New outpatient station

Transcription

winter 2011
2 0 1 0 a nn u a l r e p o r t a n d d o n o r l i s t i n g s — p a g e s 5 - 8
Seeing things
Program planner
New Pap testing
Radiologists form
See pullout
More accurate,
sharp new group
for calendar and
fewer repeats
Page 3
Health-O-Rama
Page 10
news
New
outpatient
station
Convenient,
comfortable,
quick Page 4
imaging
services
Laboratory
services
Neurology
Sleep Lab
Outpatient
Therapy
Health News
& Information
for Healthy
Living
winter 2011
Program alert! More valuable nutrition information See calendar insert for details, dates and times
Healthy
Living
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your plate
Healthy Living Magazine is published
four times a year by
the Marketing and
Communications
department.
President/CEO
Jerry Murray
Chief Operating Officer
Ronald J. McConnell
Director, Marketing and
Communications
Dave Cuzzolina
Staff Writers
Patt Keith
Anne Stoltz
Designer
Chip Mock
Mock Creations LLC
For more information, please contact:
Altoona Regional Health System
Marketing and Communications
620 Howard Ave.
Altoona, PA 16601-4899
889.2271
[email protected]
Bombarded by diet information? Dazed and confused by
lycopene, phytochemicals, bioflavonoids and lutein? Here’s
an easier way: Think in colors.
Altoona Regional registered dietitian Teri Henry
recommends ditching beige foods for bright greens, hearty
oranges, rich reds, bold purples and blues, and fresh
whites. Create a rainbow on the plate and rest assured it’s
filled with nutrition, she said.
“A beige diet is popular for the wrong reasons,” Teri said.
“Americans want quick, cheap convenience, and this
leads to a high-fat, highly processed beige diet that lacks
nutrients.
“Starches, fats and sweets are less expensive, and that’s
why people lean toward brown and beige types of foods,
like white bread, cakes and cookies. For a small price,
Americans feel satisfied eating these, but ultimately there is
a larger cost to their health.”
Go green for healthy vision
Beige foods lack phytochemicals, such as the natural plant
pigment chlorophyll that colors green fruits and vegetables.
Green vegetables also contain lutein and indoles —
antioxidants that help promote healthy vision and reduce
cancer risks. Examples include fruits like avocados, grapes,
honeydew and limes, and vegetables such as asparagus,
broccoli, green beans and green peppers.
If you are not receiving
Healthy Living Magazine in
the mail and would like to,
you need to join the
Healthy Living Club.
It’s free, and the
magazine is just one of
the many benefits!
Join online at
www.altoonaregional.org
or call 889.2630 or
1.888.313.4665.
Orange and deep-yellow fruits and vegetables get their
color from natural plant pigments called carotenoids. The carotenoids, as well as the bioflavonoids and vitamin
C in these foods, promote heart and eye health, improve
immunity and reduce the risk of some cancers. The deeper
the orange/yellow color of the fruit or vegetable, the more
carotenoids they have. Examples: apricots, cantaloupes,
peaches, mangos, carrots, sweet potatoes and yellow corn.
content. Anthocyanin is a color pigment and antioxidant
that protects cells from damage and helps reduce the risk
of cancer, stroke and heart disease. The darker the color,
the higher the anthocyanin concentration.
Examples: blackberries, blueberries, plums, eggplant and purple cabbage.
Red fights heart attacks
Lycopene is the predominant pigment in red fruits
and vegetables. It’s an antioxidant associated with a
reduced risk of prostate cancer and protection against
heart attacks. Tomato-based products have the most
concentrated source of lycopene. Interestingly, lycopene in
cooked tomatoes is absorbed better than in raw tomatoes.
Red foods are also a source of flavonoids, which
reduce inflammation and are antioxidants. In addition to
tomatoes, examples include beets, red peppers, cherries,
cranberries, red grapes and pomegranates.
White, tan and brown vegetables are colored by a
pigment called anthoxanthin and may also contain a
health-promoting chemical called allicin. This is thought
to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure and may
help reduce the risk of stomach cancer and heart disease.
Some of these vegetables are good sources of potassium.
Examples: cauliflower, mushrooms, onions, potatoes,
bananas, dates and white peaches.
“When buying food that will make up your plate, remember
that a variety of colors not only makes the plate more
appealing but each color provides a different health
benefit,” Teri said. “No one color is superior, so a balance
of all is important.”
Purple and blue fruits and vegetables have anthocyanin
How to get MORE COLOR into your diet
• Add fruits and vegetables to casseroles, cereal or
sandwiches.
• Make fruits and vegetables more the center of the plate when planning meals.
• Include a fruit and/or vegetable at every meal.
• Substitute fruit, vegetables and beans for other ingredients, such as meat, in recipes.
•Take a look at your cart when leaving the
produce section. If all the produce is of one color group, swap out an item or two for another color group to get variety.
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“No one colo
is superior, so a
balance of all
is important.”
— Teri Henry, R.D.
Sharp eyes,
sharp minds
New radiology group brings expertise in
variety of areas
The region’s
leading imaging
specialists
Offering comprehensive
imaging services:
•CT scans
• MRI
•ultrasound
• digital mammography • nuclear medicine
• DEXA bone density scanning
• interventional radiological procedures
• X-ray
• PET/CT
• fluoroscopy
Lexington
Lexington
Radiology
Inc.
Radiology Inc.
Robin Prasad, M.D.
Medical Director
Fellowship trained MRI/
Neuroradiology
A first-class team of
radiologists is using
modern, safe imaging
technology to bring patients
of Altoona Regional the
highest quality imaging
services available.
The health system’s
11-member team of
experienced, board certified
radiologists, known as
Lexington Radiology, came
to Altoona from all over
the United States, bringing
innovative diagnostic and
interventional procedures to
Blair County.
“The health care system
decided to put something
exceptional together for
radiology services,” Robin
Prasad, M.D., medical
director of Lexington
Radiology, said. “We have a
remarkable group of superspecialists from around the
country, offering a variety of skills.”
Skills not frequently found
outside of big-city medical
centers.
Group members’ expertise
includes fellowship training
in neuroradiology, magnetic
resonance imaging, angiography, interventional
radiology, musculoskeletal
imaging, nuclear medicine
and cross-sectional
imaging.
In-depth specialty
training
Radiologist training requires
four years of medical
school and five years
of radiology residency.
Fellowship training requires
an additional one year
minimum of in-depth
specialty training under the
guidance of a top radiology
specialist in one specific
area.
easier for large patients and
those with claustrophobia
to have an MRI examination
that produces higher
quality images. This will
potentially reduce the need
to repeat and interrupt
exams.”
The bottom line, said Dr. Prasad, is that Altoona
Regional patients can
expect high quality,
accurate reports given by
radiologists who are among
the most knowledgeable,
experienced and skilled in their particular specialty
area.
In addition, the health care
system is very excited to
offer digital mammography.
This newest technology for
breast cancer detection
will be available at Station
Medical Center.
“Digital mammography is
different from conventional
mammography, specifically
in how the image of the
breast is acquired and,
more importantly, viewed,”
explained Dr. Prasad. “We can magnify the
images, increase or
decrease the contrast and
invert the black and white
values while reading the
images. These features
allow us to evaluate
microcalcifications [specks
of calcium deposits] and
focus on areas of concern.”
“At the heart of our team
is dedication to those we
serve — our patients, the
referring medical staff,”
Dr. Prasad said. “We
deliver phenomenal results
using the best technology
available.”
At its Station Medical
Center imaging location, for
example, Altoona Regional
installed an open-bore MRI
system that combines a
larger opening for large and
claustrophobic patients
while retaining the ability
to capture high-quality
diagnostic images.
Committed to safety
As it is with all patient
services in all areas,
Altoona Regional
is vigilant when it
comes to imaging
safety.
Enhanced patient
convenience
“This is going to increase
our efficiency and patient
convenience,” explained
Mike Corso, administrative
director, Imaging Services.
“The patient-friendly design
of this magnet will make it
“Radiation outputs
are routinely
inspected by
our physicists,”
said Mike.
“We keep
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exposure as low as reasonably achievable for the
safety of our patients.”
From traditional to more
sophisticated, complex
examinations, Lexington
Radiology offers a full
range of imaging services
at Altoona Regional. State-of-the-art equipment
allows images to be viewed
instantly, so reports can be delivered to physicians
and patients accurately
and in a timely manner.
“It’s a very impressive
team,” said Dr. Prasad.
“Patients and their doctors
can count on Lexington
Radiology for imaging
services that are fast,
accurate and safe.”
“... a remarkable
group of superspecialists from
around the
country.”
Tomislav Deur, M.D.
Fellowship trained
Willy Hwang, M.D.
Fellowship trained Cross-Sectional Imaging
Peter James, M.D.
Fellowship trained
Angiography and Interventional Radiology
E.R. Karunaratne, M.D.
Diagnostic Radiology
Mark Kuzucu, M.D.
Fellowship trained Nuclear Medicine
Manesh Mathew, M.D.
Fellowship trained Musculoskeletal Radiology
David Rose, M.D. (Summer 2011)
Fellowship trained Vascular and Interventional Radiology
Leslie W. Roub, M.D.
Diagnostic Radiology
Richard Wertz, M.D.
Fellowship trained Interventional Radiology
Irini M. Youssef, M.D.
Fellowship trained Nuclear Medicine
For more information, visit
altoonaregional.org/
lexradiology
or call
889.2854.
Moving In
Outpatient services available in convenient, new location
Altoona Regional
continues to consolidate
outpatient services to its
newest patient care site
— Station Medical Center
at 17th Street and 9th
Avenue, Altoona.
• Patient access/
registration
Lab services available soon
• HealthForce
(occupational medicine
program) for our
business clients
The outpatient laboratory
will relocate in January,
with new, convenient
blood draw, EKG and
specimen collection
“There was a tremendous stations
need,” Chief Operating
“The opening will be a
Officer Ron McConnell
welcome convenience
said of the new facility’s
for our patients,” said
purpose. “We believe
Joe Pufka, administrative
this new center will meet director, Laboratory
the growing need for
Services. “The facility
outpatient services in our is so much easier to
community.
access compared to the
“The medical technology
within the building is the
newest and best on the
market.”
After more than a year
of construction, services
are beginning to move in.
Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation became
the first outpatient
service to relocate,
offering a full complement of state-of-the-art
equipment, expanded
HydroTrack services and
extended hours.
Faster, convenient
service
“Our patients will
experience faster service
in pleasant surroundings,
with easy parking in a
convenient location,” Ron
said. “All departments
are located on the same
floor, in close proximity,
allowing patients easy
navigation through
different areas if they
have multiple tests.”
hospital campuses. The
overall architecture of the
building is spectacular,
and the designers of the
facility put the needs of
our patients first.
Soon, all outpatient
imaging (radiology)
services will begin
relocating in stages,
including:
“In fact, laboratory
staff helped design the
new department. We
captured their years of
experience, ideas and
insight to develop a site
that will meet the needs
of our patients today and
well into the future.”
• Two MRIs, including an
open bore (see story
on Page 3)
• 16-slice CT
• 16-slice PET-CT
Additional services
available soon at Station
Medical Center include:
• Five ultrasounds
• State-of-the-art
cardiac rehabilitation
“The opening of the
Station Medical Center
for Imaging Services
marks the beginning of a
new era for our patients,”
said Mike Corso,
• General radiology/
X-ray
• Expanded six-bed
sleep lab
• Surgical pre-testing
• Neurology testing
administrative director,
Imaging Services. “Not
only will we offer new
services but we will be
able to maintain our
patient schedule without
interruption from inpatient
or emergency cases.”
New women’s services
The full outpatient
imaging center will also
be home to dedicated
women’s services, which
will include:
On its way:
digital
mammography
A frontline weapon in the
fight against breast cancer
is coming soon to Altoona
Regional at Station Medical
Center.
“As a 12-year breast cancer
survivor, I needed to
travel outside the Altoona
area to receive a digital
mammogram each year.
“I am thrilled Altoona
Regional will now have
digital mammography at
Station Medical Center to
afford the women of this
area the most advanced
technology for early breast
cancer detection.”
— Louisa Lobre-Riley
• Three digital
mammography units
(see story on Page 3)
• Bone density testing
• Stereotactic biopsy
on site for quick
turnaround and results
• Beautiful, comfortable
surroundings
• Caring staff
“I’m most proud of the
fact that we will have built
something that will have a
lasting, positive impact on
our community for years
to come,” Mike said.
Project facts
• 60,000 square feet total
(11,000 in expansion,
49,000 renovation)
• Approximately 480 new
parking spaces
• 67.9 miles of electrical
wire for panels, lights and outlets
• 1.9 miles of specialty
wire for fire alarm and
nurse call
• 34 miles of data cable
• 1,350 cubic yards of concrete — enough to
build a sidewalk from the
Altoona Hospital Campus
to the Horseshoe Curve!
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2009-2010
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Enhancing community
health care: More services,
advanced technology
A message from Jerry Murray, president and CEO
Fiscal 2010* will be remembered for another list of new
cutting-edge specialty services at Altoona Regional as
well as the period in which we launched an ambitious
facility enhancement program.
Advances in medical care have become routine at our
health system. Physicians work together with our board
and administration to bring new services to our region so
you don’t have to travel for the specialized care you need.
Facility expansions and enhancements moved forward
quickly last year.
The program involves the Altoona Hospital Campus, the Station Medical Center, and the former Altoona Center at 4th Street and Howard Avenue.
We added several exciting clinical technologies and
procedures this past year, including:
By the end of the fiscal year, construction had begun on
all projects. Some of the work designed to add inpatient
beds at the Altoona Hospital Campus was completed,
and bids were being sought on the expansion and
enhancement of our Emergency department.
• The Center for Cancer Care treated its first patient with
our new Elekta Synergy® S linear accelerator, becoming
the first in Pennsylvania to offer revolutionary radiation
treatment technology unique in its ability to target and
kill cancerous tumors.
[Update: At this writing, services have begun moving into
the Station Medical Center (see Page 4) and we will soon
begin occupying the former Altoona Center, which we are
calling the G Building. Work continues at Altoona Hospital
Campus and the Emergency department there.]
• A new digital system made it possible for referring
physicians to receive results of cardiac catheterization
procedures and echocardiograms the same day the
procedures are performed.
All of these projects will make health care better in
many ways in our community.
• Thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair, or TEVAR, was introduced by a comprehensive team of physicians
to make treatment easier for some patients with aortic
aneurysms.
• After more hard work by the staff of our Stroke
Center, Altoona Regional received the American Heart
Association/American Stroke Association’s Gold Plus
Achievement Award for stroke care — one of fewer
than 20 hospitals in Pennsylvania to earn the distinction
at the time.
Also during fiscal 2010 we formed one of the most
remarkable radiology groups in Pennsylvania by bringing
together highly skilled and experienced radiologists from
across the United States (see Page 3). All are board
certified and most are fellowship-trained in a specialty
radiology field.
Just as the quest for quality and convenience drives our clinical innovation, it is also an important reason we
embarked on our current construction program. Altoona Regional at the Station Medical Center
will not only make outpatient services easier to
reach but provide an upgrade to state-of-theart technologies like digital mammography and
open-bore MRI (see Page 3).
Our expanded and retooled ER will speed care,
while the G Building will include modern space
for our Behavioral Health Services department
and unify our wound, hyperbaric and ostomy
care staffs.
In fiscal 2011 we look forward to the completion
of most of our construction projects and to
adding more innovative services and superior
technology for the people of our region who
need advanced medical care close to home.
Sincerely,
* July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010
5
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Key hospital
statistics
Admissions
20,437
(includes newborns)
Inpatient days91,358
Average length of stay
Outpatient visits
4.47
386,321
Emergency67,570
room visits
Inpatient surgical procedures
6,513
Outpatient surgical
procedures
16,609
Our patient
care revenues
come from:
Highlights:
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Medicaid13.65%
Commercial insurances
7.00%
Managed care
25.93%
Self-pay1.89%
Other1.53%
Where we spend
our dollars:
JULY
December
Altoona Regional presents
six local fire departments
with $2,000 each to assist
with decontamination
coverage, bioterrorism
and other public health
emergencies. The state
funds are for preparedness
for bioterrorism and other
public health emergencies.
Safe Kids Blair County
educates 10 area residents
to become nationally
certified child passenger
safety technicians in their
communities. Altoona
Regional is the lead
agency for Safe Kids Blair County.
The Center for Cancer
Care treats its first
patient with the new
Elekta Synergy® S linear
accelerator, becoming
the first in Pennsylvania
to offer revolutionary
radiation treatment
technology unique in ts ability to target and kill tumors.
October
A digital system becomes
operational that allows
referring physicians to
receive results of cardiac
catheterization procedures
and echocardiograms the same day.
November
Radiation Oncology and
Nuclear Medicine pass an
unannounced inspection
by the state Department of
Environmental Protection
with no deficiencies.
Pink fund-raising campaign
in support of lifesaving
digital mammography.
Thoracic endovascular
aneurysm repair, or
TEVAR, is introduced by
a comprehensive team
of physicians to make
treatment easier for
some patients with aortic
aneurysms.
WebMD Health Corp.
presents Altoona Regional
physician Zane Gates
with one of its 2009
Health Heroes awards.
Dr. Gates was recognized
for serving the working
poor, establishing a
foundation to help kids in
two local housing projects,
and helping to design a
March
low-cost, hospital-only
Altoona Regional once
insurance plan.
again sponsors the
Altoona Regional’s low
American Cancer Society’s
rate of hospital-acquired
Daffodil Days.
infections earns the
April
Unison Health Plan of
Altoona Regional, along
Pennsylvania’s Gold Star II
with other national,
award recognizing health
state and community
care providers with the
organizations, leads a
highest level of quality care
massive effort to highlight
for Unison’s members.
the importance of advance
health care decision2
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making — an effort that
has culminated in the
January
formal designation of April
Altoona Regional
16 as National Health Care
announces a project to
Decisions Day.
expand and enhance
The Center for Cancer
services at the Altoona
Care earns a threeHospital Campus
year accreditation with
Emergency department.
commendation by the
The Accreditation Council
Commission on Cancer of
for Graduate Medical
the American College of
Education accredits the
Surgeons.
Altoona Family Physicians
The Pastoral Care
(AFP) Residency Program
department holds a
for five years — the
commissioning service for
maximum allowed. AFP
22 new Prayer Partners —
is affiliated with Altoona
volunteers who spiritually
Regional and trains
minister to patients and
physicians in the specialty
their families.
of family medicine.
May
February
Weis Markets Inc. contributes $20,000 to the
Foundation for Life’s Team
Hospital
Salaries and wages
37%
Employee benefits
12%
Professional fees, supplies & others
41%
Depreciation and amortization
4%
July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010
9
August
Medicare50.00%
Clinical and community service
Financial
Information
7/1/09 to 6/30/10
Income statement
The Stroke Program
receives the American
Heart Association/
JUNE
Altoona Regional is
a silver sponsor of
the American Cancer
Society’s Relay for Life.
Employees join various
teams to demonstrate
their commitment to
eliminating cancer and
show their support for
survivors.
Lexington Radiology, a
newly formed group of
extraordinarily trained
and experienced
radiologists, becomes
the exclusive provider
of radiology services at
Altoona Regional.
Bal ance sheet
Assets
Current assets
65,050,606
Assets whose use is limited
110,784,257
Other assets
105,838,896
Total assets
281,673,759
Total operating revenues
319,008,262
Liabilities
Total operating expenses
315,831,800
Current and other liabilities
82,579,638
87,333,163
Income from operations
3,176,462
Long-term debt
Provision for bad debt 5%
Nonoperating gains
2,095,047
Fund balance
Interest1%
Excess revenues over expenses
5,271,509
6
American Stroke
Association’s Get with
the Guidelines Stroke
Gold Plus Performance
Achievement Award for
excellent care for stroke
patients.
As a tribute to the
25th anniversary of
Pennsylvania Student
Assistance Programs,
and in observance of
Mental Health Month in
May, Altoona Regional
cosponsors a parental skill-building workshop with a program titled, “A Sigh of Belief: Building
Confident Families.”
The Foundation for Life
reports breaking the
half-million-dollar mark
in pledges for its Team
Pink campaign for digital
mammography. The
donations come from
employees, medical
staff, volunteers and
community individuals
and businesses.
Total liabilities and fund balance
111,760,958
281,673,759
Report
of charitable giving
Following is a list of those who generously extended
financial support to Altoona Regional Health System during fiscal 2010 (July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010).
As a nonprofit charitable organization, Altoona Regional
is grateful to every donor for helping us strengthen and
enhance health care in our community.
In memory of Jean L. WisniewskiScherzinger
Mr. and Mrs. Carl F. Brendel
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Larson
Mrs. Mary W. Luxbacher
Ms. Christine A. White
Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Wisniewski
Maternity Department
General
In memory of Daniel A. Petta
Mrs. Mary Jo Aukstik
Mr. and Mrs. Walter F. Dockus
Ms. Stella R. Petta
Mrs. Helen L. Aikens
Leda M. Battisti
Mrs. Joyce M. Beck
Blair County Respiratory Disease Society
Mrs. Lois E. Bottomfield
Ms. Helen M. Butler
Mrs. Karen Chappell
Mrs. Esther Chernicky
Ms. Maxine Colyer
Mrs. Jill B. Currier
Ms. Nancy Delozier
Mrs. Rosemarie Dibert
Ms. Sandy Eichelberger
Ms. Joan Estep
Friends of Altoona Regional Health System
Mrs. Cindy Gardner
Ms. Dana Gunsallus
Mrs. Louise C. Hampton
Mrs. Eleanor Hirchak
Mrs. Betty L. Kimmel
Ms. Emma Kneidinger
Ms. Phyllis Kosut
Ms. Lois Kuhn
Ms. Carol E. Leonard
Mrs. Elsie T. Massimilla
Ms. Mary G. Mauk
Ms. M. Yvonne McConnell
Mrs. Sara G. Miller
Mrs. Elizabeth R. Muhlbauer
Ms. Donna Otto
Mrs. Carole Rea
Mrs. Janice A. Snowberger
Ms. Virginia Socey
Ms. Martha Stouffer
Mrs. Carol M. Trexler
Ward Ave. United Presbyterian Church
Mrs. Beverly E. Way
Mrs. Sally A. Wharton
Mrs. Cheryl L. Wherry
Ms. Patricia A. Winters
Ms. Paula Wyant
Mrs. Naomi M. Yonkosky
Mr. Thomas Yonkosky
Center for Cancer Care
General
Medical Education
General
General
Anonymous (3)
Mrs. Edna H. Brenneman
Mr. Richard Reeder
Mr. and Mrs. James D. Stuart Sr.
Mr. John W. Zook
In Honor Of
In honor of Altoona Regional Board
Members, Employees, Physicians,
Volunteers, Friends
Mr. and Mrs. Byron E. Brumbaugh Jr.
In honor of Anthony Bartkowiak
Anonymous
In honor of Jack Schocker
Runk Families (Donald and Roberta)
In honor of Michael Walton
In Memory Of
In memory of Sherman Benton
Anonymous
In memory of Gerald Treece
Mrs. Dorothy M. Treece
In memory of Louis and Jane Walton
Dr. and Mrs. Michael C. Saltzburg
Departmental Gifts
Mary Kaye Blair Memorial
General
The Estate of Mary Kaye Blair
CArdiology
In Memory Of
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory M. Price
In Memory Of
Ms. Frances Musselman
In Memory Of
In memory of Donald & Roberta Runk
Runk Families
In memory of Barry D. Pellas
Mr. and Mrs. Drew M. Appleman Jr.
Drug & Alcohol Services
General
The EADS Group Employee Charity Fund
Medical Oncology
General
Mrs. Rochelle L. Jock
Glover Memorial Library
General
Partnership for Free Medical
General
Altoona Regional Health System Medical Staff
Ira B. Kron Dialysis Unit
General
The Samuel and Rose Port Philanthropic Fund
In Memory Of
In memory of Harry E. Criswel
Mrs. Doris A. Criswell
In memory of James Litzinger
Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Hoover
In memory of William J. Staub
Mr. John Allison
Bedford County Courthouse Employees
of Courtroom 2
Bedford County Rod and Gun Club
Mrs. Jean M. Bressler
Mrs. Tina M. Brown
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Burket
Ms. Rachel Feather
Growmark FS, LLC
Mr. and Mrs. James M. Little
Norfolk Southern Employees
Ms. Jayne Polliard
Mr. and Mrs. Jay V. Ramsey
Ms. Gwendolyn E. Ray
Dr. and Mrs. Edward D. Schultz
Mr. and Mrs. Brooks R. Shoemaker
Ms. Donna L. Staub
Mr. Glenn Staub
Mr. Karl G. West
Anonymous
Ms. Colleen Becker
In Memory Of
In memory of Robert Crum
Mrs. Courtney Beers
In memory of Albert P. Fleck
Runk Families
In memory of Gloria, Mother of Dr. Zane Gates
Mr. and Mrs. James J. Klueg
Radiation Oncology
General
Ms. Emma Kneidinger
Mrs. Dorothy L. Marchetti
Mrs. Janice A. Snowberger
Bernard A. Rosch Palliative Care
In Memory Of
In memory of Tami Barefoot
Mr. and Mrs. Terry A. Gilman
In memory of Robert E. Black
Kathryn E. Black
In memory of Jerry Chapman
Equity Concepts North
In memory of George DelBaggio
Mr. John Hayes
In memory of Jesse Detwiler
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Detwiler
In memory of Wayne Keller
Ms. Madeleine L. Keller
In memory of Robert Kennedy
Anonymous
In loving memory of Georgia McCabe-Gracey
The McCabe Group, Inc.
In memory of Kathleen Montgomery
Valley View Community Church
In memory of Theresa Peo
Ms. Betsy L. Goulionis
In loving memory of Daniel A. Petta
Mrs. Mary Jo Aukstik
Alpha Iota Chapter of Phi Lamda Delta
The Bunco Families
In memory of Fred R. Seaman
Altoona Regional Health System -
Tower 14 Medical Nursing Staff
In memory of William J. Staub
Ms. Jane Black
Mr. Jonathan D. Feather
Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Kriczky
Norfolk Southern Employees
Mr. and Mrs. Donald W. Staub
In loving memory of Dorothy M. Warner
Mr. and Mrs. Christian E. Beckwith
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Caldwell
Mrs. Joyce Grove Ellinger
Trauma Services
General
Juniata United Methodist Church - Bear Makers
General
Environment of Care Department
Anonymous
Mrs. Dolores M. Fabbri
Mr. and Mrs. Fred P. Fraundorfer
Mr. and Mrs. Lee Helmer
Mrs. Lydia M. McCalpin
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel L. McClure Sr.
Mr. Richard Reeder
Mr. Richard C. Slutzker
Mrs. Joyce A. Wright
Mrs. Emily G. Yeatts
In Honor Of
In honor of Altoona Regional Health System Foundation for Life
Board and Staff
J. Emery Consulting, Inc.
In honor of Ed and Patti Boslet
Mr. and Mrs. Clayton C. Rickens
In honor of Aaron J. Brumbaugh
In honor of Ian B. Brumbaugh
In honor of Erin Dodson
In honor of Ralph Farabaugh
Mrs. Theresa Storm
In honor of Burt Fazi
Mr. John S. Jackson
In honor of Robert J. Gherrity
Mrs. Virginia L. Gherrity
In honor of Grandchildren - Izaiah,
Sierra, Kiarra & Dillan
Mr. and Mrs. Duane P. Bordell
In honor of Sheila Hoffman
Mrs. Lilia J. Sprankle
In honor of Donald MacDonald
Mrs. Helen R. MacDonald
In honor of Pete & Shirley McConnell
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. McConnell
In honor of Brenda Reeder
Mrs. Dorothy L. Reeder
7
In honor of Clayton and Doris Rickens
In honor of “Women of Will”
Anonymous
In honor of Vicki Wertz
The Honorable Jolene Grubb Kopriva
In Memory Of
In memory of Gladys Adams
In memory of Ralph Alexander
Mrs. Vicki Baughman
Mr. Mark A. Rhodes
In memory of Theresa M. Alexander
Mrs. Vicki Baughman
In memory of Dom Aversa
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Murray
In memory of George I. and George D.
Bardell
Mrs. Dona K. Bardell
In memory of Matthew and Danny
Barton
Mrs. Rosemary Barton
In memory of Earl and Ruth Beldin
Ms. Eileen Rabish
In memory of Millard and Grace Beyer
Mr. and Mrs. John R. Beyer
In memory of Thomas & Edith Bidoli
Ms. Grace Steinbugl
In memory of Ryan Bishop
Ms. Anne T. Stoltz
In memory of Eric Bordell
Mr. and Mrs. Alex Kulmatycki
In memory of Heather Bouch
Ms. Amy J. Vinglish
In memory of Charles W. “Bill” Boyer
Mrs. Joyce H. Boyer
In memory of Lora L. Brashears
Mrs. Judith M. Hollern
In memory of Bernice Breon
Mr. and Mrs. Ernest E. Eakins
In memory of Paul Breon
In memory of Angela Elizabeth
Brumbaugh
In memory of Emma G. Burk
Mr. Donald F. Burk
In memory of Ronald E. Bush
Mrs. Anna M. Bush
In memory of Richard Campbell
Mrs. Nancy E. Campbell
In memory of Joe Campolong
Ms. Mary J. Campolong
In memory of “Pooch” Caporucio
Mrs. Linda A. Harshberger
In memory of Amerigo Caporuscio
Mrs. Rosie J. Caporuscio
In memory of June M. Cicero
Mr. Joseph D. Cicero
In memory of Joy Clapper
Mr. John Clapper
In memory of Joy Stevanus Clapper
Mrs. Norma J. Stevanus
In memory of Barbara J. Clever
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth E. Graham
In memory of Phyllis Connelly
Mr. Jerry Connelly
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Squillario
In memory of Herm and Melania
Dambeck
Mrs. Margie M. Burchfield
In memory of Deceased Cecchine/
Miller Family Members
Mr. and Mrs. Allen Cecchine
In memory of Mary Clare Delozier
Mr. Leo J. Delozier
In memory of Cora Diehl
Mrs. Dorothy M. Steele
In memory of Uncle Joe Diehl
Ms. Margaret L. Mengel
In memory of Helen G. Dodson
Ms. Susan A. Dodson
In memory of Paul S. Downing
Mrs. Debbie McClellan
In memory of Catherine Eakins
In memory of Ernest E. Eakins
In memory of Frank “Dutch” Elling
In memory of Mary Farabaugh
Mrs. Theresa Storm
In memory of Linda Flaherty
Mrs. M. Carol Makdad
In memory of Mary Fries
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Ellis
In memory of William Green
Mrs. Deborah A. Henshey
In memory of Nellie Gunsalus
Mrs. Norma L. Knouse
In memory of Catherine, Frank and
John Gutwald
Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Klesius
In memory of Alan L. Harshberger
In memory of William L. Harshberger
In memory of Cameron L. Hazard
In memory of Sprague C. Hazard
In memory of Susan E. Heaton
Mr. and Mrs. George Heaton
In memory of Elmer and Pearl Helsel
Mr. and Mrs. Les M. Weise
In memory of Josephine Hicks
Ms. Jacqueline M. Hicks
In memory of Mary and Ferd Hite
Mr. and Mrs. Paul F. Hite
In memory of Mike Hook
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond R. Dodson
In memory of John Hopfl
Captain Lynne M. Hopfl
In memory of Dave Hostler
Ms. Becky Henshey
In memory of Eggy Ingham
Mrs. Elsie M. Nash and Mr. Elvin Ingham
In memory of Leslie Nicole Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. Elvin Johnson
In memory of Frances Kasun
In memory of Dorothy Koch
Anonymous
In memory of Gary Koch
Anonymous
In memory of Mary and Andy Kozielec
Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Kozielec
In memory of Fred Lakner
Mrs. Betty B. Lakner
In memory of Jaime Lee
In memory of Hayden Scott Link
Mrs. Ramona F. Shrift
In memory of William Little
Sister Mary A. Tolusciak
In memory of Frank & Mary Livoti
Mrs. Sharon L. Ciccarella
In memory of Richard B. Magee
Mrs. Louise Magee
In memory of Daniel A. Marchetti
Mr. Anthony D. Marchetti and Mrs. Rose
Marchetti
In memory of Sandy Marchi
Mr. and Mrs. William P. Benzel
In memory of Donnie McCabe
Mrs. Joanna M. Heinsling
In memory of Liam Sean Patrick
McCaulley
Mrs. Norma A. Smith
In memory of Shane Conlon McConnell
In memory of Tom McIntire
Mr. and Mrs. William Shaffer
In memory of Debra McNerlin
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Campbell
In memory of George Miller
Mr. and Mrs. Paul F. Hite
In memory of Louise Miller
Louise Miller Family
In memory of my sister Marian Mills
Mrs. Marietta G. Dente
In memory of Irene Mirkowski
Dr. Amy K. Metzger
In memory of Stella Palochak
Ms. Brigid Palochak
In memory of Mary and Nicholas
Pasquino
Mrs. Susan M. Replogle
In memory of Mary Reed
In memory of LeRoy M. Riley
Ms. Shirley F. Riley
In memory of Patrick M. Riley
In memory of Anthony Roberts
Mrs. Mary A. Roberts
In memory of Nancy Robison
Ms. Dana J. Shade
In memory of Norman Rose
The Rose Family
In memory of Carolyn Routch
In memory of J. Carolyn Routch
Routch Family
In memory of Palma Scarfone
Mr. and Mrs. Tiberio A. Scarfone
In memory of Joan Seltzer
Mr. and Mrs. Steven S. Seltzer
In memory of Charles and Alice
Sheehan
Ms. Ruth A. Slippey
In memory of Patricia A. Shellenberger
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shellenberger
In memory of Harold and Margaret
Sickles
Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Sickles Jr.
In memory of Harry Sprankle
Mrs. Lilia J. Sprankle
In memory of Edward & Mary Squillario
In memory of John J. Stoyanoff
Mrs. Shirley M. Stoyanoff
In memory of Lisa Tedora
Mrs. Alberta Tedora
In memory of Ann Thompson
In memory of Zachary Topper
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel B. Boyles
In memory of A. James Trexler
Mrs. Marguerite Trexler
In memory of Ron Ullery
In memory of Nancy Walla
Mr. Andrew Walla
In memory of Adeline Wance
Mrs. Stella C. Conte
In memory of Lester and Ester Weise
In memory of Mary Yeager
In memory of Richard A, Rosemary &
Robert Yohn
Mrs. Nancy Newkirk
In memory of Jim Young
Mr. and Mrs. Travis B. Young
In memory of Diane Ziegler
Mr. and Mrs. James R. Feathers
General
Anonymous (2)
Ms. Karen Adams
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Adler
Mr. Ralph J. Albarano Jr.
Mr. Dennis W. Albright
Dr. and Mrs. Rajih Alkafaji
Allegheny Brain and Spine Surgeons
Altoona Area High School Girls
Volleyball Team
Altoona Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Altoona Family Physicians and Women’s Health Souce
Altoona Firefighters - Local #299
Altoona Hospital Alumni Nurses
Association
Altoona OB/GYN
Employees
Altoona Regional Health System Nutrition Services
Altoona Regional Health System - SICU Staff
AMED
Ms. Denise Arnold
Andy Ayers
Ms. Cheryl Bakale
Mr. and Mrs. James W. Barner
Mrs. Rosemary Barton
Lori J. Bechtel-Wherry, Ph.D.
Bellwood Antis High School
Bennett Holdings, Inc.
Benzel Food Distributors
Mr. David Bickers
Ms. Barbara Biehner
Bishop Guilfoyle High School Girls
Volleyball Team
BKD, LLP
Mrs. Lucinda A. Black
Ms. Cindy Blackburn
Blair Companies
Blair County Anesthesia
Blair County Antique Auto Club
Blair County Plastic Surgery, Inc.
Blair Gastroenterology Associates
Ms. Nicole Bonsell
Boston Scientific
Ms. Robin Brown
Dr. Janelle L. Brumbaugh
Mr. Karl Brustel
Mr. and Mrs. David Burchfield
Mr. Sean Burke
Mrs. Louise Burley
Mr. and Mrs. Willard Campbell
Carbis Walker LLP
CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services, Inc.
Charis Health Care
Mrs. Connie J. Chilcote
Mr. Mark Chuff
Mr. Daniel B. Cidor
Claysburg Kimmel High School
Clearfield Hospital
Cohen and Grigsby
Collection Service Center, Inc.
Mr. Tony Conrad
Cornerstone Advisors Asset Management
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Corso
Jolie Cover
Dr. and Mrs. David L. Cowger
Credit Control Collections
Ms. Laura Cresswell
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Cristello
Mr. David M. Cuzzolina
Degol Carpet
Mr. and Mrs. Michael DelGrosso
Deliotte & Touche, LLP
Mr. and Mrs. James V. DeStefano
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Devorris
Mrs. Beth Diantoniis
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Dr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Dietrick
Mrs. Flo Eberhart
Mike Edwards
Mrs. Carol Emeigh
Empire Communications
Mrs. Margaret E. Filer
Mr. Leonard S. Fiore
FIT Optimized Solutions
Mr. James Folcarelli
Mrs. Jean A. Forbeck
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Forosisky
Mrs. Kathleen M. Frederick
Mr. Mark Frederick
Friends of Altoona Regional Health System
Fugi
Dr. and Mrs. Gregory Fulchiero Jr.
Dr. Gregory J. Fulchiero Sr.
Dr. Brian Gates
Ms. Jaime Genovese
Miss Patricia M. Gildea
Ms. Rachel Gingrich
Mrs. Connie Gore
Mr. David Gracey Jr.
Mrs. Eleanor Grossman
Mrs. Linda L. Guida
Dr. and Mrs. Charles Haas
Dr. Haleh Haerian-Ardakani and Dr.
Mehrdad Ghaffari
Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Halbritter
Ms. Ellen M. Hale
Attorney and Mrs. David Halpern
Mrs. Diane L. Harris
Attorney and Mrs. Frank Hartye, Esq.
Hayes Large Architects
HealthCare Benefits, Inc.
HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital
Mrs. Joyce L. Hess
Megan Hess, M.D.
Mr. Raymond C. Hess
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Pittsburgh
Miss Judith A. Himmelein
Ms. Laura M. Hindinger
Mr. Ryan Hindinger
The Hite Company
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Hockenberry
Mrs. Judith M. Hollern
Home Health Resource
Hoss’s Steak & Sea House Corporate Office
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Hoyne
Dr. Michael Humphrey and Dr. Jane Rowe
Mrs. and Mr. Betsy K. Hurst
Insight Investments
Mr. and Mrs. Randal Isenberg
Jacoby Trexler Architects
JLG Medical Transcription SVCS
Drs. John and Alice Joyce
Ms. Karen Kaczmarek
Dr. Neil Kaneshiki
Dr. Natasha M. Karanjia
Kasun Architects, Inc.
Ms. Caroline Kelly
Mrs. Donna L. Kenner
Mr. John R. Kepler
Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Kibelbek
Mrs. Nanna J. Klayko
Kopp Drug Store
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Kopriva
Mr. Scott Krantz
Mrs. Dorothy Lansberry
Mrs. Carolyn Lapierre
H.F. Lenz Company
Leonard S. Fiore, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin I. Levine Jr.
Ms. Diana L. Lidwell
Limbach Facility Services, LLC
Ms. Kimberly Litzinger
Ms. Louisa T. Lobre-Riley
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. Lupinetti
Mrs. Jennifer Lynn
Ms. June D. MacGregor
Dr. and Mrs. R. Samuel Magee
Mainline National Bank
Dr. and Mrs. Subhashis Maitra
Ms. Robin E. Malone
Ms. Colleen Maloney
Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Maniglia
Ms. Patty Marine
Ms. Stacey Martilotta
Mr. Thomas C. Martin
Matosziuk Bickley & Associates
Mr. Mark Matthews
Maxwell Transit
Mrs. Sherry McCall
S.P. McCarl & Company, Inc.
Mrs. Carol A. McCartney
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. McConnell
Ms. Stephanie McConnell
Ms. Norma McCormick
Mrs. Diana McElheny
Ms. Carole A. McElhinney
MedAsset
Medline
Ms. Margaret L. Mengel
Merry X-ray
Mrs. Polly L. Mickel
Mr. John C. Miller
Ms. Kayla Miller
Dr. and Mrs. Russell Miller
Ms. Stacey Miller
Ms. Justine Molinick
Morefield Communications, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Moschella
Scott Moyer
MTS Transportation, Inc.
Mrs. Gail M. Murphy
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Murray
Ms. Tammie L. Myers
Ms. Debra Nagle
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Naugle
Mr. Roman Nestor
Ms. Corinne L. Nevling
Dr. and Mrs. Hugh Newman
Mrs. Amy Nimitz
North Blair Co Chapter of Thrivent
Financial for Lutherans
Mrs. Verla Oakley
Mrs. Laura O’Farrell
Dr. Emmanuel Osagiede
Mrs. Deborah A. O’Shell
Owens & Minor, Inc.
Parsi Healthcare Linen
Passarello & Sisto, P.C.
Dr. Rakesh Patel
Patterson
Ms. Shirley Pechter
Penn State Altoona
Penn State Altoona - Women’s Basketball
Pepsi Bottling Group, Altoona
Ms. Denise A. Perehinec
Mrs. Tanya L. Phillips
Dr. Debra S. Pike
Pinnacle Plumbing & Heating
Mr. and Mrs. Neil Port
Primary Health Network
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin L. Pruznak
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Pufka
Radiology Business Solutions
Ms. Carole B. Rainey
Dr. David Rasmussen
Ravine Golf
Reilly, Creppage & Co., Inc.
Ms. Mary Jane Rhoads
Mr. and Mrs. John A. Roberts Jr.
Mrs. Joanne Romine
Attorney James S. Routch and Mrs. Shari Routch
Ms. Irene M. Rubus
S&T Bank
Mr. Stephen S. Sangiorgi, C.P.A.
Mrs. Julia A. Scarfone
Dr. and Mrs. Jack D. Schocker
Sheetz, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shellenberger
Mr. and Mrs. George L. Shevenock
Mrs. and Mr. Sandra D. Shover
Ms. Jeannine Showalter
Mrs. Ramona F. Shrift
Bradley Shutack
The Siemens Philanthropic Fund
Dr. Laura Siems
Dr. and Mrs. Robert Singer
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Sloey
8
Ms. Brenda A. Smithmyer
Mrs. Alisha D. Snowberger
Dr. and Mrs. Rodney L. Sponsler
St. Jude Medical
Staff Care
STAT MedEvac
Mrs. Connie A. Steinbeiser
Ms. Paula Stellabotte
Mrs. Lisa Steward
Stiffler, McGraw & Associates, Inc.
Ms. Christa Stipanovich
Mrs. and Mr. Sarah A. Storm
Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Strawser
Ms. Jenny M. Strittmatter
Ms. Patti K. Sweet
Mrs. Susan J. Taneyhill
Ms. Nancy Tarango
Ms. Kathryn Terlinsky
Sister Mary A. Tolusciak
Mrs. Cindy Trimarco
Dr. David M. Tsai
Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Turiano
Tyrone Hospital
United Medical Products
University Orthopedics
Dr. Vijay Spratubga Vakharia
Ms. Mary G. Vogel
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wall
Mrs. and Mr. Carolyn Ward
Weis Markets, Inc.
Ms. Charlotte Weiser
Mrs. Leonard Whiting
Dr. Carlos Wiegering and Ms. Maria Friday
Mr. and Mrs. David Willnecker
Mrs. Connie A. Wills
Mrs. Judith Wilson
Ms. Leslie P. Wilson
Mrs. and Mr. Ann Wolf
Ms. and Mr. Barbara A. Woolheater
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Woomer
Mrs. Loretta F. Wyland
Xanitos Inc.
Mrs. Sandy Young
Dr. Maged Zaky and Dr. Irini Youssef
Mr. Butch Zavalanski
Mrs. Karen J. Zimmerman
Zimmer-Randall
Dr. and Mrs. George Zlupko
Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Zorger
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Zuckerman
Ms. Jennifer Zurin
In Honor Of
In honor of Altoona Hospital School of
Nursing Alumni
Mrs. and Mr. Charlotte Conzo
In honor of Audrey Craine
Anonymous
In honor of Doreen R. Fogle
Ms. Barbara Hileman
Ms. Jenn Hofer
In honor of Lori Myers
Ms. Dana Stohon
In Memory Of
In memory of Antonio Anton
Altoona Regional Health System Laboratory
In memory of Gladys L. Brown
Altoona Regional Health System - Supply Chain Department
In memory of Ann Craine
Anonymous
In memory of Family Members with Breast Cancer who are now deceased
Ms. Virginia Wible
In memory of J. Scott Hommer
Mrs. Carol Fleisher
In memory of Oscar Lang
Altoona Regional Health System - Supply Chain Department
In memory of Pam Lind
Altoona Regional Health System Laboratory
In memory of Glover Scheuck
Mrs. Judy P. Lloyd
In memory of Virginia C. Tate
Mrs. Susan Meadows
General
Anonymous (4)
Mr. and Mrs. Jack B. Barton
Bennett Holdings, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. C. Elton Crider
Curve Baseball, LP
Attorney John E. Eberhardt Jr.
Mrs. Dolores M. Fabbri
Mary Jordan Fleck Trust
Mr. Peter Gifttest
Miss Patricia M. Gildea
Mr. and Mrs. Randal Isenberg
Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Kibelbek
Theodore J. Krol - Attorney at Law
Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin I. Levine Jr.
Mrs. Mary L. Lorow
Dr. and Mrs. R. Samuel Magee
Mrs. N.K. Moyer
Penn State Altoona Lion Ambassadors
Proficient Learning, LLC
Mr. Richard Reeder
Ms. Patricia Sheetz
Mr. Marvin L. Snyder
Mr. and Mrs. Edward T. Strong
Mr. and Mrs. James D. Stuart Sr.
Mr. and Mrs. William G. Wallen
Mr. Charles W. Whetstine
Mrs. Ann Wolf
Mr. John W. Zook
In Honor Of
In honor of James W. Barner
Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Schmidt
In honor of Valerie Brumbaugh
Mr. and Mrs. William P. Benzel
In Memory Of
In memory of Ralph Alexander
Mrs. Beverly A. Blackburn
Mr. and Mrs. Carl J. Bullock
Mr. John Urban
In loving memory of Frank “Dutch” Elling
In memory of Dorothy Hoover
Anonymous
In memory of Garnet Hoover
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Turner
In memory of Cleo G. Lukehart
Mrs. Margie M. Burchfield
In memory of Elois Means
In memory of Margaret J. Meloy
Mr. and Mrs. John R. Beyer
Mr. William M. Patterson Jr.
In memory of Linda L. Whited
Anonymous
In memory of Janet Yon
Mrs. Naomi R. Yon
In memory of Lois Young
Mrs. Kathy J. Vincent
How
to give
Through a variety of tax-deductible options, donors are
encouraged to make unrestricted gifts for programs and services
where the need is most urgent. Gifts to Altoona Regional Health
System are tax-deductible as allowed by law and directly impact
the well-being of thousands of patients and families each year. As a donor to Altoona Regional, you have the opportunity to
make a difference for your friends, neighbors and family in the community.
If you would like to make a gift to Altoona Regional Health
System, please contact the Foundation for Life at 814.889.6406
or visit www.altoonaregional.org/gift_ giving.
We have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy
of this list and ask that you please email us at
[email protected] or call 814.889.6406
if you find an error or omission.
Fou n dation e v e nt
will honor ‘exceptional’ contributions
Altoona Regional Health System Foundation for Life’s
second Health Care Honors recognition dinner will take
place March 28 at the Blair County Convention Center,
Altoona.
Health Care Honors is held to recognize exceptional
personal contributions by Altoona Regional board
members and employees, as well as associated health,
safety and social service providers and philanthropists, to improve community health.
Proceeds are used to support a recognized institutional
need. The inaugural Health Care Honors in 2008
recognized retiring president and CEO Jim Barner’s 30 years of service.
Six award categories
The 2011 Health Care Honors dinner will recognize people
in six distinct award recognition categories. Ann Benzel,
chair of the Altoona Regional Health System Foundation
for Life, attributes the decision to increase the number
of awards to the event committee’s work in identifying
exemplary efforts.
“Quite frankly, it was
difficult to limit the number
of categories to six,” she
said. “There are so many
individuals who have
made an impact on the
health of the community
through education,
volunteerism or as health
care professionals. They
deserve recognition for their
community contributions.
“Also this year, because of the challenges facing
health care providers like Altoona Regional, we felt
it important for the Foundation to start recognizing
exceptional philanthropic gifts made by individuals,
businesses, corporations or foundations to Altoona
Regional. Charitable gifts are of growing importance
and are going to play a vital role in shaping the future of health care in our community.”
Nomination forms with selection criteria for each of the Health Care Honors awards are available
at www.altoonaregional.org. Nominations must be submitted to the Foundation no later than
Friday, Jan. 14.
You can get ticket information on the Web site or from the Foundation office, 889.6406.
H E A LT H C A R E H O N O R S
Award categories and criteria
2011
Honorees
Health Care Honors award categories include:
Board of directors award
Recognizes an Altoona Regional board member who has provided outstanding leadership and/or service that has resulted in policies or actions that have improved the quality of health care services or led to improved efficiency and financial performance.
Award of Honor
Recognizes creative, insightful, effective and altruistic leadership by an Altoona Regional employee during his or her lifetime to ensure exceptional health care or essential social support services in the community.
Health Care Professional Award
Recognizes a physician, nurse or allied health care professional who has demonstrated long-term (multiyear or lifetime)
contributions of personal time, talent and/or financial resources to the health system and/or community health or social
service needs. Nominees should be leaders who help set a standard for exceptional and compassionate patient care.
Volunteer Award
Recognizes someone who gives significant personal time and talent to Altoona Regional for the benefit of the health or welfare of our community. Nominees should have a record of long-term, selfless and exceptional dedication to nonprofit health, family service, social welfare or religious organizations that improve our community.
First Responder “Hero” Award
Nominees will have provided exceptional life-sustaining care to a patient or community member. In addition to Altoona Regional employees, nominees can be firefighters, police officers, EMTs or others who performed unselfish acts with a risk to their own life.
Philanthropy Award
Reserved for people, foundations or businesses that have
helped establish a standard of philanthropic giving to
Altoona Regional Health System’s Foundation for Life.
Candidates for this award will have made an exceptional
outright or planned charitable contribution to improve
access to health care or to expand health care programs or
services for the benefit of all members of our community.
Give to honor,
remember or thank
Did you know you can make
a gift online to the Altoona
Regional Health System
Foundation for Life by going
to www.altoonaregional.org
and clicking on Give a Gift?
Using the secure Web site,
make a special tribute gift to
honor or memorialize a loved
one; to celebrate a birthday,
anniversary or special
occasion, or to say “thank
you” for exceptional care
provided to you or a family
member.
Donations made to the
Foundation help support
Altoona Regional’s mission
and ensure access to
exceptional care for all
members of our community.
Remember — your thoughtful
and generous gifts to the
Foundation for Life contribute
to the health and well-being
of all community members.
9
New Pap testing method increases accuracy,
reduces repeat collections
Women who have Pap smear testing for cervical abnormalities and whose
doctors use the Altoona Regional laboratory for testing can rest easier knowing
their sample has been thoroughly screened using state-of-the-art equipment.
The lab’s new technology has been shown to increase the detection rate for
cervical cancer nearly 20 percent, according to the FDA. Also, the collection
process reduces the need for repeat testing.
The new equipment is the BD FocalPoint GS (Guided Screening) Imaging
system, which assists the laboratory’s three-full-time cytotechnologists in
examining 17,000 tests every year, with a turnaround time for each test of 36-48 hours.
“PAP smears are very important to women’s health,” according to lab director
Joe Pufka. “Having the latest technology here to diagnose cervical cancer is a wonderful opportunity.”
First in area with new technology
In addition to cancer, PAP smears detect infections such as fungus and herpes.
“Additional testing for HPV (human papillomavirus), gonorrhea and chlamydia
can also be performed on the liquid-based specimen,” Joe said. “Currently, the specimen is sent to a reference laboratory for the additional testing.
However, we will be doing the HPV testing in-house within the next year.”
Available here since 2007, Focal Point technology uses a computer to assist the cytotechnologist in examining a Pap slide. In 2009, the company refined the technology with Guided Screening and Altoona Regional is the first in the
area to use it.
Becky Illig, CT (ASCP)
“This technology increases the detection rate for
cervical cancer, according to FDA clinical trials,”
cytotechnologist Becky Illig, CT (ASCP) said. “The
detection rate for high-grade dysplasia increased 19.6 percent, and 9.8 percent for low-grade dysplasia.”
Guided Screening highlights 10 areas with the most
significant or abnormal cells, Becky explained. These
areas are conveyed to the cytotechnologist, who takes
a closer look at them, reviews the entire slide and
determines if further evaluation is necessary. If so, the
entire slide is sent to the pathologist for further review
and diagnosis.
HPV
causes most
cervical cancers
Enhanced collection method
“Each patient slide is seen by the cytotechnologist,”
Becky said. “The Guided Screening assists the
cytotechnologist in seeing the most significant areas
and reinforces the cytotechnologist’s expertise in
rendering a diagnosis.”
Another quality measure for the patient is the way the sample for the Pap test is taken.
“We do liquid-based Sure Path process Pap smears,”
Becky said. “We obtain 100 percent collection of
cells because the gynecologist uses a brush to take
the sample from the patient and submits the entire
collection device for processing. We can prepare up to
nine slides from each brush. The process takes out the
blood and inflammation, leaving just cells, and the cells
are much easier to see as the field is much clearer.”
This process results in fewer unsatisfactory results due
to obscured cells or inadequate cell collection, and a
more accurate test result. This means fewer women are
called back to the doctor’s office for a repeat collection.
10
Each day in the United States, 30 women are
diagnosed with cervical cancer (about 11,000
women each year) and 11 die from it.
Top photo:
Becky Illig, Cytology
supervisor, examines a
Pap smear slide.
Bottom photo:
A slide is loaded onto
the Focal Point instrument
to be scanned by the
computerized microscope.
The scan data is forwarded
to the cytotechnologist
for evaluation.
Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix (the lower part
of the uterus that connects to the vagina). Unlike other
cancers, cervical cancer is not considered to be
passed down through family genes. Most cervical
cancers are caused by certain types of a virus —
human papillomavirus, or HPV. Specifically, types 16 and 18 cause 70 percent of cervical cancers.
When a woman is infected with these types of HPV and
the virus doesn’t go away on its own, abnormal cells can
develop in the lining of the cervix. If these abnormal cells
are not found early and treated, precancers and then
cervical cancer can develop.
The progression of this disease can be prevented by
annual visits to your gynecologist. The Pap smear has
reduced the incidence of cervical cancer and drastically
reduced the fatality rate. The introduction of the HPV
vaccine may further diminish the disease.
Talk to your doctor or health care professional if you want to know more about diseases caused by HPV.
Urologist specially
trained in advanced
kidney procedure
Organ removal
offers best chance
of cancer survival
Kidney cancer will cause more than 13,000 deaths this year, and more than 58,000 new cases will be diagnosed.
The Altoona region has a higher-than-average rate of kidney cancer, according to urologist Steven
O. Bossinger, M.D. of Altoona, who said it is likely due to the high rate of cigarette smoking — a known risk factor.
Of the several types of kidney cancer, the most common is renal cell carcinoma, which accounts for nine out of 10 cases. Dr. Bossinger noted that kidney cancer is often found “by accident”
when performing imaging studies for other reasons.
“A patient may have a CT scan for gall bladder symptoms,” he said, “and a small tumor
may show up on the kidney.” He added a hopeful note: “We are finding kidney cancer
when it is smaller and more curable.”
Performs about 60 a year
Unlike other cancers, it does not respond to chemotherapy or radiation treatment, so surgical removal of the kidney offers the greatest chance of survival, he said. And he performs about 60 such laparoscopic procedures a year, drawing patients
from as far away as Pittsburgh.
“Sixty per year is a fairly large volume,” Dr. Bossinger said. “Laparoscopic
nephrectomy (kidney removal) is not routinely offered in a community hospital. Fewer than 33 percent of urologists are trained in this surgery.”
Dr. Bossinger received his laparoscopic nephrectomy training under Dr. Stephen M.
Nikada at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Dr. Bossinger has been performing
the surgery at Altoona Regional for three years, with assistance from general surgeon
Dr. Robert Wertz.
This minimally invasive surgery reduces the patient’s hospital stay to a night or two.
When a kidney is removed using conventional, open-incision surgery, a hospital stay is typically five to seven nights, the doctor said.
About
kidney
cancer
The kidneys are located
just to the left and right
of the spine. The lower
ribcage protects them and
their main job is to filter
blood and help the body
get rid of excess water,
salt and waste products
by making urine. The
urine travels through long,
thin tubes (ureters) to the
bladder, where it is stored
until you urinate.
According to the American
Cancer Society, early
kidney cancer does not
usually cause any signs or
symptoms. Possible signs
and symptoms in later
stages include:
• Blood in urine
• Low back pain on one
side (not from injury)
• A mass or lump on the
side or lower back
• Tiredness
• Weight loss, if you are not trying to lose weight
• Fever that doesn’t go
away after a few weeks
and that is not from an
infection
• Swelling of ankles and legs
Risk factors include:
Quicker recovery
“The overwhelming majority of kidney cancer patients are
candidates for this less invasive surgery,” he said. “Recovery time
is much quicker — one month compared to six or eight weeks.
There is less chance of morbidity (complications) and a quicker
return to normal activities and work.”
In stark contrast to traditional surgery, which requires a six-inch incision from the mid-back to the front, this surgery
is performed through multiple small incisions in the
abdomen. This difference in incisions accounts for the difference in recovery times.
The five-year survival rate for cancer that has not
spread beyond the kidney is 81 percent, according
to the American Cancer Society. The same survival
rate for kidney cancer diagnosed in the late stages,
after it has spread to the lungs, brain and bones, is about 8 percent.
• Smoking
• Obesity
The American Cancer
Society also cites many
studies that suggest
exposure to certain
chemicals increase the
risk of kidney cancer.
Some of these
are asbestos,
cadmium
(a type of
metal), some
herbicides,
benzene
and organic
solvents.
“Removal of the kidney is really the only viable
curative treatment,” Dr. Bossinger said. “And, as
with most cancers, early detection is critical.”
Contact:
Steven O. Bossinger, M.D.
1701 12th Ave., Bldg. E
Altoona, PA 16601
941.7304
11
Steven O.
Bossinger, M.D.
Altoona Hospital Campus
620 Howard Avenue
Altoona, PA 16601-4899
A nonprofit community health care system
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Altoona Regional
Health System
Change Service Requested
ASK THE SPECIALIST
Dr. Henry C. Wong is a board certified
urologist with Blair Medical Associates.
At what age should a man begin
screening for prostate
cancer?
The trend now is
to start prostate
cancer screening at age
40 for all males because
prostate cancer tends to
be more aggressive in
the younger male, is most
treatable when identified
early, and the cost of
screening with PSA is
lower than before. We
know that earlier screening
will help reduce prostate
cancer-related deaths by
25 percent. Treatment
of early-stage prostate
cancer is much better
than waiting and treating
advanced cancer when
symptoms appear. So
at age 40 I recommend
screening with a blood
test and a digital rectal
exam during the annual
physical. This is supported
by the American Urological
Association.
What treatment options exist for prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer
treatment is very
individualized based on the
cancer’s aggressiveness,
volume and spread,
along with the patient’s
age and overall health.
It is a decision made
between the patient and
doctor. I am comfortable
with discussing with
the patient treatments
such as radiation
seeds (brachytherapy),
cryotherapy, radical
surgery and robotic
options. In the discussion
of risk and benefits,
the greatest focus is
on impotence and
incontinence, which should
be compared between the
different treatments. As
a surgeon who performs
these procedures, I seek
the best outcome by
preserving function without
compromising cancer
treatment.
What is prostate enlargement?
Benign prostate enlargement
probably starts in the
40s and may be due to
increased prostate male
hormone levels but is not
fully understood. Most
men become symptomatic
in their 50s-60s, and
because of the prostate’s
location beneath the
bladder outlet, it causes
obstruction of the part of
the urethra that passes
through the middle of the
prostate gland, making
urination and bladder
emptying increasingly
difficult with time.
are medications we can
try to improve urinary
function and its associated
symptoms. Today we
have highly sophisticated
fourth-generation lasers
with much less morbidity
than the standard surgery
we did 20 years ago. Laser
results in little to no blood
loss and the patient usually
goes home the same day.
What are the symptoms and is
treatment available?
Is there anything a man can do to keep
his prostate healthy?
Common complaints
include urinary
frequency (going more
often) and waking up
at night more often to
urinate. Men may also note
a weaker urine stream,
hesitancy (takes more
time to start flow) and not
feeling satisfied that the
bladder is empty after
voiding. Some have to
urinate again 5-10 minutes
after voiding because they
are not emptying. There
p
r
be beneficial but, again,
nothing has been proven.
Investing in men’s vitamins
and eating fruits and
vegetables can’t hurt!
Difficult to answer
because there are
no double-blinded
prospective studies to
prove what we observe:
that high levels of zinc,
selenium and lycopenes
are found in healthy
prostates. There are many
supplements and vitamins
with these added. Lifestyle
factors such as a low-fat
diet high in Vitamin C may
o
f
i
l
e
Dr. Henry C. Wong is board certified by the American Board of Urology. He received his
medical degree from Rush Medical College, Chicago, Ill. He did his internship at Naval
Hospital, Portsmouth, Va., and his residency at Naval Medical Center, San Diego, Calif.
During his naval career, he lived overseas. He came to Altoona from Seattle, Wash.
Contact: Blair Medical Associates Urology, 601 Hawthorne Drive, Suite 100,
Hollidaysburg; phone 946.1655.
12

New outpatient station

Transcription

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