HealthQuest - Spring/Summer 2021

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

A publication of

Skagit Regional Health

Ear, Nose and Throat program expands

Third clinic location opens to serve community | 8

Keep current on healthcare

Providers encourage patients to have routine screenings | 9-10

Spine surgery

Surgeon joins Skagit Regional Health

| 4-5

Gratitude Report 2020 | 19

Proudly Presents the 17th Annual

Commitment to the people of our communities The past pandemic year has shown very clearly that Skagit Regional Health’s entire team – from physicians and nurses to environmental services and Patient Resource Center staff – have an amazing commitment to the people of the communities we serve as a healthcare system.

This is a point of great pride for me about 2020: The unwavering dedication of this healthcare team to safely and compassionately take care of our patients and each other as COVID-19 swept through the region.

SOLD OUT Friday, June 25, 2021 Skagit Golf and Country Club Thank You to Title Sponsors

For 2022 PAR TEE GOLF CLASSIC information call the Foundation office at 360-814-8376.

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This team remains patient – focused as it has throughout the pandemic. We provide care to COVID-19 patients, and are fortunate that the number of patients needing a hospital bed has not overwhelmed us at any time.

We launched testing facilities and Acute Respiratory Clinics, kept current with the ever-changing guidance from government and public health officials and ultimately opened vaccination clinics to serve our communities.

Along the way during this pandemic, we have learned more about our strengths: • We are a healthcare leader in the region. We took on the vaccination effort, even without a consistent supply of vaccine and despite the overwhelming response that at one point placed 60,000 names on our vaccine wait list. We opened clinics, got the majority of our team vaccinated and have given tens of thousands of vaccinations, whittling down that wait list.

• We are a good partner. We have worked closely with Public Health officials in multiple counties to keep communications open, share information and combine efforts.

• We made some discoveries and changes that will continue as benefits into the future, such as widely expanding telemedicine.

• We have the support of our communities and we appreciate it.

The efforts – large and small – to say thank you to our healthcare team, from sidewalk chalk messages to children’s artwork and greeting cards, these random acts of kindness make a difference.

• We have come through a great deal over this past year and, as happens in times of challenge and crisis, we have banded more closely together. That’s ironic for a year known for social distancing.

I have witnessed this team doing amazing things and providing excellent care in the past year. You can count on this team to continue to do so.

Stay safe. Stay healthy.

Brian Ivie President and CEO

SPRING/SUMMER 2021 | VOLUME 18 | ISSUE 1 HealthQuest is published by Skagit Regional Health and the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation.

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

04 Spine surgery

Surgeon David Mourning, MD, joins Skagit Regional Health

05 Video visits

Patients, providers find virtual visits a great option for care

06 Vaccine update 08 Ear, Nose and Throat program expands 09 Keep current on healthcare 11 Family Medicine in Smokey Point

Details on the COVID-19 vaccines and variants

Third clinic location opens to serve community

Providers encourage patients to have routine screenings

Six providers, plus specialists, offer care for patients of all ages

14 17 Every day is Mother’s Day New providers

Primary care, specialists join Skagit Regional Health

19 HealthQuest Classes

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Board of Commissioners

39

SPRING/S

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COVER PHOTO Spine Surgeon David Mourning, MD and Interventional Pain Specialist Yuri Tsirulnikov, DO, collaborate on a treatment plan for a spine care patient.

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Skagit Regional Health offers full range of Women’s Health services

24 The Best for Babies

Foundation launches campaign to benefit Family Birth Centers

Spring 2021

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Spine surgeon David Mourning, MD appreciates the opportunity to work with a variety of specialists within the Skagit Regional Health system to assist his patients with diagnosis and treatment plans.

Spine surgeon joins Skagit Regional Health COMPREHENSIVE SURGICAL SERVICES AT SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH Skagit Regional Health provides a wide range of surgical services including: • Breast surgery • Colorectal surgery • ENT surgery • Foot and ankle surgery • General surgery • Gynecological surgery • Hand and upper extremity surgery • Joint replacement surgery • Orthopedic surgery • Plastic and reconstructive surgery • Robotic surgery • Spine surgery • Sports surgery • Thoracic surgery • Urological surgery • Vascular surgery

The surgical team includes dozens of board-certified surgeons, with a wide variety of specialties, who perform procedures at Skagit Valley Hospital, Cascade Valley Hospital and the Arlington Surgery Center.

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Spine surgeon David Mourning, MD knows the moment he knew surgery was what he was meant to do.

Dr. Mourning recalls the day in medical school when he says his “brain just clicked.” There was an MRI of an injured ankle displayed in the operating room. He was able to reconstruct the images together in his head and visualize the planned surgery, as well as discuss it, with his attending surgeon.

His instructor was impressed and Dr. Mourning knew he had found his fit.

“I think very visually and then can translate those plans into surgical reconstruction,” Dr. Mourning said.

Dr. Mourning attended the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville, Virginia.

After completing his orthopedic surgery residency at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, he began a spine fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.

“The point of a fellowship is to focus on one small field,” explained

Dr. Mourning. “I did 350-400 surgeries that year, all spine surgeries.

I worked with 10 different spinal surgeons that year and learned different techniques and practices.”

Today, Dr. Mourning treats various back, neck and spine injuries. However, he knows that for some patients, surgery isn’t always the best route to healing.

“Spine surgery is for nerve decompression, and that’s really what we do,” said Dr. Mourning, who joined the Skagit Regional Health team in April 2021. Spine surgery, he explained, is more about repairing nerve issues than anything else. He said he believes there are other options to try before jumping right to surgery to repair chronic back pain issues.

“We always try manual therapy to relieve some of the pain, often we try epidural injections and set that up through the pain medicine clinic,” Dr. Mourning said. “For a lot of people, the injections calm things down enough and they don’t need further treatment.”

Dr. Mourning has practiced in the Skagit Valley area for nearly a decade, focusing his practice on cervical and lumbar disc herniations and cervical and lumbar stenosis. To treat these issues, he mostly performs minimallyinvasive disc decompressions or fusions to treat conditions such as scoliosis that are a result of aging.

He said he is excited about the larger, multi-disciplinary team that exists at Skagit Regional Health. He knows that his patients don’t always need surgery, and within Skagit Regional Health he can easily refer them to another specialist as needed.

“It’s nice to get someone in, realize that they actually need a neurologist or rheumatologist and be able to confer with and send them to a different specialist,” said Dr. Mourning. “Before I moved to Skagit Regional Health, I didn’t have all those options just down the hall from my office, so it’s nice to have the interaction where everybody’s around each other.”

The addition of spine surgery to the growing list of specialties available at Skagit Regional Health has been a goal for the organization.

“We are excited to offer spine surgery services to our patients. This service will continue to enhance the breadth of care we are able to provide to our communities,” said Regional Vice President and Chief Physician Officer Mary Ann Hink, MD. “Dr. David Mourning has an excellent reputation and has been a longstanding provider in our community. We are excited to have him join the Skagit Regional Health team.”

As he begins to see patients at Skagit Regional Health, he said he hopes to grow the spine surgery program and establish strong working relationships with complementary specialists to best serve patients.

In addition to thinking about what treatment is most appropriate for his patients, he also works to develop his knowledge about what procedures and technology can be most beneficial for everyone involved – not only for patients but also for the other staff in the room.

“Image-guided surgery is something I’ve been training on recently,” said Dr. Mourning. Image-guided surgery involves 10 times less radiation, it’s more accurate and thus a faster way to complete a procedure, a win-win for the patient as well as the surgical team involved in the process. This is among the services Dr. Mourning would like to offer in the future as the program grows.

For Dr. Mourning, who like most people has experienced back pain and sciatica first hand, having a patient find relief from their pain is the ultimate reward.

“It’s deeply satisfying to see someone right after surgery and their nerve pain is gone. I did a big surgery on a patient recently, and (after the surgery) all he could think about was how he could feel his big toe again – he said ‘I have my big toe back!’ and to him that was the greatest thing in the world.”

To request an appointment, talk with your healthcare provider or call 360-814-6800.

SPINE SURGERY AT SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH Skagit Regional Health’s board-certified orthopedic spine surgery team provides diagnosis and treatment of a range of back, neck and spine injuries and conditions, including: • Cervical myelopathy/spinal cord compression • Deformity (scoliosis/kyphosis) • Degenerative conditions of the spine • Disc herniation, lumbar and cervical • Revision surgery • Stenosis • Fractures Skagit Regional Health’s multifaceted surgical team is dedicated to providing evidence-based, high-quality care to every patient. The multidisciplinary team is comprised of exceptional professionals, including: • Board-certified anesthesiologists • Board-certified spine surgeon • OR registered nurses • Support personnel • Surgical technicians • Physician assistants

ABOVE: Cardiac Electrophysiologist Ramy Hanna, MD engages with a patient in a video visit.

Video visits a benefit for cardiology patients As a Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Ramy Hanna, MD helps patients with the “electricity” of the heart, providing diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm or arrhythmia.

Over the past year, Dr. Hanna and his patients have discovered the benefits of virtual video visits as a great way to maintain contact and check in on their heart health.

“For some of my patients who live far away, and for whom a conversation suffices to make clinical decisions and plan next steps, video visits have become a very welcome standard,” Dr. Hanna said. “They allow for all of the benefits of a complete clinic visit with the patient staying in the comfort of their own home. This is especially true for patients who are less mobile and for whom a trip to the clinic requires extensive planning.”

If physical exam findings are critical or urgent diagnostics are needed, such as an electrocardiogram, an in-office visit is required.

Most issues that are not reliant on physical examination findings can be handled with a video visit along with education and planning for next steps in a patient’s care. Dr. Hanna estimates about 15 percent of his appointments are virtual and he and his patients are becoming familiar with the technology.

“I think we have all become more comfortable with virtual visits as time has progressed,” he said. “I can say that I am equally comfortable seeing people in person as opposed to over a video visit. We can accomplish identical goals.”

Spring 2021

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COVID-19

Vaccines Frequently Asked Questions

By Mary Bavaro, MD, Infectious Disease Specialist

There are now three vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for COVID-19. All three vaccines are effective in reducing the risk of severe disease and death.

Join us for a COVID-19 town hall After a year of taking every necessary precaution to protect ourselves, friends, family and others in the community from COVID-19, we look forward to the day when life can return to normal as the number of vaccinated people in our communities increases. Infectious Disease Specialists Mary Bavaro, MD and Mark Wallace, MD, will share the latest information about COVID-19 in a virtual town hall. The physicians will provide an update and leave plenty of time to respond to questions.

6 p.m., WEDNESDAY, JULY 14.

Via Zoom.

The event is free.

See page 32 for registration information.

ABOVE: Employee Health Coordinator Ayla Finnegan prepares a vaccine dose. Below, Registered Nurses from Skagit Valley Hospital and Cascade Valley Hospital were among the first healthcare workers at Skagit Regional Health to receive COVID-19 vaccinations at employee vaccine clinics.

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NOTE: As of April 15, 2021, federal health officials called for a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. For current information, go to https://www.cdc.gov.

PFIZER: mRNA vaccine: Two doses. Vaccine efficacy 95 percent (preventing symptomatic disease) after two doses. For ages 16+

MODERNA: mRNA vaccine: Two doses. Vaccine efficacy 95 percent (preventing symptomatic disease) after two doses. For ages 16+

Will I get to choose which vaccine I receive?

All three vaccines are effective in reducing risk of hospitalizations and death. This is one of the main goals of vaccinating as many people as possible to reduce admissions and deaths. We will also be reducing numbers of people who are ill. Each facility approved to administer COVID-19 vaccines will get supplies of vaccines as available by the state. We need to immunize as many people as possible to get the pandemic under control and reduce the risk of new variants developing. This means that patients need to get the vaccine that is available to them in

JOHNSON & JOHNSON: Adenovirus vector vaccine: One dose.

Vaccine efficacy for the prevention of COVID-19–associated hospitalization: 93.1 percent. Prevention of symptomatic, laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 was 66.3 percent. For ages 18+

the immunization clinic that day.

All three vaccines are effective in reducing the risk of severe disease and death.

What are the COVID-19 variants?

Variants are strains of viruses with mutations to help them to survive. Mutations occur the longer a virus is circulating in the community. This is one of the many reasons we need to get as many people immunized as possible as quickly as possible. As of early March 2021, there are three main circulating variants worldwide and all three have been detected in Washington state.

These variants seem to spread more easily and quickly than other variants, which may lead to more cases of COVID-19 which may lead to more hospitalizations, and potentially more deaths. This is why vaccination, physical distancing, use of

Where do we go from here? masks, hand hygiene, isolation and quarantine are so important to limit the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. The three main variants include: 1. The United Kingdom (UK) variant called B.1.1.7. This variant has many mutations and spreads more easily and quickly than other variants. It has been detected in many countries around the world.

This variant was first detected in the U.S. at the end of December 2020. This variant was detected in Skagit County in early March 2021.

2. South African variant called B.1.351. This variant was detected first in October 2020 and shares some mutations with B.1.1.7. Cases caused by this variant have been reported in the U.S. at the end of January 2021.

3. Brazilian variant called P.1. This variant was first detected in January 2021 and contains a set of additional mutations that may affect its ability to be recognized by antibodies.

I have heard that some of the vaccines are less effective against the variants. Why should I still get vaccinated?

While the vaccines currently available may be less effective against some of the variants, they are still effective in reducing the risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death.

Even when our flu vaccine is not effective some years, patients who are vaccinated are less likely to have severe disease and die. The more people get immunized, the fewer numbers of new variants will emerge as less people will be infected and thus there will be less circulating virus.

What is being done to address the variants in regards to vaccines and will we need boosters if already immunized?

2. COVID-19 vaccines have not been associated with infertility or miscarriage.

Much like with influenza vaccines where modifications are made each year to the flu vaccine based on different circulating strains from the southern hemisphere, pharmaceutical companies are working on adjusting the COVID-19 vaccines to include coverage for some of the circulating variants. Researchers are looking at the need for boosters for those already immunized. Studies are also being done to see how long immunity lasts and will this be like the influenza vaccine where we need annual shots.

More data is coming, so stay tuned for updates.

4. Antibodies to the spike protein have not been linked to infertility after COVID-19 infection.

If I am pregnant can I get vaccinated and do the vaccines cause infertility?

1. Pregnant women and breastfeeding women were not included in the studies looking at either vaccine.

There are plans for formal studies.

However, given the pandemic and risk for disease, immunization experts and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommend consideration of immunizing those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Based on safety data to date, the benefits of vaccination appear to outweigh the risks. To date, many pregnant women have decided to receive the vaccine worldwide and, based on data to date, the vaccine appears safe and effective in pregnancy. Please talk more to your OB/GYN or Family Medicine physician about this if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

RIGHT: General Surgeon Peter Wolff, MD, celebrates receiving his COVID-19 vaccination.

3. Antibodies to the spike protein will not bind to placental proteins and prevent pregnancy.

5. There does not appear to be an increased risk of miscarriage after COVID-19 infection.

If I get vaccinated, do I still need to mask and practice social distancing?

Yes! These vaccines are effective but are not 100 percent. We need at least 70 percent of the population to be immune before there is enough herd immunity to hopefully put this pandemic to rest. We need to keep going strong and keep up on masking, social distancing and washing our hands to prevent the spread of this virus and stop this pandemic. We can do this together!

What can I tell others?

1. Get immunized!

2. Practice the three Ws: • Wear a mask.

• Watch distance.

• Wash your hands.

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SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH AUDIOLOGISTS • Mallorie Smith, Au.D. • Terry Hergesheimer, M.A. • Hannah Carlson, Au.D.

Au.D. stands for Doctor of Audiology (similar to PhD) requiring a bachelor’s degree and four years of graduate school.

The Audiologist Office is located at 1730 E. Division Street, Mount Vernon.

The Hearing Aid Center is located at 118 S. 12th Street, Mount Vernon.

For an appointment, call 360-336-2178.

SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH EAR, NOSE AND THROAT PROVIDERS • Gary Brown, MD • Christopher England, MD • James Gross, MD • Kevin Harris, MD • Gary Johnson, MD

Also known as otolaryngology, Skagit Regional Health has a team of five specialists who are expertly trained to perform surgery on the delicate and complex tissues of the head and neck.

Ear, Nose and Throat Offices

118 S. 12th Street, Mount Vernon

1730 E. Division Street, Mount Vernon

1019 24th Street, Suite B, Anacortes For an appointment, call 360-336-2178.

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Can you hear me

Hearing loss can impact a person’s quality of life, causing people to feel isolated and out of touch, even at the dinner table.

When a patient recognizes their hearing loss and seeks diagnosis and help, an audiologist may be the first stop. Recognition of hearing problems is the first step and often it’s a family member who understands the issue first, said Mallorie Smith, Au.D., an audiologist with Skagit Regional Health.

“Family may see a person turning one ear towards them, leaning in to get closer or cupping one ear because they can’t hear things,” Smith said.

“Communication becomes difficult because they are not understanding as well as they used to.”

The audiologist performs an evaluation, looking at the anatomy of the ears, looking closely at the ear drums and performing tests in a soundproof booth to measure a patient’s ability to hear certain tones.

If there are medical concerns indicated in the evaluation, such as an infection or obstruction, the patient is referred to an Ear, Nose and Throat provider.

If there is a hearing loss with no medical issue, the patient is a candidate for hearing aids. It can take several years for a patient to make the decision to get hearing aids, but, when they move forward, they see an amazing improvement in quality of life, Smith said.

“There is a stigma that hearing aids are something only old people wear,” she said. “Once the patient has them, their quality of life improves so much and they have confidence in knowing they can participate in activities and be part of the conversation at the dinner table. They can hear the birds or their cat purr. They again have enjoyment of normal, routine things that they were withdrawn from because of their hearing loss.”

LEFT: Audiologist Hannah Carlson, Au.D., examines a patient in the Ear, Nose and Throat clinic.

now?

Today’s hearing aids are “smart,” small, personalized to the patient’s needs, rechargeable and typically have Bluetooth wireless technology as a standard feature.

In addition to hearing loss, audiologists and ENT providers also work with patients who are experiencing dizziness. The vestibular system of the inner ear is responsible for balance, perceiving movement and sending messages to the body.

If the messages are conflicting, it can cause dizziness. Tests, such as videonystagmography (VNG) can be used to diagnose a problem with the vestibular system.

“Helping patients with dizziness is what I love the most,” Smith said. “It’s like a giant puzzle.”

Another common problem is vertigo or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), when calcium crystals within the ear become dislodged and cause brief moments of dizziness. Treatment by an audiologist or physical therapist may include a series of head and body movements to get the crystals back where they belong, Smith said.

“The ears are designed to help with movement and balance,” she said. “It can be a journey to explore the symptoms and figure out why a person is having a problem and bring them relief.”

Cancer experts encourage

screenings

The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC) notified member organizations, such as Skagit Regional Health, that they have joined the American Cancer Society (ACS) in a nationwide effort to encourage patients to resume appropriate cancer screenings to prevent a more extensive illness or excess deaths.

The CoC is urging people to talk with their health care providers to resume regular primary care checkups and recommended cancer screenings.

This discussion has the potential to lessen the negative impact that the pandemic is having on identifying and treating people with cancer.

Throughout the pandemic, many health care resources were redirected to combat rising COVID-19 cases and to prevent the spread of the virus. Elective medical procedures, including cancer screening, were largely put on hold at the onset of the pandemic in 2020 and have since resumed.

The impact was immediate as screening-related procedures dropped drastically in March and May 2020, according to the ACS. Estimates also

project 35 percent of Americans missed routine cancer screening due to COVID-19-related fears and service disruptions and 41 percent have delayed or avoided some medical care because of the pandemic.

The ACS foresees that the pandemic-related reductions in health care access and cancer screening will result in a short-term drop in cancer diagnoses and a later corresponding increase in late-state diagnoses and preventable deaths.

The ACS notes three several important messages: 1. Screenings can help catch cancer early.

2. Regular screening tests can improve and save your life.

3. One in three Americans will get cancer in their lifetime, but finding cancer early means it may be easier to treat.

4. Talk to your doctor about safely resuming care, screenings and next steps.

Skagit Regional Health offers a variety of tests to screen for colorectal, breast, lung, cervical, prostate and other cancers.

LEFT: Radiology Tech Donna Marler stands with the new 3D mammography unit at Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington.

3D Mammography is also available at the Skagit Imaging Pavilion in Mount Vernon.

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Physician recommends screening colonoscopy SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH GASTROENTEROLOGY TEAM • David Liang, MD • Nassim Karimi, MD • Duane Webb, MD • Suresh Alagugurusamy, MD • Megan McMahon, PA-C • Brittany Rowan, PA-C • Emily Jette, PA-C • Samit Datta, MD - Starting in August 2021

Direct Access: Screening Colonoscopy Skagit Regional Health’s Endoscopy and Gastroenterology Department offers a Direct Access program in Mount Vernon and Arlington to allow healthy adults to register and schedule a screening colonoscopy with the ease of a phone call.

The colonoscopy appointment is typically scheduled to occur within two weeks or at the patient’s convenience.

Colonoscopy is one of the most powerful means of prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer.

To schedule a colonoscopy through Skagit Regional Health’s Direct Access program, call: Mount Vernon: 360-814-5739 Arlington: 360-618-7975

The career of gastroenterologist Duane Webb, MD has spanned more than 30 years. Dr. Webb shares his perspective on the importance of screening for colon cancer: “Although it is the third leading cancer killer in the United States, colorectal cancer has been called the most preventable of cancers.

That is because colonoscopy can reduce colorectal cancer by 80 to 90 percent. Unlike other tests being advertised on TV and promoted elsewhere, only a screening colonoscopy can prevent colorectal cancer before it starts by removing polyps, where colorectal cancer

Provider brings specialized skills in endoscopic procedures Suresh Alagugurusamy, MD recently rejoined the Gastroenterology practice at Skagit Regional Health bringing specialized skills in minimally invasive procedures for patients.

Dr. Alagugurusamy has advanced training to perform Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS), which is a minimallyinvasive procedure to assess digestive and lung diseases.

A special endoscope uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of the lining and walls of the digestive tract and chest, nearby organs, such as the pancreas and liver, and lymph nodes.

Dr. Alagugurusamy treats patients with a range of GI conditions and has special interest in treating patients with hepatitis C, liver, pancreatic and biliary disease.

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originates. For that reason, screening colonoscopy is widely recognized as the gold standard of colorectal cancer screening methods. I’ve had four of them myself, and although the prep was certainly no fun, polyps were removed each time. It was worth losing a few hours of sleep the night before. Our motto in the GI Endoscopy Department is ‘stamping out colon cancer one polyp at a time.’ New guidelines are to start average risk screening at age 45, so don’t delay, sign up for your colonoscopy today.”

Dr. Alagugurusamy is a graduate of Katsurba Medical College and he completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center. Following his residency training, he completed a hepatology fellowship at the Center for Liver Disease at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in Houston followed by gastroenterology research and clinical fellowships at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. Dr. Alagugurusamy served as an assistant professor teaching GI Fellows, residents and medical students at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center for three years before joining a gastroenterology practice in Texas where he was a member of the liver transplant team and served as the co-medical director of the Texas Liver Coalition. He is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology.

Access to care

Smokey Point Family Medicine grows to six providers In November 2020, Skagit Regional Health expanded services in Smokey Point to include Family Medicine. Since opening, the Family Medicine team has grown to include six providers who care for patients of all ages.

Ashleigh Adkins, ARNP grew up in Stanwood and enjoys bringing a holistic approach to medicine and being able to support the health of her community.

Adkins earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Washington State University and recently completed the Center of Excellence Autism Certification from Seattle Children’s Hospital. This advanced training helped her to develop the skills to identify autism early. Adkins enjoys helping all of her patients fulfill their health and wellness goals. Outside of the office, Adkins can be found on her hobby farm where she and her family grow vegetables and raise chickens.

Brynna Bodle, PA-C was raised in Stanwood and returned to the area following completion of her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Midwestern University in Arizona. Bodle enjoys caring for all age groups and a wide variety of different people and medical conditions. Her special interests include mental health, psychiatric disorders and endocrine disorders.

In her free time, Bodle enjoys hiking, reading a good book, getting outside and learning new things.

Jovita D’Souza, ARNP earned a Master of Science in Nursing at Gonzaga University in Spokane. She enjoys focusing on health promotion and disease prevention in her practice. She strives to listen to the individual concerns of her patients, takes time to understand their situation, communicate effectively and facilitate an individualized health care plan for each patient. D’Souza has more than 16 years of experience as an RN and ARNP. Her experience includes working in various healthcare settings: Emergency room, inpatient, long-term care, primary and specialty care outpatient clinics and working as a clinical instructor.

Outside of the office, D’Souza can often be found volunteering at school, listening to music, gardening, playing sports with her sons and travelling.

David Escobar, DO received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Yakima.

He completed his residency training at Skagit Regional Health. Dr. Escobar is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians and is a Fellow in the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Escobar has special interest in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) and primary care psychiatry/behavioral health.

Outside of the office, Dr. Escobar enjoys practicing and teaching yoga, hiking and improving his chess skills so he can play with his nephews.

Savannah Keith, ARNP completed a Master of Science in Nursing at Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She enjoys caring for people of all ages, needs and backgrounds. Keith is passionate about caring for children and providing postpartum health and breastfeeding support to her patients. She brings work experience in high-risk labor and delivery and urgent care to her practice.

Away from the office, Keith enjoys exploring the greater Northwest with her husband and two children.

Amanda Sumner, ARNP earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Washington. She has special interests in pediatrics and adolescent health.

Sumner also has a passion for getting her patients on the “prevention bandwagon.” It is truly amazing what a healthy diet, exercise, fresh air, sleep and life balance can do for all of us, she said. She was an active duty Navy Nurse Corps Officer for more than six years, stationed in Rhode Island, Virginia and Washington, before joining Skagit Regional Health.

Sumner, along with her spouse and two children, enjoy motocross and love to go on cruises (pre-pandemic).

To schedule a Family Medicine appointment in Smokey Point, call 360-657-8840.

NEED A PROVIDER? Use our online search tool to find a provider by specialty or location.

Provider profile pages include biography and educational information, how to schedule an appointment and videos about the provider or specialty.

Visit our website to learn more: https:// provider.skagitregionalhealth.org.

Spring 2021

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Skagit Regional Health

around the REGION FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY PROGRAM EARNS ACCREDITATION Skagit Regional Health’s Graduate Medical Education Program for Family Medicine residents received a 10-year accreditation following a successful review by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

“Our faculty, residents and staff worked tirelessly to showcase the high-quality program we’ve developed over the past eight years,” said Julie Merriam, DO, Family Medicine Residency Director.

Skagit Regional Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program accepts four resident physicians each year for a total of 12 residents.

“As our community grows, our system must grow and innovate as well,” said Chief Executive Officer Brian Ivie. “The exceptional doctors graduating from our GME programs are an important part of that long-term plan.”

Skagit Regional Health’s Internal Medicine Residency Program is also accredited by ACGME and accepts six resident physicians each year for a total of 18 residents.

NEW CHIEF NURSING OFFICER OVERSEES INPATIENT CARE FOR SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH Nina Cornell Plata, MSML, BSN, RN, a dynamic and experienced nursing leader, joined Skagit Regional Health on March 8, 2021 as Regional Vice President Chief Nursing Officer.

Plata’s hiring is a significant step in the organization’s transition to system-wide nursing leadership for inpatient care at Skagit Valley Hospital and Cascade Valley Hospital.

Plata brings leadership strengths including inpatient experience, quality, community wellness and partnerships and continuum of care improvement. She has extensive experience in rural and metropolitan healthcare systems. She also has experience with Just Culture and the process to become a High Reliability Organization, which lines up with current efforts at Skagit Regional Health.

“I am truly excited to join Skagit Regional Health and be part of the journey to become a High Reliability Organization,” Plata said. “The organization I came from has been on this journey for the past six to seven years. I believe that embedding a ‘Just Culture’ into an organization with strong leadership support will open the door to greater value of care for the communities we serve.”

Plata also noted that transformation and improvement involves the entire healthcare team.

“Transforming care starts with understanding the plan of where we want to go - our ‘True North’ - and designing a process to get there with a chosen measurement so we know how we are doing with this change,” Plata said. “A valuable step in this process is understanding the ‘why’ in all we do. Each of us plays a role in engagement, safety and efficiency. The two things I learned from this journey are: Keep it simple and it takes an aligned team to accomplish big dreams.”

Most recently, Plata served as Vice President, Population Health for the Adventist Health Central Valley Network in Hanford, California where she administered the MediCal at-risk plan with 17,000 attributed lives in King’s County. Her three years in that position were preceded by five years as Vice President Chief Nursing Officer (Patient Care Services and Operations) with Adventist Health Selma in Fresno County, California.

Plata earned her BSN at California State University in Los Angeles and her Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Pepperdine University in Malibu.

DIGITAL GET WELL CARDS GET MESSAGES TO PATIENTS

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While we know words of encouragement and love are crucial to the healing process, with current visitation and travel restrictions, visiting or speaking with a loved one in the hospital can be difficult. To help provide a way for people to connect, spread these messages, maintain personal connections and support, Skagit Regional Health has created a way for people to send these words digitally.

By visiting www.skagitregionalhealth.org/getwell a person can write a message to a loved one or friend who is hospitalized at Skagit Valley Hospital or Cascade Valley Hospital.

These messages are then handwritten and hand-delivered by a staff member or volunteer to the patient Monday through Friday.

Kirsten Henderson, RN, a staff member in Progressive and Critical Care at Skagit Valley Hospital, received a DAISY Award after her nomination by a patient’s family member.

DAISY AWARD® NOMINATIONS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE As loved ones experience less access to patients in our hospitals, the DAISY Foundation has added an online nomination process to honor outstanding nurses that can be accessed through the Skagit Regional Health website.

Patients, loved ones and coworkers can fill out the online form to submit nominations recognizing the amazing work of inpatient nurses. Each hospital, Cascade Valley and Skagit Valley, has its own online nomination portal.

As an example, Kirsten Henderson, RN, a staff member in Progressive and Critical Care at Skagit Valley Hospital, received a DAISY Award based on a nomination from the family of a patient with COVID-19.

The family wrote, in part: “ . . . in addition to her duties, she took the

time today to allow us to see and talk to our parents . . . this goes above and beyond her normal job of ensuring patients are stable. This is caring for them as a person. And to us, who have been helpless and anxious for weeks, it means the world to have someone willing to put in that extra time and care.”

A California family created the DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurses program as a way to say thank you in memory of a family member who received skillful and compassionate care during an eight-week hospitalization.

STATION SQUARE: SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH TO OPEN NEW CLINIC IN MOUNT VERNON Skagit Regional Health will open a new Primary Care and Urgent Care clinic in late 2022 in Mount Vernon.

The clinic will be part of a new development called Station Square, located west of Interstate 5 at the Kincaid Street exit, near downtown Mount Vernon. A 7-Eleven store and gas station are nearly complete at the site and other tenants are planned for the development.

The 30,000-square foot, threestory clinic will include Urgent Care, X-ray and lab services on the first floor and Primary Care on the second and third floors. Construction is due to begin in September 2021.

The project will help Skagit Regional Health address the high need for Primary Care services in the community, as other clinic spaces within the healthcare system are filled to capacity. The convenient location just off the freeway provides easy access to Urgent Care services, which will feature weekend hours.

To learn more about the DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses and to nominate an inpatient nurse, visit www.skagitregionalhealth.org/daisy.

This rendering shows what Skagit Regional Health’s three-story clinic will look like when it opens at Station Square in Mount Vernon in late 2022.

Spring Spring2021 2021

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New Providers GASTROENTEROLOGY

Nassim Karimi, MD Specialty: Gastroenterology Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon

What do you enjoy most about Gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology encompasses a wide array of complex digestive diseases requiring a holistic approach to find an effective solution for the majority of digestive issues.

With more than 25 years of experience, I have learned that spending time with effective listening, validating a patient’s concerns in a respectful manner, establishing trust, empowering them with various options and offering appropriate guidance are powerful tools to improve a patient’s quality of life.

It is extremely humbling to partner with my patient in implementing a team approach to meet their needs.

I am passionate about continuing education with maintenance of current best practices and procedures in gastroenterology disorders. I feel this is extremely important in providing the stateof-the-art advice on dealing with a patient’s digestive circumstance.

Many times you will catch me reading the latest journals in my spare time much to the chagrin of my family.

Dr. Karimi attended medical school at University of Sind/Nawabshah Medical College in Sind, Pakistan.

She completed her Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. Appointments can be made by calling 360-814-6113.

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GENERAL SURGERY

M. Keegan Huntsman, PA-C

Specialty: General Surgery Location: Skagit Regional Health – Arlington General Surgery Skagit Regional Clinics – Smokey Point

What motivated you to pursue a career in medicine?

GENERAL SURGERY

Weslee Chew, MD

Specialty: General Surgery Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon

What do you enjoy most about your chosen specialty?

I have always had a passion for science, learning and problem solving.

Medicine seemed like the perfect field that would allow me to be a lifelong learner while helping others solve or manage their health conditions.

Medicine also allows for educating alongside lifelong learning and I look forward to educating patients and possibly students in the future.

General Surgery is a special field.

There is a wide spectrum from small medical problems that can be instantly fixed to large, lifethreatening problems that need more intensive care. Regardless of the context, it is amazing to help people in their time of need and see them get better. Surgery is very much a team sport with the patient, physician and staff working together to help them get back on their feet.

What do you like most about your practice?

What do you love most about the local community?

I definitely love the hands-on aspect of surgery and the opportunity to fix problems that have been impacting patients’ day-to-day lives.

Whether that includes a chronic problem that has persisted through medical management or an acute emergent problem, surgery is often the solution that can return the patient to their normal life.

My favorite thing about the community are the people. They are my brothers, sisters, neighbors, friends, and it is my privilege to have the opportunity to help them. I enjoy running into patients at the grocery store or out and about on the town because it is like we are old friends. It is amazingly gratifying to see patients get better and back to normal life.

PA Hunstman is a graduate of Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, Utah.

He enjoys spending his free time exploring the outdoors with his wife and two children. Appointments can be made by calling 360-435-6097.

Dr. Chew is a graduate of the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He remained in Seattle to complete residency training at Virginia Mason Medical Center. Appointments can be made by calling 360-814-2586.

NEED A PROVIDER?

Use our online search tool to find a provider by specialty or location. Provider profile pages include biography and educational information, how to schedule an appointment and videos about the provider or specialty. Visit our website to learn more: https://provider.skagitregionalhealth.org.

FAMILY MEDICINE

Jennifer Stahlberg, ARNP Specialty: Family Medicine Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon

ORTHOPEDICS AND SPORTS MEDICINE

Bill Stahlberg, PA-C

Specialty: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Riverbend

UROLOGY

Katie Kaestner, PA-C

Specialty: Urology Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon

What motivated you to pursue a career in medicine?

What do you enjoy the most about orthopedics?

What motivated you to pursue a career in medicine?

I have always had an interest in science, an appreciation of people and a goal to help individuals feel their best. I personally believe physical, emotional and spiritual health are important in overall function. If one of the three is out of balance, the others tend to be off as well.

I enjoy orthopedics for the opportunity to connect with patients.

Educating patients and guiding them through their recovery is important and I feel very honored to be an integral part of the team.

Special interests: Diabetes is a

I am passionate about providing the best orthopedic care possible by utilizing advanced technology and the latest evidenced-based medicine contributing to optimal outcomes for our patients.

I have degrees in political science and medicine that have in common the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of faulty systems. The special difference in medicine for me is the social “team” aspect of patient-provider and interprofessional relationships. I am inspired daily when working with my colleagues in caring for our community.

big interest because it affects so many other areas of the body. I also believe it can be managed with the proper education and treatment plan.

Some other interests are managing hypertension, hyperlipidemia and preventative care and screenings to aim for optimal health.

Stahlberg earned her Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner from Gonzaga University in Spokane. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially exploring new places, having new experiences and engaging in outdoor activities, particularly those around water or in the mountains.

Stahlberg’s husband is an orthopedic provider at Skagit Regional Clinics – Riverbend. Appointments can be made by calling 360-428-2501.

What are you most passionate about professionally?

Special interests: General orthopedics, arthritis management and total joint arthroplasty (surgical replacement or reconstruction) of the hip, knee and shoulder.

PA Stahlberg completed a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. He is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

In his free time, he can be found spending time outdoors with his family. His wife works as a Family Medicine provider at Skagit Regional Clinics - Mount Vernon. Appointments can be made by calling 360-814-6800.

GUIDE TO PROVIDER CREDENTIALS:

What do you enjoy most about Urology?

Urology marries my favorite aspects of medicine which are both clinical and surgical approaches to diagnosis and treatment, which offers muchappreciated variability to my day and the type of partnership I develop with my patients. I also find meaningful purpose in providing care and treatment to individuals who are suffering from symptoms that may affect them daily, or even hourly.

Treating these symptoms significantly impacts quality of life and empowers individuals by putting control of their bodies back into the patient’s hands.

PA Kaestner was born and raised in the area and worked for Skagit Regional Health prior to becoming a physician assistant. She completed a Master of Physician Assistant Studies at DeSales University in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. Appointments can be made by calling 360-814-6565.

MD: Doctor of Medicine DO: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine ARNP: Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner PA-C: Certified Physician Assistant

Spring 2021

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New Providers NEUROLOGY

FAMILY MEDICINE

A.C. Mazhari, MD

Aline Nguyen, PA-C

Specialty: Neurology Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon

Specialty: Family Medicine Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon

RIGHT: Jayme Arthurs and her daughter Lyla.

WOMEN’S HEALTH

Arianne Jong, MD

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

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

What are you most passionate about professionally?

What do you enjoy the most about Women’s Health?

Neurology is an ever-advancing field with challenging complex neurological diseases that has become more rewarding with new discoveries for treatments and cures and the art of diagnosing and providing individualized treatments for each patient.

Both professionally and personally, my number one priority has always been to take care of my family. I am a first generation Vietnamese/ChineseAmerican and the first in my family to go to college. I grew up on a rural island in Alaska. Being far away from healthcare access makes it easy to put health on the back burner. My goal is to be an advocate and educate patients to take care of their health and be a provider that they can trust.

I hope to create relationships with my patients where they will feel like family and we can make decisions together.

I love working with women – as colleagues and my patients. They are each so inspiring and strong in their own ways. It is an incredible honor to journey with a woman throughout the different phases in her life – from a teenager suffering from abnormal periods, helping a woman become pregnant after struggling with infertility to delivering new life into this world and treating women with menopause symptoms.

Special interests: My special

interests include general neurology, to maintain my skill set and provide a combination of treatment options (e.g. including nerve blocks). I enjoy caring for patients with Multiple Sclerosis and previously served as co-director of the Dent Neurological Institute MS and Spasticity Center. Neuroimaging is another interest. I bring experience from a previous role where I was Director of Advanced MRI Services.

Dr. Mazhari completed medical school at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan and Neurology residency at University of Cincinnati. He is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He also maintains Neuroimaging certification through the United Council of Neurological Subspecialties. Appointments can be made by calling 360-428-2550.

PA Nguyen is a graduate of University of Washington MEDEX Northwest.

She completed a training rotation at Skagit Regional Health as a part of her Physician Assistant program which ultimately brought her to SRH for her Family Medicine practice. Nguyen describes herself as an adrenaline junky who spends time seeking adventure, hiking and traveling when outside of the office. Appointments can be made by calling 360-428-2501.

Special interests: My passion

within OB/GYN is minimally-invasive gynecologic surgery. Being a surgeon is one of the most exciting things about being a physician. I love the teamwork in the operating room, working with my hands and being proud of my work.

Dr. Jong is a graduate of Boston University School of Medicine. She completed residency training at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, California. Outside of the office, Dr. Jong enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her husband and dog, a Shiba Inu named Nitro. Appointments can be made by calling 360-428-2575.

Women’s Health Locations In Arlington:

THE

BEST

FOR

BABIES

• Jessica Hurwitz, CNM • Amy Loughlin, CNM • Arianne Jong, MD

In Mount Vernon:

• Sarah Elliott, MD • Trisha Halvorsen, MD • Taras Kindrat, MD • Carlyn King, DO

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SEE PAGE 24 to learn more about the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s campaign to raise funds to support the Family Birth Centers at Cascade Valley Hospital and Skagit Valley Hospital.

WHAT IS

Palliative Medicine?

By Bree Johnston, MD, MPH

EVERY DAY IS MOTHER’S DAY! Skagit Regional Health offers a full range of Women’s Health services.

Skagit Regional Health offers a full continuum of comprehensive Women’s Health Services, including labor and delivery at Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington and Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon.

Women’s Health Services includes an excellent team of obstetricians, gynecologists and midwives, with varied subspecialty experience, who serve women from Skagit, Island and north Snohomish counties. Women’s Health Services provides all the experience of large medical centers and offers the very latest in evidencebased care, integrating clinical expertise with the best practices in a community setting.

Providers offer an encouraging and compassionate approach to the diagnosis, treatment and management of any OB/GYN condition, including pregnancy. The continuum of care includes services for women at any phase of life, from routine visits to urgent or emergency care.

THE TEAM OF SPECIALISTS INCLUDES: • Board-certified gynecologic surgeons • Board-certified obstetricians • OB/GYN-trained registered nurses • OB/GYN-trained certified nurse midwives If you have questions about Women’s Health Services at Skagit Regional Health, call 360-428-2575 to reach the Mount Vernon clinic or 360-435-0242 to reach the Arlington clinic.

Many people are uncertain about what palliative care is and what it does. Palliative care is an interdisciplinary specialty that aims to support people with serious illness and their circles of support physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Serious illness is difficult for patients due to hard-to-control symptoms including pain, nausea, fatigue and depression. On top of that, navigating the complex medical care system and making decisions about what treatments might or might not be helpful can feel overwhelming. The palliative care team can help patients navigate these difficult waters, take the time to deeply explore what is important to the individual patient and work with other team members to adjust medicines and referrals to optimize quality of life.

Circles of loved ones can experience similar challenges. Family conflict is common among patients with serious illness and their loved ones. The palliative care team can assist patients and their circle of loved ones in understanding each other and coming to agreement about what is most important.

Why is palliative care needed?

There are many reasons. One reason is that patients often have multiple care providers and the palliative care team is able to sit down with the patient and loved ones to put the big picture together. Many physicians would love to spend more time with their patients, however, they simply don’t have the time. Palliative care team members have the luxury of taking that time. Palliative care team members also have specially trained expertise in symptom control and communication.

One source of confusion is the difference between palliative care and hospice. Hospice is a specialized type of palliative care for patients who are (usually) in the last six months of life, who have elected not to pursue lifeprolonging measures. It is a benefit that is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans, and has been proven to improve symptoms at the end of life and help grieving loved ones.

In contrast, palliative care can be provided alongside life-prolonging and curative care during any stage of a serious illness. In a landmark study in 2010, patients receiving palliative care were demonstrated to have prolonged life compared to patients receiving standard care.

Skagit Valley Hospital offers an inpatient palliative care program with a team of physicians who see patients with serious illness when a referral is requested. Janice Gatzke, DO and Bree Johnston, MD, MPH currently staff the program Monday through Friday. Social work support is also available on a regular basis. The goal is to expand the palliative care program and team to assist in cancer care and primary care, featuring additional social work and spiritual care support.

Bree Johnston, MD, who joined Skagit Regional Health in January, 2021, practices Palliative Care at Skagit Regional Health. She received her MD from the University of California School of Medicine, completed a residency in Internal Medicine at University of California Medical Center and a fellowship in Geriatric Medicine at Stanford University / Palo Alto VA Medical Center. She is Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Johnston sees patients at Skagit Valley Hospital.

Spring 2021

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Trauma-informed care and expertise at Hospice of the Northwest At the end of life, there can be increased feelings of vulnerability, fear of the unknown, and pain – especially when faced with chronic illness.

During this time, past trauma can resurface or be created anew. Sometimes, unresolved trauma and PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can appear for the first time, triggered by physical changes, grief and loss of a loved one, or losing previously-maintained control and independence.

According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization: “A history of psychological trauma can make managing the symptoms of end-oflife more challenging, as trauma history is associated with PTSD and higher levels of chronic pain.”

Because trauma affects everyone at some point during the course of a lifetime, it is especially important for healthcare teams to have a complete picture of a patient’s

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life situation – past and present – in order to provide effective healthcare.

Team members at Hospice of the Northwest (HNW) provide trauma-informed care for patients and families at the end of life. Leanna Anderson, MSW, LICW, APHSW-C is the Clinical Manager of Counseling Services and Integrative Therapies at HNW and is a national leading expert on trauma-informed care. She is helping to raise awareness through education of hospice providers.

“Our primary goal is to prevent the retraumatization of patients, their circles of support and our employees,” Anderson said.

Every person is unique in their experiences and ways of coping with trauma and HNW staff are trained to be cognizant that their patients’ past history of trauma can resurface. Tools such as compassionate listening and medical

treatment provided with intention and awareness of past trauma are critical tools in the hospice care team toolbox.

Currently, many patients cared for by the HNW team are veterans who can have complicated trauma histories stemming from their military service. The We Honor Veterans Program at HNW provides an avenue for recognizing their service and honoring their sacrifice.

Trauma-informed care can help address the inner or outward struggles that a military veteran may experience.

Soon, every member of the HNW care team, from volunteer to physician, will receive comprehensive trauma-informed care training that benefits each patient they care for.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, these kinds of specialized, educational opportunities and trainings are available to the hospice staff who provide high-quality, end-of-life care in our community.

For more information about how to support this important initiative, call the HNW Foundation at 360-814-5702.

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REPORT

20 20

JANUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 2020

Spring 2021

19

Let ter from t he pr esiden t The year 2020 was like no other in our lifetime. It made us appreciate the vital importance of access to quality health care.

We, our board and staff, navigated well through the first half of the pandemic year, managing the extraordinary outpouring of donations to Skagit Regional Health in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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 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 Dale Ragan 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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Although the year challenged our fundraising efforts, it did not cancel our donors’ philanthropic spirit. I am so pleased to report that the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation was the recipient of 1,026 gifts from 545 different donors during the past year. Due to our generous community, we celebrated a record-setting year and raised $1,703,240 - all dedicated to the continuum of care offered at Skagit Regional Health. We are so very fortunate that our community values the Foundation’s mission.

The year had us rethinking how we produced our special events that help us fundraise. The month of June arrived and our fully organized Par Tee Golf Classic had to be canceled due to safety concerns and restrictions. We are extremely grateful to our sponsors who told us to “keep the money for the cause” despite the cancellation. This non-event raised $35,112 to support patient care programs. Planning for this year’s Par Tee Golf Classic is in full swing, and we are most grateful to our Title Sponsors Marathon Petroleum and Chandler’s Group for their generous support!

We are also very thankful for our partnership with the Mount Vernon Downtown Association, who worked with the Foundation to re-create our 2020 Festival of Trees event which raised more than $200,000 to support programs and services at Skagit Regional Health.

Patient care received at Skagit Regional Health had an impact on two families who named the Foundation as a beneficiary of their estates. In December 2020, family representing the Estate of Ruth Christofferson presented the Foundation with its largest bequest ever received in its 33-year history. Mrs. Christofferson had shared she was most grateful for the compassionate care she and her family members had received at Skagit Valley Hospital.

Earlier in the year, the Foundation was honored to receive a gift from the Estate of Kenmour Spencer. Ken and his wife Marjorie were long-standing Skagit Valley Hospital volunteers and took great pride in giving of their time to patients and the organization. The legacy of each family will live on through the work we do for patient care.

On behalf of the Foundation Board of Trustees and Staff, I look forward to a new year, learning from last year’s challenges and embracing our new fundraising initiative to support the purchase of equipment for our Family Birth Centers at Skagit Valley Hospital and Cascade Valley Hospital. We deeply appreciate our donors and volunteers who support the Foundation’s ongoing work for Skagit Regional Health and the patients we serve.

Good health and sincere thanks,

Mary June Curtis, President Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation

2 02 0 GR AT I T U DE R EPOR T The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is forever grateful to our 2020 donors who generously gave 1,026 gifts totaling more than $1,703,240 to help us fulfill our mission. 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 $1,076,831 to support specific programs and services at Skagit Regional Health.

$1,000,000

Women’s Imaging Center $35,353 $25,868

General/Unrestricted Program Needs

$15,122

Children’s Therapy Program

Cancer Care Patient Assistance

$312 Chapel

$176

Pediatrics

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 2020.

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, 2020 through December 31, 2020.

The Breast Institute Jon & Susan Aarstad Alchemika Salon Stanwood Eagles Auxiliary Julie Blazek & Jacque Beamer Amy Borg Thomas & Lesha Boucher Lisa Buller Debbie Chandler Skagit/Mount Vernon Rotary Club Mount Vernon Bulldog Volleyball Booster Club Jeff & Mary June Curtis

Village Books and Paper Dreams Ross Mathews Benefit Event Robert & Cheri Fiedler Bobbi Fisher Jeff & Linda Frizzell Patricia Grenfell Dr. Joshua & Jacqueline Hawkins Jim & Glenda Hobbs Chris & Barbara Jensen Steve & Katie Jungquist James & Shanley Lett Erin Long Lori Lubbers

Judge John & Susan Johnson Meyer Tony & Bronwyn Pickering Danny & Jill Pickering Dr. Robert & Rebecca Rosenfeld Rosemary Shaffer Gary & Judy Shand Svend & Caitlin Svendsen Jeri Teevan William & Krista Thomas Brent & Betsey Thompson Mary “MJ” Tyler Karen Watkins Rob & Rachael Woods

In Memory of Cheryl Bishop Gerald & Susan Christensen John & Cindy Faber

In Memory of Gaye Mathews Greg & Ruth Hilborn Roger & Wendy Ragusa

In Memory of Val Zwick Jeff & Linda Frizzell

Cancer Care Louis & Dominique Dailly Michael Gilleland Cindy Hencheroff Spring 2021

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our donor s Andy & Annette Iversen Jennifer Leseberg Michael Marken Linda McJunkin Terry & Tammy McNeil Donald Miller Danielle Mullen Paul & Holly Nielsen Tim & Tracy Reichert Stan Relyea John & Berdean Ring Marinus & Jill Rouw Skagit Valley USBC Association Skagit Woodstock Music Festival William & Krista Thomas Todd & Debbie Thompson Brittany Weiss Scott & Diana Wharton Wayne & Joy Wooten

In Memory of David Bennett

In Memory of Marilyn Dickerhoof

In Memory of Dennis & Judith Pearce

In Memory of William Breithaupt

In Memory of Cathy Dutton

In Memory of Wick Peth

Frank & Jean Evans

Merwyn Dutton Greg & Lisa Lomsdalen

In Memory of Jeannette Marion Chapin

In Memory of David Edwards

Jack & Betty Wockner Charitable Fund

Steven & Gina Wells

In Memory of Linda Christensen

Thursday Bridge Group

In Memory of John Day

Gerald & Susan Christensen Neil & Susan Hall Jim & Glenda Hobbs Steve Jenkins Dena Leavitt Terry & Marie Williams

Daryl Dickerhoof

Larry & Janette Lund

In Memory of Gary Hartnett Kathy Hartnett

In Memory of Paige Marken

James & Patricia Close William & Linda Heron Roger & Wendy Ragusa

Jeffrey & Linda Pearce

Gerald & Susan Christensen

In Memory of Ashley Roozen Mena Brad & Pam Methner

In Memory of Bret Stauts Gerald & Susan Christensen

In Memory of James Stewart Ann Stewart

In Memory of Nicki VanSlageren Larry & Janette Lund

In Memory of Val Zwick Sandi Paciotti

A Giving Heart – Donor Leaves $903,690 to Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation She was a proud member of the Burlington Red Hat Society and an accomplished gardener and cook. She was impeccable in her dress and in her word.

And she believed strongly in leaving a legacy.

Meet Virginia Ruth Christofferson.

Born in 1924 in Mount Vernon, Ruth and her brother John Handel grew up on the family’s dairy farm in West Mount Vernon. A graduate of La Conner High School, Ruth’s life was filled with family time and world travel adventures.

As a child, Ruth suffered from rheumatic fever and doctors told her that she would never live past age

22

14…and when she passed away at age 95, Ruth left a generous bequest of $903,690 to the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation as a show of gratitude for the excellent care she and other family members had received at Skagit Regional Health.

“Ruth was smart, and a very giving person,” said niece Marian Flaig, “she silently helped many people behind the scenes.”

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is extremely grateful for Mrs. Christofferson’s generosity. “Her legacy will live on through the work we do,” said Foundation Executive Director Linda Frizzell.

Where there’s a Bequests created through a will or living trust are one of the easiest ways for you to support the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation in the future. After providing for family and other loved ones, you may wish to include a gift to the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation in your estate plan to continue your annual gift in perpetuity or to make a special gift not possible during your lifetime.

If you have provided for the Foundation in your estate plans but have not notified us of your intentions, please contact the Foundation team at 360-428-2140 or email lfrizzell@skagitvalleyhospital.org.

Sharing your plans with us allows us to express our gratitude to you during your lifetime and ensures that your wishes will be met as you intend.

Cardiac Care

Dr. Robert & Carrie Stewart David Wedley

In Memory of Linda Christensen

Scott & Laura Breckenridge Fran Hansen Bruce & Debra Lisser Laurie Lundgren Myrene Moller Dale & Susan Ragan Helga Schink

In Honor of Dan & Lynn’s Loved Ones

Clay & Virginia Learned

In Memory of Ron Gilbertson Bethany Gilbertson

In Memory of Jonathan Handy Frank & Lynn Handy

In Memory of Dolly Joern Roxy Larson

In Memory of James Parker Linda Parker

In Memory of Dr. David Smith

Gerald & Susan Christensen

In Memory of Charles “Meade” Sprouse

Justin & Kylee Dowe Grace Cochrum Guild Patricia Grenfell Jama Hiltz Brian & Debi Ivie Chris & Barbara Jensen Steve & Katie Jungquist Michael Lervick & Dr. Oksana Miller Jason & Amanda Lewis Bruce & Debra Lisser Melvin & Dr. Rowena Pusateri Roger & Wendy Ragusa Tim & Nancy Raschko Dennis & Janiece Reilly Meghan Rogers Richard & Jaynie Roozen Deanna Scott & Randy Koster Julie Scott Nancy Scott Rosemary Shaffer Jim & Lacey Spane Bob & Denise Taylor Eric & Laura Torseth Danny & Stephanie Vera Wells Nursery Blaine & Kristine Wollan Dr. Rob Zwick

In Honor of Ashlynn & Lucas Barborinas Jim & Debbie Aust

In Honor of Clay Learned Gerald & Susan Christensen

In Memory of Linda Christensen

Sandi Paciotti Dale & Susan Ragan Skagit Farmers Supply Troy & Angie Wright

In Memory of George & Jeanne Dow

Festival of Trees Sponsors

Judge John & Susan Johnson Meyer

Brian Dow

In Memory of Ralph Estes

Dennis & Annette McDonald

In Memory of Anna McNett

Dennis & Annette McDonald

In Memory of Dorothy Monks

Dennis & Annette McDonald

In Memory of John Monks

Dennis & Annette McDonald

In Memory of Dave Quall Judge John & Susan Johnson Meyer

In Memory of Thomas “Tom” Shane

Judge John & Susan Johnson Meyer

In Memory of Richard Smith

Judge John & Susan Johnson Meyer

In Memory of Charles “Meade” Sprouse

Dennis & Annette Mc Donald

Jeff & Linda Frizzell Donna Johnson

In Memory of Richard Smith

Cascade Valley Hospital

Critical Care Unit

Sara Coallier Kristin Dobiosch Jay & Shelly Fallihee

In Memory of Cecil Hinchen

Festival of Trees Live Auction Patrons

Yvonne Christos Dr. Rosana & Andy Go Eileen Ray Michelle Sand

Children’s Therapy Program Greg & Angela Abbott Lizette Antig Bruce & Dee Berglin Joe & Kate Biringer Carl & Carmen Bruner Geoff & Jill Christensen Gerald & Susan Christensen Jeff & Mary June Curtis Julie Davies

Gerald & Susan Christensen

Christopher Finlay Rita Sutker

Nancy Anderson-Taylor

Dr. Maynard Johnson Endowment

Roger & Mary Ann Mercer The Gardner-Thornberry Family Fund Erik & Beverly Wold

In Memory of Cheryl Bishop

Judge John & Susan Johnson Meyer

Family Birth Center

Cassandra Armenta Ben & Frei Burton Gerald & Susan Christensen Sharon Cole & Leo Waldschmidt Travis & Kelly Coulter Fred & Lora Drasner Brian & Joanie Ganske Andrew Matty & Tara Cunningham Dennis & Connie Milliken Mali Olson

A-1 Mobile Lock & Key, Inc. Alfie Hill-Banta Amerigroup Angell & Co. Inc. Arne Svendsen Trucking Co. Banner Bank Bellingham Anesthesia Associates Biringer Nursery, L.P. Blade Chevrolet & RV’s Gerry & Susan Christensen Geoff & Jill Christensen Family Crown Distributing Co. Davis Wright Tremaine LLP Dwayne Lane’s Skagit Subaru Foothills Toyota G & D Wallace, Inc. Fran Hansen Hansen’s Furniture Hawthorne Funeral Home & Memorial Park Heritage Bank Hughes Farms, Inc. John Piazza Jr. Construction Kern Funeral Home Lisser & Associates, PLLC Maple Wood Farm, Inc. Miles Sand & Gravel Modern Cleaners Mount Vernon Carpet One Floor & Home North Coast Credit Union Pacific Woodtech Peoples Bank PRIMAC Electric, LLC Rallye Auto Sales, Inc. Rolfson’s Home Furnishings, Inc. Richard & Jaynie Roozen SaviBank SB&C, Ltd. Skagit Industrial Park Sierra Pacific Industries Foundation Skagit Radiology Skagit Regional Health

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THE

The beginning of wonder, hope and possibilities.

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s 2021 Annual Fundraising Campaign will benefit Skagit Regional Health’s Family Birth Centers at our Skagit Valley and Cascade Valley hospitals. Funds raised will support the purchase of leading-edge medical equipment to assure the safety and comfort of mom and newborn. The Foundation is excited to lead this project.

BEST

FOR

BABIES

Every birth is a special event

Our “Baby Registry”

Skagit Regional Health has helped welcome thousands of babies into the world. Families can count on our Family Birth Center programs to enhance the well-being of both mother and child through our Family Birth Center services for prenatal, labor and delivery and postpartum care. Family members are involved in every stage of prenatal care and childbirth for a truly special birthing event.

These items are needed for our growing Family Birth Centers!

“The Family Birth Center Campaign will raise $462,000 for state-of-the-art equipment that enhances our ability to provide the highest standards of care in our Family Birth Centers. With our growing community, we need your support more than ever. Every gift supports the best in care for our smallest, most vulnerable patients!”

Evelyn Morse

Foundation Trustee and Campaign Chair

• HUGS Infant Security System • Newborn warmers and monitors • Patient Recliners for comfortable nursing • Fetal Monitors • Halo Bassinets • Newborn Scales • Fetal Telemetry Unit • Ultrasound and Central Line Systems Scan here (QR code) to give a gift today! You may also call the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation at 360-428-2140 or email the Foundation at foundation@skagitregionalhealth.org

Gratitude Grows in Family Birth Center

Donors to the Family Birth Center Campaign will be recognized on a gratitude wall in the lobby of the Skagit Valley Hospital Family Birth Center at the following gift levels:

Benefactor - $25,000 & Up Founder - $15,000 - $24,999

Patron - $10,000 - $14,999 Pillar - $5,000 - $9,999

Sustainer - $ 1,000 - $4,999 Friend - $500 - $999

Call the Foundation office at 360-428-2140 for more details about recognition opportunities.

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our donor s Skagit Regional Health General Surgeons - Dr. Joel Dean - Dr. Patricia Franklin - Dr. Joshua Hawkins - Dr. Janice Kang - Dr. David Lauter - Dr. Richard Leone - Dr. Allison Porter - Dr. Kristine Schmaltz Skagit Valley’s Best Produce Soroptimist International of Burlington Sound Physicians State Farm Insurance Agents - Brad Methner - Carol Lawson - Keith Sorestad Strauss Jewelers Swinomish Casino & Lodge The Net Drive In Thomas Cuisine Management TRICO Companies, LLC Twin City Foods VECA Electric & Technologies Whidbey Coffee Wilson Picture Framing, Inc. World Kinect Energy Services Wycoff Insurance Agency, Inc.

Barborinas & Hudson Team Tree Sponsors

Jim & Debbie Aust Jim & Ann Barborinas Dr. Gary & Susan Brown Jeffrey & Melissa Brown Ed & Cody Ellison Patricia Grenfell Drs. Paul & Keri Halgren Sharon Hayes Kurt & Kathy Hefferline Alfie Hill-Banta Warren & Shelly Holden Mary Hudson Ken & Susan Johnson Michael & Lisette Mast Elizabeth McNett Crowl Diane Morton & Wendy Cobb Matt & Megan O’Bryan Art Palmer Tony & Bronwyn Pickering Spencer & Alana Roozen William Roozen & Susie Jungemann Maryl Skjei The Learning Ladder Urban Forest Nursery, Inc. Lloyd & Shirley Watkinson

Downtown Mount Vernon Team Tree Sponsors Glenn & Kristen Ash Maynard & Laurie Axelson Melissa Beaton Peter & Laurel Browning Carl & Carmen Bruner Dr. Dennis & Vicki Cooley Troy & Demi Daman Gregg & Lea Davidson Robert & Cheri Fiedler Bob & Margo Frydenlund Dale & Ali Hayton Duane & Lynnette Henson Glenn & Alicia Huschka Matt & Susan Lehman Bruce & Debra Lisser Sharon Minor Jim & Evelyn Morse Mount Vernon Smiles Dental Gary & Jeanne Petershagen Brad & Linda Pickett Don & Michele Power Skye & Sally Richendrfer Doug & Susan Rindal Dave Ryberg & Joan Penney Roger & Molly Saben Lisa Smith-Morse Bob & Denise Taylor Gary & Anne Thompson Dan & Karen Toomey Jay & Carrie Wilson Doug & Stephanie Wood Michael Woodmansee Maury & Sue Wright

Jingle Bells Team Tree Sponsors

Kyle & Michelle Axelson Bella Soul Spa Bobbi Fisher Chad & Colleen Fisher Dan & Laura Fisher Jim & Glenda Hobbs Chris & Barbara Jensen Steve & Katie Jungquist Aldi Kllogjeri & Dr. Jennifer Benson Michael Lervick & Dr. Oksana Miller Bruce & Debra Lisser Kelley & Karen Moldstad Tony & Bronwyn Pickering Danny & Jill Pickering Roger & Wendy Ragusa

Riverbend Team Tree Sponsors

Gary & Susan Alexander

Beth Ashley & Mike Moe Joe & Kate Biringer Scott & Laura Breckenridge Carl & Carmen Bruner Charles & LuAnne Burkhart Gregg & Kati Collins Jeff & Mary June Curtis Paul & Debbie Hagman Ray & Margaret Horak Michael Marken Brad & Pam Methner Don & Suzanne Ney Dan & Jan Olson Larry & Lisa Otos Tim & Nancy Raschko Steve & Julie Sager Linford & Audrey Smith Joe & Tracy Starkovich Erwin & Kathy Stroosma Mark & Susan Venn Blaine & Kristine Wollan

Skagit Regional Health Leadership Team Tree Sponsors

Greg & Angela Abbott Leanna Anderson Tammy Anguiano Jolanda Barnett Julie Blazek & Jacque Beamer Charles Broadbent Lisa Buller Jill Burrington-Brown Robert & Tamara Cesena Dr. Connie Davis & Mike Dyberg Mike & Tracey Elfstrom Jeff & Linda Frizzell Steve & Tami Gilbert Dr. Joshua Griggs Ben & Jenny Gunn Dr. William Hinderstein & Jessica Bell Dr. Mary Ann Hink Paul & Mary Ishizuka Brian & Debi Ivie Karla Klein Jonathan & Melissa Lyons Paul & Holly Nielsen Worth & Lisa Norton Mathew & Jammie Novak Justin Oram Steve & Kari Ranten Michelle Sand Kathie Schroeder Rosemary Shaffer Gary & Judy Shand Adele Skinner

SRH Epic Training & Support Team Michael Storlie Mary ‘MJ’ Tyler Matthew Vaughn Danny & Stephanie Vera Karen Watkins Joanie Whitener Rob & Rachael Woods

Festival of Trees Underwriters

Jon & Susan Aarstad Randy & Theresa Bartelt Jon & Cecelia Bennett Julie Blazek & Jacque Beamer Corey & Carly Boon Scott & Laura Breckenridge Dr. Patti Brettell Dr. Gary & Susan Brown Dr. Kirk & Sandra Brownell Dr. & Mrs. John Burke Kellie Cargile Rod & Karen Carter Brian & Mary Clark Sharon Cole & Leo Waldschmidt Jeff & Jackie Cress Dennis & Wenda Cross Jeff & Mary June Curtis Louis & Dominique Dailly Mike & Jodi Dynes Bobbi Fisher Al & Barbara Fredrickson Patricia Good Patricia Grenfell Dr. Joshua & Jacqueline Hawkins Dean & Suzanne Hayes Roger & Kerri Helgeson Sean & Debbie Hendricks Barry & Karen Hiatt Sonja Hild Alfie Hill-Banta Jama Hiltz Stephen & Gail Hopley Dorothy Hughes Toni Hulbert Julie Hunter Patricia Jenkins Dana Keefe Roger & Linda Lervick Carl & Cheryl Loeb Laurie Lundgren Maple Wood Farm, Inc. Andrea Martin Bruce Mathey Spring 2021

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our donor s Myrene Moller Paul & Holly Nielsen Keith & Christie Peterson Dottie Piazza Ron & Gailyn Ploeg Terry Porras Rallye Auto Sales, Inc. Steve & Kari Ranten Dr. Robert & Rebecca Rosenfeld Helga Schink Jim & Mary Scott Jeff & Stacy Stewart Dr. Robert & Carrie Stewart Dave & Kristen Stubben Judge David & Lisa Svaren Kim Turner Susan Uker Dr. Richard & Laury Volwiler Drs. Mark Wallace & Jan Garavaglia Barbara Webb Craig & Becky Wells Jerry & Carol Whitfield Dr. Paul & Gina Williams Darrell & Leanne Wiseman

In Memory of Ashley Roozen Mena Roger & Wendy Ragusa

In Memory of Earl Moorhead Wells Colin & Carolyn Beveridge

Festival of Trees Gifts-In-Kind

Ben & Nancy Angel The Cottage Salon Credo Graphics Gary & Stephanie Fiedler Stephanie Gage Terry Halemba Gary & Linda Hanson Kaplan Homes Unlimited Clay & Virginia Learned Lyon’s Furniture James & Christina Martin Mister T’s Awards & Embroidery PAVE Jewelry & Design Paul & DiAnn Sager Evangeline Stiles Rosemary Weimer Whidbey Coffee Company Wilson Picture Framing, Inc.

Fine Art

Matthew & Jammie Novak Roger & Wendy Ragusa

Community Gifts Skagit Woodstock co-organizer Reed Harlow, recently presented the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation with a check for $7,000! Although the 2020 event was cancelled, sponsors asked the Woodstock team to donate their gifts to the Foundation’s Cancer Care Patient Assistance Fund. We are so grateful to Skagit Woodstock for their continued support of this program. Since 2010, the summer music event has raised $78,090 to benefit the Foundation’s Cancer Care Patient Assistance Fund.

The Foundation also received a generous $12,500 grant from the Epic Charitable Fund earmarked for the Cancer Care Patient Assistance Fund. Epic is the software company that houses Skagit Regional Health’s medical records – and in fact, it houses 54% of medical records in the United States! A heartfelt thanks to Epic for this grant!

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Fine Art Gift-In-Kind Dr. Gary & Susan Brown Robert Cooney Stan Shipley Barbara Silverman Summers

Foundation Support

Dean Altschuler & Valerie McWhorter AmazonSmile Foundation Angela Anderson Kelli Anderson Baird Private Wealth Management B-EHS Associated Student Body Don & Louise Bottles Thomas & Lesha Boucher Lisa Buller Kellie Cargile Julie Carlson David & Kim Christianson Justin & Kylee Dowe Marcella Drobott Dr. John & Marie Erbstoeszer Arne Eriksen & Mark Vollrath Karen Fure Bonnie Giebel Peter Goldfarb Bill & Barbara Gurney Fred & Mary Hall Narajanti Handaja Arthur & Susan Henry Alfie Hill-Banta Phil & Leanne Holboy Scott & Brittany Holley Joseph & Cathlyn Holton Glenn & Alicia Huschka Evan Jumaah Steve & Katie Jungquist Cindy Lane Roxy Larson William Jay Lechnick Tim Lewis Jonathan & Melissa Lyons Karen Manatt Kurt & Suzanne Marble Michael Marken Dr. Teackle & Anne Martin Janice Mathis Don & Marge Meece Brad & Pam Methner Jim & Evelyn Morse Nick & Liz Movius Network For Good Natalie Nevitt Worth & Lisa Norton Sandi Paciotti

Padilla Bay Art Gretchen Pickett Margaret Potter Cathy Purnell Florence Quarterman Roger & Wendy Ragusa Reel Class Charters Kathie Schroeder Gerry & Pam Schutte Rosemary Shaffer Svend & Caitlin Svendsen Jeri Teevan The Benevity Community Impact Fund The Bryant Crane Charitable Fund - James & Magalen Webert William & Krista Thomas Mary “MJ” Tyler Thakou Vu Karen Watkins Bruce Wietharn Scott Williams Susan Wilson & Eric Hall Blaine & Kristine Wollan Rob & Rachael Woods Dr. Rob Zwick

In Memory of Cheryl Bishop Jeff & Mary June Curtis Kevin & Kim Entrikin Jeff & Linda Frizzell Neil & Susan Hall Fran Hansen Roxy Larson Diane Morton Keith & Christie Peterson In Memory of Dorothy Bluhm Urbick Vernon & Nancy Blue

In Memory of Patricia Bromels Ruth Wylie

In Memory of Hildegarde DeGoede Mike & Anita Roozen

In Memory of Rick Epting Becky Love

In Memory of Brian Gurney Bill & Barbara Gurney

In Memory of Joan Hogue Rhonda Sanders

In Memory of Pamela Hogue Rhonda Sanders

In Memory of Bud Holmstrom

Larry & Janette Lund

In Memory of Robert “Bob” Johnson Dorothy Howard

In Memory of Darrel Jones Reidar & Mildred Ytgard

In Memory of Carol Kirkby Reidar & Mildred Ytgard

In Memory of Paige Marken

Nancy & Scott Loy Kay McPherson Mary Meiers Dave & Vonni Reep Mike & Anita Roozen David & Barb Weymouth Dallas & Darlene Wylie

In Memory of Anna McNett

Susan Hall Helga Schink

In Memory of Ashley Roozen Mena

In Memory of Cindy Strong

Steven & Suzanne Appelo

Mike & Anita Roozen

In Memory of Thomas “Tom” Shane

In Memory of Judith Montoya

Jeff & Linda Frizzell Huntly & Sandee Gordon Jim & Mary Lynn Kintner Helga Schink

In Memory of Patricia Morgan

In Memory of Charles “Meade” Sprouse Sr.

Huntly & Sandee Gordon

Mike & Anita Roozen

Nancy Ballard Scott & Laura Breckenridge Jeff & Mary June Curtis Robert & Sharon Jacobson

In Memory of Rodney Olson

Roxy Larson

Have a

Neil & Susan Hall

In Memory of Helene Marian Taylor

Peter & Laurie VanderWeyst

In Memory of Dr. Joseph Voegtlin Anne Voegtlin

In Memory of James Warr Nick & Sharon Hanson

In Memory of Ethel Westby Anonymous

Sandra Gordon

for

Benefit Dinner TO-GO

Il Granaio Italian Restaurant • Mount Vernon

Annual Benefit Raises Funds for Skagit Regional Health’s Children’s Therapy Program The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is grateful to donors who purchased Il Granaio “TO-GO” dinner vouchers and tulip bouquets at the 2021 Have a Heart for Kids fundraiser! Proceeds totaled $7,572 from this sell-out event that will support Skagit Regional Health’s Children’s Therapy Program.

“This is one of my favorite Foundation events! Not only do we help kids, but we have an amazing dinner as well. We are looking forward to an ‘in person’ event again next year,” said Board President Mary June Curtis.

The Foundation gives special thanks to new Il Granaio Italian Restaurant owner Bill Constantine and his staff and to Richard and Jaynie Roozen/Washington Bulb Company for their generosity which enabled us to safely continue this beloved annual event.

From the Children’s Therapy Staff…”Our hearts are full! Despite the current struggles, our community continues to support families in our program!”

Clinic update: We are open, fully staffed, and seeing children in hybrid virtual and in-person sessions. The new gym equipment purchased through last

year’s Have a Heart for Kids fundraiser is enjoyed by everyone! Thank you again for your generosity and commitment to children!

The Skagit Regional Health 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.

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our donor s In Memory of Betty Whipkey

In Memory of Jack Frisk Jennifer Milliken

Shirley Entrikin

In Memory of Val Zwick

Charles Green and Sheri Cohen Charitable Trust

In Memory of Imogene Harder Bethany Gilbertson

In Memory of Hoke Hodgins

Fung Liu Endowment

Richard & Evelyn Buchanan Linda Parker

Kidney Dialysis Fund

Chris & Jeanne Skeels

Sau Yu Patrick Liu

In Memory of Tammi Hopkins

Patricia Good Margaret Utgard Richard & Beverly Vander Voet The Estate of Virginia “Ruth” Christofferson

In Memory of Leah Otis

In Honor of Dennis & Connie Milliken

Paul & Holly Nielsen Steve & Kari Ranten Mary Smith Gina Smith

Jennifer Milliken

David & Beverly Gufler

Mental Health Center

The Tree of Life, located at the entrance to Skagit Valley Hospital’s Family Birth Center, was created by the Foundation as a unique opportunity for parents, grandparents and friends to honor the birth of a baby.

A leaf inscribed with the baby’s name and date of birth will become a permanent part of the Tree of Life – and all proceeds from the sale of the leaves benefit the Family Birth Center.

BRONZE LEAF $75 each

SILVER LEAF $100 each

GOLD LEAF $125 each To purchase online, scan the QR code or contact Kylee in the Foundation office at 360-814-8376.

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In Memory of Michelle Stollwerck Robertson

WAFD Insurance Group Dr. Rob Zwick

Par Tee Golf Classic Sponsors

Arne Svendsen Trucking Joe & Kate Biringer COA Mexican Eatery Mount Vernon Gregg & Kati Collins Columbia Tower Club Jeff & Mary June Curtis Munros’ Driving Instruction, Inc. Redpoint Fundraising, LLC Stowe’s Clothes & Shoes Wells Nursery Blaine & Kristine Wollan Woods Coffee

Roxy Larson

Arrow Conservation Baird Private Wealth Management – Jeff Stewart Banner Bank Alfie Hill-Banta Biringer Nursery Cascade Natural Gas Chad Fisher Construction CPI Plumbing & Heating Dwayne Lane’s Auto Family Electrocom Floyd, Pflueger & Ringer G&W Commercial Interiors Heritage Bank Janicki Industries Lisser & Associates, PLLC Maple Wood Farm, Inc. Marathon Petroleum In Loving Memory of Paige Marken McKinstry Energy Services Moss Adams, LLP MV Police Services Guild Peoples Bank Piper Sandler Premera Blue Cross PRIMAC Electric Property Trio Retail Lockbox SaviBank SB&C, Ltd. Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Skagit Aggregates Skagit Law Group Skagit Regional Health Skagit Transportation, Inc. Skagit Valley Hospital Auxiliary Smiley Insurance Services State Farm Insurance - Brad Methner Agency - Carol Lawson Agency - Keith Sorestad Agency Thomas Cuisine Management Trico Companies, LLC USI Insurance VSH Certified Public Accountants Whidbey Coffee

Par Tee Golf Classic Gifts-In-Kind

Skagit Regional Clinics Fund Ben & Jenny Gunn Michael & Sara Hebel Ken White & Samantha MacIntyre

In Memory of Walter Poppe Mary Jo Poppe

Sunrise Inn

Joe & Kate Biringer Thomas & Cynthia Grillot

In Memory of Garrett Chase Duane & Lynnette Henson

Special Care Nursery

Vernon & Tammy Ringhouse

Surgical Services/ Endo

Jerome & Celia Chandler Lisa Grentz Dr. Richard & Katherine Leone Sid Nix

Teaching Hospital Fund Steve & Tami Gilbert Dr. Rico Romano Lorettamae Schneider Drs. Mark Wallace & Jan Garavaglia

Wound Care Fund Charles & Pam Eger

Skagit Regional Health employees took the opportunity to reinforce their daily care giving and made a difference through their gracious donation giving. The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s annual Employee Giving Campaign held this past March 2021 raised more than $29,817. Employees direct their gifts to any of the 18 appointed Foundation patient-centered care funds through donations of cash or paid time off.

To recognize the truly amazing work of their co-workers, employee donors could “Honor a Peer” – an option as part of this year’s giving process. Each employee donor who gave a gift to the campaign could designate a fellow employee as the honoree of their gift.

of funds from employees’ tax-deductible gifts, stay right here at Skagit Regional Health

The Foundation’s Board of Trustees and Staff are grateful to Skagit Regional Health employees for their strong spirit of philanthropy and dedication to the health and wellness of our community.

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our donor s COVID-19 Relief

Acorn Uniforms Company Airlift Northwest Alfy’s Pizza - Stanwood Dr. Wanwarat Ananthapanyasut Dr. George Ang Arlington Free Methodist Church Arlington School District Arrow Conservation Melanie Austin B&B Fabricators - Ryan Gilmore Jim & Ann Barborinas Hana Beaman Bruce & Dee Berglin Audrey Boschma Courtney Bourasaw Glory Bucha Burlington City Library Cascade Deli Provision’s Central Welding Supply Denise Chapman Erin Charles, MD Chef Works Chemtrade Selux Inc Chinese American Community Chinook Enterprises Chuckanut Bay Distillery Coconut Kenny’s COHO Freight Liquidation Compass Health Concierge Care Advisors Concrete School District Conway School District - Jeff Cravy, Superintendent Jim and Diane Corbin Core Medical Imaging, Inc. Cornwall Church - Mount Vernon Country Financial - Dave Andersen and Roger Elton Anthony Cox CPI Plumbing & Heating Creekside Continuing Care Community Darren’s Donuts Darrington School District Valerie Davis Jan Delf Dick’s Drive-In Angel Dye Eagle Creek Elementary

30

Eddyline Kayaks - Scott Holley Matthew Everett Everett School District Family Resource Home Care Farmers Insurance - Nyal Walker Feed the Front Lines Mari Annis Wuellner & Jessie Annis Bennett Firehouse Subs Becky Fletcher Floret Flowers Katelynn Foltz Ford Motor Company Forte Chocolates Elizabeth Frame Gary Sinise Foundation Audrey Genest Grizzly Industrial, Inc. Grocery Outlet - Arlington Chris Hackett Sharon Hall Harbor Freight Scott Herald Alfie Hill-Banta Diane Huff Image360 Judy Ingram Janicki Industries Jersey Mike’s of Arlington Jimmy John’s - Burlington Donna Johnson Judy Johnson Ken & Susan Johnson Linda Johnson KFC/A&W Sherry Kness Susan Kopicki La Conner Sips Amanda Lam Michael Leeson Little Caesars Pizza

Little Miss Boutique Co. Lowes Wen Lu Sandy McDougall Janis McLain MidNite Solar Moe’s Espresso of Arlington Elizabeth Moncrief Moose Creek BBQ Mr. and Mrs. Gina Moran Mount Vernon High School Chalen Kelly Mount Vernon School District - Dr. Carl Bruner, Superintendent Mr. T’s Family Café Mukilteo Memory Care Amelia Nicholas Chad Norman Don & Carol Nystrom Jeanne O’Connor Oracle Corporation PACCAR Jason Pasimio PepsiCo Food Services Maddie Peterson Jon & Linda Petrzelka Pioneer Physical Therapy Premier, Inc. Progressive Automotive Proliance Surgeons Puget Sound Energy Rachawadee Thai Café Ristretto Coffee Lounge and Wine Bar Linda Robbins Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Roozengaarde

Safeway Sakata Seed Althea Saldanna Vanessa Sanchez Kurtis Scoby Seattle Children’s Hospital Rosemary Shaffer Skagit Attitudes of Gratitude Skagit County Emergency Management Skagit Farmers Skagit Rotary Club Skagit Valley College - Dr. Tom Keegan Alyssa Smith Kathryn Smith Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management Tami Loy Stemhagen Jan Steves Patty Summers Molly Tallan Tami Tuck - REMAX Elite Chad Tesarik The Lunchbox Diner Tomco Marine Group of La Conner Gail Toney Totally Chic TRICO Companies, LLC Robyn Tokunaga Tulip Town Walker Insurance Agency Mark Wallace, MD WECU Whidbey Tech Solutions World’s Finest Chocolate Thomas Hixson Wei Zhang

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is grateful to our 17th annual Par Tee Golf Classic sponsors for their support

TITLE SPONSORS

• Marathon Petroleum • The Chandler’s Group

TOURNAMENT EVENT SPONSORS

• Arrow Insulation & Electric • Baird Private Wealth Management - Jeff Stewart • Banner Bank • Chad Fisher Construction • Dwayne Lane’s Skagit Subaru • Electrocom Sound & Communications Systems • Foster Garvey PC • G&W Commercial Interiors • Harris Company • Alfie Hill-Banta • LifeNet Health • Piper Sandler & Co. • PRIMAC Electric LLC • Property Trio • SaviBank • Seattle Cancer Care Alliance • Skagit Regional Health • State Farm Insurance Agents - Carol Lawson, Brad Methner, Keith Sorestad • The Truss Company • Thomas Cuisine Management • Trico Companies, LLC • USI Insurance • Whidbey Coffee

EAGLE HOLE SPONSORS

• Biringer Nursery • CPI Plumbing & Heating • Crothall Healthcare & EVS • HomePlace Memory Care • In Loving Memory of Paige Marken • McKinstry Energy Services • Mount Vernon Police Services Guild • Optimum Properties • Peoples Bank • Retail Lockbox • SB&C, Ltd. • Skagit Aggregates • VECA Electric & Technologies • VSH CPAs • WAFD Insurance Group • Where the Heart Is Assisted Living

GAME SPONSORS & UNDERWRITERS • Lisser & Associates, PLLC • Skagit Law Group • Skagit Valley Hospital Auxiliary • Smiley insurance Services • Gary & Anne Thompson • Dr. Rob Zwick

Foot and Ankle specialists Todd Skiles, DPM, left, and Michael Riojas, DPM, right, practice at the Smokey Point clinic in Arlington. Dr. Skiles also sees patients in Stanwood. Skagit Regional Health has five foot and ankle specialists and offers services in Mount Vernon, Riverbend, Smokey Point and Stanwood. For more information, call 360-428-2500 or go to www.skagitregionalhealth.org/programsservices/foot-and-ankle.

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 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: skagitregionalhealth.org/for-patients/ finance-and-billing-information 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 1-855-923-4633.

MYCHART: mychart.skagitregionalhealth.org

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HealthQuest

Resources for a Healthy Life HEALTH SCREENINGS

Regularly scheduled screenings can detect cancer early According to the American Cancer Society, “screening increases the chances of detecting certain cancers early, when they are most likely to be treated successfully.” Several reliable, cost-effective screening tests are approved and available to help us detect breast, prostate, colon, lung and cervical cancers. Start the conversation with your healthcare provider today to determine what screening tests are right for you.

Direct Access – An easy way to sign up for a screening colonoscopy Skagit Regional Health’s Endoscopy and Gastroenterology Department offers a Direct Access program in Mount Vernon and Arlington allowing healthy adults to register, schedule and receive a screening colonoscopy with the ease of a phone call. The colonoscopy appointment is typically scheduled to occur within two weeks or at the patient’s convenience.

Colonoscopy is one of the most powerful means of prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer. To schedule a colonoscopy through SRH’s Direct Access program, call 360-8145739 in Mount Vernon or 360-6187975 in Arlington.

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3D Mammography in Mount Vernon and Arlington Mammography is a specific type of breast imaging that uses lowdose X-rays to detect breast cancer early – before women experience symptoms – when it is most treatable.

Mammography plays an integral part in the early detection of breast cancer because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before you or your physician can feel a noticeable lump.

Mammography appointments are available at: SKAGIT IMAGING PAVILION

1320 East Division Street - Mount Vernon 360-428-7575 A service provided cooperatively by Skagit Regional Health and Skagit Radiology.

CASCADE VALLEY HOSPITAL

330 S. Stillaguamish Avenue – Arlington 360-435-0515

HEALTHY LIVING AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION

COVID-19 Vaccines: Where do we go from here?

After a year of taking every necessary precaution to protect ourselves, friends, family and others in the community from COVID-19, we look forward to the day when life can return to normal as the number of vaccinated people in our communities increases. Join Infectious Disease Specialists Mary Bavaro, MD and Mark Wallace, MD, as they share the latest information about COVID-19 in a virtual town hall. Call 360-814-2424 or email Healthquest@ skagitregionalhealth.org to pre-register.

JULY 14 (WED) 6 – 7 p.m.

Zoom Free

FREE Skin Cancer Screening Hilary Cutler, ARNP from Skagit Regional Clinics – Dermatology, will conduct visual inspections of skin abnormalities you are concerned about. Free of charge, but preregistration is required by calling 360-814-7007. Space is limited.

JUNE 23 (WED) 1 – 5 p.m.

2320 Freeway Drive - Mount Vernon

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

A closer look at heart health Make heart health your top priority this year and join us in a virtual presentation. Jeff Rhodes, MS, ACSM-CEP, Cardiac Rehabilitation Coordinator at Skagit Regional Health, will share helpful information gained from his experience in cardiac-pulmonary rehabilitation and heart-healthy fitness. Learn how to improve your heart health through exercise and lifestyle habits to enhance your vitality for years to come. Call 360-814-2424 or email Healthquest@ skagitregionalhealth.org to receive Zoom link.

JULY 22 (THUR) 10 – 11 a.m.

Zoom FREE

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

Meditation for everyday living: Bringing ease into our lives

Cooking and nutrition: Eating for fuel

Whether you are brand new to meditation or have an established practice of this transformative way of being, join us for an intimate online class 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.”

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. Call 360-814-2424 or email Healthquest@skagitregionalhealth. org to register. Skagit Regional Health employees will receive a discount.

Whether you are getting ready to hike a mountain, walk in your first 5k or are a seasoned triathlete, your food choices and eating schedule can help or hurt your performance. Learn how to adequately fuel for various activities and optimize recovery. Practical strategies for food and drinks will be shared. This presentation will be led via Zoom by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist from Sound Dietitians, LLC. Pre-registration is required by calling 360-386-9918 or by visiting stillyvalleyhealth.org. This event is sponsored by Skagit Regional Health.

330 South Stillaguamish Avenue • Arlington 360-435-2133

JUNE 10 (THUR) 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Zoom $15

AUG 6 (FRI) 10 – 11 a.m.

Zoom $15

300 Hospital Parkway • Mount Vernon 360-424-4111

MAY 20 (THUR) 2 – 3 p.m.

Zoom FREE

Cooking and nutrition: Herbs and spices The use of spices and herbs helps give flavor to our meals, but did you know there are health benefits to using certain ones as well? In this presentation you will learn how to use herbs and spices, the difference between fresh and dried herbs, importance of shelf life and how incorporating different combinations might “spice up” your meal plan. This Zoom presentation and cooking demonstration will be led by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist from Sound Dietitians, LLC. Pre-registration is required by calling 360-386-9918 or by visiting stillyvalleyhealth.org. This event is sponsored by Skagit Regional Health.

JUNE 17 (THUR) 4 – 5 p.m.

Zoom FREE

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

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Cooking and nutrition: Exploring vegetarian eating patterns Vegetarian eating patterns can vary from including dairy and or eggs to excluding all meat and animal products. Learn more about the health benefits from different eating patterns and how incorporating vegetarian cooking into your meal plan, even a few days a week, could be beneficial to your health and budget. This Zoom presentation and cooking demonstration will be led by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist from Sound Dietitians, LLC. Pre-registration is required by calling 360-386-9918 or by visiting stillyvalleyhealth.org. This event is sponsored by Skagit Regional Health.

JULY 15 (THUR) 2 – 3 p.m.

Zoom FREE

Cooking and nutrition: Meal planning and cooking for one It can be a struggle to plan meals and cook for only one or two people without eating the same leftovers every day for a week. Fortunately, there are some guidelines and resources that will make meal prep easier and allow for more variety in your daily meal plans. This Zoom presentation and cooking demonstration will be led by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist from Sound Dietitians, LLC. Pre-registration is required by calling 360-386-9918 or by visiting stillyvalleyhealth.org. This event is sponsored by Skagit Regional Health.

AUG 19 (THUR) 10 – 11 a.m.

Zoom FREE

Medicare Compare 101 Do you need help understanding Medicare and how Medicare supplement plans work? Please call the Medicare Insurance Helpline at 1-866389-0445 for free, unbiased Medicare guidance provided by licensed, highlytrained insurance agents or visit skagitregionalhealth.org/medicare for assistance in comparing and enrolling in Medicare plans accepted by Skagit Regional Health.

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BLOOD DRIVES

Donating blood is an essential and encouraged activity critical to sustaining community healthcare, especially during emergencies. A one-hour donation appointment is a safe and essential action to support local hospitals and patients. Pop-Up Donor Centers are being conducted by Bloodworks Northwest in accordance with social distancing guidelines.

No walk-ins, guests or people under age 16 are permitted onsite.

Appointments are required to ensure social distancing. To find a Pop-Up Donor Center near you, please visit bloodworksnw.org or call 1-800-3987888.

Baby line If you have any questions about caring for your baby, call 360-814BABY (2229) in Mount Vernon or 360-435-2133 in Arlington to speak with a registered nurse who can answer questions about newborn care or any postpartum concerns.

Child safety seat education South Snohomish EMS and Fire is offering a free, online car seat safety class to learn how to properly use your car seat. Class is offered on the first Wednesday of every month beginning at 1 and 6 p.m. Registration is required by visiting southsnofire.org and click on Education.

CHILDBIRTH, PARENTING & FAMILY RESOURCES

Nurse-Family Partnership

Lactation service

Help Me Grow Skagit

At Skagit Regional Health, our goal is to equip each mom with the knowledge and skills necessary to be the best mother she can be. We encourage new moms and their partner or support person to utilize the educational resources below or visit skagitregionalhealth.org and search Family Birth Center.

Skagit Regional Health offers newborn weight checks and breastfeeding consultations with our lactation specialists during your hospital stay and after you return home. For more information call 360-814-2283 in Mount Vernon or 360-618-7754 in Arlington.

Family Birth Center tour at Cascade Valley Hospital Video tour coming soon! Please call 360-618-7754 for more information about in-person tours at Cascade Valley Hospital’s Family Birth Center.

Family Birth Center Tour at Skagit Valley Hospital Hold your phone’s camera up to the QR code to be directed to a video tour of Skagit Valley Hospital’s Family Birth Center.

Questions, call 360-814-2283.

The Nurse-Family Partnership 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.

This program is provided by Skagit County Public Health at no cost to families. For more information, please call 360-416-1523 or visit nursefamilypartnership.org.

Check out the Help Me Grow Skagit website, helpmegrowskagit.com, where you can find information about our new Family Resource Center and other programs, services and fun activities for families who are expecting a baby or who have young children.

Call or text 360-630-8352 to reach a local resource specialist.

Welcome Baby Welcome Baby provides families with support, resource referrals, and connection to activities and events in Skagit County. Having a baby? Welcome Baby, a United Way of Skagit County program, has a gift for you! Call or text 360922-2644 for more information or visit skagitwelcomebaby.com.

SPARC Skagit Preschool and Resource Center (SPARC) provides a comprehensive special education and therapy program for young children, birth through age six, who have a wide variety of disabilities and special needs, including autism, hearing impairment, blindness, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, and any number of developmental delays. Early intervention therapy, education and specialized services are provided free of charge throughout Skagit County. For more information visit SPARC at sparckids.org.

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 five. 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 multi-disciplinary, comprehensive, individual 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.

A referral is required so talk to your healthcare provider. The program is covered by most insurance companies.

Please check with your insurance provider to confirm. In person, virtual and telephone appointments are available. 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 skagitregionalhealth.org and search for Diabetes Education.

Gestational diabetes program Diabetes during pregnancy, or gestational diabetes, can result in serious complications to your baby.

Skagit Regional Health offers a referralbased education program to improve gestational diabetes self-management skills and provide tools for moms-tobe 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 at Skagit Valley Hospital offers individual nutrition therapy appointments. For more information please contact our Diabetes Education Program at 360-814-8329.

Diabetes friendly living Stilly Valley Health Connections is working on expanding pre-diabetes and diabetes education and support for community members. Diabetes Friendly Living four-week series and Preventing Type 2 Diabetes 12-week series are just a few classes offered. If you would like to be notified when future pre-diabetes and diabetesrelated programs are offered, or have ideas or suggestions for future programs, we would like to hear from you. Please call Stilly Valley Health Connections at 360-386-9918 or email info@stillyvalleyhealth.org.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES Nutrition class for kidney disease

Nutrition education for chronic kidney disease will be held one-on-one with a Registered Dietitian. 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 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 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-on-one attention.

Participants work on strength training, balance and cardiovascular fitness. For questions, cost and class times, call 360-814-8368.

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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.

CPR and First Aid Classes from the American Red Cross take only a few short hours, but can help you save a life when every second counts. Designed for coaches, parents, adults and teenagers, our online and now a few in-person classes make it easy to gain the skills needed to respond during cardiac or breathing emergencies. CPR and First Aid courses are simple to access and easy to complete. Visit redcross.org to find a class near you.

HOSPICE OF THE NORTHWEST Aging in place

Join Käaren Flint, Community Outreach and Education Specialist from Hospice of the Northwest, in an online session to learn tips and strategies for healthy aging and how to stay in your home longer. Please email KFlint@hospicenw.org or call 360-8145550 to receive a secure Zoom link.

JUNE 24 (THUR) 10 – 11 a.m.

Zoom FREE

Advance care planning Join an end-of-life expert, Käaren Flint, Community Outreach and Education Specialist from Hospice of the Northwest, to learn more about Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, Advanced Directives

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and Health Care Durable Power of Attorney. All documents are provided to you free of charge. Please email KFlint@hospicenw.org or call 360-8145550 to receive a secure Zoom link.

JULY 1 (THUR) 10 – 11 a.m.

Zoom FREE

Grief and loss Join Lisa Yeager, Bereavement Counselor from Hospice of the Northwest, for a discussion on grief and loss. Understand how grief can manifest and learn tools for coping with and normalizing loss. Tips on self-care and available community resources will be reviewed. Please email KFlint@hospicenw.org or call 360-814-5550 to receive a secure Zoom link.

JULY 8 (THUR) 10 – 11 a.m.

Zoom FREE

Hospice 101 - Myths vs. realities of hospice care Join Hospice of the Northwest’s Community Outreach and Education Specialist Käaren Flint as she provides a true description of the goals and services of hospice care. Learn how hospice is paid for, when and how to refer and what kinds of support are offered. Please email KFlint@hospicenw. org or call 360-814-5550 to receive a secure Zoom link.

AUG 12 (THUR) 10 - 11 a.m.

Zoom FREE

Grief support services Our grief services department will continue to offer support to the community with secure video chat via Zoom. This secure video chat is HIPAA compliant and therefore protects privacy as we continue to provide services to those who are grieving. To schedule a secure video appointment with one of our counselors, call 360814-5570. Or visit hospicenw.org for more information.

Grief recovery method Grief is the normal and natural reaction to a loss of any kind.

Therefore, these feelings are also normal and natural. People say you have to let go and move on in your life, but they don’t tell you what you need to do to accomplish that. The Grief Recovery Method not only makes that possible, but provides partnerships and guidance to ensure that it happens.

The Grief Recovery Program builds on each previous session, which means attendance and commitment are essential. Program costs are 100 percent funded through the donors of the Hospice of the Northwest Foundation. For more information and for pre-registration, please email DHart@hospicenw.org or call 360-8145570.

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 online application is available on the website at 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.

PROGRAM FOR PARKINSON’S

Parkinson’s BIG® program Skagit Regional Health 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 and is offered at Skagit Valley Hospital.

A provider referral is required.

Please discuss program options with your healthcare provider. For more information, visit LSVTGlobal.com or call 360-814-2184.

SkagitHelps.org For You, For a Friend

Someone to Talk to SkagitHelps.org Talking to someone For You, For a Friend

can help you, or your friend, sort out feelings during difficult times.

Click the button and find a number to call, it will help.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES Connections online 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. Call 360420-6595 or 425-339-3620 to register.

Mental health support groups NAMI Family Support Group is for families who have a loved one living with a mental illness. This group meets via Zoom on the first and third Monday of every month from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Registration is required by calling Julie at 360-941-0996.

NAMI Skagit Open Daytime Support Group is held every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. online through Zoom.

It is for both family and the person living with mental illness. Registration is required by calling Julie at 360-9410996.

Family-to-Family evidencebased education program A free, eight-session 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 at no cost by NAMI Skagit, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Registration is required; class is limited in size. Call Marti at 360-770-5666 for more information.

Peer-to-peer education program An 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. Registration required; size is limited. For more information, call 360-559-1509.

Resources to Help Today, tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year, the help you want, the resources you need.

Resources to Help Housing & Basic Needs

Alcohol/Drug Depressed Over-Use or Anxious

Suicidal / Self Harm

If you and/or your family’s basic need are not being met, help is available.

Click the button and find out how close by help is for you.

Has your use of alcohol or drugs increased? Use can sneak up on you, it’s not uncommon during difficult times.

Click for help without judgement.

If you or a friend are considering suicide or self-harm, there is help, resources, a phone to call, or a number to text.

Please, seek help and click.

Are you feeling sad or hopeless? Maybe worried or uneasy?

It’s not unusual. Click the button to find helpful information for now, and the future.

Today, tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year, the help you want, the resources you need.

Someone more to Talk to

Housing & more Needs Basic

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Click the button and find a number to call,

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SUPPORT GROUPS Cancer support

Cancer patients and survivors – please call 360-814-8255 to find resources near you.

Diabetes support The Diabetes Support Group is temporarily on hold. In the meantime, please call Karen at 360-588-4142 if you have questions.

Caregiver support A safe and supportive group to share and learn from other caregivers.

Provided by Skagit Adult Day Program in Burlington. Please email info@skagitadultdayprogram.org or call 360-755-1235 for more information.

Ostomy support The Ostomy Support Group meets via Zoom on the second Tuesday of every month from 6 – 7 p.m.

Call Cathy at 360-202-3410 to register.

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. COVID-19 vaccination is strongly encouraged.

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CONTACT US While volunteer positions have been limited during the pandemic, we are always accepting applications with an eye toward future opportunities.

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

Get social and be the first in the know!

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

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

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

Facebook – Skagit Regional Health Twitter – @SkagitHealth HealthQuest Minute eNewsletter – Scan the QR code to sign up for our eNews.

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.

Skagit Regional Health’s Board of Commissioners The 2021 Board of Commissioners includes, from left, Julie Blazek, Peter Browning, Jeff Miller, President Gary Shand, Secretary Frei Burton, Bruce Lisser and Dale Ragan.

Performance throughout pandemic demonstrates true value of healthcare

As a Board of Commissioners, we are proud of the amazing care our healthcare team at Skagit Regional Health provides to patients every day.

That pride has been accentuated in a big way in the past year during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our team truly stepped up and showed the value of healthcare in the communities we serve. The team mobilized with safety and our patients at the forefront. We provide care for patients with the virus. We provide testing. We immediately started giving vaccines as soon as they received approval.

On the vaccine front, we have truly led the way in our communities and we will continue to do so.

Vaccinations are a big part of getting people back to school, back to work and back to some sense of normalcy.

We have partnered with neighboring Public Hospital Districts and Public Health officials in several counties for the benefit of our communities.

Our facilities are kept clean and safe, embracing all of the guidance provided by the CDC, state and public health. Required masking and screening upon entry, visitor limitations, additional Personal Protective Equipment and rigorous cleaning regimens are essential.

We want to make sure patients feel

comfortable in coming to us for healthcare services, as they always have, because we care about your health and wellness.

These efforts represent the true value of healthcare for the people we serve.

A deeper look at this value can be seen in the additional layers of care, expertise, analysis and quality improvement that is constantly taking place at Skagit Regional Health.

I have been honored to serve on the Executive Quality Oversight Committee for the past three years and I can tell you that the focus on quality, safety and best practices is extraordinary.

Many system projects and initiatives are reported to this committee where we review the challenges that come up in healthcare, how we learn from them and our efforts to improve.

These behind-the-scenes efforts are what drive quality and safety across the organization year in, year out and during COVID-19.

We as a Board extend our appreciation and admiration to the entire healthcare team and the value you bring to our communities.

Gary Shand President, Public Hospital District No. 1 Skagit Regional Health Board of Commissioners gshand@skagitregionalhealth.org

Honoring Jim Hobbs James L. “Jim” Hobbs, Sr., who served for 34 years on the Board of Commissioners of Public Hospital District No. 1, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021. Jim joined the Board in January 1986 and served through 2019.

Jim was known among his fellow commissioners as the “elder statesman,” a valued source of institutional knowledge and a fantastic mentor.

Jim and his wife, Glenda, were an everpresent pair at Skagit Regional Health, Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation and Hospice of the Northwest Foundation events.

We extend our condolences to Jim’s tight-knit family including Glenda and their three children, Kim, Kristl and Jim, Jr. and his five grandchildren.

Interested in community health?

The Board of Commissioners is seeking community members for the Community Health Committee, dedicated to the health and wellness needs of the communities served by Skagit Regional Health. The panel looks at how Skagit Regional Health addresses services, equity and access to care, partnerships with the community and population health metrics to evaluate existing gaps and recommend improvements. If you are interested in serving on the Community Health Committee, contact Kari Ranten, Regional Vice President of Communications, at kranten@skagitregionalhealth.org or 360-814-2370.

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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

MyChart

Video Visits Types of Visits Available Primary Care Specialty Services Chronic Disease Management Acute Concerns

3 Ways to Schedule a Video Visit MyChart Patient Portal: visit SkagitRegionalHealth.org/MyChart Patient Resource Center: call 360-428-2500 Your Provider’s Office: contact directly

40SkagitRegionalHealth.org

JENNIFER BENSON, MD Family Medicine