2022 ANNUAL REPORT
Celebrating 10 Years of Care
NORTHERN WESTCHESTER HOSPITAL
YABLON CANCER HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAM
NORTHERN WESTCHESTER HOSPITAL 2022 ANNUAL REPORT: YABLON CANCER HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAM
As a physician, Dr. Amy Silverman is familiar with the growing body of evidence demonstrating that integrative health modalities can improve the management of cancer symptoms and treatment side effects.
But when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma last year, she was overwhelmed and unprepared to seek out these services for herself. “I wouldn’t think twice about recommending these therapies to patients or loved ones, but I’m not always good at taking my own advice,” the child psychiatrist shared.
“However, when the Yablon Cancer Health and Wellness Program (YCHWP) told me these wonderful services were available all in one place for free, it seemed almost irresponsible not to take advantage of them. I’m so glad I did—I feel physically and emotionally stronger. It’s been a transformative experience.”
Empowered by your continued investment, last year the YCHWP celebrated its 10th year of improving quality of life for thousands of patients, like Amy, through accessible, compassionate, integrative cancer care.
Having full body and spirit support was extremely helpful in my recovery. Vanessa is an amazing resource and my talks with Dr. Empfield made a positive impact on my life and the lives of my family.
— Faith McFall-Smith
2022 HIGHLIGHTS
• Expanded mental health resources by introducing an additional provider to our team for free one-on-one consultations: psychiatrist Suma Srisaila, MD.
• At the request of patients, the monthly Living with Cancer support group remains virtual, as it allows for easier access, with 15% participation growth since transitioning to online sessions during the COVID pandemic.
• Piloted popular new virtual classes, including Friday Acupressure and Tai Chi Easy, which empower participants with techniques they can use on their own to alleviate tension and relieve side effects from cancer treatment.
• Beginning in 2023, patients will have the option to participate in person or virtually.
• Enhanced nutrition education offerings with 55% growth in nutrition visits over 2021, and new cooking demos and webinars focused on disease prevention.
• Beginning in 2023, the team’s registered dietician with collaborate with SUNY Westchester on a series of live cooking workshops that explore the connection between healthy eating and cancer prevention.
• Expanded access by opening the program to patients at Phelps Hospital, receiving 88 referrals and enrolling 45 patients.
• The YCHWP team is collaborating with Phelps to help them establish their own center in 2023.
NORTHERN WESTCHESTER HOSPITAL I 2022 ANNUAL REPORT: KEN HAMILTON CAREGIVERS CENTER
Jackie Horne, RD, presents Cooking for Reducing Disease Risk: Gynecologic Cancers, discussing the connection between plant-forward eating and reduced cancer risk.
Balamaci teaches Tai Chi Easy, a simplified approach to Tai Chi that engages participants in slow, careful movements, breathwork and visualization exercises that help reduce stress and promote healing.
Health Coaching .................................................................................... 2,390 Meditation .............................................................................................. 1,022 Other Classes ............................................................................................ 768 Acupuncture .............................................................................................. 497 Nutrition.................................................................................................... 385 Support Group ........................................................................................... 153 Other Integrative Medicine ....................................................................... 142 Mindful Wellness ...................................................................................... 128 Total Encounters .................................................................................... 5,485 NORTHERN WESTCHESTER HOSPITAL I 2022 ANNUAL REPORT: KEN HAMILTON CAREGIVERS CENTER
BY THE NUMBERS
Susan
THE TEAM
Marilyn Leroy-Sterling, MSN, RN, ANP-C, NE-BC Interim Director
Serena Allen, CPNP, RN-BC Integrative Medicine Nurse
Susan Balamaci, MSN, RN-BC, LMT Integrative Medicine Nurse
Maureen Empfield, MD Psychiatrist
Jackie Horne RD, CDN Registered Dietician
THANK YOU
Vanessa McKay-Barr, L.Ac, D.Ac, Dipl.Ac Acupuncturist
Marc Rehm, PhD Psychologist
Suma Srisaila, MD Psychiatrist
Susan Vrana-Koski, BSN, RN, NPD-Bc, MPH Nurse Navigator
Previously doubled over with pain and nausea from chemotherapy, Amy was able to return to caring for her patients after acupuncture treatment and dietary counseling relieved her symptoms.
“This is what true healing is about: caring for the whole person, not just the disease. I’m so grateful to everyone who makes this amazing program possible.”
As the YCHWP enters its second decade, we wish to echo Amy’s sentiments.
NORTHERN WESTCHESTER HOSPITAL I 2022 ANNUAL REPORT: KEN HAMILTON CAREGIVERS CENTER
The acupuncture, nutrition counseling, and classes all in one place eased the burden of getting well. God bless you for caring.
— Leila Dabby
NORTHERN WESTCHESTER HOSPITAL 400 East Main Street, Mount Kisco, New York 10549 (914) 666-1200 I www.nwh.northwell.edu Thank you for ensuring your neighbors affected by cancer have access to the therapies they need to get through some of the toughest days of their lives.
THANK YOU