2014 Fall HealthQuest Magazine

A publication of

FALL 2014

Six community volunteers join Board of Trustees 23

HealthQuestSkagit Regional Health

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Orthopedics andSports Medicine

Three surgeons joinSkagit Regional Clinics 4

10 new residents,10 new students join ranks

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Patient portals link you to your health information

SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH2

Saturday, Nov. 299:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Blitzen’s Breakfast Sponsored by InSight Healthcare Architecture

12 noon – 5 p.m. Family Festival DaySponsored by Skagit Bank

Sunday, Nov. 3010 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Family Festival DaySponsored by Thomas Cuisine Management

Festival proceeds benefit the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center Project

at Skagit Valley Hospital.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

360-814-5747 or www.skagitvalleyhospitalfoundation.org

Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, 5:30 p.m.

Saint Joseph Center215 North 15th St.

Mount Vernon, WA

Sponsored by Mountain Glen Retirement Community

SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

AND ASSOCIATED PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

PRESENT

Safety

Gregg Agustín Davidson, FACHEChief Executive Officer

Skagit Regional Health is committed to embracing a Culture of Safety. What does it mean to have a Culture of Safety? It means that you can be assured that the safety of our patients, their families, our providers, our staff – all who pass through our doors – comes first in all we do.

A Culture of Safety means teamwork. A team of people, from doctors, nurses and pharmacists to technicians and volunteers, who are assembled in our clinics and hospital to provide our patients with a seamless, safe health care experience.

A Culture of Safety means commitment. Each member of our team shares and displays this dedication to safety, continuously looking for ways to improve the patient experience.

A Culture of Safety means transparent communication. Our health care team is trained to ask questions, share information, audit results and report back, involving every member of the team, most importantly the patient.

A Culture of Safety means listening. Our teams include active patient participation in decisions about their treatment.

A Culture of Safety means taking feedback. We gather input from our patients in person, through surveys, on comment cards, e-mails and phone calls. We appreciate each comment and work hard to put good ideas and opportunities for improvement into action.

A Culture of Safety means helping our community be well, preventing illness and injury. Our work on safety stretches well beyond the walls of our health care facilities and into the community, serving as a resource, educator, helper and leader in promoting prevention.

A Culture of Safety means connecting with the community. We enjoy the opportunity to connect in person, but also know that we can be in touch via our Web sites, www.srclinics.org and www.skagitregionalhealth.org, on Facebook, on YouTube and by offering patients access to your health care information via secure online patient portals.

We are working together at Skagit Regional Health to make sure each team member is moving ahead to improve, promote and actively participate in our Culture of Safety.

GALA &AUCTION

Creating a Culture of

3HealthQuest FALL 2014

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

HealthQuest

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HealthQuest ClassesStanwood and Camano Island

HealthQuest ClassesMount Vernon

HealthQuest ClassRegistration

Six join Board of Trustees; ParTee a success!

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COVER PHOTOOrthopedic surgeons Rob Lipscomb, MD, Richard Williamson, MD and Chris Kweon, MD join Skagit Regional Clinics – Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, serving patients at SRC – Riverbend on Freeway Drive.Photo by Linda Wright

FALL 2014 / VOLUME 11 / ISSUE 3

Orthopedics and Sports MedicinePractice opens at Skagit Regional Clinics – Riverbend

Graduate Medical Education adds 10 residents, 10 students

Patient portals Provide secure link to your health information

WHERE TO FIND USIn Person:Main Skagit Valley Hospital entrance located on Hospital Parkway in Mount Vernon.

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

On the Web:www.skagitregionalhealth.org

Find a Doctor Phone Line:360-848-5555 or 360-629-5850

SKAGIT REGIONAL CLINICSAnacortes: 360-293-0308Anacortes Urology: 360-293-2173Camano Island: 360-387-5398Cardiology: 360-336-9757Mount Vernon: 360-428-2500Oak Harbor: 360-639-3093Riverbend: 360-814-6800Sedro-Woolley: 360-856-4222Stanwood: 360-629-1600

CASCADE SKAGIT HEALTH ALLIANCEArlington: 360-618-5000

SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL REGIONAL CANCER CARE CENTERIn Person:307 South 13th St., Ste. 100Mount Vernon, WA

By Phone:Phone: 360-814-2146Fax: 360-814-2445

THE BREAST INSTITUTE360-814-8148

SKAGIT VALLEY KIDNEY CENTER AND WOUND HEALING CENTER208 Hospital ParkwayMount Vernon, WAKidney: 360-814-8260Wound: 360-814-2600

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


Skagit Regional Clinics

“We are very pleased to be able to offer orthopedics and sports medicine services within Skagit Regional Clinics,” said Chief Administrative Officer Jane Root of Skagit Regional Clinics. “We have a commitment to our community to provide a comprehensive, locally

Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Clinic Opens

RICHARD WILLIAMSON, MD is a well-established, highly regarded orthopedist with many years of experience on the Skagit Regional Health medical staff. Dr. Williamson is a graduate of the University of California San Diego and completed his residency at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Dr. Williamson has been a member of the Skagit Valley Hospital medical staff since 1988.

Dr. Williamson said he enjoys treating patients with a wide variety of orthopedic conditions, although his special interest is in disorders of the knee. Dr. Williamson is one of the most experienced partial knee replacement surgeons in the country and he has designed minimally invasive, and computer assisted instrumentation systems currently utilized around the world. Dr. Williamson is a co-designer of one of the most successful partial knee implants used today. He continues to lecture and participate in surgeon training workshops presented around the country and has trained hundreds of surgeons in the techniques of partial knee replacement surgery. Surgeons from around the United States, Canada and Europe have visited Dr. Williamson to observe him in surgery and he has published several publications on techniques and principles of partial knee surgery.

“I am excited to be joining Skagit

Regional Clinics and to be working closely with Drs. Lipscomb, and Kweon, who share a commitment to provide high-quality orthopedic and sports medicine care to all patients of the region,” he said.


P R O V I D E R S

available array of specialties, and that includes orthopedics.”

The clinic opened in August and is located on the second floor of the new Skagit Regional Clinics – Riverbend on Freeway Drive in Mount Vernon. For an appointment, call 814-BONE.

Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is back at Skagit Regional Clinics with the successful recruitment of three orthopedic surgeons and a physician assistant.


TINA MULLEN, PA-C, received Physician Assistant (PA) and Family Nurse Practitioner certificates from the Primary Care Associate Program at the Stanford University School of Medicine. She was a Registered Nurse for many years prior to her advanced training, working in Skagit and Whatcom counties. She practiced as a PA in orthopedics for several years in Skagit County, previously working with Dr. Williamson. Most recently, she has worked for Beacon OHSS out of Anchorage, Alaska practicing urgent/emergent care and occupational medicine in the Arctic.

Ms. Mullen said she is excited to be returning to practice in Skagit County. “I am looking forward to working with a talented and compassionate group of surgeons, providing the highest level of orthopedic care to our local community,” she said. “I believe that all patients deserve the highest level of care, and it is my goal to help provide and facilitate that care.”

CHRISTOPHER KWEON, MD, will join the group in September. Dr. Kweon grew up in western Washington where he went to college and medical school at the University of Washington. His interest in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine was sparked through the interactions he had while taking care of collegiate athletes at the University of Washington as well as professional athletes when he was an intern athletic trainer with the Seattle Seahawks.

Ultimately, Dr. Kweon chose to obtain a fellowship in Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery at the University of Michigan where he was directly involved in the care of hundreds of student athletes both at the University of Michigan and at Eastern Michigan University, performing numerous open and arthroscopic surgical procedures.

Dr. Kweon’s primary interests lie in taking care of patients of all ranges from the middle school soccer player or high school pitcher to the avid fisherman or recreational racquetball athlete.

“My goal is to help all patients who have sustained injuries or have problems that prevent them from getting back to sports or an active lifestyle,” he said.

Dr. Kweon has published and presented on numerous orthopedic topics including rotator cuff tears and shoulder pain, ligament injuries of the knee, and cartilage restoration and preservation surgery.

ROB LIPSCOMB, MD has extensive experience in orthopedic surgery in the United States and abroad. He graduated from Duke University Medical School and completed his orthopedic training at the University of Colorado Medical Center in Denver. He served as an orthopedic consultant in Australia from 2008 to 2010 and recently was an orthopedic consultant at Changi General Hospital, a teaching institution in Singapore.

Dr. Lipscomb is a member of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (Australia) and certified by the Singapore Specialist Board as well as the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Although he expects his practice to include the range of orthopedic conditions, Dr. Lipscomb has a special interest in reconstructive surgery of the hip, knee and shoulder. His international experience adds perspective to his years of experience in orthopedic surgery in the United States.

“I am especially excited by the cooperative and collegial attitude of the new Orthopedics and Sports Medicine department at Skagit Regional Clinics,” Dr. Lipscomb said. “The four of us look forward to working closely together, offering a wide range of expertise and experience, and thus giving each individual patient the best orthopedic care available.”

P R O V I D E R S



Campus of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Outside of his work, Dr. Cagle can often be found writing and recording unique musical compositions, helping friends or spending time with his wife and two dogs.

6 - COLLIN DE LA HOUSSAYE, DO grew up in New England. He completed medical school at A. T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Missouri. New to the Northwest, de la Houssaye and his wife look forward to making the Skagit Valley their home. Dr. de la Houssaye loves the outdoors and also enjoys reading, drawing, painting, watching movies and woodworking projects.

2 - JENNIFER FITZGERALD, DO was born and raised in the Kansas City area. She received a degree in Sociology from the University of Kansas and a Master’s in Bioethics at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, where she also completed medical school. Dr. Fitzgerald is a huge soccer fan and also enjoys dance and running in her free time.

10 - BOB LY, DO was born and raised in Washington and graduated with a business degree from Western Washington University. He worked in software development for three years before deciding to pursue medicine. Dr. Ly received his medical degree from Midwestern University - Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. In his spare time, he enjoys working out, cheering on the Seahawks, Mariners and Sounders and spending time with his family.

FAMILY MEDICINE: 3 - JANICE GATZKE, DO attended

college when her sons were teenagers and vividly remembers doing calculus and chemistry homework while waiting in the high school parking lot to pick up her sons. Dr. Gatzke graduated from the University of California, Merced and attended medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, Florida. She finds osteopathic manipulation, women’s health and geriatrics to be especially interesting and plans to integrate these into her practice. She enjoys beading, quilting, crocheting and day hiking with her husband.

7 - TARA NAIR, DO was born in England and lived in the Netherlands and Canada before her family settled in Redmond. She received a Bachelors of Science in Biology from Seattle University and attended medical school at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) in Yakima. In her free time, Dr. Nair loves to travel, cook and shoe shop.

new residents join program; open to see patients at Residency Clinic

The Graduate Medical Education program at Skagit Regional Health continues to grow. Six new Family Medicine residents and four new Internal Medicine residents arrived in July bringing the total number of residents in the program to 21.

“The growth of our residency program is really a dream come true for our organization and community,” said Jeanne Rupert, DO, Director of Graduate Medical Education for Skagit Regional Health.

All of the residents graduated from medical school with a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree. They are continuing training through Skagit Regional Health’s three-year residency programs. Residency includes teaching time with local physician faculty and direct patient care. The residents see patients at Skagit Regional Clinics – Residency Clinic, located at 819 S. 13th Street, Mount Vernon.

INTERNAL MEDICINE:1 - JOHN CAGLE, DO was born and

raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana, before relocating to Atlanta. Through employment and volunteer opportunities, he fell in love with medicine in his late teens and pursued a chemistry degree at Kennesaw State University. Dr. Cagle earned his medical degree at the Georgia

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4 - FUMIKO NAUGHTON, DO was born in Tokyo, Japan. She spent part of her early childhood in northern California. Dr. Naughton received her undergraduate degree from Keio University in Tokyo and completed her medical degree at A.T. Still University – School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona. Dr. Naughton’s special interests include osteopathic manipulative medicine, movement therapy and integrative medicine. She is grateful to call the Pacific Northwest her home, along with her husband, teenage son and two extremely fluffy kitties.

5 - RACHEL REESE, DO earned her Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition from Oregon State University before attending PNWU. Her interests include preventative care, sports medicine and women’s health. Outside of the office, Dr. Reese can be found spending time with her husband and son, gardening, or out trail running.

9 - CHRISTOPHER SCHWARTZ, DO was born in Boston, Massachusetts, but spent much of his childhood in Sammamish, Washington. His interest in medicine began while taking a class in medical anthropology at the University of Washington and further developed after a trip to Cameroon in West Africa where he traveled with local nurses. Dr. Schwartz attended medical school at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona. Most of Dr. Schwartz’s free time is spent with his wife and three children at the park, playing games, and watching movies.

8 - CRAIG THOM, DO was born in Seattle, but spent much of his childhood in Southern California. Dr. Thom has a degree in English Literature and helped found the Portland Waldorf School, where he taught for many years. He also spent four years in Europe working with people with disabilities in Camphill Communities before pursuing a career in medicine. He attended medical school at Western University of Health Sciences – College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Lebanon, Oregon. In his free time, Dr. Thom enjoys his family, hiking, kayaking, gardening and plays the piano.

Milestone for Graduate Medical Education Program:First two residents complete program

Skagit Regional Health’s Family Medicine Residency Program passed a milestone in July as the first two residents completed their studies and headed out to serve as practicing physicians in their home communities.

“You are the first and we couldn’t be more pleased and happy for you,” Chief Executive Officer Gregg Davidson said at a celebration in honor of Tania Hernandez, DO and Mary Pendergrass, DO.

Graduate Medical Education Director Jeanne Rupert, DO, described her heart as “ready to burst and filled with admiration” for the two students who entered the fledgling program two years ago as transfers and finished as accomplished providers.

Drs. Hernandez and Pendergrass expressed appreciation to the many physicians who invested time and attention as teachers and mentors.

“We have received the best education by your example,” Dr. Pendergrass said.

ABOVE: Jeanne Rupert, DO, Director of Graduate Medical Education, Mary Pendergrass, DO, Joshua Griggs, MD and Tania Hernandez, DO.

TANIA HERNANDEZ, DO, spent her childhood in Mexico City and moved as a teenager to Monroe. She attended the University of Washington and graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania. She completed an internship at Chino Medical Center in California. Dr. Hernandez passed her boards in April. In July, she started work for SeaMar in her home town of Monroe. Dr. Hernandez has two daughters, ages 4 and 9. She plans to be involved with a crossfit gym and volunteer as a gymnastics coach.

MARY PENDERGRASS, DO, grew up in Missouri, received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and graduated from A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri. She completed a traditional rotating internship at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City, MO. She plans to move to southwest Missouri to work at a rural family medicine clinic in Willow Springs. In her spare time, she will be working with one of her favorite mentors providing sports medicine for local high school teams, enjoying the beautiful Ozark hills, and looks forward to living close to her family for the first time in 11 years.



begin rotationsA new group of ten third-year medical students from Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) in Yakima arrived in July for two years of rotations at Skagit Regional Health. The group includes:

5 - DAVID BARNETT graduated from Eastern Oregon University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and went on to study Public Health as a post graduate. His research includes creating genetic profiles of epidemic bark beetles and analyzing gene expression of pleuripotent stem cells induced to form neural tubes in the presence of teratogenic compounds. Barnett is an avid martial artist and said he enjoys “any activity that involves throwing, catching, or striking spherical objects.”

9 - ERIKA BJORKLUND was born and raised in Skagit County and attended Western Washington University. As a future physician, Bjorklund’s goal is to provide holistic care for people affected by neurological disorders. She has been involved in the Huntington’s Disease Society of America since 2008 and is currently a Northwest Chapter Board Member.

6 - SARAH CHRISTIANSON graduated from Lehigh University with a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience. Christianson was born and raised in Juneau, Alaska and is passionate about promoting health in low resource and geographically rural communities. Christianson enjoys traveling, experimenting with culturally diverse foods and catching up on movies in the company of friends and family.

New PNWU students

8 - SHIRIN FAZEL-HASHEMI received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Washington. Born and raised in Mukilteo, she has a strong desire to practice primary care in the Pacific Northwest. During her first two years in medical school, she served in leadership roles at the Yakima Union Gospel Mission

Free Clinic as well as in the Pediatric and Spanish

Clubs. Her extracurricular activities include hiking, photography, and music.

3 - ALEX FRIEDMAN is originally from

Seattle and attended Gonzaga University

in Spokane where he received a Bachelor of Science

in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in Biological Sciences. At PNWU, Friedman served as the Vice President of the Student American Academy of Osteopathy-PNWU Chapter as well as the Vice President of the Wilderness Medicine Club. He volunteered as a student doctor at a free community health clinic in Yakima where he helped establish osteopathic manipulative medicine clinics. Outside of medicine, he enjoys spending time with his family and hiking throughout the Pacific Northwest.

7 - GILES GIFFORD spent two years working for Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center and five years working as an EMT and Field Training Officer in Seattle prior to starting medical school. Gifford serves as the president of the Emergency Medicine Club, is a clinical skills recitation leader and is a chair holder of both the EMS and Publications committees for the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians. Gifford and his wife have a baby daughter.

10 - MARI HAMMERQUIST grew up in Woodinville and knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue a career in medicine. She attended Western Washington University and graduated with a degree in Biochemistry. She worked for several years before starting medical school at PNWU in 2012. In her spare time, Hammerquist enjoys knitting, cooking, baking, and spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys Frisbee golf and scuba diving.


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As a child, Dr. David Kanze appreciated the way his doctor took time during appointments to provide education about the human body, tests that were ordered, and procedures being performed. These interactions piqued his interest in medicine.

After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Hebrew and Jewish Studies from Temple University in Philadelphia, Dr. Kanze attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He went on to complete a Family Practice/Neuromuscular Medicine residency program at Botsford Hospital in Detroit.

During his medical training, Dr. Kanze perceived that medicine was moving away from the personal approach that he valued during his childhood. He wanted to practice medicine with the same hands-on, individualized approach that drew him to a career in medicine.

Dr. Kanze, or “Dr. Dave” as he likes to be called, cares for patients of all ages at Skagit Regional Clinics’ Residency Clinic in Mount Vernon. He works with each patient to develop a unique treatment plan to help them

become as healthy as possible.

Many of his patients benefit from Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), which includes gentle stretching, pressure and resistance to help move joints and muscles. OMT has been shown to both treat and prevent illness and injury.

In addition to OMT, Dr. Kanze enjoys sports medicine and adolescent medicine.

Dr. Kanze is board certified in Family Medicine/Osteopathic Manipulative treatment as well as Neuromuscular Medicine.

In May, he relocated from Colorado to serve as the Family Medicine Residency Program Director for the Skagit Regional Health Graduate Medical Education Program. In that role, Dr. Kanze helps to guide the residents through their training, in addition to caring for his own patients. His goal is for all of his Family Medicine residents to score more than 90 percent on their board exams, be happy, and to stay and practice in Skagit County.

Outside of the office, Dr. Kanze likes to travel. He has a passion for international medicine and has participated in medical mission trips to Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Peru, and China. He also enjoys photography, hiking, playing hockey, and spending time with his wife, Kylie, and their two young children.

share timeDoctor to

with patients, students

4 - RACHAEL MURPHY worked for 11 years in an HIV and Infectious Disease Clinic before deciding to pursue her medical degree. While at PNWU, she served in student government as Senator for Campus Programs and was Co-Director for the Union Gospel Mission Medical Clinic in Yakima. She also held offices in both the Family Planning and Behavioral Medicine Clubs. In her free time, she enjoys photography, art, and the outdoors.

1 - MOHSEN SOOFIAN is from Kirkland, though he spent time in Oklahoma, Texas and Illinois during his childhood. He dreamed of becoming a physician from a young age. Soofian received a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Washington. He enjoys international travel, sports cars, hiking, and snow sports.

2 - AZY ZANGENEH grew up in Texas and completed her undergraduate education at the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Human Biology. She worked at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston while completing a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology at UT Health Science Center-Houston. Zangeneh’s hobbies include spending time with her husband and family, baking, playing the violin, gardening, travel, and photography.

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Global experiences help General Surgeon’s careerwas tasked with training medics, maintaining the health of the battalion, and providing medical care on the battlefield. In addition, his platoon opened a free health clinic

for local Afghan citizens.

Upon completion of his second tour of duty, Dr. Dean and his wife moved to Seattle to complete his general surgery residency at Virginia Mason Medical Center.

Dr. Dean said he enjoys general surgery because it allows him to treat a wide

variety of health problems. General surgeons must blend medicine and surgery, he said. There are few fields that cover such a breadth and depth of medical knowledge and technical skill.

One of the most important aspects of his job, he said, is having good surgical judgment; knowing when to operate, when not to operate, and how to handle any unforeseen difficulties that arise, whether during surgery or in the perioperative period.

Dr. Dean joined the General Surgery team at Skagit Regional Clinics in September. He enjoys all aspects of General Surgery, but has a special interest in endocrine surgeries for the thyroid and parathyroid,

stomach surgery for reflux disease, and minimally invasive colorectal, small bowel and hernia surgeries.

Outside of the office and operating room, Dr. Dean likes to travel. He has visited more than 30 countries on six continents. His most recent travels took him to India on a medical mission trip. He also enjoys rock climbing, mountaineering, hunting, woodworking, gardening, philosophy, and spending time with his wife and two young sons.

Dr. Joel Dean’s interest in medicine began during a trip to Papua New Guinea as a teenager. He spent the summer as a volunteer building a school in a remote village along the Sepik River. During that trip, he saw a great number of people who were in need of medical care, but had very limited access. “It was eye opening,” he said.

Dr. Dean was born in Portland, Oregon but spent much of his childhood in England. He returned to the United States to complete his undergraduate degree at Cedarville University in Ohio. He enjoyed his pre-med classes and was encouraged to continue pursuing a career in medicine.

Dr. Dean received his medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri followed by a year-long General Surgery Internship at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey.

After the completion of his internship, Dr. Dean spent four years as a Battalion Surgeon in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Vicenza, Italy and served two combat tours in Afghanistan with the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry (Airborne) Regiment. As the medical platoon leader, he

General Surgery offers minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, surgical oncology, vascular surgery, thoracic surgery for the lung and esophagus, endocrine surgery (thyroid and parathyroid), care for breast disease, hernia repair, varicose vein treatment and screening endoscopies.

• Joel Dean, MD• Michael Erie, MD• Joshua Hawkins, MD• Morris Johnson, MD• Steven Lee, MD

To schedule a general surgery consultation, please call Skagit Regional Clinics at 360-428-2586.

GENERAL SURGERY

Our surgeons include:


Skagit Regional Clinics adds dermatologistSamuel Wilson, DO credits

his interest in medicine to his mother, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) who worked at a long-term care facility during his childhood. He would often visit her at work.

“Seeing the impact that she had on her patients had a lasting impression on me,” said Dr. Wilson.

So, he decided to follow in her footsteps and pursue a career in medicine.

Dr. Wilson attended medical school at Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia. He went on to complete an internship at University Hospitals Richmond Medical Center and a dermatology

residency at LewisGale Hospital Montgomery in Blackburg.

Specializing in dermatology has allowed Dr. Wilson to treat his patients as a whole and positively impact their mind, body and spirit.

“The skin is the largest organ and one of the first things that people notice about you,” Dr. Wilson said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

11HealthQuest FALL 2014 11HealthQuest FALL 2013

Pulmonologist joins Skagit Regional Clinics

Leigh Anderson, MD developed a love of science early in life. When she needed to have knee surgery as a teen, she found the caring, compassionate nature of her surgeon inspiring. That experience, coupled with her interest in science, lead her to pursue a career in medicine.

Dr. Anderson received her medical degree from the University of Nevada School of Medicine in Reno. She remained at the University of Nevada for her Internal Medicine residency training. She then moved to Omaha, Nebraska to complete a Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep and Allergy Medicine fellowship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Dr. Anderson joined the Skagit Regional Clinics’ pulmonology department in August.

“Pulmonary medicine is an extension of internal medicine and

it encompasses many different diseases: infections, cancers, environmental, rheumatologic and musculoskeletal,” she said.

Dr. Anderson cares for patients with a variety of lung conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, emphysema, interstitial lung disease, lung nodules and lung cancer.

She looks forward to getting to know her new patients and developing long-term relationships with them.

She enjoys teaching and hopes to have involvement in Skagit Regional Health’s Graduate Medical Education program in the future.

When she is not in the office, Dr. Anderson enjoys hiking, traveling, reading, dancing and spending time with her dogs.

Skagit Valley Hospital welcomes new hospitalistsSkagit Valley Hospital recently

welcomed two new hospitalists to the team of internists who provide round-the-clock care for adult patients in the hospital.

Samuel Donohoe, MD and Ihab Ibrahim, MD, MPH arrived in August.

Dr. Donohoe attended medical school at the University of Washington in Seattle. He went on to complete an Internal Medicine internship and residency at the University of California San Diego Medical Center. He stayed at UCSD Medical Center following his

residency, working as an assistant clinical professor in the Division of

Hospital Medicine.

Dr. Ibrahim has 12 years of experience as a hospitalist. He attended medical school at the University of Alexandria and completed an internship at Cabrini Medical

Center in New York followed by an Internal Medicine residency at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu. After residency, Dr. Ibrahim completed a fellowship at the University of

Hawaii Cancer Research Center and a Master’s of Public Health at

the University of Hawaii. Dr. Ibrahim is fluent in English, Arabic, French, German and Spanish.

Both new hospitalists are board certified in Internal Medicine.

Skagit Valley Hospital’s adult hospitalist program began in 2005. A pediatric hospitalist program

began in 2011 in partnership with Seattle Children’s.

Dr. Wilson said he has seen firsthand the emotional toll that acne and rashes can have on his patients. This leads to a great sense of satisfaction when he is able to treat the underlying skin condition, improving the emotional state of the patient and helping them to feel better about themselves.

Dr. Wilson joined Skagit Regional Clinics in August and treats patients of all ages at the clinic’s new Riverbend location. He cares for patients with eczema, psoriasis, acne, rashes and other conditions of the skin, hair and nails. In addition, he provides dermatologic surgery for mole and skin cancer removal.

Outside of the office, Dr. Wilson spends time with his wife and young children. He also enjoys fishing, camping and hiking, in addition to golf and other sports.

DermatologistCONTINUED


my goal!”

Foundation works on project so others can reach goals

I reached“

Susan Ragan of Mount Vernon says she is feeling good and is back to one of her favorite activities — swimming.

Returning to the pool was her goal as she entered the Cardiac Rehabilitation program at Skagit Valley Hospital in January, after having triple bypass heart surgery at the University of Washington last November.

“Cardiac Rehabilitation was recommended by my physicians at the UW and they encouraged me to find a program in my community,” Ragan said. “This one came highly recommended and it’s so convenient for me.”

The comprehensive program of exercise, education and behavior modification addresses the issues of heart disease and presents strategies for participants to maintain a healthy, heart-fit lifestyle.

“This program got me back in the habit of exercise,” Ragan said. “They showed me what I could accomplish with exercise, without risk, and helped me to recognize my limits and find a comfort level.”

At the outset, participants are asked to set goals.

“I wanted to get back to swimming and I am,” said Ragan, who swims regularly at the Skagit Valley Family YMCA. “So, I reached my goal.”

Ragan praised the staff as compassionate and having a sense of humor, which made it fun to attend the program several times each week.

Ragan acknowledged that the program is confined to a small space with outdated equipment.

“Some days, it was very full,” she said. “I would guess that this program

will continue to grow, but there is no room to add people.”

The good news is that the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation plans to fully fund the completion of space in the hospital’s garden level for a new Cardiac Rehabilitation Center. The Foundation is raising $410,000 to build the new center (see also, page 24).

“We know that millions of people across the United States suffer from

cardiovascular disease every year. So, when the Foundation learned that the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center was significantly under sized to handle the 600 patient visits per month, this project seemed like a natural fit for our Board to focus their energies,” said Chris Cammock, president of the Foundation Board and co-chair of the fund-raising campaign. “It personally touched my life when my father suffered a heart attack resulting in a quadruple bypass. Fortunately, he survived and began cardiac rehab program. The exercise treatment grew into a regular part of his daily life.”

“I am very excited about this new project. Having been a health and fitness teacher for 35 years, I spent every day trying to educate young people about the importance of a good diet, regular exercise and healthy choices on their cardiovascular systems. You could say this project is close to my ‘heart,’ ” said Christie Peterson, Foundation board member and co-chair of the fund-raising campaign. “It is also very personal to me. I lost my father when I was 16 after he had his second heart attack. He did not have the benefit of such a wonderful program. I want all our patients to have access to that care in order to live a longer and happier life for themselves and for their families.”


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Skagit River

Riverbend Mount Vernon

2320 Freeway Dr. • 360-814-6800College Way

Freeway D

r.

Riverside Dr.

Urgent Care

Robert Digman, MD recently joined Skagit Regional Clinics, which offers two urgent care locations in Mount Vernon – one on the clinic’s main campus near Skagit Valley Hospital and the other at Skagit Regional Clinics – Riverbend on Freeway Drive.

“I have always enjoyed being available for patients’ urgent care medical needs,” said Dr. Digman, who has more than 20 years of experience as an urgent care physician.

Dr. Digman is a graduate of the University of Nevada School of Medicine and completed his residency training at The Medical Center in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. He is board certified in Family Medicine.

Urgent care is available to treat non-life threatening illnesses and injuries in

urgent careVeteran

joins Skagit Regional Clinics

Check urgent care wait times: www.srclinics.org

patients of all ages. Sprains, strains, lacerations, fractures and common illnesses, such as colds, flu, bronchitis,

sinusitis, ear infections, intestinal illness and pneumonia, are frequently treated in urgent care.

Skagit Regional Clinics’ urgent care locations are open weekdays from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and on weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. offering patients timely access to medical care without an appointment.

Cascade Skagit Health Alliance, a partnership between Skagit Regional Health and Cascade Valley

Hospital, offers urgent care in Arlington from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30

p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.

physician

226

226

Skagit Valley Hospital

Urgent Care

Mount Vernon

1400 E. Kincaid St. • 360-428-6434

Broad St.

Kincaid St.

S. 13 St.

206

206

Urgent Care

Arlington3823 172nd St. NE • 360-657-8700

172nd St. NE

Smokey Point Blvd.

URGENT CARE LOCATIONS:

Administrative fellow joins Skagit Regional Health

Jonathan Lyons, MHPA, joined Skagit Regional Health in July for a one-year administrative fellowship.

Lyons graduated in May with a Master’s in Health Policy and Administration from Washington State

University’s Spokane campus. He holds an undergraduate degree in health care administration from BYU-Idaho.

During his one-year fellowship, Lyons will be doing rotations and working with members of

the Skagit Regional Health executive team as well as service line leaders to map out a variety of projects.

“This fellowship allows me the opportunity to receive a high level, intense education on how health systems work and how SRH is moving forward in its changing environment,” Lyons said.

“The community is a huge pull for us,” said Lyons, noting he and his wife, Melissa, and daughters ages 4 and 2, enjoy the outdoors and look forward to experiencing all the Northwest has to offer.


Two patient portals offering you secure access to your records, information and results

A world of health care information is available at your desktop or smart phone at Skagit Regional Health’s pair of new Web sites. Both sites offer enhanced interactive opportunities and current information on programs and services available right here, close to home.

FEATURES INCLUDE:

• Access to our patient portals where patients can gain secure access to their health information.

• Sign up for classes and screenings• Learn details of programs and services• Pay a bill• Find maps and directions to the

our 10 Skagit Regional Clinics locations and Skagit Valley Hospital

• Make a donation to the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation

• Check wait times at our two Mount Vernon Urgent Care clinics

Check us out online: and www.srclinics.org

www.skagitregionalhealth.org

Skagit Regional Clinics MyEChart: Exclusively for patients with Skagit Regional Clinics, MyEChart launched in 2013 and is a secure, online tool that helps patients easily manage their health. Patients who register for MyEChart have convenient, 24/7 access to their personal health information from anywhere that has an Internet connection. In addition, patients have the ability to request appointments and medication refills, receive appointment reminders, review their patient plan after each visit, e-mail questions to their health care provider and receive test results through MyEChart.

MyEChart also provides patients with tools to more efficiently facilitate

their care, offering a trustworthy source of educational material through a health library.

Patients must be established with a Skagit Regional Clinics provider and must provide a valid E-mail address to staff in order to enroll in MyEChart. For more information about MyEChart, visit: www.srclinics.org/MyEChart

Skagit Valley Hospital Patient Portal: Patients receiving care at Skagit Valley Hospital also have secure access to health information through the new Skagit Valley Hospital Patient Portal. Participants can get a list of hospital and hospital clinic visits; allergy list; medication list; laboratory results; a health summary of inpatient hospital visits; discharge instructions; a list

of appointments for surgery, hospital procedures, and hospital clinics; ability to transmit your “Continuity of Care” document to a health care provider using encrypted email. (Your provider must have an encrypted email account); and view billing accounts.

The portal is accessible via a secure Web site, which requires enrollment at the hospital. Patient Access and Health Information Management (HIM) staff can enroll you for the service. You will need a personal e-mail address on file at the hospital; access to the internet; and your Medical Record number.

For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or by calling 360-848-4554.

Learn more about our patient portals at a September 24th event. See page 29.



A new diagnostic tool to aid in the detection of cancer is now available at Skagit Valley Hospital. Previously, patients in need of endoscopic ultrasound were sent to Seattle for the exam. That trip will no longer be needed as the equipment is now available at Skagit Valley Hospital and highly skilled physicians are trained to use this state-of-the-art modality.

“This really expands the holistic approach to cancer care for our patients,” said Surgical Services Director Kelly Bradford. “With the addition of EUS technology, our colorectal cancer patients don’t have to leave home for accurate diagnosis and treatment of their colorectal cancer or other gastrointestinal disorders.”

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a minimally invasive technique that combines the advantages of the

HOSPITALSAFETYSCORESMA

SPRING 2014

Designed to rate how well hospitals protect patients from accidents, errors, injuries and infections, the latest Hospital Safety Score honored Skagit Valley Hospital with an “A” – its top grade in patient safety.

The Hospital Safety Score is compiled under the guidance of the nation’s leading experts on patient safety and is administered by The Leapfrog Group, an independent industry watchdog. The first and only hospital safety rating to be peer-reviewed in the Journal of Patient Safety, the Score is free to the public and designed to give consumers information they can

use to protect themselves and their families when facing a hospital stay.

This is the second reporting period in a row that Skagit Valley Hospital has received an “A” grade.

“We are very proud of receiving another “A” grade as it shows the commitment of our entire organization – providers, nurses and staff – who put patient safety at the forefront, every patient, every time,” said Chief Medical Officer Connie Davis, MD.

To see Skagit Valley Hospital’s scores as they compare nationally and locally, and to find safety tips for patients and their loved ones, visit the Hospital Safety Score website at www.hospitalsafetyscore.org. Local hospitals’ scores are also available on the free mobile app, available at www.hospitalsafetyscore.org.

Skagit Valley Hospital Excels in Patient Safety

two medical disciplines endoscopy and ultrasonography for enhanced visualization of organs and tissues.

EUS allows physicians to see organs and structures not typically

visible during gastrointestinal endoscopy, such as the layers of the gastrointestinal tract wall, the liver, pancreas, lymph nodes, and bile ducts. The scope used for EUS is similar to a regular endoscope with the added

component of an ultrasound transducer. Under continuous real-time ultrasound guidance, a thin needle can be advanced into these structures to obtain an aspirate of the tissue for biopsy. This technique, known as fine needle aspirate, allows for cells to be analyzed for abnormalities.

Skagit Regional Clinics Gastroenterologists Suresh Alagugurusamy, MD and Kalyan Wadwa, MD are both trained in the use of EUS.

“Endoscopic ultrasound is an evolving advanced diagnostic modality that allows gastroenterologists to visualize tissues and organs in the digestive system more closely and detect very small, minute abnormalities. This procedure enables us to obtain high-quality images of the very small lesions and collect tissue samples, which is not possible using other

imaging modalities,” said Dr. Wadwa. “Bringing this new service line to Skagit Valley Hospital enables us to provide state-of-the-art diagnostic procedures locally to our community without taking a long trip to Seattle.”

An in Spring 2014 Hospital Safety Score:

Endoscopic ultrasound aids in cancer detection


Open enrollment for qualified health insurance plans will run from November 15, 2014 to February 15, 2015 through the HealthPlanFinder, a program of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. Enrollment for Medicaid is open year round.

Trained staff members at Skagit Regional Health staff are available to assist people in enrolling for these plans and get connected to a primary care provider.

Based on your income, you may be enrolled in Medicaid-funded health care or receive discounts to purchase your choice of commercial insurance.

You can apply over the phone at

1-855-923-4633, via the web at www.wahealthplanfinder.org, through the mail or in person at a variety of Skagit County locations including:

SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH Mount Vernon, call 360-424-2613 or e-mail [email protected]. Service center located at Skagit Valley Hospital.

COMMUNITY ACTION OF SKAGIT COUNTY Mount Vernon, 360-588-5313.

MOUNT BAKER PLANNED PARENTHOOD Mount Vernon, 360-848-1744, Ext. 3822.

SEA MAR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS

Mount Vernon, 360-289-4503.

ISLAND HOSPITAL Anacortes, 360-299-4924.

UNITED GENERAL HOSPITAL Sedro-Woolley, 360-856-7384.

All the plans offered by the Washington HealthPlanFinder are required to have good levels of coverage, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, preventive care, maternity, pediatric and newborn care, and mental health care. You can learn more about the levels at http://wahbexchange.org/about-the-exchange/policy-discussion/.

Insurance enrollment opens in November;Skagit Regional Health offers assistance

Thirty new high-tech partners joined Skagit Regional Health’s highly skilled staff members to provide interpreter services to the patients we serve.

The 30 “partners” are video remote units that are deployed across Skagit Regional Health. These slim-profile stands are each equipped with an I-pad to provide quick wireless access to interpreters around the clock. Staff log in, select a language and within 15 seconds an interpreter will appear on screen to provide services.

Skagit Regional Health is moving forward with a blended model of interpreter services using the latest in technology in tandem with our outstanding staff of interpreters.

The new technology replaces an outdated telephone system and will bring faster access, improved audio, offers a wide range of languages, including sign language, and enhances accuracy and patient safety.

to enhance interpreter servicesNew technology


SCCA brings together the resources of three renowned health care institutions: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW Medicine and Seattle Children’s. The Network provides community-based physicians at the Regional Cancer Care Center with access to the latest cancer diagnostic and treatment information, and access for patients to clinical trials.

Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center is the only network member of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) located north of Seattle.

Bozeman

Spokane

Bend

Mount Vernon

WenatcheeTacoma

Kennewick

SequimSeattle

SCCA


An extended recovery from a fall in 2010 led longtime local internist Rob Coffey, MD to have some blood tests done. The results were a complete surprise. While he had some aches and pains from injuries related to the fall, he had no symptoms of a blood disorder called myelodysplasia.

“This has never given me a symptom,” said Dr. Coffey, who retired seven years ago after a 25-year career with Skagit Valley Medical Center. “I have developed a third chromosome, which sets up an unstable pattern. For some patients, it moves to leukemia. For me, it’s a watch and wait.”

The watching has been under the close eye of Mehrdad Jafari, MD, Medical Oncologist at the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center, for whom Dr. Coffey has high praise.

“Dr. Jafari has been a kind of icon of physicianship. He is up with the very best I have ever met in my career,” Dr. Coffey said. “He combines the thoughtful skills of a good diagnostician who knows the literature inside and out, with the heart and soul of a humanist and excellent communicator.”

Dr. Coffey’s blood platelet count had dropped from the normal of 150,000 to 40,000 per microliter. After ample research, Dr. Jafari prescribed a fairly simple approach: low-dose prednisone. Over eight months, the platelet count rose to more than 100,000, with no side effects.

Along with Dr. Jafari, Dr. Coffey has felt the benefit of the Regional Cancer Care Center’s network

membership with Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, a partnership of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW Medicine and Seattle Children’s, where he annually sees a specialist.

“It’s nice to know there is a communications pathway that is established between our local cancer care physicians and SCCA,” said Dr. Coffey. “It’s also been so important to me to come back to my physician here.”

Should he need it, a bone marrow transplant at SCCA is a treatment option for the future. For now, Dr. Coffey is busy mountain biking, windsurfing, hiking, teaching math at Skagit Valley College and serving on the Mount Vernon School Board.

Doctor to doctor: “Up with the very best”

RIGHT: Rob Coffey, MD (left)with Mehrdad Jafari, MD of the Skagit Valley Regional Cancer Care Center


GI specialists perform screening exams and treat a wide range of digestive diseases and conditions, including rectal bleeding, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, gallstones, jaundice, hepatitis, pancreatitis, esophageal reflux and swallowing disorders.

A department of Skagit Valley HospitalMount Vernon

• Suresh Alagugurusamy, MD• Laurie Baumgartner, ARNP

To schedule a consultation, please call 360-814-6113.

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Our staff includes:• Loan Vu, DO• Kalyan Wadwa, MD

• Donald Wakelin, MD

Hepatitis C is spread through blood to blood contact. Infections have occurred through:

• Receipt of contaminated blood products before the blood supply was screened (prior to 1992)

• Injected drugs or intranasal cocaine use (even once)

• Being born to an infected mother• Sexual intercourse with

infected individuals• Accidental needlesticks

among healthcare workers• Exposure due to inadequately

cleaned medical, dental, tattooing, or piercing equipment

The Hepatitis C virus causes inflammation in the liver which can lead to fibrosis or scarring of the liver. Fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure, which ultimately requires liver transplantation or causes death. Individuals with chronic Hepatitis C have an increased risk of liver cancer.

Serious illness with few symptomsThere are estimated to be 3.9 million people in the United States infected with Hepatitis C. In the U.S., baby boomers (those born between 1945 and 1965) account for three quarters of this population. Many people are unaware that they are infected because there are few symptoms and the disease often progresses without warning signs.

Hepatitis C

After exposure, approximately 20 percent of infected individuals clear the virus without medications. Eighty percent will develop chronic Hepatitis C and, of those, approximately 20 percent will develop liver complications, such as cirrhosis, and 5 percent will die from cirrhosis or liver cancer.

The good news is that treatment is available. Previous treatments for the Hepatitis virus have been quite arduous and lengthy, with limited cures. The new drug regimens, released earlier this year, are easier to take and of shorter duration. They have been eagerly anticipated by healthcare professionals and Hepatitis patients. There are also several new drugs currently under development, and in the FDA approval process, which are expected to have greater cure rates, shorter treatment, and fewer side effects. These drugs are expected to be released within a year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should be tested once for Hepatitis C if any of the following are true: • You were born between

1945 and 1965.• You are a current or former

injection drug user, even if you only injected one time.

• You were treated for a blood clotting problem before 1987.

• You received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before July 1992.

• You are on long-term hemodialysis treatment.

• You have abnormal liver tests or liver disease.

• You work in health care or public safety and were exposed to blood through a needlestick or other sharp object injury.

• You are infected with HIV.

The test for Hepatitis C is a simple blood test which looks for antibodies that the immune system has generated to fight the Hepatitis virus.

Patients who test positive may ask their primary care provider to refer them to Skagit Regional Clinics - Gastroenterology or can call 360-814-6113 to schedule an appointment.

By Laurie Baumgartner, ARNP | Skagit Regional Clinics – Gastroenterology



UW Medicine Opens Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic in Arlington

A new UW Medicine Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic opened July 1 at Cascade Skagit Health Alliance in Arlington.

UW Medicine Maternal Fetal Medicine physicians have been serving the northwestern Washington community for more than 14 years through a contract with Providence Regional Medical Center, Everett. That contract recently ended. The new state-of-the-art clinic at Smokey Point has been made possible through collaboration with Skagit Regional Health and Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics.

“We are excited to sustain our high-risk pregnancy services in the community through our new clinic,” said Edith Cheng, MD, Medical Director, UW Medicine Maternal and Infant Care Clinic and the Prenatal

Genetics and Fetal Therapy Programs. “We are grateful for the collaboration with Skagit Regional Health and Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics which allowed us to make this move swiftly and to continue coverage for communities in the north region.”

Maternal fetal medicine specialists and genetic counselors are available to consult with physicians on patients with complex medical and obstetrical conditions that complicate pregnancy. These conditions include maternal diabetes, hypertension, maternal congenital heart disease, maternal organ transplantation, fetal anomalies, multiple gestations and pregnancies at risk for recurrent preterm delivery. Surveillance for fetal anomalies through first and second trimester, detailed anatomical ultrasounds and genetic counseling will be available on site.

“We welcome the UW Medicine Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic as an outstanding extension to the variety of health care services available at our Smokey Point facility,” said Skagit Regional Health Chief Executive Officer Gregg Davidson.

“This is a great addition to the healthcare provided in our local community. Our residents will no longer have to travel to receive this important specialized service,” said W. Clark Jones, CEO, Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics.

The UW Medicine Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic is located in the Cascade Skagit Health Alliance building at 3823 172nd Street N.E. in Arlington. The clinic is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Appointments are by physician referral only.


in the NEWSSkagit Regional Health

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT BOUND FOR AFRICAA SKYTRON OPERATING TABLE AND PATIENT MONITOR, no longer used in the Skagit Valley Hospital operating rooms, started a journey in June to a village in remote northern Ghana. The equipment will be put to use in a new health care clinic, Kongo-Logre Clinic, which is the first hospital in the area. Volunteers with the organization Yakote Women Farmers have spent the last five years assisting the people

of Ghana and have built a grain storage facility, community center and sponsor a school feeding program. The equipment will be delivered by a missionary shipping organization.

ABOVE: Bill Thomas, Director of Materials Management at Skagit Regional Health, assists a crew from Central Moving and Storage in loading medical equipment bound for Ghana.

RELAY FOR LIFE BRINGS OUT SURVIVORS AND STAFFTHE SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL REGIONAL CANCER CARE CENTER’S BOOTH at the annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Burlington June 14 and 15 had a “Happy Birthday” theme with festive decorations and party hats! Many people with connections to the Regional Cancer Care Center joined in including survivors, who participated in the ceremonial first lap around the Burlington-Edison High School track, and staff members and their families. In total, 71 teams and 597 participants have raised $105,783.41 at the Relay for Life this year.

BELOW: Relay for Life helpers included Laura Cardinal and her two girls, Jammie Novak, Jessica Bell, Barb Jensen, Joy Wooten and Monica Baca.



in the NEWS

SAFE HARBOR FREE CLINIC MOVES TO NEW HOMESAFE HARBOR FREE CLINIC MOVED TO A NEW HOME in August with plans to expand operations to offer clinic time from 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Since opening five years ago, the clinic had been operating out of leased space at Skagit Regional Clinics – Stanwood. SRC provider Jimmy Grierson founded the clinic, which relies on volunteer providers, nurses and staff, along with

community donations, to provide free health care services. The new clinic is located at 7209 265th St. NW, Suite 203. Safe Harbor providers saw about 2,100 patients in 2013.

BELOW: Dr. Jimmy Grierson celebrates a ribbon cutting in June at the new location for Safe Harbor Free Clinic.

TEN STUDENTS EARN JUNIOR MEDICAL VOLUNTEER SCHOLARSHIPSTEN HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS FROM HIGH SCHOOLS ACROSS SKAGIT COUNTY have each received a $500 scholarship from the Skagit Regional Health Junior Medical Volunteer Scholarship Fund. Winners and presenters include, from left, first row: Rebecca Housh,

Shelby Burkhart, Madison Perkins, Shannon McGovern and Annaly Aviles; second row: Steve Schultz, Director of Volunteer Services, Benjamin Elton, Heriberto (Beto) Rea, Ruth Yaritsa Gordillo-Favela, Tessa Boswell, Juan Zavaleta, and Dr. Connie Davis, Chief Medical Officer.

REGIONAL CANCER CARE CENTER RECEIVES ACCREDITATIONTHE SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL REGIONAL CANCER CARE CENTER successfully completed a two-day American College of Surgeons (ACOS) survey for the cancer center and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers survey. The surveyor was most impressed with the cancer programs and commended the breast program quality studies as examples of “Best Practice.” The surveyor also noted that the pathology process for reporting is one of the best in the nation. Pending review from the ACOS, the center achieved another three-year accreditation with commendations from the CoC and NAPBC.


MRI TEAM RECEIVES NATIONAL ACCREDITATIONThe Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) team at Skagit Valley Hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging Department was recently granted a three-year accreditation by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC). The accreditation is for Body MRI, Musculoskeletal MRI, Neurological MRI, Breast MRI and Magnetic Resonance Angiogram.

MRI at Skagit Valley Hospital is part of a joint venture between Skagit Regional Health and Skagit Radiology, operating under the business name of Cascade Imaging Associates.

Accreditation by IAC means that the MRI team has undergone a thorough review of operations and technical components by a panel of experts.

LEFT: The MRI team includes James Mounts, Laura Beuse, Gene Murray and Ray Schemm. Members not shown are Robert Baugh and Hipolito Lammatao.


Paul, a Hospice of the Northwest patient in his nineties, had always wanted to see how hand-blown glass was made. For years, he had read everything he could about glass blowing. He also kept a lookout for the unique hand-blown treasures that world-renown glass artist Mark Ellinger was known to hide in and around Camano Island.

Paul was especially hoping to be able to participate in the Great Northwest Glass Quest, but because of his diagnosis he

knew he likely wouldn’t be alive by the time of the next event.

When Paul’s Hospice team learned of his life-long interest in blown glass, they arranged for him and his family to have a private tour and demonstration at Mark’s studio.

For many who have not seen hospice in action, it has

become a common misconception that hospice patients are merely lying in bed, waiting for their end to come. For families like Paul’s,

Moments of life: Paul’s story

13thSeptember

13th

5:30PM - 9PM Special VIP Reception 4:30PM20

14

Proceeds from the 2014 Ports of Call event will benefit Hospice of

the Northwest patients and families. Together we can ensure the

compassionate and dignified end-of-life care our community

expects and deserves.

Silent & Live Auctions, Dinner, Entertainment

www.hospicenw.org/foundation

Corporate Air Center • 15452 Airport Drive, Burlington WA

For Sponsorship Opportunities,

VIP Tickets, & General Information

Please Contact us at

360.814.5702

LearnMore!

Tuck-In Program InitiatedHospice of the Northwest started

a new program in May aimed at improving communication with and service to home-based patients.

Every Thursday morning, volunteers call patients to see if they are comfortable, and to confirm that they have everything they need to get them through the weekend. Usually, volunteers speak with the patient’s caregiver, which gives Hospice the chance to check in with how the caregiver is managing as well.

If supplies or medication are needed, they are ordered in time to arrive before the weekend, averting the need for urgent weekend calls. Often the requested supplies and medication are already on their

way, but the call provides additional reassurance and support, allowing one more touch point to make sure patients have what they need.

Two key volunteers call the same patients each week, establishing a rapport that allows patients and caregivers to confide over the phone in a way that can sometimes be easier than in person with their primary clinicians.

who have experienced hospice, they see the focus is not on dying—it is about living as fully as possible.

With the help of our generous community donors, Hospice of the Northwest provides the dignity and compassion at the end of life that our community expects and deserves.

For more information, please contact the Hospice of the Northwest Foundation at [email protected] or at 360-814-5702.


BELOW: Volunteers Virginia Smiley (left) and Debbie Grant.


Assuring the availability of quality health care

Debbie BantaZach BarborinasDee BerglinKevin BinghamSusan BrownChris CammockJill ChristensenKati CollinsMary June CurtisGregg DavidsonGary FiedlerJacqueline HawkinsDr. Joshua HawkinsKelli HutchensBalisa KoetjeVirginia LearnedJuanita MadcheJean MillerChristie PetersonJill PickeringRichard Roozen

Our MissionThe mission of the Skagit Valley

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

Board of TrusteesVolunteers 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.

Like us on Facebook Check out our facebook page at www.facebook.com/SkagitValley HospitalFoundation

To learn more about how you can support the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation, visit www.skagitregionalhealth.org/Hospital-Foundation.

Skagit Valley Hospital FoundationP.O. Box 1376 • Mount Vernon, WA 98273360-428-2140

To learn more about the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation

Deanna ScottBrett SimbeJim SpaneShirley WatkinsonDr. Rob Zwick

StaffLinda FrizzellExecutive Director

Wendy RagusaDevelopment Coordinator

Becky WellsDevelopment Associate

New board members

Kevin Bingham is the Managing Pharmacist at Skagit Regional Clinics in Mount Vernon. He and his wife Deana live on Samish

Island and have two daughters, Keala and Kyndall, who both attend college.

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is pleased to welcome six new members to the Board of Trustees and our Skagit Valley Hospital family:

Dr. Josh Hawkins and his wife Jacqueline Hawkins joined the board together. Dr. Hawkins is a General Surgeon with Skagit Regional Clinics and Jacqueline has a background in higher education admissions and is currently a community volunteer and busy mom of their two children Caleb and Kate. The family resides in Mount Vernon.

Skagit County native Zach Barborinas is a pilot and Aviation Department Manager for Vector Management. He, his wife Adele,

and their daughter Ashlynn reside in Mount Vernon.

Mary June Curtis is a retired Probation Counselor with the Skagit County Office of Juvenile Court. She and her husband Jeff reside

in Mount Vernon and have two grown daughters.

Kati Collins is the Manager at Key Bank in Mount Vernon. She and her husband Gregg have two children, Kain and Kaydn. The

family resides in Conway.


Foundation Announces New Campaign to Raise Funds for Cardiac Rehabilitation Center

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation recently committed to raise $410,000 to build and equip a new Cardiac Rehabilitation Center at Skagit Valley Hospital.

When the center was launched in 1986, the program managed 96 patient visits a month. Today, in the same space, the program averages more than 600 patient visits a month, making it cramped, inefficient and well used. Despite its limitations, cardiac rehab patients sing the praises of this popular program. “Compassion,” “outstanding” and “educational” are just a few words patients use to describe the care.

The new center will be located on the garden level of the hospital’s east tower. It will triple in size and feature state-of-the-art equipment and new technology.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible gift to help fund the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center Project, please contact the Foundation office at 360-428-2140 or mail your donation to:

Skagit Valley Hospital FoundationP.O. Box 1376Mount Vernon, WA 98273

The Foundation extends their thanks for the following projects that are already helping to support this endeavor!

Playhouse Raffle benefits Cardiac Rehabilitation Center Project

The Foundation sincerely thanks community members who purchased raffle tickets for a chance to win the “Blooming Barn, ” a Spane Buildings, Inc. designed playhouse. The playhouse was one of five custom playhouses built by different builders, for the 34th Annual SICBA Home and Garden Show held March 21-23 at the Skagit Fairgrounds. We are pleased to announce that more than

$6,100 was raised through ticket sales to support the Cardiac

Rehabilitation Center Project at Skagit Valley Hospital. We

congratulate lucky winner Cheryl

Costomiris of Acme.

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation is grateful to Spane Buildings, Inc. for their generosity and partnership with us for the fifth year in a row. We also thank their project partners Cascade Lumber, Karl’s Paints, CB Wholesale, Summersun Nursery & Landscaping, Rubumco Painting Inc., Watermark Gutters LLC and WSU Skagit County Master Gardeners.

“glassybaby” Fans Support Cardiac Project

A “glassybaby Road Show” was held in mid-June in the Skagit Valley Hospital lobby. Both loyal glassybaby fans and friends of the Foundation purchased more than $14,000 of the popular hand-blown glass votives. A heartfelt thanks to all who participated in this fun one-day sale! A portion of the sales will support the Foundation’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Center Project.



Iverson Circle of Friends Raise Funds at “Camp Sunshine”

High School Students Support Regional Cancer Care Center

ABOVE: CPI Plumbing Service Manager Brad Tully, along with Service Technician Jake Petterson, present Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation Trustee Christie Peterson with a check for $1,304 to support the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center Project at Skagit Valley Hospital. The CPI Charity Club selects an outstanding CPI employee each month who then has the opportunity to select the recipient of a donation from the company.

In Memory of Heather Schols - Seven Lakes in Seven Hours

On Friday September 12, four local “iron men” will hike/run more than 20 miles to the seven lakes in the Chuckanut Mountain Range in seven hours to support the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center Project at Skagit Valley Hospital. Participants Todd Power, Ed Perry, Kelly Schols and Kevin Bingham have dedicated this challenge in memory of Kelly’s wife, Heather Schols, who passed away from heart failure at the age of 48.

Please champion their efforts and give a gift today to support the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center at Skagit Valley Hospital!

Call the Foundation Office at 360-428-2140 or visit www.skagitregionalhealth.org/Hospital-Foundation and click on “Special Campaigns”.

Rotary Supports Mental Health Center

The Mount Vernon Skagit Rotary recently donated a generous gift of $4,300 to the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation to purchase specialized technology that will improve access to resource information for our mental health care patients and staff. The equipment will provide access to web cast and multimedia presentations, which will enhance group therapy curricula.

The Foundation thanks the Rotary club for their on-going support of programs and services at Skagit Valley Hospital.

The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation was honored to accept a check for $2,234.60 from the B-EHS Leadership Class on behalf of the Burlington-Edison and Sedro-Woolley High School student bodies. The students collected donations at the NWC Coaches vs. Cancer basketball games, charged admission to a staff basketball game between B-EHS staff and S-WHS staff and held an “Inter-High” dodge ball tournament. Students at B-EHS also held a “Cure Cancer Week” during which students made and sold bracelets of different colors to support the fight against cancer.

BELOW: Burlington-Edison High School students present a check present to the Regional Cancer Care Center

A little bit of rain did not stop the Gail Edward Iverson Circle of Friends from raising over $20,000 for the Wound Healing Center at Skagit Valley Hospital. On the evening of July 24th over 100 guests gathered at LaConner’s Maple Hall and played a “shooting gallery” game, enjoyed a raffle, live auction and a chance to win an Alfred Currier painting. The Iverson Guild and the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation extend a heartfelt thank you to the sponsors, donors and patrons who made “Camp Sunshine” a success!


ABOVE: Chris McCarthy, “The Pie Lady,” donated two pies to Camp Sunshine’s auction. Each pie sold for over $100!


The incredible employees of Skagit Valley Hospital and Skagit Regional Clinics gave generously during the 2014 “i care” Employee Giving Campaign.

126 employees made gifts totaling an impressive $30,390.23. These gifts were given to the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation through payroll deductions, cashed out vacation time and direct gifts.

The money raised will be granted to various areas of Skagit Valley Hospital to provide program support and equipment purchases. It is the mission of the Foundation that these gifts and other funds raised throughout the year will enable us to continue to support top quality care for the patients we serve.

The Foundation thanks the employees of Skagit Regional Health for their continued support!!

Skagit Regional Health Employees Care!

E M P L O Y E E G I V I N G

ABOVE: Enjoying the ParTee are golfers (bottom L-R) Meade Sprouse, Mark Kaufman, Jon Rickert, Maury Wright and (top L-R) Jeff Frizzell, Art Cisneros, Jeff Langness and Jared Varrell.

GOLF

• Associated Petroleum Products, Inc.• Association of Washington

Public Hospital Districts • BAC Enterprises, Inc.• Big Lake Fire Auxiliary• Board of Commissioners – Public

Hospital District No. 1• Business Bank• Cascade Natural Gas• Chad Fisher Construction LLC• Comprehensive Pharmacy Services• CPI Plumbing & Heating• Dynacare Northwest

Laboratories/LabCorp• E & E Lumber & Home Center• Farmers Equipment Company• Forget-Me-Not Functions• Foster Pepper PLLC• Hawthorne Funeral Home

& Memorial Park• Hexcel Corporation• Hilde Family Dentistry• Alfie Hill-Banta• Impact, Inc.• ING Financial Advisors• Jack Carroll’s Skagit Hyundai• Judd & Black• Just Peachy Frozen Yogurt• Key Bank• Leverage Information Systems

• McAdams Wright Ragen – Corey Mendoza & Jeff Stewart

• Meyer Sign & Advertising• Mobile Merchandisers• Moss Adams LLP• Optimum Properties• Padgett & Padgett, PLLC• Pat Rimmer Tire Centers – Les Schwab • PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center• Peter A. Ripper & Associates• Piper Jaffray & Co.• Premera Blue Cross• Resource Corporation of America• Richard & Jaynie Roozen• SB&C, LTD• Seattle Cancer Care Alliance• Skagit Regional Clinics – Cardiology • Skagit Transportation • State Farm Insurance – Carol

Lawson, Brad Methner & Keith Sorestad, Agents

• Skagit Valley Hospital Guild• Swinomish Casino & Lodge• Tesoro Refining & Marketing Co.• Thomas Cuisine• TRICO Companies, LLC• Washington Casualty Company• Whidbey Coffee Company• Zwick Family

A Success!


On June 27, 148 golfers took to the field in the 11th Annual ParTee Golf Classic at Skagit Golf & Country Club in Burlington. The tournament, played in scramble format, began with a 10 a.m. shotgun start. Golfers were treated to continental breakfast, lunch, dinner, welcome bag, putting and KP contests, use of a golf cart and activities and refreshments at each hole. Other features included hole-in-one prizes, a raffle, progressive

poker hand, silent auction and many give-aways! This year’s event raised a gross of $57,000, with all net proceeds to benefit the Cancer Care Patient Assistance fund and the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center Project at Skagit Valley Hospital. The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation would also like to thank the following sponsors for contributing to the success of this year’s tournament:

27HealthQuest FALL 2014 A department of Skagit Valley HospitalStanwood & Camano Island

Doc TalksControl Your Diabetes - For Life

Diabetes is a common disorder in which the person has high blood sugar. It can cause complications such as

blindness, heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. The good news is that diabetes can be controlled with the combined efforts of a physician and patient.

Internist Natalia Usoltseva, MD, with Cascade

Skagit Health Alliance, will provide information about how to live well with the diagnosis of diabetes. She will discuss the symptoms, treatment options, appropriate diet and exercise programs. This class can be useful for patients with pre-diabetes, impaired blood glucose control and those diagnosed with diabetes.

September 25 (Thur)6 - 7:30 p.m.Cascade Skagit Health Alliance2nd Floor Lobby3823 172nd St. NEArlingtonNo charge but pre-registration

required

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

Stanwood9631 269th St. NWStanwood360-629-1600

HealthQuest SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH offers the following health screenings and education programs.To register, complete the registration form on the inside of the back page or call 360-629-6481 or 360-814-2424. Pre-registration is required for all classes unless otherwise noted.

STANWOOD/CAMANO NEIGHBORHOOD

Childhood VaccinationsCascade Skagit Health Alliance

Family Medicine physician, Scott Fetty, MD will share information about

the importance of vaccinating children in this evening presentation. He will provide information about the recommended schedule for childhood immunizations and will be available to

answer your questions about the safety and effectiveness of today’s vaccines.

October 16 (Thur)6 - 7:30 p.m.Cascade Skagit Health Alliance2nd Floor Lobby3823 172nd St. NEArlingtonNo charge but pre-registration

required

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

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

Attend this screening to find out your risk factors for developing PAD, cardiovascular disease and stroke and learn how to reduce it. The screening includes the following tests and results are immediate:

• Ankle brachial pressure index to help detect peripheral artery disease (no caffeine or nicotine for one hour prior).

• Blood pressure.

• Full lipid profile for cholesterol plus glucose requires 12 – 14 hour fast, water and medications only (no alcohol 24 hours prior.) This is a fingerstick test with immediate results.

• Body composition testing to detect elevated body fat.

• Review results with a health care provider.

Call 360-629-6481 to schedule an appointment for this screening program that takes just 40 minutes! The cost is only $39 and it is held on Monday mornings at Skagit Regional Clinics-Cardiology. A physician referral is not necessary, although we ask that you provide the name of a primary care provider, if you have one, so results can be forwarded for further evaluation if suggested.



AARP Driver Safety Program

This two-session program for people older than 50 is designed to enhance the driving skills of the mature adult. Insurance companies are required to give a discount on auto insurance for those over age 55 who complete the course. Course fee is $15 for AARP members; $20 for non-members. Please bring check payable to AARP, your AARP card or number (if you are a member), and your driver’s license number to the first class – do not mail check. Pre-registration is required. To register call 360-814-2424.

October 14 and 15 (Tue/Wed)9 a.m. – 1 p.m.Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood9631 269th Street NWConference Room A/BPay at the class

Cholesterol/Diabetes and Vitamin D Screenings

The following screenings are by Skagit Regional Health in cooperation with Dynacare Skagit Laboratories:

Full Lipid Profile: 12-14 hour fast required, water and prescribed medications only, no coffee or tea. No alcohol 24 hours prior. Results include total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and glucose (blood sugar) levels. Fee: $15 (cash or check payable to SRH only).

Vitamin D: This screening can help you identify the level of Vitamin D in your blood. This screening is recommended for patients on anticonvulsant medication. Fasting is not required. The cost is $39 (cash or check payable to SRH).

All results are mailed to your home. For information call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481. No appointment or pre-registration is required.

October 9 (Thur)8 – 9:30 a.m.Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood9631 269th Street NWConference Room A/B

November 5 (Wed)7:30 – 8:30 a.m.Skagit Regional Clinics Camano Island127 N. East Camano Drive

Bone Density Screening Find out if you are at risk for

osteoporosis by having a bone density scan. This is a non-invasive, painless scan of one hand. Results are available immediately. Fee $10 (cash or check payable to SRH). No appointment is required.

October 9 (Thur)8 – 9:30 a.m.Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood9631 269th Street NWConference Room A/B

November 5 (Wed)7:30 – 8:30 a.m.Skagit Regional Clinics Camano Island127 N. East Camano Drive

Skin Cancer ScreeningCorinne Sayler, PA-C, with Skagit

Regional Clinics – Dermatology will conduct visual inspections of skin abnormalities you are concerned about. No charge. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to schedule an appointment.

November 19 (Wed)1 - 4 p.m.Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood9631 269th Street NWConference Room A/B

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

Blood DrivesDonating blood is a simple and

generous gift that can save a life. Did you know that one blood donation can help up to three patients? The Puget Sound Blood Center urges you to donate the “gift of life” at the following blood drive:

September 17 (Wed)December 29 (Mon)10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

(except 12:30 – 1:15 p.m.)Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood9631 269th Street NW – mobile vanPre-registration required by call-

ing 1-800-398-7888.

CPR and First Aid ClassesCPR and First Aid Classes are held

at various locations in Stanwood on the second Saturday of the month. Visit www.northcountyfireems.com and click on Public Information, then click on Classes and Training for more information and to register.

Island County Health Department

The Island County Health Department is located at 127 N. East Camano Drive, down the hall from the Skagit Regional Clinics - Camano Island. They offer services ranging from TB testing, counseling and surveillance, WIC, adult and child immunizations, Healthy Baby Visits, Maternal Child Health and home visiting, travel vaccines and communicable disease. For more information call 360-387-0184.

BELOW: Newly expanded Skagit Regional Clinics – Camano offers Family Medicine and Lab. For more information call 360-387-5398 or visit srclinics.org.


What’s a Patient Portal and Why Would I Want One?

A patient portal is a secure online Web site that gives patients convenient 24-hour access to their personal health information from anywhere with an Internet connection. Using a secure user name and password, patients can view health information such as: recent doctor visits, discharge summaries, medications, and lab results. Skagit Regional Clinics patients can also request an appointment and request medication refills through the portal or send a secure message directly to your physician. Both Skagit Regional Clinics and Skagit Valley Hospital now have this exciting new benefit available to all of our patients.

Learn more about the benefits of the Skagit Regional Health patient portals during our community event. Staff will be on-hand to assist in your enrollment, demonstrate many of the portal features and answer any questions you may have.

September 24 (Wed)6 – 7 p.m.Skagit Valley HospitalCascade RoomEnter through Kincaid Street entranceNo charge but pre-registration required

How to Get Osteoarthritis Pain under Control

Get the facts about osteoarthritis pain and learn strategies for controlling and even preventing pain. Together with your doctor, you can create a pain management plan that can help you get back to doing the things you enjoy. Find out what you can do to put pain in its place.

This program is provided by Lisa Mitchell with the Arthritis Foundation.

October 22 (Wed)6 – 7 p.m.Skagit Valley HospitalSan Juan A/BEnter through Kincaid Street entranceNo charge but pre-registration required

HealthQuest DON’T WAIT TOO LONG! Many of our classes fill quickly so early registration is recom-mended. You are not confirmed in the class until we receive your payment (for classes requiring payment). Don’t lose your space in class – pay early! See the inside of the back cover of this magazine for registration information. Pre-registration is required for all classes unless otherwise noted.

Doc TalksImmunization Update

Immunizations protect children and adults from potentially fatal diseases. Learn more about

immunizations for children, teens, and adults in this presentation by Christine Bridges, MD, family practice physician with Skagit Regional Clinics in Mount Vernon. Dr. Bridges will also discuss the concerns

about autism related to childhood immunizations.

October 23 (Thur)6 – 7 p.m.Skagit Valley HospitalCascade RoomNo charge but pre-registration

required

Managing Migraine Headaches

As many as 28 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches. In this presentation by Peter Struck, MD,

neurologist with Skagit Regional Clinics you will learn about migraine headache symptoms, auras, remedies, treatment options including botox, triggers, causes, medication, and cures.

November 10 (Mon)6 – 7:30 p.m.Skagit Valley HospitalCascade RoomEnter through Kincaid Street entranceNo charge but pre-registration

required

Women’s Health Luncheon:Finding Resilience through Silver Linings

Hollye Jacobs, RN, MW, MSW is a speaker, nurse, social worker, child development specialist, and New York

Times best-selling author. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, she speaks publicly and writes about her experiences in her book, “The Silver Lining” and on the award winning “The Silver Pen” blog. She has most recently been seen on Good Morning

America, Dr. Phil, The Doctors and CBS This Morning. Audiences benefit from her insights, humor and informed perspective on the illness cycle—from detection to treatment through recovery.

In her presentation at the Women’s Health Luncheon, Hollye Jacobs will help discover the silver linings in coping with cancer or other illnesses. She will share coping tools for dealing with diagnosis, treatment and recovery from illness. In addition she will identify the need for and techniques to communicate effectively with family, friends, children and health care providers.

Please invite a friend and join us in this insightful presentation sponsored by the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center.

September 17, 2014 (Wed)11:30 – 1:15 p.m.McIntyre HallMount Vernon$15 includes lunchPre-registration required


Especially for Girls: What’s Happening to Me?

Skagit Regional Health is offering a mother-daughter class on puberty that will help moms and daughters

address the sensitive topics of physical and emotional development.

“Especially for Girls: What’s Happening to Me?” is taught in a relaxing environment by Jean Chakraborty, MD,

OB/GYN with Skagit Regional Clinics-Mount Vernon.

Designed for girls ages 9-12, the class includes talk about girls’ changing bodies, menstruation, an overview of hygiene products, emotional changes and issues regarding self-esteem, healthy eating, development and body image. This is not a sex education class.

October 7 (Tue)6 – 8 p.m.Skagit Valley HospitalCascade RoomEnter through Kincaid Street entranceNo charge but pre-registrationrequired

Meditation for Calming and Focusing Your Mind

Have you thought about trying meditation but find it too difficult to do on your own? Let an experienced meditator guide you in simple techniques to become comfortable with this valuable skill. Comments from previous class participants include: “Jan Hodgman is a gift…

an excellent class.” “Jan is heaven sent. She has taught me a unique way to let go of resistance.” “She’s a wealth of information and shares so many examples and ways of handling a wandering mind.”

Meditation is now scientifically recognized to help alleviate stress, mild depression, and anxiety.

Jan Hodgman, MA, has been meditating for more than 30 years and has more than eight years of monastic practice as an ordained Zen priest.

October 1, 8 and 15 (Wed)6 – 8 p.m.Skagit Valley HospitalCascade RoomEnter through Kincaid Street entrance$39Pre-registration required

Spanish for Health Care Providers Workshop

Learn essential Spanish vocabulary and phrases common in your health care workplace, in order to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients on a basic level, while addressing several cultural differences. Topics include greeting patients and family, discussing pain/part of the body, medical conditions, simple commands/instructions, dates and times.

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

This program is approved for six contact hours of continuing nursing education.

October 27 and 28 (Mon/Tue)5:30 – 8:30 p.m.Skagit Valley HospitalSauk RoomEnter through Kincaid Street$125 includes course materialsPre-registration required

Elder Care OptionsMany of us will one day

find ourselves needing care for ourselves or a loved one. This one-evening program brings clarity to the maze of support options available. Learn about alternative living situations, transportation, nutritional and medical services, in-home care (including home-health and hospice), as well as how to access these options. Discover the costs of each and the role of Medicare, Medicaid, LTC insurance, and other funding options.

Instructor Debbie Gann, Director, Home Attendant Care (Whatcom/Skagit/San Juan/Island Counties) has more than 25 years of healthcare experience.

November 6 (Thur)5:30 – 8:30 p.m.Skagit Valley HospitalCascade RoomEnter through Kincaid Street entranceNo cost but pre-registration required

Diabetes Prevention Workshop

This effective 16-week program developed by the Centers for Disease Control provides education and skills to help you reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Small group support will provide inspiration and motivation as you make new lifestyle changes. Eight monthly maintenance sessions will provide small group support.

The class fee is $380 for all 24 sessions. There is no cost to PEBB members (State and Higher

All classes require pre-registration unless specified. Call 360-814-2424 or see inside of back cover.SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH30

Photo by Gary Brown


Photo by Gary Brown

Education Public Employees) who are: ages 18 or over, are enrolled in Group Health or Uniform Medical Plan (UMP) and do not have Medicare as their primary insurance.

Also, individuals with Flexible Spending Accounts or Health Savings Accounts may be able to use pre-tax dollars to cover the cost of the Diabetes Prevention Program. Be sure to check with the FSA or HAS provider to confirm the reimbursement policy.

This class is provided by the Washington State University Skagit County Extension.

September 4 – December 18 (Thur)(11/24 instead of 11/27)Noon - 1 p.m.Skagit Valley HospitalShuksan RoomEnter through Kincaid StreetTo register call Laura DeFreese

at 360-428-4270, ext. 224

Continuing Health EducationAARP Driver Safety Program

This two-session program for people older than 50 is designed to enhance the driving skills of the mature adult. Insurance companies are required to give a discount on auto insurance for those over age 55 who complete the course. Course fee is $15 for AARP members; $20 for non-members. Please bring check payable to AARP, your AARP card or number (if you are a member), and your driver’s license number to the first class – do not mail check. Pre-registration is required. To register, call 360-814-2424.

Sept. 29 and 30 (Mon/Tue)1 - 5 p.m.Skagit Valley HospitalSan Juan A/BPay at class

Please see page 28 for information about classes in Stanwood/Camano Island.

Certified Diabetes Education Program

Skagit Regional Health offers a multi-disciplinary, comprehensive education program for adults with

diabetes, either newly diagnosed or for those patients needing extra guidance with diabetes control. The program includes:

• Group education classes which cover the following topics: Diabetes knowledge, meal planning, physical activity, monitoring blood glucose, medication and insulin management, risk reduction, coping and problem solving;

• A one-on-one appointment with a dietitian;

• A three-month follow-up group class;

• Individual appointments to review medication issues related to diabetes self- management, including maximizing the use of insulin, are also available.

• Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) that measures patient glucose levels every five minutes, helping patients understand how glucose levels are affected by sleep, meals, activity, and medication throughout the day.

The program requires a physician referral so talk to your health care provider. The program is covered by most insurance companies. Please check with your insurance provider to confirm. For other questions, or more information about the program, contact our Diabetic Education Program Scheduler at 360-814-2184.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

Do you suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and want to improve the quality of your life? This intensive program can help patients with chronic lung disorders including emphysema, chronic bronchitis or asthma, reduce respiratory symptoms, improve functional independence and complications and reduce hospitalizations. The program is provided by a multi-disciplinary team. Participants learn 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 class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. for approximately 10 weeks. For more information call 360-814-2236.

Total Joint Replacement Class

This two-hour class helps to prepare patients for their upcoming joint replacement surgery. We have incorporated classroom instruction with procedure-specific therapy. You will learn what to expect before, during, and after joint replacement surgery. Our experienced nurses and therapists will address your concerns and will be available to answer your questions.

The class meets the first and third Wednesday of the month from 1 – 3 p.m. in San Juan B at Skagit Valley Hospital. For more information, directions and to register for this class, please call 360-814-2424. You are encouraged to bring a friend or family member to the class who may be assisting you in your recovery. There is no charge for this program.

Heart Healthy Fitness Program

Are you having trouble starting an exercise program or staying motivated? Do you need direction and professional guidance? Come join us for exercise in a safe and stress-free environment at Skagit Valley Hospital. The Heart Healthy Fitness Program focuses on individual goals and plenty of one-to-one attention. We work on strength training, balance, and cardiovascular fitness. For questions, cost and class times, call 360-814-8368.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Have you had a recent heart attack, bypass surgery, angioplasty, heart valve surgery, or stent placement? We have a program to help you return to your active lifestyle and learn how to reduce your risk factors. A Registered Nurse and Exercise Specialist supervise the classes and provide a safe, friendly atmosphere to ask questions and learn how to pace yourself as you recover. This is a physician-referred program and Medicare and most insurances cover cardiac rehab. For more information call 360-814-8368.


Photo by Gary Brown

Autism Series 101Skagit Valley Hospital will be

hosting Seattle Children’s Hospital quarterly video-teleconferences. Lectures are designed to provide information and support to parents and families of children recently diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Classes are open to the general public. Lectures are available through Children’s video and teleconferencing outreach program. For more information call Tina at 360-814-2699. These programs are free.

Autism Series 200This is a 90-minute class for

parents and caregivers of children with autism who wish to better understand this disorder. Faculty from Seattle Children’s and the University of Washington and community providers teach the classes. Each class includes time for questions. Skagit Valley Hospital is a video teleconference site. Please call Tina West at 360-814-2699 for more information. This program is free.

Health & Wellness ScreeningsHeart and Vascular Screening: Detect Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), Elevated Cholesterol and More!

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

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a common condition that affects approximately 8 million adults in the U.S. The same risk factors associated with heart disease are also linked with PAD.

Attend this screening to find out your risk factors for developing PAD cardiovascular disease and stroke and learn how to reduce it. The screening includes the following tests and results are immediate:

• Ankle brachial pressure index to help detect peripheral artery disease (no caffeine or nicotine for one hour prior).

• Blood pressure.

• Full lipid profile for cholesterol plus glucose requires 12 – 14 hour fast, water and medications only (no alcohol 24 hours prior.) This is a fingerstick test with immediate results.

• Body composition testing to detect elevated body fat.

• Review results with a health care provider.

Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 from Stanwood/Camano Island to schedule an appointment for this screening program. It takes just 40 minutes! The cost is only $39 and screenings are held on Monday mornings at Skagit Regional Clinics-Cardiology. A physician referral is not necessary, although we ask that you provide the name of a primary care provider, if you have one, so results can be forwarded if further evaluation is suggested.

Also see Stroke and Aneurysm Screenings on page 33 for a screening of the aorta and carotid arteries.

FREE Vein ScreeningSteven Lee, MD, surgeon

with Skagit Regional Clinics, will be administering screenings to evaluate visible varicose veins in the legs and help raise awareness of venous disease and the available treatment options.

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

September 22 (Mon)1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Cascade Room & ShuksanEnter through Kincaid Street entranceNo charge but pre-

registration required

Cholesterol/Diabetes and Vitamin D Screenings

Screenings are provided by Skagit Regional Health in cooperation with Dynacare Skagit Laboratories.

Full Lipid Profile: 12-14 hour fast required, water and prescribed medications only, no coffee or tea. No alcohol 24 hours prior. Results include total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides and glucose (blood sugar) levels and are mailed to your home. Fee: $15 (cash or check payable to SRH only).

Vitamin D: This screening can help you identify the level of Vitamin D in your blood. Results are mailed to your home. This screening is recommended for patients on anticonvulsant medication. Fasting is not required. The cost is $39 (cash or check payable to SRH).

All classes require pre-registration unless specified. Call 360-814-2424 or see inside of back cover.32 SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH32


Photo by Gary Brown

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

September 25; November 13 (Thur)7:30 – 9 a.m.Skagit Valley HospitalCascade RoomEnter through Kincaid Street entrance

Bone Density ScreeningFind out if you are at risk for

osteoporosis by having a bone density scan. This is a non-invasive, painless scan of one hand. Results are available immediately. Fee $10 (cash or check payable to SRH). No appointment is required.

September 25; November 13 (Thur)7:30 – 9 a.m.Skagit Valley HospitalCascade RoomEnter through Kincaid Street entrance

Skin Cancer ScreeningDermatology providers with Skagit

Regional Clinics-Dermatology will conduct visual inspections of skin abnormalities you are concerned about. No charge. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to schedule an appointment.

October 8 (Wed)Provided by Corinne Sayler, PA-C

November 12 (Wed)Provided by Sam Wilson, DO

1 - 4 p.m.Skagit Regional Clinics-RiverbendDermatology Department2320 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon

Vision ScreeningA certified ophthalmic technician

with North Cascade Eye Associates will conduct vision and glaucoma screenings. This is not an evaluation of cataracts or macular degeneration. It is an acuity (vision) and eye pressure test only. Bring a contact lens case for storage during the screening. No charge. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to schedule an appointment.

October 10 (Fri)1-3 p.m.Skagit Valley HospitalCascade RoomEnter through Kincaid Street entrance

Stroke and Aneurysm Screening

No need to wait for a special promotion when you can schedule your screening exams year around and have the exams performed using state-of-the-art equipment, conducted by board certified diagnostic technologists and reviewed by a board certified radiologist.

This ultrasound screening test provided by Skagit Digital Imaging is non-invasive, quick and painless, and will help you identify whether you are at increased risk for stroke and vascular disease and provide information so your physician may begin preventive treatment if necessary.

A physician referral is not necessary, although we ask that you provide the name of a primary care provider, so results can be forwarded. The cost is only $59 for the combined carotid and aorta screening and is payable by cash or check only. This exam is not billable to insurance. Individuals whose screening results suggest the need for further evaluation will be referred to follow-up care with their physician.

To register for an appointment, call 360-428-8208, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Screenings are held at Skagit Radiology located at 1320 E. Division, Mount Vernon.

Blood DrivesDonating blood is a simple and

generous gift that can save a life. Did you know that one blood donation can help up to three patients? The Puget Sound Blood Center urges you to donate the “gift of life” at the following blood drive:

September 29 (Mon)10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Mobile van at Skagit Regional

Clinics – Riverbend2320 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon

December 23 and 24 (Tue/Wed)10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (except

12:30 – 1:15 p.m.)Skagit Valley HospitalCascade RoomEnter through Kincaid Street entrance

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

Free Blood Pressure Screenings

Automated blood pressure machines donated by the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation are available at the following locations:

Skagit Regional Clinics - Mount Vernon

Skagit Valley Hospital - Kincaid St. Entrance

Skagit Regional Clinics - Stanwood

Is it Time for Your Mammogram?Remember the steps to breast health1. Do a monthly breast self-exam.

2. If you are 40 or older, have a mammogram every one or two years.

3. Have a yearly check-up, including a clinical breast exam.

For a screening mammogram appointment, call 360-428-7270.

The Breast Care Center1320 East Division StreetMount Vernon360-428-7270Open Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. –

5 p.m., Fridays, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

A service provided cooperatively by Skagit Valley Hospital and Skagit Radiology.

Childbirth & Infant CarePregnancy and Childbirth

This six-week course for expectant parents includes information about emotional changes during pregnancy, the labor process, breathing techniques, the role of the support person, breastfeeding, and a local pediatrician to discuss your baby’s first three months. The fee is $110. Medical coupons are accepted. Full payment or a copy of your medical coupon is required two weeks before the class begins. Classes are offered at Skagit Valley Hospital. Pre-registration is required. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to register.


Photo by Gary Brown

Childbirth Preparation: Weekend Course

We offer a two-day childbirth preparation class on weekends. Plan to begin the course in your seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. The class includes the same topics as the six-week course. A tour of the Family Birth Center is included. The fee is $95. Medical coupons are accepted. Pre-registration is required. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to register.

Family Birth Center ToursFree tours of the Skagit Valley

Hospital Family Birth Center are offered twice a month. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 to schedule a tour.

Breastfeeding and Newborn Care

Skagit Valley Hospital’s Family Birth Center’s nurse Lactation Consultants will aid parents in gaining the knowledge necessary to make feeding decisions regarding their new baby. In addition, a local pediatrician will be available to provide information on newborn care – time for questions will be allowed. Pre-registration required. The fee is $25 for this two and one-half hour program. The cost is only $20 when registering for the weekend childbirth preparation class at the same time. Call 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481 for class dates and times.

Fit4BabyFit4Baby is an eight-week program

designed to strengthen the body for all the changes it will experience during pregnancy. The class includes cardio, strength, flexibility and balance training. Fit4Baby is designed to accommodate all stages of pregnancy and various fitness levels.

Regular activity, such as the Fit4Baby exercise classes, can help reduce many maternal aches and pains, increase energy during pregnancy and may speed the labor, delivery and recovery process.

The class is taught by a certified pre- and post-natal fitness instructor.

September 16 – Nov. 4 (Tue)6:30 - 7:30 p.m.Skagit Valley HospitalFamily Birth Center Waiting Room$79

Lactation Services at Skagit Valley Hospital

Here at the Family Birth Center, we are dedicated to you and your baby’s health. That is why we provide one of the most inclusive lactation services programs in the region. There are six Internationally Board-Certified Lactation Consultant Registered Nurses available to visit you during your hospital stay and help you experience a successful start to breastfeeding your baby.

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

Gestational Diabetes Program

Gestational diabetes affects approximately 7-14 percent of all pregnant women. Careful control of blood sugar and weight is important to prevent complications for both mother and baby.

Skagit Valley Hospital offers a referral-based education program to improve gestational diabetes self-management skills. Our highly trained and dedicated diabetes education team provides participants with the skills to manage their blood sugar through healthy eating, stress management, increased activity, and blood glucose monitoring. The program offers individual nutrition therapy appointments. For more information please contact our Diabetes Education Program at 360-814-2184.

Child Safety Seat ChecksCertified child safety seat

technicians will assess your seat for age- and size-appropriateness, proper installation and use, recalls, and visible damage.

This screening is highly recommended for parents-to-be, prior to the birth of your new baby, to learn how to safely install and use your car seat.

Sept. 18; Oct. 16; Nov. 20 (Thur)1 - 3 p.m.Skagit Valley Hospital at main entrance

covered areaMount Vernon

Co-sponsored by Skagit-Island Safe Kids. Pre-registration is not required.

All classes require pre-registration unless specified. Call 360-814-2424 or see inside of back cover.34 SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH34


Photo by Gary Brown

Kidney Dialysis EducationKidney Failure Treatment Options

This Skagit Valley Kidney Center program is for people with reduced kidney function who would like to explore treatment options for renal replacement therapy. Patients, families, and caregivers will receive information about treatment options, diet, health maintenance, financial, and social concerns.

This introductory session helps reduce many anxieties a person may have related to the “unknown.” The session provides an opportunity for patients to make more informed choices. For more information and registration, call 360-416-5717.

Cancer Support Services

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

LIVESTRONGThe Skagit Valley Family YMCA

is again offering their very popular class to cancer patients. The classes are free and a membership to the YMCA is included! It consists of an individualized exercise program based on the goals of the participant along with presentations from professionals in the community, including Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center. The LIVESTRONG program meets each Tuesday and Thursday from September 30 – December 18 from 1:30 - 3 p.m.

To register, participants need to complete the LIVESTRONG application at the YMCA and get their physician’s clearance before the class begins. There will be an intake meeting with each participant before the class starts to go over their goals and concerns, give a tour of the facilities and to answer any questions.

For more information or to register, contact Erin McMillan, YMCA Fitness and Sports Director at 360-336-9622 or [email protected].

Mindful Living with Cancer: For Patients, Survivors and Caregivers

Mindfulness is an approach to living which can be a powerful tool for dealing with stress, illness and many other medical and psychological conditions. This class, led by Laura Cardinal, MSW, LICSW, meets weekly and includes various types of meditation practice, gentle stretching and activities to increase one’s understanding of the mind and body, while connecting with fellow patients, family and caregivers.

The class is free and is offered on a drop-in basis. No registration is required. For more information call 360-814-8255.

Held weekly on Fridays10 - 11 a.m.Safeway Conference Room at Skagit

Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center, third floor

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for SVH Cancer Patients

Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center offers Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) to cancer patients on Thursdays by appointment. The treatments are provided by Jeanne Rupert, DO. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 360-814-2620 or 360-814-2655.

Look Good, Feel BetterCancer can rob a woman of her

energy, appetite and strength. But it doesn’t have to take away her self-confidence. This program teaches beauty techniques to women in active treatment or those who are about to start treatment. It helps them combat the appearance-related side effects of treatment.

The Look Good, Feel Better sessions are led by trained, volunteer cosmetologists who teach women how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using cosmetics and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry. Women also learn ways to disguise hair loss with wigs, scarves, and other accessories. Pre-registration is required; register by calling American Cancer Society Everett office at 425-404-2193.

Fourth Monday of each month (no class in December)

1 - 3 p.m.Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer

Care CenterSafeway Conference Room (third Floor)

Art and Healing Group First and third Mondays of each

month, 2 – 4 p.m. in the Safeway Conference Room (third floor) at the Regional Cancer Care Center. Our knowledgeable instructor Margaret Carpenter Arnett, BSN, ATR, has been doing art therapy with cancer patients for more than 20 years. Creating art can promote healing by reducing anxiety and stress and improving emotional well-being. It is a great opportunity to process and integrate the challenges of serious illness and treatment. Please note that artistic “skills” are not required! Come and join this fun and welcoming group. For more information call 360-814-8255.

Diabetes Support

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

Grief Support Services

Hospice of the Northwest provides support to anyone in our communities coping with grief and loss after the death of a loved one. Call our Bereavement Program for information and referrals, attend a free grief support group, or check out materials from our Resource Center Library. For more information and to receive a current grief group schedule, please call 360-814-5570 or 360-814-5550.

Hospice of the Northwest Resource Center: A free lending library open to the community

Books and other materials are available for adults, teens, and children. Topics include caregiving, coping with disease, end of life concerns, grief and loss, and

SKAGIT REGIONAL HEALTH36 Photo by Gary Brown

inspiration for challenging times. The public is invited to browse materials at HNW Resource Center, or by going to our website at: www.hospicenw.org, selecting Helpful Resources, and then clicking on Hospice Resource Library Catalog.

The Resource Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the lobby of the Hospice office at 227 Freeway Drive, Suite A in Mount Vernon and after hours by appointment. A member of the hospice team can answer questions or help you find what you need. For information call Hospice of the Northwest’s Bereavement Program at 360-814-5570.

In-Service Education For grief and loss presentations

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

Hospice Program Seeks Volunteers

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

Volunteers offer support and companionship to individuals with a life expectancy of six months or less. They improve the quality of life and provide respite at a time when it matters most. Volunteer trainings are held in the fall and spring of each year. To learn more, please contact Julie Pryor Barr, Community Liaison at 360-814-5588 or [email protected].

Community EducationWant to learn more about hospice

services and what they might mean for you and your family?

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

Mental HealthMental Health Support Group

NAMI Skagit Open Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 7 – 9 p.m. in the Shuksan Room at Skagit Valley Hospital. Family members and those living with mental illness are welcome. For more information contact Marti at 360-770-5666 or Al at 360-424-5802.

NAMI Basics Education Program

A free six-week class for parents or primary caregivers of a child or teen with mental illness or a brain disorder such as ADHD, bi-polar and others. The course helps families with communication, coping, schools and education needs, rehabilitation, recovery, and advocacy. The next class will begin October 2014. To register, call Marti at 360-770-5666 or Michelle Costanti at 360-766-4280.

Family-to-Family Education Program

Free 12-week course for families of adults with mental illness or a brain disorder. The course focuses on helping family members understand the major mental illnesses and

maintain their own well-being while providing needed support to their ill family members. This program is provided by NAMI Skagit, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The next class will begin Fall 2014 and will be held each Monday and Thursday evening for six weeks. Call Marti at 360-770-5666 or Judy at 360-424-5802 for more information. Space is limited so reservations are required.

Peer-to-Peer Education Program

Free nine-week class for adults with mental illness or brain disorders to help them better understand their illness and maintain and improve their recovery. NAMI Skagit provides this program which will start Fall 2014. Call Natasha at 360-856-0267 for more information and to register. Space is limited.

Skagit Valley REACH Center

People come to Skagit Valley REACH Center to build confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth, being proactive in their mental health recovery and personal wellness. We are a peer-run center that provides volunteer opportunities, community resources, housing education, employment education, public computer access, computer classes, community voicemail, and self-supporting recovery classes. We work with individuals age 16 and older, developing goals in recovery. SVRC is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at 1413 E. College Way in Mount Vernon WA.

For more information call 360-873-8635, or email Center Director Jeff Reynolds [email protected]. Our Web site address is www.cvabonline.com.


37HealthQuest FALL 2014 Photo by Gary Brown

Youth and Adult WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan)

The Wellness Recovery Action Plan, or WRAP, is an evidence-based system that is used world-wide by people who are dealing with mental health and other kinds of health challenges, and by people who want to attain the highest possible level of wellness. WRAP involves your Wellness Tools, and then using those resources to develop Action Plans to use in specific situations which are determined by you. WRAP also includes your individual Crisis Plan or Advance Directive. This program is provided by Skagit Valley REACH Center.

For more information call 360-873-8635, or email Center Director Jeff Reynolds [email protected].

Support GroupsCall 360-814-2424 or 360-629-

6481 for current Skagit County Support Group information.

Ostomy Support Group A friendly support group

for people with ostomies, their friends and families. Meets the second Tuesday of each month in the Shuksan Conference room at Skagit Valley Hospital (use Kincaid Street entrance) from 6 to 7 p.m. For more information contact Cathy Schaeffer at 360-202-3410.

Community News & ResourcesSpeakers Bureau

Need an interesting presentation for your club or organization? Skagit Regional Health’s Speakers Bureau provides speakers on a number of health care related topics, many at no cost. For more information on speaker topics or to schedule a presentation, call Val at 360-814-2424.

Save the Date - Annual Ports of Call Auction

This Hospice of the Northwest Foundation auction, in support of dignity and compassion at the end of life, will be held Saturday, September 13, 2014 at the Corporate Air Center in Burlington, WA. Sponsorships are available. Visit http://www.hospicenw.org for more information.

Volunteer Services at Skagit Regional Health Volunteer opportunities at Skagit Regional Health include:

Information DesksA wide variety of

locations are available.

PianistsIf you are an accomplished pianist

who would like to share your talent for others to enjoy, call 360-814-2142.

Junior Medical Volunteers The Junior Medical Volunteer

program is for students age 15-18.

For Students and Job SeekersThe number of positions are

limited so prospective volunteers should apply at least a year in advance of any school deadlines that may be applicable. High school students seeking course or club credit should apply and begin volunteering before their senior year.

Guilds and Auxiliaries Many volunteers choose to

serve through membership in one of our volunteer service and fund-raising groups including the Gail Edward Iverson Circle of Friends, Grace Cochrum Guild, J.E.M. Guild, SVH Auxiliary and SVH Guild.

Other Volunteer Department Services:Hospital and Clinic Tours

Tours of our facility for groups and individuals are available. Reservations are required. Call 360-814-2142 to schedule a tour.

Like us on Facebook Check out our facebook page at www.facebook.com/skagit.regional.health

Gift Shop The gift shop is open Monday

through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the main lobby. All proceeds from the Gift Shop are returned back to help Skagit Regional Health in areas of need.

Contact Us To inquire about volunteering

or request services, please contact Steve Schultz at 360-814-2142 or contact our main information desk at 360-814-5059.

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

If you are a Comcast cable subscriber in Skagit County, be sure to tune in to channel 10 to watch HealthQuest TV. The show airs at 11:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. every day.

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

Need a Physician?Call our free Find a Doctor

phone line at 360-848-5555 or 360-629-5850 from Stanwood or Camano Island. The Physician Referral Line is open weekdays between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Trail Guides, Bike Maps and More at BeActiveSkagit.org

Visit the newly revised BeActiveSkagit.org Web site to learn more about opportunities to be physically active in Skagit County including trail guides, an activity tracker and much more.


Board of Commissioners

Stan OlsonJeff Miller

Balisa Koetje

Bruce LisserPattie Lewis

Clark Todd

James Hobbs, Sr.


Public Hospital District No. 1

A term is entering the main stream in health care today: Population health. You may wonder – what does that mean? In the general sense, population health is about the overall health of a group of people and the distribution of health – wellness and illness – across that group of people. Lots of factors play a role in health, ranging from access to health care, individual behavior, genetics, the social environment, and the physical environment. Some are within our control, others are not.

As a Board of Commissioners responsible for running a hospital and series of 10 clinic locations, we have a significant interest in the health of the people of our communities. We are learning and planning how we, as Skagit Regional Health, can participate in population health efforts.

We have factored the concepts of population health into our recently updated mission and vision statements, an illustration of how important we know this is for our future and the future of our community.

It is our mission “To improve the health of our community, serving with compassion and respect, one person at a time.”

Looking further into the future, our vision sets the bar high: “Working together, Skagit Regional Health will transform healthcare by improving access, service, quality and efficiency in support of our goal of a healthier community.”

We can’t transform healthcare on our own. To do so, we know that Skagit Regional Health must partner with our community, with other organizations, agencies, clubs and groups, to promote population health and wellness. As an organization, we want to be a leader in helping people stay well; be physically active; remain in their own homes; learn about and manage chronic disease; stay out of the hospital and assure access to health care.

This is the population health journey we are on and we invite you to be a part of it by taking personal steps for yourself and your family toward health and wellness.

For ideas on how you can personally become more physically active on your own or as part of a community event, go to www.beactiveskagit.org.

Balisa KoetjePresident, Public Hospital District No. 1 Skagit Valley Hospital Board of [email protected]

We care about our population’s health


Mount Vernon Primary and specialty careAddress: 1400 E. Kincaid StreetPhone: 360-428-2500

CardiologyAddress: 307 S. 13th Street, Suite 300Phone: 360-336-9757

Residency Clinic Address: 819 S. 13th StreetPhone: 360-814-6230

Riverbend Address: 2320 Freeway DrivePhone: 360-814-6800

Oak HarborDermatologyAddress: 1300 NE Goldie RoadPhone: 360-639-3093

Sedro-Woolley Primary and specialty careAddress: 1990 Hospital DrivePhone: 360-856-4222

Stanwood Primary and specialty careAddress: 9631 269th Street NWPhone: 360-629-1600

10 locations 20 specialties, more than 100 providers

Skagit Regional Clinics provides comprehensive health care for patients of all ages through a network of health care facilities located in Skagit, north Snohomish and Island counties.

More than 20 medical specialties are available for complete care, close to home.

Services

Anacortes CardiologyAddress: 2511 M Avenue, Suite DPhone: 360-293-0308

UrologyAddress: 1213 24th Street, Suite 600Phone: 360-293-2173

Camano Island Family MedicineAddress: 127 N. East Camano DrivePhone: 360-387-5398

Total amount enclosed:

Name: _______________________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code: ___________________________________________________________

Day Phone: __________________________ Home Phone: ______________________________

E-mail address:________________________________________________________________

Check (make checks payable to SRH-HealthQuest)

Mastercard VISA

Credit Card Number: ____________________________________

Type of Payment (Please do not send cash)

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

Class or Screening Date Fee

Class Registration

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

Phone360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481

Internetwww.skagitregionalhealth.org, click on Events

Fax360-814-8222Complete this form and fax it to the number above.

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

Expiration Date: _______________________

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39

HealthQuest

HealthQuest WINTER 2014

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

Sponsored by Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation

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

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE PAID

MOUNT VERNON, WAPERMIT NO. 104

Documents

2014 Fall HealthQuest Magazine