HealthQuest - Fall/Winter 2019

HealthQuest FALL 2019

A publication of

Skagit Regional Health

Skagit Imaging Pavilion Modern, new imaging center to feature 3D mammography

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Ross Mathews

Television personality to perform in Mount Vernon as way to ‘give back’ 8

Back in action

Anacortes resident Cole Comings chooses robotic surgery 4 Welcoming four new Trustees

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SAVE THE DATE The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation

Festival of Trees

GALA&AUCTION Saturday, November 30 5:30 p.m.

BREAKFAST NORTH POLE

AT THE

Friday, November 29 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

FAMILY FESTIVAL DAYS Friday, November 29 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 1 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Skagit Center - Christ the King Church 1000 Fountain Street I-5 Exit 231 | Burlington

FOR INFORMATION & TICKETS:

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Patient Experience: We are here for you What does patient experience mean? At Skagit Regional Health, it means we are continuously working to make sure each patient receives quality, safe, compassionate care from every person they encounter, every time they have a clinic appointment, hospital stay, meal, phone call or visit to our emergency departments.

We know that’s a tall order. We also know it’s what the people of our communities deserve from their healthcare system. I believe we have the right team of staff, providers, leaders and volunteers to make sure it happens, every patient, every time.

To meet the expectations of our patients, plus their family members and friends, we do a great deal of listening. We use some traditional methods, including the patient surveys you receive in the mail, and we’ve added some new efforts, including the creation of our first Patient and Family Advisory Council.

This group of volunteers, who have experienced care at Skagit Regional Health as a patient or family member, will offer insights and input to help us improve the patient experience. (Please see page 14 to learn how to get involved.)

For the past year, we have had a purposeful rounding program involving all leaders – from administration to the Executive Director of the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation – spending time visiting with patients. These are one-on-one opportunities for our team members to hear from our patients, to have a conversation and share a part of their day, to show we care about each individual as a person, a member of a family and a valuable part of our community.

The good news is that the patients are responding with very open, honest comments about their experiences. Some expose our opportunities for improvement around communication, followup, long waits or noise. We take each one seriously and follow up to continuously improve.

We are also pleased to receive positive comments, which frequently mention the work of an outstanding nurse, aide, doctor or case manager.

These mean a great deal to us and we make sure the individual staff members are told about a compliment, which always makes their day.

It warms my heart when I hear about a conversation that focused on a person’s life, activities and hopes, rather than their illness.

And, while the conversation took place in a hospital room, it could have just as easily happened around a dining room table in an Arlington home as two people simply share their time, laughter and tears with one another.

Rounding is just one piece of a very large and complex effort around our patients’ experience and we are gratified to see our patient satisfaction scores improving as we listen and make positive changes.

We value your feedback every step of the way – positive or opportunities for improvement – as it’s the way we will keep enhancing our efforts to provide each individual with an exceptional patient experience. We are here for you.

Brian Ivie President and CEO

HealthQuest

FALL 2019 | VOLUME 16 | ISSUE 2

HealthQuest is published by Skagit Regional Health and the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation.

For additional copies of HealthQuest or more information, contact Regional Director of Marketing and Communications Kari Ranten at 360-814-2370 or go to our website at www.skagitregionalhealth.org.

Back in action

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Anacortes resident Cole Comings chooses robotic surgery

Skagit Imaging Pavilion

24 Welcoming four new Trustees

6

Modern, new imaging center to feature 3D mammography

Ross Mathews

8

International mission

13

Marysville clinic

16

Arlington events

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Television personality to perform in Mount Vernon as way to ‘give back’

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HealthQuest Classes

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Board of Commissioners COVER PHOTO Anacortes resident Cole Comings decided to have a robotic surgical procedure at Skagit Valley Hospital with Surgeon Josh Hawkins, MD and reports he ‘enjoyed it’ and benefited from little pain and a short recovery.

Nurse spends time helping refugees in Colombia Todd Skiles, DPM joins Skagit Regional Health

Medical staff and employees join in scholarships, parade

Fall 2019

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“I didn’t even need an aspirin for pain” Anacortes resident benefits from advancement in robotic surgery

Elmer (Cole) Comings, Jr. was raised in Mount Vernon and spent his youth on the water. His father, Cole Comings, was superintendent of the shipyard in Anacortes and they got their first boat in 1943. Serving for 27 years and eight days, Cole Jr. spent most of his life in the Navy until his retirement in 1981. At age 82, Cole is still performing boat inspections in Anacortes.

When it came to his medical care, Cole said he always felt in the dark about treatment and it bothered him.

He wanted to know what to expect and not be lost in the process. He recalled his toughest experience was a hernia operation in the late 1970s.

“I had more pain than I could imagine, and spent three days in the

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hospital,” he said. “They had me on morphine. My wife was there trying to help me. She was slapping me to keep me awake so I’d eat. It was terrible.”

In 2017, Cole recognized similar symptoms, he had pain crawling around in tight spaces at work but was extra careful and pushed through.

“I knew I was going to have to need another hernia operation, but based on my past experience, I put it off as long as possible,” he said.

It didn’t seem like an immediate concern because Cole could still get his work done. “It wasn’t really preventing me from doing anything, but it limited me in certain positions,” Cole said. “I’d have to hold it when I’d bend over and strain a little bit.”

Cole’s hernia got to the point where he had to do something about it. “Because I’d waited so long and put it off, it caused a little extra work,” Cole admitted.

His Family Medicine provider Dr. Jennifer Benson encouraged him to take the next step and set up an appointment with a surgeon in the Skagit Regional Health network.

One week later, Cole met with general surgeon Dr. Joshua Hawkins, who is specially trained in robotic-assisted, minimally invasive procedures.

Cole Comings, Jr. of Anacortes chose robotic surgery with Dr. Joshua Hawkins at Skagit Regional Health for his most recent hernia surgery.

Dr. Hawkins offered two options: Laparoscopic, which could be done right away, or robotic-assisted surgery with the new da Vinci Xi Surgical System which would be available in a matter of weeks in 2018. Dr. Hawkins explained that robotic-assisted surgery would be less invasive and could offer a shorter recovery time with less pain.

Cole attended a da Vinci “demo day” event hosted at Skagit Valley Hospital to see the da Vinci XI in person and learn how the system worked. “He [Dr. Hawkins] would be controlling it [the da Vinci Xi] by maneuvering the arms,” said Cole. “It was a mammoth machine considering the daily amount of work that they end up doing with it.” During the event, Cole was able to talk with Dr. Joel Dean, another da Vinci Xi trained provider about his upcoming procedure.

Before the surgery, Dr. Hawkins alleviated Cole’s hesitations. “The nice thing about the whole thing was Dr. Hawkins explained everything to me step by step ahead of time,” said Cole.

“So, I knew exactly what to expect.”

After his surgery, Cole couldn’t believe how much better it was than his past operation. “I went into the hospital. I had my surgery in the morning. I got out in the afternoon,” he said. “I had three little bandages on my stomach. I didn’t even need an aspirin for pain. It was that good of a surgery. I really enjoyed it.”

Cole received personalized care from Dr. Hawkins and the staff at Skagit Regional Health. “They’ve got an interest in what’s going on in you as a person…which is more than other places I’ve been,” he said.

Cole is back at work on a boat with no discomfort. “I’ve got one little mark on my stomach that’s maybe an inch long at most, and that’s the only sign of it [surgery],” he said.

“The recovery time was the best part. It was wonderful. I loved it.”

New visualization system improves precision in the OR Surgeons at Skagit Valley Hospital now have the latest in ultra highdefinition images courtesy of the Arthrex Synergy System installed in the operating rooms this summer.

For the average person, it’s like watching a big screen, ultra-HD television. For the surgeon, it’s viewing the big screen while using the latest in probe-mounted cameras and surgical tools to visualize the field and perform procedures with even greater precision.

“I am looking forward to having the latest and greatest technologies in arthroscopic instrumentation and equipment to improve the precision of surgery and the patient experience,” said Orthopedic Surgeon Christopher Sheu, MD when the new system was announced.

ABOVE: This photo shows an example of the Arthrex Synergy video and integration system in an operating room. Similar high-definition equipment was installed in the Skagit Valley Hospital operating rooms this summer.

More Skagit Regional Health Surgeons join ranks using surgical robotics Several more surgeons at Skagit Regional Health are performing minimally-invasive procedures using the da Vinci Xi Surgical System at Skagit Valley Hospital, where more than 200 procedures were completed in the first 10 months of the program.

General Surgeon Chinnaya Parimi, MD, started robotic-assisted cases in March and performs laparoscopic ventral hernia repair, laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, laparoscopic cholecystectomy and colectomy.

General Surgeon Janice Kang, MD, also offers robotic-assisted procedures including laparoscopic ventral hernia repair, laparoscopic inguinal

Chinnaya Parimi, MD

Janice Kang, MD

hernia repair and laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

This month, Thoracic Surgeon Richard Leone, Jr., MD, PhD, starts offering robotic-assisted procedures for some lung cancer surgeries.

These three join the existing team of surgeons, Joel Dean, MD, a fellowship trained colorectal surgeon, Josh Hawkins, MD and Allison Porter, MD, whose special interest and training is in the foregut, which is the esophagus and stomach, in using this state-of-the-art tool. Future plans are to add gynecologists and urologists to the specialists using the da Vinci.

Richard Leone, MD

Fall 2019

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Schedule your mammogram today!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a perfect time to schedule a mammogram for early detection.

• In Mount Vernon, call the Women’s Imaging Center where new 3D breast tomosynthesis will soon be available by calling 360-4287275 or 1-888-371-2812.

• In Arlington, call Cascade Valley Hospital at 360-435-0515.

Special events mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

Join in “Me, Myself and Mammo” to add some pampering to your mammogram from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 26 at the new Women’s Imaging Center at 1320 East Division in Mount Vernon. Along with Genius 3D mammography, women will be treated to “personal pampering.”

Space is limited and will fill fast.

Appointments are scheduled on a firstcome, first-served basis. RSVP by calling 360-428-7275 or 1-888-371-2812.

At Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington, evening mammograms will be offered every Wednesday in October, starting on October 2 with the last appointment at 6:30 p.m. To schedule a visit, call 360-435-0515.

Providers to discuss benefits of 3D

Join Radiologists and Technologists from Skagit Radiology for an informative question and answer presentation about the benefits of the new Genius 3D Mammography.

Genius 3D Mammography, also known as breast tomosynthesis, will soon be available at the new Women’s Imaging Center, formerly Breast Care Center, located in the Skagit Imaging Pavilion, 1320 East Division in Mount Vernon. Genius 3D mammography combines multiple images to provide a three-dimensional image of the breast advancing detection of potential cancer. No charge, but pre-registration is required by calling 360-814-2424. See page 31.

OCT 22 (TUE) 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Sahale Conference Room

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Women’s Imaging Center to feature latest in mammography The latest in breast cancer screening technology will be available for patients in October with the arrival of 3D Genius Mammography System at the Women’s Imaging Center in Mount Vernon.

A 3D mammogram combines several breast images to produce a three-dimensional image of the breast, offering more detail and precision that previous 2D technology.

3D generates higher resolution images of the breast, improves detection of cancer, works well for women with more dense breast tissue, reduces radiation exposure, lessens the uncomfortable compression time and lowers the number of recalls for additional tests.

“3D mammography helps doctors catch breast cancer when it is in the smaller, earlier stages and also helps doctors determine the size of the cancer better than 2D mammography does,” said Radiologist Leah Kiviat, MD of Skagit Radiology. “Having 3D mammography technology in our community means that we can better serve our patients and make sure that we catch more breast cancer in the earliest stage possible.”

Dr. Kiviat, who is the Women’s Imaging Center Medical Director, said the new Genius Mammography System by Hologics brings state-ofthe-art exams to benefit all patients, including those with dense breast tissue that can make it more difficult to see abnormalities.

“3D mammography helps image all types of breast tissue, but women with dense breast tissue, in particular, will benefit because it provides a clearer picture of the many layers of breast tissue,” Dr. Kiviat said. “However, because there is a benefit even for less dense breast tissue, we will be offering 3D mammograms to all of our breast care patients.”

Overall, the new Women’s Imaging Center and the Skagit Imaging Pavilion will be the central location for comprehensive diagnostic imaging

modalities to benefit patients. If a patient is facing a potential cancer diagnosis, additional tests including breast ultrasound and breast MRI, will be offered in the same convenient location.

“We are excited about the potential of the new Women’s Imaging Center in the new Skagit Imaging Pavilion.

The new facility will provide state-ofthe-art technology but will maintain a calm and friendly environment for patients to obtain their medical care,” said Radiologist Daniel Pham, MD. “If there are findings that will require a biopsy, our providers will be able to provide that onsite using either stereotactic, ultrasound or MRI guidance. The new facility will help us achieve our goal of providing compassionate and convenient patient-centered care to detect and diagnose breast cancer, a disease that affects one in eight women.”

Should a woman require additional imaging following a mammogram, those tests will also take place at the Women’s Imaging Center and if a diagnosis of cancer is made, the patient will be provided with a seamless hand off to The Breast Institute program at the Regional Cancer Care Center. This patient navigator based program provides wrap-around support for the newly diagnosed patient. The navigator guides patients through the cancer care system to ensure timely care, comprehensive treatment and support through every aspect of their journey.

The patient navigator serves as the patient’s go-to person for all questions and concerns, offering guidance and assistance from the beginning of cancer care throughout the entire treatment plan and into survivorship.

For more information about the Women’s Imaging Center, go to www. nwbreastcarecenter.com.

For more information about The Breast Institute, go to www. skagitregionalhealth.org.

Skagit Imaging Pavilion

New facility features latest in diagnostic imaging services The new Skagit Imaging Pavilion opening in October will feature the latest in several diagnostic imaging modalities including 3D Genius mammography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Ultrasound, Computed Tomography (CT) and Stereotactic biopsy.

The center, located just north of Skagit Valley Hospital at the corner of Division and 13th streets in Mount Vernon, is a joint project of Skagit Regional Health and Skagit Radiology.

The building, a central, convenient location with ample parking, features high ceilings, natural light and a private, yet spacious feel for the patient.

Here is a summary of the imaging services and equipment in the Skagit Imaging Pavilion:

MRI: Siemens Magnetom Sola An MRI is a safe and painless way to get a detailed three-dimensional picture of the organs and structures of the body using a strong magnetic field. Because these images include details of softer tissues, MRI is often used to look for disease or infection, to examine the organs or check for soft-tissue damage in the joints. MRI can also create a 3D image of the brain or heart.

CT: Siemens Somatom Definition Edge CT is an advanced form of X-ray imaging that uses a computer to combine many X-rays into one, detailed image to provide information on bones and soft tissues. This “64-slice” CT takes X-rays as the body passes through the ring of the scanner and reconstructs the layers of data into detailed images that may show the angle of a fractured bone or the size and shape of a mass or stone.

Ultrasound Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the organs, blood vessels and other body structures.

Ultrasound is fast, safe and does not require ionizing radiation. A Doppler Ultrasound, which measures the pitch of ultrasound waves, allows providers to check how blood is flowing in the veins and arteries and can be used to check a baby’s blood flow during pregnancy.

Mammography Hologic 3D Genius Mammography and SmartCurve System.

The new 3Dimensions Genius system is designed to provide higher quality images and a more comfortable mammography experience for patients, regardless of age or breast density.

According to

Hologic, the Genius system detects 20 to 65 percent more invasive breast cancers. The SmartCurve Breast Stabilization System, above, provides a curved compression surface to offer a more comfortable patient experience.

Breast biopsy: Hologic Affirm Breast Biopsy Guidance System A breast biopsy is a procedure to remove a small sample of breast tissue for further testing to determine whether it is breast cancer. The Breast Biopsy Guidance System works in tandem with the new 3D Genius Mammography System to pinpoint subtle lesions and faint calcifications in the breast. The technology is fast and efficient, streamlining the exam process and reducing radiation exposure.

Fall 2019

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Ross Mathews

to bring humor, thank you to native Mount Vernon To honor his mother and give back to the health care system he credits with helping her become a cancer survivor, best-selling author and television personality Ross Mathews will return to his home town of Mount Vernon for a one-man show in January to benefit the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s Women’s Imaging Center Capital Campaign.

“I’m excited,” Mathews said one recent morning while driving the highways of Los Angeles on his way to tape an episode as a judge on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” “Mount Vernon will always be my home and I’m thrilled to give back in any way I can.”

Mathews, who turns 40 in September, has many fond memories of the Skagit Valley and returns often to visit his mother, Gaye Mathews, and other family members. His first book, “Man Up! Tales of My Delusional Self-Confidence,” centers on his Mount Vernon roots.

“It was a great childhood in Mount Vernon,” he said, noting he was born at Skagit Valley Hospital, grew up in West Mount Vernon, attended Washington Elementary, where he realized he was not afraid of large audiences, and graduated from Mount Vernon High school in 1998.

The effervescent Mathews remembers waiting for the bus in the midst of blooming tulip fields; his first play – “the Hobbit” – at the Lincoln Theatre, a performance “people are still raving about” by the way; his first job at McDonalds’ on Riverside Drive and getting the “big promotion” to work at the fast-food chain’s restaurant at Cascade Mall.

Describing Northwest Washington as “polite and pasty” with all the gray and rain, Mathews said his upbringing “armed me with that positive, can-do attitude I try to bring to all my work in Hollywood.”

The always upbeat Mathews’ voice turns slightly more serious when

he talks about the breast cancer treatment his mother received at the Skagit Regional Health Cancer Care Center in Mount Vernon, after her diagnosis more than 18 months ago.

“The cancer care center is extraordinary and took care of her at the toughest time of her life,” he said, noting he stopped by during a hometown visit to meet the staff and thank them. “They made a real impact at a time we really needed it.”

Proceeds from Mathews’ January 11, 2020 show at the Lincoln Theatre will benefit the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s $2 million capital campaign to help equip the Women’s Imaging Center, a partnership between Skagit Regional Health and Skagit Radiology. The modern, new center will feature the latest in 3D mammography to help diagnose breast cancer early.

Mathews is jubilant to say his mom is a “survivor” and an amazing lifelong supporter.

Ross Mathews

One Man Show Saturday, January 11, 2020 Lincoln Theatre 712 S. 1st Street, Mount Vernon

Beginning September 23, for tickets go to: www.lincolntheatre.org or call 360-336-8955 Proceeds to benefit the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s Women’s Imaging Center Capital Campaign.

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“My mom has been instrumental in my career going back to Mount Vernon High School. She would say I was so great after a performance - and I really wasn’t that good!” he said.

“My mom instilled a ‘why not me?’ attitude and I embraced ‘why not me?’ too. Why not me?!”

Mathews was launched in front of a national audience while in college when he was selected as an intern and a correspondent for “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” He was highly funny, became a regular on the late-night show and became known as “Ross the Intern.” He calls the experience “mind blowing” as it set off a chain of opportunities that brought him to red carpets across Hollywood and appearances on shows including “Celebrity Fit Club,” “The Insider,” “Celebrity Big Brother” and “Chelsea Lately.” From 2013 to 2014, he hosted his own show, “Hello Ross,” and currently serves as a judge on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

“RuPaul’s Drag Race,” a VH1 reality competition in the show’s 11th season, received 14 overall Emmy nominations this year for the awards that

will be announced on September 22, and won the Emmy for Best Reality Show Host and Outstanding Reality Competition Show in 2018.

“This show is just amazing. It’s so entertaining, so positive,” he said. “It’s shifting the culture and the culture is catching up with the show.”

Mathews’ jam-packed schedule includes podcasts, photo shoots, work in the TV studio and preparing for the

February 2020 release of his second book titled “Name Drop,” which will be the foundation for the show he will premiere in Mount Vernon.

“As a super fan of pop culture from Mount Vernon who won the golden ticket, I have had the chance to meet so many people,” he said. “The book is full of so many hilarious stories, it’s going to be so much fun.”

A part of the evening will also offer the audience a chance to ask him “anything,” he said, a time when he hopes “we can shut the door on the outside world and have a fun night.”

Having the event at the historic Lincoln is important to Mathews, as the place where he watched movies as a teen and was onstage looking out at a theater full of people, which will be the case again in January.

“This is a full circle moment as I turn 40,” he said. “My life is good.”

Skagit Valley Hospital receives Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award Skagit Valley Hospital has received the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, researchbased guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.

Skagit Valley Hospital earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a

designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidencebased guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients.

Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their health, get a followup visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.

“We are pleased to recognize Skagit Valley Hospital for their commitment to stroke care,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., national chairperson of the

Quality Oversight Committee and Executive Vice Chair of Neurology, Director of Acute Stroke Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. “Research has shown that hospitals adhering to clinical measures through the Get With The Guidelines quality improvement initiative can often see fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates.”

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

Fall 2019

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BABY

program returns to Skagit Valley Hospital

An updated Welcome Baby program is back at Skagit Valley Hospital after a several-year absence offering parents and baby practical and emotional support from the earliest age.

A partnership between United Way of Skagit County and Skagit Regional Health, the program connects new parents with services and resources to support their efforts to educate their children and empower families.

After operating in Skagit County for a decade, the program lost county funding in 2008. United Way decided to support and restart the program this year and Chief Medical Officer Connie Davis, MD noted Skagit Regional Health is pleased to again host Welcome Baby.

“We are thrilled about partnering with United Way to bring Welcome Baby to Skagit County. Skagit Regional Health wants to actively help new parents and their children develop a nurturing and safe home environment,” Dr. Davis said.

“This program provides the opportunity for every parent with a new baby to learn about ways to optimize their child’s early development, to obtain assistance on issues such as nutrition, breastfeeding and improving home safety. United Way and Skagit Regional Health are proud to work together to support the success of families.”

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Debra Lancaster, Executive Director of United Way of Skagit County, said the Welcome Baby program fits in perfectly with the organization’s focus on early childhood education.

“We are so excited to partner with Skagit Valley Hospital to bring Welcome Baby to new parents! United Way’s mission is to build a positive and sustainable quality of life for all. The best way to accomplish that is to start at the beginning . . . helping babies and their families gain access to the myriad resources available in Skagit County that will help them thrive,” Lancaster said. “A warm welcome on the first day and fun, informative newsletters every month offers the emotional support that parents have told us are so meaningful.

We are looking forward to a future of children ready to learn.”

Jen Lindbeck, the Welcome Baby coordinator, started visiting families with new babies in late July. She provides each child with a resource bag of items, including diapers, a blanket, board book and information on resources.

Most importantly, she said, she spends time talking with the new mom or family to make sure they have the resources they need when they leave the hospital to make sure the parent and child are on a course for success.

“We can be a connection to resources, from basic needs to child care. Parents often don’t know what resources are available or how to find them,” Lindbeck said. “We have a resource-rich community and many are underutilized. I can be the bridge that connects them to resources.”

Parents who get signed up with Welcome Baby while in the hospital are then part of the “Welcome Baby community” that offers access to e-newsletters, parenting groups, play groups, peer-to-peer support groups and more.

Early learning is a key to a child’s success in school and beyond. As noted in a 2018 report titled “First 1,000 Days: A Call to Action,” published by Skagit County, the Population Health Trust and the Children’s Council of Skagit County, “a child’s brain grows very quickly during the first 1,000 days . . . healthy brain growth results in a strong foundation for future learning, behavior and lifelong health.”

Need an appointment?

Try Direct Scheduling in MyChart Making an appointment for primary care is now easier than ever with the introduction of direct scheduling in MyChart.

Patients who need to visit their primary care physician, including internal medicine, family medicine and pediatrics, can now use the MyChart app to schedule an appointment directly onto their provider’s calendar.

To schedule an appointment, simply log into the MyChart app or visit www.

SkagitRegionalHealth. org/MyChart. Click on the Appointments button, then Schedule an Appointment and follow the prompts to select the exact time you prefer, directly onto your provider’s calendar. No phone call needed.

The MyChart Patient Portal also allows patients to view their lab results, refill medications, message their provider, and more – on their computer, smart phone or tablet.

Patients can sign up online at www.

SkagitRegionalHealth.org/MyChart or request an activation code at their next clinic visit.

Do you have a patient portal account?

Visit

SkagitRegionalHealth.org The new Skagit Regional Health website successfully launched in May, with several new features built specifically for patients, families and the community.

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locations

481

providers

1 system website

Interactive maps • Find a Doctor Access Mychart • Videos • Mobile Version News & Stories • Classes & Events Urgent Care Wait Times

Enter the drawing at your next clinic visit to WIN an Apple iPad! Ask us how to activate your MyChart account!

Fall 2019

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Time to get healthy Katie Johnston makes changes with help of health coach

Katie Johnston was about to turn 30 and decided it was time to get healthy.

In early 2018, without visiting a primary care provider since moving to Mount Vernon five years before, she made a resolution to “get on track with my health.”

She started by making an appointment with Janice Gatzke, DO, a Skagit Regional Health Family Medicine provider in Mount Vernon. After an extended conversation about Katie’s goals, Dr. Gatzke referred her to the Nutrition Counseling program at Skagit Regional Health.

“I was super nervous,” Katie said, noting she was driven by her mission to live a healthy lifestyle.

“The biggest step was that first meeting. I just needed to get started on my journey, regardless of my fears,” she said.

Katie started meeting with health coach and Registered Dietician Joani Pfeiffer, RD, CDE, RHCIII who walked her through conversations around what she was eating, what a typical day was like, what were her goals and what did she enjoy?

Katie describes Joani as “uplifting,” a “cheerleader and support person” and a “major motivating factor” in helping guide her through making changes to benefit her health.

Joani applauds Katie’s selfdiscipline and drive.

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“She is intelligent, strong, receptive and very kind to herself,” Joani said.

“She is very disciplined and that’s what it takes. You have to set realistic goals and acknowledge that this may take two years, so you look at taking baby steps and making progress.”

Katie set small, manageable goals about activity levels, switching from sugary soda to drinks using Stevia as a sweetener; replacing cheesebased lunches with legumebased meals; and replacing bread with higher fiber options. With some goals, she started with three days a week, gradually expanding to seven days. She plans her meals and makes lunches ahead of time to eat at work at her job as the Senior Manager of Volunteer Support for the Girl Scouts of Western Washington in Everett.

“All my goals are achievable, not drastic. I make smarter choices each time I make goals because I am educated on what I am putting into my body,” she said. “This hasn’t been a drastic overhaul of my life to get to this point and I think that is really important. Small incremental changes can make a big difference.”

Joani gives Katie all the credit.

“She really directs traffic. I just provide a little direction and she really sets the goals and makes decisions on what is going to be attainable and sustainable,” Joani said.

The results, for Katie, show in her smile, her bright eyes and her enthusiasm for her life today. And, she

has lost more than 90 pounds in 18 months.

“It was not about losing weight.

This is about getting healthier. Weight loss is just a nice side effect,” Katie said. “I have more energy and the ability to move more. I want to do more on weekends because I can do more on weekends.”

With a goal right now of reaching 5,000 steps per day on her pedometer, she has had days that totaled 20,000 steps or more.

“I never thought I would get to a day when I could do that and walk the next day,” she said.

The Nutrition Counseling program works best for people, such as Katie, who are honest about their lifestyle, their personality and their willingness to make the changes, Joani said.

“You need to think about your life. Are you going to make time for physical activity? Are you willing to try a vegetable you haven’t tried before or use a new recipe?” she said.

“You have to know your personality and know if you are ready.”

Katie has embraced it all.

“I am more confident and have established good habits. I have direction and focus on the health side of my life,” she said. “I am very much the same person, I am just the same person who wasn’t taking care of herself who is now taking care of herself. It helps me fill back up some of my glass so I can continue to give.”

For more information about Nutrition Counseling, consult your provider or go to skagitregionalhealth. org.

Miriam Witt, far left, a nurse at Skagit Valley Hospital, recently spent a week caring for Venezuelan refugees at the border of Colombia in South America.

“We’re all under the same sky”

Nurse sets off on international mission Miriam Witt, a Registered Nurse at Skagit Valley Hospital’s Orthopedic and Surgical Care unit, spent a week this summer in South America on the border of Colombia and Venezuela where thousands of Venezuelan refugees are suffering.

Since 2015, more than 3.7 million people have left Venezuela and an estimated 1 million have found refuge in the relative safety of Colombia where they arrive struggling with malnutrition, no access to clean water and a lack of medical care.

Before leaving, Witt said she heard the situation called “the largest humanitarian crisis in the Western hemisphere” which motivated her to participate in the refugee relief effort with the international organization Third Wave Volunteers.

Upon her return, Witt was struck by the hospitality of Colombia and the efforts to help people who arrive with little or nothing.

“My impression of the situation was bitter sweet. The border had just been opened between Venezuela and Colombia. I saw thousands of Venezuelans leaving their home country with limited belongings; so

many people that cars had difficulty driving on the road. It wasn’t war stricken. It wasn’t a natural disaster.

It was heartbreaking,” she said.

“I was amazed at how welcoming the Colombian people were to the refugees and to me. They have welcomed the Venezuelans in with open arms in their hospitals, roads to walk on and overall kindness; inspiring is an understatement.”

Witt is familiar with the challenges of international service having made two trips to Nepal after major earthquakes in 2015 and spending a stint along the border between Syria and Jordan in the Middle East where violence and civil war ravaged the land and the people.

On this trip, her role was to work as a nurse with local Colombian doctors.

“With a translator, I was able to take a brief history of each patient, assess and obtain vital signs,” she said.

“When I was done seeing patients in the clinic setting, I was able to clean dishes for meals we provided and provide foot care for the refugees who were walking days on end.”

The team was able to provide meals, clean water and foot washing stations wherever they were offering medical care.

“That is so important to me,” she said. “As a nurse, it is difficult to provide care if basic human needs haven’t been met yet.”

Witt shared a highlight of her trip as a day spent working with an indigenous community, the Yukpa, who live between the border of Colombia and Venezuela: “They are people of the land; existing here before man made borders. This group of people was rejected by the Venezuelan government with the political turmoil that is currently unfolding. The Colombian government isn’t caring for them because they speak a dialect different than Spanish and they are undocumented. These beautiful people desperately need medical attention after being rejected by both governments. We were told not to enter their territory until the chief told us it was OK; cannibalism was still prevalent among these people.

We were told tuberculosis and leprosy CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 Fall 2019

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International Mission CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

was still an ongoing issue in this area. Our group explained that we had doctors and nurses as well as medicine. We were let in. I slowly stepped down the steep dirt hill and saw a very sick community. We set up our clinic and got to work. We needed two translators - one from the native dialect to Spanish and another who could translate from Spanish to English. I heard stories of hungry children, parasites, grief from losing a husband and I saw burns on little kids. At the end of our day, the chief came over and handed me a necklace made of shells. Another woman came up to me and put a straw hat on my head that she made to protect my face from the sun. How could it be that a group of people, who monetarily had nothing, had everything to give?

Every trip I go on, I am reminded that life is so much more than money and stuff. I want service, love and human connection to continue to be the core of the way I live my life.”

International service is a calling that Witt continues to feel and respond to.

There are similarities, she said, in her role as a nurse in an international setting and in a modern hospital in Mount Vernon.

“That is the beauty of nursing,” she said. “We can meet people where they are at and take care of them.”

A native of Mount Vernon, Witt attended Skagit Valley College and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Washington. She is a clinical nursing instructor at SVC and will start a master’s program this fall.

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Join our Patient and Family Advisory Council A message from Danie Turpin, Regional Director of Patient Experience: As Skagit Regional Health’s Regional Director of Patient Experience, I personally know that working with patients and families as advisors at the organizational level is a critical part of patient and family engagement and a family-centered approach to improving quality and safety.

Patient and family advisors are valuable partners in efforts to reduce medical errors and improve the safety and quality of health care. With the goal of bringing perspectives of patients and families directly into the planning, delivery and evaluation of care, Skagit Regional Health is excited to announce the creation of our first Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) for Skagit Regional Health.

Patient and family advisors are individuals who have received care at Cascade Valley or Skagit Valley hospitals or clinics who are willing to offer insights and input to help us provide care and services that

are based on patient- and familyidentified needs, rather than assumptions of clinicians or other hospital staff about what patients and families want. We are looking for community members who are interested in becoming Patient and Family Advisory Council members and are apt at giving constructive feedback.

We will be holding an Advisor Informational Session where responsibilities and benefits of participation, logistical information (time commitments, training available, application process) and specific opportunities for advisors at Skagit Regional Health will be discussed. If you are interested in attending and would like meeting specifics or additional information, please contact Danie Turpin, Regional Director of Patient Experience at dturpin@ skagitregionalhealth.org or at 360814-8525.

Germ Busters: Program uses fun to teach hand washing Stilly Valley Health Connections, in partnership with Skagit Regional Health, offers Germ Busters to teach children – and adults – proper techniques for hand washing.

The fun, interactive program can be brought to classrooms, daycare centers, meetings or events in north Snohomish County and is especially popular as we head into cold and flu season.

The program includes education about germs, how they spread and cause illnesses. This is followed by

instructions to properly wash hands, application of “GlitterBug Potion” designed to serve as pretend germs and then test their skills. After washing, participants put their hands under a UV light where unwashed areas glow.

For more information, to request a visit from the Germ Busters Squad or to volunteer as a Germ Busters instructor, contact info@stillyvalleyhealth. org or call 360-386-9918.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

Medicare Advantage 2020 open enrollment opens soon Do you need help comparing or choosing a Medicare plan?

If so, free, no obligation Medicare insurance agent onsite support is available at the following locations: SKAGIT REGIONAL CLINICS SMOKEY POINT 3823 172nd Street NE, Arlington SKAGIT REGIONAL CLINICS MOUNT VERNON Founder’s Building 1400 E Kincaid Street, Mount Vernon Or, call toll-free 1-866-389-0445.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period will run from October 15 through December 7, 2019. This is the time of year to determine Medicare coverage for 2020.

For Medicare patients needing help comparing and choosing the right Medicare plan, Skagit Regional Health makes available the Skagit Regional Health Medicare Insurance Helpline, serviced by MedicareCompareUSA*.

Highly-trained MedicareCompareUSA agents provide patients with unbiased comparisons for Medicare plans accepted at Skagit Regional Health, including Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug plans.

MedicareCompareUSA agents are available to help by phone and by personal appointment. This is the easiest way to compare and choose a Medicare plan that is guaranteed to

be accepted by your Skagit Regional Health providers.

Call toll-free (866) 389-0445 for more information or to schedule a no-obligation Medicare insurance consultation. * MedicareCompareUSA is an independent insurance agency not affiliated with the federal Medicare program. Services of MedicareCompareUSA are offered at no cost; MedicareCompareUSA is compensated directly by whichever Medicare plan you choose.

Skagit Regional Health offers lots of volunteering opportunities Have you thought about volunteering your time? Are you looking for a dynamic place to volunteer? Would you like to join a team of fellow volunteers who are dedicated and committed to helping others?

Skagit Regional Health has many volunteer opportunities for people looking to provide a helping hand: Answer questions. Deliver mail to departments. Escort patients and visitors. Deliver “concierge” items, from newspapers to coloring books, that brighten a patient’s stay. And many more.

With two hospitals – Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon and Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington – plus more than two dozen outpatient facilities stretching from Granite Falls to Oak Harbor, there are many choices for volunteer service.

“We are looking for friendly, articulate and customer service

oriented people who enjoy an active volunteer experience,” said Volunteer Coordinator John Gates, who helps organize and select volunteers.

Volunteers are asked to make a 100-hour commitment and to select a consistent schedule with weekday shifts running from 8 a.m. to noon or noon to 5 p.m.

Prospective volunteers fill out an application form and are invited in for an interview. When selected, orientation including an employee health screen, tours and some homework will follow. Volunteers start at the Information Desk which provides an overview of what’s going on in and around the health care system.

Join our team of volunteers. To get an application, drop by Skagit Valley Hospital and ask the volunteers at the Information Desk for a form or call 360-814-2497.

BELOW: After retirement, Arne Eriksen, a former longtime Skagit Valley Hospital employee, returned to volunteer regularly at the Skagit Valley Hospital Information Desk.

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Marysville foot, ankle surgeon joins system Marysville area foot and ankle surgeon Todd Skiles, DPM, FACFAS grew up admiring his grandfather who worked as a family practice physician. By the time that he reached high school, Dr. Skiles knew that he wanted to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and practice medicine.

He attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah where he studied Zoology.

Following completion of his undergraduate degree, Dr. Skiles earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from California College of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco. He completed surgical

residency training at Monrovia Community Hospital in Monrovia, California.

For the last 27 years, Dr. Skiles has provided skillful, compassionate care for the Marysville community, treating a wide variety of foot and ankle ailments with special interest in treating heel pain, bunions, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot and wound care and custom foot orthotics.

He said he enjoys caring for patients of all ages and appreciates the opportunity to teach his patients more about their condition in order to achieve a successful outcome.

“I have enjoyed the relationships

developed over the years with patients and helping them to feel better after each visit,” Dr. Skiles said.

In addition to caring for patients in his office, Dr. Skiles has provided regular care to patients at the Cascade Valley Hospital Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine Center in Arlington since its inception more than 20 years ago.

He joined Skagit Regional Health in May 2019, retaining his office location in Marysville at 9516 State Avenue, Suite D. “I look forward to being part of a larger health care system and hope to provide patients with a more integrated level of care,” he said.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Skiles, call Skagit Regional Health – Marysville at 360-653-3354.

New Providers in Arlington, Mount Vernon & Oak Harbor MIDWIFERY

UROLOGY

Jessica Hurwitz, DNP, CNM, ARNP

Heather Albertson, RD, MMS, PA-C

Specialty: Midwifery Location: Skagit Regional Health – Arlington Women’s Health What prompted you to pursue a career in midwifery?

I grew up in rural Kansas, where schools can only teach abstinence-only sex education by law. I repeatedly saw women make ill-informed choices about their reproductive health due to lack of education. My passion to help educate women about their bodies and their health options led me to my career in midwifery.

What do you enjoy most about midwifery?

I most enjoy attending births - even after attending hundreds of births, it still feels magical each time. There is nothing more rewarding than handing a new mother the baby that she has been waiting to meet for nine months.

Hurwitz completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas. She earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in Nurse Midwifery from the University of Washington in Seattle.

To schedule an appointment, please call 360-435-0242.

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Specialty: Urology Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon and Oak Harbor What sparked your interest in medicine?

While working as a dietician, I was exposed to so much medicine working on the inter-disciplinary team. I found myself less interested in nutrition and more fascinated with the patient’s medical picture or disease state.

What do you enjoy most about your specialty?

Urology-related symptoms can have some of the highest reductions in a person’s quality of life. It can affect their job, social life or even ability to want to leave their home. Working with patients and restoring that quality of life is very gratifying.

Physician Assistant Albertson completed her undergraduate degree in Dietetics at Florida State University in Tallahassee.

She went on to complete her Dietetic internship at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.

Later, she earned her Physician Assistant Certification Program at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, Maryland.

She also obtained a Master of Medical Science degree from Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania.

To schedule an appointment, please call 360-814-6565.

OB/GYN

Sarah Elliott, MD

Specialty: OB/GYN Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon and Skagit Regional Health – Arlington Women’s Health What sparked your interest in medicine? I became interested in OB/GYN starting at 16 years old, after volunteering on a Labor and Delivery unit.

What are your special interests within your practice? My professional focus is in adolescent gynecology, the initial management of infertility, supporting mothers through their pregnancy and birth experience and preventive medicine.

Dr. Elliott earned her medical degree from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in Farmington, Connecticut.

She went on to complete OB/GYN residency training at Stamford Hospital in Stamford, Connecticut. While there, she was honored with awards for her work on minimally invasive surgery and Excellence in Patient Care. Dr. Elliott is most proud of helping to reduce the primary Cesarean section rate at her home hospital.

Her personal interests include hiking, paddle boarding and gardening.

To schedule an appointment, please call 360-435-0242 (Arlington) or 360-428-2575 (Mount Vernon).

A better name for a better kind of care Hospice of the Northwest Complementary Therapy Program has been renamed the Integrative Therapies Program Hospice of the Northwest delivers compassionate care to people with life-limiting illness. The team does this by providing individualized and expert clinical care that is as diverse and unique as the people served by hospice.

Because symptoms of pain and suffering can become more pronounced and complex at the end of life, therapies are provided that care for the mind and spirit with the same expertise and clinical excellence as the care given to benefit the body. Changing the program name from Complementary Therapies to Integrative Therapies shows that these treatments, which complement traditional medical therapies, are integrated into the standard delivery of care.

The Integrative Therapies program at Hospice of the Northwest helps to manage pain, anxiety, nausea and depression as well as improve sleep and restfulness.

For Rick Nelson, massage therapy provided relief from pain and anxiety.

“Hospice has brought sleep back into my home. I can breathe well again and they have brought me comfort,” he said. “Hospice brought the right people here to help. I always look forward to the visits. I sleep so well for the next couple of nights after Massage Therapist Tiana (Joy) comes.”

Sixteen year-old Daniel has a rare blood disorder. His treatments often keep him from doing the things he loves, such as climbing, fishing and hanging out with his friends.

As part of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, it is important to Daniel be a part of his community’s celebrations, gatherings and to honor his sacred heritage. Through the Integrative Therapies program, Daniel and his music therapist Dia Walker wrote a “Quest Song” together.

This music project took nearly two months to complete and combined guided imagery, singing and music therapy relaxation techniques to create an experiential journey through story and sound. Along with Dia’s harp, Daniel plays a turtle whistle and his mom beats a traditional hand drum. Daniel is proud of his Quest Song, and he said he likes that it tells a story about adventure, friendship and courage. It is a fitting legacy for boy with a powerful imagination and tremendous capacity for resilience and bravery.

Despite their effectiveness in improving quality of life, Integrative Therapies are not funded by the Medicare Hospice benefit or other insurance. Because of this, Hospice of the Northwest relies on the generosity of donors to continue to make these services available free of charge to patients.

For more information about hospice care, integrative therapies or how to make a gift in support of expert, compassionate and dignified end-of-life care, contact Hospice of the Northwest at 360-814-5550 or www.hospicenw.org.

Rick Nelson with HNW Massage Therapist Tiana Joy.

Integrative Therapies offered at Hospice of the Northwest include: THERAPEUTIC MUSIC: Clinical musicians are trained to offer music specifically for end-of-life care to ease physical, emotional and spiritual pain. Rather than entertainment, it is prescriptive and tailored for each person according to the needs of their condition.

MASSAGE THERAPY: State-licensed massage practitioners provide treatment to increase relaxation, relieve pain, decrease edema and promote sleep. Often the touch is light and offered as much for psychological comfort as for easing pain. Sometimes, when massage is not indicated, the practitioner can do gentle positional changes and stretching as tolerated.

ART AND CRAFT ACTIVITIES: Used by spiritual counselors and social workers, art and craft activities are a creative way to express feelings and emotions.

AROMATHERAPY: This service involves the art and science of using essential oils, which are naturally derived from plants. These oils can be inhaled or applied on the skin and help strengthen the body’s own natural processes. Aromatherapy can promote relaxation, reduce nausea, ease stress and anxiety, fight infection and improve sleep.

ACUPUNCTURE: This form of treatment involves inserting very thin needles at specific points on the body to help the flow and balance of energy.

CHIROPRACTIC: A state-licensed professional is available to treat disorders (such as back and neck pain) through the manual adjustment or manipulation of the spinal vertebrae and other areas to increase comfort.

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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A dozen medical students arrive

Twelve third-year medical students from Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Yakima joined Skagit Regional Health in July and will spend two years in various speciality rotations. The group includes, from left, Anastasia Bernhard, Mariah Smith, Mohammad Ahmed, Emilie Tang, Sabahuddin Shrinzada, Lynda Nthiga, Grant Andrews, Aarzu Isa, David Pash, Brian Lam, Rebecca Bolla and Chelsea Clarke.

Ten new residents join Skagit Regional Health Skagit Regional Health hosts 30 resident physicians in Family Medicine and Internal Medicine.

Ten first-year residents arrived in late June bringing the total to 12 Family Medicine and 18 Internal Medicine providers.

Residents are physicians who have graduated from medical school and have entered into a three-year period of advanced training in a medical specialty. Residents see patients, under the guidance of a supervising physician.

Internal Medicine residents at Skagit Regional Health see patients in clinic space on the first floor of Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon. The Internal Medicine Residency Clinic is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Family Medicine Residency Clinic is located at 819 S. 13th Street in Mount Vernon and is open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For an appointment, call 360-428-2500.

INTERNAL MEDICINE:

7 - Matthew Boyle, DO, a California native, was raised in a military family as the oldest of four boys and spent his childhood living in Italy, Korea, Hawaii and other U.S. states

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before settling in Salt Lake City.

While originally pursuing a degree in music, he switched to pre-med after spending time working with his osteopathic physician father in their family-run, private wound care clinic. He obtained his bachelor’s in Biology from the University of Utah and attended medical school at Liberty University in Virginia.

His said his wife, Danae, is thrilled to be in the Pacific Northwest. They have two young children, Oliver and Amelia. His hobbies include playing piano and jazz sax, basketball, rock climbing and mountain biking.

8 - Nicholas Goodman, DO was born and raised in Washington and spent summers and holidays visiting family in California. He spent the last several years volunteering as a Firefighter/ EMT and living in Bellingham.

He graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Psychology in 2006, earned a Master’s degree in Cognitive Psychology from Western Washington University in 2011 and recently graduated from Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) in Yakima.

His passion for medicine developed while volunteering as a Firefighter/ EMT for nine years on the Lummi Indian Reservation. Dr. Goodman

met his wife, Kellie, while attending WWU. They have a daughter, Elena, and a black lab named Luna. They enjoy hiking, fishing and spending time with family and friends.

6 - Kaitlin McDade, DO grew up in Oakland, Maryland and obtained her undergraduate degree in Biology from Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, West Virginia, where she was a member of the women’s soccer team and completed a study abroad semester in Thailand. She attended medical school at West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg. She is passionate about global health and wilderness medicine. In addition to practicing in the United States, she said she hopes to be involved with global health.

She enjoys outdoor activities, travel and spending time with friends and family.

9 - Rabia Sarwar, MD was born and raised in Pakistan and hails from a family of doctors. Her entry into medicine follows witnessing the tragic death of her mother at a very young age, during a catastrophe involving a large crowd of people in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The experience, in which delay in medical help led to the loss of her mother, made her commit to ensuring other patients do not suffer

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the same ordeal. She studied medicine at Dow University of Health & Sciences in Karachi, Pakistan. During her time in medical school, she led a student-run free clinic. Dr. Sarwar said her passion to serve mankind and altruistic nature is what helps her truly care for her patients making her a better physician. Dr. Sarwar is fluent in Urdu, Hindi and English and can converse and understand basic Spanish and Arabic. She enjoys cooking, kickboxing, swimming and spending time with her husband and two children.

10 - Zakaria Sharif, MD was born in Africa and raised in SeaTac, Washington by his father along with his three brothers. He went to the University of Washington where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry. He went on to pursue a Master’s degree in Medical Physiology at Case-Western Reserve University in Ohio. After receiving his Master’s degree, he worked in the biotech industry. He further advanced his career by attending St. George’s University where he obtained his medical degree. Dr. Sharif is interested in pursuing a career in primary care.

He is married and has three young boys. In his spare time, he enjoys running, hiking, playing basketball and spending time with his family.

5 - Furgan Taher, DO is a graduate of University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. He grew up in suburban Chicago. Dr. Taher obtained his undergraduate degree at Southern Illinois UniversityCarbondale with a bachelor’s degree in Physiology and a minor

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in Chemistry. Prior to attending undergrad, Dr. Taher underwent treatment for cancer, an experience which further fueled his passion for medicine, allowing him to observe medicine from a patient’s perspective.

Dr. Taher is passionate about health maintenance and prevention stemming from his personal history with cancer. During his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife and four children. He also enjoys discovering new ethnic cuisines, cooking and traveling.

FAMILY MEDICINE:

1 - Mark McGrath, MD is a graduate of the University of Washington School of Medicine. He grew up in Seattle and attended the UW as an undergraduate, majoring in Business Administration. After working as a technician in an emergency department, he decided to pursue a graduate education in medicine.

Dr. McGrath is most interested in primary prevention of disease. He said he is eager to build relationships with his patients and help them identify what interventions are best for their unique situation. He and his wife, Erin, enjoy hiking in the Cascades, indoor rock climbing and relaxing with their cat, Luna.

3 - William (Max) Hudson, DO is a graduate of Midwestern University AZCOM in Arizona. He grew up in Cincinnati and attended DePauw University as an undergraduate, majoring in Biology. After a short stint as a private investigator, he entered the world of academics as a graduate student at Colorado

8 9 State University, earning a Master’s degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition. Dr. Hudson is most interested in primary prevention of disease through positive lifestyle practices. He and his wife, Molly, have two children, Jane and Simon. His family most enjoys good food and all manner of outdoor pursuits with their dog, Temple.

4 - Emily Kunz, DO is a graduate of PNWU and received her undergraduate degree from Western Washington University in Bellingham with a major in Kinesiology. She grew up in Port Townsend. Dr. Kunz said she is excited to continue her training in Skagit Valley so she can help serve the community with full spectrum primary care. She enjoys spending time outdoors and nurturing her creative side by painting, gardening and learning to play guitar.

2 - Cory Schmidtz, DO is a graduate of Western University of Health Sciences COMP-NW in Lebanon, Oregon. She received an undergraduate degree in Biology/ Anthropology with a minor in Chemistry from Western Washington University. After working for a nonprofit organization for individuals with HIV/AIDS, she decided to pursue a career as an osteopathic physician.

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Dr. Schmidtz has a strong passion for the region, culture and the people.

She said she hopes to build longterm patient-physician relationships while giving back to her community.

She enjoys art, baking, hiking, and spending quality time with her family.

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Skagit Regional Health

around the REGION

CLINIC LAUNCHES REACH OUT AND READ Reach Out and Read is an organization that helps promote early learning and literacy in clinics across America. This program was recently put into place in Skagit Regional Clinic’s Family Medicine Residency Clinic. With this program, each child will receive an age-appropriate book to take home at their well visits from 2 weeks to age 5.

The clinic staff is excited to promote literacy for all by offering English, Spanish and bilingual (Spanish/English) books with the opportunity to expand to other languages as needed. In an effort to provide comprehensive care to families, the clinic is also offering back-to-back visits for multiple family members and same day pediatric visits.

SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH OPENS NEW CLINIC IN OAK HARBOR Skagit Regional Health opened a new clinic in Oak Harbor in June providing urology services.

The 3,241 square foot clinic located at 32650 SR 20, Suite E-105 in Oak Harbor is a well-appointed space featuring six exam rooms and one procedure room with plenty of windows for natural light and ecofriendly integrated smart lighting installed to lower the facility’s carbon footprint. The building offers ample parking and patients have easy access to the ground-level clinic.

Nearly a third of Skagit Regional Health’s current urology patients live on Whidbey Island or Fidalgo Island, making Skagit Regional Health - Oak Harbor a convenient option for care.

Urology appointments are offered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., five days a week. Three experienced physicians, Amy Arisco, MD, Eugene Hong, MD and Richard Ho, DO, offer appointments in Oak Harbor.

The providers have privileges at WhidbeyHealth Medical Center and will perform some procedures at the Coupeville hospital.

CASCADE VALLEY HOSPITAL MEDICAL STAFF AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS Three graduating seniors from Arlington and Lakewood high schools received $1,000 scholarships from the Medical Staff of Cascade Valley Hospital. To be eligible, students must be on the high school honor roll for four years and be planning to pursue a career in the medical field.

Check out our new website at www.skagitregionalhealth.org

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THE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS ARE: • Chloe Jenson, Arlington High School • Jacquelyn Stupey, Arlington High School • Maya Le Tellier, Lakewood High School

Chloe Jenson was honored as a one of three recipients of $1,000 scholarships presented by Dr. James Fletcher, president of the Cascade Valley Hospital Medical Staff, at the group’s meeting on June 17.

HOSPICE STAFFER NAMED TO BALDRIGE AWARD BOARD OF EXAMINERS The Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) named Christine Nidd, Manager of Quality and Compliance at Hospice of the Northwest, to the Board of Examiners for the 2019 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

The Baldrige Award is the nation’s highest honor for organizational innovation and performance excellence.

The examiner board is composed of more than 325 leading experts competitively selected from industry, professional, trade, education, health care and nonprofit (including government) organizations from across the United States.

As a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality and a Project Management Professional, Nidd redesigns processes in a systematic way, leading and directing cross-functional teams to ensure projects are executed on schedule and within the allotted resources.

“I am a servant leader with a passion for improving systems and outcomes,” Nidd said.

“Developing best practices to share with others helps us move forward in an industry which has a primary responsibility of caring for others.”

CLINICS ACHIEVE IMMUNIZATION AWARDS Nine Skagit Regional Health primary care clinics achieved honors as part of the Health Plan Partnership’s program called Immunize Washington.

Immunize Washington is a partnership between public health, health plans and other organizations that aims to increase immunization rates at the clinic level. Skagit Regional Clinics - Benson Family Medicine achieved a childhood gold level at 80 percent or higher immunization rate while Arlington Family Medicine, Camano Island Family Medicine, Darrington Family Medicine, Granite Falls Family Medicine and Stanwood Family Medicine all achieved silver level at 70 percent or higher. Darrington Family Medicine, Granite Falls Family Medicine and Riverbend Pediatrics all achieved the adolescent bronze level at 70 percent or higher.

PEDIATRICS CLINIC OFFERS FLU VACCINE NEARLY 40 STAFF MEMBERS, PATIENTS AND FAMILIES JOIN IN ANNUAL ARLINGTON PARADE More than three dozen staff, providers, patients and family members from Arlington Women’s Health, Arlington Pediatrics, the Family Birth Center at Cascade Valley Hospital and Western Washington Medical Group joined in the annual Fourth of July parade in Arlington.

Security staff member Leo Garcia drove one of the Skagit Regional Health shuttle buses through downtown Arlington while the team of T-shirt clad volunteers – including Family Medicine Physician David Janeway on a unicycle – handed out refreshing bottled water on a warm summer afternoon.

Longtime Cascade Valley Hospital volunteer Jerry Vanney served as parade Grand Marshal, riding in a bright yellow, convertible Chevrolet SSR through downtown Arlington.

Well known in the community and quick with a smile, Jerry is a member of the Voices of the Village performance ensemble and participates in several sports in Special Olympics.

ABOVE: Jerry Vanney, longtime Cascade Valley Hospital volunteer, was selected as grand marshal of the annual Arlington Fourth of July parade.

Skagit Regional Health - Riverbend Pediatrics Department, located at the Riverbend location at 2320 Freeway Drive in Mount Vernon, will offer four flu vaccine clinics in September and October.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that children six months of age and older receive an influenza vaccine each year to help to reduce the chances of getting sick or reduce the severity of illness, for those who do get sick.

Flu vaccination clinics at Skagit Regional Clinics Pediatrics will be offered from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the following dates: • Thursday, September 26 • Friday, September 27 • Thursday, October 24 • Friday, October 25 To schedule a brief visit for a vaccine, call 360-814-6800.

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Safe medication disposal locations: Safely disposing of your unwanted or expired medication can make a difference in your community. Visit MED-project.org/locations for more information. MED-Project Locations:

Unused medications?

Dispose of them properly According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, six million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs in 2017. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon installed a new drop box in the main lobby in April 2019 to provide residents with a convenient place to properly and safely dispose of unneeded medications free of charge. In a partnership with MEDProject, the kiosk provides a location to dispose of unwanted or expired medication, including controlled substances. The kiosk is in full view of the main desk, is visible on lobby security cameras and is bolted to the floor.

“I felt as an organization this was the right thing to have available for the community,” said Thakou Vu, Pharm D., Pharmacy Manager at Skagit Valley Hospital. “Having a program that makes sure unused and expired medications could be disposed of safely with no cost to the end user and also protecting the environment by keeping them out of landfills or flushed down the toilet was an easy choice.”

Vu also noted that a goal is to prevent accidental pediatric exposure to medicine. According to the federal Food and Drug Administration, more than two-thirds of Emergency

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Department visits for accidental pediatric medication exposures involve 1- or 2-year old children and nearly 20 percent result in hospitalization.

The next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be October 26, 2019. National Take-Back Day is a safe, convenient and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs.

The April 2019 Take Back Day brought in 937,443 pounds (468.72 tons) of unused or expired prescription medication. This brings the total amount of prescription drugs collected by DEA since the fall of 2010 to 11,816,393 pounds.

If you are unable to get to a disposal location and want to know where and how to dispose of unused medicines, visit the U.S. Food & Drug Administration website at https:// www.fda.gov/consumers/consumerupdates/where-and-how-disposeunused-medicines.

For a list of year-round controlled substance public disposal locations, go to the Drug Enforcement Administration website at https://apps2.deadiversion. usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/ main?execution=e1s1.

Test your knowledge on proper drug disposal, visit the Get Smart About Drugs website at https://www. getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/family/quizproper-drug-disposal.

Anacortes Police Department 1218 24th St. • Anacortes

Arlington Pharmacy

540 N. West Ave. • Anacortes

Arlington Police Department 110 E. 3rd St. • Arlington

Burlington Police Department

311 Cedar Street, Suite B • Burlington

Darrington Pharmacy

1200 Seeman St. • Darrington

Hometown Pharmacy *coming soon

640 State Route 20 Ste A Sedro-Woolley

Mount Vernon Police Department

1805 Continental Place • Mount Vernon

Pharm A Save

207 E. Stanley St., A • Granite Falls

Schaffner Pharmacy

1990 Hospital Dr. Ste 120 Sedro-Woolley

Sedro-Woolley Police Department *coming soon 325 Metcalf Street • Sedro Woolley

Skidmore Pharmacy

1213 24th St Ste 400 • Anacortes

Sea Mar Community Health Center Pharmacy 7438 S D Ave Ste C • Concrete

Sea Mar Community Health Center Pharmacy 1400 LaVenture Road • Mount Vernon

Skagit County Sheriff’s Office

600 S Third Street • Mount Vernon

Skagit Valley Hospital

1415 E Kincaid Street • Mount Vernon

A new way to find your way

New directional signage installed at Skagit Valley Hospital SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL | Patient & Visitor Navigation

PARKING LOT SYSTEM

E. Division St.

S. 15th

Hospital Pkwy.

N

St.

S. 13th St.

S. 12th St.

Hospital Pkwy.

Carpenter St. SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL

S. 15th

S. 13th St.

St.

E. Kincaid St.

S. 12th St.

Skagit Valley Hospital was built more than 60 years ago and the facilities have undergone significant remodels and updates over the years.

As the community has grown and changed, so have the services and departments inside Skagit Valley Hospital. Change and growth means improved facilities and updated technology, but can also make it difficult for visitors to find their way.

Over the summer of 2019, a new way finding system was deployed at Skagit Valley Hospital including 38 wall panel directional signs, “wrapping” of 16 elevator doors and eight elevator walls, placing 13 giant wall maps and applying signage to 34 destinations and hallways.

Together, these pieces – 5,000 square feet of vinyl in all – create a comprehensive way finding system for patients and visitors to help them navigate the entire Skagit Valley Hospital facility.

The new way finding system uses a line-of-sight strategy. This means that any patient or visitor moving through the public areas of Skagit Valley Hospital should see a large

E. Broadway St.

map or a directional wall panel from any point in their journey.

Additionally, large maps are posted at each of the seven entrances to the hospital, so way finding is one of the first things available when you enter the building.

For visitors wanting additional assistance navigating the building, pocket maps are available at every elevator and each of the 13 large map locations. Visitors can pick up a handheld map, available in English and Spanish, to guide them to their destination.

Parking can also be a challenge on the Mount Vernon campus.

Sometimes it is not clear which lot will be closest to an appointment or what building on the campus is

the correct destination. To solve this issue, each lot on the Mount Vernon campus is assigned a color and an icon to help differentiate buildings and lots. For example, the hospital lots are all marked with purple banners and bird icons while the large multi-specialty Mount Vernon clinic uses orange with plant images.

The goal is for patients and guests to park in the most convenient lot for their desired destination, and for that lot to be easily identifiable as they approach the campus.

Skagit Valley Hospital was the first Skagit Regional Health facility to update the directional signage and way finding. However, this is just the beginning of a system wide effort to make all of the larger facilities easier to navigate. Look for more updates coming soon to the larger clinics and the Arlington campus.

For interactive maps to any Skagit Regional Health facility, you can visit our website at www.

SkagitRegionalHealth.org/Locations.

Changes to evening, overnight access to Skagit Valley Hospital Effective in September, people entering Skagit Valley Hospital from 7:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. will do so at the walk-in entrance to the Emergency Department at the north end of the facility.

Having a single point of entry during the evening and overnight hours is a safety measure and supports security staff in assisting those who need access to the hospital.

The north end door, adjacent to 13th Street, is most convenient to key hospital services including the Emergency Department, patient rooms, surgical services and the Family Birth Center.

Fall 2019

23

Community Leaders Join Foundation Board MISSION

The mission of the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is to raise, manage and distribute funds to assure the continued availability of quality health care services and programs at Skagit Valley Hospital. The Foundation will foster awareness of and community support for Skagit Valley Hospital through the involvement of the people it serves.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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

Zach Barborinas Katie Biringer Julie Blazek Lesha Boucher Kati Collins Mary June Curtis Bob Fiedler Bobbi Fisher

Jacqueline Hawkins Dr. Joshua Hawkins Alicia Huschka Brian Ivie Barbara Jensen Katie Jungquist Aldi Kllogjeri Matt Lehman Mike Lervick

Mike Marken Evelyn Morse Holly Nielsen Larry Otos Jill Pickering Jim Spane Brent Thompson Kris Wollan

Lesha Boucher has worked as a Registered Nurse for the past 22 years – currently as an RN for Skagit Regional Health. She and her husband, Thomas, reside in Mount Vernon where they also volunteer for many community events. The Bouchers have two grown daughters.

Bobbi Fisher resides in Burlington where she also works as a Structural Engineer for Coffman Engineers. In her off time, she volunteers for many community events and currently serves as the President of the Washington State University Alumni Association of Skagit Valley.

Mike Marken is a Detective Sergeant with the Washington State Patrol. He and his wife, Paige, reside in Mount Vernon where they raised their two daughters. Mike also volunteers for the Mount Vernon Public Schools Foundation.

Evelyn Morse has spent her career in school administration – most recently as the Assistant Principal of Mount Vernon High School. She and her husband, Jim, live in Mount Vernon where they raised their two children.

S TA F F Linda Frizzell Executive Director

Wendy Ragusa Development Coordinator

Kylee Dowe Development Associate

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

Follow us on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/ SkagitValleyHospitalFoundation

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Photo L to R: Kylee Dowe, SVH Foundation, Bart Bunnell, Dwayne Lane’s Auto Family, Linda Frizzell, SVH Foundation, Sheila Countryman-Bean, Dwayne Lane’s Auto Family, Barbara Jensen, SRH Cancer Center, Kristi Terwilliger, SRH Cancer Center, Tom Lane, Dwayne Lane’s Auto Family, and John Gates, SVH Volunteer Services.

Subaru Love Promise

As part of the “Subaru Love Promise” program, Dwayne Lane’s Auto Family (above) joined forces with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Together, these two organizations presented blankets and children’s activity kits to the Skagit Regional Health Cancer Care Center to provide comfort to cancer patients in our community.

Ross Mathews H O M E C O M I N G Ross Mathews is coming home!

The Mount Vernon native turned successful comic, author and ebullient TV personality will debut a show based on his new book, “Name Drop,” early in the new year – Saturday, January 11 – at the Lincoln Theatre in downtown Mount Vernon. The Foundation is excited to host this special event to benefit the Women’s Imaging Center Capital Campaign.

Mathews returns to his hometown for a stage presentation of his one-man show and more importantly to honor his mom, Gaye Mathews, and her successful journey with breast cancer survivorship.

SAVE THE DATE

1 / 11 / 2020

Beginning September 23, ticket purchases may be made through Mount Vernon’s Lincoln Theatre www.

lincolntheatre.org or 360-336-8955.

All proceeds benefit the Foundation’s Women’s Imaging Center Capital Campaign.

Ross Mathews, Mount Vernon High School Class of 1998 graduate, is an American television personality and actor. He came into the limelight when he was an intern and a correspondent for “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” where he became known as “Ross the Intern” and for hosting the People’s-Choice-Awardnominated late-night talk show “Hello Ross.” He has filled in for Ryan Seacrest at red carpet events such as the Golden Globe and Emmy Awards and served as a correspondent for two Winter Olympic Games. Mathews is currently a judge on the reality competition television series “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “Untucked.”

For event information and updates visit www.skagitvalleyhospitalfoundation. org or call 360-428-2140.

Women’s Imaging Center to Open Soon!

In the Spring of 2018, the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation committed to raise $2 million to help purchase new diagnostic imaging equipment for breast cancer detection for the women of our region.

The new Women’s Imaging Center, located inside the almost-complete Skagit Imaging Pavilion, will be located on the corner of Division and 13th streets in Mount Vernon. The center will offer the following imaging modalities in one central location:

• Ultrasound • 3-D Mammography • MRI • CT • Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Thanks to the contributions of generous donors, we are 80 percent of the way to our goal!

Every contribution gets us one step closer to providing convenient and comprehensive access to the latest imaging services in one location.

If you would like to support this important effort, please visit our website at www. skagitvalleyhospitalfoundation.org or contact Linda Frizzell, Foundation Executive Director, at 360-428-2140.

$2,000,000 $1,750,000 $1,500,000 $1,250,000 $900,000 $750,000 $500,000 $250,000

Fall 2019

25

Par Tee Golf Classic Proceeds Support the Women’s Imaging Center Capital Campaign GOLF

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation hosted it’s 16th annual Par Tee Golf Classic, in partnership with Title Sponsor Marathon Petroleum Corporation, on June 28 at Skagit Golf & Country Club in Burlington. With thanks to our generous sponsors and a full field of golfers, the tournament raised gross proceeds of more than $80,000. All funds raised will benefit the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s Women’s Imaging Center Capital Campaign.

TITLE SPONSOR

EVENT SPONSORS

•

The highlight of this year’s “sold-out” tournament was not one, but two holes-in-one! Tom Banta of Burlington won a 2019 Subaru Outback and Brock Ingman of Bow won $1,000. Both prizes were sponsored by Dwayne Lane’s Skagit Subaru.

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is grateful to the following sponsors for contributing to the success of this year’s tournament: Course Events Sponsors: Chad Fisher Construction Jeff Stewart – Baird Private Wealth Management Banner Bank Dwayne Lane’s Skagit Subaru Foster Pepper, PLLC Janicki Industries Moss Adams, LLP Piper Jaffray & Co. Proforma SaviBank

26

Skagit Regional Health Skagit Transportation, Inc. State Farm Insurance – Agents Carol Lawson, Brad Methner, Keith Sorestad Retail Lockbox Thomas Cuisine Management Whidbey Coffee Eagle Hole Sponsors Biringer Nursery Cascade Natural Gas Coffman Engineers Crothall Healthcare CPI Plumbing & Heating G&W Commercial Interiors In Memory of Violet & Shirley Marken

Just Peachy Frozen Yogurt McKinstry Energy Services Mount Vernon Police Services Guild Premera Blue Cross Property Trio Resource Corporation of America SB&C, Ltd. Smiley Insurance Services Swinomish Casino & Lodge VSH Certified Public Accountants WAFD Insurance Group Game Sponsors Alfie Hill-Banta Dr. Rob Zwick Floyd, Pflueger & Ringer, P.S. Lisser & Associates, PLLC Primac Electric Underwriters Draft Pics Bar & Grill Optimum Properties, LLC Skagit Law Group Skagit Valley Hospital Auxiliary Association of Washington Public Hospital Districts

E M PLOY E E

GI V I NG

C A M PA IGN

Imagine what we can do together.

The Power of the Employee Giving Campaign Skagit Regional Health employees took the opportunity to reinforce their purpose beyond their daily caregiving and made a difference through their gracious giving. The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s annual Employee Giving Campaign, held in May, raised $41,110 making it one of the most successful employee giving campaign in 17 years!

Employees selected and gave to Foundation patient care funds with donations of cash or paid vacation time. The Foundation’s Board of Trustees and Staff are grateful to Skagit Regional Health’s employees for their strong spirit of philanthropy and dedication to the health and wellness of our community.

BENEFITING: • Women’s Imaging Center Capital Campaign • Cancer Care • Cardiac Care • Cascade Valley Hospital • Chapel • Children’s Therapy Program • Community Education • Dr. Maynard Johnson Endowment • Family Birth Center • Fine Art

• Healthy Community • ICU/CCU • Inpatient Palliative Care • Inpatient Kidney Dialysis • Mental Health Center • Skagit Regional Clinics • Sunrise Inn • Surgical/Endo Services • Teaching Hospital Program • Unrestricted • Wound Care Fall 2019

27

Gifts from Our Community THE SK AGI T VA L L EY HOSPI TA L FOU N DAT ION I S PL E A SE D TO PR E SE N T

Seven-year-old Ashlynn Barborinas and her four-yearold brother Lucas are the two smiling faces behind “A & L’s Snack Shack”… a snack stop along the busy roads of west Mount Vernon during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. The two children happily presented a portion of their earnings to the Foundation for use in the Children’s Therapy Fund. “We want to help other children,” said Ashlynn, “and this is a fun way to do it!”

‘midnight frost’ in celebration of the Festival of Trees’ 31st anniversary.

This deep blue glassybaby is etched in silver with the 2019 Festival of Trees snowflake logo and is exclusively available through the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation.

Students from the Burlington-Edison High School Leadership 2018-2019 class toured Skagit Valley Hospital’s Regional Cancer Care Center and presented a check for $3,065.78 to the Foundation’s Cancer Care Patient Assistance Fund. The students raised the funds during the school’s “Cure Cancer Week.” The Foundation and the cancer patients we serve appreciate their generous support!

Proceeds from the sale of ‘midnight frost’ will support the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s Women’s Imaging Center Capital Campaign.

Preorders must be placed by October 31, 2019.

Each “midnight frost’ glassybaby is $75 and presented in a white gift box with white ribbon.

PREORDER PURCHASES Visit www.skagitvalleyhospitalfoundation.org or call 360-814-8376.

PURCHASE AT THE FESTIVAL OF TREES A ‘midnight frost’ glassybaby pop-up shop will be located at the Festival of Trees venue – Skagit Center – November 29 - December 1.

Preorder and on-site purchases will be available for pick up at the Festival of Trees venue. Guests preordering will receive an email with specific instructions for pick up.

Skagit Valley USBC President Lonny Olson and Director and Fundraising Chair Michael Lennox presented a check to the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation for $8,162 raised at their Super Bowl Doubles Tournament. We are grateful to all participants who supported this event. Funds will benefit the Foundation’s Cancer Care Fund.

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HOLIDAY POP-UP SHOP

Tuesday, December 10, 2019 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital - North Lobby 10% of sales benefit the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s Women’s Imaging Center Capital Campaign

LOCATIONS

If you are unsure of which office to visit, please call our toll-free line and we will assist you: 800-428-0010.

Routine clinic hours are Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call for more information.

Hospitals

CASCADE VALLEY HOSPITAL 330 S. Stillaguamish Avenue Arlington, WA 98223 360-435-2133

SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL 300 Hospital Parkway Mount Vernon, WA 98273 360-424-4111

ANACORTES CARDIOLOGY 2511 M Avenue, Suite D Anacortes, WA 98221 360-293-0308

ARLINGTON WOMEN’S HEALTH 903 Medical Center Drive Arlington, WA 98223 360-435-0242

ARLINGTON FAMILY MEDICINE 7530 204th Street NE Arlington, WA 98223 360-435-8810

BENSON FAMILY MEDICINE 110 N. LaVenture Road Mount Vernon, WA 98273 360-399-7700

MOUNT VERNON 1400 E. Kincaid Street Mount Vernon, WA 98274 360-428-2500 TOLL FREE: 800-428-0010

ARLINGTON GENRAL SURGERY 875 Wesley Street, Suite 230 Arlington, WA 98223 360-435-6097

CAMANO ISLAND 127 N. East Camano Drive Camano Island, WA 98282 360-387-5398

MOUNT VERNON CARDIOLOGY 307 S. 13th Street, Suite 300 Mount Vernon, WA 98274 360-336-9757

ARLINGTON ORTHOPEDICS AND SPORTS MEDICINE 328 S. Stillaguamish Avenue Arlington, WA 98223 360-435-6641

ASCADE VALLEY HOSPITAL C WOUND CARE AND HYPERBARIC MEDICINE CENTER 875 Wesley Street, Suite 210 Arlington, WA 98223 360-403-8158

MOUNT VERNON FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY CLINIC 819 S. 13th Street Mount Vernon, WA 98274 360-814-6230

ARLINGTON PEDIATRICS 875 Wesley Street, Suite 130 Arlington, WA 98223 360-435-6525 ARLINGTON SURGERY CENTER 875 Wesley Street, Suite 160 Arlington, WA 98223 360-435-2133

DARRINGTON FAMILY MEDICINE 1190 Riddle Street Darrington, WA 98241 360-436-1055 GRANITE FALLS FAMILY MEDICINE 405 W. Stanley Street Granite Falls, WA 98252 360-691-2419

HOSPITAL PARKWAY PLAZA 208 Hospital Parkway Mount Vernon, WA 98274 360-814-8260 MARYSVILLE 9516 State Avenue, Suite D Marysville, WA 98270 360-653-3354

MOUNT VERNON INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENCY CLINIC 1415 E. Kincaid Street Mount Vernon, WA 98274 360-428-2592

MOUNT VERNON PHYSICAL THERAPY 1901 Hoag Road, Suite B Mount Vernon 98273 360-814-8030 OAK HARBOR 32650 Highway 20, Suite E-105 Oak Harbor, WA 98277 360-428-2500 RIVERBEND 2320 Freeway Drive Mount Vernon, WA 98273 360-814-6800 SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH CANCER CARE CENTER 307 S. 13th Street Mount Vernon, WA 98274 360-814-2146 SKAGIT VALLEY WOUND HEALING CENTER AND SONYA BEARD HYPERBARIC OXYGEN CENTER 208 Hospital Parkway Mount Vernon, WA 98274 360-814-2600 SMOKEY POINT 3823 172nd Street NE Arlington, WA 98223 360-618-5000 STANWOOD 9631 269th Street NW Stanwood, WA 98292 360-629-1600

Fall 2019

29

HealthQuest HEALTH SCREENINGS

Free Blood Pressure Screenings Automated blood pressure machines are available at the following locations: • Skagit Regional Clinics Mount Vernon 1400 East Kincaid Street, Mount Vernon • Skagit Valley Hospital - Main north entrance and Kincaid Street lobby • Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood

Is it Time for Your Mammogram?

In accordance with the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging, screening mammograms are recommended yearly beginning at age 40.

THE BREAST CARE CENTER 1320 East Division Street Mount Vernon, WA 360-428-7275 or 1-888-371-2812 A service provided cooperatively by Skagit Regional Health and Skagit Radiology.

NEW

Opening in October – the Skagit Imaging Pavilion – with 3D mammography. Same address, helpful staff and outstanding providers. See pages 6-7 for more information.

CASCADE VALLEY HOSPITAL 330 S. Stillaguamish Avenue Arlington, WA 360-435-0515

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Stroke and Aneurysm Screening 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 (check or cash only) for the combined carotid and aorta screening. You must also have a primary care provider. To register for an appointment, call 360-4288208 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Screenings are held at Skagit Radiology (starting in October at the new Skagit Imaging Pavilion) located at 1320 E. Division, Mount Vernon.

FREE Skin Cancer Screening Hilary Cutler, ARNP from Skagit Regional Clinics – Riverbend Dermatology will conduct visual inspections of skin abnormalities you are concerned about. Free of charge, but pre-registration required by calling 360-814-2424.

NOV 1 (FRI) 1:30 – 4 p.m.

Skagit Regional Clinics – Riverbend 2320 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon

HEALTH EDUCATION

CHILDREN AND SCREEN TIME Technology: Treasure or a Trojan Horse?

Screen time is embedded in our culture. How is it impacting us and our children physically, socially and emotionally? Join Rowena NarvadezPusateri, MD, Lisa Anderson, OTR/L, Becky Hendrickson, CCC/ SLP, and Karen Pederson, PT as they interactively discuss technology’s impact and share strategies to enhance engagement. Tangible resources will be provided for immediate use.

Light snacks and prizes will be provided. Adults and children 13 years and older are welcome to attend free of charge by calling 360-8142424. When registering, please let us know if a Spanish interpreter is needed. No childcare provided.

Interested, but can’t attend? Watch this presentation from home. Email: HealthQuest@skagitregionalhealth. org for Webex™ log-in information.

OCT 3 (THUR) 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Sahale Conference Room

For all classes requiring pre-registration call 360-814-2424

PHONE

360-814-2424

EMAIL

HealthQuest@skagitregionalhealth.org

INTERNET

www.skagitregionalhealth.org click on Classes and Events

Don’t wait 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).

CASCADE VALLEY HOSPITAL

SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL

Doc Talk: Providers to discuss benefits of 3D mammography

Meditation for Everyday Living: Bringing Ease into Our Lives

Honoring Choices: Advanced Care Planning Workshop

Join Radiologists and Technologists from Skagit Radiology for an informative question and answer presentation about the benefits of the new Genius 3D Mammography.

Genius 3D mammography, also known as breast tomosynthesis, which will soon be available at the new Women’s Imaging Center, formerly Breast Care Center, located in the Skagit Imaging Pavilion, 1320 East Division Street in Mount Vernon.

Genius 3D mammography combines multiple breast images to provide a three-dimensional image of the breast advancing detection of potential cancer, reducing the need for followup imaging and improving breast cancer detection in dense breast tissue.

No charge, but pre-registration is required by calling 360-814-2424.

Whether you are brand new to meditation or have an established practice of this transformative way of being, join us for a morning or evening session of simple ease and peace. Instructor Jan Hodgman notes “the basis of meditation is bringing our awareness to what’s right here in the moment, just as it is. It’s really quite simple to be satisfied. All we need to do is to connect with what is here right now and see that we don’t need anything more than what is already available to us. We’ll explore being with our breath, in an easy natural way and how this can even be done in walking meditation. No experience necessary and we’ll sit in chairs! If you have a cushion you like to use for meditation that is welcome, too.”

Jan Hodgman, MA, has meditated for more than 50 years and spent eight years in a Zen monastery in Japan. She loves to remind sudents that it’s not necessary to go anywhere to experience the simple joy of being.

Pre-registration is required by calling 360-814-2424. Skagit Regional Health employees please call for a discount.

Join Outreach and Communications Manager, Dana Brothers from Hospice of the Northwest as she shares information on choosing a Healthcare Power of Attorney and completing an Advanced Directive.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Please call 360-386-9918 to reserve your space. This event is free and open to anyone in the community.

QUESTIONS?

Call 360-814-2424 or for hearing impaired, please call TTY 360-814-2219

OCT 22 (THUR) 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Sahale Conference Room

330 South Stillaguamish Avenue • Arlington 360-435-2133

MORNING SESSION: OCT 15 (TUE) 10:30 a.m. - noon Skagit Valley Hospital Sahale Conference Room $20

300 Hospital Parkway • Mount Vernon 360-424-4111

OCT 9 (WED) 6 – 8 p.m.

Stilly Valley Health Connections 875 Wesley St. Suite 240 Arlington, WA

Hospice 101: Myths and Truths Join Outreach and Communications Manager, Dana Brothers from Hospice of the Northwest as she clarifies the benefits of hospice care and dispels the myths surrounding this Medicare benefit. Light refreshments will be provided. Please call 360-386-9918 to reserve your space. This event is free and open to anyone in the community.

OCT 23 (WED) 6 – 7 p.m.

Stilly Valley Health Connections 875 Wesley St. Suite 240 Arlington, WA

EVENING SESSION: OCT 15 (TUE) 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital Sahale Conference Room $20

or visit www.skagitregionalhealth.org and click on events.

Fall 2019

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*Medicare Annual Enrollment takes place October 15 through December 7, 2019. (see page 15)

Cooking and Nutrition: Heart Healthy Eating

Cooking and Nutrition: Better Blood Sugar Control

Heart health is important and your food choices play a critical role in keeping your heart strong and protected. In this cooking demonstration for adults, participants will learn different ideas and techniques on how to incorporate heart healthy foods into their everyday lives. Recipes and food samples will be shared. This presentation will be led by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist from Sound Dietitians. Funding provided by Skagit Regional Health.

Free of charge, but pre-registration is required by calling 360-386-9918 or go to www.stillyvalleyhealth.org

November is National Diabetes month and will be the focus of this cooking demonstration for adults. Join us for tips on better blood sugar control through food and lifestyle choices.

The class will include nutrition education, a cooking demonstration and a chance to enjoy some tasty samples. This presentation will be led by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist from Sound Dietitians. Funding provided by Skagit Regional Health.

Free of charge, but pre-registration required by calling 360-386-9918 or go to www.stillyvalleyhealth.org

SEPT 26 (THUR) 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Stilly Valley Health Connections 875 Wesley St. Suite 240 Arlington, WA

Cooking and Nutrition: Slow Cooker and Instant Pot Fall Favorites Fall is a busy time of year and is a great season to dust off your slow cooker or Instant Pot and put them to good use. In this cooking demonstration for adults, participants will learn some best practices for slow cookers and Instant Pots and how to cook healthy, delicious meals.

Recipes and food samples will be shared. This presentation will be led by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist from Sound Dietitians. Funding provided by Skagit Regional Health.

Free of charge, but pre-registration required by calling 360-386-9918 or go to www.stillyvalleyhealth.org OCT 24 (THUR) 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Stilly Valley Health Connections 875 Wesley St. Suite 240 Arlington, WA

NOV 21 (THUR) 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Stilly Valley Health Connections 875 Wesley St. Suite 240 Arlington, WA

*Medicare 101 Class Do you need help comparing or choosing a Medicare plan?

Skagit Regional Health, along with MedicareCompareUSA®, will offer a series of upcoming Medicare 101 sessions. No charge, but pre-registration is required by calling 360-814-2424.

SEPT 20 (FRI) Noon – 2 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital San Juan Conference Room

AARP Driver Safety Program This 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 eight-hour course. Course fee is $15 for AARP members; $20 for non-members. Pre-registration required by calling 360-814-2424.

OCT 26 (SAT) – ONE DAY 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital San Juan Conference Room NOV 8 (FRI) – ONE DAY 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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

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Stop the Bleed®: What Everyone Should Know to Stop Bleeding After an Injury

During this free, hands-on training you will learn various ways to control life-threatening bleeding after an individual has sustained an injury from an everyday emergency, manmade or from a natural disaster.

You will be given a list of items to create your own Stop the Bleed® emergency kit. The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma is leading the effort to save lives by teaching the civilian population to provide vital initial response to stop uncontrollable bleeding in emergency situations. Tyler Dalton, Trauma Coordinator at Skagit Valley Hospital and Tiffany Jayne, Trauma Coordinator at Cascade Valley Hospital will teach this one-hour training.

Please note this is not a first aid class.

No charge, but pre-registration is required by calling 360-814-2424.

SEPT 25 (WED) 3 - 4 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital – Mount Vernon Sahale Conference Room OCT 4 (FRI) 2 - 3 p.m.

Cascade Valley Hospital – Arlington Pilchuck Conference Room OCT 28 (MON) 3 - 4 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital – Mount Vernon Sahale Conference Room NOV 18 (MON) 3 - 4 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital – Mount Vernon Sahale Conference Room DEC 6 (FRI) 2 - 3 p.m.

Cascade Valley Hospital – Arlington Pilchuck Conference Room

BLOOD DRIVES In partnership with Bloodworks

Northwest, Skagit Regional Health will offer the following blood drives:

SEPT 23 (MON) AND DEC 17 (TUE) IN MOUNT VERNON 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Skagit Regional Clinics – Riverbend 2320 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon Mobile bus in parking lot Pre-registration required by calling 1-800-398-7888.

OCT 4 (FRI) AND DEC 13 (FRI) IN ARLINGTON 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed 1:15 – 2 p.m.)

Cascade Valley Hospital - Arlington 330 S. Stillaguamish Avenue Rainier Conference Room A and B Pre-registration required by calling 1-800-398-7888.

OCT 9 (WED) AND DEC 30 (MON) IN STANWOOD 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (closed 12 – 1 p.m.)

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

DEC 26 (THUR) IN MOUNT VERNON 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. (closed 10 – 11 a.m.)

Skagit Valley Hospital – Mount Vernon 300 Hospital Parkway – Mobile bus Pre-registration required by calling 1-800-398-7888.

CHILDBIRTH, PARENTING & FAMILY RESOURCES

SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH Childbirth Preparation: Weekend Course at Skagit Valley Hospital Skagit Valley Hospital offers an express childbirth course held Saturday and Sunday mornings. This course is best taken in your seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. Registration includes you and your labor support partner. You will learn labor support techniques, practice optimal labor and birth positions, develop pain-coping and relaxation skills and discuss options for pain medications and other medical interventions including cesarean birth. Initial feeding, early newborn care and postpartum adjustments will also be covered. A tour is included. The fee is $95. Medical coupons are accepted. Pre-registration is required by calling 360-814-2424.

Pregnancy and Childbirth: Skagit Valley Hospital This five-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 $100. Medical coupons are accepted.

Full payment or a copy of your medical coupon is required two weeks before the class begins. Classes are held at Skagit Valley Hospital Family Birth Center waiting room. Pre-registration is required by calling 360-814-2424.

Childbirth Preparation: Weekend Course at Cascade Valley Hospital Cascade Valley Hospital offers an express childbirth course. This course is best taken in your seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. Registration includes you and your labor support partner. You will learn labor support techniques, practice optimal labor and birth positions, develop pain coping and relaxation skills, and discuss options for pain medications and other medical interventions including cesarean birth. Initial feeding, early newborn care, postpartum adjustments will also be covered as well as a tour of the Family Birth Center. You will have time for a lunch break on your own.

The fee is $95. Medical coupons are accepted. To enroll call 360-618-7754.

OCT 12 (SAT) 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Rainier B Conference Room Cascade Valley Hospital DEC 14 (SAT) 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Rainier B Conference Room Cascade Valley Hospital

Family Birth Center Tours Free tours at Skagit Valley Hospital Family Birth Center are offered twice a month by calling 360-814-2424 to schedule a tour. Free tours are offered at Cascade Valley Hospital Family Birth Center by appointment only by calling 360-618-7754.

Keeping Your Baby Healthy

Lactation Services The Family Birth Center staff offer lactation services in both inpatient and outpatient settings. An Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant/ Registered Nurse will provide lactation education, a feeding assessment, and support during your inpatient stay and in the Outpatient Lactation Clinic.

You do not need to have delivered your baby at Skagit Valley Hospital to access the clinic services. For more information, please call 360428-BABY. One of our consultants will be happy to answer questions and talk about breastfeeding.

New Mom’s Group This group is led by a Family Birth Center RN/Lactation Consultant.

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 infant feeding, development and much more.

Pregnant women, moms with babies and any woman with infant feeding questions are welcome to attend. Held on Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the Skagit Valley Hospital Family Birth Center waiting room.

Call 360-428-2229 with questions.

Welcome Baby is Back As new parents, you will have questions about yourself and your to new baby. Jennifer Lindbeck, through this United Way of Skagit County program, will provide a visit to you, if you wish, during your hospital stay to help connect you with local resources and community offerings.

You will be given a resource bag and offered additional visits after your discharge when you take your baby home. Call 360-428-2999 if you need additional information (see page 10).

A local pediatric health care provider will provide information on newborn care and keeping your baby healthy. In addition, a lactation consultant will aid you in gaining the knowledge necessary to make feeding decisions regarding your newborn.

Time for questions will be provided.

Pre-registration is 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 for class dates and times.

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Child Safety Seat Checks Certified child safety seat technicians will assess your seat for age and size appropriateness, proper installation and use and recalls. This screening is highly recommended for all parents and other caregivers. Learn how to safely install and use your car seat. Co-sponsored by Safe Kids Northwest and Skagit County EMS. SEPT 19, OCT 17, NOV 21, DEC 19 (THUR) 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital – Mount Vernon at main entrance area 300 Hospital Parkway No appointment is necessary.

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Cascade Valley Hospital - Arlington 330 S. Stillaguamish Avenue Call 360-618-7967 or email TJayne@ skagitregionalhealth.org

Nurse-Family Partnership The Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) serves first-time moms who are eligible for Apple Health or WIC. Moms are paired with nurses who meet with them from early pregnancy until their child turns two, providing personalized information and support for a healthier pregnancy and a more confident parenting experience.

NFP is provided by Skagit County Public Health at no cost to families.

For more information, please call 360-416-1523. Learn more at www. nursefamilypartnership.org/firsttime-moms/stories-from-moms.

PCAP (Parent-Child Assistance Program) PCAP is a program for pregnant and parenting moms in recovery with children up to age 3. PCAP provides support, education and healing to moms in recovery, to help them build and maintain healthy, independent family lives, assure that children are in safe and stable homes and prevent future births of drug and alcohol exposed children.

For more information, contact Elizabeth at Brigid Collins Family Support Center, 360-428-6622.

Parents as Teachers Parents as Teachers is a free home-visiting program, providing parent education, family support and developmental activities to families who have a child age 0 to 5.

The program fosters strong, loving relationships between parents and

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their children, provides opportunities to connect with other parents and prepares children for kindergarten.

For more information, contact Elizabeth at Brigid Collins Family Support Center, 360-428-6622.

Skagit Bright Beginnings Line and Website Check out the NEW Skagit Bright Beginnings website where you can find information about programs, services and fun activities for families who are expecting a baby or who have young children. Go to www.skagitbrightbeginnings. com or text “Skagit” to 474747.

Or call/text 360-630-8352 to talk with a local resource specialist.

And Baby Makes Three!

Are you new parents or expecting a baby? This workshop is for you!

One of the best gifts you can give your child is a good relationship as parents. Strengthening your friendship and communication skills is a focus of this Gottman Institute Bringing Baby Home workshop. The workshop will be offered over the course of four evenings or two days, based on the interest of participants.

Contact Elizabeth Cooksey for more information at ecooksey@co.skagit. wa.us or call/text the Skagit Bright Beginnings Line at 360-630-8352.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program The WIC program provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and linkage to health and social services. WIC serves women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or post-partum and infants and children up to age 5. WIC is an equal opportunity provider and does not discriminate. WIC will be transitioning to electronic benefits cards in October.

Clinics are available at multiple locations across Skagit and Snohomish counties: • Anacortes: 360-416-7595 • Arlington: 360-435-3735 • Camano Island: 360-387-0184 • Concrete: 360-854-0435 • Granite Falls: 360-691-7039 • Marysville: 360-657-4102 • Mount Vernon: 360-416-7595 • Sedro-Woolley: 360-854-0435 • Swinomish Indian Health Clinic: 360-466-3900

DIABETES EDUCATION

SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH CERTIFIED DIABETES EDUCATION PROGRAM Skagit Regional Health offers a multidisciplinary, comprehensive education program for adults with diabetes, either newly diagnosed or for those patients who want additional guidance to help reduce the risks of long-term complications. The program includes individual and group education.

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

A1C testing is also available.

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 in Mount Vernon and Arlington, contact our Diabetic Education Program Scheduler at 360-814-8329 or visit www.skagitregionalhealth. org, search Diabetes Education.

Gestational Diabetes Program Diabetes during pregnancy, or gestational diabetes, can result in serious complications to your baby. Skagit Valley Hospital offers a referral-based education program to improve gestational diabetes selfmanagement skills and provide tools for moms-to-be to feel confident that they are doing all they can to have a healthy baby. 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 360-814-8329.

National Diabetes Prevention Program This interactive class series can help you lower your risk for type 2 diabetes with gradual, modest lifestyle changes. The program includes year-long support and motivation beginning with 12 weekly class meetings, bi-weekly for the next four sessions and then monthly meetings for the last six sessions. Next class begins September 19 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Contact Amber Phillips at WSU Skagit County Extension for more information 360-428-4270 x 224 or email amber.phillips@wsu.edu.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES Kidney Failure Treatment Options

This Skagit Regional Health Nephrology program is for people with reduced kidney function or high risk for renal failure to explore their treatment options. Patients, families and caregivers will receive information about treatment options, such as dialysis options, both at home and in-center, and transplant. Our healthcare experts will be on hand to discuss diet, health maintenance and answer any questions you may have. For more information and registration, call 360-814-5066.

Nutrition Class for Kidney Disease

Medicare and most insurances cover cardiac rehab. This program typically lasts for 8-12 weeks. For more information call 360-814-8368.

Heart Healthy Fitness Program 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-toone attention. We work on strength training, balance and cardiovascular fitness. For questions, cost and class times, call 360-814-8368.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program This intensive program can help patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) to reduce respiratory symptoms, improve functional independence and complications and reduce hospitalizations. The program is provided by a multi-disciplinary team plus individualized education to help patients understand and learn how to manage and cope with daily activities.

Participants learn self-management and relaxation techniques to improve emotional well-being, skills to help regain control of their breathing and pursue activities to the fullest extent of their abilities. The classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays for approximately 12-16 weeks. For more information call 360-814-8368.

Germ Busters

Take charge of your health in a fun and interactive learning environment.

In this class you will learn how to live with chronic kidney disease with useful nutrition and exercise tips that promote kidney health and help slow the disease process.

For questions, call 360-814-8329.

Stilly Valley Health Connections offers a mobile Germ Busters Program to local schools, day care facilities and clubs that teaches children and adults the proper techniques on hand washing using a fun, interactive learning experience. Funding provided

by Skagit Regional Health. For more information, call 360-386-9918 or email: info@stillyvalleyhealth.org.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Yoga Classes

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 team of Clinical Exercise Physiologists supervise the classes to provide a safe, friendly atmosphere to ask questions and learn how to pace yourself as you recover.

This is a physician-referred program.

Stilly Valley Health Connections in Arlington is offering an eight-week, 60-minute per session, intermediate level yoga class. This class will focus on foundational movement, breathing and meditation. All skill levels are welcome. Cost for the eight-week series is $60. A variety of class times are offered. The instructor is Heather Harmony with Creative Therapies and Yoga. Pre-registration required by calling 360-386-9918 or go to www. stillyvalleyhealth.org to sign-up.

Homage Senior Services – Introduction to Programs and Services Homage Senior Services, a non-profit organization, serves older adults and people with disabilities in Snohomish County. A representative from Homage will offer a general overview of the various programs and services they offer, which include: Senior dining, Meals on Wheels, mental health services, home repair, social services and Living-Well Workshops that focus on diabetes, chronic disease self-management and chronic pain.

The next class begins September 10. No charge, but pre-registration required by calling 360-386-9918 or go to www.stillyvalleyhealth.org

E-Cigarettes: The Truth Among the Vapors - Training the Trainers Workshop A three-hour training the trainer style workshop introducing the concepts and devices for vaping nicotine and marijuana, data on e-cigarette use in Washington, mythbusting health research and the present state of e-cigarette policy.

Workshop instruction provided by Washington Poison Center, American Lung Association and Snohomish Health District. This workshop is ideal for community coalitions, educators and public health specialists looking to take action and start a conversation about vaping in their communities.

No charge, but pre-registration required by calling 360-386-9918 or go to www.stillyvalleyhealth.org

American Lung Association: Freedom from Smoking – Facilitator Training The American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking program uses proven methods to ensure success for smokers who want to quit through in-person support groups.

Those who successfully complete the one-day facilitator training will be certified by the American Lung Association to lead group tobacco cessation classes in the community.

Free to those who sign up directly with Stilly Valley Health Connections and meet certain eligibility requirements. For more information and to register, call 360-386-9918 or go to www.stillyvalleyhealth.org

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American Lung Association: Freedom from Smoking Group Clinics The American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking program uses proven methods to ensure success for smokers who want to quit through in-person support groups.

The program is led by a trained facilitator in a small group setting over a seven-week period. Free to those who sign up directly with Stilly Valley Health Connections and meet certain eligibility requirements. For more information, call 360-386-9918 or go to www.stillyvalleyhealth.org

American Lung Association: Freedom from Smoking Online The American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking Online program lets participants complete sessions online at their own pace, supported by an active online community. Free to those who sign up directly with Stilly Valley Health Connections and meet certain eligibility requirements. For more information, call 360-386-9918 or go to www.stillyvalleyhealth.org

CANCER SUPPORT SERVICES

SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH 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.

Art and Healing Group 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. Class meets the first and third Mondays of each month, 2 – 4 p.m. in the Safeway Conference Room (third floor) at the Skagit Regional Health Cancer Care Center. For more information call 360-814-8255.

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COMMUNITY – CANCER SUPPORT LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA The LIVESTRONG® Foundation and the Skagit Valley Family YMCA have partnered to offer a free 12-week physical activity and wellness program called LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA for adults who have cancer or have completed active cancer treatment.

Contact the YMCA Fitness Director at 360-336-9622.

YMCA location: 1901 Hoag Road Mount Vernon

GRIEF SUPPORT SERVICES HOSPICE OF THE NORTHWEST Community Education

Are you interested in learning more about hospice services and what they might mean for you and your family?

Do you belong to a service group that offers educational speakers from the community to present on their area of expertise? Would you and your coworkers benefit from understanding the ways hospice collaborates with you to add an extra layer of support and enhance the care of your residents or patients? We are here for you.

Hospice of the Northwest has trained staff available to give educational presentations on a variety of topics: “Advanced Directives,” “When is it Time for Hospice,” “Professional Boundaries” and “Medication Management” are just a few options available. For more information, please call 360-814-7647 and speak with Dana Brothers about your needs.

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

Trained counselors offer one-on-one counseling hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Friday, and we have drop-in grief support groups that meet weekly. In addition, we teach the Grief Recovery Method™ which provides action choices that help people move beyond the pain caused by loss. This is an eight-week program that creates a safe environment helping individuals gain new tools for dealing with loss and grief, and it’s appropriate for any

type of loss. For more information, referrals or to receive a current Grief Group schedule, please call 360814-5550 and ask for Diane Hart.

Hospice of the Northwest Resource Center: Lead Volunteer Position for Lending Library With one of the largest collections of books in the state on caregiving, coping with disease, end of life concerns and grief, Hospice of the Northwest makes their valuable library available to anyone in the community.

All of the resources in our library are provided by generous donors in our community and are appropriate for adults, teens and children. Staff are available to assist those interested in finding something specific. Visit the website at: www.hospicenw. org, select “Resources” then click on “Hospice Library.” Browse book titles, read book reviews and renew your book all from the web page.

We currently have an opening for a resource center volunteer: if you are interested in learning more, contact Volunteer Manager Erin Long for details at elong@hospicenw. org. The Resource Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the lobby of the Hospice of the Northwest office at 227 Freeway Drive, Suite A in Mount Vernon. For more information call Hospice of the Northwest at 360-814-5550.

Volunteers are appreciated at Hospice of the Northwest A unique and meaningful volunteer opportunity is available through Hospice of the Northwest, serving patients and families in Skagit, Island, San Juan and Snohomish counties.

With more than a dozen different “job descriptions,” volunteers offer their skills, support and companionship to staff, families and individuals who are receiving hospice services.

Volunteer training is scheduled a few times a year, with a segment of the training available online. Information about ways to volunteer and the on-line application is available on the website at www.hospicenw.org.

Select the “How You Can Help” tab and scroll to “Become a Volunteer” to find the “Volunteer Application Packet.” To learn more, contact the main office at 360-814-5550.

In-Service Education In addition to community presentations, Hospice of the Northwest provides continuing education for clinicians and staff on many topics relating to hospice needs. For grief and loss presentations, contact the Hospice of the Northwest Bereavement Department at 360-814-5570. For clinical education or presentations, contact the main line at Hospice of the Northwest at 360-814-5550.

PROGRAMS FOR PARKINSON’S Parkinson’s BIG® Program

Skagit Valley Hospital Occupational Therapist Jenna Williams, OTR/L and Physical Therapists Dana Sturtz, DPT, Bree Corbin, MPT and Kaitlyn Ambrose, PTA have completed the required comprehensive hands-on training and testing through LSVT Global to become certified LSVT BIG® clinicians. LSVT BIG® is a researchbased exercise program focused on amplitude (bigger movement) training for individuals with Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s disease often results in slowing of movements and decreased size of movements leaving the individual struggling with daily tasks and walking. The LSVT BIG® program focuses on teaching the amount of effort needed to produce normal movements through intensive and high-effort practice. The protocol consists of 16, one-hour sessions, four days a week for four weeks. This program is appropriate for all stages of Parkinson’s disease. Please discuss program options with your healthcare provider; a physician referral is required. For more information: LSVTGlobal.com or call 360-814-2184.

Parkinson’s LOUD® Program Skagit Valley Hospital Speech Language Pathologist Kristin Conzo, MS, CCC-SLP and Anna Webster, MS, CCC-SLP have completed the required comprehensive hands-on training and testing through LSVT Global to become certified LSVT LOUD® clinicians. LSVT LOUD® is a research-based exercise program focused on amplitude (loud voice) training for individuals with Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s disease often results in slowing of movements and decreased size of movements leaving the individual struggling with daily

tasks related to communication and swallowing. The LSVT LOUD® program focuses on teaching the amount of effort needed to produce normal loudness through intensive and high-effort practice. The protocol consists of 16, one-hour sessions, four days a week for four weeks. This program is appropriate for all stages of Parkinson’s disease. Please discuss program options with your healthcare provider; a physician referral is required. For more information: LSVTGlobal.com or call 360-814-2184.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES COMMUNITY RESOURCES Mental Health Support Group NAMI Skagit Open Support Group meets each month on the fourth Tuesday, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Sauk Conference Room at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon.

Both family members/partners and those living with mental illness are welcome. For more information, contact Marti at 360-770-5666.

Family-to-Family EvidenceBased Education Program 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. Call Marti at 360770-5666 for more information.

Peer-to-Peer Education Program

SUPPORT GROUPS

Stroke Support Group This caring support group for stroke survivors, their loved ones and caretakers provides up-to-date education and information. Provided

by Skagit Regional Health neurologists and rehabilitation therapists. Meets the last Friday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. in the San Juan Conference Room at Skagit Valley Hospital. No charge. For more information call 360-814-8394 or email kconzo@ skagitregionalhealth.org.

Diabetes Support Group If you or a loved one has diabetes, the Diabetes Support Group provides a chance to share and learn about how to manage diabetes. This group opportunity offers the chance to talk through daily challenges, share feelings and exchange nutrition tips. The Diabetes Support Group is open to people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and their family members.

Diabetes Support Group facilitated

by Karen Frost meets from 7 to 9 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month at Skagit Valley Hospital in the Shuksan Conference Room. For more information call 360-814-2874.

Parent Circle Parent Circle is an evening support meeting for new parents and their babies. Class is held on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Family Birth Center Waiting Room at Skagit Valley Hospital. Topics to be discussed include adjustment to parenthood, perinatal mood disorders and life with a new baby. Both parents are welcome. Please call 360-4282999 for additional information.

Free eight-week course for adults living 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 cost. The next course will begin in the Fall. Call Pauline at 360-559-1509 to sign up.

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Caregiver Support Groups A safe and supportive group to share and learn from other caregivers offered in Burlington and Anacortes. Provided

by Skagit Adult Day Program. E-mail info@skagitadultdayprogram.org for more information or call 360-755-1235.

Ostomy Support Group A friendly support group for people with ostomies, their friends and families. Meets the second Tuesday of each month at Skagit Valley Hospital from 6 to 7 p.m.

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

MAKE A DIFFERENCE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Volunteer Services at Skagit Regional Health

The Volunteer Services Department at Skagit Regional Health coordinates the activities of more than 400 volunteers.

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

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

SOME OF THE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH INCLUDE: INFORMATION DESK VOLUNTEERS Volunteer Services operates information desks at both Skagit Valley Hospital and Cascade Valley Hospital.

MAIL DELIVERY Volunteers at Skagit Valley Hospital make a daily circuit to pick up and deliver mail.

GIFT SHOP The Skagit Valley Hospital Gift Shop has many wonderful retail gift items for sale. The gift shop is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All proceeds from the Gift Shop are returned back to help Skagit Regional Health in areas of need. Volunteers assist with sales and merchandising.

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PIANISTS Music can help to create a healing environment. Accomplished pianists are invited to join the group of volunteers who share their talent playing the grand piano in the Skagit Valley Hospital lobby.

JUNIOR MEDICAL VOLUNTEERS The Junior Medical Volunteer program is for students ages 16-18.

The program allows young people an excellent opportunity to explore the culture of a healthcare organization while giving service to their community. Junior Medical Volunteers work in many areas of Skagit Regional Health. Each year, Skagit Regional Health awards scholarships to outstanding Junior Medical Volunteers.

FOR STUDENTS AND JOB SEEKERS While volunteering can be a great way to explore job opportunities, network or get required school credits, we ask volunteers to complete a minimum of 100 hours before requesting recommendations or receiving credit for hours volunteered.

As the number of positions is limited, 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.

OTHER VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT SERVICES: HOSPITAL AND CLINIC TOURS Tours of the facilities for groups and individuals are available.

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

CONTACT US For more information about any of our volunteer programs or services, including programs at Skagit Valley Hospital and Cascade Valley Hospital, please call 360-814-2142.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Get social and be the first in the know!

Join us on social media to stay up-to-date with events and programs going on throughout Skagit Regional Health and the communities we serve.

Get to know your healthcare team, participate in health awareness days and organizational events, and read helpful articles on health and wellness.

Follow Skagit Regional Health on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube today!

Facebook – Skagit Regional Health Twitter – @SkagitHealth YouTube – Skagit Regional Health

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 Saturday between 6:30 a.m. and 8 p.m.

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.

2019 Board of Commissioners includes, from left, Bruce Lisser, Julie Blazek, Peter Browning, Gary Shand, Jeff Miller, Frei Burton and Jim Hobbs.

Board has constant eye on patient safety and quality care The Board of Commissioners of Skagit Regional Health spends a great deal of time and attention on the safety and quality of care we offer in our facilities in Skagit, north Snohomish and Island counties. These topics are the foundations of all we do and merit our constant attention on behalf of the people we serve.

We are approaching patient safety and quality care from every angle at Skagit Regional Health and are making strong headway, thanks to the fine work of our entire staff and providers.

We have recent examples, based on the review of major international and national organizations, which show positive results in our commitment to quality, safe care: SURVEY SUCCESS: Skagit Regional Health works with DNV Healthcare, an international organization based in Norway, to annually provide accreditation surveys of our hospitals and clinics. Our June two-day survey at Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington and surrounding clinics

provided excellent results and follows similar exemplary results from a three-day February survey at clinics and Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon. These detailed surveys are intended to point out ways we can make our processes and facilities better and are vital to our drive for continuous quality and safety improvement. In both surveys this year, the surveyors – who all have vast healthcare background – were very complimentary about the teamwork, cleanliness and commitment to quality care they saw in our facilities.

STROKE CARE HONORS: Skagit Valley Hospital is honored to receive the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Gold Plus Quality

Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, researchbased guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence. To make their assessment, these two highly regarded national organizations review our data around our care for stroke patients including medications, use of evidence-based techniques and speed of treatment.

Our work on patient safety and quality continues and we as a Board of Commissioners will keep these topics at the forefront in our role as advocates for the best in health care for the people we are honored to serve.

Peter Browning President, Public Hospital District No. 1 Skagit Regional Health Board of Commissioners pbrowning@skagitregionalhealth.org

Check out our YouTube channel!

Gary Schillhammer MD: Video features Darrington physician Skagit Regional Health’s YouTube channel features a wide variety of videos about our providers, programs and services including a new one about Gary Schillhammer, MD, right, who has served the Darrington community for the past 35 years. “I think that one thing all my patients know is they are my family and I treat them like I would my own family,” Schillhammer said in the video. Check out the full library of informative videos on YouTube.

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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

P.O. Box 1376 Mount Vernon, WA 98273-1376

PAID LITHTEX NW

Sponsored by Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation

*********ECRWSS**** POSTAL CUSTOMER

MORE CARE

LESS WORRY MICHELLE’S STORY OF CANCER & CARE

I’m definitely thankful for the doctors and the nurses.

I felt like more than just a number, more than just a patient.

Read Michelle’s Story at MoreCareLessWorry.com

SkagitRegionalHealth.org

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Arlington and Mount Vernon