Tag Archive for: #mariaparhamhealth

The Local Skinny! Maria Parham, Health Dept. Team Up For $5M In State Funding

The atrium of Maria Parham Health was filled with dozens of county leaders, hospital staff and members from the community Wednesday afternoon to witness a big check presentation by N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon.

The oversized check was appropriate, too, because it needed to accommodate a lot of zeroes – the check was written out for $5 million.

Sossamon, freshman representative for District 32, was flanked by fellow legislator Rep. Matthew Winslow, along with Maria Parham CEO Bert Beard and District Attorney Mike Waters for the presentation.

Sossamon called the General Assembly’s $5 million appropriation establishes a “milestone,” for the hospital, the local health department and for the larger community. Plans for the money include creating secure space within the hospital’s Emergency Department for patients in mental health crisis.

“I’m thankful we were able to bring this home,” Sossamon told the gathering assembled for the presentation.

The money will come through Granville Vance Public Health, and Director Lisa Harrison said the dollars will help to create a modern ER with “cutting-edge care and paying attention to modern-day practices that keep people safe in the emergency room.”

MPH CEO Beard said some of the funds would be used at the MPH behavioral health facility in Franklin County for intensive outpatient services.

Right now, law enforcement officers must remain with patients who come to the ER in a mental health crisis until those patients can be safely placed.

The “Safe Spaces” concept for the ER will allow law enforcement officers to get back to work more quickly, and also will put in place proper safeguards for hospital staff and patients alike.

“We’re working to try to help employees be safe,” Sossamon said.

District Attorney Mike Waters said the courts system is “downstream” from other areas in the community, including education and health care. In meeting with representatives from across the community over the past few years, one thing was clear: it’s important to intervene before an individual ends up in the courts system.

Waters said this project serves to address needs in the community, but it also gets law enforcement officers back to work quicker, which is key to keeping communities safer.

Beard said this ER rebuild is “forward-thinking in how we look at emergency care in this state,” and said he hopes what happens here at Maria Parham can be a model for others looking for ways to protect staff and patients in mental health crisis.

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MPH Shines A Pink Light On Breast Cancer Awareness

Information courtesy of Donna Young, MPH Market Coordinator, Communications and Marketing

Pink lights will illuminate the Maria Parham Health campus in Henderson through the month of October as the hospital observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The front entrance will be bathed in a pink glow, serving as a reminder for women to get screened for breast cancer, which the American Cancer Society said claims 40,000 lives each year.

Breast cancer is most treatable and curable when detected at its earliest stages. clinical breast examinations and mammography are key to early detection. Women should ideally have a clinical breast exam every three years starting at age 20, and every year starting at age 40. Women should also have yearly mammograms starting at age 40.

“The impact of cancer on an individual, their family and loved ones is profound and can be devastating,” said Bert Beard, Maria Parham’s CEO. “With the advancements in surveillance and detection of breast cancer, it is really a matter of creating awareness and educating our communities of the importance of screenings and mammograms. Going pink is just one more way we remind everyone to be aware, take action, and get screened.”

Maria Parham Health will also observe “Pink-Out Day” on Oct. 20, when team members at all MPH facilities will don pink attire in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.

If you would like to schedule a mammogram or talk with a provider about your breast health, call 800-424-DOCS. For more information on breast cancer and mammograms, visit https://www.breastcancer.org/  and https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/.

The Local Skinny! Rehab at Maria Parham

Lori Murphy has been a physical therapist for 29 years, and as a physical therapist and clinical liaison for LifePoint at Maria Parham Health, she wants to make sure that the community knows about the services available for those who need inpatient rehab.

This week is National Rehabilitation Awareness Week and Murphy was a guest on The Local Skinny! Monday to focus on specific needs of those who have acute rehab needs.

The week’s theme is “the power of medical rehabilitation,” Murphy said, which she describes as rehabilitation that involves a physician and other therapists to address a patient’s needs through regular, frequent sessions while in a hospital setting.

Whether a patient is recovering from a car accident, spinal injury, or learning to live independently again after an illness or injury, Murphy said inpatient rehab could be a good choice.

A stroke victim may need speech therapy to recover abilities, she said. Or someone who’s endured a long hospital stay and is now in a debilitated state may need respiratory, occupational or other forms of therapy to regain strength.

No matter the reason, inpatient rehab helps patients “reach their potential to function more independently,” she said, motivating them to attain goals that will allow them to live on their own with little to no assistance.

The reasons vary, she said, but Murphy said it’s important to listen to the patients to learn what’s important to them. Whether it’s getting out of the house to go to church or being able to stand up at a child’s wedding, Murphy said the therapy is different for each person.

The MPH inpatient rehab has 11 private rooms to accommodate patients.

“The vast majority of our patients feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment when they reach their goals and are ready to go home,” she said.

“They are grateful for the time they’ve spent here,” she said.

Call inpatient rehab admissions at 252.436.1276 to learn more or to arrange a tour of the facility.

Visit https://www.mariaparham.com/center-for-rehabilitation to learn more.

(MPH is an advertiser with WIZS. This is not a paid ad.)

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Maria Parham Health Schedules Free Prostate Screening Event Sept. 14

Maria Parham Health has scheduled its annual free prostate screening for Thursday, Sept. 14.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness month, and Maria Parham is offering the screening event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at its Henderson location on Ruin Creek Road

The American Cancer Society recommends that all men 50 and older should be screened annually – those in high-risk groups including African American men and males with a family history of prostate cancer should start at age 45.

No appointment is needed.

Visit https://www.mariaparham.com/ or call 252.436.1656 to learn more.

Keep Immunizations, Vaccines, Up-To-Date For Maximum Protection

-information provided by Betsy Hunt, Chief Nursing Officer at Maria Parham Health

Although the COVID-19 virus still poses a health risk to many Americans, the widespread panic brought on by the pandemic as it raged and surged over the past few years is a thing of the past, thanks largely to the development and use of vaccines.

In May, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced an end to the public health emergency brought on by COVID-19.1 Since the peak of the Omicron variant in January 2022, COVID-19 cases have declined rapidly – though the disease still poses a health risk to many Americans, COVID-19 death rates have dropped 95 percent from their height in 2021.2

Much of our achievement in combatting the virus can be attributed to a record-breaking vaccine rollout, according to information from Betsy Hunt, chief nursing officer at Maria Parham Health.

Since the first COVID-19 vaccine was released to the public, more than 270 million Americans have received at least one dose, and over 70 percent are considered fully immunized,3 making this the largest adult vaccination program in our nation’s history. As more of us become resistant to the virus, we are able to return to the activities we love – visiting restaurants, traveling outdoors and hosting social gatherings – without fear that we’ll endanger ourselves or the people around us.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Each year, we take this time to recognize that vaccines are essential to our health and the health of our community – a lesson that the past few years have made especially clear. For centuries, immunization has been one of the most effective ways we can protect ourselves from preventable illness.4 Diseases that were once deadly, such as polio, have all but vanished thanks to the power of community-wide vaccination, while others such as COVID-19 are becoming much less dangerous. Whether we’re young or old, we can stop the spread of disease by following vaccination guidelines.

Although COVID is on the forefront of everyone’s mind, it’s important to remember that other diseases have not gone away. The CDC has observed that over the past few years, many children missed yearly check-ups due to concerns surrounding COVID.5 September is approaching, which for many Americans means the start of the school year – as you gear up your child with books and pencils, make sure to also check their immunization record, and talk to their pediatrician about making up any missed appointments.

Vaccines aren’t just for kids. Adults also benefit from certain vaccinations, to protect against diseases such as shingles, tetanus, and the common flu. Some vaccines can even reduce your risk of cancer – the Hepatitis B vaccine can prevent liver cancer, while the HPV vaccine immunizes you against the most common cause of cervical cancer.6 Your recommended vaccines may vary, depending on your age, lifestyle, and prior immunization history – for instance, adults who travel frequently, or who missed important vaccinations during childhood, may be due for a check-up. Talk to your primary physician about your vaccine history, and ask if any of the following vaccines are right for you:

If there is a lesson we should take away from the past few years, it’s that our community’s health is everything, and protecting our health is everyone’s responsibility. When you get vaccinated to strengthen your immune system, you’re not just safeguarding yourself from common illnesses – you’re also protecting your family, neighbors, and the most vulnerable members of your community.

Different vaccines are recommended, depending on the age of the patient. COVID-19 and flu vaccines, for example, are recommended for anyone between the ages of 6 months and 80+. Shingles vaccines are recommended for anyone over 50 and HPV vaccines target those in the 11-26 age group.

Schedule a check-up with your primary care provider today. To find a provider, call 800.424.DOCS. For more information on immunization recommendations by age, visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html or talk to your primary care provider.

Maria Parham Primary Care Welcomes New Family Nurse Practitioner

– information courtesy of Donna Young, market coordinator, communications and marketing

Maria Parham Primary Care announces the addition of Jennifer Stockwell, MSN-FNP to its team of medical professionals. Stockwell is a family nurse practitioner,  specializing in family medicine.

Maria Parham Health CEO Bert Beard welcomed Stockwell to the MPH team. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and  experience that will be invaluable to our patients, and we’ve seen it firsthand as she’s worked in  our emergency departments with Maria Parham,” Beard said in a press statement.

Stockwell said she looks forward to helping patients. “I am passionate about preventative healthcare and look forward to working with my patients to implement practices that will better their well-being,” she said.

“That experience and knowledge base will surely distinguish her in the primary care setting and it’s always special to support someone growing in their career with us. Furthermore, Jennifer’s

dedication to delivering superior patient care aligns with our mission to provide the best possible care and treatment to our patients,” Beard stated.

Stockwell received her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner from South University and completed clinical rotations at Spectrum Medical Care in Raleigh.

Schedule an appointment at Maria Parham Primary Care by calling 252.436.0440.

Maria Parham Health Releases 2022 Economic Impact Report

-information courtesy of Donna Young, Maria Parham Market Coordinator, Communication and Marketing

Individuals depend on Maria Parham Health to provide health care and other services ranging from emergency room visits to outpatient rehabilitation therapy and cancer care.

In addition to the health care, however, the hospital also affects the economic health of the community in the way it supports local endeavors. When it’s all added up, the report concludes that MPH is responsible for a total of $66,180,877, from donations to local non-profits and tax payments to providing care to those who can’t afford it and adding more than 70 new providers to its campus.

Maria Parham has published its 2022 community benefit report, which outlines the various ways the hospital continues to invest in the health and economic vitality of the Henderson/Vance County community as part of its mission of making communities healthier®, according to Donna Young, MPH market coordinator, communication and marketing.

“For more than 97 years, Maria Parham Health has been proud to call Henderson/Vance County our home, and as a leader in our community, we are continually seeking ways to make a positive impact for those we serve,” said Bert Beard, MPH chief executive officer

“This year’s report underscores our ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality care possible – both inside and outside our hospital walls.”

Maria Parham Health’s 2022 community benefit report highlights its continued efforts to meet the growing healthcare needs of its community through welcoming new providers, adding and expanding service lines and continually investing in its facilities and healthcare technology. For example, in 2022, Maria Parham Health added 73 providers in cardiology, oncology, internal and emergency medicine, pathology, telemedicine, anesthesiology, general surgery, rehabilitation, radiology and behavioral health; and made nearly $3.6 million in capital improvements, including new equipment like workstations in the pharmacy, an energy study for more efficiency, and updated endoscopy and communications equipment.

Additionally, Maria Parham Health made a donation of more than $57.2 million in health services to those in need, demonstrating its continuous commitment to ensuring everyone has access to care, regardless of their ability to pay.

Maria Parham Health is also devoted to creating environments where providers want to practice, and employees want to work. In 2022, the hospital distributed more than $64,700,00 in salaries, wages and benefits for its more than 700 employees, while contributing more than $68,000 in professional development and tuition assistance so all its employees can have the opportunity to learn, grow and improve the care they provide their patients.

Last year, the organization paid $8,519,012 in local and state taxes, while also continuing its support of local activities and organizations committed to serving the region, including ACTS of Vance County, United Way, Vance County Relay for Life, Crimestoppers, and more.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our community who entrusts us with their care and for the hard work and dedication of our providers, employees and volunteers who make it all possible,” said Beard. “As we continue our recovery from the many industry impacts of COVID-19 and look ahead to the future, we remain committed to honoring our legacy while further enhancing the many ways we serve our neighbors and communities.”

View the complete report at  https://www.mariaparham.com/community-benefit-report

 

 

 

Maria Parham GI Welcomes New Gastroenterologist Varnita Tahiliani, MD

information courtesy of Donna Young, Maria Parham Health Market Coordinator

Maria Parham GI welcomes Varnita Tahiliani, MD, to its team of medical professionals. A board-certified gastroenterologist with more than 10 years of experience, Tahiliani specializes in treating general GI issues as well as hepatological problems and inflammatory bowel disease.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Tahiliani join our Maria Parham Health team. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be invaluable to our patients,” said MPH CEO Bert Beard.”Her dedication to delivering superior patient care aligns with our mission to provide the best possible care and treatment to our patients.”

Tahiliani received her Doctorate in Medicine from Saba University School of Medicine in the Netherlands and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Buffalo.

Now accepting new patients, call Maria Parham GI at 252.430.8111 or 800.424.DOCS. Visit MariaParham.com  to learn more about Varnita Tahiliani, MD.

Maria Parham Health Adds Midwife For Womens’ Health Care

-information courtesy of Donna Young, Maria Parham Health marketing & communication coordinator

Maria Parham Health has announced that Sofronia Germany, MSN, CNM has joined its staff and will be offering midwife services to patients throughout Henderson, Vance County and the surrounding area.

“We are pleased to welcome Sofronia Germany to our Maria Parham team,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “Women’s care is an important need in our community, and Germany‘s midwifery experience will go a long way toward giving our area’s parents more choices in their families’ care. She is an important addition as Maria Parham Health works to make our community healthier.”

Germany graduated Magna Cum Laude from The University of Cincinnati in Ohio and was a student Nurse Midwife at CareConnect OBGYN in Cordele, Georgia. Germany is an advanced practice midwife, and specializes in care during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period; sexual and reproductive health; gynecologic health; and family planning services, including preconception care. She is seeing patients at her offices at Maria Parham Women’s Care. For a referral or to schedule an appointment, please call 800.424.DOCS.

The Local Skinny! Maria Parham Health Remembers Lives Lost In Service To Country

-Information courtesy of Donna Young, MPH Marketing & Communication Coordinator 

Maria Parham Health invites the public to its third annual Memorial Day Service on Thursday, May 25, 2023. This year’s theme is “Reflection and Celebration.” The service will begin at 10 a.m. by the flagpoles in front of the hospital, where attendees will remember and honor those who have died in the performance of their military duties while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Maria Parham’s keynote speaker this year will be Hartwell Wright, Vietnam veteran and recent recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is among the most prestigious awards conferred by the Governor of North Carolina. It is awarded for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina that is above and beyond the call of duty that has made a significant impact and strengthened North Carolina communities. Hartwell Wright received the award in February 2022.

The Maria Parham Memorial Day Service will include prayers from Harriett Baptist Church Pastor Will Breedlove, as well as special music, the hanging of a memorial wreath and the reading of names In Memoriam.

In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the auditorium.

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