HealthQuest - Spring/Summer 2020

SPRING/SUMMER 2020

A publication of

Skagit Regional Health

Robotic thoracic surgery

Provider offers minimally invasive option for lung surgery

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COVID-19

Symptoms, care tips and resources for you

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Community of Care Arlington couple stays close to home for care

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Gratitude Report 2019

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Safety is our top priority

JUNE 26 | 10 A .M. SK AG I T GOL F A N D C OUN T R Y C LUB BURL ING T O N , WA For tournament and sponsorship information, please contact the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation, 360-814-8376 or email foundation@skagitregionalhealth.org.

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Healthcare is exceedingly complex. At the very foundation, however, it’s simple: Taking care of the people in our communities with safety as our number one priority. We are here for you.

In recent months, health care systems around the globe – and right here in Northwest Washington – have been challenged by a new complexity in health care: COVID-19, a new strain of coronavirus.

While the deadline for this column was weeks ago - so I can’t address the latest on this health care concern - I can speak to the simple focus I have witnessed from our entire staff to provide outstanding, safe care to the people of our communities. Skagit Regional Health’s unified commitment to safety is always in full view and is underscored by the arrival of COVID-19.

Across the organization, nurses, doctors, medical assistants, receptionists, environmental services personnel, engineers, lab technicians, business office and materials management staff are stepping up as a team.

I am extremely proud of this organization and the outstanding people who work so hard to provide our communities with safe, reliable care every day.

From the outset, in the earliest stages, Skagit Regional Health had a multi-disciplinary group gathering as the first news of COVID-19 came out in January. That early work and our close partnership with Public Health agencies at the county and state levels put us in a strong position as our region has faced the increasing impact of the virus over the weeks and months.

As cases were confirmed in Washington State and locally, we launched the Incident Command system to bolster and formalize our efforts, readiness and communications. We work closely with Public Health constantly monitoring CDC guidelines to make sure our practices align and we keep our staff, providers, patients and community safe.

As this rapidly changing situation continues to evolve, you can rely on Skagit Regional Health to provide you with safe, compassionate care. You can also count on us as a source of credible information about COVID-19 and a wide range of topics on our website at www.skagitregionalhealth.org.

We are here for you.

Brian Ivie President and CEO

SPRING/SUMMER 2020 | VOLUME 17 | ISSUE 1 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.

Community of Care Arlington couple stays close to home for care

Generosity blooms

Community supports healthcare workers during outbreak

Restoring quality of life

Orthopedic surgeon begins practice in Arlington

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Robotic thoracic surgery

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Partners to improve care

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COVID-19

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Provider offers minimally invasive option for lung surgery

Patients, volunteers, staff form advisory council Symptoms, care tips, resources for you

New providers

Specialists join Skagit Regional Health

Gratitude Report 2019

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HealthQuest Classes

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Board of Commissioners COVER PHOTO Arlington residents Beth Olmsted, Chris Eddy and their daughter KatieJo share their story of care.

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Spring 2020

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BETH AND CHRIS’S STORY

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Elizabeth “Beth” Olmsted was an experienced mother of three when she and her fiancé, Chris Eddy, found out they were going to have their first child together. Having grown up in Arlington, it was important for the couple to have their baby born into their shared community. They said they felt supported as they discovered a profound sense of communal care with the staff at Cascade Valley Hospital.

Exposure to a close-knit community shapes one’s identity and ultimately influences our overall character. “It’s not just about getting quality healthcare, but it’s also about getting that healthcare where you live,” Olmsted said. “I think supporting those doctors and staff it’s kind of the same concept as shopping locally, in a way. You’re supporting the people who practice healthcare in your community, and I think that’s really important.”

ABOVE: Beth Olmsted and fiancé Chris Eddy share a moment with their daughter KatieJo.

Several of their friends suggested they drive south to Everett and have the baby or at a facility in Seattle. For

Olmsted, the emphasis was on rediscovering a community right outside her door and finding the comprehensive care to address her maternal concerns.

Driving down the street only to say to their daughter, “Hey, that’s where you were born,” was an important factor in crafting their unique birth story, she said. Living down the hill and walking distance from Cascade Valley Hospital meant choosing a location, which was both convenient and comforting. Olmsted pointed out, “It is home, I mean my brother was born there and the doctor who

delivered him still works there. I’m 37, I grew up here, and the school I went to as a child is blocks away from the hospital.”

There’s nothing like the comforts of the familiar when facing a new horizon. Although the couple had previously discussed having a child together, the news of KatieJo’s arrival still came as a surprise. “I had a lot of questions being an older mom and having a high-risk pregnancy, and it was Eddy’s first baby,” Olmsted shared. Having an advanced maternal age was a concern for Olmsted who, unlike her previous prenatal experiences, felt elevated emotional states throughout her fourth pregnancy.

The couple was excited to find out the sex of their baby.

After receiving a much-anticipated call from the hospital while at work, Eddy knew just how to tell Olmsted the news. They’d both agreed beforehand that he would get to know the sex of the baby first and then tell Olmsted in person. After a little shopping, he drove over to her house and presented her with a small box. Inside were two tiny diamond stud earrings.

Their baby girl was on the way and

their adventure together as parents had already begun. With the quality of care they received early on, their path toward labor and delivery was much smoother than expected.

Olmsted’s anxiety was continually addressed and soothed by her healthcare team at Cascade Valley Hospital. “We weren’t just a number when we went in there, and you would sit in the waiting room and you’d watch how they’d interact with every patient that would walk into the office, and it was the same across the board, just really welcoming,” Olmsted recalled.

As her appointments came and went, Medical Assistant Trisha Barnett, became a familiar touchstone. At the front desk, Kim Dietz was also an important presence Olmsted and Eddy grew to appreciate.

“The first time we went in, it was Kim who was at the desk, and she was just very warm, very friendly and welcoming,” Olmsted said.

When members of the medical staff evolved into trusted friends, Olmsted and Eddy knew they’d made a special connection that far surpassed a “sterile” or strictly professional relationship. “I try not to get too personal with patients, but pregnant patients, especially, are a little bit different. You’re with them

for nine months through one of the biggest transitions of their lives and you really get to know them and their family,” Barnett maintained.

Barnett’s personalized medical experience was an essential component in Olmsted’s overall obstetric care. The offer to include Barnett at the birth was a way of celebrating a close bond. “Trisha wasn’t a nurse, but I’d rather have someone next to me that has been with me the whole way, who has seen me, ups and downs, and so we invited her to come be with us when KatieJo was born and that was really special,” Olmsted remembered. Barnett felt equally moved by the experience.

“When they asked me to be there as a friend, that was the biggest compliment I could get,” Barnett said.

“To experience something so close with a patient… it’s indescribable and it still makes me tear up because it was so special.”

The overwhelming support Olmsted and Eddy received brought them closer to members of their own hometown.

“I think that people have this preconceived notion that just because it’s Cascade Valley Hospital and it’s Arlington, there’s a lack of good health care in a small community. To me, it’s completely the opposite, that’s exactly why we went there,” she said.

“KatieJo was my fourth, so I felt like I had a good gauge of what was the standard [care] and what was above the standard, and I definitely feel like they exceeded that.”

Women’s Health services expand across the region Skagit Regional Health has expanded the midwifery program with the recent recruitment of two additional midwives in Mount Vernon. The re-launch of this program in June 2019 in Mount Vernon, and expanded services in Arlington, has increased access to Women’s Health.

Shaneen Fernandez, CNM and Andrea Phillips, CNM join Andrea Barrett-Hollander, CNM in Mount Vernon, while Jessica Hurwitz, CNM, joined Arlington Women’s Health.

OB/GYN Maria Cayabyab, DO, recently joined the Skagit Regional Health Women’s Health team and sees patients in both Arlington and

Mount Vernon. Additional OB/GYN providers include Sarah Elliott, MD, Trisha Halvorsen, MD, Taras Kindrat, MD and Joseph Wilson, MD. For information about Women’s Health services and to make an appointment, call Arlington Women’s Health at 360-435-0242 or Mount Vernon Women’s Health at 360-428-2575.

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New Providers join Women’s Health team WOMEN’S HEALTH

Maria Cayabyab, DO

Specialty: Women’s Health Location: Skagit Regional Health – Arlington Women’s Health Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon

MIDWIFERY

Andrea BarrettHollander, CNM

Andrea Phillips, APRN, CNM

Specialty: Midwifery Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon

Specialty: Midwifery Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon

What motivated you to pursue a career in medicine?

What do you enjoy most about being a midwife?

What do you enjoy most about midwifery?

My mother was a nurse and I would visit the hospital with her when I was little. I became fascinated with healthcare. I grew to love science and biology in high school.

I worked in the ER in college and decided I wanted to go to medical school. All these different factors coalesced and helped me realize that medicine was my avenue for making a difference in the world.

Being a midwife is the most rewarding thing I have ever encountered. I meet so many interesting people from all different walks of life and get to experience new adventures vicariously through them. My patients are more like friends. I love talking with teens and helping shape their lives by influencing their sexual health plans.

I also get to make a difference in the lives of many women by helping them ensure good health and awareness that will increase their enjoyment of life. Bringing babies into the world is such a satisfying experience.

Being the first hands to touch a new life is very powerful. I am grateful that these women allow me to be part of such a miraculous event.

I was introduced to midwifery through my mother’s homebirths.

I fell in love with labor and birth and knew I wanted to become a midwife. I worked as a doula, and then a labor and delivery nurse before entering midwifery school.

I believe midwifery care should be accessible to everyone. I’m passionate about empowering patients to stay informed and take control of their physical, emotional and reproductive health.

What are you passionate about professionally?

I’m passionate about adolescent health, pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding support and minimally invasive surgery.

Dr. Cayabyab completed her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Missouri followed

by OB/GYN residency training at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, New Jersey. She also earned an MBA in Healthcare Leadership from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri.

Outside of the office, Dr. Cayabyab enjoys gardening, hiking, yoga, snowboarding and watching her little girls discover the world around them. Appointments are available in Arlington by calling 360-435-0242 or in Mount Vernon at 360-428-2575.

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MIDWIFERY

What would you like your patients to know about you?

I would like my patients to know that I love to have fun at work. I like to get to know my patients on a personal basis and share laughs and jokes.

Every woman is beautiful and I remind them of that at every visit.

Andrea received her MSN in Midwifery from Georgetown University, School of Nursing in Washington, D.C. and is Board Certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board. Midwifery appointments are available by calling 360-428-2575.

How do you impact the lives of your patients?

I always want my patients to feel heard. I’m especially passionate about partnering with young women early in their introduction to reproductive healthcare. I believe that when you treat patients with dignity and respect, they won’t settle for less. I’ve also found that when you model support and encouragement for family members, they’re better at supporting their loved ones as well.

Andrea received her Masters of Science in Nursing from the Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing and is board certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, trail running, snowshoeing and kayaking. Appointments are available by calling 360-428-2575.

Generosity in times of COVID-19 pandemic

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation staff has been and will continue to actively respond to calls and emails from regional and local companies and individuals who want to make donations critical to Skagit Regional Health’s ability to care for our community during the COVID-19 outbreak.

As of early April, more than 100 entities have made donations – both in the form of personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to protect our healthcare team members caring for patients, to donations of kindness in the form of tulip bouquets and meals for staff.

Domino’s Pizza delivered free pizzas to Cascade Valley Hospital’s night staff and Smokey Point Urgent Care.

Since the official announcement that the COVID-19 became “pandemic” level, Skagit Regional Health has and continues to be overwhelmed by the generosity of business partners and community members who have stepped up in a big way to donate tens of thousands of medical-grade gloves, thousands of simple masks, N95 masks, face shields and disposable isolation gowns. Not only are businesses pulling items from their inventories, they are literally reinventing their manufacturing priorities to produce medical-grade PPE to support the work of Skagit Regional Health healthcare workers.

Girl Scout Troop 40737 member Devyn Britton delivers cookies to Cascade Valley Hospital.

“On behalf of the entire organization, the Foundation cannot thank our community enough for these amazing acts of generosity,” said Linda Frizzell, Executive Director of the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation. “Our healthcare team feels the care and support of our community.”

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation has set up a COVID-19 Support Fund. This fund will support the emergent patient care needs.

To make a monetary donation online, visit https://bit.ly/39fAOgx

Chief Quality Officer Dr. Josh Griggs, Skagit Regional Health Commissioner Bruce Lisser, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Connie Davis and Chief Executive Officer Brian Ivie accept a donation of locally manufactured personal protective equipment produced

by Eddyline Kayak, Harbor Freight and Chinook Enterprises in a project funded by the Mount Vernon Skagit Rotary Club.

Thank you art from Mia, age 9 and Greyson, age 4, was shared with Skagit Regional Health.

Spring 2020

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Helping restore patients’ quality of life Orthopedic surgeon Ryan Vellinga, MD enjoys the opportunity to work with patients for a positive outcome and to restore form, function and quality of life.

“In surgery, you get to help people get better by changing their anatomy, putting their anatomy back in a place that is going to give them good form and function,” Dr. Vellinga said.

Dr. Vellinga practices in Smokey Point and joined Skagit Regional Health in 2019 as part of the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine team. He has a special interest in sports medicine, arthroscopy and reconstructive surgery, with a focus on minimally invasive procedures.

Dr. Vellinga is a specialist in all shoulder arthroscopic procedures, including rotator cuff repair, instability surgery and complex reconstructive surgery such as superior capsular reconstruction and dermal allograft augmentation and reconstruction. In patients with advanced shoulder arthritis, that may not be improved with arthroscopic surgery, Dr. Vellinga has used patientspecific technology and computer navigation guidance to perform

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both standard and reverse shoulder replacements tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy and needs.

facing nagging pain or limitations that develop over time and can still benefit from treatment.

For patients having arthroscopy, Dr. Vellinga shares a narrated video with them so they can see for themselves what the problem is in their joint and how the problems are treated with surgery.

Dr. Vellinga shared a story about helping a patient return to a better quality of life. A gentleman at the gym where he worked out told him that he couldn’t do shoulder lifting exercises because of a shoulder injury he suffered years before while in the military. It wasn’t a life-threatening injury but it was life limiting. Dr. Vellinga said he was able to repair the injury and, within a month, the patient was able to start sleeping through the night without medication, which he hadn’t been able to do in a very long time. The patient is doing physical therapy now and is on his way to full recovery so he can return to the hobbies and activities he enjoys.

While he uses high-tech methods today, he was originally drawn to orthopedic surgery while job shadowing in college. He happened to shadow an Orthopedic surgeon in the operating room and watched an ankle fracture procedure using tools and instruments that were very similar to those he used in his work as an assistant electrician and carpenter, jobs he held while putting himself through school.

“He was using the same tools to fix people that I used in my labor jobs and I just thought that was the greatest thing I had ever seen,” Dr. Vellinga said. “From that time on, I wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon.”

Dr. Vellinga enjoys the opportunity to connect with patients. While some have been recently injured, others are

“I enjoy helping people to feel comfortable and to feel empowered through our conversations that they have an understanding of the problem that is going on and the treatments that are options to them and to know that I’ll do everything that I can to help them have a positive outcome.” Dr. Vellinga said.

Dr. Vellinga also performs hip arthroscopy and has a focus of joint preservation for shoulder, hip, knee and ankle. He is interested in biologic therapies including PRP (platelet rich plasma) and bone marrow concentrate stem cell treatments as a more natural way to treat conditions and help people avoid surgery. He works closely with the other sports medicine surgeons at both Cascade Valley Hospital and Skagit Valley Hospital to provide optimal help for patients.

Dr. Vellinga said he enjoys being part of the close-knit community at Cascade Valley Hospital and a full continuum of orthopedics and sports medicine supported by Skagit Regional Health.

“I think of my patients as I think of my own family. I ask myself: How I would want to be treated? How would I want to be examined and how would I want to have something explained? If a patient doesn’t understand because of the vocabulary that I’m using, it decreases the clarity. It wasn’t that long ago when I didn’t know any of this medical terminology and I remember well

what it’s like to be in a doctor’s office not understanding what the doctor was saying. It’s important for each patient to feel empowered about their situation,” he said. “My philosophy is to do everything I can to help my patients understand what is going on and what we can do to help them. Sometimes that’s surgery and sometimes it’s not. Either way, it’s my goal that they are empowered with information and to be part of the decision making for their care. I want to validate their concerns and help each person feel listened to.”

Dr. Vellinga completed medical school at Stony Brook University School of Medicine in New York and performed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center-Hamot in Pennsylvania. He then trained at the prestigious Sports, Arthroscopy and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at the Southern California Orthopedic Institute (SCOI) in Los Angeles where he trained to become an expert in Arthroscopy and Reconstructive Surgery.

To schedule an appointment, call 360-435-6641.

BELOW: Orthopedic Surgeon Ryan Vellinga, MD, enjoys connecting with his patients.

Skagit Regional Health quickly mobilizes Acute Respiratory Clinics Skagit Regional Health mobilized Acute Respiratory Clinics in the early weeks after the arrival of positive COVID-19 cases in the region. These clinics – referred to as ARCs – provide a specific location for patients with symptoms of the illness to go for triage, assessment and potential testing.

The primary symptoms of COVID-19 are fever; new-onset cough; difficulty breathing; diarrhea and lack of taste and/or smell. By having locations where the staff and facilities are set up to handle potential COVID-19-positive patients, Skagit Regional Health is able to minimize the impact on primary and urgent care clinics and the hospitals’ emergency departments.

The locations were set up very early in the wave of COVID-19 through the region.

“We are very pleased that we moved forward so quickly with the Acute Respiratory Clinics as a way to best serve our patients in the face of this outbreak,” said Justin Oram, Regional Vice President of Clinic Operations for Skagit Regional Health. “Not only do these clinics provide specialized care for potential COVID-19 patients, they also allow the healthcare teams in the Emergency Departments and other points to care to focus on the patients who need their level of care. These clinics are a true resource to the community.”

As of April 10, two clinics are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday: • 328 S. Stillaguamish Ave., Arlington • 120 South 13th St., Mount Vernon

Spring 2020

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Robotic thoracic surgery Doctor starts new program at Skagit Regional Health Thoracic Surgeon Richard Leone, MD, PhD, FACS has added robotassisted surgery to the procedures he performs to treat patients with lung cancer and other illnesses related to the lungs.

“This is an instrument for us to more precisely do an operation we have been doing for many years, with smaller incisions,” Dr. Leone said of the robotic da Vinci® Xi™ Surgical System at Skagit Valley Hospital. “We have made tremendous progress in recent years in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer and now have new methods that are less invasive and more effective in treating and curing more patients than ever before. My patients are very pleased to hear they don’t have to go to Seattle for this.”

Dr. Leone joined Skagit Regional Health in 2019 after 14 years as Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Director of the Thoracic Oncology Program at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham.

He and his team recently completed training in robotic-assisted surgical techniques after working with surgeons who are world-renowned experts at Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and New York University.

“It’s very reassuring to have trusted colleagues who have done so many cases,” he said. “The robot provides a whole different level of care. It is less invasive, safer surgery and affords visualization with 10 times magnification. It’s dramatically different to see blood vessels, lymph nodes, everything, really.”

In the past, a thoracotomy procedure to open the chest involved spreading the ribs to remove part or all of a lung and a typical hospital stay of a week.

The use of robotic-assisted procedures means much smaller incisions with the use of the da Vinci’s tiny instruments, resulting in a one- or two-night stay, quicker recovery, and less pain medications and often no narcotics.

Robotic-assisted procedures can be particularly beneficial for patients with COPD, emphysema or those in older age groups.

“It’s really desirable for these patients to have less invasive surgery,” Dr. Leone said.

Dr. Leone also has expertise in other minimally invasive lung surgery techniques, including use of state-of-the-art Electromagnetic Navigational Bronchoscopy coupled with Endobronchial Ultrasound for diagnosing and treating cancer in a less invasive way.

“I feel I have an obligation to provide truly exceptional and modern care to my patients,” Dr. Leone said.

“I am grateful to have found an organization that shares my passion for exceptional care.”

Dr. Leone’s practice focuses on the lungs, including diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, in partnership with Skagit Regional Health’s general surgeons and radiation and medical oncologists.

Dr. Leone earned a PhD in cardiovascular physiology at Rutgers University and received his Medical Degree from Rutgers University’s Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey. He completed fellowships in Thoracic Surgical Oncology at the Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and in Cardiothoracic Surgery at New York Presbyterian Hospital – Cornell University Medical Center in New York and completed his residency in general surgery at Rutgers University’s Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. He has been elected as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), the American College of Cardiology (FACC) and the American College of Chest Physicians (FCCP).

When he is away from work, Dr. Leone and his wife Kathy enjoy spending time with their daughters, ages 3 and 5, and outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing.

Know the signs of stroke: BE FAST Call 911 immediately if any of these are positive: B = Balance and/or gait problems E = Eyes: Visual loss or difficulty F = Face: Facial drooping or difficulty smiling A = Arms: Arm weakness or drift when raised S = Speech: Slurred speech or unable to speak T = Time: When were they last normal?

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For more information, go to www.stroke.org or call the stroke help line at 1-800-787-6537.

Low-dose CT lung screening available in Arlington, Mount Vernon Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer related death in the United States. Early detection is a proven and successful strategy to reduce lung specific mortality. Low-dose lung cancer screening is able to detect lung nodules better than a chest X-ray and maintains a relatively low radiation exposure. If there are any nodules detected, recommendations for further procedures are made.

“Most of the time, lung cancer has no symptoms at all until the disease is very advanced,” said Thoracic Surgeon Richard Leone, MD, PhD, FACS. “CT scanning is the best way to identify early, treatable lung cancers.”

Low-dose CT screening, available at both Skagit Valley Hospital and Cascade Valley Hospital, is now covered by Medicare for highrisk patients ages 55 to 77.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends that healthy adults at high risk for lung cancer should talk to their doctor about screening with lowdose computed tomography.

Ages 55-74 • 30 pack years or more of smoking AND • Quit smoking less than 15 years ago - OR -

Ages 50 + • 20 pack years or more of smoking AND • Other risk factor(s) such as contact with radon or asbestos, history of lung disease, history of other cancers, or family history of lung disease If you meet the criteria for a highrisk adult, talk with your health care provider about a low-dose computed tomography screening exam.

Where can I get a low-dose CT scan done?

Low-dose CT screening is now available at both hospitals in the Skagit Regional Health system: Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington and Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon. For more information, go to www.skagitregionalhealth.org.

Skagit Imaging Pavilion opens; 3D mammography planned for Arlington The new Skagit Imaging Pavilion opened in September 2019 just north of Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon, offering 3D mammography to the community.

The center features the latest in several diagnostic imaging modalities including 3D mammography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Ultrasound, Computed Tomography (CT) and Stereotactic biopsy.

Radiologist Daniel Pham, MD, with Skagit Radiology, said he is pleased to have the new center and services for patients.

“The new Women’s Imaging Center has allowed us to apply the technological advantages of 3D mammography to more patients in the communities we serve,” Dr. Pham said. “Modern breast imaging services are now combined in one convenient location, staffed by dedicated technologists and specialized radiologists.”

The facility is a partnership between Skagit Regional Health and Skagit Radiology. The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation raised $2 million to help equip the Women’s Imaging Center where the 3D mammography units are located.

This Spring, Skagit Regional Health will add 3D mammography at Cascade Valley Hospital in

Arlington in a partnership with Public Hospital District No. 3.

Since 2016, Skagit Regional Health has leased and operated Cascade Valley Hospital as an extension of a long-standing record of working together to bring advanced, quality and safe health care services to the region.

In the fall of 2019, the Board of Commissioners for Public Hospital District No. 3, Snohomish County, unanimously approved the use of capital funds to purchase 3D mammography equipment for Cascade Valley Hospital.

“When the commissioners made the decision four years ago to affiliate and turn operations of Cascade Valley Hospital over to Skagit Regional Health, their main focus was to keep and improve local medical services for the residents of Arlington, Darrington and surrounding communities,” said Ardis Schmiege, Superintendent of Stilly Valley Health Connections and Public Hospital District No. 3, Snohomish County. “The purchase of this stateof-the-art medical equipment is a great example of the continued partnership with Skagit Regional Health in providing the best care for our hospital district residents.”

Spring 2020

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Patient and Family Advisory Council members focus on quality, safety Several community members have signed up to share their experiences and perspectives on how to improve the quality and safety of healthcare at Skagit Regional Health by joining the newly formed Patient and Family Advisory Council.

“Patient and family advisors are valuable partners in our efforts to reduce medical errors and improve the safety and quality of health care,” said Danie Turpin, Regional Director of Patient Experience, who is leading the effort and recruitment of advisors.

Patient and family advisors are individuals who have received care at Cascade Valley or Skagit Valley hospitals or the healthcare system’s clinics who are willing to offer insights and input to help provide care and services that are based on patient- and family-identified needs rather than assumptions of clinicians or other hospital staff about what patients and families want, Turpin explained.

Scott Correa of Mount Vernon said he became interested in serving on the council after he had some billing issues with Skagit Regional Health and had the opportunity to talk to Turpin about his experience.

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“My career is fixing processes and I saw opportunities to do that here as an outside observer and patient,” Correa said. “I saw the opportunity to get involved and help improve care.”

Correa noted that his goal in being involved is “to teach people how to work actual problems instead of symptoms.”

Former patient and longtime Skagit Valley Hospital volunteer Ron Newell of Mount Vernon said he got involved with the council because “I want to help people who have gone through similar experiences through positive influence.”

Skagit Regional Health’s Ambulatory Quality Manager Randi Christensen, RN, BSN, MBA has been involved in healthcare for the past 30 years and wanted to contribute her experience to helping make positive change to the patient experience.

She decided to get involved with the council after being told it would be an eight-month wait to establish care with a Skagit Regional Health provider. She and her husband decided to go out of the system

for care, however, the experience with her own employer spurred her engagement with the council.

“As a patient I always try to leave my RN card at home and make the experience just like anyone else. I have experienced good care here and care that is questionable,” Christensen said. “I have a young son and both my husband and I have elderly parents who live in the area who have received care here. As an RN, I make sure I am with them during their visits whenever possible.

I believe I have had an impact on their care when I am present versus when I am not. I wish that everyone could have an RN advocate for them when in the hospital, but since this is not possible, I hope my representation on this committee can help in some way.”

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a part of the Patient and Family Advisory Council, please contact Danie Turpin, Regional Director of Patient Experience at dturpin@skagitregionalhealth.org or by calling 360-814-8525.

BELOW: From left, Randi Christensen, RN, BSN, MBA; Scott Correa; Danie Turpin, Regional Director of Patient Experience; and Ron Newell.

ASK FOR A

Medicare Wellness Visit

By David M. Escobar, DO, FAAFP

The doctor-patient relationship is a time-honored and unique human experience. Part of that experience, and in furtherance of good health, is the idea of prevention in health care.

How many of us watch or listen to commercials and other advertisements to “see your doctor for a physical?” How many of us call up the doctor’s office to make an appointment for a “physical” on a regular, annual basis?

A 2007 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that nearly 45 million Americans get “physicals” every year1 . And, while health insurance plans cover these preventive examinations (and usually appropriate lab testing), there is one unique patient population for whom “physicals” are not covered by insurance: Medicare patients.

You read that correctly; if you are 65 years old or older, and have a Medicare health insurance plan, you technically cannot receive a “physical” and have it covered by the insurance plan. Routine lab testing for preventive care needs are also not usually covered by Medicare.

There is a reason for this; studies are demonstrating that a routine

“physical” is, in fact, not helpful for promoting health. What is helpful, however, is a targeted doctor’s visit that looks at specific aspects of your health for preventive needs; and this is what is termed a Medicare Wellness Visit.

Medicare Wellness Visits are absolutely covered

by Medicare, but do not necessarily include laboratory testing or a physical examination.

The structure of the visit revolves around reviewing medical history, chronic medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.), medication review and preventive health care needs (e.g., colon cancer screening, breast cancer screening). Providers also take the opportunity to discuss advanced care planning, such as living wills and what a patient’s desires are for end-of-life planning (should the need arise). These are all critical aspects of one’s health, but depart from what one is used to earlier in life with the good oldfashioned “physical” at the doctor’s office.

So, when you are thinking of calling your doctor’s office for a “physical,” and you are a Medicarecovered patient, ask instead for a Medicare Wellness Exam. Your doctor

will sit down with you (and any loved ones you want present) to offer you a comprehensive review of your overall health and have a conversation on planning for any health needs in the future. Be mindful of increased costs to you if you decide you would like any labs drawn as these will likely go against your deductible with your particular Medicare insurance plan.

Medicare Wellness Visits might sound a bit onerous and nontraditional. But they really are a means of cementing and leveraging the therapeutic relationship you have with your doctor to achieve your health care goals. Talking with your doctor at a Medicare Wellness Visits helps to ensure your needs are being met.

David Escobar, DO practices Family Medicine with Obstetrics at Skagit Regional Health and sees patients at Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood. He received his DO from Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, is Board Certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians and is a Fellow in the American Academy of Family Physicians.

1 Mehrotra, A, Zaslavsky, AM, Ayanian, JZ. (2007). Preventive health examinations and preventive gynecological examinations in the United States. Arch Intern Med, 1876-1883.

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Such caring, loving people:

Patient voices appreciation For more than 32 years, David and Kimberley Sitton, residents of Sedro-Woolley, have shared a life of adventure, fishing trips, hunting excursions and garage sale-ing; a life of friendship.

“She’s my best friend,” said David.

“You’re mine too,” replied Kimberley. “I think we’re stuck with each other.”

On January 5, 2019, Kimberley’s life, as she knew it, was totally changed.

“I was having severe abdominal pain that night. I could feel a bulge on my right and left side under my rib cage,” said Kimberley. “My loving

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husband rushed me to the emergency room at Skagit Valley Hospital.”

“Something inside said, go to Mount Vernon. I just went,” said David.

a ventilator and had tubes and wires everywhere. For the next 13 days, I was in critical care,” said Kimberley.

“David said it was a crazy roller coaster ride.”

Three weeks later, Kimberley awoke and learned about the seriousness of her situation. She found her husband, David, steadfast at her bedside.

He proceeded to tell her what had transpired over the previous 21 days.

Kimberley’s colon had perforated in two different places and she was septic.

General Surgeon Allison Porter, MD, was on call the evening of Kimberley’s arrival. Dr. Porter and the care team at Skagit Regional Health rallied in response to the ups and downs of Kimberley’s delicate state.

“Immediately, a team of doctors were brought together and I was prepped for surgery. I was placed on

Kimberley’s condition varied throughout the first 13 days. She underwent three major surgeries

“I wouldn’t be here, I don’t think, without Dr. Porter and her remarkable team,” said Kimberley.

ABOVE: Kimberley and David Sitton enjoy a boat ride and celebrate her continuing recovery.

“It made me realize that I was alive and just grateful to be alive and to have so many caring people around me and they were pulling for me so hard.” ~ Kimberley and was placed on a ventilator and had a feeding tube inserted. David navigated his wife’s care decisions with the support of the providers and team at Skagit Regional Health.

“It’s either black or white with me, there are no variants. I said, ‘if she’s not good, be honest with me.’ And they were. I knew exactly what was going on with my wife the whole time,” said David. “I talked to her when she was out. I said, ‘you keep fighting girl.’ I’d whisper it in her ear.”

The surgeons; Dr. Porter, Joel Dean, MD and Janice Kang, MD, as well as the critical care team, gave David and their family constant updates on the changes in Kimberley’s status.

David was confronted with a number of difficult decisions throughout Kimberley’s treatment.

“To be honest with you, when she went in for surgery on January 5, when I kissed her, I thought I was kissing her goodbye because she went south that fast,” said David. “We don’t want life support, but I said, ‘if you want to jumpstart her a couple times, go ahead.’”

While David stayed close by, waiting for their family to arrive Hospitalist Precious Barnes, DO, stepped in to make sure David was taking steps to care for himself too.

“I’ve never had professional people talk to us like they did. This is the first time. They drew everything on the board and they explained everything that was going on with my wife,” said David. “They answered all our questions thoroughly, so nothing went unanswered, and it brought me comfort.”

David noticed the special care each of the staff took with his wife each day. He learned what numbers on the screen meant she was stable. Only then would he leave her side for short periods of time, trusting the quality of care she received in his absence.

focus on getting Kimberley breathing on her own.

“I was totally amazed that it had been that long,” Kimberley said of her ordeal. “It made me realize how serious my condition was. I was in the ICU, all the nurses and doctors who came in were so professional, so encouraging and so inspirational.

They gave me that extra shove...they were just such caring and loving people. It just blew me away.”

me so much that it made me want to do it because I wanted to prove to myself and to them that I could do what they’re asking me to do. And my speech therapist, Jessica, was also wonderful, she really was inspiring for me to get my voice back,” said Kimberley.

Kimberley still faces a long recovery and follow-up procedures, but her strong will and determination keeps her going.

When she woke up, Kimberley realized the additional impacts of her condition. A blood clot had formed in her right hand which had ultimately resulted in the doctors removing her thumb, middle finger and the tip of her index finger.

“She’s really independent,” said David. “She doesn’t mind me helping, but she wants her independence.”

“I was so ecstatic that I was even there, to be alive, that it didn’t even bother me,” said Kimberley.

“I wanted to be able to be with my family and play with my grandkids and go back to fishing and hunting, things that I enjoy doing now that I’m retired,” said Kimberley. “I have a different outlook and perspective on life and what’s important and not.”

“She looked at me and said, you’ll just have to get me a left-handed [fishing] reel,” said David.

“It made me realize that I was alive and just grateful to be alive and to have so many caring people around me and they were pulling for me so hard,” Kimberley said.

Her positive attitude and determination radiated energy into the next part of her journey, recovery and reclaiming her independence.

As her medical needs evolved, the Skagit Regional Health teams provided an easy transition across a network of providers and services.

The level of care she experienced never diminished.

“My physical therapists gave me that extra little boost, a kick in the butt so to speak. They encouraged

With David still at her side, Kimberley is determined to get back to doing things her way.

While the year was not what she had planned or expected, Kimberley said she is grateful for the individuals who supported her throughout her journey.

“2019 was a challenge of a year for me and my family. It’s been full of challenges and battles and quick decisions, hope, prayers, spiritual transformation,” said Kimberley.

“Skagit Regional Health is amazing.

Everyone played such an important role in my situation and they’re just irreplaceable.

They’re just amazing.”

Kimberley’s fate was unknown until the morning David saw a smiling Dr. Porter turn the corner into the waiting area. Her surgery had been successful. They would now Spring 2020

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New Providers OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE

Calvin T. Jones, MD, MPH

Specialty: Occupational Medicine Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Smokey Point

Hilary Cutler, ARNP Specialty: Dermatology Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Riverbend and Smokey Point

RHEUMATOLOGY

Navid Mehraban, MD

Specialty: Rheumatology Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Riverbend and Smokey Point

What led you to pursue a career in Occupational Medicine?

What motivated you to pursue a career in medicine?

What do you enjoy most about Rheumatology?

An interest in science and the desire to care for people led me to pursue a career in medicine. I chose Occupational Medicine because I am fascinated by what people do to make a living and how that affects their lives.

I was raised by a nurse and this is what first inspired me to look into healthcare as a career. I always wanted to work where I could make a difference.

It is still a work in progress, but in general I am lucky to practice during a time that Rheumatology knowledge is blooming and will have a lot to offer in the future.

What do you enjoy most about your chosen field/specialty?

What can a patient expect from you?

I love that the skin is our largest organ and while many conditions are just located on the skin, sometimes it can give us a glimpse as to what may be going on internally as well. I like the challenge of working with patients through both acute and chronic management of their skin conditions.

Cutler completed a Master of Science in Nursing from Washington State University in Spokane. She was raised in Olympia and is happy to be back in Washington after several years practicing in Idaho. In her free time, she raises poultry, including quail, ducks, chickens and geese. She and her husband enjoy playing and refereeing soccer, hiking and biking and they look forward to exploring the beautiful Skagit Valley and surrounding mountains.

Dermatology appointments are available by calling 360-814-6800.

I review my patients’ available medical records prior to their visit and listen carefully to their concerns during the visit. Finally, I make sure that we both have a good summary and framework for future follow-ups.

What are your special interests within your practice?

My special interests include preventive medicine in the workplace, especially firefighter health and aerospace health.

What brought you to Skagit Regional Health?

The opportunity to reconnect with direct patient care after several years in administrative medicine made me understand how important direct patient care is to my personal happiness.

Dr. Jones completed his medical degree at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland and a Master of Public Health degree in Occupational Medicine from the Medical College of Wisconsin Academic Program in Milwaukee. Dr. Jones is board certified in Occupational Medicine and Family Medicine. Outside of the office, he enjoys social dancing, particularly West Coast Swing.

Occupational Medicine appointments are available by calling 360-657-8700.

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DERMATOLOGY

How would a friend or colleague describe you?

They would describe me as being attentive to details and eager to get down to the root of the problem to help my patients see changes.

Dr. Mehraban received his Medical Degree from the Islamic Azad University - Tehran Medical Branch.

He completed Internal Medicine residency training at Methodist Hospitals in Dallas, Texas followed by a Rheumatology fellowship at Oregon Health & Sciences University in Portland. Rheumatology appointments are available at Riverbend in Mount Vernon and in Smokey Point by calling 360-428-2550.

NEUROLOGY

PEDIATRICS

Kathryn Roberts, MD

FAMILY MEDICINE

Mari Oathes, DO

Oksana Miller, DO

Specialty Pediatrics Specialty: Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Riverbend

Specialty Neurology Specialty: Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon

Specialty: Family Medicine Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Stanwood

What led you to pursue a career in Neurology?

Why did you decided to pursue a career in Pediatrics?

What motivated you to pursue a career in medicine?

My son was my motivation for pursuing a career in Neurology. He is autistic and researching his issues led to my becoming fascinated by odd things like neurotransmitters and mirror neurons.

I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a doctor and to work with children. At four years old, I had two surgeries to remove a birthmark from my forehead and I think that is what made me want to help keep kids healthy.

It was my childhood dream to become a doctor. I was inspired by a female OB/GYN physician who saved my life during my birth in a remote, far eastern Russian village. I was named Oksana after this compassionate doctor. Twenty years later, when I moved to the Unites States, I strived to make my dream a reality.

What are you passionate about professionally?

Patient empowerment. Many of my patients have chronic diseases and I feel as though part of my role is to help them take back some measure of control over these conditions which take so much from them.

What brought you to Skagit Regional Clinics?

I came to Skagit Regional Clinics because I was looking for a rural setting where I could form longterm personal relationships with my patients. I also love the area! I grew up on a ranch in south central Oregon and driving through the farmland to work every morning makes me happy.

In her personal time, Dr. Roberts enjoys growing things and turned her backyard into a small farm with more than enough vegetables to feed her family, friends, neighbors and coworkers. Neurology appointments are available by calling 360-428-2550.

What brought you to Skagit Regional Health?

I rotated here as a third- and fourthyear medical student and loved the people I had the opportunity to work with and serve. When I graduated from my pediatric residency and they had an opening in the clinic, I knew I wanted to work here.

How do you impact the lives of your patients?

I try to provide a safe place for my patients to discuss their concerns and questions while making them feel comfortable and cared for.

Dr. Oathes earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Yakima and completed pediatric residency training at University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. Pediatric appointments are available by calling 360-814-6800.

What do you enjoy most about Family Medicine?

As a Family Medicine physician, I enjoy continuity of care and taking care of the whole family. I am a strong believer that good primary care can improve the health of communities, families and individuals. I like to partner with my patients and empower them to take charge of their own health and well-being.

Dr. Miller earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Yakima, Washington. She is a graduate of the Family Residency Program at Skagit Regional Health.

Outside of the office Dr. Miller, her husband and their four children, love to camp, hike, bike, take weekend RV trips and ski. Appointments are available by calling 360-629-1600.

ORTHOPEDICS AND SPORTS MEDICINE

Ashton de Cardenas, PA-C

Specialty: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine | Location: Skagit Regional Clinics - Riverbend

What do you enjoy most about your chosen field/specialty?

I consider myself to be privileged to have had the opportunity to work closely with highly talented and skilled orthopedic surgeons. I thoroughly enjoy interacting with the physicians, participating in surgery and seeing patients.

I look forward to interfacing with patients and helping them to understand their options relative to their treatment.

How do you positively impact the lives of your patients?

I believe in building a strong rapport with my patients so that they feel supported. It is important that my patients feel comfortable and confident in asking me questions and sharing any concerns.

PA de Cardenas earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health, with a Biology minor, at the University of Houston in Houston, Texas. She completed a Master of Physician Studies at the University of Texas – Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. In her personal time, she enjoys traveling and participating in all types of outdoor activities; including sky diving, hot air ballooning and hiking with family and friends. Orthopedic and sports medicine appointments are available by calling 360-814-6800.

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Skagit Regional Health

around the REGION

CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS AND WHAT TO DO

By Mary Bavaro, MD | Skagit Regional Health Infectious Disease Specialist

CEO Brian Ivie, left, receives the Business Person of the Year award from Brian Poppe of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce board.

MOUNT VERNON CHAMBER HONORS Skagit Regional Health’s Chief Executive Officer Brian Ivie was named Business Person of the Year by the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce in ceremonies held in January.

Brian joined Skagit Regional Health as President, Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent in November 2017.

He arrived at Skagit Regional Health as a highly experienced health care leader, having served as President and CEO of several large California healthcare facilities operated

by Dignity Health.

Since his arrival, Skagit Regional Health has experienced growth, financial stability, started new services including da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery and launched a focus on the Culture of Safety and patient experience.

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Over the last several months, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has had a major impact across the globe and right here in Washington state, including Skagit, Island, Whatcom and Snohomish counties.

While most people who have COVID-19 may have few to no symptoms, some patients may develop a more severe illness with symptoms including: • Fever • Cough • Difficulty breathing • Diarrhea • Lack of taste and/or smell If you experience these symptoms, remember the following: • If you are short of breath, call 911.

• Do not go to the emergency room unless essential.

• Skagit Regional Health offers Acute Respiratory Clinics for those experiencing symptoms.

See page 9.

As of this publication’s deadline, there was no vaccine yet for COVID-19, however, people can take steps to avoid exposure to the virus. These precautions, recommended by the Centers for Disease Control are the same steps we take to help prevent other common respiratory infections and influenza: • Maintain social distancing with a minimum of six feet of separation from other people • Avoid contact with people who are sick, whenever possible.

• Good personal hygiene habits include frequent hand washing with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after using the restroom and before

eating; alcohol-based hand sanitizer (with at least 60 percent alcohol) is a suitable alternative when soap and water are not readily available.

• Cough and sneeze into a disposable tissue and throw it away. Wash your hands after discarding the tissue. Cough or sneeze into your elbow if a tissue is not available.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects, such as cell phones, light switches, door knobs and countertops.

• In early April, the CDC updated their recommendations in include routine use of masks by people who are healthy. Masks are recommended for people seeking medical care who have a fever and cough or flu-like symptoms.

For additional information about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and resources, visit the CDC at www. cdc.gov/coronavirus and the Washington State Department of Health at www.doh.wa.gov/emergencies/ coronavirus).

Dr. Mary Bavaro is an Infectious Disease specialist at Skagit Regional Health.

She earned her Medical Degree at State University of New York at Brooklyn. She went on to complete an Internship at Naval Hospital in Oakland, CA followed by Internal Medicine residency training at David Grant Medical Center on Travis Air Force Base in California. Dr. Bavaro completed an Infectious Disease Fellowship at Naval Medical Center in San Diego, CA. She remained there, serving as the Division Head for six years, before acting as the Program Director for Infectious Disease Fellowship Program for seven years.

ARLINGTON WOUND CENTER EARNS HIGH HONORS

CENTER FOR SLEEP DISORDERS EARNS ACCREDITATION The Center for Sleep Disorders at Skagit Valley Hospital has earned reaccreditation as the result of a November 2019 survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).

The Center for Sleep Disorders offers evaluation, management and testing for sleep disorders in one convenient location.

The reaccreditation, which takes place every five years with a site visit every 10 years, covers the six-bed sleep lab and the outpatient sleep medicine clinic, which are both located within Skagit Valley Hospital. Rob Mortensen, RRT, Regional Director of Respiratory Therapy, Cardiopulmonary and Sleep Medicine, said the surveyor, noted that the facility is “a very fine sleep lab” and noted that staff are doing a “great job.” The surveyor stated that bringing together the clinic and lab into a central location was a sound operational decision.

The Center of Sleep Disorders is also recognized as a Center of Excellence by the Washington State Health Care Authority, a status that requires AASM accreditation.

The Cascade Valley Hospital Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Center scored in the top 10 percent of Healogics® Wound Care Centers® on clinical excellence measures to receive the 2019 Healogics Center of Distinction and the Robert A. Warriner III, MD Clinical Excellence Award.

“The team has extremely high expectations of the care they provide, uncompromising standards and deliver such a needed service in our community,” said Tom King, MBA, Program Director for the center in Arlington. “It’s an honor to watch them do this work every day.”

The entire staff, along with the center’s Medical Director Peter Wolff, MD, a general surgeon and recently retired Clinical Nurse Manager Teri Burt, deserve the credit in driving this success, King said.

Cascade Valley Hospital Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Center offers highly specialized wound care to patients suffering from diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds which have not healed in a reasonable amount of time. Leading edge treatments at the center include negative pressure wound therapy, total contact casting, bio-engineered tissues, biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies.

TAXPAYERS BENEFIT FROM REFINANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS For the second time since voters overwhelmingly approved a 2004 general obligation bond issue to help expand Skagit Valley Hospital, Skagit Regional Health’s Board of Commissioners took advantage of lower interest rates to reduce the amount taxpayers owe on the bonds.

In 2004, voters approved the $62.1 million general obligation bond issue to help build and fund the major portion of the 220,000 square foot hospital addition, which opened in 2007. The bond issue received a 67 percent voter approval.

The taxpayers of Public Hospital District No. 1 will achieve savings of

$2.3 million over the life of the bonds that will be paid off in 2028 as a result of refinancing to a lower interest rate.

The latest refinancing closed on September 18, 2019 and the District was able to achieve a true interest cost of 2.05 percent. In 2012, the Board similarly benefited from low interest rates to refinance the bonds, saving taxpayers $3.7 million.

Chief Executive Officer Brian Ivie applauded the Board for closely watching the financial situation to again reduce the cost for taxpayers.

“We are appreciative to the residents of the district for their support,” Ivie said. “The greater

region continues to benefit from the foresight and generosity of the taxpayers who provided the support for the Skagit Valley Hospital expansion, which serves as a home for evidence-based, comprehensive healthcare for the people we serve.”

In addition to the voter-approved General Obligation Bonds, Skagit Regional Health was able to refinance some of its existing bonds, which are backed solely by the revenues of the hospital and do not rely on taxpayer support. The refinancing of the revenue bonds is expected to realize savings of more than $8.4 million.

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Surgeon preps for the

General surgeon Allison Porter has been known to seek the “impossible.”

As a young person, she decided she wanted to attend Harvard and study astrophysics – a tall order.

She attended medical school and pondered a surgical residency which “almost sounded too hard,” she said. She graduated from Harvard, is a practicing general surgeon, has climbed mountains, swam across Hood Canal, run marathons and surfed in winter off the Washington coast.

Still, she considers the current challenge of completing the Ironman Canada – a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run – to be another “impossible” challenge.

“It’s so long, it sounds impossible,” she said. “I think that’s part of the reason I want to do it. You just put one foot in front of the other.”

The event takes place on August 30, 2020 in Penticton, B.C. and she has taken on the almost daily “parttime job” of training for the event.

“This is something I have been thinking about for 15 years.

I enjoy training and spending time outdoors,” Dr. Porter said.

“My goal for the Ironman is to not hurt myself, and to finish.”

Dr. Porter has teamed up with a training partner, Ashleigh Moe, to help keep her motivated on what can be a solitary endeavor.

“It takes a lot of time and that time can be really lonely,” she said. “Having a friend to help encourage me through the whole process is very important.”

She has a coach and uses an app on her phone that gives her daily instructions for workouts. She starts her days at 4 a.m. to allow for a 60- to 90-minute workout before family and work time, and mixes up her time between swimming, biking, running and weightlifting.

The Ironman has three components and she is breaking each one down to prepare: • She expects the 2.4-mile swim to take about 90 minutes. She has done a twomile swim before, so is building up her endurance and schedules open-water swims regularly, when conditions allow, at Lake Padden in Bellingham. “Those are some of the moments I savor – sunrise and glassy water at Padden,” she said. “One of the benefits to all of this is time spent in the outdoors.”

• She calls the 112-mile bike ride a “complete unknown” as the longest ride she has finished to date is 56 miles. She anticipates the ride will take her six to seven hours and also knows that it is a hilly course that includes a mountain pass to further test her ability. “The bike is the most intimidating,” she said.

“That’s a really long way to bike.”

• Running is something she has always enjoyed, having competed in 10 marathons while a medical student, including the Boston Marathon, with a previous best time of 3 hours, 35 minutes. However, the Ironman presents a couple of additional challenges. She has been out of running for several years as she was

pregnant and welcomed two children, now three and five years old. “I’ve had to get back into running,” she said.

The Ironman also includes learning how to run after the swim and the bike ride. “My understanding of the run is that it will involve a lot of walking and you take the first several miles slow,” she said. “You have to mentally be in a different place compared to running a regular marathon.”

Finding balance with family, work and training is a challenge as well. She goes to bed right after her children and gets up early to get a workout in before her kids get up and work in the clinic or operating room begins.

“Right now, I have to look at it as a part-time job. I know I have certain things I need to do to get ready,” she said. “I am lucky that my husband understands and is a great support to me right now.”

While her goal is to finish, she said she understands it may not happen and she puts her safety first.

“I am OK with failure. I’ve had so many experiences with failure,” Dr. Porter said. “I have such respect for all of the variables, I have made finishing secondary to the enjoyment of being outside and challenging myself.”

At the time of writing, many triathlon events are being canceled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is possible that IronMan Canada 2020 will be one of those events. If so, it is likely that Dr. Porter will transfer her entry to another event later in 2020 or possibly postpone to the 2021 IronMan Canada race.

Allison Porter, MD, FACS, is the Chief of Surgery at Skagit Regional Health.

She practices General Surgery including robotic-assisted surgical procedures.

She received her MD from University of Washington School of Medicine and is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery. Dr. Porter sees patients at Skagit Regional Clinics - Mount Vernon.

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G R A T I T U D E

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Let ter from t he pr esiden t M ission

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

Boa r d of T rust ees

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

Sta ff 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.skagitvalleyhospitalfoundation.org Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation P.O. Box 1376 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 360-428-2140

Like us on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/ SkagitValleyHospitalFoundation

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I am very grateful to live in a community of “givers”, not only of money but of time and commitment. I would like to thank all of YOU that have supported Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation since we began in 1988. Our mission is to raise, manage and distribute funds to assure the continued availability of health care services and programs throughout Skagit Regional Health. In April of 2018, we began a capital campaign to raise $2 million dollars to support Skagit Regional Health in partnership with Skagit Radiology to build the Women’s Imaging Center.

We have met that goal and the Center is up and running. Our community now has sophisticated imaging technology including 3D Breast Tomosynthesis mammography. A healthy community is one that collaborates for the good of all of its members.

Part of our mission is to foster awareness and support for Skagit Regional Health. Not having a health care background, it is exciting for me to see the numerous options we have available. I personally tried out the robotic surgery and was pleasantly surprised to find the recovery time easier and faster than regular abdominal surgery.

Our work will continue and we ask for your continued support to assure that we maintain the goal of providing quality health care to our community.

On behalf of the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation Board of trustees and staff, please accept our most heartfelt thanks.

Mary June Curtis, President Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation

2 0 19 A N N U A L R E P O R T The Foundation is forever grateful to our 2019 donors who generously gave gifts totaling more than $1,120,000. These gifts were received in the form of cash, stock, pledges, event proceeds, in-kind gifts and bequests.

In turn, the Foundation was pleased to provide the following grants totaling $1,070,556 to support specific programs and services at Skagit Regional Health.

$1,000,000 Women’s Imaging Center

$16,181 Cancer Care Patient Assistance

$631 Teaching Hospital

$19,123 Children’s Therapy Program

$2,200 Wound Healing

$32,001 General/Unrestricted Program Needs

$2,400 Sunrise Inn

our donor s With sincere gratitude to our community for your support, the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation proudly presents our annual report for the year 2019.

We apologize for any incorrect or misspelled names that may appear in any of our listings.

Please help us maintain accurate donor records by notifying the Foundation office of any errors by calling 360-814-8376. Donations listed were received January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019.

Women’s Imaging Center Capital Campaign Kathleen Abhold Kelli Anderson Monica Baca Baird Foundation, Inc. Banner Bank B-EHS Associated Student Body Bellingham Anesthesia Associates, P.S.

Dr. Erin Charles & Lennart Bentsen Madonna Biritwum Dr. Lyall & Judy Bishop Cheryl Bishop Julie Blazek & Jacque Beamer Don & Louise Bottles Thomas & Lesha Boucher William & June Bounds Scott & Laura Breckenridge Peter & Laurel Browning

Lisa Buller Jill Burrington-Brown Benjamin & Frei Burton Mary Carney Robert & Tamara Cesena Shelly Champion Debbie Chandler Michael & Cynthia Collins Carolyn & Andrew Conner CPI Plumbing & Heating Louis & Dominique Dailly

Kirk & Jennifer Damon Pamela DeMarco Bryce Dickie Dr. Maynard Johnson Endowment Jay & Kathy Duff y Hebeltje Dykstra Eddyline Kayaks Mike & Tracey Elfstrom Epic

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our donor s Dr. John & Marie Erbstoeszer Estate of Solomon Herbert Rubin Robert & Cheri Fiedler Fraternal Order of Eagles Ladies Auxiliary #3041 Jeff & Linda Frizzell Karen Fure glassybaby White Light Fund Peter Goldfarb Cheryl Grohn Bill & Barbara Gurney Fred & Mary Hall Narajanti Handaja Frank & Lynn Handy Dr. Joshua & Jacqueline Hawkins Jerry & Sharon Hayes Elisabeth Hedman Elise Hemenway Linda Henson Jason & Jill Hilde Alfie Hill-Banta Jama Hiltz James & Glenda Hobbs Phil & Leanne Holboy Genevieve Holtum Dorothy Howard Mary Hudson Brianna Jacobs Chris & Barbara Jensen Dr. Mark & Jeanne Johnson Cecilia & Robert Johnson Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson Hugh & Wendy Kendrick Bobbi Krebs-McMullen La Conner Volleyball Booster Club Susan Krienen & Ron Anderson Roxy Larson Tim Lewis Bruce & Debra Lisser Lori Lubbers Lularoe Inc. Jonathan & Melissa Lyons Michael & Paige Marken Judge John & Susan Johnson Meyer Leslie Moore Jim & Evelyn Morse Diane Morton John & Carol Mosier Worth & Lisa Norton Shireen Ofstad Stan & Audrey Olson

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Optimum Properties, LLC PACCAR Foundation PACCAR Technical Center Lavonne Parker Keith & Christie Peterson Tony & Bronwyn Pickering Danny & Jill Pickering Margaret Potter Roger & Wendy Ragusa Tim & Nancy Raschko Skye & Sally Richendrfer Riverside Health Club Janet Rogatz Dr. Robert & Rebecca Rosenfeld Kathie Schroeder Sedro-Woolley Riding Club Ileen Self Rosemary Shaffer Heather Shand Skagit Rotary Skagit Woodstock Music Festival Brad & Karissa Sokol Spinach Bus Venture Group, LLC Andrew & Tabitha Squires Ann Stewart Rita Sutker Svend & Caitlin Svendsen Sally Taylor Jeri Teevan The Benevity Community Impact Fund Bill & Cheryl Thomas William & Krista Thomas Thomas Cuisine Gary & Anne Thompson TRICO Companies, LLC Mary Tyler Larry & Carol Van Sickle Pete & Bonnie Verge Nicholas & Heather Vicars Dr. Richard & Laury Volwiler Thakou Vu Karen Watkins Scott Williams Erik & Beverly Wold Anna Wolfson Blaine & Kristine Wollan Rob & Rachael Woods Wayne & Joy Wooten Ruth Wylie Anthony Young Carl Young Dr. Rob Zwick

In Memory of Berniece Aarstad

In Memory of Richard Hastings

In Memory of Jim Axthelm

In Memory of Coe Willard Johnson

Jon & Susan Aarstad

Mike & Anita Roozen

In Memory of Betty Black

Helga Schink

Charlotte Von Moos

In Memory of June Brada

In Memory of Malcolm Lindquist

In Memory of Ruthie Burress

In Memory of William Mackenzie

Ruth Wylie

Diane Morton

Dennis & Annette McDonald

Donna Johnson

Gerald & Susan Christensen

In Memory of Frank Coddens

Roger & Wendy Ragusa

Larry & Susanne Bennett Benzie County Dispatch Association Jeff & Linda Frizzell Huntly & Sandee Gordon Sharon Grant Loretta Mauseth Keith & Christie Peterson Amy Rasar Gerry & Pam Schutte Jeffrey & Deborah Scott Smiley Insurance Services Corp Wycoff Insurance Agency, Inc.

In Memory of Susan G. Cole Saul Morse

In Honor of Penny & Judy Darcy

Roger & Molly Saben

In Memory of Arlene Darr Helga Schink

In Honor of Dr. Joel Dean Intuitive Surgical Inc.

In Memory of Anthony DeGoede Alfie Hill-Banta

In Memory of Bill Dynes

Gerald & Susan Christensen

In Memory of Virginia Engen Kellie Cargile Helga Schink

In Memory of Jim Foster

Swinomish Ladies Golf Club

In Memory of Julie Hanson Gerald & Susan Christensen

In Memory of Steve Schultz In Honor of Ellen Schweigert

Roger & Wendy Ragusa

In Honor of Tracy Tesarik Sinead Plagge

In Memory of Janette Tobin James & Glenda Hobbs

In Memory of Rodney Walsh Helga Schink

In Memory of Michelle Yeoman Anderson Roger & Wendy Ragusa

Cancer Care Fund Julie Carlson Louis & Dominique Dailly Gaylen Heacock Cindy Hencheroff Clint Houston Marilyn Jones Jennifer Leseberg Terry & Tammy McNeil Roger & Sandra Saben Skagit Valley USBC Association The Elliott W. Johnson Endowment William & Krista Thomas Brittany Weiss Scott & Diana Wharton Wayne & Joy Wooten

In Memory of Richard Brown

Larry & Janette Lund

In Memory of Arlene Darr Sharon McEwan

In Memory of Catherine Dutton

Chapel Fund

In Memory of Melvin Fitzgerald

Children’s Therapy Program

Greg & Lisa Lomsdalen Merwyn Dutton

Bette Fitzgerald

In Memory of Kathleen Hurn Roxy Larson

In Memory of Ramon Johnson Donna Johnson

In Memory of Ruth Kermen Lawrence & Katherine Simon Pat & Lois Sumner Todd & Pam Snavely Edith Frazey

In Memory of Dennis & Judith Pearce Jeffrey & Linda Pearce

In Memory of Steve Schultz Alfie Hill-Banta Larry & Janette Lund

In Memory of Delores Sillogo

Larry & Janette Lund

In Memory of Jim Stull

Skagit Valley Eagles Aerie #3242

In Memory of Harry Wold Larry & Janette Lund

Cardiac Care Fund Joel & Rebecca Barton Jeff & Amber Rhodes Dr. Robert & Carrie Stewart

In Honor of Dr. Rajesh Bhola Barry Hartwig

In Memory of Lynn Voss Teresa Voss

In Memory of Terry Williams Shirley Heathers

Cascade Valley Hospital Fund Michelle Sand Yvonne Christos Dr. Rosana Go

Jeffrey & Gretchen Cohan Byron & Kelly Clouatre

Lizette Antig Zachary & Adele Barborinas Ashlynn & Lucas Barborinas Dr. Erin Charles & Lennart Bentsen Bruce & Dee Berglin Joe & Kate Biringer Chris & Cheryl Bonsen Scott & Laura Breckenridge Carl & Carmen Bruner Gerald & Susan Christensen Donald & Margaret Corpolongo Jeff & Mary June Curtis Julie Davies Justin & Kylee Dowe Charles & Pam Eger Jeff & Linda Frizzell Dr. Rosana Go Grace Cochrum Guild Patricia Grenfell Jerry & Sharon Hayes Barry & Karen Hiatt Donald Hiltz James & Glenda Hobbs Brian & Debi Ivie Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson Bob & Gina Jungquist Dr. Jennifer Benson & Aldi Kllogjeri Dr. Doris Lam Dr. Oksana Miller & Michael Lervick Jason & Amanda Lewis Bruce & Debra Lisser Terry & Gail Noble-Sanderson Larry & Lisa Otos Dale & Susan Ragan Roger & Wendy Ragusa Tim & Nancy Raschko Richard & Jaynie Roozen Rouw Insurance Agency Helga Schink Nancy Scott Skagit Valley Mobile Manor, LLC Jim & Lacey Spane Mark & Becky Tournie Danny & Stephanie Vera

2020 Events that Enhance Our Mission 17 T H

ANNUAL

Friday, June 26 Skagit Golf and Country Club

FESTIVAL OF TREES Thanksgiving Weekend November 27th – 29

Holiday pop-up shop Wednesday, December 9 Skagit Valley Hospital - North Lobby

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Community Partners Give Generously The La Conner High School Women’s Volleyball team presented a check in the amount of $700, raised through their “Dig Pink” fundraiser this fall, to benefit the Women’s Imaging Center Capital Campaign.

October 21, 2019 Riverside Health Club members showed up in pink, shared their stories and sweat to support the Foundation’s Women’s Imaging Center Capital Campaign.

Member participation during the club’s “Community Day of Giving” raised $1,721 for this vital patient service.

(L to R): Head Coach Suzanne Marble, Foundation Trustee Mike Marken, the La Conner High School Volleyball Team, Assistant Coach Pamela Keller and Foundation Trustee Evelyn Morse.

Thanks to CPI Plumbing & Heating Technician Ronaldo Mendoza for selecting the Foundation as the recipient of the “Golden Wrench” award check. Ronaldo was selected as CPI’s “November Employee of the Month” for his outstanding work and service. Born at Skagit Valley Hospital, he stated he is grateful for the great care the hospital provides for our community members.

Skagit Woodstock, in their 10th year this past August, presented a check in the amount of $19,000 to benefit the Cancer Care Patient Assistance Fund.

Event organizers Reed Harlow, David Clarke and Brad Pritchard announced the gift.

(L to R): Foundation Executive Director Linda Frizzell, Foundation President Mary June Curtis, Riverside Health Club co-owners Karen Westra and Denise Skelton, and Foundation Trustee Katie Jungquist.

Mount Vernon High School Volleyball Teammates and Head Coach presented a check for $221 to the Foundation’s Women’s Imaging Center Capital Campaign. The funds were raised through a raffle and donations at the team’s “Dig Pink” game last October 2019.

(L to R): Skagit Regional Health CEO Brian Ivie, Reed Harlow, Foundation President Mary June Curtis, David Clarke and Brad Pritchard.

(L to R): Ronaldo presented check to Foundation Development Coordinator Wendy Ragusa and Foundation Trustee Alicia Huschka.

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The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is grateful to the Sedro-Woolley Riding Club for its $500 gift to the Breast Institute Fund . The Club raised funds during their “Woolley Tuff” event. A great group making a great difference for our patients!

(L to R): Foundation Trustee Zach Barborinas, Head Coach Mishel Keltner, MVHS Senior Lily Zavala, Cancer Care Center Social Worker Peter Wold and MVHS Senior Aaliyah Angulo. The Foundation is grateful to this MVHS Bulldog team!

our donor s Dr. Richard & Elizabeth Williamson Dr. Rob Zwick

In Memory of Virginia Engen

Roger & Wendy Ragusa Jeff & Mary June Curtis

In Memory of Sally Turk Charles & Pam Eger Rich & Lori Olson

Community Education Fund Bellingham Anesthesia Associates, P.S. Carol Parks Joan Pfeiffer

Critical Care Unit Fund Frank & Sarah Place

In Memory of Michael Killien

Mary Killien Scheidel Foundation

Family Birth Center Bart & Holly Bunnell Sharon Cole Waldschmidt Jay & Shelly Fallihee Dr. Rosana Go Larry & Cheryl McNulty Beverly Peters

Festival of Trees Live Auction Patrons Brian & Krissa Ammons Zachary & Adele Barborinas Luke & Jessie Bennett Bruce & Dee Berglin Benjamin & Frei Burton Gerald & Susan Christensen Sara Coallier Travis & Kelly Coulter Brian & Jennifer Covey Justin & Kylee Dowe Fred & Lora Drasner Gary & Stephanie Fiedler Zoee Force Jason & Kori Granger Kristine Howard Jeff & Shelly Langness

Dr. Oksana Miller & Michael Lervick Dave & Kathy Mariner Dennis & Connie Milliken Mark & Vickie Nysether Dan & Kristen Ollis Sandi Paciotti Dale & Susan Ragan Brian & Tina Riggins Dave Ryberg & Joan Penny Tyler & Jill Steinman Rocky & Kristina Storm Eric & Andrea Van Pelt Jerry & Carol Whitfield Kenny & Kelsie Wilms Kevin & Mackenzie Wilms Troy & Angie Wright

Festival of Trees FundA-Dream Gary & Susan Alexander Brian & Krissa Ammons Zachary & Adele Barborinas Randy & Theresa Bartelt Jon & Cecelia Bennett Julie Blazek & Jacque Beamer Daniel & Debbie Boffey Jason & Tiffany Boggs Thomas & Lesha Boucher Aaron & Veonne Brown Gerald & Susan Christensen Sara Coallier Sharon Cole Waldschmidt Robert & Deborah Connolly Jeff & Mary June Curtis Barbara Dahlstedt Dr. Connie Davis & Mike Dyberg Cay Del Valle Patrick & Jill Delaney Pete & Kristie Ellery Gary & Stephanie Fiedler Patricia Grenfell Emily Griffin Roger & Kerri Helgeson Sean & Debbie Hendricks Joan Herberg Barry & Karen Hiatt Dr. William Hinderstein & Jessica Bell Stephen & Gail Hopley Cheryl Howard Brian & Debi Ivie Joyce Johnson

Eric & Julia Johnson Dr Allan & Judy Johnson Dr. David Lauter Bruce & Debra Lisser Brian & Shannon Lloyd Patty McQueary Dennis & Connie Milliken Lindsay Mohns Mark & Vickie Nysether Jeff & Tammy O’Donnell Benjiman & Jennifer Olmsted Dan & Jan Olson Sandi Paciotti Chad & Sheri Paulsen Michael & Dr. Anisa Pea Keith & Christie Peterson Dottie Piazza Ron & Gailyn Ploeg Dale & Susan Ragan Steve & Kari Ranten Matt Ray Jeff & Amber Rhodes Mike & Lisa Sargent Jim & Mary Scott Gary & Judy Shand Frances Simmons Angela Speer Jeff & Stacy Stewart Brian & Evangeline Stiles Rocky & Kristina Storm Mike & Kathy Tarbox Bret & Ingrid Thornton Susan Uker Danny & Stephanie Vera Jack & Elizabeth Wallace Jennifer Weyant Rich Weyrich & Babetta Spinelli Jerry & Carol Whitfield Darrell & Leanne Wiseman Kevin & Melissa Wolfe Michael Woodmansee Maury & Sue Wright Troy & Angie Wright

Festival of Trees Sponsors A-1 Mobile Lock & Key, Inc Kathleen Abhold Amerigroup Corporation AmeriTeam Services, LLC Leanna Anderson Angell & Co., Inc. Arne Svendsen Trucking Jim & Debbie Aust

Banner Bank Jim & Ann Barborinas Jolanda Barnett Bellingham Anesthesia Associates, P.S. Cheryl Bishop Blade Chevrolet & RVs Julie Blazek Mary Borrows Charles Broadbent Dr. Gary & Susan Brown Jeffrey & Melissa Brown Peter & Laurel Browning Carl & Carmen Bruner Jyl Bruns Lisa Buller Jill Burrington-Brown Robert & Tamara Cesena Dr. Edwin Chang Jay & Kari Chennault Gerald & Susan Christensen Linda Christensen Robert Cockrell Craft Stove of Western Washington, Inc. Crown Distributing Co. Davis Wright Tremaine, LLP Dr. Joel & Jennifer Dean Dwayne Lane’s Auto Family Dynafios Mike & Tracey Elfstrom Foothills Auto Center Foster Garvey PC Dr. Patricia Franklin Jeff & Linda Frizzell G & D Wallace, Inc. Steve & Tami Gilbert Gilbertson Funeral Home Patricia Grenfell Dr. Joshua Griggs Ben & Jenny Gunn Fran Hansen Hansen’s Furniture Dr. Joshua & Jacqueline Hawkins Hawthorne Funeral Home and Memorial Park Jerry & Sharon Hayes Heritage Bank Barry & Karen Hiatt Alfie Hill-Banta Dr. William Hinderstein & Jessica Bell Dr. Mary Ann Hink Warren & Shelly Holden

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Keeping his fans entertained, Ross shares an amusing story of his childhood.

Ross is surprised by his former Washington School elementary PE Teacher Doug Nelson.

Grateful to the Ross Mathews Benefit Presenting Sponsor Banner Bank.

Ross pictured here with Banner Bank Burlington Branch Manager Kati Collins.

Ross reads from his new book “Name Drop.”

An Evening With Ross Mathews Raises $36,000 for the Women’s Imaging Center Capital Campaign Ninety minutes of laughter and storytelling. Mount Vernon native and nationally recognized television personality Ross Mathews captivated the sold-out audience with hilarious tales and an excerpt from his new book “Name Drop,” a collection of entertaining essays about his experience with Hollywood’s most talked-about celebrities. The event raised $36,309 to benefit the Foundation’s Women’s Imaging Center Capital Campaign.

Held on January 11, 2020 at the downtown Mount Vernon historic Lincoln Theatre (where Ross credits the beginning of his stage performance career), this special event hosted by the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation and supported

by Presenting Sponsor Banner Bank.

The evening benefit capped off a 20-month long Women’s Imaging

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Center Capital Campaign to raise money for the purchase of new diagnostic imaging equipment.

“What a great night! We were so fortunate that Ross came home for the premiere of his book tour. We are ever so thankful for his ongoing generosity to this community!” said Capital Campaign Co-Chair and Foundation Board Trustee Zach Barborinas. “This campaign has been humbling. We shared our need and the community, local and regional businesses, neighbors and friends responded.”

Amid the spontaneous applause and laughter, “hometown hero” Mathews shared the most cherished and outrageous moments in his celebrity-filled life and hosted a Q & A period with the attending devoted “Ross fans” including family, friends, classmates, former

teachers and Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation donors.

The Foundation is grateful to “Meet & Greet” Sponsor Spinach Bus Ventures and Guest Accommodations Sponsor Hampton Inn & Suites of Burlington.

“We are forever appreciative to all of our donors,” said Foundation Executive Director Linda Frizzell, “…and thankful to Ross for the generous gift of this show. What a fun way to complete our $2 million capital campaign.”

“Name Drop” debuted in early February and preceded a three-month book tour that will take Mathews from New Orleans back home to the Northwest with Portland being the final city on the tour. Visit HelloRoss.com to order the book or learn about book tour dates.

our donor s Hughes Farms, Inc. Paul & Mary Ishizuka Brian & Debi Ivie Ken & Susan Johnson Josephine Caring Community Dr. Janice Kang Kelley’s BBQ & Catering Inc. Kern Funeral Home Dr. David Lauter Dr. Richard & Katherine Leone Les Schwab Warehouse Center Bruce & Debra Lisser Lisser & Associates, PLLC Jonathan & Melissa Lyons Kathy Mankle Maple Wood Farm, Inc. Mariner Construction Elizabeth McNett Crowl Mexico Cafe Michal A Whiton, MD PS, Inc. Mister T’s Awards & Embroidery Modern Cleaners Robert Mortensen Diane Morton Moss Adams, LLP Mount Vernon Carpet Center Paul & Holly Nielsen North Coast Credit Union Worth & Lisa Norton Matt & Megan O’Bryan Justin Oram Pacific Woodtech Corporation Dr. Vidhu Paliwal Art Palmer Dr. Chinnaya Parimi Peoples Bank Piazza Construction Tony & Bronwyn Pickering Dr. Allison Porter Rallye Auto Sales, Inc. Steve & Kari Ranten Dennis & Janiece Reilly Riley Johnson Memorial Fund Mark Roetcisoender & Vivian Koetje Rolfson’s Home Furnishings, Inc. William Roozen Richard & Jaynie Roozen Michelle Sand SaviBank SB&C, Ltd Kathie Schroeder Jeffrey & Deborah Scott Sea-land Development Corp

Rosemary Shaffer Sierra Pacific Foundation Skagit Radiology Inc., P.S. Skagit Valley Hospital Skagit Valley’s Best Produce, Inc. Adele Skinner Maryl Skjei Soroptimist International of Burlington Sound Physicians Anne & Mike Spink State Farm Insurance Agents Carol Lawson Agency Brad Methner Agency Keith Sorestad Agency Michael Storlie Strauss Jewelers/The Deming Corporation Swinomish Casino & Lodge The Grand Willow Inn Inc. The Learning Ladder The Net Drive-In Thomas Cuisine TRICO Companies, LLC Twin City Foods, Inc. Mary Tyler Matthew Vaughn Danny & Stephanie Vera Dr. Richard & Laury Volwiler VSH Certified Public Accountants, PLLC Karen Watkins Lloyd & Shirley Watkinson Whidbey Coffee Joanie Whitener Williams & Nulle, PLLC Rob & Rachael Woods World Kinect Energy Services Wycoff Insurance Agency, Inc. Michael & Shawna Yengich

Festival of Trees Underwriters Dean Altschuler Scott & Laura Breckenridge Dr. Connie Davis The Dey Company Fred & Lora Drasner James & Nancy Duff y Dr. William Hinderstein Eric & Julia Johnson Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon Clay & Virginia Learned Dr. Oksana Miller & Michael Lervick

Michael & Paige Marken Evelyn Morse Matthew Novak Mark & Vickie Nysether Troy & Darcy Olsen Larry & Lisa Otos Soroptimist International of Burlington Jim & Lacey Spane The Hagen Group, Inc. Blaine & Kristine Wollan Pat & Lois Woolcock

In Memory of Linda Ensley Roger & Wendy Ragusa

Festival of Trees Gifts-In-Kind Nancy Angel Baby Greens Bare Boutique Lena Beamer Bella Soul Spa BelleWood Distilling Teri Bever Border Concepts BrandQuery, LLC Cheryl Brue Becky Bunke Cascade Stone Supply Dr. Laurence Cambron Christianson’s Nursery Jeff & Mary June Curtis Dr. Connie Davis Eaglemont Golf Club Edge & Element Landscape Design Envy Salon for Hair Everett Rowing Association Exxel Pacific Inc. Bobbi Fisher Chase Frizzell Stephanie Gage Eddie Gordon Keegan Hall Hampton Inn & Suites Heritage Distilling Co. Dr. Joshua & Jacqueline Hawkins Gloriana Huhta Jim & Kelli Hutchens Steve & Katie Jungquist Kaptein’s Ace Hardware Kingma Designs Tom & JoAnn Lazaron Clay & Virginia Learned

Lithtex NW Carl & Cheryl Loeb Stacey Lyons Dave & Kathy Mariner Methow Cycle & Sports My Garden Kathleen Nelles Mathew & Jammie Novak Megan Olson Piazza Construction Pike Brewing Co. Pure Skin & Wellness Quantum Health & Yoga Lounge Clair Reed Reel Class Charters RejuvenationMD Rhein Haus Seattle Helga Schink Brian & Tina Riggins Michelle Roessel Dr. Rico Romano Maureen Royal DiAnn Sager Carrie Schamens Semiahmoo Resort Bradley Sloan Spee West Construction Co. Dr. Kathleen Stambaugh Brian & Vange Stiles Jonathon & Renee Stone Tami Sutter TechPower Solutions, Inc. The Garden Spot Bret & Ingrid Thornton Steven & Holly Tobiason University of Washington Chere Vidmore Jeff & Megan Vogel Dr. Richard & Laury Volwiler Scott Wakeman Rosemary Weimer

Fine Art Fund Mathew & Jammie Novak Roger & Wendy Ragusa Karl Stansbury

In Memory of Steve Schultz

Jerry & Sharon Hayes Diane Morton Roger & Wendy Ragusa Skagit Valley Hospital Auxiliary

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our donor s Foundation Support Fund AmazonSmile Foundation Angela Anderson Zachary & Adele Barborinas Amy Borg Jeff & Mary June Curtis Bette Fitzgerald Robert Gruber

Mark & Elizabeth Holden Steve & Katie Jungquist Nina Kim William Jay Lechnick Mr. & Mrs. Roger Lervick Roger & Mary Ann Mercer Northwest Washington Service Committee of Narcotics Anonymous Larry & Lisa Otos

The Benevity Community Impact Fund Mr. & Mrs. James F. Webert Susan Wilson

In Memory of Hazel M. Blakeslee

In Memory of Linda Ensley Betty Massey

In Memory of Aileen Farlow Diane Morton

In Honor of Dr. Kiarash Kojouri

Diane Morton

In Memory of George Dewey

Virginia Schwedler

Huntly & Sandee Gordon

Capital Campaign Complete!

The dream

to have a “state of the art” diagnostic breast imaging center for the community has become a reality.

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s – Women’s Imaging Center Capital Campaign, concluded in March, and has reached its goal of $2 million. Proceeds from the 31st Annual Festival of Trees and the January 11th “Ross Mathews Benefit Show” capped off fundraising efforts to reach this goal.

The 20-month campaign raised funds through major gifts, the 2018 and 2019 Festival of Trees, the 2018 and 2019 Par Tee Golf Classic, the 2019 Skagit Regional Health Employee Giving Campaign and the Mathews event. The Foundation Board of Trustees were passionate about supporting this project and the importance of

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providing services for early breast cancer detection. Proceeds helped to support the purchase of diagnostic imaging equipment for the Center.

The gratitude and generosity of Foundation donors are evident with the naming of several key areas in the center including the Chris and Barbara Jensen Family Women’s Imaging Center and the Joseph and Cathlyn Holton Comprehensive Imaging Center.

The Women’s Imaging Center in the new Skagit Imaging Pavilion, opened this past September 2019 for patient care and is located at the corner of Division and 13th streets in Mount Vernon. Patients receive imaging services that feature Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (3D mammography), along with ultrasound, CT, MRI and stereotactic breast biopsy.

Making it “official”! L to R: Skagit Regional Health CEO Brian Ivie, Skagit Radiology President Kelly Cline M.D., Foundation President Mary June Curtis, Capital Campaign Co-chairs Christie Peterson and Zach Barborinas.

Because of You! The Foundation Board of Trustees and staff celebrated campaign donors at a private ribbon cutting ceremony on October 23, 2019. Skagit Imaging Pavilion staff toured guests through the brand new facility.

In Memory of Corey Mendoza

In Memory of Larry Mondschein

In Memory of Katie Worley

Gerald & Diane Cohn

Judge John & Susan Johnson Meyer

In Honor of Don Ross

In Memory of Thomas Yaun In Memory of Linda Zimmer

In Memory of Rodney Olson

Dr. Maynard Johnson Endowment

Steven & Suzanne Appelo

Clyde & Merlaine Duranceau

In Memory of David Schink

In Memory of Dr. Todd Beia

In Honor of Dr. Robert Stewart

In Memory of Doug Carter

Dr. Connie Davis & Dave Dyberg Steve & Kari Ranten

In Honor of Linda Norton Eric Hammer

Helga Schink

George W. Forsythe Estate

In Memory of Bill Vaux Helga Schink

Fung Liu Endowment Fund Sau Yu Patrick Liu

Healthy Communities Fund Dr. Rosana Go Joan Pfeiffer

Inpatient Kidney Dialysis Fund Patricia Good Wen Lu Dennis & Janiece Reilly James & Marilyn Stroncek

In Memory of Ruth Christofferson

Edy & Judy Hjort Burlington Strawberry Tarts

Lois Powers

Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson

Dennis & Annette McDonald

In Memory of Frank Coddens

Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson

In Memory of Tom DeGoede Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson

In Memory of George Dewey Judge John & Susan Johnson Meyer

In Memory of Virginia Engen

Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson

In Memory of Kirk Fleshman

Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson Judge John & Susan Johnson Meyer

In Memory of Gerrit Huizinga

Judge John & Susan Johnson Meyer

In Memory of Patrick Janicki

Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson

Dennis & Annette McDonald Judge John & Susan Johnson Meyer

Mental Health Care Fund Bonnie Giebel Bud Hanks Steve & Kari Ranten Gina Smith Darla Wilhelm

Par Tee Golf Classic Sponsors Arrow Conservation Baird Foundation, Inc. Baird Private Wealth Management Banner Bank Biringer Nursery, L.P. Cascade Natural Gas Corporation Chad Fisher Construction, LLC Coffman Engineers, Inc. CPI Plumbing & Heating Crothall Healthcare Draft Pic’s Sports Bar & Grille Dwayne Lane’s Auto Family Floyd Pflueger & Ringer Foster Pepper Garvey PC G & W Commercial Interiors, Inc. Alfie Hill-Banta

Janicki Industries Just Peachy Frozen Yogurt, Inc. Lisser & Associates, PLLC Marathon Petroleum Corporation Marken Family McKinstry Energy Services Moss Adams, LLP Mount Vernon Police Services Guild Optimum Properties, LLC Peoples Bank Piper Sandler Companies Premera Blue Cross PRIMAC Electric, LLC Proforma Creative Printing Solutions Property Trio, LLC Resource Corporation of America Retail Lockbox, Inc. SaviBank SB&C, Ltd Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Skagit Law Group, PLLC Skagit Transportation, Inc. Skagit Valley Hospital Skagit Valley Hospital Auxiliary Smiley Insurance Services Corp State Farm Companies Foundation State Farm Insurance Agents Carol Lawson Agency Brad Methner Agency Keith Sorestad Agency Swinomish Casino & Lodge Thomas Cuisine TRICO Companies, LLC

In Memory of Dorothy Conser

In Memory of Corey Mendoza

Lois Powers

Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson

Estate Planning/ Living Wills Workshop

In Memory of Tammi Hopkins

In Memory of David Partington

Chris & Jeanne Skeels

Dennis & Annette McDonald

In Memory of Ray Houser

In Memory of Dean Wigstrom

Join local attorney James Dolan for a presentation on estate planning, trusts, powers of attorney and wills. He will also speak on the importance of living wills and proactive care planning.

Mark Houser

In Memory of Winnie Houser Mark Houser

In Memory of Miles Jackson Joe & Linda White

Judge John & Susan Johnson Meyer

In Memory of Terry Williams

Dr. Morrie & Marcia Johnson

DATE: JUNE 9, 2020 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital – Mount Vernon Sahale Conference Room No charge, but pre-registration is required.

To pre-register, call 360-814-2424 This event is sponsored by: Spring 2020

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our donor s VSH Certified Public Accountants, PLLC WAFD Insurance Group Windermere Real Estate Skagit Valley Dr. Rob Zwick

Par Tee Golf Classic GiftS-In-Kind Arne Svendsen Trucking Avalon Golf Links Blade Chevrolet & RVs Bob’s Burgers & Brew Columbia Tower Club Gregg & Kati Collins Eaglemont Golf Club Envy Salon for Hair Espresso Connection

Sean & Debbie Hendricks Bob Kakiucki Monros’ Driving Instruction, Inc. Karen Mulberry Paul & Holly Nielsen Alex Ragusa Swinomish Casino & Lodge Thomas Cuisine Train Wreck Bar & Grill Whidbey Coffee Woods Coffee

Skagit Regional Clinics Fund Ben & Jenny Gunn Michael & Sara Hebel

Have a

Sunrise Inn Byron & Kelly Clouatre Judy Fouts Thomas & Cynthia Grillot

In Memory of Garrett Chase Duane & Lynnette Henson

In Memory of Marie Christy Roger & Wendy Ragusa

Special Care Nursery Vernon & Tammy Ringhouse

Surgical Services Fund

Teaching Hospital Fund Allison Abresch-Meyer Steve & Tami Gilbert Michael Lervick & Dr. Oksana Miller Dr. Rico Romano Rita Sutker

Wound Care Fund Charles & Pam Eger Susan Jones Dennis & Janiece Reilly

Lisa Grentz Dr. Richard & Katherine Leone Sid Nix

for

Generosity with Heart for Children’s Therapy Program More than $12,500 was raised to support Skagit Regional Health’s Children’s Therapy Program during the Foundation’s annual Have a Heart for Kids benefit dinner, held February 24, 2020 at Il Granaio Italian Restaurant in Mount Vernon.

Alberto Candivi, chef and owner of Il Granaio, along with the Foundation Board of Trustees, has hosted the

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multi-course Italian dinner for 17 years. The fundraiser was sponsored by the Mount Vernon Skagit Kiwanis Club and included a program overview by Children’s Therapy patients and staff. Heartfelt thanks to outgoing event chairs Mary June Curtis and Katie Jungquist, who have co-chaired the event for the past four years.

Skagit Regional Health’s Children’s Therapy Program is a clinically based, family-focused program providing one-on-one and small group physical, occupational and speech-language therapy to children with special needs.

Services include family education and home programs. Therapists provide more than 600 treatments a month on average for young patients - infant to 18 years of age.

A Celebration of Generosity Dedicated and generous donors, staff, volunteers, trustees and community members came together in February to celebrate the significant impact donor funding has on the care that Hospice of the Northwest provides in a Celebration of Generosity.

In 2019, donor funding provided more than $720,000 in support of expert and compassionate hospice care. Donor funds support volunteer services, bereavement services, integrative therapy, staff education, medical equipment and technology, and hospice services for those who are not, or are under, insured.

Hospice of the Northwest Medical Director Anita Meyer, MD explained how special populations, such as pediatric and military veteran patients, have unique needs at the end of life. These patients and their loved ones rely on donor support to meet these needs, she said. Dr. Meyer recounted how Hospice

staff attend advanced training workshops in order to better support veterans through the emotional and existential pain of previous trauma.

During the event, Hospice Telepage Nurse Nellie Strong explained how donor-funded equipment helps her and her fellow nurses provide expert and efficient symptom management.

She expressed gratitude for the donor-funded bladder scanners that help field clinicians quickly and painlessly assess patient discomfort.

Father and son Navy veterans, Wayne and Sean Bartlett, shared their gratitude for the donor funding that enhances the ability of the agency to care for veterans. Wayne is a Hospice Patient Volunteer in the Veteran-to-Veteran program. He explained to the audience what a pinning ceremony is and why it is so meaningful for the veterans involved.

As Wayne explained, a generation of World War II and Korean War veterans are facing end-of-life care

BELOW: Veterans Wayne and Sean Bartlett, father and son, spoke about their volunteer involvement with Hospice at February’s Celebration of Gratitude.

decisions now, and they are quickly being followed by Vietnam and Gulf War-era veterans, many of whom are confronting serious illnesses at an even earlier age. At the end of life, veterans, as a whole, tend to suffer from a unique array of challenges as a result of their service in the armed forces. That makes it essential that the specific end-of-life challenges of veterans be addressed, Wayne said.

Wendy Coates, HNWF Executive Director, closed the program by thanking donors for their support and reminded them that their “generosity not only helps Hospice patients, but also their loved ones and our whole community. Your gifts provide hope, comfort and laughter.

Your gifts provide dignity and compassion every moment of life.�

To learn more about or make a donation to Hospice of the Northwest Foundation, visit www.hospicenw.org/ foundation or call us at 360-814-5702.

BELOW: Hospice of the Northwest Telepage Nurse Nellie Strong

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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 • Skagit Valley Hospital – Mount Vernon - 300 Hospital Parkway • Skagit Regional Clinics – Stanwood 9631 269th Street N.W.

Breast Cancer Screening Now offering 3D Mammography The American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommend screening mammography beginning at age 40 for women of average risk. Please talk to your healthcare provider to determine individual risk.

SKAGIT IMAGING PAVILION 1320 East Division Street - Mount Vernon 360-424-6161 A service provided cooperatively by Skagit Regional Health and Skagit Radiology.

Cervical Cancer Screening

Lung Cancer Screening

The American Cancer Society, along with the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, recommend the following for women at low to average risk: • 21- 29 years old – Pap test every 3 years.

• 30- 65 years old – HPV and Pap every 5 years or Pap alone every 3 years.

• 65+ years old – No screening if previous negative screening results.

Discuss your cervical cancer risk and screening options with your primary healthcare provider or gynecologist.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends that healthy adults at high risk for lung cancer should talk to their provider about screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT.) An adult at high risk is defined as the following: • 55-74 years old and smoking on average one pack per day for 30+ years.

• Currently smoke or quit smoking in the past 15 years.

• 50 years old or older and smoking on average one pack per day.

• 20 years old or older that has contact with radon or asbestos, history of lung disease, other cancers or a family history of lung cancer.

Review your health history with your provider to determine your level of risk.

Colorectal Cancer Screening The American Cancer Society recommends screening for colon cancers every 10 years in adults ages 45 – 70. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine your risk factors. Skagit Regional Health offers colonoscopy procedures at two locations.

SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL 360-814-5739

* See page 11 for more detials.

Prostate Cancer Screening

CASCADE VALLEY HOSPITAL 360-435-2133

CASCADE VALLEY HOSPITAL (3D to begin this spring) 330 S. Stillaguamish Avenue - Arlington 360-814-2168 * See page 11 for more details.

The American Cancer Society, National Comprehensive Cancer Network and American Urological Association recommend that healthy men have a detailed conversation with their healthcare provider to determine the risk and benefits of prostate cancer screening.

NEED A PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER? Call 360-848-5555

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

EMAIL

HealthQuest@skagitregionalhealth.org

INTERNET

www.skagitregionalhealth.org click on Classes and Events

PHONE

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

HEALTHY LIVING AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Meditation for Everyday Living: Bringing Ease into Our Lives Whether you are brand new to meditation or have an established practice of this transformative way of being, join us for a morning 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 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 students that it’s not necessary to go anywhere to experience the simple joy of being. Pre-registration is required by calling 360-814-2424.

JULY 10 (FRI) 10:30 a.m. - noon Sahale Conference Room Skagit Valley Hospital $20; employees call for discount

PLEASE NOTE, all classes and group events are subject to change as we receive updates from the state Department of Health and the CDC regarding COVID-19.

CASCADE VALLEY HOSPITAL

SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL

Honoring Choices: Advanced Care Planning Workshop

College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma is leading the effort to save lives by teaching the civilian population to provide a vital initial response to stop uncontrollable bleeding in emergencies.

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.

330 South Stillaguamish Avenue • Arlington 360-435-2133

A Community Outreach Specialist from Hospice of the Northwest will share information on choosing a Healthcare Power of Attorney and completing an Advanced Directive.

Light refreshments will be provided.

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

Hospice 101: Myths and Realities A Community Outreach Specialist from Hospice of the Northwest will clarify the benefits of hospice care and dispel the myths surrounding the Medicare benefit. Light refreshments will be provided. Free of charge, but pre-registration required by calling 360-386-9918 or visit www.stillyvalleyhealth.org to register.

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, man-made or a natural disaster. You will be given a list of items to create your own Stop the Bleed® emergency kit. The American

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

300 Hospital Parkway • Mount Vernon 360-424-4111

MAY 19 (TUE) 2 - 3 p.m.

Rainier A Conference Room Cascade Valley Hospital – Arlington MAY 27 (WED) 3 -4 p.m.

Sahale Conference Room Skagit Valley Hospital – Mount Vernon JUNE 29 (MON) 3 - 4 p.m.

Sahale Conference Room Skagit Valley Hospital – Mount Vernon JULY 27 (MON) 3 - 4 p.m.

Sahale Conference Room Skagit Valley Hospital – Mount Vernon AUG 26 (WED) 3 - 4 p.m.

Sahale Conference Room Skagit Valley Hospital – Mount Vernon SEPT 22 (TUE) 2 - 3 p.m.

Rainier A Conference Room Cascade Valley Hospital – Arlington

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Estate Planning/ Living Wills Workshop Join local attorney James Dolan for a presentation on estate planning, trusts, powers of attorney and wills. He will also speak on the importance of living wills and proactive care planning.

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

This event is sponsored by the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation.

JUNE 9 (TUE) 1 - 3 p.m.

Sahale Conference Room Skagit Valley Hospital – Mount Vernon

Elder Care Options: Gathering Your Support Team at Home Some day you may find yourself or a loved one needing care. Debbie Gann, CSA, Director of Home Attendant Care and Home Attendant Nursing, uses her 30+ years’ experience to explain the support options available in our community. In the first session she will discuss transportation, nutritional, and medical services available including in-home care, home health and hospice services. She will also review the costs of each and the role of Medicare, Medicaid and other funding options. We will discuss how to develop a team of support services to allow individuals to remain in their homes. No charge, but pre-registration is required by calling 360-814-2424.

JUNE 11 (THUR) 6 – 8 p.m.

San Juan Conference Room Skagit Valley Hospital

Elder Care Options: Planning Ahead for Care Transitions Debbie Gann, CSA, Director of Home Attendant Care and Home Attendant Nursing, will review what to do when/if the time has come to move. She will review the differences between various types of facilities, how to choose the appropriate alternative living situations for you, what the costs are for each as well as tips and ideas to make a smooth transition for everyone involved. There will be a review of the role of Long Term Care Insurance as well as information on documents and discussions you should have now to make sure your wishes are honored as you age. No charge, but pre-registration is required by calling 360-814-2424.

Medicare Compare 101 Do you need help understanding Medicare and how Medicare supplement plans work? Skagit Regional Health along with MedicareCompareUSA® is offering free Medicare 101 sessions. No charge, but pre-registration is required by calling 360-814-2424.

JUNE 17 (WED) Noon – 2 p.m.

San Juan Conference Room Skagit Valley Hospital JULY 22 (WED) Noon – 2 p.m.

Sauk Conference Room Skagit Valley Hospital AUG 12 (WED) 2 – 4 p.m.

San Juan Conference Room Skagit Valley Hospital

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. The course fee is $15 for AARP members; $20 for non-members. Pre-registration required by calling 360-814-2424.

JULY 18 (SAT) 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

San Juan Conference Room Skagit Valley Hospital SEPT 25 (FRI) 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Conference Room A/B Skagit Regional Clinics – Stanwood

COOKING AND NUTRITION

Cooking and Nutrition: The Health Benefits of Cooking with Herbs and Spices The use of spices and herbs help give flavor to our meals, but did you know there are health benefits to using certain ones as well? In this presentation, learn how to use herbs and spices, the difference between fresh and dried herbs, the importance of shelf life and how incorporating different combinations might ‘spice up’ your meal plan.

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 visit www. stillyvalleyhealth.org to register.

Cooking and Nutrition: Summer Seasonal Eating Summer is on its way and is a great time to incorporate fresh, locally grown produce into your diet. It is also a great time to find out what is in season and how best to store produce. This presentation and cooking demonstration will offer some useful tips, recipes, and information to help you take advantage of fruits and vegetables grown in the Pacific Northwest. This informative presentation is brought to you by Sound Dietitians. Funding provided

by Skagit Regional Health. Free of charge, but pre-registration required by calling 360-386-9918 or visit www. stillyvalleyhealth.org to register.

JUNE 25 (THUR) 6 – 8 p.m.

San Juan Conference Room Skagit Valley Hospital

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PLEASE NOTE, all classes and group events are subject to change as we receive

Cooking and Nutrition: Exploring the Arlington Farmers Market Explore all the fresh produce at the Arlington Farmers Market. Sound Dietitians will be offering recipes, prepping suggestions, scheduled walks around the market, as well as food samples. Funding provided

by Skagit Regional Health. Free of charge. No registration required. For more information call 360-386-9918 or visit www.stillyvalleyhealth.org.

BLOOD DRIVES

In partnership with Bloodworks Northwest, Skagit Regional Health will offer the following blood drives. Pre-registration required by calling 1-800-398-7888 or visit schedule.bloodworksnw.org.

JUNE 5 (FRI) 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed 1:15 – 2 p.m.)

Rainier Conference Room A and B Cascade Valley Hospital – Arlington 330 S. Stillaguamish Avenue JULY 13 (MON) 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. (closed 10 – 11 a.m.)

Skagit Valley Hospital – Mount Vernon 300 Hospital Parkway – Mobile Bus JULY 24 (FRI) 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (closed 12 – 1 p.m.)

Skagit Regional Clinics – Stanwood 9631 269th Street NW – Mobile Bus JULY 31 (FRI) 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed 1:15 – 2 p.m.)

Rainier Conference Room A and B Cascade Valley Hospital – Arlington 330 S. Stillaguamish Avenue

CHILDBIRTH, PARENTING AND FAMILY RESOURCES

Childbirth Preparation: Weekend Course at Skagit Valley Hospital Skagit Valley Hospital offers a two-day express childbirth course held on 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, postpartum adjustments will also be covered as well as a tour of the Family Birth Center. Medical coupons are accepted or a fee of $95. Pre-registration is required by calling 360-814-2424.

JULY 11 AND 12 (SAT/SUN) 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Family Birth Center Waiting Room Skagit Valley Hospital SEPT 12 AND 13 (SAT/SUN) 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Family Birth Center Waiting Room Skagit Valley Hospital

Pregnancy and Childbirth: Skagit Valley Hospital This five-week evening 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. A tour of the family birth center is included. Medical coupons are accepted or a fee of $100.

Please call 360-814-2424 for class dates.

updates from the state Department of Health and the CDC regarding COVID-19.

Childbirth Preparation: Weekend Course at Cascade Valley Hospital Cascade Valley Hospital offers a one-day childbirth class. 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. Medical coupons are accepted or a fee of $95. Pre-registration is required by calling 360-814-2424.

JUNE 13 (SAT) 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Pilchuck Conference Room Cascade Valley Hospital AUG 1 (SAT) 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Pilchuck 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 360814-2424. Free tours are offered at Cascade Valley Hospital Family Birth Center by appointment only by calling 360-618-7754.

Keeping Your Baby Healthy 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 $20 when registering for the weekend childbirth preparation class at the same time. Pre-registration is required by calling 360-814-2424.

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Lactation Services

Parent Circle

Parents as Teachers

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 360-428BABY and one of our consultants will be happy to answer questions and talk about breastfeeding.

Parenting a baby can be tough.

Parent Circle is a place parents can receive support because we talk about the challenges and changes that happen during this incredible time. Parent Circle is held in the Family Birth Center waiting room at Skagit Valley Hospital on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For more information call 360-428-2229.

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 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.

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. This group is held on Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the Skagit Valley Hospital Family Birth Center waiting room. For more information call 360-428-2229.

Child Safety Seat Checks A Certified National Child Passenger Safety Technician 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.

Skagit Bright Beginnings Line and Website

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

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.

Nurse-Family Partnership

Welcome Baby

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/ first-time-moms/stories-from-moms.

As new parents, you will have questions about yourself and your new baby. A Welcome Baby Coordinator, through this United Way of Skagit County program, will provide a visit to you, if you wish, during your hospital stay at Skagit Valley Hospital 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 or text 360-922-2644 if you need additional information.

NEW CHILD RESTRAINT LAW IN EFFECT FOR WASHINGTON A new child passenger restraint law took effect in Washington on Jan. 1, 2020.

According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, car crashes are a leading killer of children ages 1-13 and using the right seat can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent.

The revised car seat law (Revised Code of Washington 46.61.687) requires the following:

• Children up to age 2 must be properly secured in a rear-facing car seat.

• Children ages 2 to 4 must be properly secured in a car seat with a harness (rear or forward facing).

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• Children 4 and older and less than four feet nine inches tall must be secured in a booster seat with a seat belt (or continue in harness seat).

• Children over the height of four feet nine inches must be secured by a properly fitted seat belt (typically starting at 8-12 years old).

• Children up to age 13 must ride in the back seat when practical to do so.

• The child restraint system must comply with U.S. Department of Transportation standards and be used according to vehicle and child restraint manufacturer.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children remain in each stage of protection for as long as possible as each transition reduces the protection of the child.

Car seats can be very confusing, resulting in significant misuse.

There are car seat inspection services throughout Washington.

To find the nearest location, visit www.safercar.gov/parents.

Parents can also find additional information at wacarseats.com.

PLEASE NOTE, all classes and group events are subject to change as we receive

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.

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

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, biweekly for the next four sessions and then monthly meetings for the last six sessions. Call Amber at 360395-2354 or email amber.phillips@ wsu.edu for more information.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES Nutrition Class for Kidney Disease

Take charge of your health in an 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 more information, please call 360-814-8329.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Have you had a recent heart attack, bypass surgery, angioplasty or stent placement, heart valve surgery or congestive heart failure? We have a program to help you return to your active lifestyle and learn how to reduce

updates from the state Department of Health and the CDC regarding COVID-19.

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.

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) and other chronic lung diseases 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 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, please call Stilly Valley Health Connections at 360-386-9918 or email info@snocophd3.org.

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E-Cigarettes: The Truth among the Vapors Training of the Trainer Workshop A 3-hour training of the trainer style workshop introduces the concepts and devices for vaping nicotine and marijuana. The American Lung Association, Washington Poison Center and Prevention Works in Seattle developed the presentation. Training is provided by representatives from the American Lung Association and Snohomish Health District. Classes are great for school administrators and educators, health care professionals, community members, youth leaders as well as anyone interested in learning more about the dangers of e-cigarette use. Classes are offered several times a year and are free of charge. For more information about future workshops, please call Stilly Valley Health Connections at 360-3869918 or email info@snocophd3.org.

CANCER SUPPORT SERVICES

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

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.

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.

LIVESTRONG at the Y takes place twice a year. Contact the YMCA Wellness Director at 360-336-9622 or email healthyliving@skagitymca.org.

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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.

Hospice 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 a dropin grief support group that meets weekly. In addition, we offer the Grief Recovery Method™ Support Group™ 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, or to receive a current Grief Group schedule, please call 360-814-5570 and ask for Diane Hart. The next session begins June 25.

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.

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.

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 research-based exercise program focused on amplitude (bigger movement) training for individuals with Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s disease often results in the 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.

PLEASE NOTE, all classes and group events are subject to change as we receive

Parkinson’s LOUD® Program

Mental Health Support Group

Diabetes Support Group

Skagit Valley Hospital Speech Language Pathologist Kristin Conzo, MS, CCC-SLP and Mallory Metzger, M.S., 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.

NAMI Skagit Open Support Group meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of every month, 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 please call Marti at 360-770-5666.

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. The Diabetes Support Group is facilitated

by Karen Frost and 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 360-588-4142.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES NAMI Connections Support Group

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Connections support groups are for people living with a mental illness. These groups are free, confidential, and peer led. Gain insight from hearing about the challenges and successes of others and leave knowing that you are not alone in living with a mental illness. These groups are led

by NAMI-trained facilitators. Meetings are held the second Monday of each month from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Stilly Valley Health Connections – Arlington.

No registration required. For more information, please call 360-386-9918.

Family-to-Family EvidenceBased Education Program Free eight-session (one evening class per 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 360-770-5666 for more information.

Peer-to-Peer Education Program 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. For more information, call 360-559-1509.

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. This group meets the last Friday of every 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.

updates from the state Department of Health and the CDC regarding COVID-19.

Caregiver Support Group A safe and supportive group to share and learn from other caregivers offered in Burlington. Provided by Skagit Adult Day Program. Please email, info@ skagitadultdayprogram.org or call 360-755-1235 for more information.

Scleroderma Support Group This group meets on the second Friday of the month at 11 a.m. in the Sauk Conference Room at Skagit Valley Hospital. For more information call Joyce at 360-927-5392.

Ostomy Support Group A friendly support group for people with ostomies, their friends and families. This group meets the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. in the Sauk Conference Room at Skagit Valley Hospital. For more information call Cathy at 360-202-3410.

Parent Circle Parenting a baby can be tough.

Parent Circle is a place parents can receive support because we talk about the challenges and changes that happen during this incredible time.

Meet us in the Family Birth Center waiting room at Skagit Valley Hospital on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For more information call 360-428-2229.

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Volunteer Services at Skagit Regional Health GIVE BACK

Whether it’s by pushing a wheelchair, escorting a visitor, delivering newspapers or mail, working in the gift shop, playing the piano or providing pet therapy, our dedicated volunteers play a vital role in creating a healing environment. Volunteers take the time to make patients and visitors feel comfortable and welcomed.

LEARN Many of our clinical and nonclinical staff began their journey in healthcare as hospital volunteers.

Volunteering in a hospital setting can help students gain exposure to the hospital environment of care, standards and processes. If you’re interested in pursuing a career, there is no better way to learn about all that a hospital offers. Great volunteers can make great future employees.

CONNECT

If you’re interested in making social connections, or networking for future goals, hospital volunteers can make friends that last a lifetime.

• All volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 100 hours of service.

• Most volunteers are asked to commit to one regularly scheduled volunteer shift each week.

• Volunteers are asked to get a flu shot and to complete training updates each fall.

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 or email volunteer@skagitregionalhealth.org.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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 – Skagit Regional Health

Need a Doctor?

Call our free Find a Doctor Phone Line at 360-848-5555. 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 360-814-2424.

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

Skagit Regional Health to delay payments for patients financially impacted by COVID-19 Skagit Regional Health is aware of the financial impact that COVID-19 is having on the health and financial well-being of our patients. We know that an unexpected illness can be a big burden on you and your family. Our Patient Financial Services Department is here to help you during your time of need.

Our team understands that this can be a complex process for our patients.

The important thing to remember is nobody should delay needed medical services because of their ability to pay. If you’re experiencing any kind of financial hardship, whether it’s related to COVID-19 or other factors, the important thing is to contact us. We will always work with you.

If you need help paying your bill, whether or not you have insurance, Skagit Regional Health offers a Financial Assistance Program to

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assist qualified patients. Please contact Patient Financial Services, Customer Service for help with:

Questions about your bill Financial Assistance Medicaid Apple Health Setting up a Payment Plan Deferring your current Payment plan For those individuals seeking financial assistance or who need to delay payments due to lost wages or other financial hardship caused

by COVID-19 please call the Patient Financial Services Customer Service Department at 360-814-7575. We have many options available to you. This initiative is an extension of Skagit Regional Health’s already robust financial assistance programs, which include payment plan options.

ONLINE RESOURCES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE TO YOU:

Skagit Regional Health: https:// www.skagitregionalhealth.org/ for-patients/finance-and-billinginformation Washington State Hospital Association: • Charges for common procedures: www.wahospitalpricing.org • Compare hospital quality scores: www.wahospitalquality.org Washington Health Plan Finder: www. wahealthplanfinder.org or call 1-855923-4633.

MyChart: https://mychart. skagitregionalhealth.org

Skagit Regional Health’s Board of Commissioners

The 2020 Board of Commissioners includes, from left, Julie Blazek, President; Peter Browning; Jeff Miller; Gary Shand, Secretary; Frei Burton; Bruce Lisser and Dale Ragan.

Celebrating Jim Hobbs As 2019 came to a close, the Skagit Regional Health Board honored Commissioner Jim Hobbs for 34 years of loyal and dedicated service to Public Hospital District No. 1 and the greater Skagit County community.

Hobbs served on the Board since 1986 and has been a consistent champion for patient care. During his tenure on the Board, he saw amazing change in health care and growth in the Skagit Regional Health system including the opening of Skagit County’s first cardiac catheterization lab in 1987 to the new 220,000-square foot Skagit Valley Hospital expansion in 2007.

Outgoing Commissioner Jim Hobbs is surrounded by his family including his wife Glenda and their three children Jim, Jr., Kristl and Kim.

New board member: Dale Ragan takes oath of office Mount Vernon resident Dale Ragan won election to the Skagit Regional Health Board in November to replace longtime Commissioner Jim Hobbs.

Ragan was sworn in during December’s Board meeting and officially took office on Jan. 1, 2020.

Ragan is a longtime resident of Mount Vernon and has owned Karl’s

Paints in Mount Vernon for almost three decades. He has a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Master of Business Administration.

Ragan has served in a variety of elected offices including the Mount Vernon City Council from 2002 to 2017 and as a Dike District 17 Commissioner from 2015 to current.

He is a longtime member of the Mount Vernon/Skagit Rotary Club and has served on the board of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce and the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation.

Frei Burton, who was appointed to the Board in January 2019 and elected in November 2019, also took the oath of office in December. Board terms are for six years.

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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

To all of our staff and providers,

THANK

YOU. Your experience, passion and dedication has been critical to our ability to care for our community. We are grateful for all of you.

As they support us, we can support them.

Practice social distancing

Wash your hands

Please stay home & stay healthy

If you believe you have symptoms, call:

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SkagitRegionalHealth.org

360-428-2500