Adventist HealthCare Washington Adventist Hospital and Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center each recently received a national award for high-quality cardiac care they provide to the region.

Story by Danielle Lewald

The 2015 Platinum Performance Achievement Award from the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR ACTION Registry–GWTG recognizes the hospitals’ commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients. Adventist HealthCare Washington Adventist Hospital in Takoma Park, Md., and Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center in Rockville, Md., are among only 319 hospitals nationwide to receive the Platinum honor.

“We are honored to be recognized by the American College of Cardiology for the sixth consecutive year for providing high-quality cardiac care,” says John Sackett, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Adventist HealthCare and president of Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center. “This national achievement reflects the ongoing commitment of our staff who care for some of our most critically ill patients and their families.

To receive the Platinum award, Adventist HealthCare Washington Adventist Hospital and Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center consistently followed the treatment guidelines in the ACTION Registry–GWTG Premier for eight consecutive quarters and met a performance standard of 90 percent for specific performance measures. The Premier registry requires hospitals to report more detailed data on specific measures.

“As a leader in cardiac care in the D.C. region, we are proud to be honored again for delivering quality patient care," says Erik Wangsness, president of Adventist HealthCare Washington Adventist Hospital. “Adherence to these guidelines is a critical step in saving the lives and improving outcomes of heart attack patients.”

Full participation in the registry engages hospitals in a robust quality improvement process using data to drive improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care provided to heart attack patients.

Both hospitals are also designated Chest Pain Centers with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention by the national Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care. This means they exceed rigid standards for care procedures in the treatment of patients with chest pain and other heart attack symptoms.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 700,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. A heart attack occurs when a blood clot in a coronary artery partially or completely blocks blood flow to the heart muscle. Treatment guidelines include administering aspirin upon arrival and discharge, timely restoration of blood flow to the blocked artery, smoking cessation counseling and cardiac rehabilitation, among others.

ACTION Registry–GWTG is a partnership between the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association with partnering support from the American College of Emergency

Physicians and the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care. ACTION Registry-GWTG empowers health care provider teams to consistently treat heart attack patients according to the most current, science-based guidelines and establishes a national standard for understanding and improving the quality, safety and outcomes of care provided for patients with coronary artery disease, specifically high-risk heart attack patients.

Story by Adventist HealthCare Staff

The healthcare sector is expected to add the most jobs in the U.S. over the next several years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Adventist HealthCare brings this economic and job growth to the Washington, D.C. region as it begins a $331 million project to build the new Adventist HealthCare Washington Adventist Hospital in the White Oak area of Montgomery County. More than 300 community members and elected officials gathered today to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new hospital.

Adjacent to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) headquarters, the new hospital is at the center of the White Oak Science Gateway, a developing life sciences community bringing together medical researchers, businesses and retailers—projected to contribute $5 billion to the state’s economy. The hospital will create nearly 7,500 jobs between construction and hospital operations, according to an analysis by Stephen Fuller, PhD, director for the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University (Va.).

“The groundbreaking for the hospital is another great milestone in the rejuvenation of the eastern part of our county. It will create thousands of jobs while the hospital is being built and after it begins operations,” said Ike Leggett, Montgomery County Executive. “It will also inject more than $800 million into the state’s economy in construction alone, with most of that going to our local jurisdictions.”

(pictured) Adventist HealthCare president and CEO Terry Forde greets Dave Weigley, Columbia Union president, before Weigley gives remarks at the groundbreaking of the new Washington Adventist HealthCare site in White Oak.

The new hospital will also expand access to patient care in the region. Washington Adventist Hospital will move its acute-care operations to the newly constructed 170-bed hospital, estimated to open in early 2019, while retaining its current location in Takoma Park to provide other healthcare services.

“Today, we break new ground, expanding our more than 100-year commitment to the community,” said Terry Forde, president and CEO of Adventist HealthCare. “Our Takoma Park site has always been, and continues to be, a place of healing, renewal, discovery and compassionate care—a legacy we will continue in our future. The new hospital expands on those key values.”

Washington Adventist Hospital, the first hospital in Montgomery County, Md., is part of the Gaithersburg-based Adventist HealthCare, the largest provider of healthcare services in Montgomery County. It is recognized as a national leader in cardiac care and performed the first heart surgery in the D.C. region in 1962.

Highlighting the significance of the new hospital for this region and the entire state of Maryland, several other elected officials and FDA representatives joined Leggett.

“I was honored to join FDA officials, Montgomery County Executive Leggett and Adventist HealthCare to break ground on the new Washington Adventist Hospital in White Oak,” said U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD). “By bringing federal, state, local, and private-sector resources together, we can expand access to high-quality healthcare in our community and bring more jobs and economic opportunities to Maryland.”

Key leaders and supporters donned hard hats and grabbed shovels to take part in the ceremonial groundbreaking.

“As we sink our shovels into new ground this morning, we are officially kicking off the construction for Adventist HealthCare Washington Adventist Hospital in White Oak,” said Erik Wangsness, president of Washington Adventist Hospital. “I would like to thank our employees and physicians who are enthusiastic about our future and committed to our mission. “I also thank our elected officials and other community leaders and supporters. This is a blessed time in our 108-year history.”

To learn more, go to www.ourcommunitytransformed.org.

Story by Betty Klinck

Adventist HealthCare was recently awarded with the Innovation Partnership Award by Rebuilding Together Montgomery County, a non-profit organization that provides free home repairs for low-income seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. Celebrating the two organizations’ growing collaboration, the award recognizes a corporate partner for innovation and forward-thinking to improve the health and safety of community residents.
 
A home that provides a positive, healing environment is just as essential to mental and physical wellness as receiving proper medical care. Unfortunately, many people cannot afford the renovations to make their homes safe and fitted to their medical condition. For example, installing wheelchair ramps can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000.
 
With the belief that all people deserve a safe, healthful home, Adventist HealthCare and Rebuilding Together Montgomery County have worked over the last 10 years to provide free modifications and repairs in the homes of low-income seniors, families and veterans. This has included installing wheelchair ramps and handrails, overhauling entire bathrooms and repairing plumbing leaks and drywall.
 
Expanding their partnership, Rebuilding Together will now work with Adventist HealthCare Washington Adventist Hospital in Takoma Park, Md., to identify patients who are discharged from the hospital and require home modifications they cannot afford. Over the next year, Adventist HealthCare will provide $25,000 to support the modifications in approximately 12 patients’ homes through Rebuilding Together.
 
“Given their commitment to overall public health and wellness, a partnership with Adventist HealthCare is a natural fit for our organization,” says Christina Johnson, executive director of Rebuilding Together Montgomery County. “Their support of our work throughout the past 10 years has had an immeasurable impact on the lives of many of our most vulnerable neighbors here in Montgomery County and we are excited to see the wonderful results that will come from our new program with Washington Adventist Hospital.”
 
The hospital is currently working to identify the first patient who qualifies for the home renovations. Once identified, Rebuilding Together will step in to provide donated or discounted construction professionals and materials.
 
“We are honored to continue our work with an organization like Rebuilding Together to further expand whole-person health beyond our walls and into the community,” says Terry Forde, president and CEO of Adventist HealthCare. “Our partnership provides a unique opportunity to close gaps in healthcare and improve quality of life in the communities we serve.”
 

Story by Tom Grant

Story by Elizabeth Klinck

In the tradition of bringing health and wellness to the community, Adventist HealthCare Washington Adventist Hospital in Takoma Park, Md., provided health screenings and nutrition activities at Washington Adventist University’s Family Fun Festival held April 10 on the university’s campus, which is right next door to the hospital.
 
Washington Adventist University holds this annual event each spring to bring safety, education and wellness to the community. The day features live music sponsored by WGTS 91.9FM, food from local restaurants and children’s entertainment. Sharing a commitment to keeping the community well and healthy to prevent illness, Washington Adventist Hospital has long supported Washington Adventist University’s Family Fun Festival.
 
Erik Wangsness, president of Washington Adventist Hospital, joined University officials to welcome the festival guests and thank them for coming out to enjoy a day of wellness and fun.
 
As an event sponsor, Washington Adventist Hospital provided health experts to offer two health screenings. More than 200 attendees participated in Adventist HealthCare’s activities, including receiving a body composition and body mass index (BMI) screening and participated in a hand-washing activity using a UV light to show places they missed when washing their hands.
 
Keeping with the Adventist focus on healthy eating, Adventist HealthCare Executive Chef Randall Smith offered a cooking demonstration on the festival’s main stage, where he cooked three bean and brown rice salad and provided recipe cards.
 
Attendees also enjoyed fruit-infused water in Adventist HealthCare water bottles. Bonnie Alexander, RD, a dietician and the outpatient diabetes educator at Washington Adventist Hospital, explained how guests can make their own fruit-infused water and the health benefits of drinking water instead of sugary beverages.

Story by Adventist HeathCare Staff

As her patient’s vital signs dropped, Ann Roda held his hand and prayed. She had been working as a nurse on a shock trauma unit when a college student was rushed in with fatal stab wounds. It soon became apparent that his family would not arrive in time to say goodbye. She remained at his bedside and offered comfort and prayer in his final moments.

“I became his family in that very moment,” Roda says. “There was a calmness and peace that came over him as I held his hand. The experience solidified for me what healthcare truly means.”

In her new role as vice president of Mission Integration and Spiritual Care at Adventist HealthCare, Roda hopes to use her meaningful nursing and pastoral experiences to help employees discover what healthcare and our mission means to each of them.

“Our mission is beautiful – but what does it actually mean to each individual?” Roda says. “Whether you are working in direct patient care or at the corporate office, we are all working together to demonstrate God’s care. Living our mission is a journey we must all take together.”

Prior to joining Adventist HealthCare, Ann worked for 10 years as a pastor at the Chesapeake Conference's New Hope church in Fulton, Md. She also has helped guide church communities in Georgia and Illinois. Before entering pastoral ministry work, Ann worked for 15 years as a nurse.

At Adventist HealthCare, Roda will lead efforts to integrate the organization’s mission into both the organization’s culture and our daily work. She will also encourage even more focus on outreach to clergy in the community, health ministry, ethics and community benefit, as well as assisting the organization’s leaders in addressing the spiritual and ethical dimensions of their work. Additionally, shewill work with the chaplain service to ensure that the pastoral care teams function properly, and that pastoral education programs maintain a high level of excellence.

Roda says she will also seek to help employees realize their unique value to the organization and to each other. “The demonstration of God’s care is not just at the bedside, but also to each other. We fulfill our mission by holding each other up, and thus upholding the reputation of Adventist HealthCare.”

Roda is well-prepared for this new role as she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md, as well as a Master’s degree in Divinity from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary (Mich).

Story by Lisa Krueger and Jerry Woods / Photos by Vanessa Marie Studios

A record 2,000-plus people attended WGTS 91.9 FM’s sixth annual Night of Hope, one of the station’s key evangelistic pushes. Immanuel’s Church in Silver Spring, Md., hosted. This year the event started on Friday with a special broadcast dubbed the Day of Hope.

“Day of Hope was created specifically to allow listeners (not able to attend Night of Hope) the opportunity to be part of the celebration,” says Brennan Wimbish, WGTS program director. “We pre-recorded and took listener stories of how they'd seen hope in their lives.”

Area pastors, national speakers and Contemporary Christian artists, like Amy Grant, shared moments of experiencing hope. “We created several one-minute vignettes from these interviews that played throughout the day,” says Wimbish.

This year’s Night of Hope featured Laura Story, a Christian music artist and worship leader. Her songs, such as “Blessings” and “Mighty to Save,” seem tailor-made to match listeners’ stories. As the mother of three small children and a wife who was at her husband’s side through treatment and recovery for a brain tumor, Story connected in a very tangible way with listeners experiencing their own struggles, offering hope and encouragement. She even joined station staff in the studio to share her hope story and some live music.

Story was also very honest: “At the end of the day, I can’t guarantee you that God is going to solve all of your problems and tie them up all neatly with a big, pretty bow on top. We continue to need God to be with us, to help us through our daily lives as we face problems.”

Chaplain's Department Grows

Terry Johnsson, WGTS’s chaplain for the past 12 years, offered a well-recognized voice for many listeners. Johnssson shared stories of how God led in his young life—learning difficulties, struggling high school grades, and eventually becoming a White House Honor Guard and earning a doctoral degree. He told the audience to know that God will always come through so that we can stand up and testify to His working in our lives. He finished the evening by telling of his struggle with losing weight, of going from size 60 jeans to size 34.

In response to Johnsson’s message, more than 1,000 people filled out prayer cards, and several hundred came forward after the concert to talk and pray with staff.

During the service the WGTS staff introduced Kumar Dixit (pictured left), who will serve as the new chaplain starting in Auguest. He is looking forward to working with the team to do even more to impact the Washington, D.C., community. “The station has developed a deep and personal connection with listeners who are ready to be mobilized to make a difference in their communities,” he says.

For the first time, WGTS partnered with Adventist HealthCare, which provided the financial backing to cover the costs of bringing in a national artist and creating a first-class program. “To say that partnering with Adventist Health and Immanuel’s Church was key, would be a huge understatement,” says Jerry Woods, WGTS promotions director and Morning Show host. “It’s safe to say this event wouldn’t have been anywhere near as successful without their investment in people’s lives in the D.C. area through the Night of Hope.

Offering hope to listeners is a primary goal for WGTS 91.9. In recent weeks, buses throughout several Maryland and Virginia counties have carried the message “Got hope? WGTS 91.9.” And, the station has just completed its spring fundraiser with the theme “Prayer = hope.”

Kevin Krueger, station general manager, shared, “I was personally moved by the number of people who experienced deep life change at Night of Hope. One gentleman shared with me how he’s tried to quit smoking multiple times. He told me, ‘I believe God can do it, but I don’t know if I can do it.”

Krueger adds, “This night was designed for hurting people, to give them encouragement that Jesus is the answer to facing struggles. People were being very vulnerable. My hope for them is that the change they made that night would be a change that lasts for the rest of their lives.”

Story by V. Michelle Bernard / Photos courtesy Mark Bowen/Scripps National Spelling Bee

JJ Chen, a 10-year-old boy who attends Chesapeake Conference’s Spencerville church in Silver Spring, Md., recently advanced to the Scripps National Spelling Bee finals in Oxon Hill, Md. He tied for 22nd place at the event.

Chen was the only student from the Washington, D.C., area to make it to the finals, and received a lot of local media attention for his accomplishment. He says he had fun and was “exited about talking with media. They are nice.”

His mother, Yuesha “Shasha” Chen, reports that during the competition the family (pictured below) was able to share his love for church and Christian music with the media and his fellow spellers.  “We believe that the Christian faith and values have a tremendous impact” on how JJ grew up and learned, she adds.

This was Chen’s first time competing in spelling bees, and he only started studying six months ago during his classroom’s competition. He plans to compete again next year and has already developed and started a study plan for the next 12 months.

Yuesha “Shasha,” who is a vice president and CFO at Adventist HealthCare’s Washington Adventist Hospital in Takoma Park, Md., says he was born with a natural interest in spelling.  “When he was 3-years-old attending day care, he was already reading character books [versus picture books] and helping his classmates to read,” she says. “He was always a “human dictionary” to his teachers.”

Story by Adventist HealthCare Staff

When Judith Mufuh sat down to watch a video about the Seventh-day Adventist Church for her new job, she had no idea how profoundly it would impact her life. She had recently started working as a chaplain at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center in Rockville, Md., and her manager, Dr. Shelvan Arunan, gave her the video to learn more about the faith-based roots of the hospital.

“When the video ended, my husband and I sat in silence and awe of how inspiring and moving it was,” Mufuh says. “Having studied theology, I was familiar with the history of many denominations, but I was very intrigued by the uniqueness of the Adventist faith.”

Arunan, executive director of Mission Integration and Spiritual Care at Adventist HealthCare,  gives every employee who enters his department the video in order to help them better understand the mission of Adventists.

“After they watch the video, we meet and talk because I want them to comprehend who Adventists are and what our mission is truly about,” he explains.   

Mufuh, who was raised Lutheran, was also curious because of her goddaughter’s positive experience with the Adventist faith.

“She had recently married an Adventist man and told me how warm and welcoming the church had been to her,” she says. “I trust my goddaughter very much, so after watching the video and thinking about her experience, I was curious and wanted to know more.”

Judith began asking questions. So many, in fact, that Arunan provided her with more videos and books, and they began having regular bible studies.

Eventually, Mufuh met Arunan’s wife, Rajee, who invited her to visit Adventist churches in the community.

“When I met Rajee, she was beyond goodness, and so friendly and nonjudgmental,” Mufuh says. 

Mufuh and her family attended services at various churches in the area before connecting with Hyattsville church in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

“The moment I walked into the church, I remember thinking that it felt like home,” she says. “Later on, when I learned the mission of the church is ‘A Place that Feels Like Home,’ I knew it was going to be part of my path.”

It was important to Judith that her husband and four sons had input, too. When her children expressed an enthusiasm to return to the church, they agreed as a family that it was time to join.

“It has been the most blessed, wonderful journey I have ever had,” Mufuh says. “It’s a sense of peace and calm that I had not experienced for a long time, and it’s beautiful to have people who surround you and understand you.” She and her husband, Christopher, were baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist faith on December 26, 2015.

Judith says her experience has enabled her to better connect with her patients on a spiritual level.

“I want them to leave the hospital feeling that they are not alone and that there is something special and unique about Adventist HealthCare and its employees,” Mufuh says. “The ability to hold someone’s hand without judgment and journey with them is very powerful.”

Arunan says that he was simply doing his job and, because Mufuh was curious, he helped her study and answered her questions. “We do the best we can, but God does the rest,” he says.  

For Mufuh, his guidance was invaluable in her journey.

“The most amazing thing was just coming for a job and not knowing how it would change my life. Dr. Arunan didn’t push me -- he just let me experience the goodness of God and, when that takes place, it transforms,” she reflects. “Sometimes all it takes is one person to inspire change.”

Story by Adventist Healthcare staff

Five Liberian amputees, who play on an international disabled soccer team that has won three world championships, received prosthetic legs and expert rehabilitation care this spring thanks to Adventist HealthCare Physical Health & Rehabilitation (Adventist HealthCare PH&R).

Adventist HealthCare PH&R and one of its partners, Medical Center Orthotics and Prosthetics (MCOP), donated new prosthetic legs and rehabilitative care to the five Liberian refugees, who have not had access to prosthetic legs or comprehensive treatment.

“At Adventist HealthCare Physical Health & Rehabilitation, we are constantly working to help patients get back to life by helping them return to the activities that they loved before their injury or illness,” says Dr. Terrence Sheehan, chief medical officer.  “These men have already demonstrated that they can play soccer following limb loss.  Now, our team is helping them become active and capable with their new prosthetics.”

The team at MCOP, which has extensive experience working with amputees including Wounded Warriors Project, custom fit a prosthetic limb to each amputee. After being fitted with new prosthetics legs, the men attended specialized physical therapy sessions focused on amputee training and care at Adventist HealthCare PH&R.

“It’s like a dream come true,” says Samuel Eastman (pictured with Sheehan), one of the soccer players. “We could not have afforded this ourselves.”

The five refugees suffered war-related traumatic injuries in their native Liberia. They made their way to the United States and were put in touch with Adventist HealthCare and MCOP through connections with the Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts in Washington, D.C. 

MCOP and Adventist HealthCare PH&R use a team-based approach combined with a commitment to community service to provide world-class amputee care. Weekly specialized clinics and coordinated rehabilitative care ensure all amputees receive prosthetic services and physical rehabilitation, which ranks second to none in the region.

Adventist HealthCare PH&R is one of the only facilities in a five-state region to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International in all four specialty areas – brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation and stroke.

Learn more at adventistrehab.com.

Read and share these articles from the July-August Visitor :

• Editorial: We're Big Kids Now
• Feature: So Near, And Yet So Far
• Underscore: Men and Diet: Can Diehard Carnivores Become Vegetarian or Vegan?
• CD Release: Songs From the Heart
• Healthy Recipes from Columbia Union Members
• Liberian Refugee Soccer Players Receive New Limbs and Rehabilitation
• The New, Healthy-Cooking Chef in Town

Story by Adventist HealthCare Staff

When a bout of flu or a broken bone happens, Adventist HealthCare offers three urgent care centers to provide residents in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties with convenient access to quality care. 

Adventist HealthCare’s first center opened in Rockville, Maryland in March 2015.  This year Centra Care Adventist HealthCare Urgent Care opened in Germantown in May and the newest center opened in Laurel in July.  

Convenience with a Compassionate Approach

As patients seek more convenient care options, the urgent care centers offer quality healthcare as a fast, easily accessible and lower cost alternative to emergency departments. At Centra Care, patients can receive treatment for a full range of minor illnesses and injuries. Many patients can come to the center and receive care in less than an hour – and find treatment during extended evening and weekend hours.

“Strong access to urgent care centers helps to cut down on expensive emergency room visits by offering care for non-life-threatening health conditions at times and locations that are convenient for patients,” says Richard Samuel MD, a physician at the Laurel location and also a member of the Southern Asian church in Silver Spring, Md.

By offering quality urgent care services, Adventist HealthCare broadens its comprehensive network of health services and fulfills its mission of improving the health of people and communities.

Expanding Care in Upper Montgomery County

The opening of Centra Care in Germantown continues Adventist HealthCare’s commitment to meeting the full range of healthcare needs of upper Montgomery County. Urgent care in Germantown joins other Adventist HealthCare services like the critical care at the Germantown Emergency Center, primary care services with Adventist Medical Group and comprehensive imaging services at Shady Grove Radiology.

Bringing Quality Care to Prince George’s County

Adventist HealthCare is committed improving access and eliminating local disparities to quality medical care.  Accordingly, opening a Centra Care location as our first stand-alone care facility in Laurel is a significant step to ensuring residents in that region are properly served by a healthcare system.

“We recognize that fulfilling our mission of improving the health of people and communities includes providing convenient access to services for residents of Prince George’s County,” says Terry Forde, president and CEO of Adventist HealthCare.  “We look forward to expanding our offerings to all of Prince George’s County moving forward.”

Story by Betty Klinck

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and recent research suggests that going to a hospital rated highly for heart care matters. By delivering such high-quality care to the Washington, D.C. region, Adventist HealthCare Washington Adventist Hospital has received two national recognitions for its heart program.

Washington Adventist Hospital received the highest distinction for excellence in heart surgery from the Society for Thoracic Surgeons (STS), and was also recognized for efficient, effective and rapid treatment of heart attacks by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care (SCPC), an Institute of the American College of Cardiology.

The STS awarded the hospital a Three-Star rating – the highest possible quality rating – for coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), the most common type of open-heart surgery in the U.S. Washington Adventist Hospital is among the top 10 percent of hospitals nationwide to achieve a Three-Star rating.

“The Three-Star rating in CABG is very important to us. It is a measure of excellent outcomes for our patients,” said Paul Massimiano, MD, the hospital’s medical director of Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery. “It designates a very high standard and it validates the importance of teamwork and attention to detail in our cardiac program.”

The STS analyzes many different national cardiac surgical data categories annually to determine which hospitals meet the stringent Three-Star rating. The quality rating measures patient outcomes, processes and adherence to evidence-based care throughout the patient’s admission.

Additionally, Washington Adventist Hospital is now one of only two hospitals in Maryland to receive accreditation as a Chest Pain Center – Version V with PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention, or angioplasty) from the SCPC.  This is currently the highest accreditation level offered by the SCPC. It recognizes the hospital’s ongoing commitment to care for patients with heart attack symptoms using more efficient and effective diagnostic methods, as well as more appropriate and rapid treatment.

“Our accreditation as a Chest Pain Center highlights the coordinated care provided by our Emergency Department, cardiology team and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers,” said Katie Byrd, MD, medical director of the hospital’s Chest Pain Center. “Through collaboration and standardized processes, our team ensures rapid assessment and life-saving treatment to each patient who enters our hospital with chest pain.”

Minutes matter when you or a loved one experience chest pain – getting heart attack treatment quickly can preserve more of the heart muscle. As an accredited Chest Pain Center with PCI, Washington Adventist Hospital has met strict quality standards aimed at:

·         Minimizing the time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis and treatment,

·         Treating patients more quickly to preserve the heart muscle, and

·         Closely monitoring patients who are experiencing chest pain.

Further, receiving heart attack care from a hospital that performs the best on widely used quality measures could add one year to your life, according to a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine.

People experiencing signs of a heart attack, such as tightness in the chest, pain or discomfort in the neck, jaw or arms, or shortness of breath, or fatigue should call 9-1-1 immediately. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of a heart attack here.

Story by WAH Staff

Hospital and community leaders, caregivers and partners of Adventist HealthCare gathered on Dec. 2 for a blessing ceremony just ahead of the pouring of the foundation for the new Adventist HealthCare Washington Adventist Hospital in the White Oak area of Maryland, set to open in 2019.

The ceremony, opened by Erik Wangsness, president of Adventist HealthCare Washington Adventist Hospital, celebrated not only the physical foundation pouring, but also recognized Adventist HealthCare’s foundation built upon the longstanding legacy of Adventists bringing holistic, whole-person healing to their communities.

"We gather to reflect and ask continued blessing for the construction of the new hospital--an expansion of our more than 100-year health ministry to the community," said Terry Forde, president and CEO, Adventist HealthCare. "We are blessed to carry forth our founder's vision--with both a new hospital on this land and continued health and wellness offerings in Takoma Park."

Nearly one year after gaining approval to build the new hospital, the foundation pouring, set to begin Dec. 12, marks the beginning of the construction of the hospital building, following months of work preparing the land and planning the design of clinical spaces.

"As the foundation for this building is laid, we want to dedicate this moment to you and ask that you bless this foundation so that this building can be a place where your presence is felt and your care is experienced," said Ann Roda, vice president of Mission Integration and Spiritual Care, Adventist HealthCare, who led guests in a prayer.

The following leaders led Scripture readings to bless the construction site and its crew;: Chaplain Biaka Chhangte; Dwain Esmond and Tim Poirier of the Ellen G. White Estate; John Sackett, executive vice president & chief operating officer of Adventist HealthCare and president of Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center; and Rob Jepson, vice president at Washington Adventist Hospital.

Geoff Morgan, vice president of Expanded Access at Washington Adventist Hospital, presented four items to be embedded into a concrete wall of the hospital to signify Adventist HealthCare’s legacy, including:

• The 1907 ledger of the first patients admitted to the Washington Sanitarium, now Washington Adventist Hospital,
• The book The Ministry of Healing by one of Adventist HealthCare’s founders Ellen White,
• A copy of a letter Ellen White wrote regarding the purchase of the Takoma Park property and location for the Washington Sanitarium, and
• A copy of the Scripture passage, Ephesians 2:19-21, that reminds Jesus Christ is our cornerstone.

Stay up-to-date with the hospital’s construction progress at OurCommunityTransformed.org.

Story by Adventist HealthCare Staff

It makes sense that the estimated 1 million people in the U.S. who have aphasia cannot easily explain their condition. A language disorder, which typically results from a stroke or other damage to the brain, impairs a person’s ability to speak. Unfortunately, it also makes sense that people with the condition feel isolated.

Adventist HealthCare Physical Health & Rehabilitation (PH&R), with inpatient and outpatient locations in Rockville, Silver Spring, Takoma Park and Gaithersburg, began offering a community aphasia support group in 2006 to provide a network for those feeling disconnected due to ongoing communication challenges.

“There is value in communicating with others who are also having difficulty,” explained Sandi Lancaster, MA, CCC-SLP, a senior speech-language pathologist with PH&R. “Having a supportive group environment to work on communication can be extremely therapeutic for individuals with aphasia.”

In 2015, Ms. Lancaster shared information about the potential therapeutic benefits of music and singing with the group.

“Individuals with aphasia typically have damage to the left hemisphere of their brains, whereas music is largely a function of the right hemisphere,” she said. “So music can tap into people’s strengths when they have aphasia.”

Thanks to the presentation, members of the group realized that, although they had difficulty speaking, they were able to communicate in another way: through song. Group member Erik Delfino felt so inspired that he worked with two other group members to start a choir, now known as Aphasia Tunes.

Today, Aphasia Tunes regularly performs at Calvary Lutheran Church in Silver Spring. The group purchased instruments through a grant from the church and has continued to perform with support from the church’s music minister, Brian Priebe. The choir currently practices twice a month and performs at the church.

Mr. Delfino, who suffered a stroke in 2014, said that being part of the choir has helped him with his communication challenges.

“I know people with my condition have difficulty getting the words out, but for me, singing was no problem,” Delfino said. “I am excited to see how this new initiative will continue to bless the lives of others as we move forward. I know it has already been a great blessing to those involved.”

Story by V. Michelle Bernard / Feature photo by alexisnyal

Journeying Through Grief

Most people know that grief is a process, says Ann Roda, vice president of Mission Integration and Spiritual Care at Adventist HealthCare. “Here is the thing. Grief is not something you experience and move on. Grief changes people. Below Roda shares the three aspects of grief and offers some tips to help yourself and others in the process.

Feeling the Grief

A lot of times people try to avoid the pain of loss, says Roda (pictured below). They’ll do things to try to avoid the hurt, won’t cry or hyperventilate. But, people need to work through the pain, she adds.

Adjusting

Those grieving must adjust to the changes in their environment because the loved one isn’t there.  “This is a huge adjustment that needs to be talked about and strategically planned,” says Roda. “A lot of times we think about grieving from an emotional sense, but forget the day-to-day practical things that fill time.”

Roda shared examples of parents that continued to clean a deceased child’s bedroom and wives that would still call out to husbands who passed away. This is also a tangible aspect of grief.

Relocating the Loss, Moving On

Sometimes the emotions take the lead, and sometimes the physical actions take the lead in the grief process, says Roda. “Sometimes there is a hesitancy to move on. People interpret [moving on] as forgetting their loved one.”

She adds that for a parent, the grief will never leave. You don’t stop grieving, you just relocate it emotionally and physically.  “When you get to the point in which you are able to physically relocate, for example give away all a child’s toys and clothes, the emotional loss and grief will still be there, [but] you’ve relocated it now.”

Lifelong Process

People need to understand the grief and understand it is a lifelong process, says Roda. “You will never get over this, but you need to relocate your emotions and actions,” and learn how to live with it.

She shared the example of how her 5’1’’ stature will be with her the rest of her life; how it determines the shoes and clothes she’ll wear. “I’ve learned how to pick the right clothes and shoes for my height; it is the same principles with grief.”

Roda recommends that the grieving get support “with a counselor or support group or family members who understand.”  It is ok to say, “I have to talk about this … or ask, can I talk about this? ... When we hold it in, we as individuals really don’t have the skills in us to deal with grief. I think grief has to be a community journey.”

Roda says it is important to find a group with a shared experience; not all communities are. For example, some well-meaning Bible study groups who haven’t experienced the loss of a death of a child might think someone needs to “just get over it.” A parents’ group will understand, she adds.

Helping Others Through Grief

Don’t be afraid to bring up the death with parents, says Roda. “It could be something as simple as “How are you really doing?” or “How is the journey?”

She also says it is important to let people know you’re thinking about them and tell them how the loss impacted you too. This opens the door for parents to talk and is acknowledging their journey and “that you’re still with them.”

She also says simply allowing the parents to express their feelings can be helpful. “Don’t be judgmental, allow them to cry and process.”

Roda says it is important to remember special days, for example the birth of a child, acknowledge anniversaries, or even ask the parents, depending on your relationship with them, if you can accompany them when they visit the grave.

“As the parent is going through grief, through a lifetime, friends and family need to take that journey with them,” she says.

Story by Jacquie Bokow

Women attending the Potomac Conference's Capital Memorial church's Women's Ministries Prayer Breakfast were recently challenged to live her "BEST" life at the church in Washington, D.C. Kathleen Coleman, Faith Community Health Network coordinator for Adventist HealthCare, spoke to the room full of women after a sumptuous catered vegetarian lunch. BEST stands for:

• Blessed of God,
• Essential Part of God’s Plan,
• Spiritually Led and Fed, and
• True to Yourself and to Your God.

Coleman (pictured below) shared that a review of the characteristics of the so-called “Blue Zones”—areas around the world that have a percentage of people living up to or longer than 100 ( Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, Calif.)—indicated the types of choices that led to such extended lifespans: strong family values, respected elders, a plant-based diet, exercise (like gardening and walking), laughter, a reason for waking up in the morning, support groups, drinking hard water (which is high in calcium), stopping eating when 80 percent full, eating a light supper, maintaining a normal body weight, and Sabbath rest.

“What would we do without the Sabbath?” she asked, a question that elicited smiles and nods from the women there.

Coleman then asked each participant to write out what would constitute her own BEST Life, which the group shared among themselves.

Coleman then gave nine TIPS (Things I Perform to make me Stronger) in order to live their BEST lives:

1. Choose three health goals to address. Coleman advised the women to “make your goals SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely.” She also recommended writing the goals down. “You are 42 percent more likely to achieve your goal just by writing it down,” she said.
2. Choose a personal motto or mantra and a Bible promise, such as “Ordinary or Extraordinary—The Choice is Yours” or “Never Give Up.” A Bible promise could be something like Proverbs 16:3: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
3. List any challenges/barriers to achieving your goals and their possible solutions.
4. Review your goals daily during your daily devotion, during which you will: (1) Pray your goals to success, and (2) Talk to God about your decisions and goals/motto and promise/barriers and solutions.
5. Don’t let your past sabotage you. “Take a lesson from Paul,” she advised.
6. Don’t stop and don’t give up.
7. Where possible, surround yourself with many positive options so that, whatever you choose, it will be a good choice. This includes not just food choices but positive people. Coleman counseled the attendees to “Stay clear of toxic people.”
8. Rehearse only positive thoughts, using affirmations and visualizations. For instance, think “I’m enjoying being 150 pounds” (or whatever your weight goal is). Visualize you’re already there.
9. Celebrate success! Decide how you’ll celebrate reaching each health goal when you choose them in #1.

Each woman received a Personal Action Plan to write down her own first three goals, the deadline for each, and how she will celebrate when that goal is achieved. Once a woman achieved three goals, she was advised to begin the next three.

“Health starts in the mind,” concluded Coleman. “Choosing correctly is the foundation to good health. God never forces; it’s up to us to choose health. It’s never too late and never too early to make a change in your life.”

Story by Jerry Woods

The WGTS 91.9 staff got a chance to play Santa’s helpers right before Christmas. The staff visited the pediatric ward of the Shady Grove Adventist Medical Center in the suburbs of Washington D.C., to distribute teddy bears. It’s been a staff tradition for the last three years to stuff teddy bears at that party to be delivered to a local hospital.

“Three years running!  Thank you to all the amazing people from WGTS 91.9 for coming to our Pediatric Unit to visit and donate bears to our patients. We love having you, and our little patients and their families so appreciate your kindness and thoughtful blessings,” shared pediatric charge nurse Amy Garrett.

Story by Tom Grant

The Daily Record has selected Terry Forde, president & CEO of Adventist HealthCare, to receive the 2017 Influential Marylander award.

Fifty-one Influential Marylanders were selected by the editors of The Daily Record for their significant contributions to their respective fields and for their leadership in Maryland in the following areas: health care, civic leadership, communications, education, finance, freestyle, general business, law, philanthropy, real estate and technology.  The Daily Record launched Influential Marylanders in 2007 to recognize those who are leaving a mark on the community throughout the state.

"This year's Influential Marylanders demonstrate an impressive record of accomplishment, leadership and vision," says Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, publisher of The Daily Record. "What they say is important, and what they do makes a difference in the lives of many in Maryland and beyond. The Daily Record is honored to recognize their accomplishments."

Forde has led Adventist HealthCare during a time of great change in healthcare, both at the state and national level. Under his guidance, the organization has created a vibrant outpatient and population health network to support the system’s four hospitals and to provide positive and meaningful impact in the surrounding community.

“While I am honored to be recognized for this distinguished award, it is important to remember that all of the employees and physicians at Adventist HealthCare play a vital role in fulfilling our mission to extend God’s care through the ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing,” Forde says.

In addition to leading Montgomery County’s first and largest health system, Forde is also a board member of the Montgomery County Development Corp. In this role, he serves as a key economic adviser to Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett.  He also serves on the Maryland Hospital Association’s Operations and Executive Committee also, working with health systems across the state to improve patient care.

The 2017 Influential Marylanders awards will be presented March 23 at a reception and dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. at The Grand Lodge of Maryland, 304 International Circle in Cockeysville. Winners will be profiled in a special magazine that will be inserted into the March 24 issue of The Daily Record and available online at www.TheDailyRecord.com.

Several months ago, Don Russell’s doctor asked him to listen to his heartbeat and then his own.

“His heart was just the perfect ‘thump thump’ sound,” said Don, an 85-year old resident of Laurel, Md., and a member of Chesapeake Conference's Spencerville church in Silver Spring, Md. “When I listened to mine, it was sort of this squishy sound like blood trying to force its way through the valve.”

Time to Act

That “squishy sound” was aortic stenosis – a narrowing of the aortic valve between the heart and the aortic blood vessel, which delivers blood to the body.

After monitoring Don’s condition, Keith Lindgren, a cardiologist with Adventist HealthCare Adventist Medical Group, told Don he had to take action.

Traditionally, action would mean open-heart surgery with a long, six-week recovery. Although he was nervous, Don agreed that he couldn’t wait.

“I was having difficulty walking very far. My whole life was impacted by this problem,” says Don, who enjoys traveling with his wife to visit their eight children.

A New Option

Then Don saw the Adventist HealthCare video about an innovative heart procedure called “TAVR” that could fix his faulty heart valve without open-heart surgery. In consultation with his doctor, Don decided that was the way to go.

“Transaortic valve replacement, or TAVR, allows the physician to place a new aortic valve into the damaged valve using a tiny tube, called a catheter. It is inserted through a small opening in the groin,” explained David Brill, MD, an interventional cardiologist at Adventist HealthCare Washington Adventist Hospital.

On Aug. 24, Dr. Brill performed Don’s TAVR procedure in collaboration with heart surgeon, Anthony Rongione, MD. After spending just two days at Washington Adventist Hospital, Don was amazed to hear his own heart beating regularly, and that the hospital’s cardiac experts fixed his heart without ever opening his chest.

“I had no pain at all and had a very short recovery period. In fact, the next day, I went grocery shopping with my wife. It really is too good to be true,” said Don.

Since then, Russell has traveled to Colorado, North Carolina and even Canada with his wife, and is able to take long walks with ease. “It has just given me a new lease on life,” he said.

To learn more about the quality heart care at Adventist HealthCare, visit TrustedHeartCare.com.

Story by Betty Klinck