Plus, a heart-healthy recipe
A Mother’s Strength
Pam Douglas awaits the return of her soldiers
common threadBringing Together the Saint Joseph Health System Family
January/February 2009
Win a $75 Gas Card! See Details Inside
Confronting Ike’s Aftermath
Nurturing New Moms
A Lifetime of Ministry
NEW
Saint Joseph
Magazine
Inside Our Family A note from Gene Woods Dear Saint Joseph Family,
As we enter our second year together as Saint Joseph Health System, it’s important to realize what an incredible first year we had. I am amazed at how much we have accomplished together in the first twelve months, which makes our future even more exciting.
Looking back over the last twelve months, there are many reasons to celebrate our new organization as one. There was no shortage of awards received during 2008. Thomson Reuters recognized three of our facilities as 100 Top Hospitals last year: Saint Joseph - London was recognized for outstanding cardiovascular services; Saint Joseph East was recognized as a Performance Improve-ment Leader; and Saint Joseph East and Flaget Memorial Hospital were both named in the overall category of National Benchmarks for Success (this was the fourth year in a row for Flaget to be recognized). Saint Joseph - Berea received the Kentucky Hospital Associa-tion’s Quality Award for excellent patient care.
All of our facilities (except Mount Sterling) are now “connected” as we implemented CHI Connect across the organization. Accord-ing to CHI, Saint Joseph Health System had the most successful go-live to date. Six of our facilities also are now accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers (Saint Joseph - Mount Sterling is expected to receive accreditation early this year).
Technology remained at the forefront in 2008, as we launched the InTouch telemedicine robotic program in all of our hospitals. Several physicians have proven to be early adopters, as they are using the robots for purposes ranging from doing extra rounds, providing consults for hospitals that don’t have access to a specialist, and nursing is using them for patient education.
Through collaboration with several other hospitals across the state, Saint Joseph Health System became completely tobacco free on November 20, the date recog-
nized as the Great American Smokeout. This project is yet another way we can live out our mission of creating healthy communities, in all of the areas where we serve.
Finally, we welcomed our eighth member to the family this month, as Saint Joseph - Jessamine RJ Corman Ambulatory Care Center recently opened in Nicholasville. This facility has been highly anticipated by the community of Jessamine County, and we look forward to serving the wonderful citizens and families in the area.
Even though 2008 was not without its challenges, namely the economic situation that has temporarily affected some of our capital construction projects, I am confident that we will continue to blaze the trail in the state for delivering the highest quality care in the most compassionate setting available.
Thank you for your patience, expertise, faith and continued dedication to the patients and families of Saint Joseph Health System. Happy New Year!
Gene WoodsCEO
PublisherSaint Joseph Health System
Executive EditorJeff Murphy
EditorKara Fitzgerald
Production CoordinatorLiz Sword
Editorial ContributorsAngela Florek
Neva Francis
Katie Heckman
Sharon Hershberger
Jennifer NeSmith
Tonya Lewis
Stephanie Sarrantonio
Amy Taylor
Editorial InternsHannelore Dima
Jeanette Word
Contributing WriterKathie Stamps
PhotographersSteve Porter
Jennifer Roberts
Lee Thomas
Tim Webb
SJHS President’s CouncilGene Woods, CEO, SJHS
Ed Carthew, CHRO, SJHS
Gary Ermers, CFO, SJHS
Mark Streety, CIO, SJHS
Virginia Dempsey, President, SJL
Greg Gerard, President, SJB
Ken Haynes, President, SJH/SJE/SJJ
Jim Heitzenrater, President, SJMS
Bruce Klockars, President, FMH
Kathy Stumbo, President, SJM
Common Thread is published bimonthly by
the Communications/Public Relations/
Marketing department of Saint Joseph Health
System for employees and their families. Visit
SaintJosephCommonThread.org to submit
news, story ideas or photos. Or, write to us at
Saint Joseph Hospital, C/O Kara Fitzgerald,
1590 Harrodsburg Rd., Lexington, KY 40504.
You may reach our office at 859.313.1845.
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Saint Joseph East employee Pam Douglas receives support from co-workers and friends as she awaits the return of her husband and son who are both serving in Afghanistan. Read her inspiring story of faith on page 6.on
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Volume 2, issue 1
12 Welcome to My World Cathy Johnson shares a glimpse into her nursing world.
14 Noteworthy Celebrating news, notes and praiseworthy accomplishments
16 Common View Michael Ades helps develop strategic plan for the system.
table of contents2 Inside Out View snapshots of Saint Joseph events and happenings inside and outside our walls.
4 New Threads Keep informed of late-breaking news.
6 Feature Pam Douglas relies on her faith as both husband and son fight in the war in Afghanistan.
8 Common Sense Elizabeth Bierbaum combines two loves: running and fighting for a cause.
9 Health Care Hero Sarah Willoughby nurtures new moms.
10 Role Model Tali Hunt serves as a disaster relief worker through the Red Cross.
11 Mission Moments Malcolm and Jean Carrick’s love story as missionaries in Japan
To submit your story ideas or news to Common Thread, visit SaintJosephCommonThread.org.
Gas CardReader Reward
$75
A $75 gas card could be yours if you can answer this question correctly:
Who met their husband at Lake Nojiri? Somewhere in this issue of Common Thread you’ll find the answer. Submit your answer at SaintJosephCommonThread.org. Correct answers will be entered into a drawing on Jan. 30 for a chance to win one of three $75 gas cards. Only employees can enter this challenge. Congratulations to previous winners Tracy Patil (Corbin), Stephanie Auxier (Mount Sterling) and Jeanette Rainer (Lexington).
inside
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Hospice of Nelson County volunteer Ann Agee, standing, socialized with other volunteers at the annual Hospice Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon held Nov. 12. Hospice is a service of FMH in Bardstown.
President Ken Haynes (SJH/SJE/SJJ), Sally Blake, president of STARS (Saint Joseph Associates for Renowned Service) committee, and SJH Foundation President Barry Stumbo enjoyed the 20th anniversary of Evening with the STARS.
Deb Hogan, right, received the Heart of Saint Joseph Award at SJH during a surprise reception. Deb, a clinical manager in the emergency department, celebrated with her director, Marilyn Swinford.
SJH housekeepers Corliss Hurrigan, left, and Alesia Smith picked up reusable shopping bags created by SJHS to encourage employees to live greener by reducing waste.
1 2 3 4 5 6SJM health information employees, left to right, Robbin Conn, Alisha Shell, Pat Bentley, Denise Tackett and Billie Peters sported shades of green during the “Working Green, Living Green” team kick-off.
Gene Woods, CEO of SJHS, climbed a 189-foot tower crane for a bird’s eye view of the new SJL hospital site after the final steel beam was placed.
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Dave Sharp cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the new Sleep Wellness Center at SJL. Dave, manager, is joined by hospital employees, Mayor Troy Rudder and city officials.
Smoking shelters at FMH were picked up by city of Bardstown workers on Nov. 20. The smoking shelters were donated to Bard-stown city government as part of the tobacco-free initiative.
SJM health educator Carol Jo May, left, and Becky Simpson with the Kentucky Cancer Program hosted a health information booth during the tobacco-free kickoff on Nov. 20.
Josh Fowler, rad tech at SJB, took advantage of a free acupuncture treatment to ease the strain when the hospital went tobacco-free on Nov. 20.
7 8 9 10 12SJMS outpatient surgery/endoscopy employees Kathy Brown, left, and Dora Skidmore, right, were honored during the hospital’s first Top 25 luncheon celebrating top service excellence providers. Shelly Sanders, manager, accompanied them.
Rick Corman, center, presented Gene Woods, CEO of SJHS, and Barry Stumbo, president of the SJH Foundation, with a donation for the Saint Joseph - Jessamine RJ Corman Ambulatory Care Center.
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M i l e s t o n e sA Transforming YearA year ago in January, the creation of Saint Joseph Health System (SJHS) was marked with celebrations led by Gene Woods, CEO. More than 5,000 employees across the state joined together in prayer, reflection and song as four
Catholic Health Initiatives’ organizations came together as one. Employees at each facility signed a Book of Commitment as both a promise and a covenant that continues the legacy given by the founding Sisters. This book is now archived at the system office in Lexington and serves as one of the first pieces of memorabilia for SJHS.
During the first year as a consolidated system, important work was begun to transform and shape the healing ministry in Kentucky. Facilities have shared several best practices and have connected doctors, specialists, technicians and technology throughout central and eastern Kentucky to strengthen the delivery of health care. This past year has proven that one is greater than seven, as seven of Kentucky’s leading hospitals united as one to do more, for more people, than they ever could do individ-ually. The year ahead will bring about even more growth and solidarity, and the eighth facility within the system: Saint Joseph - Jessamine.
G r o w t hCare Now Closer to Home in JessamineOn Jan. 2, the Saint Joseph - Jessamine RJ Corman Ambulatory Care Center
opened, introducing Jessamine County’s first and only full service, 24/7 emergency room. The facility is named in honor of Rick Corman, founder and owner of RJ Corman Railroad Group, who provided a generous donation last summer to the Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation for the devel-opment of a comprehensive medical facility in Jessamine County.
Saint Joseph Health System CEO Gene Woods and Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation President and CEO Barry Stumbo attended the Angel Ball in September to recognize Corman and to announce the facility’s new name. The Angel Ball, held at Corman’s airplane hanger in Nicholas-ville, benefited Hospice of the Bluegrass and the RJ Corman Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at Harvard University.
The center will not only provide superior 24-hour emergency services, but diagnostic
imaging, laboratory services and offices for physicians and staff. Additionally, it will provide community space for health education and events. Jessamine County’s Chris Bowe is the site administrator; Stacie Back is the operations manager; and Dan Andrews is the unit manager of the emergency department. Saint Joseph - Jessamine is located at 1250 Keene Road in Nicholasville, at the corner of US 27 and Route 169.
AccoladesAt the Heart of QualitySaint Joseph - London (SJL) is providing members of its community with access to national benchmark level cardiovascular services, particularly in improved survival rates and reduced
cost. The hospital has just been named a 100 Top Cardiovas-cular Hospital in the nation by Thomson Reuters.
The health care business of Thomson Reuters recently released its annual study identi-fying the 100 U.S. hospitals that are setting the nation’s benchmarks for cardiovas-cular care. The study — 2008 Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals®: Cardiovascular Benchmarks for Success — examined the performance of 970 hospitals by analyzing
clinical outcomes for patients diagnosed with
heart failure and heart attacks
and for those who received
coronary
NewThreads Stay informed on the latest Saint Joseph Health System news by reading “New Threads” in every issue of Common Thread.
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Stay informed on the latest Saint Joseph Health System news by reading “New Threads” in every issue of Common Thread.
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bypass surgery and angio-plasties. Only one other hospital in Kentucky made this national list along with SJL.
The study results were published by Modern Healthcare magazine (Nov. 17) and at 100tophospitals.com.
Healthier CommunitiesTackling ‘Coronary Valley’Saint Joseph - London received a Congestive Heart Failure Outreach Project grant from Catholic Health Initiatives in the amount of $170,819. The grant will allow the hospital to provide education, church-based outreach clinics and in-home outreach nursing care for the poorer community of Laurel County. The goal for the project is to educate and assist patients with congestive heart failure by monitoring and assisting them in the control of their disease process. This is a new ministry to the London area and one greatly needed for patients in
the “coronary valley” of Kentucky.
Phase one of the project includes establishing a coalition and hiring an outreach nurse. Phase two includes beginning church-based programs and hiring clerical
staff to establish an indigent pharmacy program. In the upcoming months, more information on the project will be shared.
Tobacco-Free InitiativeOn Nov. 20 Saint Joseph Health System (SJHS) joined hospitals across the state in permanently banning the use of tobacco products on its campuses, including all properties that are owned and leased by SJHS.
The new tobacco-free campus policy is another positive
step in helping the organization fulfill
its mission to create healthier commu-
nities and support a culture of healthy living.
To date, 243 employees throughout
SJHS are participating in Free & Clear’s “Quit for Life”
program. Employees who would like to make “quitting tobacco” one of their New
Year’s resolutions can take advantage of the tools and support the program offers. SJHS employees can enroll
for free by calling 1.866.QUIT.4.LIFE (866.784.8454) or visiting QuitNow.net. Call your human resources office if you have any questions about this new benefit, including how your dependents over the age of 18 can take advantage.
LeadershipChief Medical Officer AppointedDaniel Varga, M.D. brings a rich history of pioneering experience to Saint Joseph Health System (SJHS) as the new chief medical officer. In this position, he will lead SJHS’s continuing quest for exemplary quality. Dr. Varga previously served as the regional vice president and chief medical officer for SSM Healthcare in Saint Louis, Missouri, a seven-hospital system sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Mary. His accomplishments at
SSM include developing the public quality report for the network that consists of CMS/TJC core measures, SCIPP indicators, AHRQ patient safety indicators, and national quality forum safe practices, among other measures. Prior to SSM, he was the senior vice president and chief medical officer for Norton Healthcare, a large, multi-hospital system in Louisville. There he developed the Norton Healthcare Quality Report, which is a nationally recognized, web-based public reporting initiative that started in 2005.
Saint Joseph - London’s June Rawlings (left), director of healthy communities; Lisa Rutherford, vice president of mission; Stacey Johnson, RN, data abstraction nurse; and Teresa Lucas, RN, quality measures coordinator, were instrumental in facilitating the Congestive Heart Failure Outreach Project grant.
Every week Pam Douglas gathers an assortment of snacks together and packages them up to send to her husband and son who are both serving in Afghanistan. Beef jerky, cashews,
potato chips and high energy drinks are a few of the standard items.
“I bet you I have sent 50 bags of beef jerky,” Douglas said with a big smile. “My son’s more into the healthy stuff like granola bars and banana chips, but my husband on the other hand likes everything ... honey mustard Pringles and the Vault drink are what he requests the most.”
Douglas also includes letters from family and items like foot warmers, hand sanitizer, soap and puzzle books. She uses special flat rate boxes from the post office; everything she can fit inside only costs $10 to ship to her soldiers. She lovingly fills each box to the brim.
“I had a care package party here,” said Douglas referring to the outpatient surgery unit at Saint Joseph East, where she works at the bedside as a SWAN helping patients recover after their surgery. “People sent every-thing from T-shirts to socks to candy. They’re always giving me things to send to the guys.”
Posted in her unit are photos of her “guys”: 23-year-old son Dusty Grimes and husband Kyle Douglas, who works as a radiology transporter at Saint Joseph Hospital when not serving in the military. Their overseas addresses also are posted so her co-workers can write to them.
“And they do,” said Douglas as tears welled up in her eyes. “My co-workers have been my backbone through this. Sometimes I’ll just go through the day and think about things and start crying.”
Throughout the halls of Saint Joseph East, Douglas said people ask about her husband and son: some with
A Mother’s Strength
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Pam Douglas relies on faith as both husband and son fight in the war in Afghanistan By Kara Fitzgerald
family members serving in the war and others who can sympa-thize with her situation. “People here are very caring. I can feel it. I feel loved here,” she said.
“She’s a ray of light,” said Sharon Moore, a receptionist in the outpatient surgery waiting room. “We start complaining about the little things, and then think about what Fluffy (Douglas’ nickname) is going through. Her faith shines through.”
When Douglas found out that both her son and husband would be deployed in September of last year, just ten days apart, she said she immediately turned to God.
“I just prayed a lot and I still do. My faith in God has gotten me through the whole thing,” she said, overcome with emotion. “It’s a selfless act to do what they’re doing. People wake up every morning and kiss their husbands and send their children off to school and don’t realize the impact of not having those people there. When everybody comes up to me and asks how I’m doing it, I think about how they are doing it. Right now they probably have a gun and they’re out in the dark somewhere with a rifle hoping a sniper doesn’t pick them off.”
Douglas’ husband is stationed in Salerno, Afghanistan, with the Kentucky National Guard, Charlie Company 201st Engineering Battalion, based in Cynthiana, Kentucky. Her son is stationed in Bagram, Afghanistan, with the Air Force Reserves, 445th Civil Engineering Squadron, based at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. This is her husband’s first tour of duty and her son’s second tour, having served in Iraq.
Douglas speaks to her son about once a week and exchanges e-mail every few days. She said her son joined the military because he wanted to make a contribution to his country.
“He feels that everybody
needs to do something. And he says this is his small part to play in the role of being an American,” Douglas said. “Dusty has a big heart and he cares about people. He’s the kind of person that will break out in song to cheer everybody up. And he’s wise beyond his years.”
Douglas talks to her husband every day and sees him via a webcam during the weekends. She said she always carries her cell phone with her, fully-charged, because she never knows when he’ll call. She said her husband had similar reasons for joining the military.
“Kyle is always helping people. He is also a volunteer firefighter for the Versailles Fire Department and helped with Hurricane Katrina and Rita relief efforts and went to Ground Zero after 9-11,” Douglas said.
Douglas said it’s important to soldiers that Americans under-stand their passion for serving the country. “In life we all make sacrifices. Some are bigger than others. Soldiers make the ultimate sacrifice,” she said. “This is what my 23-year-old son said, ‘I go over there so nobody else has to. I want to go
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Elizabeth Bierbaum believes in causes. She is hoping a cure for
breast cancer can soon be discovered to save lives around the world. As a testimony to this advocacy, she has joined the plight to find a cure by doing one of her favorite activities: running.
Bierbaum has been running since high school cross country and track. She and husband Jared actively support various causes by running races and marathons. A diagnosis of breast cancer in a few family members prompted her first “Race for the Cure” in Decatur, Illinois, several years ago. The tradition had subsided since her move to Kentucky, but was awakened after several of her co-workers’ encouragement to join them in the “Race for the Cure” in Lexington. Bierbaum takes the race very seriously, “When you’re racing for a cause it’s an emotional experi-ence. Each step you make brings a cure closer.”
Preparation for the race last September was not that difficult for Bierbaum, a speech therapist at Saint Joseph Hospital. She was already in the midst of training for a marathon. Her body was used to the strict regimen a runner must endure. Her husband signed up as a participant as well. Racing has been a means for them to spend time doing something they both enjoy. “Training for this race just seemed to make sense to me,” Bierbaum said.
Getting ready the night before the race Bierbaum said she ate pasta and drank a lot of water. The morning of the event she ate a banana
and warmed up for the event by stretching. She was not planning on placing at the race and simply contemplated on all of the good, quality runners in the area. “In any race,” Bierbaum commented, “you just want to accomplish something … to see your time and hope you can beat your best personal time.” Bierbaum completed the 5K race in 21 minutes and nine seconds, one of her personal bests. She and her husband tied for third place.
Bierbaum also contends that running is a means to keep her body healthy. Being physically fit is important for our bodies, minds and souls, she said. Bierbaum opts to take the stairs instead of the elevator and parks her car further away from her destination so she is forced to walk more. Being physically active is something she encourages in everyone. “Everyone can be active; it
Running for a CureBy Jeanette Word
common sense
Send us your recipes! Submit your healthy recipes at SaintJosephCommonThread.org!
Learn how employees are living healthy and helping to build
healthier communities. A Heart-Healthy RecipeBy John Herzog, nutritional services supervisor, SJH
Cheesy Oven-Fried ChickenServes 4; 4 chicken strips per serving These crispy chicken strips are just right for little hands and big appetites. Plus, they are trans-fat-free and low sodium.
Ingredients • Vegetable oil spray• 2 cups bite-size, low-fat cheddar-cheese-flavored crackers• 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon dried basil• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or turkey breast
tenderloins, all visible fat removed• 2 tablespoons fat-free milk
Cooking Instructions Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a shallow baking pan with vege-table oil spray. Place crackers, basil and pepper in a large plastic bag with a tight-fitting seal (leave end open so air can escape) and use a rolling pin to crush the crackers. Or place crackers, basil and pepper in the work bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade and process until finely crushed; transfer to large plastic bag. Set aside.
Cut chicken or turkey into 16 strips, about 1x3 inches each. Dip chicken or turkey in milk. Add chicken or turkey strips, a few pieces at a time, to bag with cracker mixture. Seal bag and shake until chicken or turkey is coated. Place coated chicken or turkey in a single layer on prepared baking pan. Bake, uncov-ered, 5 to 7 minutes, or until chicken or turkey is tender and no longer pink in the center.
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It was a Sunday, Sarah Willoughby’s day off. The
Saint Joseph - Mount Sterling labor and delivery nurse was sweating her way through the canning of 130 quarts of beans.
While Willoughby was canning, a new mom at the women’s care center at the hospital was getting more and more frightened. Her tiny newborn was having trouble learning to nurse. A staff member at the hospital called Willoughby, who dropped her canning supplies and drove
immediately to the center. It was only a matter of moments before Willoughby, a breast-feeding consultant, had taught the newborn how to latch on and drink deeply.
That selfless act made for one relieved new mama, according to Jan Cornett, R.N., the manager of the women’s care unit.
“Sarah dropped everything to help this concerned mom,” Cornett said. “That’s just the kind of thing she does. I can’t say enough good about her. She loves her patients, her co-workers, her job. She’s an all-around terrific person.”
Wendy Alcala, another nurse on the unit, can only agree.
“She’s a spectacular lady,” Alcala said. “She shows
compassion for everyone. Everyone is blessed to work with her or to be cared for by her.”
If you ask Willoughby, a mother and grandmother, she’ll tell you it all comes naturally.
“This is something I really always wanted to do, ever since I was 10 years old and babysitting. I babysat for family members, and for my cousins. It ended up as a vocation.”
Her father was also a tremendous influence and support, the registered nurse said.
“He was a VA nurse and a tech. He was a very loving man. He encouraged me to become a nurse. I learned so much from his caring example.”
In October, within Saint Joseph Health System, Willoughby was among the first five recipients of the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses. She was nominated on the basis of her team spirit, dedication, selfless-ness, empathy and love for her patients and fellow workers.She was honored with a recep-tion, a special Daisy Award pin and a hand-carved stone sculpture titled “Healer’s Touch,” created by an artist of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe, Africa. As her hospital’s first Daisy Award winner, she was also honored with a banner that hangs proudly in the women’s center announcing the award and celebrating the nursing profession.
“I think this love of the work and my patients and co-workers is something that
God has given me,” Willoughby said. “We have good days and bad days. We see smoking mothers and women on drugs. I see stillbirths and miscar-riages. I myself had a stillbirth, so I can empathize.”
Despite the challenges, Willoughby has used her 29 years at the center to do a lot of education. She teaches breastfeeding while moms and
babies are still in the center, then follows up with phone calls to see how the new mothers are doing.
Cornett can’t imagine working without Willoughby, she said.
“She’s a great employee and an asset to the team. I don’t have words for this. We just love her.”
health care hero
Sarah Willoughby nurtures new moms
a personalBy Amy Taylor
“ I think this love of the
work and my patients
and co-workers is
something that God
has given me.”
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I saw one house standing, and 50 houses gone. I was stunned.”
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When Hurricane Ike slammed Texas
September 13, collapsing homes, tossing cars and cutting off power to millions, Saint Joseph Hospital (SJH) emergency department volunteer Tali Hunt was desperate to get there.
She had been volunteering in the emergency department for months. As an American Red Cross volunteer, she had taught first aid locally for years. Her dream, however, was to serve as a disaster relief worker, but that would involve spending a few weeks out of town. With small children at home, there was never a chance to go.
Ike provided the opportunity.“By this time our oldest child
was driving, and I was about to
sign on as an emergency department tech with Saint Joe, but we were in the paperwork phase,” said Hunt, a certified nurses’ assistant. “I called my husband and said, ‘Could you live without me for two weeks?’ He said, ‘What?’ But he was really, really supportive. He knew how long I had wanted to do this.”
The Red Cross flew Hunt to Dallas. People had climbed up on roofs to escape storm waters in some parts of Texas; in other
parts, they were floating in rowboats, praying for rescue. Thousands spent time in storm shelters. At the Dallas center, Hunt gave out supplies and provided a listening ear. When her team moved to Galveston, “in every house, the bottom floor was under water,” Hunt said. “There were ruined beds and couches sitting outside everywhere.”
Most of her rescue work involved packing trucks with supplies and food, driving the trucks to areas of need, and
distributing supplies. When her group moved to the
Bolivar Peninsula, “I saw one house standing, and 50 houses gone. I was stunned.”
She doesn’t know how much of a dent
relief workers made in the devastation.
But “we comforted a lot of people,” she said. “Just to lend a
listening ear – I think we made a difference.”
To witness the selflessness and kindness of the rescue workers was humbling, Hunt said.
“I really made some good friends there from all over the country. Whole church groups got together to cook and donate meals. The firefighters from New York City – they were so funny and great. They were all amazing. It was a ‘harmony of people.’”
When Hunt returned, she was hired on in the emergency department at SJH. Her long-range plan is to become a physicians’ assistant.
Deb Bryant, unit manager of the emergency department, has great admiration for Hunt’s efforts, she said.
“It must have been over-whelming for her to see the destruction in people’s lives, and to know there wasn’t much the rescue workers could do about it,” Bryant said. “But we had discussed this before she went. As a service person, there was a need, and she could provide help. And she wanted to be a role model for her children.”
Hunt continues to be a great help in the emergency depart-ment, the unit manager said.
“She is hard-working and very caring,” Bryant said. “She looks at the person as a whole, not just as an ankle injury. She is a truly compassionate person.”
confronting Ike’s aftermath
Tali Hunt’s disaster relief work with the Red CrossBy Amy Taylor
role model
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At the Saint Joseph - Berea hospitality desk, visitors
sometimes witness a surprising exchange. The Rev. Malcolm Carrick, a friendly 84-year-old who sits behind the desk Wednesday mornings, will turn to his lovely 84-year-old wife – and speak fluent Japanese.
His wife, the Rev. Jean Carrick, doesn’t answer, but you can tell she understands. After 40 years as missionaries in Japan, the Carricks are experts in the language and culture of the Nippon nation.
Katie Heckman, the hospi-tal’s contact for auxiliary members, has watched the Carricks volunteer in Berea for
the last 12 years.“Malcolm works all over the
hospital, but mainly at the desk,” Heckman said. “When Jean came, she was vibrant and social, but Alzheimer’s has taken that from her.”
Malcolm Carrick is past-pres-ident of the auxiliary. He also works with the Henrietta Child Fund, which allocates money for Bereans who can’t afford medical or dental care.
The years in Berea have been satisfying for the Carricks, according to Malcolm. Since there are Japanese-owned factories in the area, in years past the couple’s bilingual talents came in handy.
One day a Japanese woman came to the hospital for health care, but hospital staff members knew no Japanese. Jean Carrick realized the
woman was asking for a pregnancy test. As it turned out, the woman was pregnant. After that Jean Carrick accompanied the mother to every doctor visit.
For years, the Carricks also played host family to a number of Japanese students. In his free time, Malcolm Carrick gives sermons for church pastors taking vacations.
The Carricks’ 40-year ministry in Japan was their most intense work. As a Presbyterian missionary and ordained minister, Malcolm Carrick went to Japan shortly after World War II ended. A native of San Francisco, where he knew a number of Japanese-Americans, he had no qualms about the people of Japan. Later, when he met Jean, another missionary, he
mission moments
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We knew immediately we were meant for each other. I never asked her to marry me. We just knew from that first moment.”
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confronting Ike’s aftermath
a lifetime of ministryCouple’s love blossoms as missionaries in JapanBy Amy Taylor
Cathy Johnson, R.N.By Kathie Stamps
Since 1990 Cathy Johnson has been a nurse in every department at Saint Joseph - Martin. Primary nursing
is her “specialty” now. She has taught parenting classes through the Floyd County family court, was on the
hospice care review board and has been a member of Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky. Cathy and husband Randall, a professional
engineer, have three children: a 13-year-old daughter and two sons
in their 20s, both of whom work for Saint Joseph Hospital. Cathy lives in
Eastern, Ky., which makes for interesting conversations when she tries to give her
address. It’s the name of the town!
welcome to my world
an experienced nurse
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What all do you do at the hospital?
I am an R.N., an ACLS instructor (advanced cardiac life support) and I do compe-tency testing for nurses new to the facility. I work med/surg in general and there’s never a dull moment. We’re doing a project with the Transforming Care at the Bedside program, to improve the care of our patients by increasing the time spent bedside with the patient and decreasing our pressure ulcer occurrences. I am also on a team introducing electronic recordkeeping in our hospital. I will be one of the super-users. We will be keeping all our forms and everything on computer.
What makes you good at your job?
Taking care of my patients and using the skills I have mastered in the last 26 years. I’m a people person and I’m pretty sure I got that from my
mom and dad. You have to have a very good work ethic and be very flexible. You have to care for people and not judge them. You have to be able to be assertive when you need to be and make quick, knowledgeable decisions. You have to be physically fit and emotionally sound.
What keeps you going?My faith in God, my
husband and children, my two sisters, good in-laws and my friends. I was 17 when my mother passed away from uterine cancer. She was my best friend, my inspiration for my life. She was a strong individual even though she passed away, and I was strong enough to go on and have the wings I needed to be the nurse she had wanted to be.
What do you do when you’re not working?
I love to read, especially history and biographies. I like walking at the walking track
health care hero
Continued from page 9
13
an experienced nurseA Mother’s Strength
Continued from page 7
found out she had come to Japan terri-fied of meeting “the enemy.” In truth, the Japanese government was suspicious of Christians. But on an individual level, “the people were so polite, so courteous, it astounded us,” Malcolm Carrick said. “We made so many close and loyal friends.”
The two met August 8, 1951, at a picnic by Lake Nojiri.
“My friend introduced me to Jean, and it was love at first sight,” Malcolm Carrick said. “We knew immediately we were meant for each other. I never asked her to marry me. We just knew from that first moment.”
They were married that November, and proceeded to raise four sons in Japan, one of whom still lives there today. Over the years they taught Bible classes, helped start new churches, started church schools, and finally started two of their own churches. By this time Jean Carrick had also been ordained as a minister.
Fifty years to the day that the couple met, they traveled back to Japan to Lake Nojiri. All four sons and all 12 grandchil-dren attended the anniversary celebration. The Carricks flew back to Japan again this September, where “I preached in Japanese at the first and second churches we started,” Malcolm Carrick said.
In retirement, the couple relocated near their son, Alex, who worked as head of the pharmacy at Berea Hospital at the time. Recently the pair moved into an assisted living facility in the area to help Malcolm Carrick care for his wife.
Because of her Alzheimer’s, Jean Carrick can no longer speak to hospital visitors. But she can still sit near her husband and support him as he makes people feel welcome.
“His Christian faith is worn on his sleeve,” Heckman said. “He’s wonderful, warm and outgoing. He’s so approachable. He’s so loving of everyone.”
Continued from page 12
welcome to my world
and spending as much time with friends as I can and planning road trips with them. I am involved with the Wheelwright United Methodist Church; I sing solos in the church and at weddings, and unfortunately funerals.
If you had it to do all over again, what would you change?
I still would have been a nurse. I have devoted a lot of time to being a mother and raising
children, which I do not regret at all. No, I wouldn’t have done
anything differently.
Welcome to My World provides a brief walk in another Saint Joseph
employee’s shoes. Do you know someone who is outstanding in his
or her job? Nominate them at SaintJosephCommonThread.org.
over there so another mother’s son or daughter doesn’t have to go.’”
Douglas proudly wears a yellow ribbon pin on her scrubs and a huge American flag waves outside her home. She said she has definitely become more patriotic as a military wife and mother. Her oldest son, Doug, is also enrolled in the military but has yet to serve. Despite her emotional stress, Douglas’ inner joy is evident to all those around.
“Pam demonstrates concern and compassion for her co-workers, patients and visitors. She is always pleasant and upbeat despite the worries and anxiety regarding her husband and her son stationed in the Middle East,” said her manager, Lee Clark.
With the support of her co-workers, family and friends, Douglas is patiently awaiting the return of her son and husband, which is expected to be in March. Douglas’ favorite passage in the Bible is Psalm 46: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
“I’ve had to rely on that a lot through this,” said Douglas, sitting in front of a family Bible she’s had since 1979. As she flips through the pages various mementos can be seen: a pressed flower, her marriage certificate, her son’s gradu-ation program.
“I trust in God that he’s taking care of them,” she said. “They are in his hands. It comforts me knowing that.”
Send Your Letters Of SupportSPC Kyle R. DouglasCharlie Company 201st EN BNFOB SalernoAPO-AE-09314
Return Address: Yours
SRA Dusty Grimes755 ECES/UDAPO AE 09354
Return Address:445th C.E. SQFFTGJOWright Patterson AFB, OH 45433
Continued from page 8
common sense
just starts with one step.” Her suggestion is to do something you like to do and then build upon it. “If you like dancing, dance for 15-20 minutes; if you prefer walking or jogging, do that for the same amount of time three to four times a week,” she said. “Just do some form of physical activity that gets you moving. Just do it for a week and feel the difference.”
To submit your story ideas or news to Common Thread, visit SaintJoseph-CommonThread.org.
Continued from page 11
mission moments
In the CommunityGoing Red For Women
On Nov. 14, the kick-off of the first central Kentucky Go Red For Women Luncheon and Symposium was held at The Campbell House Crowne Plaza Hotel. A national initiative of the American Heart Association, the Go Red For Women movement is focused on women’s heart health awareness. Saint Joseph Health System was the first central Kentucky sponsor of the event, working together with national sponsors Macy’s and Merck to help women recognize and prevent heart disease. The event featured breakout sessions, health exhibits, a heart-healthy meal, an inspiring keynote speaker, and ended with a moving heart disease survivors’ fashion show which included Saint Joseph East’s Betty Gamblin, a social worker in
case management.
Upcoming EventsNational Wear Red Day
Saint Joseph Health System (SJHS) encourages its employees to join millions of Americans on Fri., Feb. 6 in wearing red to support the fight against heart disease. SJHS is the central Kentucky sponsor of the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” movement, which encourages advocacy, research and education of heart disease.
Lunch and Learn about Your Heart
As the central Kentucky sponsor of the American Heart Associa-tion’s Go Red For Women program, Saint Joseph Health System will host a variety of Go Red “lunch & learn” sessions in its communities in 2009. The first luncheon will be held at the Saint Joseph - Jessa-mine RJ Corman Ambulatory Care Center during the third week of January
(more details to be announced). The lunch and learns serve as an initia-tive to encourage local citizens to learn about the Go Red For Women campaign, the statistics and the preventative measures of heart disease. A key component to the Go Red sponsorship is education. For more information, visit SaintJosephHealthSystem.org.
Bari Ball
The Center for Weight Loss Surgery at Saint Joseph East will hold its annual Bari Ball at the Double Tree Guest Suites in Lexington on Fri., Mar. 6 from 7 to 11 p.m. This formal event allows patients who have had bariatric surgery to enjoy an evening dressed up with loved ones while embracing their weight loss. It also serves as a celebration of new, healthier life-styles with improved self images. Call the center at 859.967.5520 for more information.
20th Anniversary Gala
Mark your calendar for the Saint Joseph - Mount Sterling Founda-
tion 20th Anniversary Gala on Sat., Apr. 18 at the Clay Center. This annual event will benefit the Foundation, which supports many community programs and services. For sponsorship or ticket information, contact Chris Peck at 859.497.8855.
Call to VolunteersBe a Foster Parent
Home of the Innocents in Louis-ville has a Therapeutic Loving Care (TLC) program that is in need of foster parents for children and teens. TLC foster parents are a little different from the average foster parent; they are Teaching
Parents. The TLC program trains foster parents to become the primary caregivers for the child, and to work as life coaches and
noteworthy Celebrating news, notes and
praiseworthy accomplishments
Going Red for Women, clockwise from left: Lexington firefighters gave out Go Red goodie bags; Jane Chiles, event chairperson, Ed Jutt, director of the Saint Joseph Heart Institute, keynote speaker Michaela Gagne and Ken Haynes, president of SJH/SJE/SJJ; Go Red fashion show; and heart disease survivor Betty Gamblin.
14
teachers for the child and the whole family until they can return to their parents or are permanently adopted. The first step in becoming a foster parent is to meet with a TLC recruiter. Then, if you wish, you can take foster parenting classes. To find out more, call Erin Crenshaw at 502.596.1328.
AccoladesFoundation Honors Phyllis Cronin
The Saint Joseph Hospital Foun-dation proudly honored Phyllis H. Cronin at the National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, sponsored by the Association of Fundraising Profes-sionals (AFP), Bluegrass Chapter, on Nov. 18. Phyllis is a founding member and past-presi-dent of the Foundation’s board of directors and a founding member and first president of the Foundation’s STARS (Saint Joseph Associates for Renowned Service) committee. She also co-chaired the capital campaign for the develop-ment of the Keeneland Health Education Center in Saint Joseph Hospital. The Foundation has also established the Phyllis H. Cronin Nursing Scholar-ship Endowment.
Nurses’ Choice Awards
Ceremonies were held in December at Saint Joseph Hospital (SJH), Saint Joseph East (SJE), Saint Joseph - Berea (SJB) and Saint Joseph - Mount Sterling (SJMS) to honor the 2008 Nurses’ Choice Award recipients. Every year at these facilities, nurses nominate one physician who demonstrates Saint Joseph’s core values and who provides collegial support to the nursing staff. In 2008, nurses honored Dr. Robert Salley (SJH), Dr. Tamara James (SJE), Dr. Patrick Kelleher (SJB) and Dr. Byram Ratliff (SJMS) for their collaborative spirit.
AnnouncementsEmployees Gave Generously
On Nov. 7, the “Live United” Employee Foundation/United Way Campaign drew to a close with a prosperous end. At Saint Joseph Hospital and Saint Joseph East, a grand total of $177,753 (47% employee participation) was raised:
$129,234 for the Foun-dation and $48,519 for the United Way. At Saint Joseph - Mount Sterling, a grand total of $12,296 (41% employee participation) was raised: $8,496 for the Foundation and $3,800 for the United Way.
A Gift of Thanks
The Appalachian Outreach Program’s Christmas Partners
Project once again made the holiday brighter for families and individuals in need throughout eastern Kentucky. To thank the employees of Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph East, Saint Joseph - Berea and Saint Joseph - Mount Sterling who generously partnered with the program to provide clothing, food, toys
and other needed gifts, Appala-chian Outreach Program team members Rose Rexroat, Barbara Baumgardner, Jeanie Lawson and Sister Joan Wilson, SCN, made a Christmas gift in employees’ names to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth to further the missions in Belize, India, Nepal, Botswana and the U.S.
Above: Phyllis Cronin received National Philanthropy Day award from Rob Lewis, president of the Association of Fund-raising Professionals, left, with Barry Stumbo, president and CEO of the Foundation.
Top photo: Chris Mays, chief nursing officer, presented Dr. Robert Salley with a book filled with comments from the nursing staff at SJH as he accepted the 2008 Nurses’ Choice Award.
A Christmas gift in employees’ names was made by the Appalachian Outreach Program to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth to further their mission work.
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An attorney by trade, Michael Ades serves on the Board
Strategy & System Development committee of the Saint Joseph Health System (SJHS) board of directors. Prior to the formation of SJHS, he served on the Saint Joseph HealthCare board since 2000.
“One of our first orders of business has been the devel-opment of a strategic plan for SJHS,” he said, of his committee work. “Things are very exciting, particularly in terms of the
combination of seven hospitals and the opportunity to make consistent quality improvements across all of the hospitals, making more systems consistent and more efficient, and working together and sharing ideas.”
Ades also serves on the boards of Lexington Cemetery Associ-ation and LexArts. Over the years he has been involved in numerous religious, civic, social service and arts organizations. “I am not an
artist,” he admitted, “but my two daughters danced for
many years in the Lexington Ballet Company and my son participated in a couple of Nutcrackers.”
He is a third-generation Lexingtonian and a
graduate of Henry Clay High School. He earned a B.S. in economics from the Wharton
School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1962 and
graduated from Yale
Law School in 1965. For 15 years he worked at Stoll, Keenon & Park (now called Stoll Keenon Ogden) in Lexington. “I did some litigation, corporate, criminal and general law,” he said, “then my practice evolved into commercial real estate law.” In 1980 Ades started with Greenebaum Doll & McDonald, where his specialty is commercial real estate and planning and zoning law.
A member of both the Conservative and Reform Judaism
congregations in Lexington, Ades has served several terms as president of the Ohavay Zion Synagogue. He is married to Harriet Fleishman, Ph.D., who teaches chemistry at UK. They met on a blind date at Yale. “We went to a football game and got married nine months later,” he said. They have three children: daughter Sarah is a biochemist at Penn State University (as is her husband), daughter Anne is a neonatologist at Children’s Hospital of Phila-delphia, and son David is a battalion chief with the Lexington Fire Department.
Ades subscribes to three daily newspapers. “I’ve always been avidly interested in government and politics and general community affairs,” he said. “There are always interesting things going on in the community and the world.”
In his spare time he enjoys playing softball and golf, and attending UK basketball and football games. In addition to classical music he also listens to Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis and Nat King Cole. “Those are still my favorites,” he said. One of his favorite sayings comes from Micah 6:8: “To do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
common view
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living justlyMichael Ades Helps Develop Strategic PlanBy Kathie Stamps
Things are very exciting, particularly in terms of the combination of seven hospitals and the oppor-tunity to make consistent quality improvements across all of the hospitals …”
“
get healthyin the new year
common faces
SJL health information management employee Oma Hutton delivered an assortment of laundry detergent her department collected to the local homeless shelter. Darrel Beck, director of the shelter, happily received the donation on Nov. 24.
Sister Laura Hardage, SJH, left, and Chaplain Judy Donohue, SJE, took a break at a gathering of the Kentucky Chaplains of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains on Nov. 15 in Nazareth, KY.
Hospice of Nelson County co-workers built a bookcase for fellow co-worker Starr Ford Caldwell as a bridal gift. Hospice is a service of FMH in Bardstown.
unwind
Quit for Life Kick your tobacco habit in the New Year. Saint Joseph Health System employees can enroll for free by calling 1.866.QUIT.4.LIFE (866.784.8454) or visiting QuitNow.net. Call your human resources office if you have any questions about this new benefit.
living justlyMichael Ades Helps Develop Strategic PlanBy Kathie Stamps
BardstownTrim Down, Bardstown! Community-wide weight-loss drive that involves weigh-ins, education and prizesRegistration day is Jan. 29; 9-week programFlaget Immediate Care ClinicCall 502.350.5583
Cooper/Clayton13-week program to quit smokingBegins Jan. 7Mondays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.Flaget Health ConnectionFree; call 502.348.7010
LexingtonBody Recall Physical fitness program Saint Joseph Healthy Living CenterMon./Wed./Fri.9:30-10:30 a.m. at North Lexington YMCA1:30-2:30 p.m. at Beaumont YMCACost is $85; call 859.219.0530
Cooper/Clayton13-week program to quit smokingStarts Jan. 6 Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.Saint Joseph Office Park, Building DFree; call 859.219.0530
Gym MembershipsSJH/SJE employees can join at a discounted rate: $24.99 per monthUrban Active GymCorner of Palumbo/ Man O’ WarCall Jerame Ricks at 859.396.5901
Diabetes SessionRisk factors/living with diabetesSaint Joseph Healthy Living CenterFeb. 12, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Beaumont YMCA Call 859.219.0530
LondonWeight WatchersThursdays at NoonSaint Joseph - LondonChapel ClassroomCall 606.330.3137
Diabetes SessionsNewly diagnosed/those with diabetes 2nd and 4th ThursdaysEmployee CafeteriaTimes to be announcedFree; call 606.330.3137
Cooper/Clayton 13-week program to quit smokingBegins Jan. 13Tuesdays, 3:00 p.m.Laurel County Health DepartmentCall 606.330.3137
MartinCooper/Clayton13-week program to quit smoking Starts Jan. 13Tuesdays, 3:00 p.m. Registration closes Jan. 20Free; call 606.285.6692
Weight Watchers12-week seriesBegins Jan. 6 at noon Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m./ Weigh-ins at noonSaint Joseph - MartinRegistration closes Jan. 13Call 606.285.6692
We Want to Hear from You!Visit SaintJosephCommonThread.org and tell us your news and story ideas, plus upload your photos.
inspiration
Have you ever worked with a patient who became a friend, or like family; whose
memory lived on even after the patient was gone? For our skilled nursing unit, that patient was Libby.
Libby came to our unit after having her right lower arm amputated. She stayed with us for three months. Often, she asked where her arm was and why it was gone, but she never complained. Instead, she smiled. Her smile could light up the room and brighten your day.
Working with Libby required patience, understanding, compassion and love. She
made you appreciate the simple things in life, and appreciate even more the blessings God gives you. Libby did all of this without ever intending to. Being around her, working with her and caring for her transformed our “jobs” into something more.
When Libby left us for the nursing home, our care and love for her didn’t end. We made frequent trips to check that she was comfort-able. Libby’s smile was all the thanks we ever needed.
Even though Libby has been gone for more than a year, her spirit and memory live on. She touched our lives, she touched our
hearts. We only knew her for a short time, but the impact she had will remain with us for a lifetime.
What experiences, which moments, which people transform your job into “something more”?
She Transformed Our Jobs into Something More
By Anna Reding, Flaget Memorial HospitalPublished in the 9th edition of Sacred Stories
Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage
PAIDLexington, KYPermit #162
