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!