Volume 12 of the Healthy Living Newsletter is here!

In This Issue:

• Keep You Moving
• Community Memorial Again Receives Top Ranking
• New NP at CMH Hamilton Office
• An Update From The Business Office
• Care From Your Car

Read the full issue by clicking here!

Keeping You Moving

Every October is National Physical Therapy Month, an annual opportunity to bring awareness to the benefits of physical therapy. Choosing physical therapy as a treatment method is beneficial to patients, as individual treatment plans are designed for each patient’s needs, challenges and goals. Therapists work to improve mobility, manage pain and other chronic conditions, assist patients in recovering from injury or surgery, and also work with patients to prevent future injury.

The Physical Therapy Department of Community Memorial treats patients every day in multiple settings – inpatient, outpatient and our swing bed patients. “Just one of the many benefits of the swing bed program at CMH is the therapy we provide, for those post-acute patients that may not be ready to return home yet after a hospital stay,” states Julie Dunckel, Director of Rehabilitation at Community Memorial. “The Rehab team works with every swing bed patient to help them reach an optimal level of functioning.”

Rehabilitation Services

This program not only helps the swing bed patient, but also family members of the patient, as they see their loved one achieve objective targets, ensuring they’ll be more able to care for themselves once they have returned home.

Patients that may especially benefit from physical therapy are post- surgery patients. Regaining and restoring pain-free and comfortable movement after a surgery is the goal of the CMH therapists. We perform many orthopedic surgeries at our facility, primarily joint replacements; our therapy team is vital to the recovery of every post-surgery patient,” stated Dawn Sampson, Interim Administrator. “Bringing back an improved quality of life and overall wellness to patients while instructing ways to minimize future injury risks is part of the specialized plan that each patient receives while receiving treatment.”

Julie Dunckel, Director of Rehabilitation

“All ages can benefit from physical therapy; we do treat children, primarily in our outpatient setting,” added Dunckel. “Teaching beneficial exercises to patients of all ages, with a wide range of health conditions, and collaborating with primary care providers will provide patients with a steady road to recovery.”

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services second edition of Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, more than 80% of adults and adolescents do not get enough physical activity. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants encourage all ages to achieve physical activity based on their own abilities, which will then improve their quality of life. Education around the nature of the patient’s injury, and what patients can do to help themselves recover is key in the high rate of success of therapy patients at Community Memorial. “Now, in the midst of COVID, we are seeing more patients that have been less active than normal and are beginning to develop more chronic impairments,” stated Caitlin Lamison-Myers, Physical Therapist. “Increasing physical activity can be difficult in the midst of a pandemic and even during every day responsibilities. As movement experts, we as therapists, are able to determine exercises that provide you with the most benefit to help return you to your normalized activities, as well as, encourage you to take an active part in your recovery and your overall health.”

Physical therapy can help patients in lesser known ways, as well. Whether it’s on the front end as a way to avoid a surgery by improving mobility and function, or as a method to manage pain and chronic conditions. Therapists set realistic expectations for patient’s recovery, and take into consideration the use of pain medication in this plan. The communication between the patient and their therapist allows a proactive approach to pain management. Specializing in a variety of areas, physical therapists help patients overcome barriers in their recovery. “Every patient is evaluated upon arrival at CMH, and then a specialized treatment plan for their individual needs and goals is developed,” added Dunckel.

“What’s important for patients to remember is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all plan with physical therapy, and we’re here to help you every step of the recovery road.”

To learn more about the Physical Therapy Department of Community Memorial and the team providing treatment, call 315.824.6556, or visit https://www.communitymemorial.org/services/rehabilitation-services/. If you believe you may benefit from physical therapy, talk to your healthcare provider about setting up an appointment for an evaluation!

Community Memorial Again Receives Top Ranking

Community Memorial is excited to claim another exciting title; The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that Community Memorial Hospital has once again been ranked a 5-star quality organization for patient experience and satisfaction.

The highest ranking honor awarded to hospitals, Community Memorial also received the top 5-star accolade in 2018-2019. Results are based on the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey from patient discharges. CMS instituted its star rating measurements in 2016 and Community Memorial Hospital has been a 4-Star rated organization overall for HCAHPS since its inception. At the beginning of 2017, Community Memorial Hospital began a comprehensive iCare for FIVESTARS journey to achieve a 5-Star rating for patient experience. Results are based on 146 New York State hospitals, for the period of October 2018 through September 2019.

“The CMH team works every day, focusing on providing our patients and their families with the best experience and high quality care they deserve,” stated Dawn Sampson, Interim Administrator. “We are elated to again achieve this 5-star rating – a testament to how committed everyone at Community Memorial is to our patients.”

Implementing such initiatives as a daily quiet hour for patients to rest, cross-department collaboration and management rounding added improved ratings from patients. Additionally, the Board of Directors Performance Improvement meetings along with increasing both membership and engagement from the Patient Advisory Council has allowed Community Memorial to achieve this remarkable rating. The positive results and immediate feedback from patients and their families has helped Community Memorial reach remarkable patient experience goals, and has recently prompted other facilities to reach out, inquiring about implementing similar programs within their own organizations. “We are honored that other hospitals are taking notice of our successful initiatives,” stated Diane Chase, Senior Director of Clinical Services. “Encouraging other organizations to implement some of these options, increasing patient satisfaction scores across the state will be a direct impact on the most important component of our job – the patient.”

For nearly 70 years, Community Memorial Hospital’s mission has been to provide quality and caring healthcare to thousands of patients throughout almost 30 Central New York communities located throughout Madison County and beyond. The hospital provides primary care services with a network of five Family Health Centers (Hamilton, Morrisville, Cazenovia, Munnsville and Waterville), an after-hours urgent care clinic – available in the evenings and weekends, and 24/7 emergency medicine services.

New NP AT CMH Hamilton Office

Gwen Manley, FNP-C

The Family Health Center Network of Community Memorial has welcomed another primary care provider to the team; Gwen Manley, FNP-C, is now seeing patients out of the Hamilton office location.

Receiving her Associates Nursing Degree from Morrisville State and then continuing to Syracuse University and Alfred University’s respective Schools of Nursing, Ms. Manley brings years of experience to the group. A local, longtime family nurse practitioner, she has worked in many settings, including Urgent Care, Emergency Services, Dermatology, and is also a childbirth educator.

“Gwen brings a wealth of knowledge to the team at Community Memorial, encompassing a wide array of patient care needs,” states Dr. Michael Walsh, Chief Medical Officer. “We enthusiastically welcome her and her skills, furthering the patient-centered care mission of our organization.”

Having worked in a variety of clinical settings, including as a former nursing supervisor of Community Memorial, Ms. Manley also holds a certification in coronary care, and is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. “I’m excited to join such a great team of healthcare providers, and I look forward to welcoming patients in under my care,” states Ms. Manley. “Building my patient base within the 5-star Community Memorial family and continuing my career here is an exciting venture.”

To learn more about the new providers at Community Memorial or to make an appointment, visit: https://www.communitymemorial.org/family-health-centers/ or call at 315-824-4600.

For almost 70 years, Community Memorial Hospital’s mission has been to provide quality and caring healthcare to thousands of patients throughout nearly 30 Central New York communities located throughout Madison County and beyond. Again named the only hospital in the state named a 5-star facility for patient experience, Community Memorial provides primary care services with a network of five Family Health Centers (Hamilton, Cazenovia, Morrisville, Munnsville, and Waterville), an after-hours urgent care clinic available in the evenings and weekends, and 24/7 emergency medicine services.

An Update From: The Business Office of CMH

In an effort to keep all our patients and employees safe, the Community Memorial Business Office was closed to patients for some time, during the initial COVID developments.

At this time, we are welcoming patients back into our offices to pay their hospital bills and speak to our Financial Counselors in person. We will be screening all visitors prior to entering our building, and masks are required to be worn at all times.

For those that still prefer contactless bill-pay options, we encourage

you to visit the ‘Hospital Bill Pay’ section on our website, www.communitymemorial.org, to pay by credit/debit card, or call 315-701-5627 for additional assistance.

The safety and well-being of everyone is the most vital mission of Community Memorial, and we appreciate your patience as we navigate this evolving situation.

*To pay your Family Health Center bill, please call 315-937-3015.

Care From Your Car

Community Memorial’s innovative 2nd annual Drive-Flu Clinic was held on a sunny but cool September day, providing more than 350 seasonal flu shots for community members.

The inaugural event in 2019 showed the need amongst residents for simple but vital healthcare. Attendees pulled in, filled out simple paperwork, and were able to receive their flu shot – all from the convenience of their vehicle.

“2020 has proven to both healthcare providers and patients that there are evolving circumstances around how medical care can be provided,” stated Diane Chase, Senior Director of Clinical Services at Community Memorial. “Care-from-your-car has become one new norm, and Community Memorial was ahead of the curve when we introduced our Drive-Flu Clinic last year.”

Cars lined up right at 7am, and there was a steady flow of traffic throughout the day. “COVID has made our residents see the importance of an annual flu shot,” added Chase. “We’re very happy to see so many people take advantage of this clinic.”

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises anyone over the age of 6 months get a flu shot every season, typically by the end of October, but a flu shot at any point during the season is recommended. The flu can be a life threatening illness to children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

“We were excited to bring this innovative and convenient service back to our community,” added Chase. “Improving the health of our patients is one part of our mission in providing quality care, close to home.”

Flu Clinic

The Drive-Flu Clinic was held on September 18, 2020 and offered 3 convenient time slots throughout the day. The clinic was held on the campus of Community Memorial Hospital in Hamilton.

The Drive-Flu Clinic on September 18, 2020 offered 3 convenient time slots throughout the day and was again held on the campus of Community Memorial Hospital in Hamilton. Anyone not able to attend is encouraged to call their CMH primary care provider to schedule a flu shot.

For nearly 70 years, Community Memorial Hospital’s mission has been to provide quality and caring healthcare to thousands of patients throughout almost 30 Central New York communities located throughout Madison County and beyond. The 5-star rated hospital provides primary care services with a network of five Family Health Centers (Hamilton, Morrisville, Cazenovia, Munnsville and Waterville), an after-hours urgent care clinic, available in the evenings and weekends, and 24/7 emergency medicine services. To learn more about services offered or to make an appointment with your Community Memorial primary care provider for your annual flu shot, visit: https://www.communitymemorial.org/family-health-centers/ or call at 315-824-4600.

Volume 10 of the Healthy Living Newsletter is here!

In This Issue:

• Young Minds and Mental Health
• Coronavirus
• CMH Auxiliary Supports SANE Program
• A Cure Can’t Wait – and Neither Can You
• Vital Volunteers
• Grateful Patient Honor Roll

Read the full issue by clicking here!

Young Minds And Mental Health

Emotional health for our youth matters – it can affect educational development, and the ability to connect with family and friends. Poor emotional health can decrease the abilities children need to deal with issues in life. Recognized since 1949 in the United States, May is Mental Health Month, and many organizations participate in an effort to erase the stigma around mental health.

Community Memorial, in conjunction with the Larry Baker Endowed Fund for Behavioral Health, is planning to host a seminar for parents at Hamilton Central School, circling around the mental health issues that children often face today. A panel of local experts, including Community Memorial’s own pediatrician, Dr. Jennifer Meyers, will cover topics including social challenges and struggles, coping with sadness, emotional readiness after high school, and more. Event emcee Dr. Travis Hall, Clinical Psychologist, will help the panel in a breakdown of relevant issues, providing insight to parents.

Coronavirus

Community Memorial has closely monitored the developments related to COVID-19, including the rapid spread of the illness nationally and the impact it has locally. Regular meetings, education, and communication have provided all Community Memorial employees information on prevention but also preparation for this illness.

“Our Infection Control Department always remains well informed of any health concern, but is being especially vigilant about state and federal recommendations related to the Coronavirus,” stated Sean Fadale, President and CEO of Community Memorial. “Our response to any patients that present with this illness is prepared, and we continue to keep a strong communication line open with the Department of Health for any potential local challenges that may arise.”

With several universities in the immediate geographic area, Community Memorial has a structured and dedicated Emergency Preparedness Plan, spearheaded by Bernie Casscles, ER Nursing Supervisor and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator. “Our CMH team meets daily, and we’re able to give the most current information to our providers and staff regarding this virus and our area,” stated Cassles. Additionally, the Community Memorial housekeeping staff regularly maintains the highest standards in cleaning protocols, but has expanded cleaning and disinfecting services. The Infection Control Department continues to monitor domestic developments related to the spread of this illness.

“Because of how easily COVID-19 spreads, the day-to-day situations change quickly, and our employees have done an outstanding job of keeping up-to-date on the latest news and taking all necessary steps in addressing any Coronavirus concerns,” added Fadale.

In response to the community outreach on ways to help the organization, CMH established the COVID-19 Emergency Fund. Please visit our website to contribute. And from every employee, THANK YOU for all of the generosity we’ve received throughout this pandemic.

For the most recent updates regarding COVID-19, please visit the NYS Department of Health website or the CDC website.

CMH Auxiliary Supports SANE Program

Gloria Lenhart, President of the CMH Auxiliary, and Bernie Casscles, ED Nurse Supervisor at CMH, feature purchased items with funds donated by the Auxiliary.

The Auxiliary of Community Memorial recently donated funds to support the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) Program provided at the hospital, assisting the Emergency Room Department in purchasing clothing items for patients that were victims of sexual assault.

Community Memorial, in conjunction with Colgate University and Madison County’s Liberty Resources/Help Restore Hope Center, launched the Sexual Assault Program in 2017. The SANE program provides specialty-trained nurses, who offer all residents of Southern Madison County comprehensive medical and psychological services specifically related to sexual assault. Additionally, victims of domestic violence that may need forensic evidence collection or psychological care are assisted. Prior to 2017, survivors of sexual assault were required to travel 30 to 60 miles from Hamilton to access SANE services. “When a patient comes to our facility for sexual assault treatment, we often have to collect their clothing as evidence, for forensics. With the funds donated from the Auxiliary, we were able to purchase clothing to have available for patients to wear home in those situations,” stated ER Nurse Supervisor Bernie Casscles. “This option can make a world of difference in such a sensitive time, and we’re so fortunate to have such a supportive Auxiliary.”

SANE services include STD/STI testing, advocate support, counseling, follow up care and forensic medical examinations that collect and secure evidence in the eventuality a survivor chooses to do so and in order to prosecute the perpetrator.

“Our Auxiliary members voted unanimously to donate towards such a worthy cause, and we’re proud to support this service offered within Community Memorial,” stated CMH Auxiliary President Gloria Lenhart.

Community Memorial offers after-hours urgent care clinic available in the evenings and weekends, and 24/7 emergency medicine services. For more information on services, visit www.communitymemorial.org.

Vital Volunteers

April 19th through April 25th is National Volunteer Week, a time for Community Memorial to honor and celebrate all of the volunteers of CMH for the irreplaceable impact their time and efforts have on the organization.

Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week shines a light on the inspirational citizens of our community that choose to lend their time to Community Memorial, serving our patients and helping our employees every day. At CMH, volunteers of the Auxiliary run the gift shop, answer telephones, help patients and their families navigate throughout the organization, amongst other things. “Our Auxiliary members work hard each day to support the hospital,” stated Auxiliary President Gloria Lenhart. “Whether it’s working the book and magazine cart for patients, stocking the gift shop, or supporting departments with an extra hand, we’re here for Community Memorial and its patients.”

Each year, the Auxiliary of Community Memorial recognizes a member as the Volunteer of the Year. “This year, we are honored to present the Volunteer of the Year award to Susan Stradling-Barrett, a volunteer that has served us since 2003,” stated Lenhart.

Stradling-Barrett has navigated most components of the Auxiliary, coming on as a book-cart volunteer and moving into helping with the annual holiday sale, then serving as President of the Auxiliary for two consecutive terms. Her most recent accomplishment was heading the annual ‘Egg-stravaganza’ event, one of the fundraisers the Auxiliary hosts to support the hospital. “My mother was a volunteer at the front desk of CMH, so I am carrying the support on,” stated Stradling- Barrett. “I’ve enjoyed meeting new people and becoming involved with helping the hospital. I am just one of many, and I’m honored to have been given this award.”

To learn more about the Auxiliary of CMH or how to volunteer, please visit www.communitymemorial.org/auxiliary.

A Cure Can’t Wait – and Neither Can You

March 2020 has come and gone already – and with it was National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Community Memorial is dedicated to increasing awareness around this cancer, which is the second leading cancer killer in the United States.

“We promote screenings year round, not just in March, but this awareness month gives an additional opportunity for providers to talk to their patients about the importance of what medical screenings they may need,” states Michael Walsh, DO, Chief Medical Officer of Community Memorial. “It is imperative patients know their risk factors, and talk to their providers about why they should get screened for colon cancer.”

March 6th was ‘Dress in Blue Day 2020’, and employees of Community Memorial once again banded together to promote awareness for a health issue, this time by donning their blue attire. “Our employees continue to come together in support of bringing attention to relevant health topics, in hopes to increase awareness of the importance of preventative health screenings,” added Sean Fadale, President and CEO of Community Memorial.

According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, more than 147,000 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer this year. 1 in 3 adults ages 50-75 are not getting screened as recommended. Colon cancer is a highly preventable disease through the multiple screening options. Depending on different factors, including age and family history, screening types and frequencies can vary by patient. “Talking to your healthcare provider will give the best information as to when patients should get screened, but most begin around age 45,” added Dr. Walsh.

Community Memorial is proud to partner with Syracuse Gastroenterological Associates, providing digestive healthcare services at the Cazenovia Family Health Center and also procedures in Hamilton. “Our collaborative efforts with the Syracuse Gastro team allow Community Memorial to continue to provide easy access to vital services, close to home,” added Fadale.

Dr. Adam Berg, of Syracuse Gastroenterological Associates, talks about digestive care and the importance of screenings with his patients. “Risk for colorectal cancer increases with age – more than 90% patients that have colorectal cancer are over age 50. Knowing the symptoms and a regular colonoscopy every 5-10 years is the key to preventing colorectal cancer,” stated Dr. Berg.

For more information about preventative and primary care, visit www.communitymemorial.org. For almost 70 years, Community Memorial Hospital’s mission has been to provide quality and caring healthcare to thousands of patients throughout nearly 30 Central New York communities located throughout Madison County and beyond.

Mental Health

“Healthcare providers are seeing more and more children in their offices with mental health issues; depression, anxiety, mood disorders. This seminar was developed with the plan of assisting parents in not only recognizing symptoms, but also ways to help their children overcome issues,” stated Dr. Hall. “All too often are we seeing social media explosions over bullying, issues at school, depressed kids. We’re grateful to have the Behavioral Health Fund available to support ongoing treatment and education for our patients for these concerns.”

May 9th is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, shining a spotlight on the importance of caring for every child’s mental health. “Anything we can bring to our community, our patients, and our parents to reinforce that positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development is beneficial,” added Dr. Hall. “I’m honored to have had Brad Bennett, PhD, and Niki Keating, PhD, on this event panel to provide their expertise for these parents.”

Opened to all local residents and neighboring school districts, the event will serve as a comfortable way for parents as well as school administrators to learn about appropriate approaches for issues around the mental health of children. “We are excited to bring this meaningful event to our community, but also to include the other districts around us,” stated William Dowsland, Superintendent of Hamilton Central Schools.

Featuring a question and answer session at the end of the program, attendees will able to ask the panelists questions for general information on the night’s topics. Providing insight to common concerns seen by school officials and staff will be Bill Mullin, a Social Worker from the Sherburne-Earlville School District. “I am honored to be a piece of such an important and relevant event, and I look forward to this discussion,” stated Mullin. New York State’s Office of Mental Health website provides extensive information for children, teens, and families about services available to help identify emotional health needs, treatment, and support. “The earlier parents and guardians know their child has an emotional health need, the sooner they can act,” stated Dr. Hall.

In 2019, Larry Baker and Dr. Hall collaborated to establish the Larry Baker Family Library, supported by Baker’s named Endowed Fund for Behavioral Health within the Community Memorial Foundation. Driven by personal motivation of watching his grandson’s mental health issues, Baker knew this new project would benefit other parents struggling with the mental health issues their children may be facing. Located in the waiting room of the Hamilton Family Health Center, Baker hoped the resources provided parents with one more support method. “I was thrilled to see the books fly off the shelves, knowing there were families in need of information on mental health,” stated Baker. “Now, we’ll continue to build the library for this ongoing demand, but also look forward to making this mental health seminar an annual event.”

To learn more about the Larry Baker Endowment Fund for Behavioral Health, or to look into donating related books for the library, please contact the Marketing Office of Community Memorial at 315.824.7037. To learn more about the new providers and services offered at Community Memorial or to make an appointment, visit: https://www.communitymemorial.org/family-health-centers or call 315-824-4600.

For additional resources for you and your family related to mental health issues, visit https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/childservice.

This story was amended due to postponement of the event, related to COVID-19 developments. Stay tuned for future rescheduling and registration info!