Presence: Spring 2018

SAINT FRANCIS HEALTH SYSTEM | MAY 2018

KASP Day

(Kids Are Special People) Page 24

Contents

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Saint Francis Health System Community Benefit Report 2017 Summer Medical Town Hall Events

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SFHS Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation System-wide Cohesive Care

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Opioid Epidemic Cause and Cure

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36th Annual KASP Event Hosted Each May for Tulsa-area 3rd Graders

S A I N T F R A N C I S H E A LT H S Y S T E M

Community Benefit Report FISCAL YEAR 2017

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Back to the Gridiron

Teamwork to Recover from Injury

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Summer Safety No Vacation for Safety Awareness

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a publication of Saint Francis Health System

Saint Francis Health System

Calendar of Events Saint Francis Medical Town Hall Events THURSDAY, JUNE 7 The Latest in Orthopedic Care Presenter: Preston J. Phillips, M.D. Warren Clinic and the Saint Francis Joint Replacement and Spine Center THURSDAY, JULY 12

Saint Francis Health System Board of Directors John-Kelly C. Warren, Chairman Judy Kishner, Vice-Chair Jake Henry Jr. Michael Case Michael Cooke, J.D. Brent Dennis, M.D. William R. Lissau Charles McEntee, M.D. Sanjay Meshri Debbie Zinke

Dermatology and Skin Cancer Q&A Presenter: Johnathan J. Ledet, M.D. Warren Clinic Dermatology Both of these Medical Town Hall events will be held from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the Saint Francis Hospital Education Center, 6161 South Yale. To make a reservation, please visit call 918-494-1448 or email events@saintfrancis.com.

Additional information available in this issue of Presence.

Saint Francis Health System Executive Council Jake Henry Jr.

President and Chief Executive Officer, Saint Francis Health System

Barry Steichen

Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, Saint Francis Health System

Eric Schick

Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer, Saint Francis Health System

Saint Francis Tulsa Tough JUNE 8-10

Mark Frost, M.D.

Senior Vice President/Medical Affairs, Saint Francis Health System

Tom Neff

Downtown Tulsa

Senior Vice President/Strategic Planning and Corporate Business Development, Saint Francis Health System

You’re invited to Tulsa’s favorite cycling festival in and around downtown. Join as a spectator,

Lynn Sund

volunteer or cyclist.

For more information and a complete schedule of events, please visit tulsatough.com.

Administrator, Saint Francis Hospital and Chief Nurse Executive/ Senior Vice President, Saint Francis Health System

Charley Trimble

Senior Vice President/Operations, Warren Clinic

David Weil

Bear Clinic at Saint Francis Tulsa Tough SATURDAY, JUNE 9 Noon - 2:00 p.m.

Guthrie Green, 111 East Brady Street

Administrator, Saint Francis Hospital South and Senior Vice President, Saint Francis Health System

Tony Young

Administrator, Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee and Senior Vice President, Saint Francis Health System

Michele Keeling

Kids are invited to the Tulsa Arts District to visit a special Bear Clinic hosted by The Children's Hospital at Saint Francis.

Administrator, Vice President, Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital

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The phrase “healthcare is local” is suddenly becoming a thing of the past.

In an era when hospitals and health systems are being acquired by large management firms or mega-systems, the concept of local healthcare seems fleeting. Despite the national trends, Saint Francis Health System continues to be one of the few stable, successful and growing locally owned and operated health systems in the country.

You may ask why should Saint Francis’ local ownership and leadership matter to our patients and our community? Because chances are, if you are reading this magazine, you likely live, work or worship in eastern Oklahoma. If you were sick, you would seek treatment here. If your child were ill, you would want to receive care close to home. Eastern Oklahoma is your home. Like you, Saint Francis Health System calls this area home.

This region is our focus and our number one priority is improving the health and lives of the people who live here. So, despite the trends and deceiving appeal some hospitals see in corporately managed healthcare, Saint Francis Health System will always be locally owned and controlled, making its home in Tulsa and eastern Oklahoma. Local ownership matters in the delivery of high quality healthcare.

Community benefit is one of the hallmarks of Catholic healthcare. As you will read in the next few pages, this year Saint Francis Health System provided $108,492,088 in benefit to our community in fiscal year 2017.

This annual report is meant to serve as a yearly update on our longstanding commitment to purposefully invest our spiritual, human and financial resources in meaningful ways within our community with the sole purpose of extending our mission to those we are privileged to serve.

My best regards,

Jake Henry Jr. President and Chief Executive Officer, Saint Francis Health System

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In fiscal year 2017, Saint Francis Health System provided $108,492,088 in community benefit supporting services and programs that: • improve access to healthcare services; • enhance the health of the community; and • advance medical or health knowledge of the community. $49,857,905 Charity Care $43,016,580 Uncompensated Care

66,995,268

75,626,964

82,664,537

102,808,446

108,492,088

$4,875,884 Community Contributions $2,386,785 Community Benefit

FY 2013

FY 2014

FY 2015

$1,710,895 Xavier Subsidy

FY 2016 FY 2017

$6,644,039 In-house Trauma Coverage

“Lord, teach me to be generous.” – St. Ignatius of Loyola Providing community benefit is a core function of Saint Francis Health System. It is something that we see as not only our responsibility as the region’s leading healthcare system, but as our duty as a health system rooted in the Catholic tradition.

Catholic social teaching charges us to be generous—with our time, our resources, our talents and our spirit. This annual account of Saint Francis Health System’s community benefit highlights some of the many ways this organization has given of itself with the sole purpose of making life better for the women and men in the region we humbly serve.

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Community B

FISCAL YE

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Benefit Report

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Our Purpose The mission of Saint Francis Health System is: “to extend the presence and healing ministry of Christ in all we do.”

The last four words of this statement are just as impactful as the ones that precede them. The extension of our mission has no exclusions. “In all we do” is not an aspirational statement; it is a statement of our intention and promise to all who seek our services.

1 One place where our mission and faith-based tradition needs no introduction is at Xavier Clinic—the system’s community-based clinic located in east Tulsa.

2 A blessing of the hands for employees is held each year during Nurses Week and Hospital Week.

3 Saint Francis has always sought to give visibility and tangibility to its Catholic heritage. From the cross atop the hospital to the crucifixes that hang in each meeting room, patient care space and waiting area—these symbols are a constant reminder of the hope intrinsic to Christianity.

Pictured to the left are pieces from the health system’s liturgical art program including:

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a. a statue of St. Francis Xavier, the health system’s namesake, nestled into the therapeutic landscape at the entrance to Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital; b. the “Welcome All” statue of Christ at the main entrance of Saint Francis Hospital greets patients and visitors as they enter our facility; and c. an impressionistic mosaic of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, recently unveiled in the Heart Hospital lobby.

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Our People

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Healthcare is a calling and the women and men of Saint Francis answer this call day in and day out, across the health system and across the region.

Saint Francis Health System employees and volunteers are the face of our ministry. In our mission to extend Christ’s healing presence, they are His hands and feet. They are the people who give life to our values and purpose to our presence.

About our people: • Over 9,500 women and men are employed by Saint Francis Health System.

• More than $643,000,000 was invested in our employees through competitive salaries and benefits.

• More than 25 percent of Saint Francis Health System employees have been with the health system longer than 10 years. The executive team at Saint Francis alone has more than 400 years of combined service to the health system. This type of commitment speaks to the culture that exists within the saint Francis Health System and our employees’ dedication to providing the best care in the region at the leading facilities in the region.

1 Employees volunteering together in the community help to extend Saint Francis’ mission beyond the walls of our facilities.

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2 Each year Saint Francis Health System hosts an event to celebrate and thank its employees for their service. Last year, almost 7,500 guests attended the “All Employee Safari” at the Tulsa Zoo. 3 In addition to the dedicated service of Saint Francis’ employees, the system is also fortunate to have volunteer corps with over 750 members. In fiscal year 2017, the Saint Francis Volunteers clocked more than 139,000 hours of service. This type of longevity is rare in today’s healthcare environment.

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Our Patients

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One of the strategic focuses of the health system is to grow the Warren Clinic. In our last fiscal year, 52 new physicians were recruited into the clinic.

Adding new providers allows Saint Francis to add access for patients who need our services. In fiscal year 2017, more than 270,000 patients were treated at the more than 90 locations. To put this in perspective, Warren Clinic cares for approximately seven percent of the state’s population.

1 In fiscal year 2017, Saint Francis Health System had 5,263 births. With the region’s highest level NICU and only hospital dedicated to the unique needs of neonates and children, it is no surprise that Saint Francis leads the state in the number of deliveries performed at our facilities.

2 Saint Francis Health System is committed to offering the highest quality care, throughout all services, specialties and locations. In the past fiscal year, we have seen increases in volume at all of our facilities.

These increases not only demonstrate our ability to help meet the medical and psychological needs of our region, they also represent an increase in our ability to extend our mission to the region we proudly serve.

3 How can we be partners in health with our community if we don’t interact with them until they are sick?

Great focus is given to preventative health and health education for women, children and men in our region.

This includes activities such as the following: a. Annual Flu Vaccinations—In addition to the vaccinations given to patients while in one of our facilities or while visiting their Warren Clinic physician, the system provided 4,680 flu vaccinations to the community through a series of free and/or reduced cost vaccination clinics. b. Medical Town Halls—This year, Saint Francis hosted 12 Medical Town Hall sessions. These events are free and open to the public and feature physician speakers presenting on health and wellness topics relevant to our community. c. Clear Direction is the Health Zone at Saint Francis’ community smoking cessation program. This sixweek course is evidence-based and led by a trained tobacco cessation facilitator.

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Our Region

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As the region’s only locally owned and operated health system, our commitment to this area is personal. Helping to improve the lives and health of our neighbors today supports healthier tomorrows. And, contributing to the economic growth of the region helps to support a stable, desirable city for future generations to call home.

Over the past two years, Saint Francis has extended its commitment to the region with the acquisition of two regional facilities—Saint Francis Hospital Vinita and Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee. In addition to stabilizing these facilities and working to bring their operations up to the Saint Francis standard, attention was also given to supporting the areas in which these hospitals are located.

For example: 1 In fiscal year 2017, Saint Francis Health System made a $500,000 donation to Connors State College as this school is the primary source of nursing graduates for Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee. The gift will support expansion of the school’s nursing program and the addition of two new faculty members. The health system has also provided scholarships to help with students’ educational expenses while enrolled in the Connors State program. The goal of this relationship is to increase the number of registered nurses in Oklahoma, particularly in the Muskogee area, and positively impact the state’s acute nursing shortage and low national ranking for numbers of registered nurses per capita.

2 Saint Francis Hospital Vinita SummerFest was hosted to provide the residents of Vinita and the surrounding area an opportunity to get to know their new, local hospital. Staff from the hospital offered free medical screenings, health and wellness education, a “bear clinic” for local kids, employment information and physical therapy demonstrations.

3 The region’s first free-standing emergency room will open later this year at the new Saint Francis Glenpool campus. Outpatient services such as radiology, physical medicine, laboratory services and a Warren Clinic office will also be a part of this expansion.

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Medical Town Hall Community benefit encompasses many topics—financial aid, charity care, community support, donations to nonprofits and community education. Saint Francis Medical Town Hall events are meant to support the latter. These free, educational seminars are designed to give the public access to physicians and health information that are relevant to the wellness of the community. The topics highlighted in this series are chosen based on current, trending and long-standing health and wellness issues affecting the people of eastern Oklahoma.

“These educational events are meant to offer information and guidance to our guests and our patients. We want to be your partner in wellness, not just your healthcare provider when you are ill,” said Collin Henry, vice president of operations for Warren Clinic. “We have so many great physicians within the Warren Clinic. I’m proud that they are so willing to participate in events like Saint Francis Medical Town Hall in order to provide health information to our community.”

Similar to Medical Town Hall, the Health Zone at Saint Francis also offers regular health seminars—The Wonders of the Body series with Dr. Kenneth Piper. These sessions are free to Health Zone members as well as guests. Graydon Yohe, the director of operations for the Health Zone at Saint Francis, understands how health education plays a part in overall wellness. “The Health Zone is more than a gym; it is truly a wellness center. We want our members to have access to all of the resources they need to improve or maintain their health—from treadmills to health talks and everything in between.”

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Advancements in Orthopedic Care Join Warren Clinic’s Dr. Preston Phillips to learn more about the latest advancements in spine and joint care. As a surgeon with the Saint Francis Joint Replacement and Spine Center, Dr. Phillips will discuss surgical and non-surgical treatments for arthritis and age-related orthopedic concerns, sports injuries, spine conditions and more.

Moderator: Dr. Kenneth Piper

THURSDAY, JUNE 7 Refreshments 5:30 p.m.

Program 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Preston Phillips, M.D.

Saint Francis Hospital Education Center 6161 South Yale Avenue, east side of hospital building (access Warren Way from 61st Street) This session is free. To make a reservation, please call 918-494-1448 or email events@saintfrancis.com.

Dermatology Discussion and Q&A Join Warren Clinic dermatologist Dr. Johnathan J. Ledet to learn about caring for the health and appearance of your skin, including the prevention and treatment of skin cancer.

Dr. Ledet specializes in general dermatology with an emphasis in Mohs micrographic surgery, an advanced technique for treating the two most common types of skin cancer. Bring your questions about this and other dermatology topics.

Moderator: Dr. Kenneth Piper

THURSDAY, JULY 12 Refreshments 5:30 p.m.

Program 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Johnathan J. Ledet, M.D., FAAD

Saint Francis Hospital Education Center 6161 South Yale Avenue, east side of hospital building (access Warren Way from 61st Street) This session is free. To make a reservation, please call 918-494-1448 or email events@saintfrancis.com.

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TEAM EFFORT HELPING LONGTIME FOOTBALL OFFICIAL GET

BACK TO THE GRIDIRON DURING LAST NOVEMBER’S HALEMEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAME AT LAFORTUNE STADIUM, LONGTIME HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL OFFICIAL RANDY JEFFERS GOT TANGLED UP IN A TACKLE INVOLVING SEVERAL PLAYERS. JEFFERS WAS HIT ABOUT KNEE LEVEL AND SLAMMED TO THE TURF. ABOUT 30 SECONDS LATER, HE WOKE UP— PARALYZED FROM THE NECK DOWN.

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Lying on the field with a concussion and a severe spinal cord injury, Randy Jeffers had the presence of mind to have someone contact two of his sons-in-law. His wife of 40 years, Libby, was on vacation at the time, in Boston, with the couple’s six daughters (they also have a 15-year-old son). Camilo Sanchez, a Tulsa firefighter who is married to Jeffers’ daughter Anna, was waiting at the hospital’s Trauma Emergency Center (TEC) when the ambulance carrying Jeffers arrived.

(Anna is a house supervisor at Saint Francis Hospital. Another daughter, Sally, is a nurse with The Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis pediatric intensive care unit.)

Libby Jeffers caught a flight home the next day and made it to Saint Francis Hospital just minutes before her husband went into surgery. Neurological surgeon, Dr. John Marouk, successfully fused Jeffers’ fourth, fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae.

“I remember thinking at the time that I was just going to have this operation, get it all taken care of and be back officiating the next week,” said Jeffers. “It was only later I learned how concerned doctors were when they first saw my injury. It was very serious, and the outcome could’ve been a lot worse.”

“IN THE TRENCHES.” After surgery, Jeffers was transferred to the Saint Francis trauma intensive care unit (ICU) for recovery. He soon began experiencing severe pain in his shoulders—not unusual after surgery, but this pain was accompanied by trouble speaking, breathing and swallowing. The trauma ICU staff quickly determined that Jeffers had developed a hematoma that was putting pressure on the nerves on the back of his neck. A second surgery was scheduled immediately.

“I was very fortunate to be in the trauma ICU at the time,” he said. “The ICU staff knew exactly what to do and were pivotal in stopping further damage to my nerves.

What could’ve been permanent speaking, swallowing and breathing issues became temporary conditions.”

After 16 days in the hospital, Jeffers was released to go home. “From the time I got to the TEC to the time I left, the people at Saint Francis Hospital were all over my care,” he said. “Everyone in every department was very concerned. I was in the trenches a long time.”

“In the trenches” is a phrase that Jeffers often uses when describing his recovery, and in truth it would be a battle over the weeks and months following his injury to regain the ability to perform tasks most of us take for granted. The next phase of his recovery started with acute care rehabilitation following surgery, then progressing to inpatient rehabilitation, then outpatient physical and occupational therapy.

“Those folks helped me get back to where I could perform basic things: walking, balancing myself, tying my shoes, buttoning my shirts,” he said. “These were major hurdles to overcome because all of my extremities had been affected.”

Jeffers becomes emotional when recalling his time in the hospital and with the staff of the Saint Francis inpatient rehabilitation unit.

On his last day of inpatient therapy, he had all the team members sign his white rehab belt - the one he wore around his waist to learn how to walk and balance again. He has it hanging in his house as a reminder of what he accomplished with their help. “To have people who care for you so much made the whole experience easier to handle,” he said.

“They understood my goals and they pushed me to do things I didn't think I could do, but they knew I could.”

ONE TEAM. ONE MISSION. One of his goals is to return to the gridiron next fall as an official. “I told Dr. Marouk that I didn’t want the play that injured me to be my last play as an official. And he told me that was a reasonable request.”

After recently completing several months in outpatient physical and occupational therapy at Saint Francis, Jeffers continues working toward his goal with help from the Health Zone at Saint Francis, where at least three times a week he can be found strengthening his muscles on the elliptical and rowing machines, doing cardio work and weight training for his lower and upper body. “When your nerves are damaged, your muscles atrophy quickly because the nerves can’t tell your muscles what to do,” he said.

“I’ve come a long way but I still have a long way to go.

“I know God has been with me this whole journey. I know He placed the people at Saint Francis to take care of me. I can’t remember where I saw it, but somewhere in the hospital is a sign above a door that reads ‘One Team. One Mission.’ Well, I can tell you how true that is. Everyone I’ve encountered during this experience—there are dozens; I can’t even name them all—has led me to understand that I’ve always been in the right place at the right time.”

RANDY JEFFERS AT HEALTH ZONE AT SAINT FRANCIS.

RANDY JEFFERS WITH HIS DAUGHTERS, SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL HOUSE SUPERVISOR, ANNA SANCHEZ (LEFT) AND THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AT SAINT FRANCIS PEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE UNIT NURSE, SALLY LOWRIMORE.

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SAINT FRANCIS PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION:

SYSTEM-WIDE COHESIVE CARE FOR PATIENTS OF ANY AGE AND FOR A VAST NUMBER OF HEALTH REASONS, REHABILITATION SERVICES - PHYSICAL, SPEECH OR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIES – CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE IN THE QUALITY OF A PERSON’S LIFE.

QUALITY CARE THROUGHOUT THE AREA In recent years, Saint Francis Health System’s physical medicine and rehabilitation services have undergone extensive growth and integration. And, through every phase of this ongoing process, the emphasis on individualized, tailor-made care has remained in sharp focus.

“We provide so many incredible services that can go a long way to make our patients feel better—and enjoy their lives and a much higher, more active quality of life,” says Talitha Samsel, director of physical medicine and rehabilitation. “Our team is committed to making sure patients have access to high quality services through every stage of their recovery—from acute care in the hospital, to inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation and home health—and that the transition of care between these modalities is seamless.”

In addition to extensive inpatient and outpatient services currently available for adults and pediatric patients at several Saint Francis Health System sites, including Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Vinita and the Grand Lake area, Saint Francis’ physical therapy and rehabilitative services will soon be even more accessible to patients throughout the surrounding area. Saint Francis Rehabilitation Services has locations planned to open this summer for outpatient treatment in Owasso, Sand Springs and at the new Saint

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Francis Glenpool. Expansion of services is planned for inpatient rehabilitation at Saint Francis Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee.

Physical medicine and rehabilitation services can help with a broad range of medical conditions, illnesses or injuries that limit an adult or child with regular ability to move and function—and so much more.

Some of the common ways rehabilitation services can help include: • recovery from a stroke or other neurological event; • recovery from orthopedic surgery; • reduction or elimination of pain; • improving mobility; • helping with a physical disability; • providing a non-surgical solution to a health issue; • helping with chronic illness; • recovery from traumatic injury (to the spinal cord or head); • recovery from or prevention of sports injury; • improving balance and prevention of falls; • help in managing diabetes and vascular conditions; • managing age-related issues (including arthritis or osteoporosis); • recovery from heart and/or lung disease; and/or • women’s health-related conditions.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF THERAPIES OFFERED AT SAINT FRANCIS? Physical rehabilitation: is the therapy for the preservation, enhancement or restoration of movement and physical function impaired or threatened by disease, injury or disability that utilizes therapeutic exercise, physical modalities (such as massage and electrotherapy), assistive devices and patient education and training.

Occupational therapy: a form of therapy designed to help those (of any age) in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities or occupation.

Speech therapy: is used to treat a variety of disorders related to producing speech and other oral motor functions, including swallowing.

Disease-specific therapy: such as that provided to orthopedic patients at the Saint Francis Joint Replacement and Spine Center as well as cardiac rehabilitation at the Heart Hospital at Saint Francis.

Oncology therapy: has gained attention in recent years due to the benefits of PREhabilitation, rather than REhabilitation therapy.

“The idea behind oncology therapy is to provide therapy for patients before their cancer treatment begins. Research indicates if

SAINT FRANCIS REHABILITATION SERVICES IN THE COMMUNITY Saint Francis Health System provides acute care rehabilitation at all of its hospital facilities and inpatient rehabilitation units are available at Saint Francis Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee.

Outpatient Locations: • William Medical Building • The Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis • Saint Francis Broken Arrow – Elm a patient is as strong and healthy as possible (physically and mentally) prior to treatment, they can fare much better in the long run,” Samsel says. “We are talking about the whole picture here. Once the cancer has been treated, we want to support ‘whole body wellness’ and do all we can to ensure that person is as strong as possible going forward. During my practice, I have seen this therapy do phenomenal things for people!”

PAIN MANAGEMENT In terms of pain management, the benefits of therapy are virtually endless. “We are often able to provide non-surgical solutions that can make a dramatic difference in a person’s life, thus preventing the need for pain medications,” Samsel says.

Remember, physical therapy is a highly effective and versatile tool. It’s important to speak up and communicate with your primary care physician if you are experiencing pain of any kind. Ask if therapy might be an option for you.

PREVENTIVE THERAPY “Preventive therapy is also a huge component of what we do. Rather than fix something, let's prevent it from happening in the first place,” Samsel says. “Whether it is keeping seniors as strong as possible to prevent falls or providing services before hip or knee surgery to shorten recovery time, the benefits of physical therapy are many.

We treat patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. We believe in the many benefits of physical therapy and are so pleased to offer this invaluable service to a growing number of patients within the area.”

• Saint Francis Cancer Center (oncology services) • Heart Hospital at Saint Francis (cardiac services) • Saint Francis Hospital Vinita • Saint Francis Health Center Monkey Island • Saint Francis Health Center Langley • Health Zone at Saint Francis • Saint Francis Glenpool (summer 2018) • Owasso (summer 2018) • Sand Springs (summer 2018)

To learn more about any of the rehabilitation services available within Saint Francis Health System, please visit saintfrancis.com or call 918-488-6688.

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Understanding The Opioid Epidemic There is no question the opioid epidemic has become one of the fastest-growing and most widespread public health problems in the United States and here in Oklahoma.

Opioid use, misuse and addiction has cost the U.S. more than a trillion dollars since 2001, and current data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates that almost 64,000 Americans died from a drug overdose in 2016, a 21 percent increase from the previous year.

Changing Course As the unintentional source of the problem, the healthcare industry is now actively searching for ways to combat this crippling crisis. Recent reports link approximately half of opioid overdose deaths to prescribed,

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legally-obtained medications – information that is a source of great concern for healthcare providers.

“As providers, our clinical priority is to ensure the safety of all of our patients and, at the same time, address the very real suffering that some patients experience with pain,” says Lance King, M.D., medical director of Warren Clinic. “Of course, sometimes prescribing controlled substances is the clear, clinically-indicated intervention. In these cases, we firmly adhere to the state regulations that require checking the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (OBN) website to ensure, to the very best

of our ability, that patients are not getting medications from other providers.”

The First Line of Defense Healthcare organizations and providers across the nation are the front lines in combating the opioid epidemic. Providers are tasked with facilitating access to treatment for those who are currently suffering from addiction while at the same time, actively employing non-opioid interventions to treat pain—acute, chronic, physical or psychological—that their patients are experiencing.

Hospitals and health systems like Saint Francis are providing ongoing education for physicians, nurses and clinical staff on opioid misuse and advancing better practices for pain management.

“As part of Saint Francis Health System, Warren Clinic providers are keenly aware of the growing concern regarding opiate prescribing practices in our region,” Dr. King says. “We seek to augment pain interventions to include modalities such as physical therapy, exercise and relaxation techniques whenever possible and include non-narcotic medications as part of a balanced approach to pain management.”

Another aspect is patient education.

Consumers should feel comfortable asking questions about opioid use and side effects as a potential treatment. “Whether someone visits an urgent care for short-term back pain or is in the hospital recovering from surgery, patients and/or caregivers should always know they can ask questions,” says Dr. King.

Treatment and Recovery Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital provides comprehensive outpatient behavioral healthcare services designed to empower a patient to overcome addiction and function effectively in their family, workplace and community.

Laureate’s Chemical Dependency Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed for those who want to overcome their addictive behaviors. This outpatient program, for those with substance or alcohol abuse issues, offers unique morning and evening programming to help support the needs of patients. Typically, this intensive program lasts five weeks and follow-up with an outpatient therapist is usually recommended.

“Chemical dependency can affect a person of any age, sex, race or economic status, and

if it goes untreated, the consequences can be fatal,” says Allan Gates, director of therapy services at Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital. “Medications alone are not the answer for those addicted to opioids. Without a behavioral treatment program, a person who is addicted to a mood-altering chemical simply cannot stop—despite the devastating health, economic, vocational, legal and social consequences they are experiencing.”

As with any problem, the sooner treatment is sought, the better. It is time to contact a chemical dependency center if someone you love displays some of the typical symptoms of a chemically dependent person.

Signs that someone may be struggling with addiction: • Denying or lying about how much they are using or drinking • Avoiding friends and family members • Giving up activities they used to enjoy • Talking a lot about using drugs or alcohol • Believing they need to use or drink to have fun • Taking risks, such as driving while under the influence of the substance • A decrease in work performance and attendance • Depressed, hopeless or suicidal feelings Because Laureate’s IOP program is focused on outpatient treatment, if someone is a significant risk to self, others or property, or are unable to perform activities of daily living, a referral to a higher level of care may be required.

For more information about chemical dependency treatment through Laureate’s Intensive Outpatient Program, please call 918-491-5695 or visit laureate.com.

Understanding the Epidemic: From 1999 to 2016, more than 630,000 people have died from a drug overdose.

Around 66 percent of the more than 63,600 drug overdose deaths in 2016 involved an opioid.

In 2016, the number of overdose deaths involving opioids (including prescription opioids and illegal opioids like heroin and illicitly manufactured fentanyl) was five times higher than in 1999.

On average, 115 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. *Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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No Summer Break for Safety Just because the “lazy, hazy crazy days of summer” are fast upon us doesn’t mean we can adopt a similar mindset – especially when it comes to kids and safety awareness.

This isn’t to say you and your kids can’t get out there and enjoy the fun-filled activities that signify summer. What it does mean, however, is parents, grandparents, caregivers and babysitters must remember safety never, ever takes a break.

Your Attention, Please The Saint Francis Pediatric Emergency Center is the area’s only 24/7 ER dedicated to serving children. It is located adjacent to the Saint Francis Hospital Trauma Emergency Center at 6161 S. Yale Ave. For more information, visit saintfrancis.com.

When summer rolls around each year, it brings a torrent of fun activities such as swimming, biking, family road trips and fireworks.

“The summer is one of the most exciting times of the year for kids, but it’s also a time when kids can be at risk for injuries,” says Beth Washington, coordinator, Tulsa Area SAFE Kids, based at Saint Francis Hospital. “At all times, give kids your undivided attention by actively supervising them throughout the summer—whether it’s at the playground or in and around water. By reminding ourselves of a few safety tips, the summer can be safer and just as fun for everyone.”

Tulsa-Area SAFE Kids’ Top Summer Safety Tips Educate your children about swimming safety. Every child is different, so enroll children in

swimming lessons when you feel they are ready. Teach children to swim with an adult and always ensure there is a designated caregiver supervising them.

Wear life jackets. Always have your children wear a life jacket that fits snugly and is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard while on boats, around open bodies of water or when participating in water sports.

Apply sunscreen rated SPF 15 or higher. Always apply sunscreen rated SPF 15 or higher on your children 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. Remember to reapply frequently.

Drink water during sports activities. Have your kids bring a water bottle to practice and games and drink plenty of water before, during and after play. This is especially important in summer months to avoid dehydration.

Wear a helmet for biking and other wheeled sports. There’s a simple saying:

"Use your head, wear a helmet." It is the single most effective safety device available to reduce head injury and death from bike crashes. Kids should wear a helmet when riding anything on wheels.

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Never leave your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. Reduce the number of deaths from

heatstroke by remembering to ACT: Avoid heatstroke, Create reminders and Take action if you see a child left alone.

Saint Francis Pediatric Emergency Center: 24/7 Care for Kids The summer also brings a change in the reasons parents bring their children to the Saint Francis Pediatric Emergency Center (PEC).

Don’t Give an Inch “As one can imagine, these reasons are related to an increase in outdoor activities—and sometimes, distractions for those in charge of supervising the activities. In terms of submersion injuries alone, drowning is the leading cause of death of children between one to four years of age. It is the third leading cause of injury-related death for children under 19 years of age. The point is never leave a child alone in or near water,” says Dr. Kent Denmark, pediatric emergency specialist. “It’s important for people to understand that the majority of infant drownings occur in bathtubs or large buckets and that an infant can drown in as little as an inch of water.”

What’s more, swimming pools are the most common site for drowning to occur in children between one and four years of age.

More than 5,000 children sustain non-fatal, yet significant, submersion-related injuries every year.

No Multitasking Allowed In today’s hustle, bustle world, some may consider the art of multitasking an achievement. Yet, when it comes to kids and safety, multitasking is totally taboo.

“Whenever there are infants or toddlers around the pool or lake area, an attentive adult should be within arm’s reach. This is not the time for multitasking,” Dr. Denmark says. “When multiple adults are present, it is important to implement something like the ‘Water Watcher’ card—where an adult is designated for a 15-minute span to be the primary person responsible for supervising kids in the pool or other body of water. And, by all means, do not rely on water wings or pool noodles for safety.”

Think SAFE…always While water safety is a major safety concern during the summer, it’s imperative to keep safety on the brain during other activities such as fireworks and biking.

A word about both…

Biking: From an early age, children should be taught the rules of the road. Remember, 60 percent of all bicycle injuries occur in children; and between the ages of five to 14, bicycles are the most common sport leading to ER visits within this age group.

Fireworks: Fireworks are dangerous in general. Little arms are too

short to hold sparklers, which can get as hot as 1,200 degrees. Glow sticks are a safer substitute for younger children.

Take the time to learn CPR.

And, finally: It doesn’t take long to learn and it is the best intervention when given early in improving outcomes for children who stop breathing or whose hearts stop beating.

For more important safety tips and information, visit safekidstulsa.com.

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Every spring, as sure as the flowers bloom... the trees bud… the birds sing… and the white tents pop up on the Saint Francis Hospital campus.

Saint Francis Volunteers Host 36th Annual Event

KASP

(Kids

For the past 36 years on the first week in May, the Saint Francis Volunteers have hosted KASP (Kids Are Special People)—a lively and informative event geared to Tulsa-area third graders.

KASP is a one-day event, yet the Saint Francis volunteers work on planning and organizing it year-round. “A lot of thought and planning goes into this event, which is 100 percent operated by volunteers—not only by the Saint Francis Auxiliary volunteer group, but also employees throughout the health system,” says Saint Francis volunteer Kay Roberson, who has served as KASP chairman for the past 10 years.

Build Them and They Will Come!

This year on Tuesday, May 1, 556 third graders gathered on the west lawn of Saint Francis Hospital to learn all about health and safety. The children are divided into two groups—one arriving in the morning, and the other in the afternoon.

“We always look so forward to KASP Day. In fact, I think the volunteers enjoy it every bit as much as the kids,” says Rebecca Darrow, director of volunteer services. “The teachers are also so appreciative that we offer this for their students. And, we are so appre24

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ciative of the health system employees who volunteer their expertise and time to man the tents and visit with the children about their particular area in the health system. It’s amazing how much they do to be a part of this special day.”

Up one tent from last year, this year’s event featured a total of 11 tents—each representing a specific area—with employees geared to educate and visit with area children about their particular specialty.

Tents included the following: Tulsa-Area SAFE Kids, Health Zone, Saint Francis Stroke Center, laboratory services, pet therapy, sign language, Pediatric Emergency Center, fire safety and surgical services.

Special appearances included Huffy the Fireman and representatives from the Tulsa County Sheriff ’s Department. An ambulance was also on site for kids to climb aboard and check out firsthand. And, the picture would not be complete without mentioning the specially-trained pet therapy dogs and their owners who were also available for the kids’ enjoyment.

“Everything is designed with the kids in mind,” says Saint Francis volunteer, Corinne Dolan, who will pick up the reins as next year’s KASP chairman. “Every effort is made to ease their fears if they—or a loved one— ever needs to come to the hospital. This is done through interactive activities where they learn about health and safety.”

KASP is a lot of fun for the kids, but it also presents a hands-on opportunity for them to learn some really important stuff—like stroke symptoms, the vital importance of hand-washing and ER procedures. For instance in the case of hand-washing, the kids are shown two Petri dishes—one that’s been handled with freshly washed hands, and the other with unwashed hands. Let’s just say, “seeing is believing!”

“During many of these activities, the kids ask some really interesting questions,” says one volunteer. “They seem pretty fascinated with it all, which makes it so worthwhile for us.”

2018 event co-chairs Kay Roberson and Corinne Dolan.

It Takes a Tent City

Are Special People)

This year’s KASP is over and done with and was a smashing success as is always the case. And, you can be assured, Saint Francis’ dedicated group of volunteers is already planning next year’s KASP event.

“Every year, we are here rain or shine.

For the most part, the weather has cooperated. God’s been good to us and to the kids—after all, kids are very special people,” Darrow says.

How KASP Began

The year was 1982. Former Saint Francis volunteer and later volunteer director, Beverly Farrell, was inspired by an event for kids she learned about at a volunteer convention in Philadelphia. “I came back and immediately told the Saint Francis administrator at the time, Sister Blandine, about this wonderful idea,” she says.

Sister Blandine agreed it was a great idea and asked Farrell to approach the Saint Francis Board of Directors about adopting it at Saint Francis. “They loved the idea and enthusiastically approved it. Their only request was it be hosted on the hospital campus, rather than at a nearby park as was the case with the other event—which of course was brilliant!” Farrell says. “I love the fact KASP has been going on all these years.

It has always been one of my favorite things.

It’s amazing to think of the scores of children we’ve impacted through all of the years.”

“We always look so forward to KASP Day. In fact, I think the volunteers enjoy it every bit as much as the kids.”

Rebecca Darrow, director of volunteer services

When Saint Francis Hospital opened its doors on October 1, 1960, a team of volunteers was in place and ready to enhance the patient hospital experience.

Today, Saint Francis Health System volunteers are more than 750 strong and work in 120 departments across the health system, directly and indirectly enhancing patient care. The Saint Francis Volunteer Auxiliary donates an average of 139,000 hours each year with monetary contribution topping in the millions.

Volunteer opportunities are available at many of Saint Francis Health System’s entities. For more information on how to become a volunteer, please call 918-494-1150 or visit saintfrancis.com and click on the ‘Volunteer’ tab on the home page.

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6161 South Yale Avenue • Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136

a publication of Saint Francis Health System

MISSION

To extend the presence and healing ministry of Christ in all we do

VISION

Saint Francis Health System will be the leading integrated Catholic healthcare system providing high quality, comprehensive and innovative care across our regional continuum of services.

VALUES EXCELLENCE Promoting high standards of service and performance DIGNITY Respecting each person as an inherently valuable member of the human community and as a unique expression of life JUSTICE Advocating for systems and structures that are attuned to the needs of the vulnerable and disadvantaged and that promote a sense of community among all persons INTEGRITY Encouraging honesty, consistency and predictability in all relationships STEWARDSHIP Ensuring prudent use of talents and resources in a collaborative manner

SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL | THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AT SAINT FRANCIS | WARREN CLINIC | HEART HOSPITAL AT SAINT FRANCIS | SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL SOUTH | LAUREATE PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC AND HOSPITAL SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL MUSKOGEE | SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL VINITA | SAINT FRANCIS BROKEN ARROW | SAINT FRANCIS CANCER CENTER | SAINT FRANCIS HOME CARE COMPANIES

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