treating breast cancer. In addition, if breast cancer is detected, Garnet Health has a multidisciplinary team that will develop a care plan specifically for the patient’s individual needs and medical history.
Our Breast Cancer Warriors Earlier this year, Garnet Health employees Heather Granucci and Rosie Roantree were diagnosed with breast cancer one week apart. How did they find their cancer? Heather, 48, found it through a self-exam. Rosie’s lump was discovered during her very first mammogram, at 40 years of age. Heather was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma ER/PR+ and is currently halfway through her chemotherapy treatments. Rosie was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma on the left and ductal carcinoma in situ on the right. She recently finished four months of a high-dose chemotherapy regimen and is now in radiation. These women are true warriors. Despite their battle with cancer, Heather and Rosie are quick to acknowledge that they never feel alone. Said Rosie, “My Garnet Health family has been amazing in supporting me on this journey, from checking in to see how I’m doing to showing up for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk wearing purple Team Rosie T-shirts! There’s nowhere else I’d rather work!”
Featured on this month’s cover are our employees who make a difference in the fight against breast cancer every day. Some are even fighting the disease themselves.
Standing left to right: Pamela Murphy, MD (Garnet Health Medical Center Chief Medical Officer), Regina Toomey Bueno (Garnet Health Senior Administrator of Oncology), Jessica Gerlach (Garnet Health Medical Center Clinical Trials; Oncology Community Outreach Manager), Paula Pope (Garnet Health Medical Center’s Ray W. Moody, MD Breast Center Breast Navigator; Breast Cancer Survivor) Seated left to right: Jennette Carbone Marsh (Garnet Health Cancer Support Facilitator; Two-Time Breast Cancer Survivor), Rose Anna “Rosie” Roantree, DO (Garnet Health Medical Center Emergency Room Physician and Associate Residency Director for Emergency Medicine Program and Breast Cancer Warrior), Heather Granucci (Garnet Health Medical Center Epic ASAP Analyst III; Breast Cancer Warrior)
FREE Breast Cancer Screening Garnet Health is offering a free breast cancer screening, including a mammography. Appointments are required. Saturday, November 12 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills Radiology Department 68 Harris Bushville Road Harris, NY 12742 Appointments are limited and must be made by November 7. Call 1-888-489-2038 to schedule— and ask about free transportation.
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Congratulations to Our Newly Certified Nurses! Earning a board certification is a way to advance your nursing practice and to continue to provide an exceptional patient care experience. Rachel Lauver, CMSRN GHMC RN Rachel Lauver received her Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) board certification. This certification demonstrates excellence in medical-surgical nursing. Photo: Rachel Lauver (center) with her colleagues.
Judit Langa, CNOR GHMC RN Judit Langa received her Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) board certification. Earning the CNOR demonstrates specialized knowledge and skills required to provide the highest quality of care in all aspects of patient care before, during and after surgery. Photo: Judit Langa (center), proudly holding her certification, is surrounded by colleagues.
Lauren Burke, CMSRN GHMC RN Lauren Burke received her Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) board certification. This certification demonstrates excellence in medical-surgical nursing and positively impacts patient outcomes. Photo: Lauren Burke, center, with her team. For more information on becoming board certified, contact Ashley Miller at amiller1@garnethealth.org.
September 2022 Employees of the Month The Employee of the Month program is also known as the Being Exceptional Every day (BEE) Award — and Being Exceptional Every day takes dedication, loyalty and commitment. To nominate an employee, physician, volunteer or team/department, visit INSERT URL, no www, scroll down and click on the BEE award icon.
Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills:
Garnet Health Medical Center:
Anita Chapman, First Cook, Food and Nutrition Department
Zack Orteg, Barista, Food and Nutrition Department
In the short time Anita has been here, she has built great relationships and is very thoughtful. The kitchen was recently short staffed, and Anita quickly gave up her day off and jumped in to help ensure all tasks were covered. The next day, she volunteered her off time to guarantee coverage, too. She goes above and beyond and displays great leadership skills and teamwork. She is extremely pleasant to work with and is a great asset to our food and nutrition team! Congratulations Anita! Thank you for all you do for our patients and staff!
Zach is our superstar barista! Anyone who frequents the Orange Eatery (Starbucks) coffee shop knows Zach by name, and he knows everyone’s name, too. The daughter of a patient recently wrote that no matter how many months pass from her mother’s last visit, Zack always remembers who she is and takes time to ask her how she’s doing. As they chat, he makes her favorite coffee just the way she likes it, without her having to remember what’s in the coffee. These little things really make her feel so special. Zach, you really do make a difference! Thank you for your kindness and your smile! Congratulations!
Garnet Health Medical Center’s Third Quarter Team Award:
Bianca Rodriguez and Maria Laveglia, Food and Nutrition Department Bianca and Maria called our floor because a patient was trying to get help reaching their son through the food service line. Maria, who speaks Spanish, was able to assure our patient that we were doing our best to reach him. Bianca spoke with the clerk and the RN, and we were able to facilitate contact with the son and make the patient’s discharge a much smoother process. We cannot thank these two enough for going above and beyond to get the patient the assistance they needed! Team work helps to make the patient experience a great one! Congratulations! 4
NOVEMBER
Wellness Word of the Month
GRATITUDE
/ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od/ noun:
The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. “Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” — Bryant McGill November is a month of giving thanks. It is a great time to feel gratitude for the blessings in your life. Showing gratitude helps us build relationships and stay connected to others. It also improves physical and emotional health, helps show empathy to others and reduces anger. Gratitude makes us mentally strong and promotes positivity toward life. Let’s make gratitude a daily practice! Here are some tips: •
Start your day by listing three things that you are grateful for in your life.
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Keep a journal and list two things that you are grateful for before you go to sleep.
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Notice all the good things around you; pay good attention to them and truly appreciate them.
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Practice saying “thank you” to your family, loved ones, friends and colleagues at work.
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Reach out to your family and friends, and offer to help work colleagues with projects.
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Practice saying “thank you” to your patients and others who are suffering and seek your help and treatment.
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After work, plan to take an hour break from screen time. This includes your phone, TV and computer.
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Cook for your family or friends.
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Bring a coffee to your colleague to brighten their day. Spend more quality time with your loved ones and pets.
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Reach out to those who are sad or in need of a friend. Offering your time to listen and to provide moral support is a wonderful gesture of gratitude.
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Practice meditation and be grateful for all the wonderful things that you have in your life.
An excellent book recommendation is “Gratitude” by Dr. Oliver Sacks. It’s amazing!
Anjana Poonthota, MD, MPH, FAAP, is Medical Director, Garnet Health Women’s and Children’s Services Program and Pediatrics and Director of Wellness, Garnet Health. She is enthusiastic about sharing tips about health and wellness.
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GARNET HEALTH SHOWS ITS SUPPORT AT THE MAKING STRIDES BREAST CANCER WALK The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk was held on October 16 at the Woodbury Commons, and Garnet Health made its pink presence known! Dressed in pink and purple (Team Rosie’s favorite color), our 16 teams — comprised of 125 walkers and three Real Men Wear Pink ambassadors plus T-shirt sales — raised over $55,000! THANK YOU to everyone who supported this worthy cause!
Here are some amazing “pink magic” stats: Top Fundraising Teams:
Top Fundraising Walkers:
Top Fundraising Companies:
Team Rosie #1 Team GH #3
Rosie Roantree #2 Sue Cannock #9
Garnet Health #1
Top Real Men Wear Pink Ambassadors:
Dr. Nathaniel Margolis #5 Dr. Paramjeet Singh #7 Conner Gerlach (Honorable Mention) 6
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HEADS UP—
Open Enrollment Is Approaching! Open Enrollment will take place from Monday, November 14 through Friday, November 25. This is the time to make any changes to your medical and or dental coverage. Any changes will be effective January 1, 2023. You can also apply for Aflac, voluntary life insurance (if eligible) and voluntary shortterm disability at this time. If you have questions, please reach out to your Human Resource Business Partner or Nancy Tannini at ntannini@garnethealth.org.
The Garnet Health Doctors Call-Back Feature Is Now Live! Have you ever dreaded calling a doctor’s office because you think that you will be on hold forever? We are pleased to announce that the call-back feature for Garnet Health Doctors’ practices in Orange County is up and running! Now you can avoid holding during high-call volume times by requesting a call back when prompted. This feature holds your place in the phone queue, allowing you to be called back by the next available agent, freeing you up to go about your day.
Now that’s a good call!
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Employee COVID-19 BOOSTER-Only Appointments
Flu Season is Upon Us!
Vaccinations are available! Garnet Health Doctors has the COVID-19 Bivalent Pfizer booster vaccine available for employees — by appointment only — at designated primary care offices in Orange and Sullivan counties.
In Orange County Monroe Office 475 Route 17M Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call (845) 333-7575 for your appointment. Middletown Office 707 East Main St. Monday and Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Tuesday and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call (845) 333-7575 for your appointment.
In Sullivan County Monticello Office 38 Concord Road Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call (845) 333-6500 for your appointment.
New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) requires all healthcare workers (clinical and non-clinical) to either receive an influenza vaccination (flu shot) or wear a surgical or procedure mask for the entire flu season. The flu season start and end date is determined by the NYSDOH.
By November 18, 2022, Occupational Health must: Administer your flu shot Receive formal documentation that you received your flu shot or Receive your signed declination for a flu shot As in years past, because this is a NYSDOH mandate, failure to comply will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Occupational Health will be giving FREE flu shots: Middletown Campus, Occupational Health Office Monday – Friday 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Harris Campus, Occupational Health Office Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion November Recognition Days
November 2 Día de los Muertos In the Mexican culture, it is believed that the souls of the dead return to visit their living family members on this day.
November 20 Transgender Day of Remembrance Honors, commemorates and memorializes those who face discrimination and stigma across the nation.
Garnet Health is committed to
November 11
being an inclusive organization
Veterans Day
that supports growth and
A tribute to military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
innovation, by providing an environment where employees, patients and visitors feel they belong. We also recognize that more diverse backgrounds among our staff and providers
November 24 Thanksgiving Day Celebrating blessings and people we cherish.
contributes to better patient care. Please help share in acknowledging the following national and or worldwide recognitions.
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November 25 International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women The date marks the beginning of 16 days of remembrance and activism, culminating in International Human Rights.
Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills
Receives $6,000 Donation Garnet Health Medical Center Catskills received a $6,000 donation from The Town of Fallsburg Lions Club on September 12. The donation to the hospital was made in memory of Seymour Berenson from Hurleyville, New York, who served two terms as the Lions Club president and as their treasurer for over 30 years. Funds were raised via The Town of Fallsburg Lions Club’s annual golf tournament and will benefit the nursing team at Garnet Health
Medical Center – Catskills with the creation of a healing breakroom. This special room honors the critical work that Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills’ nurses do, and promotes their physical, emotional and spiritual health and wellness by allowing them the breaks they need to continue to provide high-quality and effective patient care. To date, The Town of Fallsburg Lions Club has donated close to $100,000 to the hospital. Our sincere thanks for their support!
Garnet Health Honored by Boys & Girls Club The Boys & Girls Club recently honored Garnet Health with a 2022 Friend of the Club recognition. As a corporate sponsor of the Boys & Girls Club, Garnet Health has formed a strong partnership to help create healthy lifestyles for the children of our community and to support initiatives throughout the year, such as the club’s Backpacks for Hope initiative. Moira Mencher, Manager of Community Health and an active participant in bringing fun and education to kids of the club, was on hand to receive our award. 11
SAVE THE DATES! Step Up to the Plate! A Self-Care Forum on Nutrition Thursday, November 17 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. This is a free virtual event, but registration is required at garnethealth.org/events. The Zoom link will be sent after registration is completed.
Corporate Compliance Week Celebration Gets You 15% Off Gift Shop Purchases Garnet Health Medical Center Gift Shop will honor Corporate Compliance Appreciation Week with 15% off all employee purchases from November 7– 11. The Gift Shop will adjust its hours to 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. to give all employees an opportunity to shop between their shifts.
November GHMC Auxiliary Vendor Sales Vendors are located on the ground floor, in the conference center lobby unless otherwise noted. 03 Moji Life
11 Simple Treasures
28 Save on Sweats
04 Lisa Anderson Designs
15 MnR Enterprises
29 Sew EZ Creations
04 John’s Jewelry, Pavilion Café, 7 5 Crystal Run Road
16 Winter Coat Sale, Conference Room 2 and 3
30 Bags by John
09 John’s Jewelry
17 Scrubs Nyack 18 Scrubs Nyack
10 Mary Kay Cosmetics
22 Nutz Plus
ucation d E l a u n n A tended to x E e n i l d a De 10, 2022. r e b m e v o N
Order Your Custom Garnet Health Apparel Today! Shop the Garnet Health Store online at: https://ghmcgiftshop.buyproforma.com/#/ Proudly sponsored by the Garnet Health Medical Center Gift Shop
Gems Newsletter Produced by Garnet Health Marketing & Corporate Communications. For more information, email mmanheim@garnethealth.org or call (845) 333-2391.
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