2012 Spring/Summer HealthQuest Magazine

spring/summer 2012

A publication of SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH News, Education and Philanthropy

Is this an emergency?

Helpful guide to access the right level of care On the sidelines

Skagit Regional Clinics’ orthopedic surgeons assist high school athletes

‘Cuisine on Call’

Hospital offers new menu, made-from-scratch food with new room service program

Message from the Board Commissioners provide progress report to the community

2011 annual report details ‘A Legacy of Caring’

Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation

Living our Service Standards Skagit Regional Health stands dedicated to four Service Standards: Safety, Compassion, Presentation and Efficiency.

Introduction of these tenets begins before people are hired, continues during new employee orientation and carries on throughout the organization.

Each month, I have the pleasure of helping to honor employees who exemplify the Service Standards.

What is humbling is that the “nominations” most often come from the patients we serve; people who are appreciative of a kindness, an extra effort, outstanding care or a warm smile. Equally as nice are those from co-workers, who admire when a teammate does a great job and takes the time to say so. Here are a few recent examples:

July 13, 2012 10 a.m. shotgun start at

Eaglemont Golf Course Raising funds to support the Foundation’s Cancer Care Patient Assistance Fund.

Skagit Regional Health 2 | more For information, see page 26.

About Gene Murray, lead tech in MRI, a grateful patient writes “You put my fears to rest from the beginning of my appointment. Exceptional work!”

About Bob Lebeau, MSW, social worker in Case Management, a patient writes “Bob tirelessly and competently saw us through a very trying 12-hours in the Emergency Room. Ultimately, as a result of Bob’s diligence, I have a muchneeded long-term care plan.”

About Lisa Mata, RN, in the Float Pool, a patient letter says “Lisa was so friendly and cheerful… I had a positive and memorable experience because of her.”

About Sandy Young, a receptionist in the Regional Cancer Care Center, a co-worker states that she “makes everyone feel special and welcome in our clinic. …Sandy goes out of her way to keep patients’ morale high and want them to be as comfortable as possible.”

About Monique Boe in Finance a patient writes that she “helped me on the phone to find ways to handle my medical bills. I appreciated that she went out of her way…”

It is also a proud moment when surveyors from our accrediting organization, DNV, compliment our staff for the “kindness and compassion being shown… you can sense that here.”

I am proud of this organization and believe it is important to recognize these efforts, and those of each member of our 1,800-person health care team, for the role each plays in providing quality patient care with Safety, Compassion, Presentation and Efficiency at the forefront.

Gregg Davidson, FACHE Chief Executive Officer

Spring&Summer 2012 / Volume 9 / Issue 2

HealthQuest is published three times a year

by Skagit Regional Health in Mount Vernon and the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation.

Is this an emergency?

4

On the sidelines

8

‘Cuisine on Call’

15

Message from the Board

16

WHERE TO FIND US In Person: Main entrance located on Hospital Parkway in Mount Vernon.

Skagit Regional Clinics’ orthopedic surgeons assist high school athletes

By Mail: P.O. Box 1376 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Phone: 360-424-4111 Fax: 360-814-2416 On the Web: www.skagitvalleyhospital.org

Hospital offers new menu, made-from-scratch food with new room service program

Physician Referral Line: 360-848-5555 or 360-629-5850 SKAGIT REGIONAL CLINICS Anacortes: 360-293-0308 Anacortes Urology: 360-293-2173 Camano Island: 360-387-5398 Cardiology: 360-336-9757 Mount Vernon: 360-428-2500 Mount Vernon Urology: 360-424-7991 Oak Harbor: 360-814-6200 Sedro-Woolley: 360-856-4222 Stanwood: 360-629-1600 Cascade Skagit Health Alliance Arlington: 360-618-5000 SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL REGIONAL CANCER CARE CENTER In Person: 307 South 13th St., Ste. 100 Mount Vernon, WA

By Mail: P.O. Box 1376 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Phone: 360-814-2146 Fax: 360-814-2445 The Breast Institute 360-814-8148 SKAGIT VALLEY KIDNEY CENTER AND WOUND HEALING CENTER 208 Hospital Parkway Mount Vernon, WA Kidney: 360-814-8260 Wound: 360-814-2600 For additional copies or more information, contact Health Education Coordinator Linda Wright at 360-814-2325 or go to our Web site at www. skagitvalleyhospital.org.

Helpful guide to access the right level of care

COVER PHOTO Janette Tomlinson, MD works in the Emergency Department at Skagit Valley Hospital where providers care for more than 30,000 patients each year.

Photo by Linda Wright

Commissioners provide progress report to the community

2011 annual report details ‘A Legacy of Caring’

17-29

HealthQuest Classes 30

Stanwood & Camano Island

HealthQuest Classes 32

Skagit Regional Clinics 42 Locations

HealthQuest Class 43 Registration

Mount Vernon

HealthQuest Spring/Summer 2012

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emergency Is it an

Should I: Call 9-1-1? Go to Urgent Care?

Skagit and north Snohomish counties are home to a wide variety of resources to provide care at all levels.

“If you think you are having a heart attack or stroke, you need to be in the ER,” said Janette Tomlinson, MD, who practices in the Skagit Valley Hospital Emergency Department. “Don’t hesitate. Call 9-1-1!”

Stroke, heart attack, chest pain and motor vehicle accidents rise to the top as ER cases, along with what Roy Graves, MD of Skagit Regional Clinics Urgent Care, and former emergency medicine doctor, calls the “big four” - airway, breathing, circulation and disability. Patients must think about what they are experiencing, and need to access the right level of care.

Local Urgent Care centers include those operated by Skagit Regional Clinics and SeaMar Community Health Centers in Mount Vernon, Cascade Skagit Health Alliance in Smokey Point and North Cascade Family Physicians in Mount Vernon offers the practice’s patients an Urgent Care option. These are part of a growing number of clinics across the country offering extended hours to meet the needs of working people at a more affordable level than the Emergency Department, with more convenience than primary care clinics can often provide.

A study in the journal Health Affairs, published in September 2011, shows 27 percent of hospital emergency room visits are not emergencies.

4 | Skagit Regional Health

“People are busier and they are pressured for time all the way around,” said Dr. Ellen Rak, Clinical Director for SeaMar in Mount Vernon. “An Urgent Care clinic can often meet people’s needs and get them addressed more quickly, without the resources of the ER.” One hurdle is that patients may not be aware of their health care options, beyond the ER, said Kirk Brownell, MD, Medical Director of the Skagit Valley Hospital Emergency Department.

“People don’t know that they can call their doctor’s office after hours and they will get a call back to help them make the decision. Many of the patients we see could appropriately be cared for in an outpatient setting,” Dr. Brownell said.

“Unfortunately, we see many non-emergent visits because they don’t have access to a doctor.”

Skagit Valley Hospital offers a “fast track” system from 1 to 11 p.m. for those patients who present with a less urgent matter to get them in and out of the ER more quickly. Social workers make efforts to link ER patients with resources at discharge, such as support services or access to care, including referrals to Safe Harbor Free Clinic in Stanwood.

Call my doctor or clinic?

“We do a lot of problem solving with people, helping them discover resources they may not know they have,” said Social Work Clinical Supervisor Kathryn Kay, MSW. William Hartley, ARNP, has worked in the Skagit Regional Clinics Urgent Care for the past two years and has seen the acuity level of patient problems and volume rise to nearly 19,000 visits in 2011.

Weather, time of day and day of the week all play into patient decisions on where to go for care.

“It’s a team approach. If we can take some of the load off of the ER for non-emergencies, it allows the ER to focus on the patients who need that level of care,” Hartley said.

Urgent Care is not primary care, however, and Hartley and other physicians encourage people to become established with a primary care physician.

“Everybody needs to get that family doctor concept down,” he said.

Establishing a relationship as a patient with SeaMar or another primary care provider can help put a focus and set goals for prevention, wellness, lifestyle strategies and chronic disease management, Dr. Rak said.

“Doctors love to be called, if it’s going to make a difference in a patient’s health,” she said. “We can suggest that they try this, watch for that, or tell them to go to the ER. We can help patients so they can advocate for themselves.”

cy ?

Hospital Emergency Rooms

Local Urgent Care Clinics: SeaMar Community Health Centers

You should use a hospital emergency room for every serious or life threatening problem. Emergency departments are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Sliding fee scale, patients seen regardless of insurance status

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, don’t wait! Call 911 or get to your nearest hospital emergency room.

1415 E. Kincaid Street Mount Vernon, 360-588-5550 (inside Skagit Valley Hospital, use South/ Kincaid entrance) Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

• Chest pain • Severe abdominal pain • Coughing or vomiting blood • Severe burns • Deep cuts or bleeding that won’t stop • Sudden blurred vision • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath • Sudden dizziness, weakness, or loss of coordination or balance • Numbness in the face, arm, or leg • Sudden, severe headache • Seizures • High fevers • Any other condition you believe is life threatening

Urgent Care / Walk-in Clinics When your doctor is not available, urgent care clinics provide attention for non-life threatening medical problems or that could become worse if you wait. Urgent care provides walk-in appointments and are often open seven days a week with extended hours.

www.seamar.org 1400 N. La Venture Mount Vernon, 360-428-4075

Skagit Regional Clinics Urgent Care 1400 E. Kincaid Mount Vernon, 360-428-6434 www.srclinics.org Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and holidays. (Closed on Christmas)

Cascade Skagit Health Alliance Urgent Care 3823 172nd St. NE Arlington, 360-618-5000

North Cascade Family Practice

(Available to established NCFP patients, to new patients whose insurance we take, or on a one-time basis) 2116 E. Section Street Mount Vernon, 360-428-1700 Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Doctor’s Office or Clinic Unless you have a life-threatening emergency, you should start with a doctor’s office or clinic. They deliver

basic care for common illnesses, minor injuries and routine health exams.

Your doctor can also help you manage your health over time.

You should make an appointment with your doctor’s office for: • Common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear aches, sore throats, migraines, fever, rashes • Minor injuries such as sprains, back pain, minor cuts and burns, minor broken bones, or minor eye injuries • Regular physicals, prescription refills, vaccinations, chronic disease management and screenings • A health problem where you need advice For help finding a physician, call the Skagit Regional Health physician referral line at 360-848-5555. For information on any member of the Skagit Regional Health Medical Staff, go to www.skagitvalleyhospital.org and select Find a Physician.

Other resources: Safe Harbor Free Clinic

Open Friday evenings 9631 269th Street, Stanwood 1-425-870-7384 www.safeharborfreeclinic.org

Insurance providers

Many insurance companies have a 24/7 nurse help line to help you decide where to go for care including Community Health Plan of Washington (1-866-418-1002); Group Health Cooperative (1-800297-6877); Molina including Basic Health, Healthy Options, Medicaid (1-888-275-8750, English, 1-866-6483537 Spanish); and Premera Blue Cross (1-877-728-9020).

HealthQuest Spring/Summer 2012

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New Mental Health Center offers added security, space, healing environment The new Mental Health Center at Skagit Valley Hospital opens this spring, offering enhanced privacy, safety and a healing environment.

The remodel of the former birth center at the hospital more than doubles the space dedicated to inpatient mental health services. The new facility features private patient rooms, allowing the unit to operate at its 15-bed licensed capacity, improving access to mental health care in the community.

“We will have a healing and therapeutic environment for patients, which will also enhance safety, for patients and staff,” said Corin Schneider, RN, MN, MHA, Director of Case Management and the Mental Health Center.

The unit includes a large common room for meals and activities, a small outdoor patio space, two seclusion rooms, and a secure corridor to allow visitors access to meet with a patient, without walking through the unit.

Colors, lighting and artwork were carefully selected to create a healing environmnent.

“We wanted to keep the unit environment calm and quiet, so we designed spaces that allow patients to have visitors away from the patient care areas,” Schneider said.

Hanson Brothers Construction, Inc. of Mount Vernon is the contractor and low bidder on the project, designed by Mahlum Architects of Seattle.

Funds for the project are provided by a $1 million capital campaign by the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation; an $800,000 appropriation from the federal government; a $750,000 capital budget allocation from the State of Washington and the balance from the hospital capital budget.

“We are so appreciative for the generosity of the community and their belief in the care that we can provide to those living with mental illness,” Schneider said.

6 | Skagit Regional Health

Palliative Care program begins at Skagit Valley Hospital The pain, stress and symptoms of a serious illness can mount on a patient and family. At Skagit Valley Hospital, the Palliative Care Team has come together to provide specialized, comprehensive medical care for people with serious illness to manage symptoms and match treatment to a patient’s goals.

As an extra layer of support, the Palliative Care Team includes physicians, social workers and chaplains as members of this comprehensive group, dedicated to each patient’s quality of life.

“Our Palliative Care Team specializes in the relief of suffering and the achievement of the best possible quality of life for patients and their families,” said Anita Meyer, MD, Medical Director of the new Palliative Care program. “Palliative care team members work closely with the patient’s doctors to deliver wellcoordinated, well-communicated care. The existing treatment plan is supported, while our team helps the patient live comfortably through the illness.”

Palliative care is available to hospitalized patients at any stage of a serious illness. Patients may receive palliative care and curative treatments simultaneously.

“Pain and other symptoms affect your quality of life and the stress can have a big impact on your family,” said team member Leslie Estep, MD. “The palliative care team can help.”

Palliative care is distinctly different than hospice, which is meant for people in the final months of life.

“Palliative care improves your ability to carry on with your daily life,” said Janet Ballard, LICSW, Palliative Care Program Coordinator. “It improves your ability to tolerate medical treatments and helps you to better understand your condition and your choices for medical care.”

For more information about palliative care, go to www.getpalliativecare.org.

(Above) Janet Ballard, LICSW, Palliative Care Program Coordinator, Leslie Estep, MD and Anita Meyer, MD, Medical Director, are members of the new Palliative Care Team at Skagit Valley Hospital.

“My teammates

” saved my life

Former Husky basketball star recalls the day her heart stopped Kayla Burt says she was in the “best shape of my life” as a starter for the University of Washington women’s basketball team in 2002. The Arlington High School graduate was a team co-captain and leader reveling in her opportunity to live her dream to play Division 1 basketball for the Huskies.

On New Year’s Eve 2002, after practice and an evening spent with teammates, Burt’s heart stopped in Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and she collapsed. Burt described her experience and her passion for spreading the word about heart health in an appearance at Skagit Regional Health’s Women’s Health Luncheon at McIntyre Hall in February.

“There were seven people there and every single person played a part, they acted as a team,” Burt said, noting two gave CPR while one dialed 911 and others sought help from neighbors. “My teammates saved my life.”

Burt was in a coma for 15 hours at University of Washington Medical Center and awoke without any memories of the events, instead asking, “when’s practice?” as her first words.

Six days later, doctors implanted a defibrillator in Burt’s chest to restart her heart, should she again suffer an arrest. Burt retired from college basketball, but continued the quest to find a reason for her SCA, including a trip to Mayo Clinic. Unable to pinpoint or replicate the problem, Mayo doctors cleared the admittedly competitive Burt to play once again.

“So, I came back to play with an ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) in my chest,” she said. “So many things had been out of my control, I wanted to do something I felt like I could do.”

Burt played in 44 straight games for the Huskies over two seasons, before the fifth-year senior was jolted twice by the defibrillator during a TV time out in a home game against UCLA in 2006.

Her heart was racing at 270 beats per minute and the defibrillator went off to return her to a normal rhythm. The defibrillator jolts also triggered Burt’s final retirement from college basketball.

“My device acted appropriately,” she said. “I was totally at peace. I did what I wanted to do.”

Since June, the 29-year old Burt has worked for the Bellevue-based Hope Heart Institute and travels the country telling her story, educating about the risks of heart disease in women and advocating for having automated external defibrillators (AED) available in all schools and public places.

“This is my passion,” she said.

“It kills so many of us, we still have a lot of work to do.”

what is cardiac

electrophysiology?

Cardiac electrophysiology (EP) is a relatively young subspecialty developed during the 1970s. It is an interventional cardiac subspecialty available at Skagit Regional Health that focuses on evaluating the heart’s electrical system. EP studies are designed to help correct and regulate abnormal heart rhythms which are caused by irregularities in the way the heart’s electrical systems are working.

Skagit Regional Health is pleased to welcome cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Ramy Hanna, who will join the organization in August. Dr. Hanna completed his medical degree and PhD at University of California, Davis. He served his internal medicine residency training at UCLA. Fellowships in Cardiovascular Disease and Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology were completed at the University of Washington.

Dr. Hanna joins an award winning cardiovascular team at Skagit Valley Hospital, which ranks number one in Washington state for coronary interventions, according to HealthGrades, the nation’s leading health care ratings company.

In addition to the top ranking in the state, for the third time in the past four years Skagit Valley Hospital received the HealthGrades Coronary Intervention Excellence Award in recognition of being in the top 10 percent in the nation and a five-star rating for coronary intervention procedures, including angioplasty and stent placements.

Skagit Regional Health offers cardiac electrophysiology, interventional and non-interventional cardiac services.

For more information, go to www.skagitheart.org.

Kayla Burt, article and photo of her speaking Short article on new EP physician coming HealthQuest Spring/Summer 2012

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sidelines Skagit Regional Clinics physicians assist high school athletes Teague Holmberg, an avid athlete at Mount Vernon High School, had his football season cut short due to an injury he sustained during the 2011 homecoming game. The junior, who plays both linebacker and fullback, was on special teams when one of his teammates was pushed into him.

Holmberg fell, twisting his knee and ankle.

“I could feel a crack when I fell,” Holmberg said, recalling that he tried to stand, but found that his right leg collapsed when he put weight on it.

Luckily, Dr. Ryan Koonce, orthopedic surgeon at Skagit Regional Clinics, was volunteering at the game and was able to immediately assess the extent of the injury on the field.

Dr. Koonce and Alan Clark, PAC, volunteer at Mount Vernon High School and Burlington-Edison High School sporting events. They attend home football games for both schools and are available to assist in the event of an injury. They are also a resource for the schools’ athletic trainers when athletes need medical attention in between games.

Since becoming a certified athletic trainer 16 years ago, Clark has seen a lot of sports-related injuries.

“Knee and ankle injuries are the most common, though it depends on the sport. Track and cross country runners typically have overuse injuries, while football and soccer players have more traumatic injuries,” he said.

Dr. Koonce brings experience from completing a sports medicine fellowship where he served as one of the team physicians for the San Diego Padres and San Diego State University.

8 | Skagit Regional Health

Volunteering at local athletic events brings the passion for medicine together with a love of sports.

“I really enjoy being around athletes and sporting events. It is a bonus that I get to stand on the sidelines and be part of the team,” said Dr. Koonce.

Clark echoed the same sentiments.

“I enjoy being a part of the team along with the athletes, coaches, trainers, athletic director and parents – it’s all a team effort. Being there to help out is rewarding,” said Clark.

Dr. Koonce and Clark are able to enjoy the game while playing a vital role in the health of the athletes.

“We are on the sidelines, watching the plays. We may notice that a player isn’t running the right routes following a hard tackle and may have a head injury. We are able to notice and intervene quickly,” said Clark.

Another benefit of having trained medical assistance on-site is ensuring that an injury isn’t made worse by continued play.

“Often kids don’t want to say they are hurt – all the kids want to do is play. We are able to talk to the athlete on the sidelines to determine the extent of the injury,” Clark said.

Skagit Regional Clinics Orthopedic Surgeon Ryan Koonce, MD, left, and Alan Clark, PA-C, assisted Mount Vernon High School football player Teague Holmberg to recover after an injury during the 2011 homecoming game. Dr. Koonce and Clark are volunteering on the sidelines at Mount Vernon and Burlington-Edison high schools.

This was true in the case of Holmberg’s injury. “I was really glad that Dr. Koonce was there. Otherwise, I would have tried to keep playing,” Holmberg said.

After icing down his knee and ankle over the weekend following his injury, Holmberg’s swelling didn’t subside.

He went to see Dr. Koonce in the office who determined that Holmberg sustained both a fractured kneecap and ankle. He wore a walking cast and knee brace for five weeks and followed up regularly with Clark and Dr. Koonce.

Since his injury, Holmberg has achieved a full recovery. “Now I am 110 percent better and ready for next year,” Holmberg said. “They did a really good job treating me. Everything turned out really well.”

Dr. Koonce and Clark hope to expand their efforts to include away games in addition to assisting other local sports programs in the future.

Neurosurgery When people hear the word “neurosurgeon,” they often envision a superhuman who operates on the brain and can fix all problems. In reality, neurosurgery includes the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the brain, spine and peripheral nerves.

In most community hospitals, like Skagit Valley Hospital, neurosurgeons primarily focus on treating conditions of the spine, said local neurosurgeon David Goldman, MD. “The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that connects the brain to the entire body, which bring feeling and control movement. If there is pressure on this bundle of nerves, it can not only cause pain, but a variety of other movement disorders,” he said.

According to Dr. Goldman, 80 percent of adults in the U.S. have suffered from back pain during their life and 25 percent have had back pain within the last three months.

Patients typically see a neurosurgeon after seeing their primary care provider for neck or low back problems.

“Most people who have primarily local neck pain or low back pain see these conditions go away on their own without surgery, so it is reasonable to be seen by your primary care provider,” said Dr. Goldman. “If your physician suspects that something is wrong or that a patient might need surgical intervention, they can send the patient to a neurosurgeon to be evaluated.

Neurosurgeons take care of serious problems that do not go away on their own.”

Dr. Goldman is available to evaluate and treat broken bones in the neck or back, instability of the neck and trauma of the back or neck, often associated with a car accident or fall.

Surgery of the neck may also be needed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord caused by disk herniations and bone spurs.

Individual nerves that come out of the spinal cord can also become

pinched through herniations or bone spurs causing shooting pain, numbness and weakness in the arms. This can be treated with minimally invasive surgery techniques at Skagit Valley Hospital.

“In the last three to five years, the field of spine surgery has developed minimally invasive techniques.

Many operations are performed through very small incisions which means a smaller wound, less bleeding, less pain and faster recovery,” said Dr. Goldman. Patients can often go home the same day or after one night in the hospital following surgery. With traditional methods, patients would spend multiple days recovering in the hospital before they were discharged.

Many patients suffer from disk herniations in the low back, which pinch the nerves causing pain, numbness and weakness that runs into the legs. Some conditions cause instability that contributes to back pain and pain that runs down the legs.

Dr. Goldman has found that patients with these conditions often respond well to procedures to fuse or stabilize the back and prevent abnormal motion.

Dr. Goldman’s goal is to restore the quality of his patients’ lives.

However, he stressed the importance of education in order for patients to have realistic expectations of their lives following surgery.

Dr. Goldman’s practice is located at Skagit Regional Clinics, across the street from Skagit Valley Hospital, which offers local patients convenience. “I’m a part of this community and this hospital,” he said.

In addition, Dr. Goldman has a partnership with Fourth Corner Neurosurgery in Bellingham.

“We are building and nurturing a spine program here. We provide quality care and good outcomes with a goal to improve the delivery of spine care locally,” said Dr. Goldman.

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Skagit Valley Hospital wholeheartedly supports all efforts to make quality outcomes available to our community and we are pleased to announce that Skagit Valley Hospital received the following HealthGrades 2012 Awards: • Recipient of the HealthGrades Coronary Intervention Excellence Award™ in 2012 • Ranked Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Coronary Interventional Procedures in 2012 • Ranked #1 in WA for Coronary Interventional Procedures in 2012 • Recipient of the HealthGrades Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award™ in 2012

• Recipient of the HealthGrades Joint Replacement Excellence Award™ for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012) • Ranked Among the Top 5% in the Nation for Joint Replacement in 2012 • Ranked Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Overall Orthopedic Services in 2012 • Recipient of the HealthGrades Prostatectomy Excellence Award™ for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)

• Ranked Among the Top 5% in the Nation for Prostatectomy in 2012 • Recipient of the HealthGrades Gynecologic Surgery Excellence Award™ for 2011 • Ranked Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Gynecologic Surgery for 2011 • Ranked #1 in WA for Gynecologic Surgery in 2011

Skagit Valley Hospital also received a 5-Star rating which means their clinical performance is better than expected in these areas: • Five-Star Rated for Coronary Interventional Procedures in 2012 • Five-Star Rated for Overall Orthopedic Services in 2012 • Five-Star Rated for Joint Replacement for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)

10 | Skagit Regional Health

• Five-Star Rated for Spine Surgery in 2012 • Five-Star Rated for Total Knee Replacement for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012) • Five-Star Rated for Total Hip Replacement for 5 Years in a Row (2008-2012)

• Five-Star Rated for Back and Neck Surgery (except Spinal Fusion) in 2012 • Five-Star Rated for Prostatectomy for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012) • Five-Star Rated for Gynecologic Surgery in 2011

New non-surgical options for women Parents have thoughtfully considered how many children to have for generations. Each family arrives at their answer based on a variety of factors.

Once families reach their ideal size, many discuss forms of permanent birth control.

Those parents who decide that they do not want to have additional children, have innovative options for permanent birth control called Adiana permanent contraception and Essure hysteroscopic sterilization.

Both are non-surgical, hormone free, minimally invasive methods of female contraception available at Skagit Regional Clinics. The procedures are performed by OB/GYN Karyn Tapley, MD. More than 500,000 women are using Essure to prevent pregnancy because of its many benefits. It is a cost-effective and simple office-based procedure that takes less than 15 minutes to complete, Dr. Tapley said.

The Essure procedure was approved by the FDA in 2002 while Adiana received approval in 2009. Clinical data from the

last four years shows that these methods are the most effective forms of birth control currently available with Essure shown to be 99.8 percent effective and Adiana is 98.4 percent effective.

The procedures do not require a hospital stay, like tubal ligation (having your “tubes tied”), and no incisions are needed as are with a vasectomy. The doctor places flexible inserts into the woman’s fallopian tubes through the cervix.

The Adiana insert is about the size of a grain of rice, while the Essure insert is longer and looks like a small coil. The end of the Essure insert remains visible to the physician allowing for verification of correct placement.

“Both options have their benefits.

Your physician can help you decide which option is best for you,” explained Dr. Tapley. Women are allowed to go home following both procedures and may return to normal activities in less than one day. Mild cramping is the most common side effect.

“The benefit of these new procedures is that there is no long recovery; no

incisions and no sutures,” said Dr. Tapley.

Over the course of the next three months, scar tissue will develop around the inserts, creating a permanent barrier in the fallopian tubes. This prevents sperm from reaching the egg. Women will continue to ovulate and have a normal menstrual period.

Unlike many birth control options, Adiana and Essure are tested for effectiveness. “Both require a postprocedure confirmatory test,” said Dr. Tapley. Three months after the procedure the patient will return to the office. A special dye, visible on X-ray, will be introduced into the uterus.

An X-ray will verify that the fallopian tubes are completely blocked. This confirmation gives many women peace of mind.

Dr. Tapley cautions her patients, “These procedures are permanent.

Patients need to be sure they do not want to have children once they have had this procedure.”

Women are encouraged to speak with their physician to learn more about all the family planning options available to find out what is best for them.

General surgeon joins Skagit Regional Clinics Skagit Regional Clinics’ newest physician, Steven Lee, MD, decided to become a general surgeon while attending medical school at Tufts University in Boston.

“It was my niche; I wanted to do something that was direct and allowed for a quick result; general surgery does just that,” he said.

Following medical school, Dr. Lee completed his general surgery residency training at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

During his research year in general surgery residency, Dr. Lee had the opportunity to work under the Director of Trauma Services as well as participate in the Bioartificial Liver Support Team that

was a part of the liver transplant program.

Prior to joining Skagit Regional Clinics, Dr. Lee worked at Sunnyside Community Hospital in Eastern Washington. There he honed his surgical skills and developed a patient-centered approach to his practice. Dr. Lee said he strives to provide each patient with individualized, high-quality surgical care in a private and trusting environment.

Dr. Lee has a special interest in minimally invasive surgery techniques. These techniques lead to faster recovery times and improved outcomes for patients when compared to traditional methods of surgery, he said.

One minimally invasive procedure that is of particular interest to Dr. Lee is called the VNUS Closure Procedure, which treats pain and swelling caused by varicose veins with a state-of-theart outpatient procedure.

Dr. Lee is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

He is fluent in English, Mandarin, Taiwanese and some Spanish.

Dr. Lee is pleased to have relocated to western Washington, which brings his family closer to the state’s big cities and offers greater educational opportunities.

Outside of the office, Dr. Lee spends time with his son, Lucas, who is almost two years old. He also enjoys skiing, playing softball and tennis, watching movies and playing billiards.

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OB/GYN joins Skagit Regional Clinics Growing up in the rural community of Marianna, Florida, Nikorn Arunakul, MD was inspired to follow in the footsteps of his father and become a physician.

Dr. Arunakul, who joined Skagit Regional Clinics in February, describes his father as a “small town” doctor who served all the needs of the community -- from delivering babies, to performing appendectomies to caring for trauma victims in the Emergency Room.

“My father’s passion for medicine and the ability to help people in our community inspired me to pursue a career in medicine,” said Dr. Arunakul.

Dr. Arunakul attended the University of Florida in Gainesville where he completed his medical degree and OB/GYN residency training. He is a Fellow of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Many factors lead Dr. Arunakul to pursue training in obstetrics and gynecology.

“The specialty provides a variety of ways that I can improve my patients’ quality of life. It allows me to diagnose and treat women without having to send them out for further treatment.

My job allows me to make a difference in their lives,” he said. “Being an obstetrician/gynecologist gives me the opportunity to form lasting relationships with my patients. It allows me to be a part of a patient’s life at one of the most exciting times - during the birth of a child.”

Dr. Arunakul’s medical assistant, Shannon Lauder, noted that he has a wonderful ability to connect with his patients.

“He is very personable with his patients. If I didn’t know otherwise, I would think that they had been friends for years,” she said.

Dr. Arunakul joined Skagit Regional Clinics in Mount Vernon after five years in private practice in Florida.

His experience has taught him to be compassionate and to listen to his patients.

“You have to be dedicated to your profession and enjoy being an OB/ GYN,” said Dr. Arunakul.

His dedication is evident to those who work closely with him each day.

“When patients call with concerns, his answer is almost always ‘Work them in today.’ He understands that even the smallest problems can seem huge to each individual and he wants to reassure them,” said Lauder. “He tries very hard to make sure the patient understands everything about their care. He takes time to explain his plan and asks the patient multiple times if they understand. He makes sure to explain everything in terms the patient will understand.”

While Dr. Arunakul enjoys all aspects of obstetrics and gynecology, his special interest is in minimally invasive procedures, which he hopes to expand in availability at Skagit Regional Clinics.

In his free time, Dr. Arunakul enjoys being active and spending time outdoors in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

‘Never a boring day:’ New physician joins Emergency Department Sandra Gailey, MD joined the Skagit Valley Hospital Emergency Department in November 2011.

From a young age, the Seattle native had an interest in medicine. “I have always been interested in the body and how it works,” said Dr. Gailey. “I enjoy science and people. I wanted a career that would constantly challenge me.” These desires led her to pursue emergency medicine.

Dr. Gailey earned her medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in Loma Linda, Calif.

She completed her emergency medicine residency training at SinaiGrace Hospital in Detroit.

12 | Skagit Regional Health

Following completion of her residency training in 2006, she and her husband spent several months in Nepal where she provided medical care to patients at a small clinic in the Himalayan Mountains. More recently she worked at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage. In 2011, she and her husband decided to return to Washington state to be near family.

Dr. Gailey enjoys the non-traditional work schedule in the Emergency Department. Shifts are nine hours long and can be anytime – days, nights, weekends and holidays.

“I really like the variety and busyness in the Emergency Department,” she said. “I like the fact that I get to see patients from the

entire spectrum of medical specialties, ages and genders. There is never a boring day. There is always something new and different.”

Dr. Gailey has found that physicians who thrive in the emergency setting are those who can stay on the go and who enjoy working in critical situations.

“Good emergency doctors know what they are doing, like what they are doing and can stay calm. They are dedicated and do their best despite personal discomfort,” said Dr. Gailey.

She noted that she also enjoys working as part of a team with the ED nurses.

Dr. Gailey and her husband have three children, all under the age of five. They enjoy an array of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, skiing and camping. Dr. Gailey also has an interest in music, travel and gardening.

Safeway donations to The Breast Institute total $750,000

Cascade Skagit Health Alliance:

New Smokey Point multi-specialty clinic opens Physicians seeing patients at the new location include: Pediatrics:

Cascade Skagit Health Alliance, a 42,000-square foot multi-specialty medical facility in Smokey Point opened to patients on March 26.

Cascade Skagit Health Alliance is a collaboration by Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics in Arlington and Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon. Providers at the facility will offer primary and specialty health care services including family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, occupational medicine, oncology care and women’s health. The facility will also feature urgent care, pharmacy, lab, X-ray and MRI. The two public district hospitals have worked together closely since 2007, when the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center at Arlington opened at Cascade Valley Hospital. The cancer clinic moved to the new Smokey Point facility in March.

Smokey Point and Arlington providers previously located in clinics run by the two hospitals moved into the state-of-the-art facility, and additional providers will join the practice in the coming months. Several specialists, including cardiologists and a plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Mount Vernon, will see patients at the Smokey Point location.

Krista Galitsis, MD, PhD

Family Medicine:

Susan Carmody, ARNP Colleen Shannon, ARNP Vernon Hall, DO Mark Spencer, MD Philip Zylstra, MD Anne Herbert, PA-C

Internal Medicine:

Seyed “Sam” Hejazi, MD Patrycja Turek, MD

Occupational Medicine: Patricia Faulkner, ARNP

Oncology:

Mehrdad Jafari, MD Kiarash Kojouri, MD Bruce Mathey, MD

Urgent Care:

Shannon Thom, ARNP Tari Roche, DO Ann Lower, ARNP

Women’s Health: Ellyn Thoreen, ARNP

Rotating Specialists:

Yelena Rosenberg, MD – Cardiology James Edwards, MD – Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery Marshall Anderson, MD – Occupational Medicine

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation has received a $150,000 grant from Safeway Inc., bringing the company’s four-year giving total to $750,000 to support The Breast Institute at the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center.

The Breast Institute is dedicated to providing breast cancer patients of our community with excellent care through every phase of their experience from diagnosis to survivorship. Nearly 200 new breast cancer patients are treated each year at the Regional Cancer Care Center in Mount Vernon.

“Over the past four years, Safeway has donated $750,000 to develop a program that improves the care for women with breast cancer in the Skagit Valley. I am proud to say that the time, effort, and donations have been well spent,“ said Dr. Theodore Kim, Medical Director of The Breast Institute. “The Breast Institute has evolved into a true multidisciplinary program in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.”

A dedicated group of physicians, including oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and surgeons, are engaged in The Breast Institute program, supported by a patient navigator, oncology certified nurses, a dedicated pharmacist, social worker, physical therapists and dieticians.

The program has access to second opinions and teleconferences with experts at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, a partnership of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW Medicine and Seattle Children’s.

Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center is a formal network affiliate of SCCA, which provides advantages of the research and trials under way at the world-renowned cancer research institutions.

For more information go to www.skagitvalleyhospital.org or call 360-814-8148.

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Hyperbaric Oxygen Program brings healing

New Emergency Department Director

Patients who not long ago had few alternatives for wound healing relief now have access to state-of-the-art hyperbaric oxygen treatment at the Wound Healing Center at Skagit Valley Hospital.

Paula Gallagher, BSN, MN spent her early years as a nurse in the Emergency Department at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital and has dedicated her 34-year career to emergency services.

The hyperbaric oxygen chambers allow 100 percent oxygen to be delivered under pressure to each patient. These conditions allow the lungs to drink in up to 10 times more oxygen than would be possible when breathing pure oxygen at normal air pressure. This infusion of oxygen helps promote the growth of new blood vessels, which aids in healing diabetic ulcers, non-healing irradiated tissue in cancer patients, bowel and bladder problems and bone infections.

“We have gone from saying ‘there is nothing else we can do for you’ to offering this outstanding treatment that makes a difference,” said Dr. Robert Zwick, medical director of the Wound Healing Center.

The Sonya Beard Hyperbaric Oxygen (HB0) Program opened Summer 2010 and has provided nearly 700 treatments – which are called “dives” – in the center’s two hyperbaric chambers.

The HBO program is named for Mrs. Beard of Mount Vernon, who, before her death in May 2010, donated $165,000 to pay for two Sechrist monoplace hyperbaric oxygen chambers at Skagit Valley Hospital.

Patients are greeted in the newly redesigned and remodeled Gail Edward Iverson Lobby of the Wound Healing Center made possible by the donations of The Gail Edward Iverson Circle of Friends that have exceeded $100,000.

For more information call the Sonya Beard Hyperbaric Oxygen Program at 360-814-2600.

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In October, Gallagher joined Skagit Regional Health as the Director of the Emergency Department at Skagit Valley Hospital.

Emergency nurses need to be “jacks of all trades,” Gallagher notes, able to swing into action to assist with everything from pediatrics and orthopedics to cardiology and trauma cases.

Gallagher’s career includes 12 years at Providence Seattle Medical Center, now known as Swedish Medical Center’s Cherry Hill campus, where she rose from staff nurse to become emergency department director. She spent another eight years with Swedish, helping to develop programs to rapidly respond to patients with heart attacks and strokes.

She also returned to school, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing, with emphasis on leadership and management, from the University of Washington Tacoma. Gallagher is a Certified Emergency Nurse, a Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse and a Certified Nurse Executive.

After a year off, Gallagher spent two years as Emergency Department Director at the large academic organization, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, with 90,000 annual Emergency Department patient visits.

“It was an incredible learning experience,” she said.

Homesick and missing the hiking trails, friends and family in the Northwest, Gallagher was delighted to have the opportunity to serve as Director of Skagit Valley Hospital’s 23bed Level III Trauma Center where more than 30,000 visits were recorded in 2011.

“This feels like home. It is a beautiful facility, with great people who are very dedicated to the patients we serve,” she said.

As director, Gallagher said it is her job to see the big picture. She is part of a multi-disciplinary team whose focus is on getting patients in the community to the right resource for their care.

“The primary focus for all of us in the organization is to care for the patients. I see my role as ensuring the staff has the tools, knowledge and skills they need to provide the best care possible.

National and local trends show Emergency Department use in some areas is on the decline, in part due to the economy, and patients arriving at the ER who are very sick. In January, 23 percent of patients seen in the Skagit Valley Hospital Emergency Department were admitted to the hospital, which is a “really high acuity,” she said.

Gallagher is working with staff on Lean projects to reduce wait times and streamline processes. Installation of a new Electronic Medical Record in the department also takes place this year, to improve the flow of patient information and continuity of care for patients with detailed discharge instructions and follow-up plans.

OB/GYN joins Mount Vernon Women’s Clinic

Cuisine on Call

Hospital launches room service A menu full of food choices greets patients at Skagit Valley Hospital where room service started in March.

“Cuisine on Call” allows patients, whose health permits, to order breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily. Orders may be phoned in to food service staff and preorders can be set up for the following day. Food service hosts will visit patients in the Family Birth Center and Orthopedic and Surgical Care, taking meal orders on hand-held computer tablets.

Meal orders are entered into the computer, which cross-references the order with patient information to make sure the requests match up with any dietary restrictions or special needs.

Just like in a restaurant, meal orders are printed out as they are received and an expediter puts together each unique tray, with the promise of delivering the food within 30 to 40 minutes.

Each meal is prepared to order, fresh and from scratch, and delivered by uniformed food service staff members when the patient wants it.

“Many patients only want coffee and toast for breakfast, rather than a full meal. This gives people a choice,” said Food and Nutrition Director Angie Hahn, MBA. “Room service tends to increase patient satisfaction because they have choices, and the temperature and quality of the food goes up.”

This tailored approach streamlines processes, can bring up to 30 percent in decreased food costs and sharply reduces waste.

Cassandra “Casey” Graybill, MD will join Mount Vernon Women’s Clinic in May providing a full range of obstetric and gynecology services. Since 2009, Dr. Graybill has served as department head in obstetrics and gynecology for Guam SCA Clinic in Tamunung, Guam.

She is a graduate of Southern Adventist University in Tennessee, attended Loma Linda University in California and completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. She is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

In addition, specific nutritional needs of each patient are closely followed.

For instance, a diabetic won’t be able to skip meals or have all their daily allotment of carbohydrates in one meal, as the computer system will alert the nutrition aides.

“We’re making food from scratch and are fully aware of each patient’s dietary needs and limits,” said Dietitian Supervisor Gina Dowe, MBA, MS, RD, CD. “Our entire staff is very excited about it.”

Skagit Valley Hospital contracted with Thomas Cuisine two years ago to provide food service in the Skagit Bistro in the hospital and for patients.

Thomas Cuisine has successfully launched room service programs at many health care locations across the Northwest.

(Above) Nadia Ostapchuk wears the new uniform that will be worn as food service staff members deliver personalized meals to patients using the new ‘Cuisine on Call’ program at Skagit Valley Hospital.

Patients may order a wide variety of made-from-scratch meals off the ‘Cuisine on Call’ menu.

Rock-a-Bye baby Seth Cathy Webb of Sedro-Woolley cuddles with her newborn son Seth while enjoying the comfort of a new rocking chair in the private patient room in the Family Birth Center at Skagit Valley Hospital. Funds raised by the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation purchased rocking chairs for all 21 rooms. Seth is wearing a hand-knit cap provided by Skagit Valley Hospital volunteers. Since 1992, volunteers have knit 20,735 pink and blue caps for babies born at the hospital.

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F ro m t he B o a rd

Leadership, Success, Growth and the Future As the seven members of the Public Hospital District No. 1 Board of Commissioners, it is our sincere privilege to serve our community; and we are proud to provide you this update on leadership, success, growth, and the future for our integrated health care system.

Leadership: • We are on track with our long-term vision and hold close our commitment to put patients first . With strong leadership from administration and our entire team, we are taking on the challenges and complexities of an American health care system which is not only complicated, but undergoing rapid change. We strive to make decisions to ensure that high quality, compassionate health care is available close to home.

• In 2004, our community voted to support a new, state-of-the-art hospital by way of a general obligation bond for construction. We sincerely appreciate this support . While we asked for help to provide construction capital, it is important for you to know that ours is the only Public Hospital District in the state which does not collect maintenance and operations levy funding, and has not done so since 1962. The organization is financially strong.

Current issue: • Recruiting and retaining leaders, staff and physicians is critical to our ability to navigate the increasingly complex world of health care. Our organization is no longer a small, rural hospital; it is a fully integrated healthcare system

16 | Skagit Regional Health

with more than 1,800 employees with annual operating revenue of $250 million and an estimated 2012 payroll of $101 million. We are proud of the health care we provide to our patients and do not want to lose members of our team; they are our greatest asset. There has been some concern over the Board giving salary increases to the Chief Executive Officer and administrative team at Skagit Regional Health, especially in light of the current economy.

Our management team is facing the economic challenges head on because they have the skills and experience for the job. Our yearlong market review shows executive salaries had fallen behind when compared against their peer group.

Based upon the comparison and in light of achieving excellent results, we believe the pay increases are well deserved. We took a similar approach with staff and our providers, taking a market-based approach to setting salaries for all employees.

Success and growth: • In June, we will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the new hospital which is the centerpiece of a state-of-the-art health campus that includes Skagit Regional Clinics, the comprehensive Regional Cancer Care Center, the Skagit Valley Kidney Center and the Wound Healing Center.

• Our 2010 integration with Skagit Regional Clinics (formerly Skagit Valley Medical Center), includes more than 100 physicians, 350 nurses and staff and brings seamless health care to communities in three counties.

• This spring, we will open a newly remodeled Mental Health Center at Skagit Valley Hospital, which illustrates the organization’s commitment to essential services.

This project has benefited from hospital funds, as well as state and federal money and the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation, which successfully raised $1 million to help pay for the project.

• Skagit Regional Health recently entered an interlocal agreement with two fellow public hospital districts, Island and Cascade

Valley hospitals. The vision of this unique, collaborative effort is to seek mutually beneficial solutions to help drive down the cost of health care while retaining respective independence and enhancing services.

• In March, we celebrated the opening of Cascade Skagit Health Alliance in Smokey Point , a joint project of Skagit Regional Health and Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington. In addition, Skagit Regional Health recently partnered with Island Hospital to purchase a urology practice, in a move to retain these important health care services.

• Skagit Valley Hospital is a teaching hospital, supporting third- and fourthyear medical students from Pacific Northwest University in Yakima. In July, we launch residency programs in internal medicine and family medicine.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

2011 ANNUAL REPORT

A legacy of caring

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Assuring the availability of quality health care

Our Mission The mission of the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is to raise, manage and distribute funds to assure the continued availability of quality health care services and programs at Skagit Valley Hospital.

The Foundation will foster awareness of and community support for Skagit Valley Hospital through the involvement of the people it serves.

Board of Trustees Volunteers are the key to the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s efforts in securing philanthropy. We are pleased to acknowledge the efforts of our trustees, who unselfishly give their time and resources as an example to all, and who provide leadership in the Foundation’s prudent stewardship of gifts.

Dr. Richard Abbott Carmen AndersonBruner Dee Berglin Susan Brown Chris Cammock Jill Christensen Debbie Connolly Gregg Davidson Gary Fiedler Marcia Johnson Virginia Learned Corey Mendoza Kevin Mendoza Jean Miller Stan Olson Christie Peterson Jaynie Roozen Richard Roozen

Deanna Scott Brett Simbe Bob Taylor Shirley Watkinson Polly Wilhonen Dr. Rob Zwick

Staff Linda Frizzell Executive Director Wendy Ragusa Development Coordinator Becky Wells Development Associate

Annual 2011

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is forever grateful to our 2011 donors who so generously gave gifts totaling more than $1,044,000. These gifts were received in the form of cash and stock, pledges, in-kind gifts and bequests.

report

In turn, the Foundation was pleased to provide the following grants totaling more than $621,000 to support specific programs and services at Skagit Valley Hospital.

How Your Donations Were Spent Grants paid out in 2011:

$500,000 to the Regional Cancer Care Center. $4,000 to establish the Livestrong program in the Regional Cancer Care Center. $33,000 to remodel the Wound Healing Center Lobby with thanks to the Gail Edward Iverson Circle of Friends. $35,000 to assist in the development of The Breast Institute with thanks to Safeway, Inc.

$9,900 to purchase a springboard, sound discs, headphones and other equipment for the Children’s Therapy program. $200 for supplies for the Chapel Care Cart. $2,500 to replace a reverse osmosis machine in the Skagit Valley Kidney Center. $36,400 in additional program assistance for various other care areas.

www.skagitvalleyhospitalfoundation.org 18 | Skagit Regional Health

Year the

in review

A Letter from the President The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees is very proud to announce the completion of our $1 million campaign to help fund the Mental Health Center remodel project at Skagit Valley Hospital. The goal of the Foundation, besides raising funds, was to “talk out loud” about the delicate topic of mental illness that has touched us all in some way. We could not have accomplished our goal without the generosity, support and understanding of the wonderful community we live in. Thank you!

I would like to mention a few of the valuable partnerships that have helped us complete numerous projects this past year, which, in turn, have enhanced the quality of health care in our community.

I must begin with our generous friends at Safeway who this year made an incredible donation of $150,000 to The Breast Institute at the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center to make their total donation over the past four years reach $750,000! This past year the Gail Edward Iverson Circle of Friends presented their “Under the Big Top” event to raise funds that were used to remodel the lobby of the Wound Healing Center. Jim Spane of Spane Buildings donated two playhouses; one that was raffled at the SICBA Home and Garden Show and another one that was auctioned at our annual Festival of Trees event with all proceeds from both going to the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation. Alberto Candivi of Il Granaio restaurant and TRICO Contracting, Inc. sponsored the “Have A Heart” dinner to benefit the Children’s Therapy Program. The continued support of the sponsors and volunteers for the Festival of Trees and the ParTee Golf Classic made it possible to complete the Mental Health Campaign, purchase specialized rocking chairs and warming beds for the Family Birth Center, and increase support for the Cancer Care Fund.

As you can see, it has been a busy year! The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is a reflection of the Skagit Valley and we feel very fortunate and humbled to be a part of this community. Our work is not yet finished and your continued support is needed and appreciated to assure that we maintain the goal of providing quality health care in our community. On behalf of the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation Trustees and staff, thank you for making a difference.

Sincerely,

Jaynie Roozen, President Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation

2011 was a busy and successful year for the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation. Here is a snapshot of our accomplishments!

JANUARY Safeway, Inc. bestowed The Breast Institute with an incredible grant of $200,000 to further develop the program.

A great kick-off to the year!

F ebr u ary The Grace Cochrum Guild held their annual spaghetti feed at Joy’s Bakery in SedroWoolley. Proceeds from their dinner, along with the Foundation’s annual “Have A Heart” dinner at Il Granaio restaurant raised nearly $15,000 for the Children’s Therapy Program at Skagit Valley Hospital.

mARCH The Foundation was selected as the beneficiary of a playhouse raffle.

The stunning playhouse, created and donated by Spane Buildings Inc. as part of a SICBA contest, raised more than $6,500 to support the Mental Health Project. Winner was Helen Roozen.

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Our With sincere gratitude to our community for your support, the Board of Trustees of the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation proudly presents our Annual Report for the Year 2011.

Through your charitable support, you continue to help make Skagit Valley Hospital the best regional community hospital in the Northwest.

We say “thank you� on behalf of our patients and their families whose lives you have touched. The Foundation Board of Trustees wishes to thank the following donors for their generous gifts. Donations listed were received from January 1 to December 31, 2011.

In Memory of Chuck Dynes Alfie Hill

We apologize for any incorrect or misspelled names that may appear in any of the listings. Please help us maintain accurate donor records by notifying the Foundation office at 360-814-8376 of any errors.

In Memory of Laurence Gabriel Beatrice Gabriel

Breast Cancer Fund Fraternal Order of Eagles Ladies Auxiliary #3041 IAFF Local 1983 Dawnell Jess Safeway Foundation Sedro-Woolley Riding Club

Cancer Care Fund Monica Baca Linda Beacham Patrick & Annette Booth Kenneth Brown Camaloch Ladies Golf Club Celgene Corporation Don & Sandi Cobb Gerald & Diane Cohn James & Jeanne Collins Louis & Dominique Dailly Ellen Falk Farmhouse Restaurant Jim & Marilyn Forbes Michael & Stephanie Gahan Patrick & Joy Getty Stefani Gibson Joan Haidle Reed & Donna Harlow Alfie Hill Robert Housner Lance Armstrong Foundation M.D & C.J Letter Ron & Meg Lodolce

20 | Skagit Regional Health

Beverly Maxwell Dennis & Annette McDonald Marcelino & Mindy Mejia Michael C. Mast Insurance Mount Vernon Football Booster Club Mount Vernon High School Malcolm & Constance Munsey Larry & Debbie Nootenboom North Cascade Street Rod Association Frank & Joan Pang Pat Rimmer Tire Center Marcus & Dana Perry Darryl & Brigitte Phippen Andrew Ressa John & Berdean Ring Geneva Rouse Janet Schaefer Matteson Donald & Sally Scott James & Charlene Scott Charles & Rosemary Seaburg Larry & Jean Shaw Skagit County Paramedic Association Cynthia Smith Kyle Smith State Farm Insurance Brad Methner Agency State Farm Insurance Carol Lawson Agency State Farm Insurance Keith Sorestad Agency State Farm Insurance Lisa Atkinson Agency

Sandy Tenneson William & Krista Thomas Laura Vancleeve C.M. & Lona Vander Griend, Jr. Maurine Warneking Lloyd & Shirley Watkinson Gerald & Karen Weiderstrom Wes Anderson Memorial Bowling League

In Memory of Earl Eddy Jerry & Susan Banta In Memory of Bunny Ekrem Dorothy Hughes

In Memory of Laurice Gaines Bud & Betty Ashe Phillis Cole Dolores & Karen Holtcamp Dale Kloes Mike & Renee Swanson Arturo & Judy Vivanco In Memory of Donald Haggen Gerald & Susan Christensen

In Honor of Jeanette Alexander Ezra Winfree

In Memory of Jeanette Hamilton Donald & Joyce Leak

In Memory of Francis Bacoka Delores Bacoka Chester Dutton

In Memory of Robert Heathers Shirley Heathers

In Memory of Gail Beacham Picken James & Jana Hanson Tina Maloney In Memory of Trueman Beasley Melba Beasley In Memory of MaryAnn Bernick Skagit State Bank Skagit State Bank BBC In Memory of James Coontz Patricia Cain-Mulkins In Memory of Gary Darnell Gerald & Susan Christensen

In Memory of Shelli Hermans Gerald & Susan Christensen In Memory of John Holtum Genevieve Holtum In Memory of Gale Jones Patricia Cain-Mulkins In Memory of Ken Kinkade Hendrika Remillard In Memory of Katherine Lewis Gerald & Susan Christensen In Memory of Doreen Mallett Ila King In Memory of Sandy Maskell Jerry & Susan Banta

In Memory of Lois McDaniel Arnold & Christine Woll In Memory of Darlene Mostrom James Lund In Memory of Richard Nowadnick Peter & Bernita Zuidmeer In Memory of Gene Overway Jim & Marilyn Forbes In Memory of Dennis Pearce Jeffrey & Linda Pearce In Memory of Bill & Helen Perry Gerald & Susan Christensen In Memory of George Prestmo Bernard & Toia Ann Hack In Memory of Karen Raper Gerald & Susan Christensen In Memory of Frank Rexroth Employees of Regence Blueshield Julius & Maria Schulze Michael & Terry Slater Peggy Turner In Memory of Wilma Rodahl Larry & Janette Lund In Memory of James Rouse Larry & Linda Bos Donald & Phyllis Davis Mary Ellen Goodenberger Kerry & Janeanne Kincanon Raymond & Mary Ellen Kincanon Kenneth & Carol Knothe Rev. Wayne Porter Al Rouse Richard & Sharon Rouse Alan & Susan Saathoff

In Memory of Catherine Schaeffer Richard & Sharon Horey Jack & Alene Nations In Memory of Doreen Schmitt Judith Pearce In Memory of Gladys Skrinde Erling Skrinde In Memory of Bjorn Svendsen Larry & Janette Lund In Memory of Swan Swanson Adeline Westcott In Memory of Debbie Tapley Don & Sharon Tapley In Memory of Chester Thompson James Lund Larry & Janette Lund In Memory of Ella Loretta Tinkham William & Vicki Fure In Memory of Michael Ulrich Dennis & Annette McDonald In Memory of Tom Valentine Shirley Heathers In Memory of Dr. Joseph Voegtlin Alfie Hill Earl Johnson Dennis & Annette McDonald In Memory of Joan Walker Bill & Elaine Mc Ivor In Memory of Edd Watson Glady Martin In Memory of Jeanette Werkhoven Larry & Janette Lund In Memory of George Willock Bank of America Matching Gifts Renee Willock In Memory of William Wilson Iris Wilson In Memory of Shannon Wilson Cloward Gerald & Susan Christensen

Cardiac Care Fund Robert & Cheryl Bray Becky Deryclox Ronald & Arlene Keolker Stanley & Marilyn Sandvik William & Krista Thomas In Memory of Francis Bacoka Reino & Benita Marsula In Memory of Jack Duncalf Kathleen Duncalf In Memory of Roy Naylor Darlene Naylor

Cardiac Education Fund Abbott Laboratories Boston Scientific Corporation Medtronic St. Jude Medical, Inc.

Chapel Fund Dr. Vernon Hall Victor & Ann Johnson Richard & Beverly Vander Voet In Memory of Jane Robins Spine Science Institute, Inc., PC

Children’s Therapy Program Fund Larry & Carolyn Anderson Anonymous Dr. & Mrs. Lyall Bishop Dr. Gary & Susan Brown Gerald & Susan Christensen Shep & Maryke Cutler Lori Daisley Gregg & Lea Davidson Stacy DeLaO Jerry & Kelly Dodd Chad & Colleen Fisher Foresters Skagit Valley Branch Grace Cochrum Guild James & Patricia Grenfell Jack Gunter Angela Hahn Narajanti Handaja Dr. Tony & Vicki Hewlett James & Glenda Hobbs Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson Kiwanis Club of Skagit/Mount Vernon

James & Balisa Koetje Dan & Megan Kovanen Suellen Lemmon Bruce & Debra Lisser Sylvia Mangold Judge John & Susan Meyer Jeff & Jean Miller My Favorite Things Louise Newman Frank & Catherine Pattermann Bill Penney Tim & Nancy Raschko Dave Ryberg & Joan Penney Steve & Jennifer Schultz Deanna Scott Helen Sherrod Maryl Skjei Bob & Denise Taylor TRICO Contracting, Inc. Mike & Jenna Urban Craig & Becky Wells Dr. & Mrs. Robert Zwick In Honor of Bev Ringhouse Melissa Preugschat

T H E Y E A R IN R E V I E W

A pril Skagit Valley Hospital employees generously donated more than $23,525 to support the work of the Foundation during the annual Employee Giving Campaign.

M ay The Foundation celebrated its’ 23rd anniversary at its’ annual meeting. New board members Carmen AndersonBruner, Debbie Connolly and Brett Simbe were welcomed.

ROCKA-BYE

In Memory of Martin Hodgin Lyle & Verna Mc Clure

Community Education Fund Narajanti Handaja Linda Wright

Critical Care Unit Fund Bill & Barbara Gurney William & Krista Thomas In Memory of Sue Gilchrist Shirley Benson Bruce Gudbranson Selmer & Joellen Peterson Norma Pettis Roy & Carol Taxdahl Sandra Whitehouse

Employee Appreciation Fund Angela Abbott American College of Healthcare Executives Debra Doyle Steve & Tami Gilbert Donald & Debbie Snyder William & Krista Thomas

J u ne An appeal for help to purchase rocking chairs for the Family Birth Center was mailed to Foundation donors. More than $4,200 was raised, giving new moms and their babies a comfortable place to bond!

J u ly More than $47,000 was raised at the 8th annual ParTee Golf Classic!

A u g u st The Wes Anderson Memorial Bowling League sponsored “Woodstock 2011” featuring a number of regional bands. $8,300 was raised to support the Regional Cancer Care Center. A few days later, the second Governor’s Cup was held at the La Conner Polo Grounds in conjunction with the Gail Iverson Circle of Friends. $22,000 was raised in support of the Wound Healing Center.

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Partnerships

Family support makes a difference

“Everyone deserves great care,” says Andrea Van Pelt, daughter of Bob and Sandi Paciotti. “That’s what our Dad believed. He didn’t feel you had to travel away from Skagit Valley to receive great care. Great health care is available right here.”

This is one of the many reasons the Bob and Sandi Paciotti family are long-standing supporters of the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation and Skagit Valley Hospital. Through their philanthropic activities, the family feels strongly about giving back to their community; and in particular to help build a health care system in our region that provides quality, specialized care.

Moving here in 1985 from Montana, Bob and Sandi raised their girls and jumped in with heart and soul to be involved. For Bob, a local businessman and Sandi, a public health nurse, it seemed natural for them to seek out the hospital foundation and support its’ on-going efforts to not only raise funds, but to also raise awareness for the key projects and programs at Skagit Valley Hospital. The Paciotti family has annually supported the foundation’s Festival of Trees for the past 15 years. Their business has purchased,

22 | Skagit Regional Health

sponsored, and decorated trees. Their employees even served as a tree design team creating a “fishing-themed” tree, one of Bob’s favorite past-times.

“The Festival is a wonderful event, that makes a difference for healthcare in our community,” says Sandi.

Additionally, the family’s business serves as one of the original supporters of the foundation’s annual ParTee Golf Classic, which benefits cancer care at Skagit Valley Hospital.

The family has a special fondness for the Regional Cancer Care Center at Skagit Valley Hospital. During the foundation’s $4 million campaign to raise funds for the purchase of radiation equipment for the center, the Paciottis served as vocal campaign advocates assuring this state-of-the-art equipment - one of the new center’s features - would allow local cancer care patients to receive treatment close to home. Cancer care became “very close to home” in 2008 when Bob was diagnosed.

“We all took turns sitting with Dad to keep him company,” shares Andrea. Often bringing the Paciotti grandchildren to sit with Bob during treatment, the family agrees this would not have been possible if he had to

travel to Seattle for his care. After a 27-month battle with the disease, he succumbed to cancer in July 2010.

Sandi and her daughters expressed their appreciation for the dedicated medical staff and the outstanding affiliations the hospital has developed, especially as a network member of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

Leaving a legacy of love for his family and commitment to business and community, Bob’s fun-loving zest for life persona stirs emotion in family, friends and associates to this day.

“Our Dad and Mom instilled in us the importance of volunteerism and giving back to our community from a very young age,” say their daughters.

“Dad understood the importance of charitable giving and helping to build a stronger community where he lived.”

“He was a great man, an incredibly generous and giving man who believed wholeheartedly in sharing the blessings he had been given in life with his community and causes that were important to him. It is a legacy we hope to pass on to his grandchildren,” said daughter Jeannie. The family has fully embraced his passion and wishes to make the “world a better place”.

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is grateful for the partnership of donors like the Paciotti family to help power our mission and whose support in advancing our facilities and services is invaluable.

(Above) The Paciotti Family celebrates together at the Festival of Trees Gala.

Family Birth Center Fund Dr. Brandon & Kate Atkinson Rucilla Bidwell Cheryl Bishop BrandQuery, LLC Dr. & Mrs. John Burke Dr. & Mrs. Michael Dillard Thomas & Bonnie Doan Hebeltje Dykstra James & Rita Ely Darlene Garnett Scott Giles James & Patricia Grenfell Narajanti Handaja Nick & Sharon Hanson Jim & Kelli Hutchens Ila King Dennis & Annette McDonald Richard & Eiren McKay Corey & Rashel O’Neil Ralph Pearson Albert & Judith Peraino Pat Proctor Dr. Robert & Rebecca Rosenfeld Nick & Judi Seegert Soroptimist International of Sedro-Woolley Dr. Robert Sutton Svend & Caitlin Svendsen Arturo & Judy Vivanco Julia Weinberg Kirk & Paula Wilson Lisa Young In Honor of Jill Christensen Gerald & Susan Christensen In Memory of Elsie Weltz Gerald & Susan Christensen Bruce & Beth Allen

Festival of Trees Live Auction Patrons Dr. & Mrs. J. L. Biesecker Andy & Laura Billingsley Gerald & Susan Christensen Jim & Patty Cruse Dean & Janice Cunningham Gregg & Lea Davidson Kirk & Stacy Duffy Mr. & Mrs. Dick Duffy Gary & Stephanie Fiedler Derek & Julie Floyd Foothills Toyota Scion Jeff & Linda Frizzell Brian & Joanie Ganske Neil & Susan Hall

Randy & Audrey Kepley Tim & Colleen Knutzen C. J. Kuan, MD Phd Dennis & Connie Milliken Mister T’s Trophies Dan & Jan Olson Sandi Paciotti Joan Phillips Dennis & Cheryl Pratt Dale & Susan Ragan Dr. Robert & Rebecca Rosenfeld Donna Rowell Nancy Shipman Brett & Nancy Simbe Jim & Lacey Spane Dr. & Mrs. Robert Zwick

Festival of Trees Fund Jeff & Jenny Abdo Brandon Atkinson, DMD, PS John & Cecelia Bennett Dr. & Mrs. John Bond BrandQuery, LLC Jerry & Judi Butterfield Gerald & Susan Christensen Michele Coleman, DO Dennis & Wenda Cross F. John & LeeAnn Dean Mr. & Mrs. Robert Fiedler James Ford Dr. & Mrs. Al Fredrickson Paula Gallagher James & Patricia Grenfell Jack & Claudette Gubrud Neil & Susan Hall James & Glenda Hobbs Mary Hudson Earl L. & Katherine H. Jensen Tom Jensen & Judy Cookson Dr. & Mrs. Mark Johnson Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson Dr. Winston & Kerry Jones Larry & Linda Jubie James & Balisa Koetje Dan & Megan Kovanen Dr. Duncan & Bridget Landreth Mike & Pattie Lewis Thomas & Brenda Litaker Karen McClintock Dennis & Connie Milliken Keith & Christie Peterson Dr. & Mrs. Erik B. Pihl Ron & Gailyn Ploeg Amy Rasar Jane Root Nick & Judi Seegert Donald & Margaret Semrau Soroptimist International of Burlington Isabel Stewart

Jeff & Stacy Stewart Lynn & Barbara Strauss Svend & Caitlin Svendsen Eric & Andrea Van Pelt Jack & Elizabeth Wallace Scott & Jacquelyn Waltner Julia Weinberg William & Dawn Wells Irene Williams Ruth Wylie Dr. & Mrs. Robert Zwick

Festival of Trees Title Sponsor Associated Petroleum Products, Inc.

Festival of Trees Sponsors Dr. & Mrs. Richard Abbott Arne Svendsen Trucking Association of Washington Public Hospital Districts Bank of the Pacific Bellingham Anesthesia Associates, P.S. Bennett, Bigelow & Leedom, P.S. Cheryl Bishop Blade Chevrolet Julie Blazek Arne & Patricia Brakke BrandQuery, LLC Kate Bratches Dr. Gary & Susan Brown Lloyd & Gloria Butler, D.O. Calico Cupboard Cafe & Bakery of Mount Vernon Gerald & Susan Christensen Linda Christensen Ken & Suzanne Christianson Wendy Cobb Comprehensive Pharmacy Services Concrete Nor’West Craft Stove & Waterbed Crown Distributing Co. Donald & Jeanne Crump Gregg & Lea Davidson Davis Wright Tremaine, LLP Dimensional Communications, Inc. Doyle Guffie’s Rallye Auto Sales Hebeltje Dykstra LabCorp/Dynacare Northwest Inc. ECG Management Consultants, Inc. Aaron & Gretchen Eickmeyer Employee Benefits Planning,

T H E Y E A R IN R E V I E W

mental health

project

c enter S eptember

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation and Skagit Valley Hospital co-sponsored a month of “From Stigma to Hope” – a campaign with KING 5 TV that addressed the stigma associated with mental illness.

The campaign included a presentation on the television show “New Day” and public service ads that ran for one month.

O ctober An open house was held for the newly remodeled Gail Edward Iverson lobby in the Wound Healing Center. The lobby was named in honor of Gail Iverson in recognition of the more than $100,000 raised by the Circle of Friends in his name.

N ovember The 23rd annual Festival of Trees was held, grossing more than $235,000 to benefit the Mental Health Center Project. On this night, the Foundation met their goal of raising $1 million to support the new Mental Health Center at Skagit Valley Hospital.

December The close of the year was marked by the Foundation’s year-end appeal that raised nearly $8,000 to support programs and services at Skagit Valley Hospital.

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LLC Dr. John & Marie Erbstoeszer Dr. & Mrs. Michael Erie Arne Eriksen Evergreen Physical Therapy Express Employment Professionals Fisher Companies, Inc. Foothills Toyota Scion G & D Wallace, Inc. Steve & Tami Gilbert Gilbertson Funeral Home Jim & Becky Goodrow Matthew Granard James & Patricia Grenfell Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound Haggen, Inc. Neil & Susan Hall Fran Hansen Hansen’s Furniture James & Jana Hanson Hawthorne Funeral Home & Pet Loss Service Jerry & Sharon Hayes Hilde Family Dentistry Alfie Hill Warren & Shelly Holden Hughes Farms, Inc. Karen Hyatt ING Financial Advisors, LLC Jay Koetje Fishing Company Inc.

JEM Family Guild Dr. & Mrs. Mark Johnson Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson Jeremy & Rebecca Johnston Kern Funeral Home Key Bank James & Balisa Koetje Bobbi Krebs-McMullen Landed Gentry Homes & Communities Lisser & Associates, PLLC Carl & Cheryl Loeb Carol Luvera Maple Wood Farm, Inc. Margep Inc. Dan & Patsy Martin Mary McClung Elizabeth McNett-Crowl Corey Mendoza Mexico Cafe

Judge John & Susan Meyer Michael C. Mast Insurance Modern Cleaners John & Judith Montoya Diane K. Morton Moss Adams, LLP Mountain Glen Retirement Community MV Investors, LLC North Sound Brewing Northwest Chiropractic Clinic PS Brian O’Hearn John & Shirley Osborn Drs. Dana & Vicki Otterholt

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences Pacific Woodtech Corporation Sally Palmgren Pat Rimmer Tire Center Peoples Bank Pet-A-Coat Junction Peter A. Ripper & Associates Petrzelka Bros. Inc. Planting Design Margaret Potter Puget Sound Energy Randall S. Linde &

Associates Steve & Kari Ranten Kyle & Kelly Reep Resource Corporation of America Mark Roetcisoender Rolfson’s Home Furnishings Richard & Jaynie Roozen Rouw Insurance Agency SB & C, Ltd Helga Schink Deanna Scott Richard Shafer Skagit Endodontics

(Left to right) Jaynie Roozen, SVH Foundation Board President, Alberto Candivi, owner/chef Il Granaio Italian Restaurant and Dee Berglin, Foundation board member and event chair celebrate the evening’s success.

Have a Heart for Kids event benefits SVH Children’s Therapy Program This year’s “Have a Heart for Kids” dinner benefiting the Children’s Therapy Program at Skagit Valley Hospital raised more than $13,000 – a record fund-raising effort for this ninth annual event. On behalf of the Foundation’s board and staff, hospital administration and the Children’s Therapy Program staff, I sincerely thank our host Alberto Candivi, owner and chef of Il Granaio, our event sponsor TRICO Contracting Inc., dinner guests, and silent auction donors who participated in this successful fundraiser.

Event proceeds directly benefit the Children’s Therapy program, its patients and their families.

More than 60 guests enjoyed a mystery box event and silent auction, and an amazing five-course meal prepared by Candivi who has served as host since the event’s inception in 2004. Thank you to the Children’s Therapy Program therapists. Guests appreciated hearing

24 | Skagit Regional Health

the therapists share letters from program parents.

Their slide show presentation was very touching and it was obvious that we have very caring children’s therapists at Skagit Valley Hospital!

Thank you also to the members of the Grace Cochrum Children’s Therapy Guild who helped serve the meal.

Additionally, I appreciate the generous support of the following donors for contributing to the success of this special fundraiser: Avalon Golf Links, Bruce Berglin, Dimensional Communications, Kelli Hutchens/REALITY, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Company, Jaynie and Richard Roozen/Washington Bulb Company, Skagit River Brewery, Theater Arts Guild, Tulip Valley Vineyard and Orchard, Washington Bulb Company and Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation board trustees.

Dee Berglin Board Trustee and Event Chair Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation

Festival of Trees Gifts-InKind Advanced Electric Allegiant Travel Company Anytime Fitness Avenue Bistro Cascade Cosmetic Center Cedar Creek Lumber Susan Chiabai Geoff & Jill Christensen Conway Muse Credo Graphics Gregg & Lea Davidson Janey Dodge Dusty Planks Tracy Finnegan Stephanie Gage Jim & Becky Goodrow James & Patricia Grenfell Hansen’s Furniture John & Amanda Huf Sue Husk Cassie Jacobson

Fine Art Fund Jennifer Bowman Debra Doyle Nate Drushinin Estate of Sonya Beard Betty Frost Jeanne Hansen Linda McJunkin Steve & Jennifer Schultz

Foundation Support Fund Misrak Argaw BrandQuery, LLC Raymond Breum Carl & Carmen Bruner Barbara Craner

Lori Daisley Gregg & Lea Davidson Bob & Jo Anne Fisher Robert Gruber Fran Hansen Mark & Elizabeth Holden Estate of Elwood Lindblad Christopher Link Lutheran Community Foundation Microsoft Matching Gifts Program Joseph & Carolyn Nichols North Cascades Intergroup of OA Optimum Properties LLC Per Dona Salonspa Chris Pollino Kyle & Kelly Reep Carla Rinker, L.M.P. Joycelyn Schroedel Melvin & Merrilyn Thornquist Larry & Carol Van Sickle Robert & Carol Walters Wednesday Overeaters Anonymous Whidbey Coffee Company Allan & Stephanie Wilhonen DeeAnn Wolf Dr. & Mrs. Robert Zwick In Honor of Diane K. Morton Kathleen Waton In Memory of Melody Barone Dr. John Barone

UPCOMING FOUNDATION

Events

GOLF CLASSIC

July 13, 2012 ParTee Golf Classic to

benefit the Cancer Care Patient Assistance Fund at Skagit Valley Hospital. Event to be held at Eaglemont Golf Course.

Event Chair: Christie Peterson

ward Ive Ed

Gai l

Chris & Barb Jensen Johnny Carino’s Lisa Judy Kaptein’s Ace Hardware Karen King Jennifer Korn-Leech Clay & Virginia Learned Thomas & Brenda Litaker LUXE Salon Joe MacDonald Kathleen Maloney Mister T’s Trophies Michael Moe Nikki’s Espresso NW Premium Audits Papa Murphys Pizza Pizza Factory PrintStreams Tammy Reuble Flo-Lee Rommen Round Table Pizza Paul & DiAnn Sager Sahara Pizza Deanna Scott Shellan Jewelers Susan Smith Norma Smith Katie Smith-West Sorella Salon & Spa Karin Springer Tattered Page Tree of Life #7 Truck Innovations Tulip Valley Vineyard & Orchard VanWingerden Greenhouses Inc Richard & Laury Volwiler Kelli Walker Teresa Ward Tammi Wells Craig & Becky Wells Wilson Picture Framing, Inc. Mike & Heidi Yeoman

n rso

Skagit Radiology Inc., P.S. Skagit State Bank Skagit Valley Hospital Auxiliary Skagit Valley’s Best Produce, Inc. Skagit Wild Bird Supply Dr. & Mrs. Bruce Skinner Soroptimist International of Burlington St. John Glass State Farm Insurance Brad Methner Agency State Farm Insurance Keith Sorestad Agency Sterling Hill Potatoes, Inc. Strauss Jewelers/The Deming Corporation Dr. Robert Sutton Swinomish Tribal Community TeamHealth The Unity Group Thomas Cuisine Management TRICO Contracting, Inc. Twin City Foods, Inc. Van’s Equipment Washington Compost, LLC Lloyd & Shirley Watkinson Whidbey Island Bank Williams & Nulle, PLLC Iris Wilson Leighton & Susan Wood Wycoff Insurance Agency, Inc. Xtra Special Cakes Dr. & Mrs. Robert Zwick

Circle of Friends

August 2, 2012 The Gail Edward Iverson Circle of Friends annual party to benefit the Wound Healing Center at Skagit Valley Hospital. The “1930’s Bluegrass Picnic” will be held at the Rexville Grocery.

In Memory of Paul Bishop James & Meredith Walker In Memory of Kenneth Blanchard Bill & Anna Bowron In Memory of Muriel Border Robin Lacount

August 4, 2012 Woodstock 2012 Several local bands will perform to benefit the Regional Cancer Care Center at Skagit Valley Hospital. Location to be announced.

In Memory of Marjorie Bowers Arliss Abbott In Memory of Carl Dobbs Mike & Anita Roozen In Memory of Chuck Dynes Helga Schink In Memory of Dr. Walter Ebeling Huntly & Sandee Gordon In Memory of Bunny Gearhart Helga Schink

Saturday, November 24, 2012 (new evening)

Festival of Trees Gala to benefit programs and services at Skagit Valley Hospital. Event will be held at the Saint Joseph Center in Mount Vernon.

Event Chair: Jill Christensen For more information on any of the events listed above, please contact the Foundation office at (360) 814-8376.

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In Memory of Bonnie Huntress Anonymous

In Memory of Maxine Sawyer Jay & Kathy Duffy

In Memory of Elmer Juntunen Neil & Susan Hall

In Memory of Dr. Joseph Voegtlin Huntly & Sandee Gordon Dorothy Hughes Barbara Hulbert Larry & Janette Lund John & Judith Montoya Donneta Mucke Robert & Janice Sager Dr. Roy Schonberg Olga Schreiber Jeffrey & Deborah Scott Marguerite Van Gasken Egbers Williams & Nulle, PLLC

In Memory of Bernie Knapik Anonymous In Memory of Dan Mendoza Mike & Anita Roozen In Memory of Rodney Olson Steven & Suzanne Appelo In Memory of David Partington Dennis & Annette McDonald Brad & Pam Methner Helga Schink In Memory of Sandra Pollino Chris Pollino In Memory of Tom Pollino Chris Pollino In Memory of Frank Rexroth Eleanor Gumpert In Memory of James Rouse Gordon & Gladys Gibson In Memory of Helen Ruff Adeline Westcott

In Memory of Rev. David Whittaker Jackie Buchholz Glenn & Mary Crampton

Gail Edward Iverson Circle of Friends Fund Anonymous Allen & Margaret Bird Theron & Ena Blattman Joel Brock Carino’s Italian Grill Gerald & Susan Christensen

Brian & Mary Clark Jayne Coe Collins Fisheries, Inc. Jerry & Toni Franulovic Robert & Betty Grant Sara Henry Cherie Iverson Iverson Insurance Agency, Inc. James & Fiona Jackson Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson La Conner Flats Farm Stand Pamela Lambeth Solveig Lee Suellen Lemmon Mark’s On Pine Square Chris McCarthy Janette McPherson Kelley & Karen Moldstad Nell Thorn Restaurant & Pub Dr. & Mrs. Erik B. Pihl Rexville Grocery Judy Rich Gary Rivers Fay Shane The Ginger Grater The Wild Iris Theater Arts Guild Brian & Cristina Waltner In Memory of Gail Iverson Collins Fisheries, Inc. Dr. & Mrs. Erik B. Pihl Dr. & Mrs. Richard Raisler

In Memory of Clif & Patsy Cameron Kelly Robert & Betty Grant Sara Henry In Memory of Bob Minkler Delores Bacoka Ruth Beidler Joan Brady Gerald & Susan Christensen Bette Fitzgerald Peter & Janet Flones Jerry & Toni Franulovic Sara Henry Madell Jolly Gene & Nadine Larson Solveig Lee Joyce Linn Susan Mayhew Janette McPherson Kelley & Karen Moldstad Lyle Ovenell Roger & Wendy Ragusa Judy Rich Jerry & Mildred Rindal William Rindal Leland & Crystal Sadlowsky Vicki Sanders Jane Sneeringer Janet Stein Edna Strege Marguerite Van Gasken Egbers

Save The Date for the 9th Annual The 9th annual ParTee Golf Classic will take place Friday, July 13, 2012 at Eaglemont Golf Course. The tournament, played in scramble format, begins at 10:00 a.m. with a shotgun start.

The $125 registration fee includes green fees, lunch, snacks, dinner, use of a golf cart and activities at each hole. Other features include a putting contests, hole-in-one prizes, a raffle and many give-aways!

26 | Skagit Regional Health

This event raises funds to support quality health care services and programs at Skagit Valley Hospital.

More than $47,000 was raised last year, and proceeds from this year’s event will support the Foundation’s Cancer Care Patient Assistance Fund.

Be sure to reserve your spot early (or better yet, round up a team!) as this tournament fills up quickly.

Event Chair: Christie Peterson

Virginia Voigt Jan & Toni Wolfgang

Gail Edward Iverson Circle of Friends Auction Sponsors Collins Fisheries, Inc. Gregg & Lea Davidson Foothills Toyota Scion Floyd Jones Katy’s Inn Bed & Breakfast Skagit State Bank

Gail Edward Iverson Circle of Friends Auction Patrons Donald & Klara Barford Kyle Berns & Lisa Roehl Cheryl Bishop Carl & Carmen Bruner Kirk Campbell Gregg & Lea Davidson Cornelia Devlin

GOLF CLASSIC For tournament and sponsorship information please contact Becky Wells at the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation, 360-814-8376.

Bob & Betty Grant Pat Grenfell Neil & Susan Hall Leroy & Marna Hanneman Dr. Doris Lam Corey Mendoza & Jyl Bruns Richard & Jaynie Roozen

Healthy Communities Fund

In Memory of Imogene Harder Ron & Bethany Gilbertson In Memory of Lois Harlow Rita Lesage In Memory of Hoke Hodgins Evelyn Buchanan In Memory of Tammi Hopkins Chris & Jeanne Skeels

Narajanti Handaja Cynthia McGuiness Elizabeth McNett-Crowl

In Memory of Winnie Houser Mark Houser

Kidney Dialysis Fund

In Memory of Amil Knudsen Ardelle Knudsen

Kathleen Allmaras Estate of Anna Clemans Robert & Deborah Connolly Cheryl Costomiris Edge Healthcare Research, Inc. Estate of Jean Ziegler Mr. & Mrs. John Huey Susan & Mike Longbottom Delrene Potter William & Krista Thomas

In Memory of Nona Miller Randolph Miller

In Memory of Dorothy Conser Lois Powers In Memory of Todd DeRosier Donneta Mucke Robert & Janice Sager In Memory of Bud Ebeling Dorothy Hughes In Memory of Charles Gibbs Wesley & Peggy Allen Alice & Henry Clark Dennis & Carolyn Coble Jim & Lorraine Ensley Linda Ensley Dana & Terry Ferrall James & Mary Hickman Shirley Hyatt Pete & Alene Nations Chuck & Bertha Rogers David & Frankie Rohrer In Memory of Dean Gregory Joe, Paulette & Stan Gregory Don & Margaret Mancini Tom & Carol Nixon In Memory of Pete Hansen Carol Miller

In Memory of Leah Otis David & Beverly Gufler In Memory of Arild Ottesen Albert & Doris Hetland In Memory of Andy Ploeg Kathy Cheadle Michael & Nancy Gale Gary Houser Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Houser Dale & Eunice Jenkins George & Alice Kammenga William & Lillian Knutzen Robert & Louisa Lee Diane K. Morton Lottie Overway Wayne & Donna Schliekelman Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Theisen Carolyn Whitney In Memory of Dr. Joseph Voegtlin Carol Miller In Memory of Janet Youngquist Thomas & Jerry Kuntz Sam Albert

Maynard Johnson Endowment Fund In Memory of Dr. Donald S. Childs, Jr. Judge John & Susan Meyer In Memory of Todd DeRosier Judge John & Susan Meyer

In Memory of Chuck Dynes Judge John & Susan Meyer In Memory of Bud Ebeling Judge John & Susan Meyer In Memory of Betty Erspalmer Jim & Mary Lynn Kintner In Memory of Bunny Gearhart Judge John & Susan Meyer In Memory of Betty Jo Griffith Judge John & Susan Meyer In Memory of James Hughes Donna Hughes In Memory of Elmer Juntunen Judge John & Susan Meyer In Memory of Mark Leander Judge John & Susan Meyer In Memory of Ruth Lorente Judge John & Susan Meyer In Memory of Jerry Lowery Judge John & Susan Meyer In Memory of Dan Mendoza Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson In Memory of Arlene Olson Selvage Judge John & Susan Meyer In Memory of Nick Petrish Judge John & Susan Meyer In Memory of Al & Mary Rygmyr Jim & Mary Lynn Kintner In Memory of Lacey Stollwerck Judge John & Susan Meyer In Memory of Dr. Joseph Voegtlin Judge John & Susan Meyer In Memory of Esther Widen Judge John & Susan Meyer In Memory of Shannon Wilson Cloward Judge John & Susan Meyer In Memory of Laslo Zsitvay Dennis & Annette McDonald

Mental Health Care Fund Jon & Susan Aarstad Dr. & Mrs. Richard Abbott

George Anderson Kelli Anderson Anonymous Janice Bailey Dr. Michael & Elizabeth Bart Paul & TyeAnn Berghuis Richard & Laura Bethke Dr. & Mrs. Lyall Bishop Claude & Anne Blackburn Dr. & Mrs. John Bond Thomas & Lesha Boucher Lester & Winifred Bradford Joan Brady Alan Briggs Dr. Gary & Susan Brown Burlington Rotary Club ByWater Psychiatric Consultation Chris & Shaun Cammock John & Merydee Carlson Herald & Dyan Catlin Mike & Jacob Cheek Judith Chilcote Geoff & Jill Christensen Juanita Cloquet Don & Sandi Cobb Jeff & Jackie Cress Donald & Jeanne Crump Jeff & Mary June Curtis Dahl Electric, Inc. Gregg & Lea Davidson Julie & John Dean Gena Di Labio Patricia Downing Donald Dundin Gary & Stephanie Fiedler Bob & Jo Anne Fisher Jeff & Linda Frizzell Beatrice Gabriel Peter Goldfarb Patricia Good Mike & Jan Gradl Group Health Cooperative Narajanti Handaja Bud Hanks Karen Hiatt Alfie Hill Helen Hodgins Kaye Hoegemeyer Dorothy Howard Donna Hughes Independent Silpada Designs Representative – Kelli Hutchens Janet Iverson John & Katherine Janicki Janicki Family Trust Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson James & Nancy Johnson Norm Johnson Tom & Jackie Karsh

Kiwanis Club of Stanwood Camano Dan & Megan Kovanen Elaine Laparle Learned Commerical, Inc. Dr. & Mrs. Howard Leibrand Carl & Cheryl Loeb Marje Mc Ilraith Dr. Jennifer McCoy Corey Mendoza Kevin & Judy Mendoza Roger & Mary Ann Mercer Helen Miller Jeff & Jean Miller Mike & Sharon Minor Mount Vernon/Skagit Rotary Club Pamela Nolan North Cascade Family Physicians Employees Stan & Audrey Olson John & Shirley Osborn Lyle Ovenell Art & Darlene Palmer Danya Parker Frank & Catherine Pattermann Mark Pearson Albert & Judith Peraino Keith & Christie Peterson Roger & Wendy Ragusa Dr. & Mrs. Richard Raisler Steve & Kari Ranten Renaissance Charitable Foundation Skye & Sally Richendrfer John & Berdean Ring Terry & Mary Rios Jane Root Richard & Jaynie Roozen Jessica Samora SB & C, Ltd Corin Schneider Deanna Scott Jeffrey & Deborah Scott Nick & Judi Seegert Anthony Senff & Catherine Ledray-Senff Richard Shafer Skagit Valley Hospital Guild Maryl Skjei Gina Smith Bob & Denise Taylor Patricia Thomas William & Krista Thomas Kenneth Thompson Melvin & Merrilyn Thornquist Elizabeth Torgerson Stephen & Gayle Torgerson Sigrid Torres Hernandez Laurene Vigoren Lloyd & Shirley Watkinson

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(Left to right) Grace Cochrum Guild members Marsha Christofferson, Katie Herzog and Guild president Virginia Engen help at the “Have A Heart For Kids” benefit dinner.

Foundation Friends The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is fortunate to work collaboratively with the Grace Cochrum Guild to raise funds for the Children’s Therapy Program at Skagit Valley Hospital. Guild members have served at the Foundation’s annual “Have a Heart for Kids” benefit dinner at Il Granaio Italian Restaurant since the event’s inception in 2004.

The Grace Cochrum Guild began in 1958 as an offshoot of the Whatcom-Skagit Orthopedic Association. With the strong desire to continue supporting a children’s therapy program, the guild joined Skagit Valley Hospital in 2004 to actively raise money for the Children’s Therapy Program. In May 2012, the guild will celebrate its’ 54th anniversary.

Their annual fund-raising efforts include a February spaghetti dinner at Joy’s Bakery in Sedro-Woolley, a raffle at Sedro-Woolley’s “Blast from the Past” event in June and the sale of their homemade baked goods and crafts at both the Skagit Valley Hospital and SedroWoolley High School holiday bazaars. Funds raised help to purchase equipment used by program patients and their families.

For more information about the Grace Cochrum Guild, please contact Volunteer Services at 360814-2142 or sschultz@skagitvalleyhosptial.org.

Vehicle Donations If you have an old car, truck, boat or RV, consider donating it to the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s Vehicle Donation Program.

To learn more about the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s Vehicle Donation Program, contact Foundation Executive Director Linda Frizzell at 360-814-2140.

28 | Skagit Regional Health

Mr. & Mrs. James F. Webert Julia Weinberg Mary Welch Craig & Becky Wells Adeline Westcott Mike & Linda White Dennis & Sharon Wildfang Helen & Mike Williams Iris Wilson Susan Wilson Janet Woolbert Dr. & Mrs. Robert Zwick In Honor of Jill Christensen Gerald & Susan Christensen In Honor of Dan & Megan Kovanen William & Donna Bond III Scott Giles Chris & Tina Johnston Jeff & Jean Miller Larry & Lisa Otos Paul & Sherri Van Ginhoven In Honor of Marc Peraino Albert & Judith Peraino In Memory of Alice Groves Gerald & Susan Christensen In Memory of Dan Mendoza Craig & Becky Wells In Memory of Eric Tjersland Jim & Marilyn Forbes Larry & Patty Mc Cormick In Memory of Richard Mikota Marvin & Carolyn Peterson

Par Tee Golf Classic Sponsors Association of Washington Public Hospital Districts BAC Enterprises, Inc. Big Lake Fire Dept.

Community Auxiliary Business Bank C.J. Kuan MD INC. P.S. Cascade Natural Gas Comprehensive Pharmacy Services CPI Plumbing & Heating EMC Electric, Inc. Express Employment Professionals Foster Pepper PLLC Hilde Family Dentistry Alfie Hill Insanity Motors – Dan Kovanen

Jack Carroll’s Skagit Hyundai Laboratory Corp Of America Lisser & Associates, PLLC Corey Mendoza Motorcars Limited Optimum Properties LLC Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences Piper Jaffray & Co Premera Blue Cross Proliance Surgeons, Inc. Resource Corporation of America Richard M. Simcock, DDS, PS Riverside Chiropractic Clinic Richard & Jaynie Roozen SB & C, Ltd Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Sims Honda Skagit Endodontics Skagit Farmers Supply Skagit Sand & Gravel State Farm Insurance Brad Methner Agency State Farm Insurance Carol Lawson Agency State Farm Insurance Keith Sorestad Agency Jeff & Stacy Stewart Tesoro Northwest Company The Bedside Trust, LLC The Unity Group TRICO Contracting, Inc. Washington Casualty Company Washington Lettuce & Vegetable Yellow Book Sales & Distribution Co.

Par Tee Golf Classic GiftsIn-Kind Charles Fine Jewelry Chem-Dry of Mount Vernon Consumer Rental Center, Inc. Costco Wholesale Crown Distributing Co. Dimensional Communications, Inc. Kirk & Stacy Duffy Reid & Debra Ellsworth Farmhouse Restaurant Jeff & Linda Frizzell Gifts By Design Glow Cleaners Paul & Jean Groesbeck Handy’s Heating, Inc. Hansen’s Furniture Reed & Donna Harlow

Alfie Hill Hyatt at Olive 8 Dan & Megan Kovanen La Conner Brewing Company LUXE Salon Max Dale’s Restaurant Mister T’s Trophies Diane K. Morton Mystic Sea Charters Larry & Debbie Nootenboom Keith & Christie Peterson Dennis & Cheryl Pratt Tony Pratt PrintStreams Proforma Roger & Wendy Ragusa Richard & Jaynie Roozen Similk Golf Course Skagit Farmers Supply Skagit River Brewing Company Skagit’s Own Fish Market Melody Snyder Strauss Jewelers/The Deming Corporation Mark & Gretchen Thomas Valley Farm & Pet Center Craig & Becky Wells Wells Nursery LLC

Skagit Regional Clinics Fund Anonymous

Sunrise Inn Fund Anonymous Bruce & Dee Berglin Marilyn Buckenmeyer Dr. & Mrs. Richard & Bonnie Cavell Michele Hill Susie Johnson LangCo Northwest, Inc. Seasons Fine Furniture Washington Bulb Co. Jay & Kathy Wright In Honor of Jerry & Sharon Hayes John & Cindy Faber

Teaching Hospital Fund

Wound Care Fund

Lennart Bentsen Jerry & Sharon Hayes Museum of Glass

Louise Torseth Ray & Katie Avery Charles & Pam Eger Estate of Martin N. Chamberlain Helene Jenkins Leo & Michelle Roozen Bob & Catharine Schaeffer

In Honor of Diane K. Morton Kathleen Abhold Rebecca Ammeter Debra Doyle James & Glenda Hobbs Mike & Pattie Lewis Bruce & Debra Lisser Donna McCabe Outreach & Development Steve & Kari Ranten Corin Schneider William & Krista Thomas Elizabeth Torgerson Stephen & Gayle Torgerson

Janette McPherson In Memory of Phyllis Humphrey Gerald & Susan Christensen In Memory of Niles Jordan Shauna Jordan In Memory of Erling Ytgard Owa Anderson

In Memory of

In Honor of Christine Wells William & Dawn Wells

Beverley M. Funk

In Honor of Craig & Becky Wells William & Dawn Wells

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation recognizes the passing of Beverley Funk who served on the Board of Trustees of the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation from 1988 to 1997.

In Memory of Francis Bacoka Bill & Betty Garrison

Mrs. Funk was the driving force and founder of the Sunrise Inn – a guesthouse for patients and patient families at Skagit Valley Hospital. Since the Sunrise Inn was established in 1987, more than 20,000 guests have utilized its service.

Local Students Support Regional Cancer Care Center Students from the Burlington-Edison High School ASB class recently toured the Regional Cancer Care Center. The students raised $722 for the cancer center at a recent Coaches vs. Cancer event where they collected donations from fans during a Burlington-Edison High School basketball game. During the tour, Tiger men’s basketball team captains Aaron Watts and Travis Schwetz presented an additional check for $600 to Dr. Mehran Zaini. This money was raised at a hoop shoot event hosted by the basketball team. The Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center is fortunate to have received more than $1,300 in support from this great group of Burlington kids!

The Mount Vernon High School DECA club recently donated $1,232 to the Regional Cancer Care Center. The club raised the funds at their silent auction last Spring and wanted to donate their proceeds to the Regional Cancer Care Center. Go Bulldogs!

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Skagit Valley Hospital offers the following health screenings and education programs at the Skagit Regional Clinics Stanwood, 9631 269th St. NW, Stanwood or the Camano Community Health Clinic, 127 N. East Camano Drive. To register, complete the registration form on the inside of the back page or call 360-629-6481 or 360814-2424. Pre-registration is required for all classes unless otherwise noted.

Stanwood/Camano neighborhood Screening to Detect Peripheral Arterial Disease, Elevated Cholesterol and More!

• Body composition testing to detect elevated body fat.

• Review results with a health care provider.

The Skagit Regional Heart & Vascular Institute offers this popular community screening for all adults over age 18, held on Tuesday mornings.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a common condition that affects approximately 8 million adults in the U.S. About 5 percent of people over the age of 50 are believed to suffer from PAD. PAD is more common in men and most often occurs in older persons (over the age of 50). The same risk factors associated with heart disease are also linked with PAD.

Attend this screening to find out your risk of PAD, cardiovascular disease and stroke and learn how to reduce it.

The screening includes the following tests and results are immediate: • Ankle brachial pressure index to help detect peripheral artery disease (no caffeine or nicotine for one hour prior).

• Blood pressure.

• Full lipid profile for cholesterol plus glucose requires 12 – 14 hour fast, water and medications only (no alcohol 24 hours prior.) This is a fingerstick test with immediate results.

Call 360-629-6481 to schedule an appointment for this screening program that takes just 40 minutes!

The cost is only $35 and it is held on Tuesdays at Skagit Valley Hospital. A physician referral is not necessary, although we ask that you provide the name of a primary care provider, if you have one, so results can be forwarded.

AARP Driver Safety Program This two-session program for people older than 50 is designed to enhance the driving skills of the mature adult.

Insurance companies are required to give a discount on auto insurance for those over age 55 who complete the course. Course fee is $12 for AARP members; $14 for non-members. Please bring check payable to AARP, your AARP card or number (if you are a member), and your driver’s license number to the first class – do not mail check. Pre-registration is required. To register call 360-814-2424.

May 7 and 9 (Mon/Wed)

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood 9631 269th St. NW Conference Room A/B Pay at the class

Skagit Regional Clinics A department of Skagit Valley Hospital

30 | Skagit Regional Health

Cholesterol, Diabetes and Blood Pressure Screenings Cholesterol screenings are provided at the following locations by Skagit Valley Hospital in cooperation with Dynacare Skagit Laboratories.

Cholesterol tests are recommended at least once every five years beginning at age 20. Individuals with a strong family history of heart disease or risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or who smoke, may need to be tested more often.

Full Lipid Profile: 12-14 hour fast required, water and prescribed medications only, no coffee or tea.

No alcohol 24 hours prior. Results include total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and glucose (blood sugar) levels and are mailed to your home.

Fee: $15 (cash or check payable to SVH only).

Blood pressure checks are provided at no cost. For information call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481. No appointment or pre-registration is required.

May 17 (Thur)

7:30 - 9 a.m.

Skagit Regional Clinics Camano Community Health Clinic 127 N. East Camano Drive

June 14 (Thur)

8 – 9:30 a.m.

Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood 9631 269th St. NW Conference Room A/B

Camano Community Health Clinic 127 N. East Camano Drive Suite A Camano Island 360-387-5398

Stanwood

9631 269th St. NW Stanwood 360-629-1600

Bone Density Screening

Skin Cancer Screening

Osteoporosis, or low bone density, affects 10 million Americans, mostly women, and 34 million more have low bone mass. More than 1.5 million fractures are caused each year in the U.S. as a result of osteoporosis.

Corinne Sayler, PA-C, with Skagit Regional Clinics – Dermatology will conduct visual inspections of skin abnormalities you are concerned about. No charge. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to schedule an appointment.

Find out if you are at risk for osteoporosis by having a bone density scan. This is a non-invasive, painless scan of one hand. Results are available immediately. Fee $10 (cash or check payable to SVH). No appointment is required.

May 17 (Thur)

7:30 - 9 a.m.

Skagit Regional Clinics Camano Community Health Clinic 127 N. East Camano Drive

June 14 (Thur)

8 – 9:30 a.m.

Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood 9631 269th St. NW Conference Room A/B

Vitamin D Level Screening Why should you have your Vitamin D levels tested? Studies have shown a strong link between an individual’s Vitamin D levels and the risk of developing cancer. New research shows a direct link between Vitamin D deficiency and the risk of developing Multiple Sclerosis in people with a genetic predisposition for the disease.

Vitamin D also plays an integral role in bone health. Other studies have linked low levels of Vitamin D to diabetes and high blood pressure.

July 11 (Wed)

1 - 4 p.m.

Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood 9631 269th St. NW Conference Room A/B

Blood Drive Donating blood is a simple and generous gift that can save a life. Did you know that one blood donation can help up to three patients? The Puget Sound Blood Center urges you to donate the “gift of life” at the following blood drive:

July 3 (Tue)

CPR and First Aid Classes are held at various locations in Stanwood.

Call the North County Regional Fire Authority at 360-652-1246 for more information.

Heart Saver Adult/Child CPR Classes are held at the Camano Island

Fire and Rescue. For more information call 360-387-1512.

First Aid Classes are held at the Camano Island Fire and Rescue. For more information call 360-387-1512.

The Island County Health Department is located at 127 N. East

Camano Drive, down the hall from the Camano Community Health Clinic. They offer services ranging from TB testing, WIC/Maternity Support Services, HIV/Aids Testing, Immunizations, Healthy Baby Visits and more. For more information call 360-387-0184.

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (except 12:30 – 1:15 p.m.)

Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood 9631 269th St. NW Mobile van in parking lot Pre-registration required by calling 1-800-398-7888.

This screening can help you identify the level of Vitamin D in your blood.

Results are mailed to your home. This screening is not recommended for patients on anticonvulsant medication.

Fasting is not required. The cost is $35 (cash or check payable to SVH). No appointment required.

Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood offers Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, OB/GYN, Orthopedics, Podiatry, Lab and Radiology. For more information, call 360-629-4583.

May 17 (Thur)

7:30 - 9 a.m.

Skagit Regional Clinics Camano Community Health Clinic 127 N. East Camano Drive

June 14 (Thur)

8 – 9:30 a.m.

Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood 9631 269th St. NW Conference Room A/B

All classes require pre-registration unless specified. Call 360-814-2424 or see inside of back cover.

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DON’T WAIT TOO LONG! Many of our classes fill quickly so early registration is recommended. You are not confirmed in the class until we receive your payment (for classes requiring payment). Don’t lose your space in class – pay early! See the inside of the back cover of this magazine for registration information. Pre-registration is required for all classes unless otherwise noted.

Women’s Health Luncheon Wake Up Sleeping Beauty! Taking Charge of Your Life Right Now Best selling writer and coach Jane Adams, PhD provides an empowering, liberating wakeup call for creating rich, satisfying, exciting personal and professional lives on your own terms.

Adams’ proven techniques and common-sense strategies will inspire you to get what you want from your life now.

Program highlights from this Women’s Health Luncheon include: • Taking yourself off hold • Too smart for your own good • If money could buy happiness, could you afford it?

• Friends are family you choose yourself • Autonomy as a life context • Getting better, not bitter • The right place at the right time plus: “Wake Up Workbook” for empowering your life This event is sponsored by Skagit Valley Hospital Surgical Services and co-sponsored by Mira Vista Care Center, Life Care Center Mount Vernon, The Bridge, Ashley Gardens of Mount Vernon, Walgreens, Country Meadow Village Retirement & Assisted Living, and Creekside Retirement Community.

32 | Skagit Regional Health

May 10 (Thur)

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

McIntyre Hall, Mount Vernon $15 includes lunch Pre-registration required by May 4

Doc Talk Series The following presentations are provided by local physicians on a variety of health topics. There is no charge but pre-registration is required. All Doc Talk presentations are held at Skagit Valley Hospital.

DOC TALK Arthritis Joint Replacement Arthritis can severely damage joints causing them to become extremely painful which can limit mobility and normal activities. In this evening presentation

by Ryan Koonce, MD, orthopedic surgeon with Skagit Regional Clinics – Orthopedics, participants will learn about the most common types of arthritis, non-operative treatment options for arthritis, and joint replacement procedures in the shoulder, hip, and knee.

May 8 (Tue) 6- 7:30 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade Room This event is FREE, but RSVP is required

DOC TALK The Sleep and Nutrition Connection Sleep and dietary habits can affect each other resulting in insomnia and a variety of health issues.

Murali Maheswaran, DO, Director of the Skagit Valley Hospital Center for Sleep Disorders provides information in this evening program about how nutrition can affect sleep patterns resulting in reduced energy levels and poor health, mood swings, increased pain and other symptoms.

Learn about the potential effects of caffeine, carbohydrates, protein and other food choices on sleep.

May 21 (Mon)

6 – 7:30 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade Room This event is FREE, but RSVP is required

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Take Charge of Your Health! Living Well With Chronic Conditions

Living Well Workshop is a six-week self-management workshop designed at Stanford University to help people gain self-confidence in their ability to manage any type of ongoing health problem. These health problems may include heart disease, lung disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, high blood pressure, being overweight, fibromyalgia, and others.

People with different ongoing health problems, or caregivers to someone with chronic conditions, attend together in this highly interactive program, focusing on building skills, sharing experiences, and support. Classes are facilitated by two certified leaders, one or both of whom are non-health professionals with a chronic disease themselves.

Subjects covered include: • Ways to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain, and isolation • Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance • Appropriate use of medications • Communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals • How to evaluate new treatments Each participant receives a copy of the companion book, “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions” and an audio relaxation CD, “Time for Healing.” Participants will also receive a free six-week membership at the Skagit YMCA for new members.

May 15 – June 19 (Tue) 2 – 4:30 p.m.

The Bridge at Mount Vernon 301 South La Venture Road Mount Vernon $39 includes course book and CD; $69 for couples who share book and CD Limited to 15 participants Pre-registration is required

Spanish for Health Care Providers Workshop Learn essential Spanish vocabulary and phrases common in your health care workplace, in order to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients on a basic level, while addressing several cultural differences.

Topics include greeting patients and family, discussing pain/part of the body, medical conditions, simple commands/instructions, dates and times.

The instructor is Sarah Rowan, owner of Salud! Spanish Programs.

This program is approved for six contact hours of continuing nursing education.

May 15 and 17 (Tue/Thur) 6 – 9 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Shuksan Room Enter through Kincaid St. $125 includes course materials Pre-registration is required

Elder Care Options

Many of us will one day find ourselves needing care for ourselves or a loved one. This one-evening program brings clarity to the maze of support options available. Learn about alternative living situations, transportation, nutritional and medical services, in-home care (including home-health and hospice), as well as how to access these options. Discover the costs of each and the role of Medicare, Medicaid, LTC insurance, and other funding options. Instructors Debbie Gann and Jim Darling have 50+ years of healthcare experience between them.

May 3 (Thur) 6 – 8 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade Room Enter through Kincaid St. entrance No charge but pre-registration required

Meditation for Calming and Focusing Your Mind Have you thought about trying meditation but find it too difficult to do on your own? Let an experienced meditator guide you in simple techniques to become comfortable with this valuable skill. Comments from previous class participants include: “Jan could not have been better!! I loved the class.” “This class was exactly what I hoped for. Jan was just wonderful in all aspects.”

Meditation is now scientifically recognized to help alleviate stress, mild depression, and anxiety. Decluttering your mind can help you become more focused and productive.

Become a happier, calmer you!

Jan Hodgman, MA, has been meditating for more than 30 years and has more than eight years of

All classes require pre-registration unless specified. Call 360-814-2424 or see inside of back cover.

monastic practice as an ordained Zen priest. She is also a Certified Focusing Trainer, writer, and musician and loves introducing people to meditation.

May 23, 30 and June 6 (Wed) 6 – 8 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade Room Enter through Kincaid St. entrance $39

Continuing Health Education AARP Driver Safety Program This two-session program for people older than 50 is designed to enhance the driving skills of the mature adult.

Insurance companies are required to give a discount on auto insurance for those over age 55 who complete the course. Course fee is $12 for AARP members; $14 for non-members.

Please bring check payable to AARP, your AARP card or number (if you are a member), and your driver’s license number to the first class – do not mail check. Pre-registration is required. To register call 360-814-2424.

June 26 and 27 (Tue/Wed) 1 - 5 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital San Juan AB Pay at class Please see page 30 for information about classes in Stanwood/Camano Island.

Certified Diabetes Education Program Skagit Regional Health offers a comprehensive education program for adults with diabetes, either newly diagnosed or for those patients needing extra guidance with diabetes control. The program includes:

• An introductory one-on-one appointment; • Six hours of group sessions (two three-hour classes) covering the basics of diabetes management; • At least two hours of one-on-one education in nutrition; HealthQuest Spring/Summer 2012

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• Individual appointments to review medication issues related to diabetes self-management, including maximizing the use of insulin, are also available.

during, and after joint replacement surgery. Our experienced nurses and therapists will address your concerns and will be available to answer your questions.

Program instructors include Amy Navarre Cantrell, PA-C, Certified Diabetic Educator; Michelle Frey, Exercise Specialist; Registered Dietitians Megan Gill, Christina Sackman, and Kara Siedman.

Geoffrey Spielmann, MD, Hospitalist, serves as Medical Director for the program.

The class meets the first and third Wednesday of the month from 1 – 3 p.m. at Skagit Valley Hospital in San Juan B. For more information, directions and to register for this class, please call 360-814-2424. There is no charge for this program.

The program requires a physician referral so talk to your health care provider. The program is covered by most insurance companies. Please check with your insurance provider to confirm. For other questions, or more information about the program, contact our Diabetic Program Scheduler at 360-814-2184.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Do you suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and want to improve the quality of your life? This intensive program can help patients with chronic lung disorders including emphysema, chronic bronchitis or asthma, reduce respiratory symptoms, improve functional independence and complications and reduce hospitalizations. The program is provided by a multidisciplinary team. Participants learn self-management and relaxation techniques to improve emotional well-being, skills to help regain control of their breathing, and pursue activities to the fullest extent of their abilities.

The class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. for approximately 10 weeks. For more information call 360-814-2236.

Total Joint Replacement Class This two-hour class helps to prepare patients for their upcoming joint replacement surgery. We have incorporated classroom instruction with procedure-specific therapy. You will learn what to expect before,

34 | Skagit Regional Health

Heart Healthy Fitness Program Are you having trouble starting an exercise program or staying motivated? Do you need direction and professional guidance? Come join us for exercise in a safe and stress-free environment. The Heart Healthy Fitness Program focuses on individual goals and plenty of one-to-one attention. We work on strength training, balance, and cardiovascular fitness. For questions and class times, call 360-814-8368.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Have you had a recent heart attack, bypass surgery, angioplasty, heart valve surgery, or stent placement?

We have a program to help you return to your active lifestyle and learn how to reduce your risk factors.

A Registered Nurse and Exercise Specialist supervise the classes and provide a safe, friendly atmosphere to ask questions and learn how to pace yourself as you recover. This is a physician-referred program and Medicare and most insurances cover cardiac rehab. For more information call 360-814-8368.

First Aid and CPR Skagit County Medic One offers CPR and First Aid classes for $20 per person, payable in advance. This fee covers the cost of certification cards and materials. For more information call 360-428-3236 or email billc@ skagitems.com.

Health & Wellness Screenings Heart and Vascular Screening: Detect Peripheral Arterial Disease, Elevated Cholesterol and More!

The Skagit Regional Heart & Vascular Institute offers this popular community screening for all adults over age 18 on Tuesday mornings.

Attend this screening to find out your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke and learn how to reduce it. The screening includes the following tests and results are immediate: • Ankle brachial pressure index to help detect peripheral artery disease (no caffeine or nicotine for one hour prior).

• Blood pressure.

• Full lipid profile for cholesterol plus glucose requires 12 – 14 hour fast, water and medications only (no alcohol 24 hours prior.) This is a fingerstick test with immediate results.

• Body composition testing to detect elevated body fat.

• Review results with a health care provider.

Why should you attend this screening? Here are the facts: • Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) caused by plaque buildup in the limbs affects about 8 million American adults in the US. The same risk factors associated with heart disease are also linked with PAD. The Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABI) is a measure of the reduction in arterial blood pressure of the legs and is used to detect evidence of blockages from plaque buildup (PAD.) Abnormal ABI’s are associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular disease.

• More than 100 million Americans have high blood cholesterol levels, also associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular disease.

• High blood pressure affects one in three adult Americans. Untreated high blood pressure may result in a stroke.

• Elevated levels of body fat may lead to problems such as hypertension, elevated blood lipids (fats and cholesterol), diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease, all related to obesity.

Call 360-814-2424 or 360-6296481 from Stanwood/Camano Island to schedule an appointment for this screening program. It takes just 40 minutes! The cost is only $35 and screenings are held on Tuesday mornings at Skagit Valley Hospital.

A physician referral is not necessary, although we ask that you provide the name of a primary care provider, if you have one, so results can be forwarded. Please inquire about scholarship availability.

This screening is supported by Soroptimist International of Burlington Also see Stroke and Aneurysm Screening on this page for a screening of the aorta and carotid arteries.

Cholesterol, Diabetes and Vitamin D Screenings Screenings are provided by Skagit Valley Hospital in cooperation with Dynacare Skagit Laboratories.

Full Lipid Profile: 12-14 hour fast required, water and prescribed medications only, no coffee or tea.

No alcohol 24 hours prior. Results include total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides and glucose (blood sugar) levels and are mailed to your home. Fee: $15 (cash or check payable to SVH only).

Vitamin D: This screening can help you identify the level of Vitamin D in your blood. Results are mailed to your home. This screening not recommended for patients on anticonvulsant medication. Fasting is not required. The cost is $35 (cash or check payable to SVH).

For information call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481. No appointment or pre-registration is required.

April 25; July 25 (Wed) 7:30 – 9 a.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Heart & Vascular Institute Enter through the Diagnostic Services entrance on 13th St.

Bone Density Screening Osteoporosis, or low bone density, affects 10 million Americans, mostly women, and 34 million more have low bone mass. More than 1.5 million fractures are caused each year in the U.S. as a result of osteoporosis.

Find out if you are at risk for osteoporosis by having a bone density scan. This is a non-invasive, painless scan of one hand. Results are available immediately. Fee $10 (cash or check payable to SVH). No appointment is required.

April 25; July 25 (Wed) 7:30 – 9 a.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Heart & Vascular Institute Enter through the Diagnostic Services entrance on 13th St.

Skin Cancer Screening Local dermatology providers will conduct visual inspections of skin abnormalities you are concerned about. No charge. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to schedule an appointment.

May 9 (Wed) 1 - 4 p.m.

Provided by Corinne Sayler, PA-C, Skagit Regional ClinicsDermatology Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Heart & Vascular Institute Enter through Diagnostic Services entrance on 13th St. July 18 (Wed) 1 - 4 p.m.

Provided by J. Semmes Mickelwait, MD with Advanced Dermatology Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Heart & Vascular Institute Enter through Diagnostic Services entrance on 13th St.

All classes require pre-registration unless specified. Call 360-814-2424 or see inside of back cover.

Vision Screening A certified ophthalmic technician with North Cascade Eye Associates will conduct vision and glaucoma screenings. Bring a contact lens case for storage during the screening. No charge. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-6296481 to schedule an appointment.

June 1 (Fri) 1-3 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital San Juan AB Enter through Kincaid St. entrance

Stroke and Aneurysm Screening No need to wait for a special promotion to come to town or stand in line at a crowded community center. You can schedule your screening exams year around and have the exams performed using state-of-the-art equipment, conducted by board certified diagnostic technologists and reviewed by a board certified radiologist.

Skagit Valley Ultrasound Associates provides vascular health screenings that include evaluation of the carotid arteries to screen for disease or narrowing and of the abdominal aorta to screen for aneurysms. This ultrasound screening test is noninvasive, quick and painless, and will help you identify whether you are at increased risk for stroke and vascular disease and provide information so your physician may begin preventive treatment if necessary.

A physician referral is not necessary, although we ask that you provide the name of a primary care provider, so results can be forwarded.

The cost is only $59 for the combined carotid and aorta screening and is payable by cash or check only. This exam is not billable to insurance.

Individuals whose screening results suggest the need for further evaluation will be referred to follow-up care with their physician.

To register for an appointment, call 360-428-8208, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Screenings are held at Skagit Valley Ultrasound Associates located at 1320 E. Division, Mount Vernon.

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Free Blood Pressure Screenings

Breastfeeding and Newborn Care

Automated blood pressure machines donated by the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation are available at the following locations:

In this two and one-half hour program, one of Skagit Valley Hospital’s Family Birth Center’s nurse Lactation Consultants will aid parents in gaining the knowledge necessary to make feeding decisions regarding their new baby. In addition, a local pediatrician will be available to provide information on newborn care – time for questions will be allowed. Pre-registration required. The class fee is $25. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 for class dates and times.

Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon Skagit Valley Hospital – Kincaid St. Entrance Skagit Regional Clinics – Stanwood

Is it Time for Your Mammogram?

Remember the steps to breast health 1. Do a monthly breast self-exam.

2. If you are 40 or older, have a mammogram every one or two years.

3. Have a yearly check-up, including a clinical breast exam.

For a screening mammogram appointment, call 360-428-7270.

The Breast Care Center 1320 East Division St. Mount Vernon 360-428-7270 Open Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., Fridays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

A service provided cooperatively

by Skagit Valley Hospital and Skagit Radiology.

Blood Drive Donating blood is a simple and generous gift that can save a life. Did you know that one blood donation can help up to three patients? The Puget Sound Blood Center urges you to donate the “gift of life” at the following blood drive:

June 27 (Wed)

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (except 12:30 – 1:15 p.m.)

Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade Room Pre-registration required by calling 1-800-398-7888.

Childbirth & Infant Care Pregnancy and Childbirth This six-week course for expectant parents includes information about emotional changes during pregnancy, the labor process, breathing techniques, the role of the support person, breastfeeding, and a local pediatrician to discuss your baby’s first three months. The fee is $110. Medical coupons are accepted. Full payment or a copy of your medical coupon is required two weeks before the class begins. Classes are offered at Skagit Valley Hospital.

Pre-registration required.

Family Birth Center Tours Free tours of the Skagit Valley Hospital Family Birth Center are offered twice a month. Call 360-8142424 or 360-629-6481 to schedule a tour.

Childbirth Express: One-day Saturday One-day Saturday intensive childbirth preparation classes are available. The fee is $95. Full payment or a copy of your medical coupon is required two weeks before class begins. Pre-registration is required. A $5 discount is available on the Breastfeeding and Newborn Care class when registering for it at the same time as the Childbirth Express class, making it only $20.

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Lactation Services at Skagit Valley Hospital Here at the Family Birth Center, we are dedicated to you and your baby’s health. That is why we provide one of the most inclusive lactation services programs in the region. There are six Internationally Board-Certified Lactation Consultant Registered Nurses available to visit you during your hospital stay and help you experience a successful start to breastfeeding your baby.

The Lactation Services’ office serves also as an Ameda rental station, where breast pumps and accessories are available to rent or purchase. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding or know someone who is and would like to know more about Lactation Services at Skagit Valley Hospital, please call 360814-BABY and one of our consultants would be happy to talk with you.

Gestational Diabetes Program Gestational diabetes affects 7-14 percent of all pregnant women. Skagit Valley Hospital now offers a referralbased program to improve gestational diabetes self-management skills. Our highly trained and dedicated diabetes education team will teach participants the skills to manage their blood sugars through healthy eating, managing stress, being active, blood glucose monitoring. Participants attend a one-hour group class plus individual nutrition therapy appointments. For

Check out our facebook page at www.facebook.com/skagit.regional.health

more information please contact our Outpatient Diabetes Program at 360814-2184.

Child Safety Seat Checks Certified child safety seat technicians will assess your seat for age- and size-appropriateness, proper installation and use, recalls, and visible damage.

This screening is highly recommended for parents-to-be, prior to the birth of your new baby, to learn how to safely install and use your car seat.

Apr. 19; May 17; June 21; July 19; Aug. 16 (Thur) 1 - 3 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital at main entrance covered area Mount Vernon Co-sponsored by Skagit Safe Kids.

Pre-registration is not required. Call Bill Craig at 360-428-3236 for more information regarding additional dates and times.

If you are interested in learning how to install car seats and help parents install their car seats properly, call Bill Craig, Skagit County Medic One at 360-428-3236 or via e-mail at billc@ skagitems.com.

Kidney Dialysis Education Kidney Failure Treatment Options This Skagit Valley Kidney Center program is for people with reduced kidney function who would like to explore treatment options for renal replacement therapy. Patients, families, and caregivers will receive information about treatment options, diet, health maintenance, financial, and social concerns.

This introductory session helps reduce many anxieties a person may have related to the “unknown.” The session provides an opportunity for patients to make more informed choices. We have a recurring education class from 1:30-3:30 p.m., the third Thursday of every other month. Class is provided by physician referral. For more information and registration, call 360-416-5717.

Cancer Support Services

All programs are free of charge.

For additional information on any of these services or events please contact Cancer Care Community Outreach at 360-814-8287.

Cancer Transitions Cancer Transitions™ is a free twohour, six-week workshop designed to help cancer survivors make the transition from active treatment to post-treatment care. Expert panelists will discuss exercise tailored to each participant’s abilities, training in relaxation and stress management and tips for nutritious eating. Cancer Transitions will answer many of your questions about cancer survivorship post-cancer treatment.

This class is free and open to men and women who have experienced any type of cancer. Participants must be at least 21 years of age and pre-registration is required. Class will meet Wednesdays from May 9 – June 13; booster session on July 11, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Safeway Conference Room (third floor) at the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center. Light meal and refreshments are provided during each session. This class will also be offered in Fall 2012. Pre-registration is required. Please call Amber Ford, LICSW, at 360-814-8255 to sign up or for more information.

Tai Chi/Qigong Class Tai Chi and Qigong are traditional Chinese exercises that have been a daily prescription for health and longevity for hundreds of years. This class focuses on balance, posture, relaxation, breathing, and visual and mental concentration. The elements of

All classes require pre-registration unless specified. Call 360-814-2424 or see inside of back cover.

Tai Chi and Qigong help the immune system, central nervous system, blood supply, and circulation, as well as strengthen bones, joints, and tendons.

The movements are slow in tempo, very low impact on the body, and can be done standing or seated. Class meets once a week for six weeks; spring classes offered on Tuesdays, April 17 – May 22 from 2 – 3:15 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Please call 360-814-8287 to sign up. The class is held in the Safeway Conference Room (third floor) at Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center.

Instructor: Bob Shapiro.

Look Good, Feel Better Cancer can rob a woman of her energy, appetite and strength. But it doesn’t have to take away her selfconfidence. This program teaches beauty techniques to women in active treatment or those who are about to start treatment. It helps them combat the appearance-related side effects of treatment.

The Look Good, Feel Better sessions are led by trained, volunteer cosmetologists who teach women how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using cosmetics and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry. Women also learn ways to disguise hair loss with wigs, scarves, and other accessories. Preregistration is required; please call 360-814-8287.

Fourth Monday of each month 1 - 3 p.m.

(Meets 5 – 7 p.m. in May, June and September) Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center Safeway Conference Room (3rd Floor)

Women’s Cancer Support Group Second Monday of each month from 5 – 6:30 p.m. in the Safeway Conference Room (3rd floor) at the Regional Cancer Care Center.

This group is for women who are undergoing treatment for, or have experienced ANY type of cancer.

This group was previously limited to patients/survivors with breast and/ or gynecological cancers. We are pleased to provide this supportive environment to a larger group of HealthQuest Spring/Summer 2012

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patients and survivors. This is an open group and no RSVP is required.

Facilitated by Amber Ford, LICSW, OSW-C, Oncology Social Worker, with frequent guest speakers arranged.

Call 360-814-8255 for additional information.

Art and Healing Group First and third Mondays of each month, 2 – 4 p.m. in the Safeway Conference Room (third floor) at the Regional Cancer Care Center. Our knowledgeable instructor has been doing art therapy with cancer patients for more than 20 years.

Creating art can promote healing by reducing anxiety and stress and improving emotional well-being. It is a great opportunity to process and integrate the challenges of serious illness and treatment. Please note that artistic “skills” are not required! Come and join this fun and welcoming group. Instructor: Margaret Carpenter Arnett, BSN, ATR. For more information call 360814-8287.

Grief Support Services

Hospice of the Northwest provides support to anyone in our communities coping with grief and loss after the death of a loved one.

Call our Bereavement Program for information and referrals, attend a free grief support group, or borrow materials from our Resource Center.

For more information and to receive a current grief group schedule, please phone 360-814-5589 or 360-814-5550.

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Hospice of the Northwest Resource Center: A free lending library open to the community

Mental Health

Books and other materials are available for adults, teens, and children. Topics include caregiving, coping with disease, end of life concerns, grief and loss, and inspiration for challenging times.

Visitors will find a comfortable place to sit and read, browse, or find materials to check out.

NAMI Skagit Open Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 7 – 9 p.m. in the Shuksan Room at Skagit Valley Hospital. Family members and those living with mental illness are welcome. For more information contact Trish Rodriguez at 360-540-0795 or Marti Wall at 360-770-5666.

The Resource Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the lobby of the Hospice office at 819 S. 13th Street in Mount Vernon and after hours by appointment. A member of the hospice team can answer questions or help you find what you need. For information call Hospice of the Northwest’s Bereavement Program at 360-814-5589.

In-Service Education For grief and loss presentations for your organization or employees, contact the Hospice of the Northwest Bereavement Coordinator at 360814-5589.

Interested in helping Hospice of the Northwest Foundation?

The Hospice of the Northwest Foundation is currently accepting applications to become a volunteer.

This group works to raise funds to support hospice programs and to educate the community about available services. The goal of the Foundation is to ensure that everyone who wants or needs hospice care receives services regardless of ability to pay. For information, call the Foundation office at 360-8145702.

Mental Health Support Group

Skagit Valley REACH Center For more support, adults living with a mental illness may dropin at the Skagit Valley REACH Center anytime, Monday through Saturday between 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. at 1413 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. There are support groups, classes, hobby time, computers, and always someone to talk to and keep company with. For more information call 360-873-8635.

NAMI Basics Education Program Free six-week class for parents or primary caregivers of a child or teen with mental illness or a brain disorder such as ADHD, bi-polar and others. The course helps families with communication, coping, schools and education needs, rehabilitation, recovery, and advocacy. NAMI Skagit provides this program. Starts Spring 2012. Call Marti Wall at 360-7705666 for more information and to register. Space is limited.

Family-to-Family Education Program Free 12-week course for families of adults with mental illness or a brain disorder. The course focuses on helping family members understand the major mental illnesses and maintain their own well-being while providing needed support to their ill family members. This program is provided by NAMI Skagit, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Starts February 2012. Call 360-424-5802 for next class date or more information. Space is limited; reservations being taken now.

Peer-to-Peer Education Program Free nine-week class for adults with mental illness or brain disorders to help them better understand their illness and maintain and improve their recovery. NAMI Skagit provides this program. Starts late Spring 2012.

Call Brandon Nevi at 360-421-5784 for more information and to register.

Space is limited.

Support Groups Call 360-814-2424 or 360-6296481 for current Skagit County Support Group information.

Ostomy Support Group Second Tuesday of each month from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Sauk Room at Skagit Valley Hospital. Call Cathy Schaeffer at 360-814-2600 for more information.

Community News & Resources

your box on Wednesdays at Skagit Valley Hospital or Saturdays at the Downtown Mount Vernon Farmers Market. Don’t delay; the number of “shares” available is limited.

For complete details visit the Skagit Valley Hospital Web site at www. skagitvalleyhospital.org.

In August 2012, you can participate in the Mayor’s Wellness Challenge! Join the residents of Mount Vernon in this month- long event of FREE activities that feature the six dimensions of wellness: physical, social, spiritual, emotional, occupational and intellectual.

Mount Vernon Farmers’ Market

For a calendar of events and more information, go to www. mountvernonwa.gov or call 360-3366211.

Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Downtown Mount Vernon revetment at Gates and Main May 26 through October Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital, south lawn June 13 to September 26 The Mount Vernon Farmers Markets offers customers the best of the Skagit Valley. You will find healthy fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, flowers, crafts and delicious treats for the whole family. The Mount Vernon Farmers Market accepts WIC and Food Stamps.

For more information visit www. mountvernonfarmersmarket.org

Speakers Bureau

The Volunteer Services Department at Skagit Regional Health coordinates the activities of more than 500 volunteers throughout the organization.

Today’s volunteers are doing work, in core areas, that is vital to the success of our organization.

Whether you’re retired looking to use your experience to give back to your community, looking for job experience, or just wanting to learn more about what the world of healthcare has to offer, volunteering can be rewarding and satisfying.

Need an interesting presentation for your club or organization? Skagit Valley Hospital’s Speakers Bureau provides speakers on a number of health care related topics, many at no cost. For more information on speaker topics or to schedule a presentation, call Val at 360-814-2424.

Some of the volunteer opportunities at Skagit Regional Health include:

Mayor’s Wellness Challenge

Plant Enthusiasts

Eat fresh, eat local with a weekly Farm Box CSA stands for Consumer Supported Agriculture. A CSA subscription buys you a “share” of a farmer’s crops and offers you an opportunity to enjoy valley fresh produce and support local agriculture. Skagit Valley Hospital and Hedlin Family Farm have teamed up to bring a CSA FARM BOX pick up to Mount Vernon. You can choose a 20-week or 12-week season; a full or half share and each week pick up

Volunteer Services at Skagit Regional Health

AUGUST 2012

Mount Vernon Mayor Jill Boudreau believes that a healthy community results in greater quality of life, satisfaction, and community engagement.

South-End Volunteer Opportunities In addition to information desks at Skagit Valley Hospital, Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center and Skagit Regional Clinics (SRC) Mount Vernon, Volunteer Services also operates a volunteer information desk at SRC in Stanwood, and soon at the Cascade Skagit Health Alliance at Smokey Point. We are looking for the very best to inaugurate this new service.

Volunteers at Skagit Regional Health have the responsibility of taking care of all the indoor plants.

We are always seeking volunteers to “adopt” a section of our facility for indoor plant care.

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Pianists

We are always looking for new piano players to join the group of volunteers and staff who play our grand piano on a regular basis. If you are an accomplished pianist who would like to share your talent for others to enjoy, call 360-814-2142.

Mail Delivery

Volunteers make a twice-daily circuit to pick up and deliver mail throughout the hospital.

Junior Medical Volunteers

The Junior Medical Volunteer program is for students age 15-18.

For more information or to become a member please call 360-814-2142.

For Students and Job Seekers

While volunteering can be a great way to explore job opportunities, network or get required school credits, we do ask volunteers to complete a minimum of 100 hours before requesting recommendations or receiving credit for hours volunteered. The number of positions are limited so prospective volunteers should apply at least a year in advance of any school deadlines that may be applicable. High school students seeking course or club credit should apply and begin volunteering before their senior year.

Watch HealthQuest on Cable-Access Television Station 10

Guilds and Auxiliaries

Many volunteers choose to serve through membership in one of our volunteer service and fund-raising groups including the Gail Edward Iverson Circle of Friends, Grace Cochrum Guild, J.E.M. Guild, SVH Auxiliary and SVH Guild.

If you are a Comcast cable subscriber in Skagit County, be sure to tune in to channel 10 to watch HealthQuest TV. The show airs at 11:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. every day.

Other Volunteer Department Services: Hospital and Clinic Tours

Tours of our facility for groups and individuals are available. Also, to help you feel more comfortable prior to a surgery, a one-hour pre-operative tour of the hospital is available for children and adults by appointment only.

Reservations are required. Call 360814-2142 to schedule a tour.

Gift Shop

The Skagit Valley Hospital Gift Shop has many wonderful hand-made and retail gift items for sale. The gift shop is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All proceeds from the Gift Shop are returned back to help Skagit Regional Health in areas of need.

This half-hour show features a new guest each week showcasing our local physicians and health care professionals on a variety of topics ranging from latest treatment options for health disease and cancer care to prevention topics highlighting local walking trails and cooking shows.

Need a Physician?

Call our free Physician Referral Line at 360-848-5555 or 360-629-5850 from Stanwood or Camano Island.

The Physician Referral Line is open weekdays between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Visit us at YouTube.com You can watch HealthQuest shows to learn about a variety of health topics from local physicians, find out about hospital services and more on our YouTube.com channel. Visit us at www.youtube.com/skagitvalleyhospital

Contact Us To inquire about volunteering or request services, please contact Steve Schultz at 360-814-2142 or contact our main information desk at 360814-5059.

Salmon, Strawberry and Spinach Salad This delicious spring recipe was created by Peter Roberge, Executive Chef with Skagit Valley Hospital. Enjoy!

Ingredient Orange Miso Dressing Salmon, 4 oz. piece Oil, sesame Honey Mushroom, shiitake Olive oil Garlic, minced Spinach, baby fresh Strawberries, fresh Edamame, shelled Shallot, minced Radish, sliced thin Sunflower Seeds, toasted Black sesame seeds Salt and pepper Regional Regional Health Health | Skagit | Skagit 40 40

Yield: 1 portion

Amount Orange Miso 3 oz.

Ingredient 1 each Orange juice 1 tsp.

Soy sauce, light 1 tsp.

Honey 1 oz.

Vinegar, rice wine 1 tsp.

Paste, white miso ½ clove Oil, sesame seed 5 oz.

Salt and pepper 2 oz.

2 oz.

1 tsp. ½ oz. ¾ oz. ½ tsp.

To taste

Dressing Amount 1 cup ½ cup ¼ cup 1/3 cup 1 Tbls 1 1/2 cups To taste

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

• We are proud of the five-star ratings from HealthGrades, the national health care ratings firm, in nine clinical areas – including three Top 100 Hospital ratings for Joint Replacement, Orthopedic Surgery and Prostatectomy. These awards reflect the results of our commitment to quality care.

Screening

is a Life Saver

The future: • Hospitals across the country are in serious discussions about the future. Our business environment is changing, and old practices will not be able to respond effectively. We must consider this new paradigm with thoughts of integration with others, new organization structures and changes to our delivery system.

The Board, with the management team, is engaged in this thought process. We pledge open and frequent communication with our community as our thoughts translate to proposals.

Health care is a complex, essential foundation to the well being of our community. Skagit Regional Health is in a strong position to continue to meet the health care needs now and into the future. As commissioners, we are honored to represent you and proud to serve our community.

James Hobbs, Sr. Stan Olson Jeff Miller Pattie Lewis Bruce Lisser Balisa Koetje Clark Todd

For Holly Wilton, age 46, listening to her intuition may have saved her life. Wilton had two small moles she was concerned about; one on her knee and one on her stomach. Being somewhat educated about the signs of skin cancer to watch for including asymmetry and dark color, she felt something was wrong. Wilton is a student and did not have insurance coverage so was concerned about the cost of going to a doctor to have the moles examined. “A friend told me about the free skin cancer screening at Skagit Valley Hospital so I immediately signed up,” said Wilton.

Corinne Sayler, PA-C, with Skagit Regional Clinics Dermatology, conducted the screening with Wilton and was concerned that the mole on her knee was a melanoma. The one on her stomach, which Wilton was most concerned about, turned out to be of no concern.

At the screening Sayler stressed the urgency for Wilton to get the mole on her knee removed as soon as possible and sent to pathology.

The next day, Thursday, Wilton called to schedule an appointment and learned that “the clinic staff had already cleared Corinne’s schedule in order to fit me in for an appointment.”

Sayler said “The mole had the classic signs of melanoma including being very asymmetrical, irregular, jagged borders and a mix of colors. It turned out to be a severely dysplastic spindle cell nevus which carries an increased risk of developing into melanoma if not treated.” During the visit Sayler removed the mole and some surrounding tissue. “The mole went pretty deep but the removal was not painful. The clinic called me on Monday and told me they had gotten the entire tumor and the margins were clean,” Wilton said.

“Corinne told me I was really lucky to have caught it early.”

Wilton praised the staff at the clinic. “They were really awesome, informative, and kind. I feel really lucky. I’m so glad I listened to my intuition,” Wilton said. “My advice to anyone concerned about moles on their body is to get them checked out. I was lucky to get into this screening but I would recommend everyone get checked regularly by their physician or dermatologist from head to toe.” Sayler recommends everyone should do a full body, self skin check once a month looking for the ABCDs (see chart).

For more information about skin cancer screenings at Skagit Valley Hospital see pages 31 and 35.

ABCD’s of Melanoma

A sudden or continuous change in the appearance of a mole is a sign that you should see your doctor. The ABCD rule can help you remember the symptoms of melanoma:

A for Asymmetry

C for Color

One half is different than the other half.

The color is uneven.

Shades of brown, tan, and black are present.

B for Border Irregularity The edges are notched, uneven, or blurred.

D for Diameter Diameter is greater than 6 millimeters.

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10 LOCATIONS

20 specialties

100 providers

Skagit Regional Clinics provides comprehensive health care for patients of all ages through a network of health care facilities located in Skagit, north Snohomish and Island counties. More than twenty medical specialties are available for complete care close to home.

Anacortes

Mount Vernon

• Cardiology • Pulmonology

• Dermatology • Family Medicine • Gastroenterology • General Surgery • Internal Medicine • Lab • Neurology • Neurosurgery • Occupational Medicine • Optometry • Orthopedics • Pediatric Endocrinology • Pediatrics • Pharmacy • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery • Podiatry • Pulmonology • Radiology/Imaging (X-ray, bone density scanning and ultrasound) • Rheumatology • Sleep Medicine • Urgent Care • Women’s Health (OB/GYN and Certified Nurse Midwives)

Address: 2511 M Avenue, Suite D Phone: 360-293-0308

Address: 1213 24th Street, Suite 600 Phone: 360-293-2173

• Urology

Arlington

(Cascade Skagit Health Alliance) Address: 3823 172nd Street NE Phone: 360-618-5000

• Cardiology • Family Medicine • Internal Medicine • Lab • Occupational Medicine • Oncology • Pediatrics • Pharmacy • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery • Radiology/Imaging (X-ray and MRI) • Urgent Care • Women’s Health

Address: 1400 E. Kincaid Street Phone: 360-428-2500

Camano Community Health Clinic

Address: 307 S. 13th Street, Suite 300 Phone: 360-336-9757

• Family Medicine

Address: 1311 E. Division Street Phone: 360-424-7991

Address: 127 N. East Camano Drive Phone: 360-387-5398

• Cardiology (general, interventional and electrophysiology)

• Urology

42 | Skagit Regional Health

Oak Harbor

Address: 275 SE Cabot Drive (located within the Whidbey Community Physicians suite) Phone: 360-814-6200

• Dermatology (Mondays and Thursdays)

Sedro-Woolley

Address: 1990 Hospital Drive Phone: 360-856-4222

• Cardiology • Internal Medicine • Lab • Optometry • Pediatrics • Pharmacy • Radiology/Imaging (X-ray)

Stanwood

Address: 9631 269th Street NW Phone: 360-629-1600

• Family Medicine • Internal Medicine • Lab • Orthopedics • Podiatry • Radiology/Imaging (X-ray) • Women’s Health (OB/GYN)

4 Easy Ways Mail HealthQuest

Skagit Valley Hospital P.O. Box 1376 Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Class Registration Refund Policy A full refund will be granted if the class is cancelled or if your cancellation is received at least three working days in advance of the class date.

Cancellations received within two working days of the class date will be charged a $10 processing fee.

No refund will be given after the class has begun.

To request a refund, call 360-8142424 or in Stanwood/Camano Island call 360-629-6481 or TTY 360-8142218, then submit a written request to the adjacent mailing address.

Fill out this form and include your check or charge card number.

Phone 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 Call us anytime day or night and leave your detailed course information with your name, address and phone number in our voice mail, or with the scheduler.

You will receive a confirmation in the mail.

Internet 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week Go to: www.skagitvalleyhospital.org/ events

Fax 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week 360-814-8222 Complete this form and fax it to the number above.

Registration Form

Questions on Registration?

Please complete the following information (use one copy for each participant - feel free to duplicate this form or register on our Web site, www. skagitvalleyhospital.org/events.)

Call Skagit Valley Hospital at 360-814-2424, from Stanwood and Camano Island call 360-629-6481 or for hearing impaired, please call TTY 360-814-2219

Class or Screening

Type of Payment (Please do not send cash)

Date

Fee

Check (make checks payable to SVH-HealthQuest) Mastercard

VISA

Credit Card Number: ____________________________________ Expiration Date:________________________ Signature: Total amount enclosed: Name:________________________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip Code:_ ___________________________________________________________ Day Phone:___________________________ Home Phone:_______________________________ E-mail address:________________________________________________________________

____________________________________

To be linked directly with our online HealthQuest registration, scan the quick response (QR) code adjacent with your smart phone.

HealthQuest Spring/Summer 2012

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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SAM INC

P.O. Box 1376 Mount Vernon, WA 98273-1376 Sponsored by Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation

ECRWSS RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER