Sentara RMH Spring 2024 Magazine

MAKO Making a Difference

PLUS: Navigating Cancer Care | Philanthropy: RN to BSN Scholarships

Doug Moyer President, Sentara RMH Medical Center

2024 SENTARA RMH BOARD

Joseph Funkhouser II | Chair

Jerry Benson, PhD | Vice Chair

Devon Anders

Arthur Dean II

Morris Fendley, MD

C. Wayne Gates, MD

SENTARA RMH ADMINISTRATORS

Douglas Moyer President

Gina Yost, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CLSSBB Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer

Catherine Hughes, MBA, RD Vice President of Operations

Robert Garwood, MD Chief Medical Officer

SENTARA RMH MAGAZINE EDITORS

Bob Grebe

CONTRIBUTORS

Preston Knight

Clancy McGilligan

Amy Sandoval

Lisa Smith

Rita Smith, RD

Jennifer Stover

PHOTOGRAPHY

Andrew Shurtleff

Tommy Thompson

DESIGN

Picante Creative

New Technology and Recognizing Achievements

With spring being a time of renewal, it is fitting that there are so many exciting developments taking place at Sentara RMH Medical Center.

For instance, the Mako robotic arm-assisted surgery system, a new addition to our Orthopedics Department, enhances our ability to provide precise, minimally invasive procedures for our patients. Sentara RMH orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mark Williams has seen impressive outcomes using Mako for knee replacement surgeries, and on page 19 you can read about how this technology is helping our surgeons perform highly accurate, highly personalized knee replacement procedures. These advancements result in improved outcomes and faster recovery times for our patients.

Spring is also a time of celebration at Sentara RMH, when many of our team members will complete degree programs and take the next steps in their professional journeys. Thanks to our community’s continued support of the RMH Foundation, we have funded various education initiatives, including providing scholarships to our nurses to pursue their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees. Not only do these scholarships support the professional growth and development of our nursing staff, they also contribute to the overall enhancement of patient care within our hospital. You can read more about the RMH Foundation Institute for Nursing Excellence and Innovation on page 29.

Speaking of nursing excellence, I want to congratulate our nursing team on receiving Magnet® designation for the third time — a remarkable achievement and a testament to the exceptional care they provide. We are incredibly proud of our nurses for their commitment to excellence, innovation and, most importantly, the well-being of our patients.

Additionally, the Sentara RMH Critical Care Unit secured the Gold-Level Beacon Award for the second time, a testament to the team’s dedication to improving outcomes and advancing healthcare practices. This honor is an incredible achievement.

I am also delighted to share that for the second consecutive year, the Sentara RMH Family Birthplace team has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a high-performing institution in maternity care. These accolades are a direct reflection of the team’s hard work, service to the community and devotion to ensuring the best possible health outcomes for our patients.

Springtime is also when we shed the doldrums and darkness of winter, bringing with it a sense of light and optimism — a spirit our caregivers continually strive to share with our patients. On page 24, you can learn about the work of our nurse navigators, who help cancer patients and their families through their darkest hours. These important caregivers are here to inform, empower and embrace their patients, guiding them through the process of diagnosis, treatment, and healing. It is important and inspiring work, and we are thankful for the care and compassion they provide.

I hope your spring and summer are filled with family, fun, and good health.

With gratitude,

Doug

Moyer

President, Sentara RMH Medical Center

The Brave(ish) New World of AI

When I was a kid in the 1960s, I thought it was a given that I would have a jetpack by now. I mean, it’s 2024! I should be able to grab a new jetpack off the shelf of my local retail store and jet on home. It’s not that I’m bitter about this — I’m just a little disillusioned.

On the other hand, I never imagined I’d be able to carry a pocket-sized device that allows me to make phone calls, send emails, receive texts, get driving directions, check sports scores, take great photos and show me videos of piano-playing cats wearing sombreros, to name just a few of my phone’s capabilities. It’s truly a miracle.

Watching old episodes of the original “Star Trek” series, I’m struck not so much by what that technology could do in the 22nd century, but rather by the fact that the “wake word” for the computer was “Computer.” It wasn’t “Alexa” or “Siri” — it was simply “Computer.” While much of the technology featured in the series was cutting-edge, the creators’ sense of creativity for summoning the computer certainly wasn’t.

The hot new topic in technology nowadays, of course, is artificial intelligence, or AI. It’s the pumpkin spice of technology, insofar as you hear about it everywhere.

I’ve been accused of having AI, as I’m not above quoting smart people and trying to pass off their words as my own — which, I suppose, is kind of a form of artificial intelligence. I’m not saying I fool many people when I start an observation with phrases like “Four score and seven years ago,” especially since I have no idea how long a score is (I suppose it depends on the sport in question).

At the moment there are generally two distinct camps of people when it comes to thinking about AI’s impact on humanity. One group sees AI as the solution to countless problems, while the other foresees a time when AI could take over mankind and force us to do its bidding. The latter makes me wonder what sort of bidding technology needs from us — are we going to be forced to sit around and

give it a shot of WD-40 whenever it wants to unwind?

I prefer to think of technology as benevolent, much like Rosie the Robot in the old cartoon show “The Jetsons.” She was a very high-functioning piece of technology, but also kind and basically part of the family. Granted, she was a part of the family who was expected to clean the house, but she was beloved just the same. Obviously, she was also a cartoon, so I’m not saying I base all of my understanding about technology around Rosie the Robot — just a lot of it.

I am, however, extremely excited to see what the future holds for AI in the field of medicine. Hospitals are already high-tech centers, so it will be exciting to see what happens when hospital capabilities are combined with the potential of AI to provide medical care that is custom-tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Personally, I believe the advancements to come through AI will make medical care much more effective for us as individuals.

At the same time, however, AI is still fairly new. It concerns me when I hear about people going online to ask AI to create a health plan for them, or to tell them how to cure high blood pressure or diabetes. Maybe this is something people will be able to do with confidence in the years to come, but for now, I encourage people to leave AI for medical treatment to the professionals. Physicians and other medical professionals are in a much, much better position to know which results ring true, and which ones sound like they came from technology that may have been hitting the WD-40 a little too hard the night before.

Right now, AI is a tool, and I will rely on my doctor to determine how best to use this tool. Just as I am impressed with the speed at which a bullet train in Japan can travel, it’s probably best that I’m not at the steering wheel (to the degree that trains have steering wheels).

So, let’s give AI a little time before we start treating ourselves with it. As I like to say, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

You can quote me on that.

new & noteworthy

Sentara RMH Medical Center is pleased to welcome the following new providers into the hospital community.

Hannah Barnhill, PA Cardiology

Sentara Cardiology Specialists 540-689-7400

Mohamed Hashem, MD Hospitalists

Sentara Hospital Medicine Physicians 540-689-1110

Tyler Huddle, NP Cardiology

Sentara Cardiology Specialists 540-689-7400

Dirk Proffer, MD Orthopedics

Sentara Orthopedic & Sports Medicine 540-689-5500

To get connected with one of our providers, or for more information on any caregiver at Sentara RMH, please call 1-800-SENTARA.

Sentara RMH Medical Center Achieves Magnet® Designation for the Third Time

Sentara RMH Medical Center achieved Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This marks the third time the hospital has received this prestigious recognition. Magnet designation honors healthcare organizations for their commitment to quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovation in nursing practice.

“I am so proud of our nursing staff and leaders for this incredible accomplishment,” says Gina Yost, Sentara RMH chief nursing officer. “It is a wonderful validation of our commitment to provide the highest quality of care to our patients and community.”

The Magnet Recognition Program is a rigorous and thorough evaluation that measures the strength and quality of nursing practice within a healthcare organization. The program evaluates various aspects, including nursing leadership, professional development, collaborative interdisciplinary care and patient outcomes. Earning Magnet status reflects an organization’s dedication to providing the highest quality of care to its patients. According to the ANCC, less than 10% of the 6,300 hospitals

nationwide achieve Magnet status. With approximately 700 nurses and an additional 200 nursing care support staff, Sentara RMH has demonstrated a commitment to creating a work environment that fosters professional growth, collaboration, and a culture of excellence. This accomplishment speaks to the collective effort of the entire nursing team and its dedication to delivering outstanding patient care.

Sentara RMH Medical Center CCU Honored with Gold-Level Beacon Award

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) has bestowed the highly coveted Gold-Level Beacon Award upon the Critical Care Unit (CCU) at Sentara RMH Medical Center, marking the second consecutive recognition for the unit’s outstanding commitment to critical care excellence.

The Beacon Award program, organized by AACN, is a comprehensive initiative consisting of three key modules: patient outcomes, work environment and nursing workforce. Each module application enables participating units to showcase the processes employed by direct care nurses, nurse leaders and collaborative partners in achieving commendable unit outcomes.

characterized by increased collaboration, higher morale and lower turnover rates.

“This award recognizes the compassionate, top-quality care provided to our community by our nurses, support staff and providers,” says Jenay Mason, MSN, RN, CNML, Sentara RMH CCU director. “It acknowledges the dedication within our multidisciplinary team to a collaborative approach to providing critical care services to our community.”

“I am incredibly proud of the Critical Care team for this achievement,” says Gina Yost, Sentara RMH chief nursing officer. “The delivery of high-quality patient outcomes, combined with success in creating a healthy work environment, produces synergy for sustained excellence.”

For patients and their families, the Beacon Award signifies a commitment to exceptional care within a unit that prioritizes patient well-being. Nurses working in Beacon Award-winning units like the Sentara RMH CCU experience a positive and supportive work environment

Sentara RMH Family Birthplace Honored

Again rated in the “High Performing” category for maternity care by U.S. News & World Report

Receiving the Gold-Level Beacon Award places the Sentara RMH CCU among an elite group of healthcare providers who have demonstrated staff-driven excellence, leading to sustained unit performance and improved patient outcomes that surpass national benchmarks. The Gold-Level designation is a testament to the CCU’s commitment to its patients.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the AACN for achieving the Gold Beacon award for the second time,” says Samantha Leontie, MSN, RN, CNL, CCRN, Sentara RMH CCU clinical manager. “It validates and confirms the amazing teamwork, evidence-based practice and patient-centered care our team provides. I couldn’t be more proud to lead such a stellar group of healthcare professionals.”

For the second consecutive year, Sentara RMH Medical Center is ranked among the best hospitals in Virginia for maternity care in the “uncomplicated pregnancy” category, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report survey. Only 10 Virginia hospitals earned this designation, including four Sentara facilities.

The U.S. News Best Hospitals for Maternity Care methodology is based on objective quality measures, such as cesarean section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, episiotomy rates, newborn complication rates, exclusive breast-milk feeding rates, early elective-delivery rates, and vaginal birth after cesarean rates, among other measures.

“Patients likely come into contact with more than 100 maternity staff when they come in to have a baby,” says Sabrina Shiflett, director of patient care services at Sentara RMH.

Family Birthplace’s staff includes 80 registered nurses. Sentara RMH recently partnered with Ob Hospitalist Group to establish a hospital-based OB-GYN program that brings an experienced team of board-certified OB-GYN physicians and certified nurse midwives on-site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Team members include nurses, midwives, and several medical specialists, such as anesthesiologists, pediatricians, neonatologists, and hospital-based obstetricians. Patients are also taken care of by multiple departments within the hospital, such as Pharmacy, Food Service, and Environmental Services. “Each team plays a role and impacts our patients,” Shiflett adds.

OB Hospitalists Play a Vital Role in Helping Healthy Births Happen

As an OB hospitalist at Sentara RMH Medical Center, people often ask me about what I do and what part I play in the birthing process. Put simply, an OB hospitalist is a board-certified OB-GYN physician or certified nurse midwife who only works at the hospital (in our case, Sentara RMH). On-site 24/7, these specialized caregivers are there to provide support at a moment’s notice and serve as an extended part of the hospital’s maternity care team, which includes OB-GYN providers, as well as the nurses and staff of the Sentara RMH Family Birthplace. In some cases, OB hospitalists also act as an important resource for the Emergency Department. Implemented in fall 2023, the OB Hospitalist program at Sentara RMH is the only one of its kind in the region, with providers always ready to provide immediate, comprehensive care.

Specialized Birthing Care, Right When It’s Needed

So, why are OB hospitalists so important for safe and healthy deliveries? Perhaps the following true story — which, notably, took place outside of the Sentara System — will illustrate the point. Years ago, a couple starting a family arrived at a hospital in labor with their first child. The husband happened to be an OB-GYN, and the wife was a registered nurse. When she initially arrived at the hospital, her cervix was 3 centimeters dilated, and she was contracting regularly. Both parents were filled with anticipation and excitement to meet their baby. She remained active throughout her labor, and her cervix progressed to 7 cm dilated. This happened in a relatively short period of time, and things were going well. Although labor continued and her contractions grew stronger as the hours passed, she remained 7 cm dilated (10 cm dilation is required before delivery can begin). Frustration started to set in due to the lack of progress. More importantly, though, episodes were beginning to occur during contractions when the baby’s heart rate would dip below what is considered “normal” before returning to a natural

level. With progress stalling, the decision was made to administer an epidural for pain relief.

Although pain relief did occur, dilation failed to progress further. The mother remained at 7 cm, so her managing obstetrician — who was on call and not present at the hospital — decided to start her on an intravenous (IV) medicine to help strengthen her contractions, encourage further dilation, and expedite delivery. With these new contractions, however, the baby’s heart rate continued to dip below normal. The nurses exhibited excellence in carrying out various interventions to help correct the issue, changing the woman’s position regularly, managing and stopping the contraction medicine when needed, and giving extra IV fluids and oxygen. Despite those measures, the woman’s cervix remained at 7 cm dilated. Of even greater concern, baby’s heart rate began to drop, and remained at the reduced level for longer periods.

The husband, caught between wanting to serve as a supportive partner and needing to act as an obstetrician, tried to remain calm while contacting the off-site obstetrician for support. He was reassured that a plan was in place and that the obstetrician

Lead Physician, Ob Hospitalist Group at Sentara RMH Medical Center

was nearby. So, he continued to remain supportive. Special monitors were placed to better measure the contractions and the baby’s heart rate. The labor continued through the night into the next morning.

Finally, realizing something more definitive needed to be done, the husband called the obstetrician on duty to voice his opinion that his wife needed a cesarean section to deliver their

child. The obstetrician agreed and planned to come in to perform the procedure in the morning before office hours. Although the baby’s heart rate was still going down with each contraction, it was still coming right back up to normal, showing signs that the baby was receiving enough oxygen. However, at some point, the baby’s heart rate went down with a contraction, stayed low, and showed signs of going lower.

The situation had quickly grown much more serious, and a flurry of attention and commotion took place in the delivery room all at once. Although the nurses remained vigilant and did all they could do to try to get the baby’s heart rate back up to normal, it remained down. After a period of further nursing interventions that seemed agonizingly long, the husband flipped into obstetrician

mode and directed the nurses to immediately wheel his wife to the operating room (OR) and call the obstetrician and anesthesia personnel. In a coordinated effort, the delivery room monitors were disconnected, and IV poles were wheeled to the OR alongside the bed. This was now an urgent mission to save the child.

Thanks to the quick action of the hospital staff, the OR was ready in a flash and the anesthesia provider was present, but the obstetrician was still en route. The baby’s heart rate remained low. The mother was prepped for the C-section appropriately and expertly, but the surgeon still had not arrived.

The husband was now faced with a huge decision: Should he step in and operate emergently to save the child? Should he act as the patient’s husband and wait for the obstetrician to arrive? Precious minutes passed, and soon the decision was clear to him: He had to take action, so he began to scrub his hands for surgery.

Just as he finished scrubbing, the obstetrician burst through the door. Thankful for his arrival, the husband stepped back and allowed the obstetrician to perform the surgery. Soon thereafter, a beautiful baby boy was born alive and well — but it was a very close call.

The OB Hospitalist Program at Sentara RMH

Given the example of the story above, and being that

labor and delivery can be unpredictable, OB hospitalists are such an important part of the birthing team at Sentara RMH Medical Center.

And now, full disclosure: I am the obstetrician who was the father in this story. I experienced this situation fully aware of its gravity, and going through this ordeal was a big factor in my subsequent decision to become an OB hospitalist. When seconds truly matter, having an OB hospitalist present and available for mothers and babies can literally mean the difference between life and death, and being there for families when it matters most has been a truly rewarding part of my career.

At Sentara RMH, we OB hospitalists are honored to be able to make such a difference in the quality of maternal care here at the hospital, acting as resources for mothers, babies, obstetricians, and hospital staff. Our board-certified team of midwives and doctors is second to none, providing the expertise and compassion needed to guide families through their very unique birth experiences. While we never want to take away from a family’s relationship with their OB-GYN provider, we stand at the ready to provide care when needed. When it comes to bringing a precious new life into the world, every family can use an extra layer of security.

Sentara Health physicians answer your health and wellness questions

How Much Caffeine is Too Much?

How Much Caffeine is Too Much?

Caffeine is a chemical stimulant found naturally in coffee beans, tea leaves, cacao beans and other foods. It can also be synthetically added to drinks, foods, tablets and supplements. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, most healthy adults can consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day without suffering negative effects. For reference, a 12-ounce caffeinated soft drink typically contains 30-40 mg of caffeine, an 8-ounce cup of green or black tea contains 30-50 mg, a 1-ounce espresso contains about 64 mg, and an 8-ounce cup of coffee contains 80-100 mg.

Unfortunately, overall caffeine consumption can have a way of sneaking up on us. “Two cups of coffee in the morning, a soda at lunch and an energy drink in the afternoon might seem innocent enough, but the cumulative effect of all that caffeine could cause side effects,” says Dr. Intekhab Syed of Sentara Clarksville Family Medicine. “Consuming too much caffeine can lead to heart palpitations, anxiety, agitation, headaches and acid reflux.”

The Trouble with Energy Drinks

The energy drink market has grown rapidly in recent years, with more options available, often displayed in attractive, innocent-looking, brightly colored packaging. Some energy drinks contain 260-390 mg of caffeine per serving — the equivalent of more than six cans of caffeinated soda.

“There’s no legal limit for how much caffeine can be in an energy drink, so it’s on the consumer to track how much caffeine they’re consuming,” notes Dr. Syed.

Dr. Syed recommends that people with heart conditions avoid energy drinks, since their high caffeine content can stress the heart. As well, people who are pregnant or who take stimulant medication like Adderall should also avoid

Children, Teens and Caffeine

Caffeine is not recommended for consumption by children under 12, and those 12-18 should consume no more than 100 mg per day, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Many energy drinks, though, contain enough caffeine to create a caffeine “rush,” followed by a “crash,” along with other potentially serious side effects — and these effects might be even more pronounced in teens. Despite such concerns, 30-50% of adolescents report consuming energy drinks.

Notably, energy drinks should never be mixed with alcohol, since energy drinks act as stimulants while alcohol acts as a depressant. Mixing a stimulant and a depressant can mask the effects of alcohol intoxication, leading a person to drink more.

The Bottom Line

Consumers should pay attention to their daily caffeine intake when drinking highly caffeinated beverages. Pregnant and nursing women, children and teens, and people with heart concerns should avoid consuming energy drinks and be sure to monitor their overall caffeine intake.

If you’re used to drinking caffeine-containing beverages every day and would like to cut back, it’s best to do so gradually. Stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, anxiety and nervousness. And while caffeine withdrawal is not considered dangerous, it can be unpleasant.

Sentara Health physicians answer your health and wellness questions

Not a ‘Magic Pill’ Weight Loss Medication:

After a series of approvals from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, weight loss medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy have received mounting attention in recent months. But are these medications safe and effective?

According to Kristina R. Kratovil, MD, of Sentara Comprehensive Weight Loss Solutions, they appear to be. However, for long-term weight loss and improved health, there’s still no “magic pill.”

“These medications should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan,” says Dr. Kratovil. The goal of such a plan, which may also include lifestyle changes and weight loss (bariatric) surgery, isn’t just to lose weight, but to improve the patient’s overall health.

The Promise of Weight Loss Medication

Obesity is a common, serious and chronic disease that can lead to Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers and other negative effects. Weight loss medications are an excellent way to treat the root of these health issues.

“The weight loss medication market has expanded in very exciting ways,” says Dr. Kratovil.

“Not only do they help address behaviors related to the development of obesity, but they also help address underlying metabolic causes of the disease.”

To do so, these medications target the gut, liver, pancreas, and brain. “What we had before was quite limited,” she adds. “What we have now is revolutionary.”

According to Dr. Kratovil, there is tremendous opportunity for growth in the use of weight loss drugs. At present, less than 1% of obese Americans are using weight loss medication. By contrast, 90% of diabetic Americans currently take medication to control their condition.

Who Should Use Weight Loss Medications?

“Weight loss medications should not be used just to lose, say, 10 pounds,” emphasizes Dr. Kratovil. People qualify for the medications if they:

• have a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or greater and one or more obesity-related conditions (like diabetes), or

• have a BMI of 30 or greater.

In general, being overweight is defined as having a BMI of 25 or more, while being considered obese is having a BMI of 30 or more. Some 70% of Americans are considered overweight or obese, while a third are obese.

Developing a Comprehensive Plan

Loretta Harden, a Sentara patient, used medication to reach a low-enough weight for bariatric surgery. However, her treatment plan also includes counseling and ongoing support.

“If you have weight loss surgery and don’t get the appropriate education, the procedure will likely be a waste of time,” says Harden. “When you know you’re dying from being so heavy, you want some kind of magic — but there is no magic solution.”

Harden says the doctors at Sentara worked on improving every aspect of her life.

“They really care,” she says. “And you can tell.”

Is Weight Loss Medication Right for You?

“The moral of the story is: Talk to your doctors and your providers,” says Dr. Kratovil. “They can help you determine whether weight loss medication might be an appropriate first step for you.”

PREVENTING Kitchen Burns AND Scalds

Did you know that every 60 seconds, on average, someone in the United States sustains a burn injury serious enough to require treatment? Learning how to prevent burns and scalds in the kitchen, where many such incidents occur, can help keep you and your loved ones safe.

Cooking Safety and Burn Prevention

Children under age 5 are five times more likely to be burned by cooking than others. Adults older than 65 are also at much higher risk of injury and death from a kitchen fire, due to physical, visual, hearing or mental impairments that may slow the quick action that is necessary in a fire emergency.

Below are several tips to help you avoid burns and scalds in the kitchen:

• The best time to cook is when you are wide awake, and not drowsy due to medications or alcohol.

• Always wipe clean the stove, oven and exhaust fan to prevent grease buildup.

• Wear short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking.

• Position objects on the stove and counter so they cannot be pulled down or knocked over.

• Turn pot handles away from the stove’s edge. Use dry oven mitts or potholders. Hot cookware can heat moisture in a potholder or hot pad, resulting in a scald burn.

Keep a pan lid and dry potholders or oven mitts near you EVERY time you cook.

• When heating food in the microwave, use microwave-safe cookware that allows steam to escape. Allow food to rest before removing from the microwave.

When frying, use a pan lid or splash guard to prevent grease splatter.

• Remain in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave, turn off the stove.

• If you are simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food, check it regularly. Remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you to check on your cooking.

• After cooking, check the kitchen to ensure that all burners and other appliances are turned off.

Cooking Safety Around Children

• Maintain a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove.

• Never hold a child while cooking, drinking a hot liquid, or carrying hot foods or liquids.

How to Put Out a Kitchen Fire

1. Cover the pan with its lid. A cookie sheet works too. Leave covered until the pan is cool. NEVER move a pot or carry it outside — the pot may be too hot to handle, and the contents may splash, causing a severe burn.

2. Turn the heat off. The fire should quickly put itself out with the lid on and the heat off. NEVER use water to put out a kitchen fire — water will cause oil to splatter and spread the fire, or scald you as it vaporizes.

3. If the fire is inside the oven or microwave, keep the door shut and turn it off. Keep closed until it is cool.

4. If the fire gets out of control, get out, stay out and call 911. Don’t return inside for any reason.

General First-Aid Tips for Burns and Scalds

• Treat a burn immediately by putting it in cool water for 3-5 minutes.

• Cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth.

• Do not apply creams, ointments, sprays or other home remedies.

• Remove all clothing, diapers, jewelry and metal from the burned area. These can hide underlying burns and retain heat, which can increase skin damage.

• See your doctor or call 911 if the burn is larger than your palm.

Resources:

U.S. Fire Administration: Burn Prevention, First Aid and Calling 911: usfa.fema.gov/prevention/life-safety-hazards/ burns-first-aid-911

WHY IT’S SO IMPORTANT TO Manage Your Blood Pressure

Nearly half of adults in the United States ages 20 years and up have high blood pressure, which is a leading risk factor for heart disease. Also referred to as hypertension, high blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” because most people who have it don’t have any associated symptoms. Fortunately, the condition is both preventable and treatable.

To find out if you have high blood pressure, schedule a checkup. “I recommend seeing your primary care doctor at least once a year for a checkup, including a blood pressure check,” says Ambi Zeller, cardiology nurse practitioner at the Sentara RMH Heart Failure Clinic.

What is High Blood Pressure?

Changes in blood pressure, which rises and falls normally throughout the day, come from changes in the resistance of the artery walls. Increased resistance raises blood pressure and causes your heart to have to work harder to get blood to your extremities and vital organs. Over time, this can have detrimental effects on your body and health.

Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:

The first number, called systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.

• The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. If the measurement reads 120 systolic and 80 diastolic, you would say “120 over 80” or write it as “120/80 mmHg.” A normal blood pressure level is typically considered to be less than 120/80 mmHg. Generally, hypertension is diagnosed for patients whose blood pressure is consistently 130/80 mmHg or higher.

Steps to Reduce Your Risk

1. Know your numbers. Have your blood pressure checked regularly — at least once a year. “Early diagnosis and management is key because elevated blood pressure can go undetected in the early stages,” says Zeller.

2. Understand the symptoms and risks. Learn what factors could make you more likely to develop high blood pressure and put you at risk for serious medical problems.

3. If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, be sure to take steps to reduce your risk and manage your blood pressure.

Zeller emphasizes diet and exercise as the first line of defense against high blood pressure. “For some people, elevated blood pressure can be improved without medications by following a heart-healthy diet, such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet or Mediterranean diet; drinking plenty of water each day; and getting regular daily exercise, such as walking for 30 minutes a day.”

Lifestyle Changes to Help Reduce Your Blood Pressure

• Eat a well-balanced diet that is low in salt

• Limit alcohol consumption

• Enjoy regular physical activity Manage stress

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Quit smoking Take your medications properly

• Work together with your healthcare professional

Take the Next Step

To determine if you have high blood pressure and learn how to manage it, consult your primary care physician first. If necessary, your primary care physician will refer you to a cardiologist for additional care.

The Physical Toll of Diabetes

Diabetes impacts millions of families in the United States. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 29.7 million people are currently diagnosed with diabetes. Another 96 million adults, aged 18 and older, have prediabetes and are positioned to move into diabetes unless they actively make the appropriate lifestyle changes. Within the prediabetes group, 26.4 million are 65 and older.

For all three types of diabetes — Type 1, Type 2 and prediabetes — the goal for patients is to maintain stable blood glucose levels to prevent health complications.

Chronically high glucose may cause:

• Inflammation of tissues, blood vessels and organs

• Cardiovascular disease, strokes, nerve damage, kidney disease and eye damage

Contrary to a popular myth, eating carbohydrate foods will not cause diabetes, even though carbohydrates turn into glucose and have the greatest impact on glucose levels. In fact, carbohydrate foods contain many nutrients that are beneficial to our overall health, including vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and fiber. Carbohydrates are commonly found in foods such as:

• Fruits

• Nonstarchy vegetables like green beans, broccoli and greens

• Starchy vegetables like white potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn and green peas

• Legumes Grains like oats, rice, pasta and quinoa

• Milk and yogurt

What is actually important for achieving and maintaining good blood glucose control is a balanced and healthful selection of carbohydrate foods, rather than their omission.

Following are some additional tips to avoid sharp glucose rises and continually elevated glucose levels:

• Add protein and fat to your meals to balance with the carbohydrates. This will slow down the digestion process, resulting in a gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream. For example, try some oatmeal made with milk and topped with nuts and berries, or chicken salad with mayonnaise on whole-grain bread with a cup of vegetable soup.

• Select high-fiber carbohydrates to include at each meal, such as fresh fruit, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.

High-fiber foods take longer to digest, slowing blood glucose rise. Strive for 25-35 grams of dietary fiber daily.

• Establish a regular mealtime and snack routine, so the body receives food at regular times.

• Eat dinner at least three to four hours before bedtime, so food can be completely digested beforehand.

• Enjoy a short walk after meals, especially after the late-day meal — this will help even out glucose rise and avoid spikes. This is a good tip especially when you eat a larger late-day meal.

• Having a nutrient balance with snacks is also important for blood glucose control. For example, try pairing fresh fruit with a handful of nuts, Triscuit crackers with slices of cheese, or Greek yogurt with berries.

Achieving good blood glucose control is all about balance, consuming a variety of healthful foods in moderate portions, and regular meal timing, so the body has a good routine for digesting and metabolizing food and nutrients. For more information, visit diabetes.org.

Is Fresh the Best?

By Leigh Steiniger, MS, RDN, CDCES

When it comes to incorporating fruits and vegetables into our diets, the choices are more abundant than you may realize.

From the crispness of fresh produce to the convenience of canned goods, each type has its own set of advantages and drawbacks. In this article, we will delve into the pros and cons of different forms of produce — including fresh, frozen, canned, fermented and dried — to help you make informed choices for a healthy and balanced diet.

Fresh Produce

Pros:

Rich in nutrients: Fresh fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, especially when consumed within a few days of harvesting.

Superior taste and texture: Fresh produce — especially seasonal produce — excels in its crispness, juiciness and vibrant flavors.

No additives: Fresh produce does not contain added salts or sugars.

Cons:

Short shelf life: One drawback of fresh produce is its limited shelf life. Fruits and vegetables can spoil quickly, leading to food waste and nutrient loss, if not consumed promptly. The average shelf life for perishable produce is 8-10 days.

Seasonal availability: Certain fresh produce items are only available seasonally, limiting choices and increasing costs when trying to access out-of-season items.

Tips for consuming fresh produce:

• Shop at your local farmers market for seasonal produce.

• Both raw and cooked vegetables are good sources of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Frozen Produce

Pros:

Nutrient retention: Produce is harvested at its peak ripeness and frozen right away, thus preserving the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables.

Extended shelf life: Frozen produce has a longer shelf life than fresh produce, making it a convenient option for those who want to stock up without worrying about rapid spoilage.

Cons:

Texture changes: While many items maintain taste and nutritional value, the texture may be softer after thawing.

Limited variety: The availability of frozen produce can be more limited compared to fresh

options. Certain specialty items may not be as readily accessible in the frozen section.

Tips for consuming frozen produce:

• Frozen produce is great to use in smoothies, soups and stir-fries (or really any cooked dish).

• Consider freezing your own garden produce or farmers market produce during the summer for use later in the winter months.

Canned and Pickled Produce

Pros:

Long shelf life: Canned fruits and vegetables have a longer shelf life than fresh produce, making them a convenient option for pantry storage and emergencies.

Accessibility: Canned produce is available year-round, providing consistent access to a variety of fruits and vegetables, regardless of seasonal availability.

Cons:

Nutrient loss: The canning process involves heat, which can lead to the loss of some heatsensitive nutrients, such as vitamin C. Additionally, the canning liquid may contain added sugars or sodium.

Texture and taste changes: Canning can affect the texture and taste of certain fruits and vegetables, leading to a softer texture or slightly altered flavor.

Tips for consuming canned produce:

• Look for “low-sodium” (<140 milligrams) and “no salt added” (<5 mg) on the label.

• Always rinse canned vegetables to remove any excess salt.

• Choose fruit canned in water or its own juices, instead of syrup.

• Consider canning your fruits and vegetables using very little salt or sugar.

Fermented Produce

Pros:

Probiotic benefits: Fermented produce, such as sauerkraut and kimchi, contains beneficial probiotics that contribute to a healthy microbiome.

Increased digestibility: The fermentation process acts as a type of “predigestion,” making produce more easily digested and nutrients more available for absorption once consumed.

Extended shelf life: Fermentation acts as a natural preservative, allowing produce to have a longer shelf life without the need for artificial additives.

Cons:

Acquired taste: The tangy and sour flavors associated with fermented produce may not appeal to everyone, making it an acquired taste.

Potentially high sodium content: Some fermented products may have higher sodium content, which can be a concern for individuals monitoring their salt intake.

Tips for consuming fermented produce:

• Try consuming at least one fermented food each day to support a healthy intestinal microbiome.

• Consider adding a side of tangy fermented carrots or beets with your eggs in the morning, or on top of a salad at dinner. Sauerkraut and kimchi are also great additions to sandwiches!

Dried Produce

Pros:

Portability: Dried fruits and vegetables are convenient for on-the-go snacking. They are lightweight and have a longer shelf life, making them a practical option for travel or outdoor activities.

Increased shelf life: For optimal nutrient retention, dried produce should be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry place and consumed within a year.

Cons:

High sugar content: Drying fruit condenses nutrients, including natural sugar, so you may be consuming larger amounts of sugar than you realize. Also, some commercially available dried fruits may contain added sugars to enhance sweetness.

Some nutrient loss: As with any preservation method, some nutrient loss does occur during the drying process. However, most nutrients are retained, including vitamin A, B vitamins and minerals.

Tips for consuming dried produce:

• Read nutrition labels and look for “no added sugar” on the label when purchasing dried fruits at the store.

• Try sticking with a 1/4 cup portion size for dried fruit.

• Consider using dehydrated vegetables in soups, casseroles and sauces.

• Consider drying your produce at home in the oven or dehydrator.

In the realm of fruits and vegetables, the choice between fresh, frozen, canned, fermented and dried produce ultimately depends on individual preferences, dietary needs and lifestyle. Each form has its own set of advantages and drawbacks, and a well-rounded approach may involve incorporating a variety of produce forms into one’s diet. By understanding the pros and cons of each option, individuals can make informed decisions to create a nutritionally balanced and satisfying meal plan.

Try It at Home!

If you are interested in preserving produce in your own home, seek out guidance from trusted resources, such as the National Center for Home Food Preservation, to ensure that you are preserving food in the safest and healthiest way possible!

Budget-Friendly Tips

• Shop for fresh produce that is in season.

• Purchase fresh produce in bulk for a lower price (e.g., bagged apples or large bags of carrots).

• Frozen vegetables and fruits are most affordable when purchased in large bags, rather than in single-serving steamer bags.

• Stock up on no-salt-added canned vegetables and frozen produce when they are on sale.

Fermented Veggie Salad with Fruity Garden Dressing

This salad provides examples of how to use the various forms of produce discussed in this article. It is packed with flavor and is also rich in fiber, protein and probiotics, making it a balanced and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

1 can (15 ounces) of your favorite beans (such as chickpeas, black beans or kidney beans), drained and rinsed

1 cup mixed fermented vegetables (such as sauerkraut, kimchi or fermented carrots), chopped (if needed)

2 cups mixed salad greens (such as spinach, arugula and romaine lettuce)

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Dressing:

1/2 cup frozen mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries and raspberries), thawed

2 tablespoons dried vegetable flakes (such as carrot, bell pepper and onion flakes)

2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine the thawed mixed berries, dried vegetable flakes, honey or maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard.

2. Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the drained and rinsed beans, chopped fermented vegetables, mixed salad greens, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro leaves.

3. Add dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl, and toss to combine.

4. Add cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on the salad.

Nearly $12 Million in Investments Made Through the 2023 Sentara Cares Spring and Fall Grant Cycles

Funding aimed at advancing health equity and creating healthier, more prosperous communities

Sentara Health announced the allocation of nearly $12 million in grants and microgrants through its 2023 Sentara Cares spring and fall grant cycles. This funding supports more than 300 partner organizations throughout Virginia and North Carolina, expanding upon Sentara’s enduring commitment to addressing social drivers of health and fostering equitable access to care in historically underserved communities.

“Sentara is committed to working with partners to address the needs of the communities we serve,” says Sherry Norquist, Sentara’s executive director of community engagement and impact. “Through our ongoing collaboration with community organizations and faith-based leaders, we will continue to drive change that improves health equity for individuals in the communities where we live, work and play.”

In the Shenandoah Valley region — representing Harrisonburg, Staunton and Waynesboro, as well as Augusta, Rockingham and Shenandoah counties — Sentara Cares grants provided more than $1.1 million across 23 area programs.

“Through our continuing support of community partners, the Sentara Cares grants enable us to reach a wider audience beyond the confines of hospitals and medical practices,” says Doug Moyer, Sentara RMH Medical Center president. “Some of the most pressing needs of our neighbors are directly met by these organizations. The funding improves our capacity to reach a larger audience and improves the general health and well-being of our community on a variety of fronts.”

Sentara’s efforts are further bolstered by grassroots partnerships with community and faith-based organizations like New Creation VA,

which was granted $40,000 to support the expansion of its human-trafficking prevention program.

“Because of Sentara Cares, we will be able to conduct prevention education around our valley and raise community awareness around the issue of human trafficking,” says Sabrina Dorman-Andrew, New Creation’s executive director.

A few organizations, like Blue Ridge Free Clinic, Blue Ridge Community College and AVA Care in Harrisonburg, received grant funding for a second consecutive year.

“Thanks to a Sentara Cares grant, we are able to help anyone with unmet medical needs who comes to our office in need of medication, prescription assistance, dental care, mental health services or gynecological services,” says Susan Adamson, volunteer director of Blue Ridge Free Clinic.

AVA Care of Harrisonburg received more than $86,000 in grant funding in both 2022 and 2023 to support the organization’s sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment program. “We are so grateful for the Sentara Cares grant,” says Susan Null, executive director of AVA Care. “Last year we served more than 450 men and women through this program.”

Sentara places a high priority on funding community partners and initiatives that align with its key

focus areas: health accessibility, behavioral health, housing, workforce training and career development, food security, and social determinants of health.

The community partners receiving funding from Sentara encompass the various regions it serves, including Hampton Roads, Central Virginia, Northern Virginia, Southside Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley and Northeast North Carolina, as well as organizations that operate across the commonwealth of Virginia. Community partners local to the Shenandoah Valley include:

Adagio House — Harrisonburg

AVA Care of Harrisonburg — Harrisonburg

Blue Ridge CASA for Children — Staunton

Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation Inc. — Weyers Cave

Blue Ridge Free Clinic — Harrisonburg

Bridge of Hope Inc. — Harrisonburg

Community Gear Library — Harrisonburg

Elkton Area United Services — Elkton

First Step: A Response to Domestic Violence Inc. — Harrisonburg

Friends of the Shenandoah Trail — Woodstock

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys Inc. — Roanoke

Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) — Churchville

Harrisonburg City Schools Family and Community Engagement Department — Harrisonburg

Harrisonburg Rockingham Community Services Board — Harrisonburg

Hope Distributed, CDC — Harrisonburg

Mental Health America of Augusta — Staunton

New Creation VA — Harrisonburg

Ride With Pride — Staunton

Rockingham County

Shenandoah Housing Corporation — Harrisonburg

Skyline Literacy — Harrisonburg

United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County — Harrisonburg

Valley Interfaith Action — Harrisonburg

INNOVATIVE ROBOTICASSISTED TECHNOLOGY

Mako

Makes knee surgery more precise, speeds up recoveries

Since the introduction of robotic technology in the healthcare field, these cutting-edge wonders have shown great potential in helping to improve patients’ lives.

Robotic (or robot-assisted) surgery, for instance, helps surgeons operate with more precision and control. In December 2023, Mako SmartRobotics™ joined the orthosurgical team at Sentara RMH Medical Center to enhance knee replacement procedures. This technology has been shown to enhance outcomes for patients, who typically experience less pain and quicker healing following this type of procedure.

“In my view, this is the way knee replacements should be done,” explains Mark Williams, DO, an orthopedic surgeon who performed approximately 200 knee replacements with the Mako during his fellowship, before coming to Sentara RMH. “Everyone is a good candidate for this technology, and we’ve found a decrease in pain and more rapid recoveries for patients who have a knee replacement using Mako.”

Giving Patients a Better Quality of Life

Knees and other joints tend to wear out over time, most often from arthritis. When that happens, the cartilage that cushions bones and absorbs shock

starts to deteriorate. Movement eventually becomes painful when bone rubs against bone.

“When everyday activities become difficult and our patients can’t have the same quality of life they

are used to, we start to talk about joint replacement,” says Dr. Williams. “We may ask the patient to go to physical therapy (PT), take anti-inflammatory medications or get steroid injections before we move to surgery — but for many, a replacement is the best solution.”

Mako Knee Replacement Surgery

Mako robotic arm-assisted surgery creates a more exact and reliable plan than traditional knee replacements and knee replacements conducted with other robotic systems. That’s due to the fact that with the Mako, all patients undergo a CT scan before surgery, which allows the surgeon to create a patient-specific strategy.

The surgeon uses the CT scan to develop a 3D virtual model of the unique joint, with which they can evaluate bone structure, disease severity, joint alignment, and surrounding bone and tissue.

“From a patient perspective, having the surgery the traditional way would be like going on a trip with a paper roadmap where you have to draw your path from beginning to end,” Dr. Williams says. “With the Mako, it’s like going on a trip with GPS — we have a plan from beginning to end and a roadmap to follow.”

Using this roadmap, surgeons can protect more of the patient’s healthy bone and have replacement parts ready to go that they know will fit correctly, rather than trying to find the right match during surgery. This method reduces the likelihood of error in terms of component alignment and size. It also results in less trauma to the area undergoing the operation.

“As a result, we see a decrease in the use of pain medication and the severity of pain in the first six to eight weeks after surgery with Mako,” Dr. Williams notes.

An Improved Outcome

Amy Didawick, of Broadway, Va., has had two knee replacements. Her right knee was replaced using traditional techniques at a hospital outside the Sentara system. Dr. Williams replaced her left knee at Sentara RMH using Mako.

In both cases, her procedures were outpatient surgeries, and nurses had her walk on her new knees as soon as possible at the hospital, to get them moving. She was home just hours after both surgeries. However, her pain level was much more acute after the non-Mako surgery.

“You can do lots of research and go to the joint classes, but you don’t really know what to expect when you wake up,” says Didawick, 58. “Once the nerve block ran out a few hours after I got home from the traditional knee replacement, I began to experience a lot of pain and swelling.”

A year after her right knee surgery, Didawick decided it was time to tackle her left knee. Another one of her doctors recommended Dr. Williams, and she made an appointment to learn more. Dr. Williams explained how he uses the Mako and answered all of her questions. Feeling confident about having robotic surgery, she wanted to get on Dr. Williams’ surgery schedule as soon as possible.

Within weeks of her Mako surgery, Didawick noticed a difference in her recovery. While she notes that some pain is inevitable after knee replacement, her results following the Mako procedure were more favorable than after the traditional replacement.

“I’m not even at three weeks postop, and I have more flexibility and range of motion with this surgery,” says Didawick, who started PT a couple of days after surgery. “With my last surgery, I still had a lot of pain and swelling and less range of motion at this point.”

Another Mako Success Story

Wilma Hedrick of Mathias, W.Va, had been experiencing knee pain for the past few years, but the “last straw” for her occurred when the pain began to affect her ability to bike and walk with her 7-year-old granddaughter.

“When you are limited in what you truly enjoy doing, then you know it’s time to address the situation,” says Hedrick, 65, a palliative care nurse.

To help relieve her symptoms, she had PT for five weeks, steroid injections to reduce swelling and gel injections to enable the joints to move more smoothly.

“I tried everything prior to surgery, but it was not helping me to regain my mobility,” she explains. When it became apparent that knee replacement surgery was her best option, Hedrick saw Dr. Williams and scheduled a surgery appointment. A few weeks before her surgery, she had a CT scan of the knee so Dr. Williams could map out her surgery.

Hedrick cared for her husband, Jonathan, eight years ago after his knee replacement and recalled the excruciating pain he felt after surgery. She

was pleasantly surprised that her experience was significantly better.

“After my surgery, I didn’t have as much pain as I anticipated,” she says. “I never felt that my pain wasn’t under control.”

Recovery and Physical Therapy

Both Hedrick and Didawick took prescription pain medication to help manage their pain after surgery and eventually transitioned to over-the-counter pain meds. They initially used a walker to help

them get used to their new knees, and both were diligent about icing, stretching, bending and moving their knees.

“Ice is your best friend,” Didawick adds. “I used ice on and off all day, which is so helpful. It cuts down on how much you have to use the pain meds.”

Knee replacement patients typically see a physical therapist a few days after surgery.

PT goals include:

• Balance

• Extension (how far a knee can straighten)

• Gait quality (how well you can walk)

• Flexion (how far a knee can bend). Usually, the target angle is 135 degrees.

• Muscle control and strength, including retraining muscles to contract

“The goal of PT is to regain the level of functioning you had prior to surgery,” says Ann Kiracofe, a physical therapist at Sentara Timber Way Health Center. “We want you to get back to life and to what you love.”

Besides working with patients at the therapy center, physical therapists also assign “homework,” so patients can progress at home between appointments. Hedrick says her exercises take her 15-20

minutes three times a day, and she also rides a stationary bike at home at a gentle pace to move her knee.

Following through with home exercises is critical to a successful recovery, says Kiracofe, who is Hedrick’s physical therapist.

“We have a small window of time in which to regain as much range of motion, strength and balance as possible, and that progress happens both here and at home,” Kiracofe points out. “Patients who do their homework tend to do much better.”

Kiracofe has also noticed that patients who have surgery with Mako experience better range of motion immediately post-op, as well as less pain and greater ease with walking, than patients who have undergone traditional procedures.

“I’ve been treating patients with total knee replacements for 20 years,” she says. “Although we’ve come a long way and I’ve seen improvements in outcomes over the years, this is the first time I’ve thought, ‘Wow, this might be a big step in the joint replacement world.’”

To learn more about knee replacements and Mako robotic surgery, visit sentara.com/ harrisonburgorthopedics.

NURSE NAVIGATORS: Advocates and Allies in Cancer Care

Lorie Powell had a lot of questions when her mother received a colon cancer diagnosis in November 2023, and new questions continue to arise as her mother undergoes treatment. Fortunately, Powell has someone she can turn to for answers and reassurance.

The Role of Nurse Navigators

The cancer journey is not an easy one, often encompassing a number of types of treatment with different providers and many appointments. Keeping track of it all while managing symptoms and side effects can be overwhelming for patients and their loved ones. Along with treatment, the financial and emotional tolls of the disease can be heavy burdens to bear as well.

The nurse navigators at Sentara RMH Medical Center work to alleviate some of the stress and complications that come with cancer treatment. Doing what their name implies, they help patients and their loved ones navigate a complicated and stressful time, providing support and assistance through every step of the journey. Many nurse navigators work directly with patients and families, while others work behind the scenes to simplify processes and ensure that patients receive proper care.

A Resource for Cancer Patients

Powell’s mother, Peggy Lewis, 74, had surgery in December 2023 and started chemotherapy at the Sentara RMH Hahn Cancer Center in early February 2024. Powell and her siblings share caregiving responsibilities for their mother, who lives in Shenandoah. Their collective journey has been eased by Charlotte Bow, BSN, RN, OCN, an oncology nurse navigator with Sentara.

At the beginning of chemotherapy treatment, Bow meets with each new patient, along with his or her loved ones, for an education appointment. During the meeting, she explains the ins and outs of chemotherapy, as well as potential side effects and available financial assistance and other resources.

“Charlotte has just been fantastic,” says Powell. “She knew it was a lot of information to take in at once and encouraged us to reach out with any

questions. I’ve been able to call her for anything. She’s so thoughtful, caring and encouraging.”

Bow helps coordinate appointments for Lewis and works to ensure that the siblings are all on the same page regarding their mother’s care. Bow also helped Powell apply for financial assistance for her mother and request the paperwork needed to get reimbursed for a cruise the family had to cancel due to her cancer treatment. Bow even made sure Powell was taking care of her own health, urging her to see a doctor during a recent illness.

“Charlotte is very reassuring, positive and compassionate,” Powell adds. “She understands this is uncharted territory for families in the beginning, and that it can be overwhelming and intimidating. I never feel rushed talking to her.”

A Guiding Hand for Breast Care Patients

Jessica Perez was diagnosed with breast cancer one year ago. The 43-year-old mother of five boys had a double mastectomy, radiation and chemotherapy, along with reconstruction surgery.

While Perez underwent treatment, she received assistance on numerous levels from Ashlyn Chandler, BSN, RN, the breast health nurse navigator at the Sentara RMH Funkhouser Women’s Center. Chandler educates patients on the details of treatment plans; explains procedures; helps them apply for financial assistance; and provides resources for transportation, counseling and more.

“Ashlyn was awesome,” recalls Perez. “Of course, the whole process is very overwhelming. It’s very scary and you don’t know what to expect, but Ashlyn helped me with the paperwork and in getting assistance to help pay my bills. Anything I needed, she was there.”

Charlotte Bow, BSN, RN, OCN

Ashlyn Chandler, BSN, RN

Women often come to Chandler with questions about hair loss and how much time they’ll need to take off from work. Younger patients worry about fertility, breastfeeding and caring for their families. She’s able to answer questions and point patients to resources when needed.

“Having a nurse navigator made a big difference,” Perez says. “Having somebody there to answer my questions took some of the pressure off. She was very, very helpful during the whole process.”

Help for the Most Vulnerable

Nurse navigators work with all types of patients, but they focus a lot of their care on those struggling with addiction, mental health, homelessness and housing insecurity, incarceration, and food insecurity. “These patients need more help to get through treatment,” Bow explains. “They often need someone to break things down very simply and help them through the process.”

Nurse navigators often direct such patients to local food banks or Meals on Wheels. They also work with local partners to help people experiencing homelessness find a clean place to live during treatment. Bow often schedules transportation for those who can’t do it on their own.

“I tell every patient that my job is to make sure you complete your treatment,” she says. “I work very hard in those initial classes to make sure that our most at-risk patients have the resources and referrals they need.”

Navigating Behind the Scenes

Much of the work nurse navigators do happens behind the scenes. Chandler, for instance, monitors her patients’ progress through their charts and ensures that their care meets strict breast cancer care standards.

Another nurse navigator for Sentara RMH, Libbi Fitzgerald, BS, BSN, RN, CN-BN, is the integrated care manager for the low-dose CT lung screening program, which provides annual CT scan screenings for current and former smokers who are at high risk for developing lung cancer. While most patients don’t even know Fitzgerald is there, her role is a vital one.

The lung screening program is similar to annual mammogram screenings. By comparing results from year to year, radiologists can spot subtle changes that could indicate the presence of cancer. Fitzgerald shares results with patients and makes sure they follow up with their doctor or pulmonologist for further testing, if needed.

“I coordinate with the physician to make sure the appropriate referral is made quickly,” Fitzgerald says. “I follow them behind the scenes to make sure that whatever follow-up is needed takes place. Even if patients have a negative regular screening, I make sure they come back in a year by sending reminder letters or contacting their physician.” She also fields calls from referring physicians who have questions about eligibility or other concerns.

Most cancers detected through the lung screening program at Sentara RMH are found at an early stage. “This program has allowed us to save lives and detect cancers that otherwise would have gone undetected until later stages,” notes Fitzgerald.

Invaluable Assets

Nurse navigators act as compassionate guides, alleviating burdens and providing support for the challenges of patients dealing with cancer. “Having a nurse navigator is an invaluable asset for patients and families like us going through this journey — just invaluable,” emphasizes Powell. “Knowing that I can reach out to someone with my multitude of questions has brought me a lot of comfort.”

The relationship between patients and nurse navigators works both ways. “My role as a nurse navigator has been the most rewarding nurse experience I have had in my career — particularly in terms of the relationships I develop with these patients,” says Chandler.

“We’re reaching people at their worst moment and trying to make the road easier for them,” adds Bow. “We have amazing technology, doctors and nurses in our community. That’s a blessing.”

Libbi Fitzgerald, BS, BSN, RN, CN-BN

Gratitude for Our Generous Community

In December 2023, the week before Christmas, I was among a few dozen hospital leaders gathered to hear the official announcement that Sentara RMH Medical Center would receive Magnet® designation for a third time.

Sharon Pappas, PhD, executive committee member of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), had just appeared on the screen. Due to some technical difficulties, we couldn’t hear her at first, but the excitement in the room was palpable. When the announcement was finally made, the room erupted in celebration.

As outlined on page 4 of this issue, Magnet designation is a prestigious honor that represents distinguished nursing excellence and signals to our community that Sentara RMH delivers the highest level of care. The designation also represents tremendous teamwork. Nursing care relies on countless staff — physicians, pharmacists, housekeepers, dietitians, administrators and others — who must collaborate effectively to provide our patients with top-level care.

“When the announcement was finally made, the room erupted in celebration.”

As executive director of the RMH Foundation, I also know that our generous community is a vital part of our team. Support for the RMH Foundation has enabled nearly 250 Sentara RMH nurses to return to school, with more than $1 million in scholarships awarded over the past 10 years. As a result, today more than 80% of our nurses have earned a bachelor’s degree — about 10 years ago, that number was just 57%. Ultimately, that means our patients receive higher-quality care.

Indeed, during the Magnet announcement, Dr. Pappas specifically acknowledged the support our community provides to Sentara RMH, calling the relationship an “exemplar” — a best practice that all hospitals should strive to emulate. So, while she was giving her accolades and congratulations, the overwhelming joy we felt in that room was shared with you, our generous community.

I often say you’d be hard-pressed to find any patient who walks through our doors and isn’t in some way impacted by the kindness of our donors. This Magnet recognition is just one more example. Again, thank you!

Going forward, we are designing new and innovative ways for the RMH Foundation to advance nursing care. And as always, I am confident that future donations will result in many more reasons to celebrate again — together.

In gratitude,

Cory Davies Executive Director

If you’d like to learn more about how you can be a part of this generous community of donors, please visit SupportRMH.org or email me at CRDavies@Sentara.com.

Cory Davies, Executive Director

Care to the Nth Degree

RMH Foundation scholarship program sets nurses on the path to continued success

While no two Sentara RMH Medical Center patients are exactly alike, the same can be said about the nurses who care for them, as their paths to serving on the front lines of health care are often diverse and indirect. For some, nursing has been a lifelong pursuit. Others may have entered the profession following a career change later in life.

Whatever their paths, all nurses benefit from a higher level of training in their field. And with that in mind, the RMH Foundation established a nursing scholarship program several years ago to support their continued education.

Sentara RMH nurses seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree can apply for a scholarship, with the goals of advancing their knowledge, enhancing their skillsets and making the community a healthier place in the process.

“As a single mom of three kids, with one in college, pursuing my own educational goals used to seem unattainable,” says Libbi Fitzgerald, nurse navigator for the low-dose CT lung screening program at Sentara RMH. “The RMH Foundation BSN scholarship removed my financial worries and allowed me to focus on furthering my education and reaching my career goals.”

Improving Nursing from Within

The RMH Foundation’s Institute for Nursing Excellence and Innovation awards scholarships are valued at $6,000 each. Created in 2016, the institute was established to enhance Sentara RMH’s tradition of nursing excellence, aiming to improve patient care, accelerate clinical leadership

and make a marked improvement in the community’s overall health.

The scholarship program is one of the institute’s true success stories, with nearly 250 Sentara RMH nurses having received scholarship funds so far. In return, they commit to working at the hospital after completing their degree. Thanks in part to the scholarship program, the percentage of nurses at Sentara RMH who have a BSN degree currently stands at 81% — up from 57% when the institute was founded. Although registered nurses aren’t required to have a BSN, earning the degree provides an additional level of experience and expertise.

“There are few industries in which highly specialized, ongoing education is more important than in health care,” says Cory Davies, RMH Foundation executive director. “Research shows that when nurses have access to resources that enable them

Libbi Fitzgerald, BS, BSN, RN, CN-BN

to pursue ongoing education, they repay that investment with loyalty and gratitude. That means less nursing turnover, more continuity of care for our patients and better access to health care for our community.”

Some nationwide projections offer a bleak outlook for nursing in the health care industry. Davies cites one recent study, which found that 800,000 nurses are expected to leave the profession during the next three years, on top of the 100,000 nurses who left during the COVID-19 pandemic. Another survey found about half of U.S. nurses have an additional job outside of nursing to earn extra income — and of those nurses, more than 25% say they plan to leave nursing to focus on their side job full time.

Thankfully, Sentara RMH is equipped to weather this kind of workforce disruption. Through the generosity of its donors, the RMH Foundation is stepping up to address these issues with a “grow our own” mentality. As part of that effort, the RMH Foundation will be offering another scholarship program, along with stipend support, to help Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC)

students earn two-year associate’s degrees in nursing.

According to Davies, Sentara RMH’s nursing leadership is currently interviewing BRCC’s “best and brightest students” early on in their schooling.

“The goal is to identify these students, offer them the support they need and agree to employ them after graduation,” explains Davies. “In this way, students will have the resources needed to finish their studies and start their career, the community will have more well-trained nurses to provide the health care it needs, and the hospital will have the valued employees it needs to carry out its mission.”

This new initiative resembles the commitment the RMH Foundation established nearly a decade ago to help registered nurses from all walks of life earn BSN degrees.

Gratitude for Support

Fitzgerald, who has worked in various roles at Sentara for 19 years, holds a bachelor’s degree in dietetics from James Madison University — a degree that seemed

more applicable in her former career as a restaurant manager.

Eventually she looked to a more “fulfilling” calling, earning an associate’s degree in nursing from BRCC. Timing and finances were not in place at that time, however, to enable her to immediately pursue a BSN.

“If you’re working and have kids, an associate’s degree is a good route,” Fitzgerald says. “You can still maintain that work-life balance. It’s a great option for a working mom or somebody who has a lot of other things going on.”

Her longer-term goal was to obtain a bachelor’s degree, which she is currently on track to complete online through Southern New Hampshire University in June 2024 — and, thanks to support from the RMH Foundation, she will do so with less of a financial burden.

“I plan on eventually working toward a master’s degree either in nursing education or to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner,” Fitzgerald wrote in her scholarship application. “Receiving my BSN is just a stepping-stone in achieving those ultimate goals.”

For Alyssa Aleshire, who earned a scholarship to work toward her BSN from Mary Baldwin University, having less student debt is meaningful as she approaches graduation in spring 2025.

A registered nurse in cardiac, vascular and pulmonary rehabilitation, Aleshire says she has wanted to be a nurse since a young age, feeling fulfilled by working with older patients.

“My mom worked privately for a lady in an assisted living facility and would sometimes bring me along,” Aleshire recalls. “I loved talking and playing games with the other residents there. My job in cardiac rehabilitation allows me to get to know patients, hear their stories and help them make changes to achieve a better quality of life. And in the emergency room, I can help support patients and families

in some of their saddest and most vulnerable moments.”

She says her BSN education is providing her with additional knowledge and understanding of evidence-based practices in nursing care, which will ultimately help to improve patient care and outcomes.

“Sentara supports continuing education for nurses, regardless of what you want to continue in with your career,” she says. “I think it’s great how they support you and

help fund your education. For me, to go from a licensed practical nurse to a registered nurse to getting my BSN seems almost unreal, since I didn’t graduate high school and only received a GED. Sentara has really helped me further my education.”

Community Support for Nursing is Vital

Fitzgerald says a contribution to the RMH Foundation’s scholarship program is an

investment in the professional growth and development of local nurses who care for our community members.

In that regard, although no two patients or nurses may be alike, every contribution carries equal significance for the betterment of the community.

“When you or a loved one falls ill or becomes injured, you want the best nursing available at your bedside,” Davies adds. “Indeed, nurses are at the center of the care each patient receives. Nurses administer medications, serve as a link between the physician and the patient, and provide the hands-on attention critical to each patient’s health — and, in some cases, survival.

“Put simply, excellent patient care requires excellent nurses.”

To learn more about the RMH Foundation’s Institute for Nursing Excellence and Innovation, visit supportrmh.org.

Plan for Your Life’s Journey

Life is one long road trip, and no matter where you are, we can help you on your journey. We have tools and ideas to save you money, while providing for the people and causes most important to you—causes like the RMH Foundation. Your expression of philanthropy makes a difference to local patients and supports the RMH Foundation’s mission of elevating health care in our community.

No matter how far you are into your life’s journey, it is never too late to update your plan. You decide on your destination based on your own values and priorities, and we can help you get there.

For more information, please visit https://sentara.giftlegacy.com. We look forward to helping you plan your future!

Alyssa Aleshire

of the RMH Foundation friends

Gifts

received from September 1 to December 31, 2023

Sentara RMH Medical Center is so grateful to have the support of generous community members. We express this gratitude and recognize the contributions our donors make through the President’s Forum, the William Leake Society, 1910 Cornerstone Club and the White Rose Giving Circle. These exclusive giving circles are our way to honor our most generous partners who show they care about having the best medical services available in our community. Finally, to recognize your loyalty over the years, we are placing the number of consecutive years you have supported the RMH Foundation next to your name. Thank you for your support!

President’s Forum

$5,000-$250,000

Donna Amenta (17)

Dr. A. J. and Martha K. Benson (12)

Nancy R. and Cecil D. Bradfield (15)

Eddie R. and Catherine Coffey (26)

Diane C. Davis (31)

Col. Peter F. and Lydia Dieck (6)

Frances L. Fawley (1)

Anna L. and LeRoy H. Fega (1)

Orden L. and Reba R. Harman (16)

Elizabeth Harnsberger Trust (12)

John R. and Mary A. Heatwole (5)

Jean Hylton (4)

Dr. William I. and Lynda D. Lee (17)

Dr. Sophia S. Leung (2)

Earle A. and Glenna B. MacKenzie (9)

McDonald’s and Boxley Family (10)

Edgar L. and Char Miller (17)

Kathy and Marcie Moran (14)

Drs. David and Heather Morgan (1)

Douglas J. and Lori B. Moyer (7)

Calvin R. Nichols (7)

Eleanor P. Price (1)

Dennis and Mary J. Rawley (6)

Riner Rentals (5)

Shickel Corporation (3)

Barbara B. and Karl D. Stoltzfus (25)

William G. and Hope S. Stoner (18)

Diane E. and Lynn Trobaugh (16)

William Leake Society

$1,000 - $4,999

Mary L. Addy (6)

Raymond and Susan Albers (1)

Marcus B. Almarode (11)

AMVETS (2)

Devon C. and Teresa B. Anders (14)

David O. Banks (1)

Barry and Eileen McEneely (4)

Bowman Fruit Sales, LLC (1)

Matthew and Marianne Branigan (10)

Rosemary O. Brenner (13)

Bonnie C. Caplinger (5)

Dr. Henry H. Chang (21)

Maryjane Chewning (9)

LuAnn L. Clark (26)

Sandra and Dean Clatterbuck (6)

CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union (4)

Thomas F. Constable (24)

Louise D. Cook (1)

Ben Craig and Dr. Nicholas Swartz (3)

Daikin Applied (1)

Daily News-Record (1)

Mike Davis (1)

Bettye C. and D’Earcy P. Davis (8)

Lynn M. and David Diveley (5)

Rosemary and David Eyeler (4)

Dr. C. Wayne and Donna Gates (3)

Glass & Metals, Inc. (1)

Donna Gochenour (8)

Chasity H. Godshall (15)

Drs. Brooke and William Goodwin (2)

Dr. Donna S. Hahn (17)

Amelia and David C. Hall (14)

Dr. Eugene J. Harper (1)

Harrisonburg and Bridgewater 24/7 Fitness (3)

Harrisonburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry (3)

Ollie Heatwole Trust (4)

James and Connie Hillyard (8)

Glenn and Sandra K. Hodge (4)

Mark and Debra Horst (1)

Dwight E. and Carolyn R. Houff (2)

Kern L. and Chanda C. Houff (5)

Robert Z. and Judith Huffman (1)

Catherine H. and David Hughes (2)

IDM Trucking, Inc. (18)

Judith D. Jenkins (7)

Rebecca S. Jessie (23)

Dr. Charles E. and Dawn Kern (8)

Lorrie Koontz (8)

Julie F. Kramer (35)

Elisabeth M. and Andrew Lawson (8)

Legacy Surgery, PC (1)

Cathy J. Leitner, PLC (10)

Robert J. Lynch (8)

W. Neal and Ann Menefee (30)

Richard R. J. Morin (18)

Mulberry Hills Farm LLC (3)

Roger S. Myers (1)

Richard S. and Susanne F. Myers (1)

Thomas A. Nardi (3)

New Market Rotary Club (10)

Rebecca M. Nicely (15)

Oasis Fine Art and Crafts (1)

George and Elizabeth Ojalehto (3)

David A. and Helen L. Penrod (4)

Virginia Frances Plecker (7)

Doug, Vickie and Chad Rawley and Lauren Reznik (7)

Thomas D. and Jennifer Rea (9)

Rockingham Cooperative (16)

S & R Auto Service, LLC (3)

Janice F. and Rick Scaglione (24)

Frank B. Shakespeare (14)

Corie B. Shifflett (20)

T. E. and Zizi C. Sipe (15)

Grayson Sless (1)

Anita L. Smootz (7)

Brandy Sollenberger (8)

William E. and Heidi B. Strang (3)

Richard H. Torovsky (7)

Sallye Trobaugh (10)

Dr. Emily J. Turzanski (1)

Chris Weaver (1)

Dr. John D. Wenger (2)

Whit’s Market (3)

Ray M. and Ann H. Wine (3)

Marshall and Julieanne Yoder (5)

Ronald E. and Shirley B. Yoder (3)

Gina F. Yost (14)

1910

Cornerstone Club

$100 - $999

Ahmad Abdul Ali (1)

Robert L. and Karma C. Adam (16)

Laura E. Adkins (10)

Phyllis Albrite (1)

Elizabeth Alderfer (3)

Richard D. and Louise H. Alderfer (2)

Margaret A. Alexander (20)

Lori Alger (4)

David E. and Gloria W. Alger (2)

Michael L. and Violet Allain (4)

Leodegario Alonso (6)

Susan D. Anderson (1)

Vicky and Michael K. Arbogast (1)

Robert P. and Beverly Armbruster (1)

C. Dennis Armentrout (1)

Timothy and Phyllis Armentrout (1)

Jane Armstrong (7)

Suzanne Arthur (2)

Keith S. and Denise R. Atkins (1)

Karris and Jonathan S. Atkins (1)

Robin R. Atwood (14)

Autobody Pro Shop (1)

Sandra G. Baker (3)

Suzanne Ballew (1)

Cynthia M. Banks (12)

Tamela J. Bare (4)

Erin Barker (1)

Dr. John G. Barr (1)

Mr. H. Robert Bates (1)

Jennifer B. Baugher (7)

Valerie Beales (2)

Gerald W. and Carolyn L. Beam (1)

Erin Beeker (7)

Barbara R. Begoon (20)

Sally A. Behm (1)

Joanne L. Bell (8)

Thomas L. Bellamy (8)

Holly G. Berry (15)

Zelda Blackwell (4)

William E. and Allene R. Blessing (10)

Blue Ridge Insurance Services, Inc. (3)

Steve Bollinger (1)

Fred C. and Susan Bosserman (4)

Lisa W. Bottenfield (2)

Lawrence D. and Linda K. Bowers (4)

Molly Bowman (1)

Larry O. and Paula C. Bowman (1)

James O. and Sylvia K. Bowman (5)

Martha F. Bradfield (6)

Loretta F. Bradley (11)

Christine and Steve Bradshaw (5)

Sherry L. Braithwaite (8)

Gwyneth Brandt (1)

Lanny L. and Phyllis B. Branner (1)

Rodney and Patricia Branson (10)

Anita H. Brechtel (2)

Susan Breeden (2)

Judith K. Breeden (5)

Justin Brenneis (3)

Jack J. & Mary T. Broaddus (2)

Emmett H. and Leola C. Brooks (8)

Carol J. Brooks (19)

Larry E. Brown (10)

Larry Brown (2)

Jamie L. Brown (2)

Harold D. & Fay K. Brubaker (6)

Patricia A. Brunk (16)

Catherine S. and Henry F. Buhl (12)

Deborah E. Bullis (27)

Jenny and Jared Burden (2)

David and Elizabeth Burkholder (7)

Bruce and Norma Burkholder (10)

Owen R. and Judy M. Burkholder (1)

Christine W. Burner (16)

J. Michael and Dianne H. Burris (1)

Samuel G. Butler (1)

Jean Butzen (1)

Carrie Bynaker (2)

Ted and Stephanne Byrd (1)

Tammy M. Byrd (26)

Margaret Caldwell-Ott (1)

Reva S. Calhoun (5)

Sallie Campbell (5)

Lewis S. Campbell (1)

Jay L. Campbell (5)

A. Fontaine and Martha Canada (12)

Dr. John Canter (1)

George F. and Lucretia A. Carter (2)

Diana J. Catlett (8)

Brenda D. Cave (12)

Kajsa Champ (2)

Ashlyn Chandler (1)

Susan Chelgren (8)

R. Bradley and Mary Chewning (12)

Paul R. and Becky R. Christophel (1)

Lee E. Clapper (11)

Katherine Clausen (2)

Randy S. Clem (7)

Dr. Bruce Clemons (3)

Brenda J. Cline (3)

Daneen A. Coakley (2)

Janice K. Cobb (1)

Pamela F. Collins (10)

Stephanie and Paul Collins (1)

Russell J. and Delores A. Comer (1)

Cassey Cook (3)

Cornerstone Hoops (1)

Gloria B. and William D. Craun (2)

Glenn and Leslie Crawford (8)

Scott Crickenberger (1)

Dana Crittenden (8)

Tina Crum (7)

Carroll L. and Dianna L. Cubbage (7)

Wayne and Betty Cupp (1)

Bennie M. and Cathy L. Cupp (3)

Kimberly J. Curry (11)

Vanessa Custer (5)

Daniels Promotional Products (1)

Cory R. and Dr. Donielle Davies (16)

Brian Davis (4)

Phillip E. and Wilma R. Davis (2)

Raymond J. Davis (1)

Catherine D. Dawson (1)

Mary Day (2)

Mary Dayton (2)

Alison K. Dean (7)

Arthur Dean (3)

John R. and Tina D. DeLapp (4)

Jill Delawder (6)

Dennis and Lou Dellinger (1)

Shirley L. Dellinger (20)

Carolyn L. Dickenson (6)

Houston Dickenson (1)

Lisa K. and Gregory A. Dinges (2)

Jane Dinsmore (1)

Robert F. and Linda W. Dinsmore (7)

Janeen Dofflemyer (1)

Jerry A. Dollens-Herron (3)

Jim and Caroll Douglas (8)

Betty B. Dove (19)

Jennifer S. Dove (5)

Penny Driediger (2)

W. Gary and Brenda S. Early (2)

Elizabeth V. and Kevin Early (1)

Sonya S. Eberly (22)

Andrew Eckstrom (3)

Jessica C. Edwards (17)

Richard and Miriam C. Eichlin (2)

Anne M. Ekdahl (12)

Christopher A. and Trina L. Ellis (2)

Tami R. Eppard (17)

Eula R. Eppard (2)

ERAI, Inc. (1)

Allen D. and Sara A. Ervin (1)

B. Earl and Cheryl K. Eshbach (11)

Dr. J. R. and Rosalie H. Eshleman (7)

Dr. James D. and Sheila D. Evans (4)

Anne G. Farmer (5)

John and Barbara Fast (4)

Philip K. and Connie D. Fauber (1)

Nancy C. Faulkner (1)

First Choice Home Health Services, LLC (2)

Stephany D. Flory (1)

Carla Foerster (2)

Larry A. and Linda J. Fogle (16)

Susan Foltz (3)

Debbie Forrest (1)

H. D. and Rachel N. Frye (4)

Charles J. Frye (5)

William E. and Rita F. Fulk (5)

Byron Fulk, PA-C (5)

Tina Fultz (1)

Peter G. and Nancy J. Fundinger (6)

Joseph K., II & Sallie Funkhouser (18)

Jason A. Funkhouser (4)

Lelia L. Galvin (4)

Norma J. and Harry M. Gardner (14)

Douglas and Lila Gardner (5)

Karen J. Garrison (9)

Chad M. Gathers (9)

Dr. Frank & Jean Gearing (1)

Rebecca L Gehman (4)

Gregory and Margaret Geisert (9)

Tracey A. Gentry (11)

Walter G. and Barbara A. Gerner (9)

Michael J. and Heather L. Gigliotti (2)

Ryan and Allison Gilbert (3)

Sara E. Gingerich (14)

Tommy and Betsy H. Glendye (11)

J. D. and Rebecca F. Glick (26)

Paige W. Godoy (5)

Alfred W. Good (1)

Lisa Gordon (1)

Susan J. Gosney (7)

Les and Joni Grady (1)

Henry B. and Dorice M. Graham (2)

Grand Home Furnishings of Harrisonburg (8)

Bob and Mary Grebe (1)

Jamey C. Groff (2)

Debby Y. and Louis J. Grogan (1)

John F. and Joann Grubbs (3)

Marilyn and Peter Guntner (1)

Rebecca Haggan (2)

Olivia Haimani (8)

Kim and Jerome J. Haines (1)

Herman and Rosemary Hale (12)

Dr. James A. and Sue M. Haley (2)

Tamela Hall (2)

Marianne F. Halterman (6)

Sally Halterman (1)

Jarman L. Hammer (10)

Mark And Susie Hardy (1)

Vincent E. and Barbara L. Harkins (1)

Richard A. and Peggy L. Harkness (1)

Dana Harlow (9)

Carl B. and Herta K. Harman (1)

Joan Hartzler (1)

Robert and Linda Harvey (1)

Kenneth T. Haskell (16)

Betty Hassler (6)

Rachel Hayes (2)

Hearing At Home (1)

Evelyn S. Hedrick (13)

Wilma F. Hedrick (11)

Joyce C. Hedrick (4)

Stephen T. and Mary Heitz (1)

Denise A. Hensley (12)

Brian Hershberger (1)

Robert E. and Gail L. Hess (7)

George and Cary Hevener (19)

Lillan B. and Kenneth W. Hilbert (2)

Rodney E. and Gloria Hildebrand (2)

Dr. Jordan Hill (1)

Sherry Hillis (1)

William E. Himelright (6)

Sherrel J. and Frank S. Hissong (15)

Angel H. Hoak (16)

Tina B. Hodge (4)

Gina and Thomas Holden (6)

Amanda S. Holt (5)

Gregory and Melinda Homan (7)

Ann E. Homan (21)

Dena Hoover (3)

Ginny Hoover (1)

Robert E. and Betty W. Hoover (23)

Kenneth L. and Juanita E. Hopkins (1)

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Terri M. Horst (2)

Robert P. and Eloise B. Hostetler (11)

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Anita Housden (2)

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David M. Hughes (13)

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Donna Hurst (3)

Lynetta Hutchinson (6)

Paul and Carol Ignosh (4)

Alesia M. Isreal (6)

Lee A. Jackson (1)

Rick and Pat Jackson (1)

Keith K. Jacob (5)

Richard E. and Linda H. Jacobs (4)

Yvonne Jarrels (3)

Shelvy M. Jenkins (33)

Jenkins Insurance & Financial Services Inc (1)

Tedd H. and Lora W. Jett (34)

Ronald P. and Julianne Jilinski (16)

Dr. Robert F. Jochen (8)

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Candace Johnson (1)

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Leona K. Judy (1)

Susan K. Justice (7)

Kawneer Company, Inc. (1)

Deborah A. Kees (9)

Loretta Keplinger (1)

Kerry Foods (2)

Deborah B. Kile, DNP, RN, NE-BD (22)

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Lois A. King (2)

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John H. and Sharon H. Koontz (4)

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William A. and Carole H. Kreowski (6)

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Joseph C. and Carol A. Kudless (11)

Troy E. Kurtz (9)

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Sue Lam (1)

C. Stephen and Cynthia H. Lamb (13)

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Sandra L. and Nelson C. Leap (5)

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Edwin M. and Dianna R. Lehman (1)

Erica Lewis (1)

Robert C. and Jeri J. Lewis (2)

Dr. Robert Li & Kelly Zellers (1)

Tommy M. Lilly (11)

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Charles E. and Cynthia A. Litten (15)

Donal E. Loker (6)

Lokey Insurance and Financial Services (1)

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John M. and Kristine K. Long (1)

Gladys D. and David M. Longacre (12)

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Wayne J. and Geraldine S. Lowe (5)

Cynthia S. Lowe (15)

Donna Lucas (2)

H. L. and Mildred Maiden (6)

Robert J. and Kathryn Manley (12)

Laura S. Mapp (30)

David A. and Karin E. Mars (9)

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Greg Marston (1)

R. L. and Pauline Z. Martin (6)

Anne L. Martin and Duane E. Bontrager (1)

Courtney Martin (4)

Sarah Martin (1)

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Roger E. and Cheryl Y. Mast (2)

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Philip H. Maxwell (36)

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James and Geraldine McCullough (1)

Cathy McCully (1)

Rebecca C. McCutcheon (5)

Ellen S. McDonald (12)

Deborah M. McDonald (2)

Leonard and Elaine McDorman (1)

McGaheysville Ruritan Club (1)

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Marilyn Melia (1)

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Judith Miller (1)

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Catherine Mills (2)

Leslie E. Mohler (21)

Lynn E. and Carolyn B. Mohler (1)

Sherry L. Mongold (12)

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Maria E. Moore (1)

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John W. and Alaina J. Morrow (4)

Donald L. and Marie I. Moyer (4)

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John N. and Linda E. Neff (7)

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Dwight and Betsy Newman (4)

Jerrica Nixon (1)

Nothing Bundt Cakes (1)

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Charles V. Oster (27)

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Mitchell Palmer (2)

Arthur and Diane Parente (7)

Joanna Parker (1)

Etha Jane and Richard Parker (8)

Meghan A. Patterson (15)

Kristin H. Payne (16)

Sharon L. Peale (2)

Pendleton Community Bank (1)

Thomas A. and Daille Pettit (14)

Dr. Robert. and Ruby Phares (5)

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Reagan Powell (3)

Richard M. Powell (16)

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Butch Proctor (3)

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David L. Smith

David Solomon

David E. & Marilyn S. Solomon

Charles Bud Somers

Barbara R. and Charles B. Somers

Janet Sonifrank

Tommy and Betsy H. Glendye

James O. Stepp

Janet S. Stepp

Carl “Pete” Strawderman

F. L. Proctor

Wayne A Strawderman

Esther J. Strawderman

Joda E. Strickler

Joda E. and Annabelle P. Strickler Family

Dorothy Price & Evelyn V. Stultz

Rodney and Ruth Stultz

R. Noland Suter

Marian B. and Noland Suter

Paul W. Swartz

Robert B. and Jeanne S. Minnich

Debra E. Taylor

Roger L. and Ann T. Saylor

Nora Taylor

Cheryl H. McWilliams

Florence Telawny

Gilbert S. Trelawny

Ruby Thacker

Jon D. and Sandra H. Ritenour

Herbert & Phyllis Theimer

Michael and Brandon Theimer

Alva D. Tice

Patti Tice

James Tingle

Cynthia C. and James E. Tingle

Fay D Trego

Gerald and Fay Trego

Jean and Benjamin Vincent

Elizabeth V. and Kevin Early

Anna M. Wade

June W. Hosaflook

Carroll Comer & Elwood Walton

Wylie E. and Diane Walton

Bonnie L. Wampler

Carolyn A. Wampler

Billy Wealthy

Otis L. and Crena M. Ryman

Norris E. Weaver

Lyn S. Weaver

Becky Wedig

Debby Y. and Louis J. Grogan

Denise Whitman

James B. Richardson

Judy Wildharm (Goheens)

Cathy McCully

Judy G. Wildman

Pam Scott

Mr. and Mrs. Everette Wilfong

Richard T. and Carolyn F. Wilfong

May Wimer

Alan L. and Patricia W. Knicely

John “Yogi” Wolfe

Jay L. Campbell

Frances E. Wyant

Evelyn S. Hedrick

John and Joyce Zigler

Randolph G. and Beverley Z. Nelson

Honor Gifts

Marcia M. Brown

Larry Brown

Jennifer Bryant, Palliative Care

John J. and Linda W. Myers

Dr. David McLaughlin & Dr. Kevin Casey

Robert P. and Beverly Armbruster

Ashlyn Chandler

Dr. Nicholas Swartz and Ben Craig

Ben Craig

Dr. Nicholas Swartz

Teresa Crawford

Lee A. Jackson

Gloria Dean

Arthur Dean

Helen Duncan

Vicky and Michael K. Arbogast

Aubree Dyer

Joan Cubbage

Lisa Smith Gerber

Doris and G. S. Smith

Corrie Lynn Green

Cathy R. and William W. Westwood

Amelia Hall

Janet T. and David H. Wendelken

Hospice Staff

Margaret T. and Harry L. Byers

Phillip E. and Wilma R. Davis

Robert and Judy Huffman

Robert Z. and Judith Huffman

Cory, Mary, Ben, Mary Kaye, Karris

Sandy and Sherwin Tusing

Julia Kroos

Diane E. and Lynn Trobaugh

Ramona Leeth

Kay S. Leeth

Don and Nancy Lemish

Denise A. Whitman

Charlotte Liggan

Larry Liggan

Laura Logan Etha Jane and Richard Parker

Aimee Lyle

Leonard W. and Elaine N. McDorman

Pat Messner

Judith S. Strickler

Joyce Michael

Charles W. Michael

Dreanna Murphy

Diane E. and Lynn Trobaugh

Sherri Reichgott

Mary C. and James R. Sherman

Katherine Revell

Mary Alice Robertson

Emily Sherrill

Ginny Hoover

Emily Sherrill and the Pool Staff

Debbie Forrest

Mary Ann Showalter

Mark and Debra Horst

Catherine (Katie) Sinnett

Sandra Deavers- Sylvester and Richard W. Sylvester

Tony Stovall

Dwynn M. Stovall

Chrissy Strow

Charles E. Kern

Dr. Struble

Roberta R. and Robert K. Wilkins

Diane Trobaugh

Janet T. and David H. Wendelken

Laura G. Price

Anita H. Brechtel

Laura G. Price

Joan and Whit Krumm

Dr. Michaela Weaver

Valerie S. Weaver

Faye Wilfong

Jane Dinsmore

We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of all our donors and strive to ensure the accuracy of our donor listings. Despite our diligent efforts, errors may occasionally occur. If you identify any discrepancies or missing information, please accept our sincere apologies and reach out to Karris Atkins at kxatkin3@sentara.com so we can make the necessary corrections. Thank you for your understanding, and we hope we can count on your continued support.

Mako SmartRobotics™

Mako is the next step in knee replacement.

Patients typically have less pain, shorter hospital stays, and experience faster recoveries because Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery leads to improved accuracy and precision to plan a more predictable surgical experience.

To learn more or to request an appointment, scan the QR code or call 540-689-5500.

Mark Williams, D.O. Joint Replacement Surgeon

Sentara RMH Medical Center

2010 Health Campus Drive

Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801

Sentara.com

Change service requested

Sentara Obstetrics, Gynecology & Midwifery Specialists

Our care team offers women in this community the very best in healthcare services, including obstetrics, gynecology, fetal echocardiogram, fertility evaluation and treatment, and ultrasound.

Our care team

LaDene King, M.D. Whitney Adams, CNM

Stephanie Scheidt, M.D. Mary Etta Piller, CNM

Catherine Slusher, M.D. Shannon Ikenberry, WHNP

Daniel Weinberg, M.D. Sherry Mongold, FNP

Sentara Obstetrics, Gynecology & Midwifery Specialists 2291 Evelyn Byrd Avenue Harrisonburg, VA 22801

540-534-6335

Sentara Medical Group