2016 SPRING / SUMMER HEALTHQUEST

HealthQuest SPRING/SUMMER 2016

A publication of

Skagit Regional Health

Precision in Cancer Care Latest in radiation therapy equipment arrives 6

Happy Feet Podiatrist offers tips to having healthy feet 12

Finding a solution

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome A return to pain-free activity

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2015 gratitude report reflects amazing generosity

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“You saved my husband’s life.”

June 24, 2016 10 a.m.

Skagit Golf & Country Club Burlington, Washington To support the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation Kidney Dialysis Project and Cancer Care Patient Assistance Fund.

2 more information, see page 25.

For

That is the opening sentence of a letter I recently received in my office. This letter goes on to thank our “amazing, wonderful, competent staff” for providing outstanding care to not only the patient, but to the patient’s family. And the writer uses words including kind, gentle, helpful, world-class and sensitive. The letter thanks us for maintaining such high standards.

Those high standards are set by all who are involved in Skagit Regional Health – from the Board of Commissioners, to leaders, to providers, to staff, to volunteers. Our standards are all about the patient and I am very proud of this team.

One way we recognize the good work of our clinical staff is by honoring outstanding nurses with the Daisy Award.

An appreciative family started the Daisy Award with a pilot program at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and it quickly spread across the country as a way to acknowledge those who provide extraordinary patient care. In 2015, we honored five nurses with the Daisy Award at Skagit Regional Health (pictured above left to right except Alice Riddle):

• Tami Hoeft, RN, STAT nurse • Alice Riddle, RN, IV Therapy • Don Small, RN, Medical and Pediatric Care

• Theresa Langlois, RN, Cardiac Catheterization Lab

• Betsey Thompson, RN, Float Pool We appreciate the hard work, compassion and expertise of our Daisy Award winners and the excellent group of health care professionals at Skagit Regional Health who care very deeply about the work they do and are honored to serve the people of our communities.

They perform their duties – some lifesaving, some comforting, some supporting – while continuing to care for growing numbers of patients. In 2015, our team cared for 57,077 patients in Urgent Care; 33,246 Emergency Department patients and helped deliver 1,116 babies in the Family Birth Center.

At Skagit Regional Health, we continue to work hard to provide advanced, safe, quality patient care. The organization recently completed a rigorous accreditation survey by DNV, an international accrediting firm that reviews our work and partners with us on continual quality improvement.

Another example of good work is our recent perfect score on a survey of our Mental Health Center by the Department of Social and Health Services Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery. Hats off to the entire Mental Health Center team for achieving a score of 100 percent in a detailed, three-day survey.

And, we were recently honored as a Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality by the Human Rights Campaign for demonstrating our commitment to equitable, inclusive care for patients and families.

Our focus on quality, safety and compassion for people is why I get letters like the one that starts “One month ago, you saved my husband’s life.”

Gregg Agustín Davidson, FACHE President and Chief Executive Officer

SPRING/SUMMER 2016 / VOLUME 13 / ISSUE 2

HealthQuest HealthQuest is published three times a year by Skagit Regional Health and the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation.

WHERE TO FIND US In Person:

Photo by Gary Brown, MD

Main Skagit Valley Hospital entrance located on Hospital Parkway in Mount Vernon.

By Mail:

P.O. Box 1376 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Phone: 360-424-4111 Fax: 360-814-2416

On the Web:

www.skagitregionalhealth.org

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Find a Doctor Phone Line:

Surgeons offer solutions to end pain, regain activity

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 Oak Harbor: 360-639-3093 Residency Clinic: 360-814-6230 Riverbend: 360-814-6800 Sedro-Woolley: 360-856-4222 Smokey Point: 360-657-8700 Stanwood: 360-629-1600

SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL REGIONAL CANCER CARE CENTER In Person:

Carpal tunnel syndrome

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Latest in radiation therapy

New equipment provides treatment precision

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State approval

Skagit Regional Health to operate Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics

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Happy feet

Podiatrist offers tips to keep your feet healthy

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Board of Commissioners Browning, Dennis join the board

307 South 13th St., Ste. 100 Mount Vernon, WA 3823 172nd St. N.E Arlington, WA

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By Phone:

2015 gratitude report shows amazing community generosity

Phone: 360-814-2146 or 360-618-5000 Fax: 360-814-2445

THE BREAST INSTITUTE 360-814-8148

For additional copies of HealthQuest or more information, contact Outreach and Media Coordinator Linda Wright at 360-814-2325 or go to our Web site at www.skagitregionalhealth.org.

Cover Photo

Skagit Regional Clinics recently welcomed hand specialist and Orthopedic Surgeon Jimmy Dang, DO who joins Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Edwin Chang, MD in offering a wide range of surgical services.

HealthQuest Classes

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HealthQuest Classes

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HealthQuest Class

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Stanwood and Camano Island Mount Vernon Registration

Photo by Linda Wright

Spring/Summer 2016

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Surgeons offer

RELIEF for carpal tunnel syndrome Hand specialist Dr. Jimmy Dang recently joined the orthopedics and sports medicine team at Skagit Regional Clinics – Riverbend where his practice focuses on orthopedic problems between the shoulders and fingertips.

“We use our arms and hands in our everyday activities, and an injury to them can leave us significantly limited,” said Dr. Dang. “My goal is to help you restore your function, through the least invasive means possible, to allow you to return to the things that you enjoy doing most.”

Dr. Dang treats patients of all ages who suffer from upper extremity problems, including fractures, arthritis, sports and tendon injuries, and nerve compression conditions.

“Carpal tunnel release is the most common procedure that I perform,” said Dr. Dang.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Edwin Chang, MD, FACS has been treating local patients with carpal tunnel syndrome since 2013 when he joined Skagit Regional Clinics.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when there is compression of the median nerve at the wrist, said Dr. Chang. Compression can have many causes including swelling of the flexor tendon lining, fractures, arthritis or fluid buildup.

However, it is most commonly

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associated with lifestyle and occupational exposure to repetitive motion, vibration and mechanical stress. It affects between three and four percent of the population.

If you have experienced numbness or tingling in your hand, particularly in your thumb, index or ring finger, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome. Many patients find that their symptoms worsen at night or with certain hand positions. Some have wrist soreness extending up the forearm. Patients with more severe cases can have decreased dexterity, said Dr. Chang.

People whose occupations involve repetitive motions or exposure to severe vibration are more likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome. This includes

welders, construction workers and hairdressers. Women are three times more likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome than men, said Dr. Chang.

Pregnancy is another common cause of carpal tunnel and patients can continue to have problems even long after childbirth, noted Dr. Dang.

Dr. Chang recommends that patients experiencing these symptoms talk to their primary care provider for an initial workup. They may be referred to a neurologist for a nerve conduction study or for hand surgery.

For mild cases, non-operative treatments such as splinting and therapy can offer relief. Carpal tunnel release surgery is necessary for patients with more severe cases or for those who have not improved with non-operative treatment.

Dr. Jimmy Dang JIMMY DANG, DO was raised in Vancouver, WA. He is a graduate of Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Missouri.

He completed his Orthopedic internship and residency at Oklahoma State University Medical Center in Tulsa followed by an Orthopedic Hand Surgery Fellowship at Florida Orthopaedic Institute in Tampa where he provided hand and shoulder care at a Level I Trauma Center. In addition to carpal tunnel syndrome, Dr. Dang treats trigger finger release, arthritis at the base of the thumb, hand fractures and ganglion cysts. He is board certified.

Appointments are available by calling 360-814-6800.

Dr. Edwin Chang EDWIN CHANG, MD, FACS attended University of Michigan Medical School and completed Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery residency training through the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor. Dr. Chang is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. In addition to treating patients with carpal tunnel, he also offers cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Chang joined Skagit Regional Clinics in 2013.

Appointments are available by calling 360-814-6120.

Grierson chosen by peers as

PROVIDER of the year

Jimmy Grierson, MD, who practices family medicine with obstetrics at Skagit Regional Clinics – Stanwood is the first-ever recipient of the Provider of the Year award by the Medical Staff of Skagit Regional Health.

The award is voted on by fellow medical staff members and honors a provider who embodies excellent clinical performance as well as community engagement and service.

Providers of the quarter were selected and those winners became nominees for the annual award.

Dr. Grierson, selected in third quarter of 2014, was applauded for his hard work and dedication to Safe Harbor Free Clinic in Stanwood.

Safe Harbor was founded in October 2008 by community leaders and medical practitioners as a facility providing quality, respectful and loving free health care and referral services to address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the underinsured in a safe and welcoming environment. The clinic, which started providing services at

Skagit Regional Clinics – Stanwood, recently moved to a new facility with the ability to expand hours and services.

Dr. Grierson joined the medical staff in 2004. He received his medical degree at the University of Washington School of Medicine and completed a residency in family medicine at Family Medicine of Southwest Washington in Vancouver.

ADDITIONAL QUARTERLY WINNERS: • Deborah North, MD, Skagit Regional Clinics, Internal Medicine

• Mehrdad Jafari, MD,

Oncology, Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center

• Bonnie Baker, MD,

Internal Medicine and Hospitalist, Skagit Valley Hospital

• Morrie Johnson, MD,

Skagit Regional Clinics, General Surgery

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Regional Cancer Care Center earns national accreditation The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) granted threeyear accreditation to the cancer program at Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center.

To earn voluntary CoC accreditation, a cancer program must meet 34 CoC quality care standards, be evaluated every three years through a survey process, and maintain levels of excellence in the delivery of comprehensive patient-centered care.

Because it is a CoC-accredited cancer center, the team at the

Regional Cancer Care Center takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer as a complex group of diseases that requires consultation among surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, pathologists, and other cancer specialists. This multidisciplinary partnership results in improved patient care.

The cancer care program at Skagit Valley Hospital has been accredited since 1975.

Established in 1922 by the American College of Surgeons, the CoC is a consortium of professional

organizations dedicated to improving patient outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients through standardsetting, prevention, research, education, and the monitoring of comprehensive, quality care. Its membership includes Fellows of the American College of Surgeons.

For more information, visit www.facs.org/cancer

S USA N A N D L E IGH T ON WO OD FA M I LY R A DI AT ION W I NG

The latest in

Precision, speed, patient comfort key to new radiation therapy equipment New radiation therapy equipment at the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center will bring the latest in treatment, with a focus reducing side effects, lowering treatment times and destroying cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue.

“This truly reflects the commitment of Skagit Regional Health to the community to provide the latest in cancer diagnosis and treatment,” said Radiation Oncologist David Kantorowitz, MD, PhD. “This is the newest LEFT: David Kantorowitz, MD, radiation oncologist at the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center.

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offering. It will be faster and better, delivering even more conformal radiation treatment while reducing side effects.”

In 2006, the new comprehensive cancer center opened, providing radiation and medical oncology in one convenient Mount Vernon location. The radiation oncology program, located in the Susan and Leighton Wood Family Radiation Wing, opened with two linear accelerators to provide tumorshrinking radiation oncology and a third was added in 2010.

This year, the program is again updating equipment to bring in the latest technology for optimal patient care by replacing one linear accelerator plus a major upgrade to a second with a total investment of $3.3 million. The program is also expanding the number of providers to three with the addition of Dr. John Register, radiation oncologist, in June, joining Dr. Kantorowitz and Michal Whiton, MD. With the rapid advancement of technology, treatment times can be reduced and outcomes improve, Dr. Kantorowitz said.

Each patient has a detailed, personalized treatment plan and a team of providers including doctors, nurses, physicists and more.

“Our patients become like family,” Dr. Kantorowitz said. “We’re a village, a team, facing cancer together.”

In the case of lung cancer, use of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) has dramatically improved patient outcomes from 25 percent success rate to 90 percent with three to five treatments of higher dose radiation therapy.

“It totally changed things and it really is a different ball game,” he said. “When you have that positive outcome for a patient, there is nothing in my career that makes me feel that way. You can imagine how emotionally satisfying that is.”

QA AND

What about this equipment makes it so precise?

The new machine is Elekta’s Versa HD which is equipped with a 160 multi-leaf collimator called the Agility. This device uses 160 fine-resolution “leaves” that shape the treatment field from multiple different angles for the patient.

During the treatment, the Agility’s leaf-changing speed is more than two times faster than other systems. The leaf movement is verified in real time, providing extreme precision and high reliability for a broad range of cases.

The high-precision beam shaping due to the finely shaped leaves, supports exceptionally accurate tumor targeting and improved healthy tissue preservation. Combining this novel technology with a high dose rate mode, the Versa HD provides rapid delivery of more advanced therapies within standard treatment times.

How will this improve the patient experience?

For the patient, new ergonomic features and softer streamlined shapes of the Versa HD create a gentle, more relaxed treatment environment from the patient perspective. Combining low mechanical noise with ambient lighting effects, Versa HD was truly designed with patient comfort in mind, Dr. Whiton said. The high dose rate mode also provides a faster treatment time for patients, reducing the amount of time that they need to lie in the radiation treatment position.

Why it is so important to keep this equipment current?

We are thrilled to be acquiring Elekta’s state-of-the-art technology for accurate and efficient radiation

Dr. Michal Whiton Radiation Oncologist delivery. Many of our patients have cancers that are located in very critical areas and demand an extra level of tumor targeting precision, or lesions that require very high doses of radiation to achieve better tumor control, which reduces the length of the treatment course. Versa HD is perfect for these complex cases by virtue of its advanced beamshaping, imaging and high dose rate technologies.

Which cancers are most commonly treated with radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy uses ionizing radiation to kill or control malignant cells. Radiation therapy may be curative in a number of types of cancer if they are localized to one area of the body, such as with lymphoma, prostate cancer or skin cancer to name a few. It is also common to combine radiation therapy with surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy or some mixture of the four.

Radiation therapy is commonly applied to the cancerous tumor because of its ability to control cell growth. Ionizing radiation works by damaging the DNA of cancerous tissue leading to cellular death. To spare normal tissues (such as skin or organs which radiation must pass through to treat the tumor), shaped radiation beams are aimed from several angles of exposure to intersect at the tumor, providing a much larger absorbed dose there than in the surrounding, healthy tissue. Besides the tumor itself, the radiation fields may also include the draining lymph nodes if they are involved or at risk of being involved with tumor.

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BY THE NUMBERS

$316 million 2016 SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH BUDGET

57,077

TOTAL NUMBER OF SKAGIT REGIONAL CLINICS URGENT CARE VISITS IN 2015

400,405

NUMBER OF CUPS OF COFFEE SERVED IN A YEAR AT SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL

2,025 1,116 NUMBER OF SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH EMPLOYEES

2 NUMBER OF HOSPITALS OPERATED BY SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH AS OF JUNE 1, 2016

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NUMBER OF BIRTHS IN 2015 AT THE SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL FAMILY BIRTH CENTER

33,246

NUMBER OF EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS TO SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL

11 NUMBER OF SKAGIT REGIONAL CLINICS LOCATIONS (ADDING FIVE MORE IN JUNE)

1,712

THE NUMBER OF WATER BOTTLES SAVED

BY PATIENTS USING THE REFILL FOUNTAIN IN THE HEATHER SCHOLS CARDIAC REHABILITATION CENTER

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NUMBER OF GRAND PIANOS IN THE SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL MAIN LOBBY

NUMBER OF REVOLVING DOORS AT CASCADE VALLEY HOSPITAL IN ARLINGTON

Skagit Regional Health receives state approval to lease, operate Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics Skagit Regional Health received a Certificate of Need (CON) from the state Department of Health granting approval to enter into a long-term lease of Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics. State approval gives the green light for the two organizations to complete work on integration details and begin the 30-year lease on June 1, 2016.

“We are very pleased with the rapid and positive response to our Certificate of Need application so we can move forward with integration between Skagit Regional Health and Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics,” said Gregg Davidson, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer of Skagit Regional Health. “We look forward to our two organizations coming together toward our mutual goals of retaining and advancing health care services for the people of north Snohomish County.”

In the Certificate of Need review documents, the state notes “…after reviewing the extensive process undertaken by both hospital districts to determine the best alternative for CVH, the department concurs that the long-term lease of CVH is the best alternative for the community.”

The evaluation also notes that Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics is an integral component of health care services in north Snohomish County and surrounding

communities and the plan promotes continuity of services for the people of the region.

“I am delighted to have received the formal response to our CON application from the state Department of Health. I agree with the department’s assessment that affiliation is a good way to assure long-term availability of health care in Arlington,” said Clark Jones, Chief Executive Officer at Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics. “I look forward to completing the due diligence process leading to a smooth transfer of operations on June 1.”

Skagit Regional Health’s total operating revenue for 2015 was more than $300 million and the organization closed the year with 2,013 employees. Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics’ revenue for 2015 was nearly $50 million with a total of 457 employees.

In November 2015, the Boards of Commissioners of the two public hospital districts each voted to approve a definitive agreement for the integration.

The definitive agreement states that Skagit Regional Health (Skagit County Public Hospital District No. 1) will lease, operate and manage Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics, including the 48-bed hospital in Arlington, five clinics and a free-standing surgery center.

About Skagit Regional Health: Skagit Regional Health includes Skagit Valley Hospital and Skagit Regional Clinics. Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon, which expanded in 2007, is licensed for 137 beds, features a full range of services including comprehensive cancer care; surgical services; a Level III Emergency Department; a well-appointed Family Birth Center; comprehensive diagnostics; and advanced heart and vascular care.

Skagit Regional Clinics is a network of 11 health care facilities providing primary and specialty outpatient care in north Snohomish, Island and Skagit counties.

About Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics: Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics includes the 48-bed acute care facility, five associated clinics and a free-standing surgery center.

A major expansion and renovation adding state-of-the art technology and equipment throughout the hospital was completed in 2010.

Cascade Valley Hospital provides acute care, critical care, surgery, a level IV Emergency Department, and Family Birthing Center, plus a wide array of outpatient and diagnostic imaging services. Clinics include family practice offices in Darrington and Granite Falls along with orthopedic, pediatric and women’s health practices in Arlington.

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New Providers INTERNAL MEDICINE/ NEPHROLOGY

RHEUMATOLOGY

FAMILY MEDICINE

Laura Grantham, PA-C

Gary Blume, MD, PhD

Specialty: Rheumatology

Specialty: Family Medicine

Specialty: Internal Medicine/Nephrology

Practice Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon

Practice Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Sedro-Woolley

Practice Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon

What do you most enjoy about your practice? I love the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with patients and to form a supportive partnership to provide the highest quality care.

Rheumatology interests me because the problem solving and research that this field requires is an intriguing challenge. Each patient is truly unique and requires thoughtful attention to detail to achieve the best outcomes.

Practice Philosophy: Team work between you and me, with an emphasis on keeping you well, and with an absolute commitment to giving you world-class medical care, has always been and will always be my guiding practice philosophy.

Mark Baldwin, DO, FACOI

Practice Philosophy: I enjoy partnering with my patients to provide the highest quality of care and understanding.

Special Interests: Hypertension, diabetic kidney disease, metabolic syndrome and chronic kidney disease.

What do you most enjoy about your practice? I enjoy working with people with complex medical problems and giving them a competent and compassionate resource. I also enjoy being a part of the teaching faculty for the internal medicine and family medicine residencies and helping the young physicians understand challenging clinical and emotional aspects of patient care.

Dr. Baldwin attended the University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kansas City, MO. He went on to complete an internship and residency at Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Baldwin also completed Nephrology fellowships at Northwestern University Medical Center and Loyola University Medical Center, both in Illinois. Dr. Baldwin cares for patients, works in Skagit Regional Health’s Graduate Medical Education program and serves as the Medical Director for the Skagit Valley Kidney Center.

Internal medicine, hypertension and nephrology appointments can be made by calling 360-428-2592.

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What sparked your interest in medicine as a career? I have always been interested in the field of medicine and honestly never thought of doing anything else. I started my career as an athletic trainer working with various sports teams focusing on the prevention and treatment of athletic related injuries. I enjoyed providing patient care, establishing a trusting relationship with patients, and working with them to educate them on their injuries and rehabilitation.

This led me to pursue becoming a physician assistant, where I could expand my interests and work with a larger patient population.

Ms. Grantham attended Duke University’s Physician Assistant Program in Durham, NC. Appointments can be made by calling 360-428-2550.

Special Interests: I have additional training in cardiovascular preventive medicine and diabetes prevention and have special interests in personalized medicine, complex medical issues and disabilities medicine.

What do you most enjoy about your practice? Each patient is a treasure and I consider it an amazing privilege to be a part of their lives.

It is a remarkable experience to be able to take knowledge acquired through years of study and hard work, apply it to the problems that people face, and come up with solutions that are unique to each person.

Dr. Blume received a medical degree with distinction from Northwest University in Chicago. He completed his residency training at Duke-Watts Family Medicine in Durham, NC. Dr. Blume is board certified. He joins Skagit Regional Clinics in May. Appointments can be made by calling 360-856-4141.

FAMILY MEDICINE AND OSTEOPATHIC MANIPULATIVE MEDICINE David Escobar, DO Specialty: Family Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine

NATIONAL

DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY APRIL 30, 2016

Practice Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Stanwood Practice Philosophy: My patients and I practice together as “partners in health,” working toward their vision of ideal health and well-being.

The Mount Vernon and Anacortes police departments will participate in a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration-sponsored National Drug Take-Back Day. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, people can bring in their unused and expired medications for disposal.

A COUPLE OF IMPORTANT POINTS: • The program is anonymous; no requests for identification will be made.

• Controlled, non-controlled and over-thecounter substances may be collected.

• Participants may dispose of medication in the original container or directly into the disposal box.

• All solid dosage pharmaceutical products will be accepted.

• Liquid products must be in a sealed container.

• Intra-venous solutions, injectables, syringes, chemotherapy medications, or medical waste will not be accepted.

Special Interests: I love bringing an osteopathic manipulative skill set to the bedside. It is not a panacea, but can be a fantastic treatment modality for any number of medical conditions.

I also study and practice integrative medicine, which incorporates alternative and complementary therapies in an evidence-based fashion.

LOCATIONS: Mount Vernon Police Department

What do you most enjoy about your practice? I enjoy being able to practice the full spectrum of primary care medicine, especially preventive and integrative medicine.

My favorite days involve talking to patients about diet and exercise!

FACS – What does it mean?

Dr. Escobar is a native Washingtonian who attended high school, college, medical school and residency in Washington state. Dr. Escobar earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at Pacific Northwest University of Health Science in Yakima. He completed a Family Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment residency at Skagit Regional Health.

Appointments in Stanwood will be available in August. Call 360-629-1600 to schedule.

1805 Continental Place 360-336-6271

Anacortes Police Department 1218 24th Street 360-293-4684

Healthcare providers’ names are often followed by a series of letters signifying their credentials.

MD is Medical Doctor; DO is for a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine; ARNP is Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner and PA-C stands for Physician Assistant, certified.

Some physicians complete additional education and evaluations in the areas of clinical competence and ethics to become a Fellow in his or her field of expertise.

To become a Fellow, a physician must be board-certified for at least a year, then undergo an application process, review and approval.

Skagit Regional Clinics’ general surgeon, Joshua Hawkins, MD, FACS recently completed the process of becoming a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

Applicants must submit a case log for review then undergo a face-to-face interview, indicating his or her motivations for fellowship, academic goals, and local community involvement, said Hawkins.

Becoming a Fellow is the highest honor that a surgeon or specialist can receive. For patients, fellowship credentials mean that the physician adheres to the highest standards of quality, education and professional integrity.

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How to have

By Nathan Ullom, DPM April is nationally recognized as Foot Health Awareness Month so I would like share some general tips in maintaining proper foot health.

Healthy pain-free feet are essential to maintaining an active lifestyle in today’s fast-paced society. I often refer to the feet as the unheralded workhorses of the body. The average American takes more than 5,000 steps every single day. Naturally, our feet are subject to quite a bit of wear and tear with just general activity. Add in long work hours standing on hard surfaces or a lifetime of athletic injuries, and this can leave many of us with some very significant discomfort with even the simplest of activities.

Here are a few tips to keep pain under control and to help keep you up and active:

First let us start with an obvious one: Wear comfortable and appropriately fitting shoes.

The average individual experiencing discomfort has a foot type which tends to be quite flexible.

Excess flexibility leads to a collapse of the arch as we bear weight; this is commonly referred to as pronation.

Most individuals with a flexible foot type will see significant benefit from wearing shoe gear with additional support in the arch, which will help limit the pronation. If your shoe gear lacks arch support, consider adding an over-the-counter insert.

There are many quality over the

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counter inserts which can be helpful to prevent collapse of the arch but remember this advice: Softer rarely equals better. A quality shoe insert typically includes a rigid shell which is covered in more comfortable material.

Almost all individuals choosing to utilize a quality shoe insert, otherwise known as an orthotic, will require at least a few weeks to break them in appropriately. The breakin period should be done slowly in order to prevent the frustrations of achy feet that can accompany breaking in an orthotic. I suggest my patients begin with as little as an hour a day and slowly increase at their own comfort level. Comfortable accommodative shoe gear can make all the difference and prevent the chronic ache and soreness that can accompany an active lifestyle.

The next tip I have is one that I cannot stress enough: Stretch!

This may sound obvious, however, I find that as a community, stretching is rarely an activity we perform on a daily basis. Your legs and feet are essentially a complex system of pulleys and levers and, as such, balance within this system is imperative for them to function correctly. Stretching is one of the most helpful activities we can perform to maintain this balance. Commonly, with daily activity, we will observe a strengthening of the muscles in the back (posterior compartment)

of the leg compared to the muscles in the front (anterior compartment) which leads to an imbalance. This can cause issues such as excessive pronation or heel pain. Performing daily calf muscle stretches can help eliminate this imbalance and play a major role in allowing normal function of the foot, ankle and leg.

Lastly and most importantly: Walk . . . . a lot.

Daily exercise is crucial in maintaining our overall health as well as good foot health. There are 27 bones and 33 joints within each foot alone and they require regular use to maintain muscle and ligament strength. Spring is a great time to initiate a regular exercise or walking routine. Get out and take a stroll around a park or through the tulip fields - your feet will thank you. Now for some of you, attempting to initiate an exercise regiment or walking routine will lead to an increase in foot discomfort and pain which can be very deflating and discouraging, a catch-22 of sorts. If stretching and comfortable shoe gear haven’t helped reduce your discomfort, come see us at the Podiatry Department at Skagit Regional Clinics and we will work hard to get you back up and walking pain-free.

Dr. Ullom is a podiatrist with Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon. He attended Temple University of Podiatric Medicine and completed a residency at Hahnemann University Hospital, both in Philadelphia. To make an appointment, call 360-848-4120.

Commitment to

lifelong learning Joe Wilson, MD views medicine as a team sport and key members of the healthcare team are those who mentor and teach the next generation of providers.

“To be most effective, medicine requires a team of professionals who share their knowledge, experience, and expertise,” Dr. Wilson said. “Being a healthcare provider requires a lifelong commitment to learning and to sharing that knowledge with our patients, colleagues, and healthcare learners.”

Dr. Wilson brings this approach to Skagit Regional Health’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) program as the new Director of Medical Education. Dr. Wilson oversees a program that currently hosts 22 third and fourth-year medical students from Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Yakima, and 26 residents in Family Medicine, and Internal Medicine.

“Medical education is really a transformational process,” Dr. Wilson said. The first two years of medical school provide a foundation in a classroom and lab setting. The final two years provide medical students with the opportunity to continue learning in clinical rotations in provider offices and hospitals. After graduation, it’s on to residency to continue the transformation process that results in a well-trained, capable, and compassionate physician.

Dr. Wilson was a practicing OB/ GYN for 25 years, including eight years as a physician in the U.S. Navy. Throughout his career, he

Graduate Medical Education program continues to grow

was involved in educational efforts with residents, students, techs, nurses, first responders, and fellow physicians. His interest in education then took him to Trinity School of Medicine in Alpharetta, Georgia where he oversaw the redesign of the clinical clerkship curriculum and development of clerkship sites across the United States.

As a demonstration of his own commitment to life-long learning, Dr. Wilson is currently enrolled in the Master of Education in the Health Professions (MEHP) Program at Johns Hopkins University School of Education, a distance learning program he will complete by 2018.

Dr. Wilson was drawn to the Northwest and is impressed with the growth and the quality of the Graduate Medical Education program established at Skagit Regional Health in 2010.

“The level of commitment it takes for an institution to develop residency programs, especially a community-based institution, is tremendous,” he said. “It is visionary and part of what makes this place special. There is a vision of how to best serve this community.

Community hospitals are sponsoring residency programs more and more to meet their manpower needs and it’s a tremendous resource for the community.”

Dr. Wilson said various clinical affiliations with academic

institutions in the region provide invaluable resources to Skagit Regional Health. The link to the osteopathic program through Pacific Northwest University provides significant educational and research support resources. As an affiliate of the Family Medicine Residency Network based at the University of Washington in Seattle, the Family Medicine residency program benefits from dedicated funding and other program development resources. “The effects of these affiliations benefit not only Skagit Regional Health, but the communities we’re privileged to serve”, according to Dr. Wilson.

Nationally, transition is under way to a new, single accreditation system for all graduate medical education. When fully implemented in July 2020, the new system will allow graduates of osteopathic (DO) and allopathic (MD) medical schools to complete their residency and/or fellowship education in an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education accredited program and demonstrate achievement of common milestones and competencies.

Skagit Regional Health’s GME program started the transition process for both Internal Medicine and Family Medicine residencies.

“Since the programs were started in 2010, the people in GME here have done an incredible job of keeping the program moving forward and strengthening it,” Dr. Wilson said. “Now it’s a matter of taking it to the next level.”

Spring/Summer 2016

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Have you heard about Gout?

By Kevin Welk, MD

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by excess accumulation of uric acid that eventually deposits as crystals into various tissues of the body.

Gout most commonly impacts joints, but can also include skin, kidneys, and other tissues.

In gout’s classic presentation, the joint at the base of the big toe will suddenly become very painful and enlarged causing a considerable amount of pain to the point of not even being able to have a bed sheet touch it.

After a number of days, the symptoms may subside and completely go away for a period of time. Then, sometimes months or years later, another flare of arthritis will happen – often in the same area, but could be in a completely different joint (knee, ankle, elbow, finger or toe).

For men, this acute joint inflammation process usually starts in their 20 – 30’s, but can

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start in their middle ages or even later in life. For women, gout is less common and usually doesn’t start until after menopause as estrogen provides a protective effect from getting gout.

Fortunately, gout is a very treatable condition and the treatment comes in two forms: 1) treatment of the acute gouty arthritis and 2) treatment of the underlying excessive amount of body uric acid.

Fortunately, treatment for both of those issues is very effective.

Treating acute flares of gout is generally done with three types of medications: 1) colchicine (an anti-gout agent), 2) antiinflammatories (indomethacin, naproxen, ibuprofen), and 3) corticosteroids (prednisone). All of these types of medications are very helpful in reducing the pain and swelling related to a gout attack.

The other part of gout treatment is the focus on reducing a person’s excessive amount of body uric acid. This is most commonly done through medications that trick the body into making less uric acid.

These medications are allopurinol and febuxostat (Uloric). The good news is that doing this will, over time, stop the process of gout and the person will have no further

symptoms as long as they continue treatment. Initially after starting a medication like allopurinol (or febuxostat / Uloric), gout flares can worsen and often do for a number of months. Eventually, gout flares will cease, but that may take a number of months, or in some circumstances, years. When a person starts therapy for gout with allopurinol, it is common practice for a person to be given a daily dose of colchicine to prevent gout flares that commonly worsen after starting allopurinol.

Also, consuming less beef, pork, lamb, seafood, high fructose corn syrup (i.e. soda pop), and alcohol can be helpful as these types of foods lead to increases in uric acid in a person’s body. But, dietary changes are usually not adequate enough in preventing gout and the mainstay of therapy is uric acid reduction (again, usually through the usage of allopurinol). Eventually, a person can be free of gout symptoms, but they have to stay on allopurinol for the rest of their life to keep gout from ever affecting them again.

Dr. Welk is a rheumatologist with Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon. He attended the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in Oklahoma City, completed a residency at the University of Tennessee Center for Health Sciences and a fellowship at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. To make an appointment, call 360-428-2550.

KEEP

ACTIVE in your golden years

By Sarah Evans, ARNP Staying active offers a variety of benefits to older adults who have less aerobic capacity, muscle mass, and strength due to physiological changes associated with aging.

There is evidence that after mid-life, lean-mass loss is about 1 percent per year and loss of strength is 2.6 percent per year.

Physical activity increases lifespan and maintains cognitive function (in non-dementia population).

Staying active also reduces the likelihood of falls and fall-related injuries. Activity can lead to improvement in chronic conditions such as mood disorders, chronic pain, congestive heart failure, stroke, constipation and sleep disorders.

The American Heart Association and the American College of Sports Medicine recommend that adults over age 65 years participate in:

Muscle strengthening

Aerobic exercise

NOTE: The following conditions should be treated or discussed with your health care provider prior to initiating a new physical activity: infection, fever, DVT, unexplained weight loss, foot sores, or proliferative retinopathy, retinal bleeding or detached retina and recent surgery.

Start with walking 10 minutes five times a week. Increase by 5 minutes each week. If you are wheelchair bound, move your legs like you are riding a bike. Your goal will be to walk (or move your legs in your wheelchair) for 30 minutes, five days each week. Individuals with chronic disabling conditions may not be able to achieve the minimal recommended amount of physical activity but should be active as tolerated without doing harm by sitting less, and moving legs and arms more).

Start by using a weight that you can lift eight times – you can even begin by using soup cans as weights. Exhale as the weight is lifted. Your movements should be slow through repetition. Avoid locking your joints and know that muscle soreness is normal.

Flexibility exercises Flexibility exercises should be performed twice a week for 10 minutes. Stretch after aerobic and muscle strengthening.

Sarah Evans, ARNP, practices Internal Medicine at Skagit Regional Clinics – Sedro-Woolley. She received her ARNP at the University of Washington School of Medicine. To make an appointment, call 360-856-4222.

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Palliative Care services expanding at Skagit Regional Health Many people confuse Palliative Care with hospice or end-of-life care. In fact, it’s a very different form of medicine.

When someone faces a serious illness, whether cancer, stroke, or a chronic disease such as congestive heart failure or kidney disease, Palliative Care focuses on relieving discomfort and distress.

Palliative Care providers help ensure that symptoms such as pain, fatigue, nausea, and anxiety are addressed and well managed.

Through collaboration with a patient’s other doctors, a plan of care is developed to help make sure that a patient’s needs are addressed. Done well, Palliative Care support can help

improve a patient’s quality of life.

Unlike hospice, Palliative Care is available to patients with both terminal diseases and illnesses that can be cured.

A patient can begin to receive Palliative Care as soon as they are diagnosed with a serious illness.

In fact, the earlier that Palliative Care support is provided, the better it does at helping address a patient’s care needs.

Skagit Regional Health’s Palliative Care Team includes physicians, advance practice nurses, social workers and chaplains. Together, the team takes a holistic approach to a patient’s treatment. The Palliative Care team can follow the patient

throughout the course of his or her treatment, and holds regular visits with the patient and family to talk about how a patient is responding to treatment, and whether additional support is needed.

See page 35 for information on an upcoming panel discussion regarding palliative care.

SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH’S PALLIATIVE CARE TEAM: • Dr. David Hoeft, Provider and Medical Director ABOVE PHOTO (left to right): • Sharmon Figenshaw, ARNP • Cindy Moffet, MD • Kathryn Kay, MSW • Erika Stanley, MSW and Program Manager • Denise Katterhagen, MSW • Lindsey Keane, Administrative Assistant • Deborah North, MD

State offers online access to vaccination records Vaccination records, also called immunization records, are needed multiple times throughout one’s lifetime, from child care registration to college entrance and beyond.

Adults may be asked to provide documentation of vaccinations for certain jobs or to travel abroad.

The Washington State Department of Health offers a convenient new way to access your family’s vaccination records online by signing up for

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the Department of Health’s MyIR program. This will allow you to view, download and print your family’s vaccination records on demand.

To sign up, visit the Washington State Department of Health website (www.doh.wa.gov/immsrecords) to download an Authorization to Release Immunization Records form. You can authorize the Department of Health to release the vaccination records of up to five members of your immediate family. After completing the form, you can return it via e-mail, fax or mail:

E-MAIL: WAIISRecords@doh.wa.gov FAX: 360-236-3590 MAIL: Washington State Immunization Information System P.O. Box 47843 Olympia, WA 98504-7843

After submitting the authorization form, you will receive a temporary PIN and instructions for activating your account. Once your account is activated, you will have access to your records.

Patient Resource Center staff available to assist patients Skagit Regional Clinics opened a Patient Resource Center in October 2014, offering a centralized department to assist patients with common requests.

The group initially consisted of eight staff members, serving five clinic departments. The Patient Resource Center has now grown to 19 representatives who schedule appointments for 91 provider practices. The team also facilitates referral requests, verifies insurance eligibility, confirms appointments and is educated to answer general questions.

Patient Resource Center representatives are also trained to assist community members in finding a local provider to establish care when they call the Find a Doctor phone line.

The Patient Resource Center is open extended hours, seven days a week allowing patients to schedule appointments, check on referrals and ask questions on their schedule.

BELOW: Dana Holmes is a Patient Service Center representative, assisting patients with scheduling appointments at Skagit Regional Clinics.

Elisa Garton has worked as a Patient Service Center representative since the center opened. She has found that it offers additional convenience for busy patients. Prior to the opening of the Patient Resource Center, a patient who needed to request a medication refill, check on the status of a referral and schedule an appointment, would have needed to place up to three phone calls, Garton said. By utilizing the Patient Resource Center, patients can take care of multiple tasks with one call. Garton noted that patients appreciate speaking to the same knowledgeable representative who is able to take care of all their needs.

Dana Holmes brought six years of experience as a receptionist at Skagit Regional Clinics’ Internal Medicine practice in SedroWoolley when she joined the Patient Resource Center in 2015.

Holmes knows from experience that the Patient Resource Center offers advantages to both patients on the phone and in the office.

“We can take the time to listen to patients and do not have to rush them because there is a patient standing in front of us,” said Holmes. In turn, receptionists in the office are able to focus their attention on each patient who is checking in without the interruption of phone calls.

Holmes noted that most of her days fly by as she and her coworkers assist patients from the time they log in until they log out at the end of the day.

As a group, the Patient Resource Center representatives average between 10,000 and 11,500 calls each week.

The Patient Resource Center will continue to grow, with a long-term goal of fielding calls from all of Skagit Regional Clinics’ departments.

PATIENT RESOURCE CENTER HOURS

Monday – Saturday: 6:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sunday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Call 360-428-2500

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Celebration of Gratitude On Thursday, February 18, more than 120 donors and supporters gathered at the Swinomish Casino for the second annual Celebration of Gratitude. At the event, donors were thanked for their commitment to quality hospice care in our community.

Some of the highlights of the evening included Assistant Medical Director Dr. Leslie Estep’s description of how donors impact the care the agency provides. In her comments, she told the audience, “This is a time of life when people, patients and families, need to hear ‘yes.’ Yes, we can help you be more comfortable so you can hold the baby. Yes, we provide therapy so you can walk into your newly built home on your own. Yes, we can help repair your car for your cherished Sunday drive. Thanks to the all the ‘yes’s’ that you in this room have said this

year when you were asked to give, hospice staff members are able to say ‘yes’ to patients and their families every day.”

Also during the evening, donors heard stories from hospice staff members about how their gifts touch families in many ways. One story, shared by a Hospice Spiritual Counselor, described how $30 worth of donated art supplies helped a family with young children to talk about the changes in their home and how to cope with sorrow and loss.

The evening ended with the announcement of the 2016 Ports of Call destination. Longtime event supporter and hospice donor Mary Ann Kingma Whipple had the honor of revealing the results of 217 votes cast in an online poll. And the winner is … the lost City of Atlantis.

Gold Level rating Hospice of the Northwest Foundation was awarded the GuideStar Exchange Gold Level.

The Gold Level is the highest rating offered by the nonprofit organization that gathers and publicizes information on nonprofits. GuideStar gives individuals and foundations information on nonprofits so they can make better decisions on where to donate, who to give grants and where to volunteer.

GuideStar collects information on nonprofits from the IRS and other sources and organizes it into one of the most respected databases of information about nonprofits.

2016 agency grant approval

The Hospice of the Northwest Foundation funds dignity, compassion and comfort to terminally ill members of our community and ensures that quality hospice care is available to all who are coping with a life-limiting illness. If you would like more information about the Foundation or Hospice of the Northwest services, please visit our website, www. hospicenw.org, or call 360-814-5702.

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The Trustees of the Hospice of the Northwest Foundation voted unanimously in January to approve program funding requests for Hospice of the Northwest totaling $375,295. The Foundation is able to fund these grants through the generous donations of individuals and businesses in Skagit, Island, San Juan and Snohomish counties.

The 2016 agency requests include funding to support uncompensated patient care, non-routine patient care, clinical education and training, complementary therapies like massage and music, bereavement

services, outreach and education, volunteer services, and the purchase and maintenance of equipment and technology.

In the past five years, the Foundation has approved more than $1.6 million in funding to enhance the care that Hospice of the Northwest provides. Wendy Rohrbacher, Executive Director of the Foundation expressed gratitude to donors and supporters assuring them that their gifts “will ease pain, inspire compassion, provide dignity, touch hearts, and make a difference to thousands of people in the communities Hospice of the Northwest serves.”

Act FAST Remember to act FAST and call 911 if you have new symptoms or see someone else having them.

FACE

Face – uneven smile, facial droop or numbness, sudden change in the way you see

ARMS SPEECH TIME

Arm and leg – weakness, numbness, difficulty walking

Speech – slurred, wrong words, or unable to speak

What are the treatable risk factors for stroke?

High blood pressure. Know your blood pressure. It should be lower than 140/90.

Tobacco use. Cigarette smoking is the No. 1 preventable risk factor.

Heart disease. Common heart disorders: atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease, or heart failure have a higher risk for stroke than hearts that work normally. Working with your doctor to manage heart disease decreases your risk for stroke.

Diabetes. Diabetes causes destructive changes to the vessels throughout the body, including the brain. Treating diabetes can delay the onset of complications that increase the risk of stroke.

Carotid or other vascular disease. Arteries narrowed by fatty

deposits from atherosclerosis may become blocked by a blood clot.

Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). TIA is a “warning stroke”,

sometimes called a “mini-stroke”.

Warning signs are the same as stroke but last only a short time and symptoms disappear. They are good at predicting if a stroke will appear but not when it will happen.

Call 911 for TIAs as well as strokes.

High blood cholesterol. A high level of total cholesterol in the blood (240mg/dL or higher) is a major risk factor for heart disease, which raises your risk of stroke. LDL (“bad”) cholesterol should be 100 mg/dL or less.

Physical inactivity and obesity.

Go for a walk, take the stairs, and do whatever you can to make your life more active for at least 30 minutes total on all or most days of the week.

For more information and a quiz regarding stroke symptoms, go to www.

StrokeAssociation.org/warningsigns

Time – Call 911 immediately; then, check the time so you will know when the first symptoms started.

Mother’s Day Mammography Party Friday, May 6th 4:30–7:00 p.m.

Breast Care Center 1320 E. Division Mount Vernon Bring your mother, your daughter, your friends!

mocktails • snacks gift bags • raffle Please call 360-428-7270 to RSVP Spring/Summer 2016

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in the NEWS SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH TO OPEN BUSINESS CENTER Skagit Regional Health is leasing a former grocery store near 18th Street and College Way in Mount Vernon to serve as the organization’s new Business Services Center and work space for more than 220 employees and 11 departments.

The 53,000-square-foot building is currently under renovation and will be complete by July 1, 2016.

Departments that will relocate to the building include Finance, Information Systems, Business Office, Quality, Risk, Performance Improvement and Human Resources.

The building will also feature stateof-the-art Information Systems training rooms.

The relocation of employees will free up parking for patients and visitors around the main Skagit Regional Health campus. Skagit Regional Health owns a 14-person shuttle van that will provide transportation for employees to and from the new Business Services Center and remote parking lots to the main campus.

MOUNT VERNON HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR AWARDED SCHOLARSHIP Skagit Regional Health President and Chief Executive Officer Gregg Davidson presented a $1,500 scholarship to JENNIFER SOLANO, a senior at Mount Vernon High School, during the annual Champions of Diversity Celebration at Skagit Valley College.

In the program, it was noted “Jennifer is brave, compassionate and thoughtful.”

She has earned a 3.5 GPA at MVHS while being part of the Dreamers, Believers, Achievers Club, National Honor Society and AVID. She also participates on the cross-country team and volunteered at school and community events. Her goal is to attend the University of Washington and become a doctor.

A GENEROUS GIFT FROM BURLINGTON EAGLES The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is extremely grateful to the Burlington Eagles for their generous gift of $8,150 to the Cancer Care Fund in Memory of Jim Stull. These funds were raised through their annual Shuffleboard Tournament dedicated to the cause.

NURSE KEEPS WAIT TIME INTERESTING FOR PATIENTS

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Skagit Valley Hospital Emergency Department nurse KARI BRENNAN, RN, developed a cart of diversional activities for patients to help alleviate frustration during wait times for tests and exams.

The cart is organized by age and activities and is filled with art supplies, games, reading material and puzzles. The cart is especially helpful with children and those suffering from dementia and other cognitive issues.

2 0 1 5 R E P O R T

Spring/Summer 2016

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2 0 1 5 R E P O R T It is with great pleasure that the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation presents its annual “Gratitude Report” for the Year 2015.

Thanks to individuals like you, the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation was able to give more than $500,000 to support programs and services at Skagit Regional Health last year.

Thanks to you, we were able to pay for a $410,000 project to open the Heather Schols Cardiac Rehabilitation Center and the Mark Iverson Rehabilitation Gym. Since the center opened in September, 69 new patients have been welcomed and nearly 800 exercise visits have been logged.

Thanks to you, we were able to purchase specialized treatment chairs for the Wound Healing Center, to provide patients greater comfort when they receive their rehabilitative therapy.

Thanks to you, the Foundation was able to award dozens of smaller grants to support important needs throughout the hospital and our clinics.

Truly – these amazing accomplishments would not have happened without you!

Thank you for attending, sponsoring and supporting our signature events - the Festival of Trees, the Par Tee Golf Classic and the Have A Heart for Kids dinner – and thank you to the more than 1,000 volunteers who gave their time to help us achieve our success.

In May 2015, the Foundation’s Board of Trustees committed to raise $415,000 to purchase 27 new hemodialysis machines for the Skagit Valley Kidney Center. The center, now in its 24th year of delivering dialysis care, provided more than 18,500 treatments in 2015 and continues to do so, six days a week, 19 hours a day.

Needless to say, the current machines are well used and are nearing the end of their “useful” life. The new machines are extremely efficient and will enhance the treatment process. Thanks to you, the Foundation has raised nearly 60 percent of the goal in seven months, which gives us great momentum!

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 partnering with us to make a difference.

Sincerely, Richard Roozen, President Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation

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PROGRAMS SUPPORTED The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is forever grateful to our 2015 donors who generously gave gifts totaling more than $650,000. These gifts were received in the form of cash, stock, pledges, event proceeds, in-kind gifts and bequests.

In turn, the Foundation was able to provide more than $502,000 to support programs and services at Skagit Regional Health. Adjacent are a few projects that the Foundation was able to support thanks to your generosity.

PURCHASED A TELEVISION AND DVDs FOR SKAGIT REGIONAL CLINICS PEDIATRIC CARE WAITING AREA

$9,000 BUILT THE HEATHER SCHOLS CARDIAC REHABILITATION CENTER

$1,450

PURCHASED SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE CHILDREN’S THERAPY PROGRAM

$410,000

$11,500

PURCHASED FOOD MODELS FOR THE DIABETIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

PURCHASED SPECIALIZED TREATMENT CHAIRS FOR THE WOUND HEALING CLINIC

$545

PROVIDED ANESTHESIA TECH EDUCATION

$350

OUR DONORS With sincere gratitude to our community for your support, the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees proudly presents our Annual “Gratitude Report” for the year 2015.

We apologize for any incorrect or misspelled names that may appear in any of our listings. Please help us maintain accurate donor records by notifying the Foundation office of any errors by calling 360-814-8376. Donations listed were received January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015.

Anesthesia Education Fund Bellingham Anesthesia Associates, P.S.

The Breast Institute Fund

Shelly Champion CPI Plumbing & Heating Fraternal Order of Eagles Ladies Auxiliary #3041 Park Village Social Club Riverside Health Club Sedro-Woolley Riding Club Michelle & Kyara Smith

In Honor of Andy Salsbury CPI Plumbing & Heating

Cancer Care Fund

B-EHS Associated Student Body Winetta Bemis Darrell & Dorothy Bergam Camaloch Ladies18 Hole Golf Club Camaloch Lassies Camaloch Men’s Club Coastal Farm & Ranch Gerald & Diane Cohn Katie Corzine Randall & Diane Daniel

Susan Davis Karen Dinkins Margaret Dixon Ben & June Dunlap Linda Ejde Karla Frey glassybaby White Light Fund Douglas & Paula Groseclose Joan Haidle Ralph & Rae Ellen Holman Chris & Betty Huddleson Chris & Barb Jensen Molly Kledzik Ron & Meg LoDolce Deborah Martin Tamara Matthews Jeannette McCollough W.E. & Patricia McGlashan Francis & Carolee Moesch Brenda Morrow Russel & Betty Olson

Park Village Social Club Darryl & Brigitte Phippen Elaine Rickman James & Charlene Scott Charles & Rosemary Seaburg Larry & Jean Shaw Skagit Woodstock Music Festival Gladys Teslow Gerine Voegtlin Gerald & Karen Weiderstrom Wes Anderson Memorial Bowling League Richard & Shaun Wesen

In Honor of Len Braarud Shirley Jo Marshall

In Honor of Minda Holtcamp

Dolores & Karen Holtcamp Spring/Summer 2016

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In Memory of Francis Bacoka

Merwyn & Cathy Dutton

In Memory of Don Belisle Beryl Belisle

In Memory of Angela Bittmann

MISSION

Gerald & Susan Christensen

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.

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is led by the following group of community leaders who serve generously and without compensation.

Zach Barborinas Dee Berglin Kevin Bingham Susan Brown Chris Cammock Jill Christensen Kati Collins Cheryl Conner

Mary June Curtis Gregg Davidson Jacqueline Hawkins Dr. Joshua Hawkins Debbie Hendricks Jim Hobbs Kelli Hutchens Virginia Learned Jean Miller

Melissa Nelson Christie Peterson Jill Pickering Richard Roozen Brett Simbe Jim Spane Shirley Watkinson Dr. Rob Zwick

S TA F F Linda Frizzell Executive Director

Wendy Ragusa Development Coordinator

Becky Wells Development Associate

To learn more about how you can support the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation, visit skagitregionalhealth.org/Hospital-Foundation Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation P.O. Box 1376 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 360-428-2140

Like us on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/ SkagitValleyHospitalFoundation

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In Memory of Nikki Bliss

Gerald & Susan Christensen

In Memory of Dorothy Bowman

Ralph & Mary Ann Monty

In Memory of Montine Danielson Donald & Elfreda Ashe

In Memory of Betty Donnerberg Elaine Mc Ivor

In Memory of Chuck Faber Harvey & Mary Jo Wolden

In Memory of Gary Fidler Donna Johnson

In Memory of Jennifer Hargis

In Memory of Judy Rich

George & Grace Arnold Don & Louise Bottles Scott & Laura Breckenridge Douglas & Donna Deward Richard & Carolyn Dixon Ted & Pamela Durfey Merwyn & Cathy Dutton Jeff & Linda Frizzell James & Glenda Hobbs Barbara Johnson Randy Koster & Deanna Scott Kevin & Kristy Kottkey Margaret Larson Myrene Moller Kyle & Kelly Reep Helga Schink Skagit Bank Randy & Rebecca Welch

In Memory of David Schink Helga Schink

In Memory of Patty Steineke Douglas Steineke

In Memory of Jim Stewart

In Memory of Greg Hegeberg

Gerald & Susan Christensen Heritage Bank Ray & Margaret Horak Robert & Judith Mott Jerry & Cathy Pelland

In Memory of Shirley Irons

In Memory of Ryan Stollwerck

In Memory of Alfa Jackson

In Memory of Bob Stone

In Memory of Jane Johnson

Cardiac Care Fund

Randy & Lynn Rabenstein

Gerald & Susan Christensen Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Johnson

Gerald & Susan Christensen James & Nancy Johnson Mike & Mary Regan

In Memory of Ramon O. Johnson John & Kerry Divine

In Memory of Laurice Majors

Dolores & Karen Holtcamp

In Memory of Tim McManus Virgil Halstead

In Memory of Judy Myers George Myers

In Memory of Dennis & Judith Pearce Jeffrey & Linda Pearce

In Memory of Edie Pearson Mark Pearson

In Memory of Russell Rawls Tanya Sparks

Eric & Karla Stollwerck Neil & Susan Hall

Tami Allen Michelle Chambers Louis & Dominique Dailly Dr. John & Marie Erbstoeszer glassybaby White Light Fund Cheryl & Dean Good Eric Hall & Susan Wilson Frank & Lynn Handy Elizabeth Hoffman Dr. Paul Johnson & Kim Kusick Randy Koster & Deanna Scott William Jay Lechnick Louise Newman Peggy Olson Marcie Ozaki Maurice & Janine Ragusa Maryl Skjei Gina Smith Donald & Debbie Snyder Dr. & Mrs. Robert Stewart Svend & Caitlin Svendsen Merrilyn Thornquist

R E P O R T Thursday Overeaters Anonymous Craig & Becky Wells Jay & Kathy Wright Michael & Shawna Yengich

In Memory of Beverly Ann Martin

In Memory of Mike Agnew

Isabel Stewart

Gerald & Susan Christensen

In Memory of Roy Ballinger

Gerald & Susan Christensen

In Memory of Don Belisle Beryl Belisle

In Memory of William Bewley

Gerald & Susan Christensen

In Memory of James Caudill Dorothy Howard

In Memory of Joan Green Bob Green

In Memory of Jonathan Handy

Frank & Lynn Handy

In Memory of Gerald Highet

Cardiac Rehab: 10:30 Heart Healthy Fitness Class Mary Lavandier

In Memory of Mark Iverson

Jerry & Toni Franulovic Joyce Linn Susan Mayhew Ronald & Christine Peterson Edna Strege Ruth Wylie

In Memory of Annette Iverson Minkler Joan Brady Peter & Janet Flones Jeanne Frank Jerry & Toni Franulovic Faye Geerdes Cameron & Marcia Hershaw Glen & Nadine Larson Elaine Mc Ivor Jerry & Mildred Rindal Janet Stein

In Memory of Priscilla Johnson Bill & Anna Bowron

In Memory of Richard Lemley Lou Ann Davis

In Memory of Gordon Lisser

Gerald & Susan Christensen

Dorothy Howard

In Memory of Christy Martin In Memory of Dr. William G. Monzingo Dorothy Howard

In Memory of Dr. Roland Reub Dorothy Howard

In Memory of Heather Schols

Robert & Victoria Bourns Stacy Price

In Memory of Joycelyn Schroedel Jerry & Sharon Hayes

In Memory of Patty Steineke Douglas Steineke

In Memory of Susan Wood Gerald & Susan Christensen

In Memory of Janey Zavala

Jason Dean & Amy Zavala-Dean

Cardiac Care Fund

Rachel Garcia Anthony Gardiner, DDS Earl & Renata Hassler Joshua & Jacqueline Hawkins Hexcel Corporation Mollie Hoare Bill Howard Peter & Susan Janicki John & Katherine Janicki Jennifer Johnson Keeping Score, Inc. Tim & Heidi Kjos Matt & Susan Lehman Les Schwab Warehouse Center Arlyn & Kristine Livingston Longhorn Saloon Sue Ann Mace Gerald & Leanne Maskell Josh Maxwell Gatlin & Erica McConnell Don Miller & Judy Martin Mobile Merchandisers Michael & Dawn New Michael & Nancy Oswald Oswald and Vander Giessen, PLLC

Keith & Christie Peterson Debra Randall Mike & Anita Roozen Dr. Robert & Rebecca Rosenfeld Terry & Julie Rousseau Rumours Hair Design LLC Salomon Savi Bank Mark Schols Tod & Teri Schols Jeffrey & Deborah Scott David & Cori Shackleton Paul & Jayci Shaddy Sharon’s Bookkeeping Skagit Bank Skagit Speedway Skagit Valley Academy of Dance, Inc. Skagit Woodstock Music Festival Smiley Insurance Services Corp SP General Contracting LLC Doug & Julie Spady

13th Annual ParTee Golf Classic Save the Date!

(Seven Lakes in Seven Hours in Memory of Heather Schols)

Jon & Susan Aarstad Tami Allen Spencer Baldwin B-EHS Class of 82 Kevin & Deana Bingham Warren & Diane Bingham Tracy Brunz Birdsview Brewing Company Burlington Mid-Day Rotary Chris & Shaun Cammock Carletti Architects, P.S. Scott Clough, DDS James & Jeanne Collins Columbia Bank Kelly Cook & Madeleine Roozen Cook Ronald & Susan Dahl Meghan Dahl Mike Don Dwayne Lane’s North Cascade Ford Mike & Jodi Dynes Marcus Fairbanks, DDS & Darcy Galbraith, DDS Fairhaven Runners & Walkers Jerome & Karen Fisher Fisher Companies, Inc.

GOLF CLASSIC

The 13th Annual Par Tee Golf Classic will take place June 24, 2016 at Skagit Golf & Country Club in Burlington. The tournament, played in scramble format, begins at 10 a.m. with a shotgun start.

Other features include a putting contest, KP contest, hole-in-one prizes, progressive poker hand, a raffle and many giveaways!

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

More than $70,000 was raised last year, and proceeds from this year’s event will support the Foundation’s Kidney Dialysis Project and Cancer Care Patient Assistance Fund.

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

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Gifts Complement Inspiration to Grow, Heal Skagit Regional Health counts its dynamic collaboration with the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees and their donors as a major force behind the organization’s successful growth of services. The Foundation’s fund-raising efforts are deeply supported by the “regional” generosity of families and friends. It is through these partnerships that several of Skagit Regional Health’s care areas are named in tribute or honor of these gracious gifts.

Spane Buildings, Inc. Tanya Sparks Steve’s Automotive Center, Inc. Dr. & Mrs. Robert Stewart Superfeet The Learning Ladder The Truss Company & Building Supply Doug & Sandy Thomas Thomas Appraisals and Associates, LLC Rick & Naomi Vander Griend Tina Villanueva Lloyd & Shirley Watkinson Steve & Gina Wells Michael Woodmansee David & Maureen Wright Yukon Trading Company

In Honor of Brandon Diers CPI Plumbing & Heating

THE SKAGIT WOUND HEALING CENTER

Sonya Beard Hyperbaric Oxygen Program Gail Edward Iverson Lobby The Skagit Wound Healing Center staff and providers treat patients with wounds that are not healing and need special attention and on-going monitoring. Gifts from Mrs. Sonya Beard and the Gail Edward Iverson Circle of Friends helped to establish the Sonya Beard Hyperbaric Oxygen Program and the Gail Edward Iverson Lobby respectively in the Skagit Wound Healing Center. Before her death in May 2010, Mrs. Beard of Mount Vernon donated $165,000 to pay for the two hyperbaric oxygen chambers. The Gail Edward Iverson Circle of Friends, established in memory of Gail, a grateful patient of the center, raised close to $250,000 to support the wound healing programs and equipment.

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In Honor of Ed Perry

Anonymous Peter & Wendy Carletti Mike & Kim Fox Jeff & Linda Frizzell Reed & Donna Harlow Toni Hulbert Jeff & Krista Jewett Frank & Gail Nichols Jon & Mindi Nichols Rumours Hair Design LLC SP General Contracting LLC Carol Stimka Kyle & Amy Thomas

In Honor of Shelly Whan

Amanda De Vries Doug & Lynn Den Adel Erik & Michele Hansen Toni Hulbert Jennifer Johnson Jim & Kay Rabenstein Roger & Wendy Ragusa Dr. Lester Richards & Dr. Kaarsten Lang Richards

Chapel Fund In Honor of Gretchen Cohan Jack Frisk

Children’s Therapy Program Kathleen Abhold Krista Anderson Zachary & Adele Barborinas Kevin & Deana Bingham Dr. & Mrs. Lyall Bishop Scott & Laura Breckenridge Dr. Gary & Susan Brown Chris & Shaun Cammock Gerald & Susan Christensen Jeff & Mary June Curtis

Gregg & Lea Davidson Mike Dyberg & Dr. Connie Davis Becky Firth Bradford Furlong & Eileen Butler Dr. Jeff & Julie Gibbs Grace Cochrum Guild James & Patricia Grenfell Joshua & Jacqueline Hawkins Sean & Debbie Hendricks James & Glenda Hobbs Independent Silpada Designs Representative - Kelli Hutchens David Johnson James & Balisa Koetje Randy Koster & Deanna Scott Bruce & Debra Lisser Pasek Cellars Frank & Catherine Pattermann Keith & Christie Peterson Ruth Anne Pocock Tim & Nancy Raschko Donald & Jane Root William Roozen & Suzie Jungeman Skagit Valley Hospital Guild Dr. & Mrs. Robert Stewart Jonathon & Renee Stone TRICO Companies, LLC Dr. Richard & Elizabeth Williamson Dr. Rob Zwick

In Memory of Virgil Dodge Donneta Mucke

In Memory of Myra Roller Anne Britten

In Memory of Helen Roozen

Ted & Aretta Jonkheer

Critical Care Unit Fund Karla Bourgeois

In Honor of Dr. Oscar Briseno Christopher Finlay

Community Education Fund Scott & Jammie Novak

Diabetic Education Fund Suellen Lemmon Larry & Janette Lund Frank & Monica Quist

R E P O R T In Memory of Ramon O. Johnson

Emerson & Barbara Koetje

Family Birth Center Robert & Sharon Gilbert Beverly Peters Vernon & Tammy Ringhouse Ronald & Melinda Schrage

Festival of Trees Live Auction Patrons

Grant & Claire Burwash Jim & Kathy Chambers Gerald & Susan Christensen Gregg & Lea Davidson Kirk & Stacy Duffy Mike Dyberg & Dr. Connie Davis Kenneth & Michelle Evans Jennifer Francis-Schmidt Matt & Heidi Iverson David & Kylie Kanze Tim & Colleen Knutzen Sharon McPherson Widen Dennis & Connie Milliken Elmo & Veronica Morales Mark & Vickie Nysether Dan & Jan Olson Sandi Paciotti Michael & Trista Pendergrast Keith & Christie Peterson Dennis & Cheryl Pratt Dale & Susan Ragan Dr. Robert & Rebecca Rosenfeld Kim Rubenstein Dave Ryberg & Joan Penney Richard & Tami Sakuma Helga Schink Anthony & Catherine Senff Brett & Nancy Simbe Jim & Lacey Spane Tyler Steinman Rocky & Kristina Storm Stephen & Gayle Torgerson Doug & Kris Vandersanden Brett White

Festival of Trees Fund-A-Dream

Greg & Angela Abbott Jacque Beamer & Julie Blazek Cheryl Bishop Dr. Gary & Susan Brown Peter & Laurel Browning Jackie Brunson Deb Bundy Grant & Claire Burwash Gerald & Susan Christensen Gregg & Kati Collins Scotty & Beth Collins

Mitchell & Brittany Crabb Dennis & Wenda Cross Gregg & Lea Davisdon Jake Davidson Josh Davidson Alan Den Adel Doug & Lynn Den Adel Claire Drews Mr. & Mrs. Dick Duffy Gary & Stephanie Fiedler Brian & Sheran Fischer Foothills Auto Center Jennifer Francis-Schmidt Jeff & Linda Frizzell Bradford Furlong & Eileen Butler Patricia Good James & Patricia Grenfell Paul & Debbie Hagman Norman & Cindy Haugen Joshua & Jacqueline Hawkins Dean & Suzanne Hayes Dave & Kathy Henderson Sean & Debbie Hendricks James & Glenda Hobbs Earl L. & Katherine H. Jensen Ken & Susan Johnson Scott & Mimi Johnson David & Kylie Kanze Chip & Brooke Kennaugh Rudy & Kathleen Kerkvliet Tim & Colleen Knutzen James & Balisa Koetje Clay & Virginia Learned Mike & Jan Liepman Bruce & Debra Lisser Tom & Brenda Litaker Sid & Heather Logan Dr. & Mrs. Teackle Martin Will & Karen McMahan Sharon McPherson Widen Brad & Pam Methner Dennis & Connie Milliken Jennifer Milliken Kelley & Karen Moldstad

Steve & Lianna Neyens Dan & Jan Olson Pacioni’s Italian Restaurant Sandi Paciotti Michael & Trista Pendergrast Steve & Kelli Perry Keith & Christie Peterson Danny & Jill Pickering Ron & Gailyn Ploeg Dennis & Cheryl Pratt Dale & Susan Ragan Roger & Wendy Ragusa Steve & Kari Ranten Tim & Nancy Raschko Richard & Jaynie Roozen Dr. Robert & Rebecca Rosenfeld Dave Ryberg & Joan Penney Richard & Tami Sakuma Mike & Lisa Sargent Rodger & Jan Schemenauer Debbie Schwart Judith Seay Anthony & Catherine Senff Norma Smith Jim & Lacey Spane Angela Speer Jonathon & Renee Stone Abby Taylor Michael Thomas Clark & Sally Todd Eric & Andrea Van Pelt Doug & Kris Vandersanden Leo Waldschmidt & Sharon Cole Waldschmidt Lloyd & Shirley Watkinson Dick & Rita Wellons Darcy Wells Ron & Lisa West Brett White Don Wick Sloane Winkes Maury & Sue Wright Ruth Wylie Jeff & Brenda Zeiger

one of a kindness

®

Festival of Trees Sponsors

AmeriTeam Services, LLC Leanna Anderson Angell & Co., Inc. Arne Svendsen Trucking Associated Petroleum Products, Inc. Janis Backstrom Baird Foundation, Inc. Baird Private Wealth Management Bank of the Pacific Jacque Beamer & Julie Blazek Bellingham Anesthesia Associates, P.S. Kevin & Deana Bingham Cheryl Bishop Blade Chevrolet Scott & Laura Breckenridge Michael & Dr. Patti Brettell Dr. Oscar Briseno & Monira Vakil

By Design Auto Group, Inc. Calico Cupboard Cafe & Bakery of Mount Vernon Dr. Laurence “Del” Cambron Carletti Architects, P.S. Dr. Edwin Chang Charley’s Greenhouse & Garden Gerald & Susan Christensen Dr. Robert Coffey & Dr. Deborah North Concrete Nor’West Craft Stove of Western Washington, Inc. Jay & Susie Crawford Crown Distributing Co. Gregg & Lea Davidson Davis Wright Tremaine, LLP Day Creek Chapel Joel & Jennifer Dean Dimensional Communications, Inc.

Skagit Valley’s “tulip” has a new hue!

10 percent from the sale of every 2016 “tulip” glassybaby will be donated to the Cancer Care Patient Assistance fund of the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation.

Buy one today for your bouquet.

“Tulip” is available in glassybaby stores, online at glassybaby.com and in the Skagit Valley exclusively in the Skagit Valley Hospital gift shop.

Join us May 4th for our glassybaby Spring Road Show in the 2016 Skagit Valley Hospital northSpring/Summer lobby.

tulip

27

CARDIAC REHABILITATION

The Heather Schols Cardiac Rehabilitation Center Mark Iverson Cardiac Rehabilitation Gym Two beloved community members who had a lasting impression on the hospital community, inspired family members and friends to support the Foundation’s campaign to build a new Cardiac Rehabilitation Center at Skagit Valley Hospital. The center houses a three-part program of exercise, education and behavior modification for patients recovering from a heart incident. The naming of the Heather Schols Cardiac Rehabilitation Center became a reality through the philanthropy of Kelly Schols ($100,000), his daughters, family members, friends and the Seven Lakes in Seven Hours fund-raising event. The center is named in memory of Kelly’s wife Heather. The center also includes the Mark Iverson Cardiac Rehabilitation Gym, named in memory of long-time Foundation donor and friend. At the 2014 Festival of Trees auction, guests raised their bid cards to collectively give $50,000 to honor Mark’s long-standing support of the Foundation and support this special naming opportunity.

28

John Dwight ECG Management Consultants, Inc. Edge Analytical, Inc. Environmental Abatement SVC I Express Employment Professionals Food Services of America Foothills Auto Center Jeff & Linda Frizzell Frontline Cleaning Services G & D Wallace, Inc. G & W Commercial Flooring, Inc. Ronald & Jeanne Gerde Dr. Jeff & Julie Gibbs Gilbertson Funeral Home Stephanie Gildnes David Goldman Caryl Greenwood James & Patricia Grenfell Fran Hansen Hansen’s Furniture Phil & Jana Haupt Joshua & Jacqueline Hawkins Hawthorne Funeral Home and Memorial Park Jerry & Sharon Hayes Duane & Lynnette Henson Heritage Bank Barry & Karen Hiatt Alfie Hill-Banta James & Glenda Hobbs Warren & Shelly Holden Hughes Farms, Inc. Insight Healthcare Architecture JEM Family Guild of Skagit Valley Hospital Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson Joseph D. Bowen, P.S. Joshua Anderson Insurance Rod & Mari Juntunen Kelvin Cooling & Heating Service Kern Funeral Home Key Bank Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon James & Balisa Koetje Randy Koster & Deanna Scott Dr. Chris Kweon Laboratory Corp Of America Landed Gentry Realty, Inc. Dr. Duncan & Bridget Landreth Dr. David Lauter Dr. Steven Lee Jean Leib Suellen Lemmon Life Care Centers of America, Inc. Lisser & Associates, PLLC

Carl & Cheryl Loeb Sophia Lucatero Carol Luvera Maple Wood Farm, Inc. Mary McClung Elizabeth McNett-Crowl Corey Mendoza & Jyl Bruns Mexico Cafe Judge John & Susan Meyer Meyer Sign & Advertising Co., Inc. Mister T’s Awards & Embroidery Modern Cleaners Diane Morton & Wendy Cobb Moss Adams, LLP Matt & Megan O’Bryan Dr. Stacey O’Kinsella On-Time Logistics, Inc. Pacific Woodtech Corporation Dr. Vidhu Paliwal & Dr. Kiran Chaturvedi Dr. Chinnaya Parimi Peoples Bank Peter A. Ripper & Associates Allison Porter, MD PRIMAC Electric, LLC Rallye Auto Sales Inc. Steve & Kari Ranten Kyle & Kelly Reep Mark Roetcisoender Rolfson’s Home Furnishings, Inc. Donald & Jane Root Richard & Jaynie Roozen Brandon & Christa Roozen Ethan & Dr. Yelena Rosenberg Colin & Alisa Sands SB & C, Ltd Helga Schink Jeffrey & Deborah Scott Sierra Pacific Foundation Brett & Nancy Simbe Skagit Bank Skagit Endodontics PLLC Skagit Radiology Inc., P.S. Skagit Valley Hospital Guild Skagit Valley’s Best Produce, Inc. Skagit Wild Bird Supply Maryl Skjei Soroptimist International of Burlington Sound Physicians State Farm Insurance Carol Lawson Agency State Farm Insurance Brad Methner Agency State Farm Insurance Keith Sorestad Agency Dr. & Mrs. Robert Stewart Lynn & Barbara Strauss The Learning Ladder Thomas Cuisine Management

R E P O R T Tower Pacific Construction, Inc. TRICO Companies, LLC Twin City Foods, Inc. Urban Forest Nursery, Inc. Urban Forestry Services, Inc. Valley Farm & Pet Center Venture Club Washington State Hospital Association Lloyd & Shirley Watkinson Whidbey Coffee Company Mike & Helen Williams Williams & Nulle, PLLC Ann Wilson Reynolds Women’s Hospital Guild Auxiliary Wycoff Insurance Agency, Inc. Michael & Shawna Yengich Don & Linda Zimmer

Festival of Trees Gifts-In-Kind

2 Parks Alaska Airlines Luke & Jessie Bennett Bertelsen Winery Billy’s Cafe Kevin & Deana Bingham Thomas & Holly Braaten Dr. Gary & Susan Brown Chris & Shaun Cammock Chelan Fresh Children’s Museum of Skagit County Geoff & Jill Christensen Ralph & Lynda Cole Columbia Bank Credo Graphics Andy Cross Jeff & Mary June Curtis Gregg & Lea Davidson Josh Davidson Tesha Deeter Mike Dyberg & Dr. Connie Davis Eaglemont Golf Club El Sage Design EMP Museum Farmers Insurance Dani Hoskinson Tracy Finnegan Jerry Forbes Stephanie Gage Gamble Sands Gene’s Tavern Get12s.com Joshua & Jacqueline Hawkins Sean & Debbie Hendricks Bob & Kathy Hill Tina Kies Kiona Winery Kelley Kirkpatrick-Berg

Soroptimist International of Burlington Jonathon & Renee Stone Studio 7 Fitness TechPower Solutions, Inc. The Woods Coffee Three Little Birds Train Wreck Tri-Dee Valkyrie’s Chosen Anji Viola Richard & Laury Volwiler Beth Ward

Kristi Kroll Tanya Larson Clay & Virginia Learned Tom & Brenda Litaker Max Dale’s Steak & Chop House Jeff & Jean Miller Dennis & Connie Milliken Joanie Moe Elmo & Veronica Morales Kristin Mowat Scott & Jammie Novak Penguin Coffee Postal & More Quantum Health & Yoga Lounge Radley Muller Photography William Railten Reel Class Charters Vernon & Tammy Ringhouse Reg & Terri Robertson Richard & Jaynie Roozen Paul & DiAnn Sager Skagit Valley Family YMCA Norma Smith

Fine Art Fund

Jamie Beer Jennifer Bowman Deirdre Czoberek Jeff & Linda Frizzell Matt & Heidi Iverson John Parks Steve Schultz

In Honor of Dr. Gary & Susan Brown Helga Schink

Foundation Support Fund

Zachary & Adele Barborinas Bellingham Anesthesia Associates, P.S. Bruce & Dee Berglin Geoff & Jill Christensen Gregg & Kati Collins Jeff & Mary June Curtis Gregg & Lea Davidson Charles & Pam Eger Joshua & Jacqueline Hawkins Sean & Debbie Hendricks Pamela Herzog Mark & Elizabeth Holden Brittany Holley Jim & Kelli Hutchens InFaith Community Foundation Dr. Paul Johnson & Kim Kusick KeyBank Foundation James & Balisa Koetje Randy Koster & Deanna Scott Tom & JoAnn Lazaron BELOW: Alberto Candivi, chef and owner, Il Granaio Italian Restaurant

BELOW: Benefit Sponsor Trico Companies, LLC owners Bruce Berglin and Nate Wolfe

ABOVE: Children’s Therapy Program staff L to R: Karen Pederson, Erin Kaui, Laura Griffin and Sarah Smith

2016 Have a Heart for Kids Raises Funds for the Children’s Therapy Program The March 7 benefit dinner - the most successful to date- raised $16,425 for the Children’s Therapy Program at Skagit Valley Hospital. The six-course dinner and silent auction event was sponsored by TRICO Companies LLC and hosted by Alberto Candivi, chef and owner of Il Granaio Italian Restaurant. The event celebrated its 13th year and has raised more than $150,000 in its history. We are grateful to TRICO, Alberto, our dinner patrons and silent auction sponsors.

Spring/Summer 2016

29

SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH’S REGIONAL CANCER CARE CENTER Susan and Leighton Wood Family Radiation Wing Dr. Maynard and Selma Johnson Lobby Bishop Patient and Family Consultation Room Gerry and Susan Christensen Complementary Therapy Center PACCAR Patient Education Resource Center Walter Blade Healing Garden Skagit-Mount Vernon Rotary Healing Garden Safeway Conference Room

In December 2006, the doors opened to the new Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center providing comprehensive cancer care to our community. The Foundation’s largest capital campaign to date ($4 million) promised and delivered a center providing state-of-the-art radiation oncology, medical oncology, access to clinical trials, complementary medicine and support services.

Believing in the mission to keep cancer care close to home, several families, a local service club and a regional corporation gave major gifts to support the campaign. These gifts are honored with the naming of the following areas: Gifts of $250,000 - the Susan and Leighton Wood Family Radiation Wing and the Dr. Maynard and Selma Johnson Lobby; gifts of $100,000 - the Bishop Patient and Family Consultation Room, the Gerry and Susan Christensen Complementary Therapy Center, the PACCAR Patient Education Resource Center, the Walter Blade Healing Garden, Skagit-Mount Vernon Rotary Healing Garden and the Safeway Conference Room.

Former Mount Vernon residents and publishers of the Skagit Valley Herald Susan and Leighton Wood and their family foundation’s gifts were instrumental in helping ignite the Cancer Care Capital Campaign and resulted in the naming of the radiation therapy wing.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

30

Learned Commerical, Inc. Ben Mann Roger & Mary Ann Mercer Jeff & Jean Miller Monday Night Meetings of O.A. North Cascade Intergroup of O.A. Keith & Christie Peterson Danny & Jill Pickering Skye & Sally Richendrfer Richard & Jaynie Roozen S. Herbert Rubin SB & C, Ltd Darrell & Sherilyn Skiles Spane Buildings, Inc. Starbucks Coffee Company Claude Tingley Lloyd & Shirley Watkinson Dr. Rob Zwick

In Honor of Debbie Hendricks

State Farm Insurance Brad Methner Agency

In Honor of Diane Morton & Wendy Cobb Roger Ulsky & Kathleen Waton

In Honor of Drs. Robert & Barbara Pringle Jo Koles

In Memory of Charles Anderson Joel & Rebecca Barton

In Memory of F. James Beckner, MD Jean Henson

In Memory of Tom Bergem John & Berdean Ring Mr. & Mrs. William Summers

In Memory of Mark Iverson Michael & Lisette Mast Margaret Potter

In Memory of Annette Iverson Minkler Ruth Beidler

In Memory of Ramon O. Johnson

Don & Louise Bottles Mary Carney Huntly & Sandee Gordon Ruth Robertson Sue Zimmermann

In Memory of Gordon Lisser

Chad & Colleen Fisher

In Memory of Donald Oldow Pamela Oldow

In Memory of Rodney Olson

Steven & Suzanne Appelo

In Memory of Darlene Palmer

Ross & Donna Hunt

In Memory of Opal Reim Lavonne Parker

In Memory of Helen Roozen

Skagit Valley Hospital Guild

In Memory of Jim Stewart

Mr. & Mrs. George Dewey Huntly & Sandee Gordon Barbara Price Kyle & Kelly Reep Jeff & Stacy Stewart

In Memory of Steve Wells Helga Schink

In Memory of Socorro Brito

In Memory of Susan Wood

Alfie Hill-Banta

Huntly & Sandee Gordon

In Memory of Donald Finsen

Gail Edward Iverson Circle of Friends

Huntly & Sandee Gordon

In Memory of Randy Grimes

Sid & Judy Kuperberg

In Memory of Mark Iverson

In Memory of Willard Hansen

Bob & Lisa Wood Len & Clara Wood Don & Linda Zimmer

In Memory of Eleanore Hedbom

Healthy Communities Fund

Clifford & Sally Lund

Skagit Bank

In Memory of Barb Snell Hernandez Mike & Anita Roozen

Elizabeth McNett-Crowl

R E P O R T

Kidney Dialysis Fund

Amnis Management Group Bud & Jackie Anderson Kelli Anderson William & June Bounds Elizabeth Browning Bev Carter Elizabeth Cole Gregg & Lea Davidson Jake Davidson Kandi DeVenere Dr. Robert H. Digman John Dwight Mike Dyberg & Dr. Connie Davis Jeff & Linda Frizzell Lloyd & Lucille Gardner Dr. Jeff & Julie Gibbs Robert Gruber Kristina Hadley Sharon Hale Narajanti Handaja Barry & Karen Hiatt Ed & Judy Hjort Brittany Holley Dana Keefe KeyBank Foundation Randy Koster & Deanna Scott Dr. Chris Kweon Roxy Larson William Jay Lechnick Mike & Jan Liepman Tom & Brenda Litaker Wendy Lucas Nancy Maas Jeanne Matuska Microsoft Matching Gifts Program Suzanne Ney Matthew Nolan Worth & Lisa Norton Henning & Carol Pearson Sarah Place Maurice & Janine Ragusa Roger & Wendy Ragusa Terry & Mary Rios Julia Salinas George & Suzanne Santino Nora Schmidt Adele Skinner Starbucks Coffee Company Stuart Stavig James & Marilyn Stroncek Swinomish Tribal Community William & Krista Thomas Michael & Elizabeth Torgerson Stephen & Gayle Torgerson Hector Valadez Clarence & Lona Vander Griend, Jr. Laurene Vigoren Julia Weinberg

William & Dawn Wells Mark & Debra Woodard

In Honor of Health Information Management Department Cecilia Plata

In Memory of Esta Asher Jackie Solomon

In Memory of Doris Austin Jamie Austin-Morvig

In Memory of Dorothy Conser Lois Powers

In Memory of Montine Danielson

Martin & Dena Bobinger

In Memory of Richard Danielson

Martin & Dena Bobinger

Making A Difference Last Spring, the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s Board of Trustees pledged to raise $415,000 to purchase 27 new hemodialysis machines for our patients at Skagit Regional Health’s Skagit Valley Kidney Center.

Thanks to your generosity, the campaign has reached nearly 60% of its goal raising $239,355 to-date.

Kidney Dialysis This life sustaining treatment for individuals with kidney failure connects patients to a dialysis machine that removes waste products from their blood. A healthy kidney would perform this function. Individuals with kidney failure need dialysis treatment three days a week every week of their lives.

The current machines used for treatment are nearing the end of their “useful” life and often require expensive repair.

In Memory of Imogene Harder

Ron & Bethany Gilbertson

In Memory of Hoke Hodgins Evelyn Buchanan

In Memory of Tammi Hopkins

Chris & Jeanne Skeels

In Memory of Winnie Houser

Mark Houser & Joan Allmaras

In Memory of Miles Jackson

Joe & Linda White

In Memory of Ray Jenkins Helene Jenkins

In Memory of Jane Johnson Gregg & Lea Davidson William & Diane Gusa

In Memory of Nancy Knapp

Skagit Valley Kidney Center Care Now in its 23rd year of providing dialysis, the center currently serves more than 130 patients from Skagit, Island and Snohomish counties. In 2014, more than 18,000 treatments were performed. The center operates six days a week from 3:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Higher Quality of Treatment Campaign Chairs Clay and Virginia Learned are honored to support this personal and important community initiative. “With the addition of new kidney dialysis machines, this center will provide state-of-the-art care and comfort for our patients here at Skagit Regional Health,” says Virginia, a Foundation board trustee. “We see this campaign as an opportunity to change lives.”

Helene Jenkins

You Can Help

In Memory of Patsy Norman

Make a gift today! Your tax-deductible donation to the Kidney Center Project Campaign will help toward the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment to provide the very best kidney care to the patients of our region.

Anonymous Ken Bechtel James Selvidge & Trillis Parker Yellow Cab

There are many types of giving arrangements.

In Memory of Ervin & Leah Otis

• Gift of cash or check, a bequest, tribute or memorial gifts, stock, retirement assets.

• Gifts of any size will make a difference!

In Memory of Dr. Darrell Stavig

Tax-deductible gifts may be made:

David & Beverly Gufler

Skagit Valley Hospital Finance & Business Office Teams Janice Stavig

GOAL: $415,000 $400,000 $375,000 $350,000 $325,000 $300,000 $275,000 $250,000 $225,000 $200,000 $175,000 $150,000 $125,000 $100,000 $75,000 $50,000 $25,000

Current Total Amount Raised

$239,355

Online: www.skagitvalleyhospitalfoundation.org Call us: 360-814-2140 Mail to: Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation/KD Project P.O. Box 1376 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Spring/Summer 2016

31

SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH’S REGIONAL CANCER CARE CENTER CONTINUED For five decades, long-time local physician Maynard L. Johnson, M.D. and his wife Selma helped further our physician community as one of the founding families of the Skagit Valley Medical Center, now known as Skagit Regional Clinics Mount Vernon.

The cancer center’s lobby proudly bears their names.

In Memory of Janet Youngquist

In Memory of Necia Rasmussen

Dr. Maynard Johnson Endowment Fund

In Memory of Sondra Renco

Thomas & Jerry Kuntz

Dr. Elizabeth Gauer

In Honor of Leighton & Susan Wood

Judge John & Susan Meyer

In Memory of James Agen

Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson

In Memory of F. James Beckner, MD

Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson Judge John & Susan Meyer

In Memory of Carole Bindon

Judge John & Susan Meyer

Skagit Bank CEO Cheryl Bishop personally pledged to match Skagit Bank’s gift and in turn both gifts were given in honor of the bank’s founder James P. Bishop and his wife Mabel, who are Ms. Bishop’s parents, to name a family consultation room.

In Memory of Luella Bustad

Jim & Mary Lynn Kintner

In Memory of JoAnne Fisher

Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson

In Memory of Betty Fitzgerald

Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson

In Memory of Mary Gurney Dedicated Foundation donors and community supporters Gerry and Susan Christensen strongly believe in the power of complementary therapies for cancer treatment and gave a gift to assure these types of treatment had a dedicated space and are made available to cancer patients.

Judge John & Susan Meyer

In Memory of Annette Iverson Minkler Judge John & Susan Meyer

In Memory of Priscilla Johnson

Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson Judge John & Susan Meyer

In Memory of Randy Leonard

Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson

In Memory of Gordon Lisser

Judge John & Susan Meyer

In Memory of Melissa Mathison

Judge John & Susan Meyer

Regional transportation design and manufacturer PACAAR awarded the foundation a grant for the purpose of an in-house resource center for patients and their families.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 33

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In Memory of Mary Pennington

Judge John & Susan Meyer

In Memory of Eva Pierson Judge John & Susan Meyer

Judge John & Susan Meyer

Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson

In Memory of Judy Rich

Dennis & Annette McDonald

In Memory of Helen Roozen

Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson Judge John & Susan Meyer

In Memory of Vern Sims

Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson

In Memory of Barbara Strom

Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson Judge John & Susan Meyer

In Memory of Tony Verna Judge John & Susan Meyer

In Memory of Steve Wells

Dennis & Annette McDonald Judge John & Susan Meyer

Mental Health Care Fund Flora Adams Joan Brady Bud Hanks Gaylen Heacock Denise Macklin Dr. Stacey O’Kinsella Steve & Kari Ranten

Par Tee Golf Classic Sponsors AmeriTeam Services, LLC Anonymous Associated Petroleum Products, Inc. Baird Private Wealth Management Big Lake Fire Dept.

Community Auxiliary Cascade Natural Gas Chad Fisher Construction LLC Comprehensive Pharmacy Services Coverys Community Healthcare Foundation CPI Plumbing & Heating Dynacare Northwest Inc/LabCorp ECG Management Consultants, Inc. Experian Health Express Employment Professionals Farmer’s Equipment

R E P O R T Company, Inc. Foster Pepper, PLLC G & W Commercial Flooring, Inc. Hammes Company Healthcare LLC Hexcel Corporation James & Glenda Hobbs Impact, Inc. Jack Carroll’s Skagit Hyundai Judd & Black Just Peachy Frozen Yogurt Inc. James & Balisa Koetje Leverage Information Systems Pattie Lewis Lisser & Associates, PLLC McKinstry Energy Services Corey Mendoza & Jyl Bruns Jeff & Jean Miller Mobile Merchandisers Moss Adams, LLP Stan & Audrey Olson Optimum Properties, LLC Padgett & Padgett, PLLC Pat Rimmer Tire Center Piper Jaffray & Co Premera Blue Cross Resource Corporation of America Retail Lockbox Inc. Retail Lockbox Merchant Services LLC Richard & Jaynie Roozen SB & C, Ltd. Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Skagit Transportation, Inc. Skagit Valley Hospital Guild Smiley Insurance Services Corp State Farm Insurance Carol Lawson Agency State Farm Insurance Brad Methner Agency State Farm Insurance Keith Sorestad Agency Jeff & Stacy Stewart Swinomish Casino & Lodge Tesoro Companies, Inc. Clark & Sally Todd TRICO Companies, LLC Voya Financial Advisors Washington State Hospital Association Dr. Rob Zwick

Crown Distributing Co. Reid & Debra Ellsworth Espresso Connection Farmhouse Restaurant Fortune Mandarin Restaurant Hansen’s Furniture Reed & Donna Harlow Alfie Hill-Banta Rev. Mark & Linda Johnson Knutzen Farms KRONOS La Conner Brewing Company LUXE Salon Martin Commercial Fueling, Inc. Mister T’s Awards & Embroidery Pro Golf Discount PURE Salon & Spa Donald & Jane Root Strauss Jewelers/ The Deming Corporation Train Wreck Dick & Rita Wellons Craig & Becky Wells Wells Nursery Wilson Picture Framing, Inc.

Par Tee Golf Classic GiftsIn-Kind

Bellingham Anesthesia Associates, P.S. Thomas & Lesha Boucher Kelly Bradford

Jon & Susan Aarstad Blade Chevrolet Bob’s Burgers & Brew Geoff & Jill Christensen Costco Wholesale

Skagit Regional Clinics Fund TyeAnn Berghuis Karen Dinkins Ben Gunn Michael & Sara Hebel Dr. Mary Ramsbottom Donald & Jane Root Jessica Samora Karl Stansbury

Sunrise Inn Fund Greg & Angela Abbott Michele Hill Bob & Carla Thomas Alton Turner

In Memory of Garrett Chase

Duane & Lynnette Henson

In Memory of Le Ann Rainey Joyce Mathenia

Teaching Hospital Fund

Anonymous Craig & Brittany Olson Andrew Turner

Wound Care Fund Charles & Pam Eger Dr. Elizabeth Gauer Dennis & Janiece Reilly The Allstate Foundation

In Memory of Gail Iverson Susan Duffy

In Memory of Mark Iverson

David & Debbie Lenz

In Memory of Annette Iverson Minkler

Gerald & Susan Christensen Jerry & Starleen Corrion Jeff & Linda Frizzell Faye Geerdes Greg & Lori Hall Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson James & Nancy Johnson Glen & Nadine Larson Solveig Lee David & Debbie Lenz Joyce Linn Larry & Kathy Locken Dolores Meisch Jerry & Mildred Rindal Vicki Sanders Mr. & Mrs. William Summers Toni Wolfgang Len & Clara Wood

Delores Bacoka Donna Berg

SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH’S REGIONAL CANCER CARE CENTER CONTINUED The center’s healing gardens give patients the opportunity to enjoy an outdoor setting while receiving oncology treatment. The south healing garden in the center is named after one of the three original public hospital district commissioners Walter Blade by a generous gift from his family and Blade Chevrolet. The north healing garden was made possible by a grant from the Skagit-Mount Vernon Rotary Club. The Club continues to actively support the Foundation’s many initiatives.

Surgical Services Fund

In Memory of Dr. Maynard Johnson Dr. Shaun Sullivan

Spring/Summer 2016

33

HealthQuest CLASSES

CHANGE YOUR

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.

STANWOOD/CAMANO NEIGHBORHOOD

Doc Talk

Integrating Ancient and Traditional Medicine into Modern Health Care David Escobar, DO, of Skagit Regional Clinics, provides a broad overview of evidence-based approaches using complementary and alternative therapies in the 21st century.

Mind-body medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda and botanical medicine all have a role to play in our daily lives. This talk will explore the integrated role these therapies can play with both modern osteopathic manipulative medicine and the Western medical model.

May 18 (Wed) 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood 9631 269th Street NW No charge but pre-registration required

Stanwood & Camano Island A department of Skagit Valley Hospital

Camano Island

127 N. East Camano Drive, Suite A Camano Island 360-387-5398

Screening to Detect Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), Elevated Cholesterol and More!

Attend this popular screening to find out your risk factors for developing PAD, cardiovascular disease and stroke and learn how to reduce them. Call 360-629-6481 to schedule an appointment for this screening program that takes just 40 minutes!

The cost is only $39 and it is held on Monday mornings in Mount Vernon.

Visit page 36 for more information.

Cholesterol/Diabetes, Vitamin D and Bone Density Screenings Full Lipid Profile plus Glucose: 10-12 hour fast required, water and prescribed medications only, no coffee or tea. No alcohol 24 hours prior. Fee: $15 Vitamin D: Fasting is not required.

Fee: $39 Bone Density: This is a non-invasive, painless scan of one hand. Results are available immediately. Fee $10 For information call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481. No appointment or preregistration is required.

Debit or credit card or personal check – no cash accepted.

May 4; July 20 (Wed) 8 – 9 a.m.

Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood 9631 269th Street NW

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 $15 for AARP members; $20 for nonmembers. Pre-registration is required.

July 12 and 13 (Tue/Wed) 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood 9631 269th Street NW Pay at the class

Blood Drives June 15 (Wed) and August 16 (Tues) 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (except 12:30 – 1:15 p.m.)

Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood 9631 269th Street NW – mobile van Pre-registration required by calling 1-800-398-7888.

Island County Health Department The Island County Health Department is located at 127 N. East Camano Drive, down the hall from the Skagit Regional Clinics - Camano Island.

Visit www.islandcountyhealth.org for more information or call 360-387-0184.

May 18 (Wed) 8 – 9:30 a.m.

Camano Senior Center 606 Arrowhead Drive - Camano Island

Stanwood

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

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

HealthQuest

CHANGE YOUR

Doc Talks

Especially for Girls: What’s Happening to Me Skagit Regional Health is offering this popular mother-daughter class on puberty that will help them address the sensitive topics of physical and emotional development taught in a relaxed environment by Jean Chakraborty, MD, OB/GYN with Skagit Regional ClinicsMount Vernon.

Designed for girls ages 8-11, the class includes information about girls’ changing bodies, menstruation, an overview of hygiene products, emotional changes and issues regarding self-esteem, healthy eating, development and body image.

It is not a sex education class.

April 27 (Wed) 6 – 8 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital No charge but pre-registration required

Managing Serious Illness with Palliative Care: A Panel Discussion Are you or someone you know facing a serious illness, or struggling with managing symptoms of a disease? Palliative Care is a form of comprehensive medicalbased support for people who are experiencing a complex medical situation to help them manage their symptoms and the stress of a serious illness. Skagit Regional Health is expanding Palliative Care services, and we invite you to come and learn more about this important type of medical support.

CLASSES

Please join us to learn more about Palliative Care from a panel of experts in the field, including members of our Palliative Care team, physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, and patients/family members who have received Palliative Care services including special guest panelist Graham Kerr. See page 16 for more information about Palliative Care.

June 8 (Wed) 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital No charge but pre-registration required

Continuing Health Education Meditation for Calming and Focusing Your Mind

Let an experienced meditator guide you in simple techniques to become comfortable with this valuable skill in this three-session class. Meditation is now scientifically recognized to help reduce stress and anxiety, blood pressure and help with restful sleep.

Jan Hodgman, MA, has been meditating for more than 40 years and spent eight years in a Japanese Zen monastery.

May 5, 12 and 19 (Thur) Skagit Valley Hospital 6 – 8 p.m. $39

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

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

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

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.

approved for six contact hours of continuing nursing education.

May 25 and 26 (Wed/Thur) 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital $125 includes course materials Pre-registration required

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 $15 for AARP members; $20 for non-members.

Pre-registration is required.

June 27 and 28 (Mon/Tue) 1 – 5 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Pay at the class

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

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is also available through the program. A small sensor, worn in the abdominal area, measures and stores data for four to five days.

A physician referral is required so talk to your health care provider.

The program and CGM 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 Education Program Scheduler at 360-814-2184 or visit www.skagitregionalhealth. org, search Diabetes Education.

Spring/Summer 2016

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Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

Heart Healthy Fitness Program

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 multi-disciplinary team. Participants learn selfmanagement 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.

Come join us for exercise in a safe and stress-free environment at Skagit Valley Hospital. 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, cost and class times, call 360-814-8368.

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, during, and after joint replacement surgery.

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

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

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Diabetes Prevention Program The National Diabetes Prevention Program can help you lower your risk for type 2 diabetes with gradual, modest lifestyle changes.

The program includes year-long support and motivation with 16 weekly class meetings followed by eight monthly meetings. The next class is scheduled to begin Tuesday, May 10 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Contact WSU Skagit County Extension for more information: 360-428-4270 ext. 224, Laura DeFreese, Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach or laura. defreese@wsu.edu or visit http:// ext100.wsu.edu/skagit/fam/diabetes/.

Health & Wellness Screenings

Heart and Vascular Screening: Detect Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), Elevated Cholesterol and More!

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

Attend this screening to find out your risk factors for developing peripheral artery disease (PAD), cardiovascular disease and stroke and learn how to reduce them. 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. This is a fingerstick test with immediate results.

• Body composition testing to detect elevated body fat.

• Review results with a health care provider.

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 $39 and screenings are held on Monday mornings in Mount Vernon. Also see Stroke and Aneurysm Screenings on page 37 for a screening of the aorta and carotid arteries.

FREE Vein Screening Steven Lee, MD, surgeon with Skagit Regional Clinics, will be administering screenings to evaluate visible varicose veins that may be causing heavy, achy, tired legs and help raise awareness of venous disease and the available treatment options. Treatment options are covered by most insurances.

Screenings take less than 10 minutes and are open to men and women. Participants are examined individually in a private environment and should wear loose-fitting clothes (no pantyhose).

Shorts or skirts are best.

May 4; June 29; August 17 (Wed) 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Pre-registration required

FREE Skin Cancer Screening Corinne Sayler, PA-C with Skagit Regional Clinics – Dermatology will conduct visual inspections of skin abnormalities you are concerned about. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-6296481 to schedule an appointment.

April 20; June 22 (Wed) 1 - 4 p.m.

Skagit Regional Clinics-Riverbend Dermatology Department 2320 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon

Cholesterol/Diabetes, Vitamin D and Bone Density Screenings Full Lipid Profile plus Glucose: 10-12 hour fast required, water and prescribed medications only, no coffee or tea. No alcohol 24 hours prior. Fee: $15 Vitamin D: Fasting is not required. Fee: $39 Bone Density: This is a noninvasive, painless scan of one hand. Results are available immediately. Fee $10.

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

Debit or credit card or personal check only – no cash accepted.

Stroke and Aneurysm Screening

Is it Time for Your Mammogram?

This ultrasound screening test provided by Skagit Digital Imaging is non-invasive, quick and painless, and will help you identify whether you are at increased risk for stroke and vascular disease.

The cost is only $59 for the combined carotid and aorta screening. To register for an appointment, call 360-428-8208 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Screenings are held at Skagit Radiology located at 1320 E. Division, Mount Vernon.

The Breast Care Center

1320 East Division Street Mount Vernon 360-428-7270 A service provided cooperatively

by Skagit Valley Hospital and Skagit Radiology.

Childbirth & Infant Care

Pregnancy and Childbirth

Pre-registration required by calling 1-800-398-7888.

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 pediatric care provider 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 is required. Call 360814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to register.

FREE Blood Pressure Screenings

Childbirth Preparation: Weekend Course

Automated blood pressure machines are available at the following locations: • Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon • Skagit Valley Hospital – Kincaid Street entrance and main lobby • Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood

Skagit Valley Hospital offers a twoday childbirth preparation class on weekends. Plan to begin the course in your seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. The class includes the same topics as the six-week course. A tour of the Family Birth Center is included. The fee is $95.

Medical coupons are accepted. Preregistration is required. Call 360-8142424 or 360-629-6481 to register.

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

Photo by Gary Brown, MD Spring/Summer 2016

June 16 (Thur) 7:30 – 9 a.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital San Juan Room - Kincaid Street entrance

FREE Vision Screening A certified ophthalmic technician with Cascadia Eye will conduct vision and glaucoma screenings.

This is not an evaluation of cataracts or macular degeneration. It is an acuity (vision) and eye pressure test only. Bring a contact lens case for storage during the screening. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to schedule an appointment.

June 10 (Fri) 1 - 3 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital

Blood Drives May 9 (Mon) 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Mobile van at Skagit Regional Clinics Riverbend 2320 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon July 6 and 7 (Wed/Thur) 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Cascade Room

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Family Birth Center Tours Free tours of the Skagit Valley Hospital Family Birth Center are offered twice a month.

Call 360-814-2424 or 360-6296481 to schedule a tour.

New Mom’s Group This group is led by a nurse/ lactation consultant and a WIC peer counselor. Bring your baby, join us for beverages and talk about your experiences as a new mom.

Meet other moms, weigh your baby, and get answers to your questions about breastfeeding, development, and much more. Pregnant women, moms with babies, and any woman with breastfeeding questions are welcome to attend. Held on Thursdays from 11 a.m. – Noon in the Skagit Valley Hospital Family Birth Center Waiting Room. Call 360-428-2229 with questions.

Breastfeeding and Newborn Care 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 pediatric care provider will be available to provide information on newborn care – time for questions will be allowed.

Pre-registration required. The fee is $25 for this two and one-half hour program. The cost is only $20 when registering for the weekend childbirth preparation class at the same time.

Call 360-814-2424 or 360-6296481 for class dates and times.

Prenatal Fitness Prenatal Fitness is an eight-week program designed to strengthen the body for all the changes it will experience during pregnancy. The class includes cardio, strength, flexibility and balance training.

Prenatal Fitness is designed to accommodate all stages of pregnancy and various fitness levels. This class is taught by a certified pre- and post-natal fitness instructor.

April 26 – June 14 (Tue) 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Family Birth Center Waiting Room $79

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Lactation Services at Skagit Valley Hospital There are four 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.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and would like to know more about Lactation Services at Skagit Valley Hospital, please call 360-814-BABY and one of our consultants would be happy to talk with you.

Gestational Diabetes Program Skagit Valley Hospital offers a referral-based education program to improve gestational diabetes self-management skills. Our highly trained and dedicated diabetes education team provides participants with the skills to manage their blood sugar through healthy eating, stress management, increased activity, and blood glucose monitoring.

The program offers individual nutrition therapy appointments.

For more information please contact our Diabetes Education Program at 360-814-2184.

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 parentsto-be, prior to the birth of your new baby, to learn how to safely install and use your car seat. Cosponsored by Safe Kids Northwest.

Pre-registration is not required.

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

Skagit Valley Hospital at main entrance covered area

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 (such as dialysis and transplant), diet, health maintenance, financial, and social concerns. For more information and registration, call 360-416-5717.

Cancer Support Services All programs are provided for cancer patients and survivors and are free of charge. For additional information on any of these services or events please call 360-814-8255.

Cancer Support Group The Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center offers a monthly support group for individuals and their caregivers dealing with the emotional life changing challenges of a cancer diagnosis. The group is open and available on a drop-in basis (pre-registration welcomed.)

The group meets at 4 p.m. the second Thursday of each month. To register, or for further information, please contact Peter Wold, MSW, Oncology Social Worker at 360-814-8255 or via email at pwold@skagitvalleyhospital. org. The meetings are held in the Safeway Conference Room at Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center, third floor.

Look Good, Feel Better The Look Good, Feel Better sessions are led by trained, volunteer cosmetologists who teach women either in active cancer treatment or about to start treatment 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; register by calling American Cancer Society Everett office at 425-404-2193.

April 25, June 27 and August 22 5 – 7 p.m.

May 23 and July 25 1 – 3 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center Safeway Conference Room (third Floor) 307 South 13th Street Mount Vernon

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.

Instructor Margaret Carpenter Arnett, BSN, ATR, 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. Please note that artistic “skills” are not required! Come and join this fun and welcoming group. For more information call 360-814-8255.

Diabetes Support This group meets the third Tuesday of each month from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Skagit Valley Hospital. Call 360-814-8274 for more information.

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. We provide the Grief Recovery Method Support Group throughout the year. The Grief Recovery Method Program provides action choices

that help people move beyond the pain caused by loss. It is an eightweek program that creates a safe environment in which to look at old beliefs about dealing with loss; to look at what losses have affected your life; and to take new actions which lead to completion of the pain attached to one of those losses. For more information, referrals and to receive a current Grief Group schedule, please call 360-814-5570 or 360-814-5550.

Hospice of the Northwest Resource Center: A free lending library open to the community 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 spirituality. You can also visit our website at: www. hospicenw.org, selecting Helpful Resources, then click on Hospice Resource Library Catalog.

The Resource Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the lobby of the Hospice office at 227 Freeway Drive, Suite A in Mount Vernon and after hours by appointment. For information call Hospice of the Northwest at 360-814-5550.

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

In-Service Education For grief and loss presentations for your organization or employees, contact the Hospice of the Northwest Bereavement Department at 360-814-5570. For clinical education or presentations for your organization or employees, contact Hospice of the Northwest at 360-814-5550.

Hospice Program Seeks Volunteers A unique and meaningful volunteer opportunity is available through Hospice of the Northwest, serving Skagit, Island, San Juan and Snohomish counties.

Volunteers offer support and companionship to individuals with life expectancies of six months or less. Volunteer trainings are held in the fall and spring of each year. To learn more, please contact Julie Pryor Barr, Volunteer Supervisor at 360-8145588 or jbarr@hospicenw.org.

Community Education Want to learn more about hospice services and what they might mean for you and your family?

Hospice of the Northwest staff is available to give educational presentations to community groups. For more information, please call 360-814-5550.

Photo by Gary Brown, MD Spring/Summer 2016

39

Mental Health

Journey of Dementia Educational Seminars These workshop classes educate, encourage and empower the family and friends of people living with memory loss due to dementia. The instructor, Leta Benfield, RN, has been a registered nurse for 35 years and worked in memory care for over 15 years.

There is no cost but preregistration is required. All classes are held from 6 – 8 p.m. with plenty of time allowed for questions.

To register call 360-8142424 or 360-629-6481.

Peer-to-Peer Education Program

The Recovery and Wellness Program

Free ten-session (five week) course 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 at no charge. The next course will begin April 2016.

Call Polly Lowman at 360-6309881 for more information and to register. Space is limited.

This program is available to any Skagit County resident between the ages of 16 and 24 who needs assistance with linking to community services while in substance abuse treatment, or just recently discharged from treatment. The program is housed with Catholic Community Services Recovery Center in Burlington through a grant from Skagit County.

Interested candidates can contact 360-757-0131 for more information or to make an appointment with one of the Recovery and Wellness Coordinators.

Skagit Valley REACH Center

NAMI Skagit Open Support 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 Marti at 360770-5666 or Al at 360-424-5802.

People come to Skagit Valley REACH Center to build confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth, being proactive in their mental health recovery and personal wellness.

We are a peer-run center that provides volunteer opportunities, community resources, housing education, employment education, public computer access, computer classes, community voicemail, and self-supporting recovery classes.

We work with individuals age 16 and older. SVRC is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at 1413 E. College Way in Mount Vernon WA. For information call 360-8738635, or email Center Director Jeff Reynolds reynoldsj@svreach. org or visit www.cvabonline.com.

Family-to-Family Evidence-Based Education Program

Youth and Adult WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan)

APRIL 26 Dementia – what is it?

MAY 17 Communicating with People with Dementia JUNE 28 Understanding and Managing Difficult Behaviors JULY 19 Self Care for Families

Mental Health Support Group

Free 12-session (six-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. The next class will begin Fall 2016. Call Marti at 360-7705666 or Judy at 360-424-5802 for more information. Space is limited so reservations are required.

The Wellness Recovery Action Plan, or WRAP, is an evidence-based system that is used world-wide by people who are dealing with mental health and other kinds of health challenges, and by people who want to attain the highest possible level of wellness. This program is provided

by Skagit Valley REACH Center.

For more information call 360873-8635, or email Center Director Jeff Reynolds reynoldsj@svreach.org.

Support Groups Ostomy Support Group

A friendly support group for people with ostomies, their friends and families. Meets the second Tuesday of each month in the Shuksan Conference room at Skagit Valley Hospital (use Kincaid Street entrance) from 6 to 7 p.m.

For more information contact Cathy Schaeffer at 360-202-3410.

Community News & Resources Speakers Bureau

Skagit Regional Health’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.

Volunteer Services at Skagit Regional Health Volunteer opportunities at Skagit Regional Health include information desks, pianists, clerical and many others. Call Steve Schultz at 360814-2142 for more information.

Junior Medical Volunteers

The Junior Medical Volunteer program is for students age 16-18.

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For Students and Job Seekers

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.

Guilds and Auxiliaries

Many volunteers choose to serve through membership in one of our volunteer service and fundraising groups including the Grace Cochrum Guild, J.E.M. Guild, SVH Auxiliary and SVH Guild.

Other Volunteer Department Services: Hospital and Clinic Tours

Tours of our facility for groups and individuals are available.

Reservations are required. Call 360-814-2142 to schedule a tour.

Gift Shop

The gift shop is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the main lobby.

All proceeds from the Gift Shop are returned back to help Skagit Regional Health in areas of need.

Trail Guides, Bike Maps and More at BeActiveSkagit.org Visit BeActiveSkagit.org Web site to learn more about opportunities to be physically active in Skagit County including trail guides, an activity tracker and much more.

Watch HealthQuest TV on Cable-Access Television Station 10 and on YouTube.com.

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.

This half-hour show features a new guest each week showcasing our local providers and health care professionals on a variety of topics ranging from latest treatment options for heart disease and cancer care to prevention topics highlighting local walking trails and cooking shows. You can also view our HealthQuest shows online at www.youtube. com/skagitvalleyhospital.

Need a Doctor?

Call our free Find a Doctor Phone Line at 360-848-5555 or 360-629-5850 from Stanwood or Camano Island. The referral line is open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and from Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Turning 65? Medicare selection help is here Are you turning 65 and do you need help comparing or choosing a Medicare plan? Call the Skagit Regional Health Medicare Insurance Helpline serviced by MedicareCompareUSA. Highly trained agents will provide unbiased plan comparisons of accepted Medicare plans, including Traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements and Medicare Prescription plans. Call tollfree 866-389-0445 or go online to www. MedicareCompareUSA. com/Skagit for more information or to schedule a no-obligation Medicare insurance consultation.

Farmers’ Market Held each Wednesday in June through September from 11 a.m.

– 4 p.m. on the lawn near the Kincaid Street entrance to Skagit Valley Hospital featuring local produce, flowers and crafts.

Thursday, July 28

Noon – 3 p.m.

Washington Park in Anacortes Free Fun activities include bouncy house, safety and health education, and prizes. Sponsored

by Safe Kids Northwest.

Spring/Summer 2016

41

Browning, Dennis

join Board of Commissioners Peter Browning and Alan Dennis, RN joined the Skagit Regional Health Board of Commissioners in January.

Seven publicly elected commissioners serve on the board of Public Hospital District No. 1, Skagit Valley Hospital. It’s a big responsibility and one they have each taken on willingly and respectfully, as they make decisions and plans to make sure that Skagit Regional Health is meeting the health care needs of the community.

PETER BROWNING has been involved in health care and public health for much of his career, serving as the Skagit County Director of Public Health for 18 years. He operates a consulting firm, Browning Solutions, working with hospitals and the health care industry. Browning holds a Masters in Cultural Anthropology and works for Snelson Co. Inc. in aboriginal and community relations.

“Initially, my reason for getting involved was around all of the change going on in healthcare and

the movement in the direction of population health,” Browning said.

Browning has served as past chair of the Washington State Association of Public Health Officials, has been on the YMCA, United Way and Arthritis Foundation boards and is a member of the Skagit Mount Vernon Rotary Club. Browning serves on the Skagit Regional Health Community Outreach and Strategic Planning committees.

“Beyond the hospital and clinics, the hospital district is our responsibility and I want to make sure we work with all of the entities to create a healthier environment and healthy communities,” Browning said.

AL DENNIS has 24 years’ experience as a Registered Nurse working in critical care, dialysis, and as STAT nurse at Skagit Valley Hospital. He also owned a construction business for 16 years. Dennis is a U.S. Army veteran

and earned a Bronze Star. He served as chairman of the Remodeler’s Council of the Skagit-Island Builders’ Association and is past co-chair of the local WSNA unit. He serves on the Skagit Regional Health Finance Committee.

“For the past 24 years I’ve worked as an RN in critical care, dialysis, education, and as a rapid response nurse. I’ve helped patients overcome breathing emergencies, calmed extreme anxiety, provided education about a new diagnosis, consoled loved ones, staunched bleeding, managed pain, done CPR, shocked hearts out of lethal dysrhythmia, written protocols, mentored nurses, told jokes, cheered spirits, and a lot more,” Dennis said. “I cannot get this close to patients and staff without feeling the importance of it viscerally. It’s inside my soul. Caring deeply about the imperative of delivering high quality, care, I look forward to working with the Board to further our institutional culture of clinical excellence.”

Board of Commissioners Public Hospital District No. 1 ABOVE: (left to right) Stan Olson, Clark D. Todd, Peter Browning, Alan Dennis, RN, Jeffrey Miller, PhD, JD, Bruce Lisser, James L. Hobbs

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Skagit Regional Health goes cashless EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2016 Skagit Regional Health no longer accepts cash as a method of payment*.

Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard and Discover), debit cards, including prepaid debit cards, and personal checks will continue to be accepted.

Patients with questions about this policy may contact the appropriate Skagit Regional Health Financial Services office:

Many of Skagit Regional Clinics’ satellite offices have operated under a “cashless” policy for more than a year. These successful pilot programs have reduced security risks and helped with loss prevention. The change has also improved efficiency during appointment check-in.

Skagit Regional Clinics Financial Services

*Skagit Regional Clinics’ pharmacies will continue to accept cash.

A – C 360-814-2627 D – H 360-428-2287 I – Q 360-445-8576 R – Z 360-445-8575

HealthQuest

360-428-2521

Skagit Valley Hospital Financial Services (by last name)

Class Registration

Please fill out this form and include your check or charge card number along with the requested information (use one copy for each participant - feel free to duplicate this form or register on our Web site.

Class or Screening

Date

Fee

Total amount enclosed: Name:________________________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip Code:____________________________________________________________ Day Phone:___________________________ Home Phone:_______________________________ E-mail address:________________________________________________________________

Type of Payment (Please do not send cash) Check (make checks payable to SRH-HealthQuest) Mastercard

VISA

Credit Card Number: ____________________________________

Expiration Date:________________________ Signature: ____________________________________

Mail

HealthQuest

Skagit Regional Health P.O. Box 1376 Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Phone

360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481

Internet

www.skagitregionalhealth.org, click on Events

Fax

360-814-8222 Complete this form and fax it to the number above.

Questions?

Call Skagit Regional Health at 360-814-2424, from Stanwood and Camano Island call 360-629-6481 or for hearing impaired, please call TTY 360-814-2219 Spring/Summer 2016

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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LITHTEX NW

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

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Surgical Precision To ensure you receive expert, personalized treatment, the Skagit Regional Clinics general surgery team works directly with your primary care provider. Count on us for Surgical Precision!

1400 E Kincaid Street, Mount Vernon • Learn more about our services at 360-428-2586

skagitregionalhealth.org