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View HealthCheck Magazine
care. compassion. community. HealthCheck LRGHealthcare ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY FOR PATIENT CARE P6 MARK YOUR CALENDAR! TASTE TEST THURSDAY P18 10 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR FAMILY HEALTHIER P20 SPRING 2016 Grateful L L E NC H N HO SP AR CE EI ITAL C Giving thanks and paying tribute to your caregiver. E EX patient program LRGHealthcare has a new means for our grateful patients and their family members to say “Thank You” to caregivers who made a difference in their lives. Gifts received through our Grateful Patient Program pay tribute to the caregivers who went above and beyond in their care of a patient, while also helping to provide essential resources to LRGHealthcare, enabling us to continue to provide the best care to you, your family and friends, and our community. For more information on the Grateful Patient Program please contact the LRGHealthcare Office of Philanthropy at 737-1042. • Laconia Clinic, 3rd Floor N. Main Street, Laconia • Hillside Medical Park Lot C, Gilford Urgent care as affordable as a doctor’s office co-pay! Expert care for your urgent, but non-emergency needs Call ahead or walk in Onsite x-ray services Two Convenient Locations! Backed by the robust network of LRGHealthcare providers lrgh.org/care Open weekdays 7am - 7pm and weekends 8am - 5pm 603.527.2896 I HELLO THERE! t’s great to be back with another edition of LRGHealthcare’s HealthCheck. Spring has sprung and much like the flowers, LRGHealthcare is blooming with lots of changes that are sure to bring a resurgence of excitement and confidence from our communities. Though the waters may feel a bit choppy in the meantime, we’re looking forward to a bright future for LRGHealthcare. For starters, LRGHealthcare has been hard at work on finding new ways to make the patient experience with LRGHealthcare the best it can be. To do so, we have expanded our circle and reached beyond the LRGHealthcare bubble to engage the help of our community. Local organizations and individuals alike are bringing fresh, new ideas to the table that have already begun to make a huge difference. Learn how we’re engaging the community for patient care on Liane Clairmont, Marketing Associate & Editor page 6! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. I mentioned the “choppy waters” above. Helping us navigate those waters to get to smooth sailing is Prism Healthcare Partners, LTD, whom LRGHealthcare has invited to work WITH leadership and staff to assess our operations and processes to find better, more efficient ways to care for our communities and be a viable entity for years to come. Check out the article on page 11 to learn more about Prism and how they’ll be partnering with us for the next 9+ months. Calling all moms and dads! We have three new pediatricians to tell you about who recently joined the Laconia Clinic Pediatrics team and are looking forward to caring for your children. They’re experienced, well-educated, enthusiastic, and plan to be a part of the Lakes Region for a long time. Learn all about them in their own words on page 4! From LRGHealthcare’s changes, to health tips and education, delicious recipes, and everything in between, there are lots in store for you in this spring, 2016 edition of HealthCheck. We hope you find it insightful and fun, and as always…THANKS FOR READING! We invite you to take a look at our community education program offerings and encourage you to sign up for programs that help you meet your own health and wellness goals. Included in this listing are many free programs as well as some programs that have a cost. Please call the number listed for more information on a specific program. It takes 1.5 to 2 gallons of water to process one pound of linen? LRGHealthcare processes 1,121,118 pounds of linen annually equaling 2,242,236 gallons of water. In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, we do not change patients’ sheets every day, unless they are soiled or it has been requested. This effort allows us to conserve water, save money, and help the environment! 8 Healthy Living Calendar of Events LIVING WELL Evening Brief on Pain Relief Meet local community experts with skills and tools to help you manage pain and live a healthy life. May 4 6:00-7:30 pm LRGH May 11 6:00-7:30 pm FRH 527-7120 Living Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Program 527-7120 Hypnosis for Pain Management May 14 & May 21, 9:00-11:00 am FRH 527-7120 Lung Health: Pulmonary Rehabilitation 527-2810 Massage Therapy 524-2852 CHILDBIRTH AND PARENT EDUCATION Childbirth Classes 524-3211, ext. 3744 Breast Feeding Support Every Wednesday FREE LRGH 524-3211, ext. 3707 Car Seat Safety Checks 527-2948 or 934-2060, ext. 8369 Franklin Farmer’s Market Tuesdays 3:00-6:00 pm July-Sept FRH Choose Franklin Community Day May 14 Odell Park, Downtown Franklin 934-2060 x8369 DIABETES Diabetes Self-Management Education 934-2060 ext. 8269 Foot Clinic 524-3211 ext. 6581 WATER EXERCISE Keeping Your Back Healthy May 19 5:30-6:30 pm, Interlakes Medical Center 524-2852 Pool classes held at Hillside Medical Park- Rehab Lot C in Gilford. Call 524-2852 for times/dates. Advance Directives 1st Friday of the month, 10:00-11:30 am LRGH 1st Tuesday of the month, 10:00-11:00 am FRH 527-7120 FITNESS Heart Health: Cardiac Rehabilitation 527-2810 8 SPRING 2016 LRGH.ORG Wellness Centers Exercise Program Laconia, 527-9355 Moultonboro, 253-1839 Fitness Consultations 524-2852 Healthy Hips and Knees for Sports Participation June 13 5:30-6:30 pm FRH 524-2852 LRGH.ORG SPRING 2016 1 Walking and Trail Guide Greater Franklin Area Call 527-7120 for your free copy! Getting Ready for the Green Learn stretching & strengthening exercises for the golfer. April 5 5:30-6:30 pm Interlakes Medical Center April 7 6:00-7:00 pm Hillside Medical Park 524-2852 Intro to Big & Loud Movement Program For individuals with Parkinson’s Disease or other related movement disorders, learn the benefit of certain movement patterns designed to help you stay active and mobile. May 4 11:00-12:00 pm Hillside Medical Park 524-2852 How’s Your Balance and Flexibility June 6 11:00-12:00 pm Hillside Medical Park 524-2852 CANCER CARE Breast Cancer & Beyond Support Program 1st Monday of the month 4:30-6:00 pm LRGH 527-2940 Breast Prosthesis Fittings 527-2940 Wig Bank 527-2940 SMOKING CESSATION Are You Ready To Stop Smoking? One on one quit smoking education/coaching. FREE 527-7120 Contents LRGHEALTHCARE HEALTHCHECK SPRING 2016 4 the DR. is in meet our new pediatricians 6 8 e ngaging the community access to care ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY FOR PATIENT CARE LRGHealthcare implements several initiatives to provide access to care in an effort to engage the community and their overall health and wellness. care. compassion. community. HealthCheck LRGHealthcare pp.6 h ealthy living community education programs ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY FOR PATIENT CARE P6 11 prism healthcare partners what are all the suits about 13 spotlight on volunteers meet Sheri & David pp.18 MARK YOUR CALENDAR! TASTE TEST THURSDAY P18 pp.20 10 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR FAMILY HEALTHIER P20 14 q&a w/Dr. Racicot many hats 17 chronic pain living well with support 18 taste test thursday recipes and more 16 17 CERNER EMR 2 SPRING 2016 LRGH.ORG CHRONIC PAIN, LIVE WELL SPRING 2016 SAVING LIVES... ONE HEART AT A TIME: In the event of a heart attack, LRGHealthcare and our partners have you covered. Over five years ago, Lakes Region General Hospital and Franklin Regional Hospital teamed up with our area emergency medical services providers and Concord Hospital to ensure we give you the best shot at saving your life in the event of a heart attack. The Regional Early Activation Care Team (REACT), initiated by LRGHealthcare, saves heart attack patients most at risk for cardiac arrest or permanent heart damage by speeding them directly to Concord Hospital, the closest hospital offering cardiac catheterization treatment that opens severely blocked arteries. In years past, these patients would have been taken to the nearest hospital first, and then transferred if it was determined they needed the cardiac catheterization. With REACT, precious minutes are saved! If you need a cardiac catheterization, you won’t “pass go,” you’ll head directly to where you need to be for a better chance of survival. SAVING LIVES... ONE STROKE AT A TIME: On average, the Emergency Departments at Lakes Region General Hospital and Franklin Regional Hospital will see one patient a week who’s showing signs of stroke. Thankfully, LRGHealthcare has a partner in Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and its TeleNeurology Program. While LRGHealthcare has highly skilled neurologists here, they have busy practices to manage and it can take time for them to get to the hospital in an emergency. Time is of the essence when you’re having a stroke! With the MGH TeleNeurology Program, vital time is saved thanks to the MGH TeleNeurology team that’s readily available to our providers at any given time to consult on cases of stroke, seizure, or cord compression. Through a live video conference, a specialist at MGH can examine the patient and their CT scans allowing him/her to consult with the patient, the LRGHealthcare provider, and the patient’s family. This time savings is critical in achieving better outcomes for the patient. LRGH.ORG SPRING 2016 3 THE doctor IS IN NEW PROVIDERS LRGHealthcare continues to expand its network of providers and services to better serve you. Please join us in welcoming the following new providers who recently became part of the LRGHealthcare family. Emergency Medicine Patricia McFadden, MD Deborah Schriewer, CRNA Adam Snavely, MD (Anesthesiologist) Pediatrics Rebecca Couper, MSN, RN, CPNP Coleen Curtin, MSN, RN, CPNP W. Ray Byers, MD, FAAP HERE FOR THE KIDS… We recognize your need for quality healthcare for your children that’s also convenient and affordable. As we say farewell to some of our beloved pediatricians embarking on well deserved retirements, we say hello to three fabulous additions to the Laconia Clinic Pediatrics team. Say hello to Rebecca, Coleen and Dr. Byers! MEET , Rebecca Couper MSN, RN, CPNP “Hello! My name is Becca Couper. I am a certified pediatric nurse practitioner. I have been a pediatric nurse since 2012 and a nurse practitioner since the summer of 2015. I have experience and training in general pediatrics, pediatric cardiology and pediatric infectious disease. I especially love newborn and infant care, but children of all ages have a special place in my heart. I am originally from the New Jersey/Philadelphia area and moved up to New Hampshire to work at Laconia Clinic. I plan on staying here for many years to come and I can’t wait to meet you!” Certification: Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) Medical/Professional: Seton Hall University, New Jersey - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Specialty: Pediatrics Sub-specialty interests: Cardiology PRIMARY CARE At LRGHealthcare • Family Practice • Internal Medicine • Pediatrics “We have been with our family doctor at LRGHealthcare for over 30 years. I think the key word is ‘FAMILY’ practice. They have taken care of us as a couple and our children, and now their children. We have always been steered in the right direction and we’ve always been taken extremely good care of.” Jane Ellis – Gilford, NH LRGHealthcare care. compassion. community. lrgh.org From Moultonboro to Franklin and everywhere in between, LRGHealthcare’s robust network of providers offers excellent care, trusted support, and convenient access whether your needs are great or small. MEET , Coleen Curtin MSN, RN, CPNP “I am excited about my new role as a pediatric nurse practitioner at Laconia Clinic. I completed my Master’s Degree in Nursing in 2014 and have nine years of experience as an RN in a variety of settings including in-patient adult health (medical/surgical/telemetry) and pediatric psychiatry. I also spent three years working in a residential school setting for children ages 5-22 with a variety of complex behavioral and emotional issues. I am passionate about working with this population and hope to advance my training in this area to benefit my primary care practice. I care for children from ages birth – college years and am looking forward to growing and learning with your family. I am new to the Lakes Region and am enjoying exploring all this community has to offer. Certification: Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) Medical/Professional: Regis College, Weston, MA - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Specialty: Pediatrics MEET , W. Ray Byers MD, FAAP “I am pleased to be the newest member of the Laconia Clinic Pediatrics team. While new to the Lakes Region, I am not new to pediatrics having over 30 years experience practicing general pediatrics. After residency, I practiced in the National Health Service Corps in Brownsville, TX, but have spent the rest of my career mostly practicing in rural Maine. While there, I worked closely with pediatric subspecialists in cities hours away to provide care to infants, children, and adolescents with complex problems. What I enjoy most is seeing newborns and helping new parents in providing a healthy environment for their new family members. I am looking forward to working with the excellent, growing team at Laconia Clinic Pediatrics in the coming years." Certification: Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP) Medical/Professional: Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia (now Drexel University School of Medicine) Pediatric Residency: Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital, Philadelphia Specialty: Pediatrics Sub-specialty interests: Special Needs Becca, Coleen and Dr. Byers are accepting new patients! For an appointment, contact Laconia Clinic Pediatrics at 603-524-5151. Presented by: LRGHealthcare’s Annual Golf Classic 2016 LRGHealthcare Golf Classic ~ Hit the Links! Save the Date Monday, August 8, 2016 For information about sponsorship opportunities or to reserve your foursome, please call 527-7063 today! LRGH.ORG SPRING 2016 5 ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY FOR PATIENT CARE It’s often been said that it takes a village to raise a child. The same goes for caring for a community. While LRGHealthcare is the premier healthcare provider for the Lakes and Three Rivers Regions, they know they can’t do it alone. It takes involvement from various local organizations and individuals who care about the health of the communities LRGHealthcare serves to ensure the best care is made available to everyone from all walks of life. To engage the community, LRGHealthcare has implemented several initiatives: ACCESS WORK GROUP: The Access Work Group began meeting a few years ago to identify barriers that those with hardships might be up against in using the healthcare system. Discussions included who needs help, what kind, and how can we break down some barriers. What began as a small committee of LRGHealthcare staff and leadership has now expanded into a large group consisting of members from various community organizations all working towards the same goal of ensuring everyone has access to the care they need. “Access is…how are we going to help our community access whatever services they need to keep them healthy and strive for positive outcomes," explains Ellen Cimon, LRGHealthcare Director, Patient Access. No topic is off the table at the bi-weekly Access meetings. If it relates to the health of the community; this group is likely talking about it and working together on solutions. Topics discussed address the whole health of individuals including mental health, physical 6 SPRING 2016 LRGH.ORG health, substance abuse, transitional care (from hospital to home), suicide prevention, access to primary care, homelessness, and more. “We don’t just look at care itself,” adds Cimon. “We also look at the things that can impact your care or access to it. These can be social, financial, or educational in nature.” Those who bring their passion and expertise to the table at each meeting include representatives from LRGHealthcare, Horizons Counseling Center, Genesis Behavioral Health, HealthFirst Family Care Center, Laconia Police Department, Belknap County Jail, Community Action Program (CAP), Hope for New Hampshire Recovery, Partnership for Public Health, Riverbend Community Mental Health, and others are being added all the time as topics arise. While meetings take place twice a month, there is much work being done behind the scenes. Though the group works on many initiatives, let’s highlight just a few. But, as Cimon points out, “none of this is an end game and every issue we deal with needs continued attention. It’s an ongoing process.” Health Insurance Enrollment: With the new healthcare laws in effect requiring citizens to have health insurance, organizations from the Access Work Group have worked hard at helping individuals get and understand health insurance. Health coverage is confusing for anyone, let alone someone who’s never had it before! That’s why enrollment specialists from LRGHealthcare, HealthFirst, and ServiceLink worked with the public at enrollment fairs and other public forums as well as through individual appointments to sit with people and help them find the right insurance for their needs and budget. The other goal was to educate them on how insurance works, so they didn’t get insurance coverage only to find they had no idea how to use it. Now, the Lakes and Three Rivers Regions have thousands of people protected with healthcare coverage who did not have it before. Dental Care: Not so long ago, if you were experiencing tooth pain and didn’t have or couldn’t get in to see a dentist, you’d walk into the emergency room (ER), likely be given pain meds, and then sent home to hopefully follow up with your dentist, or find one. The ER could help you with your pain, but with no real solution to the root of your problem. The Access Work Group has worked hard to implement solutions to the common dental care issues of the community. Thanks to Access member, HealthFirst, a federal grant requested and received by them has benefited the Dental Resource Center at LRGH to increase access to emergency dental services and ongoing dental care. So, if you get help in the ER for your dental pain, the ER can still help, but instead of just sending you home with pain medication, they will help connect you with the Dental Resource Center to get you the follow up care you need. Education programs have also been instituted at various schools to teach children about the importance of good oral health. Behavioral Health & Substance Misuse: One of the most important issues right now is the opioid crisis affecting the local community and New Hampshire at large. This issue continues to be discussed at great length in Access. With group members bringing expertise from all aspects of care, the group has been able to tackle the many challenges to facing this crisis including prevention efforts and getting users on the road to recovery. It’s a work in progress, but action is being taken to get the epidemic under control. Among the many steps being taken by Access Work Group members, perhaps one of the most noteworthy to date is the new suboxone clinic at Franklin Regional Hospital through the partnership of LRGHealthcare and Horizons Counseling Center. The Clinic combines prescribing suboxone with counseling and therapy. The prescription eases, then stifles cravings without causing withdrawal symptoms or euphoric highs. The key is that patients of the suboxone clinic must participate in a counseling program. Providers Dr. Paul Friend and Dr. Paul Racicot, along with Horizons Executive Director, Jacqui Abikoff, are careful to point out that medication is not a substitute for counseling. The goal is to use the suboxone to ease the cravings and after a month or so be weaned off the medication if they’re doing well. The counseling is provided in conjunction to help the patient with the behavioral changes needed to help them get off the drug and stay off it. Drs. Friend and Racicot have the capacity to care for 30 patients each until May at which point, they will each be able to care for 100. Currently, around 30 patients are being treated at the clinic and are closely monitored to ensure their participation in counseling. HealthFirst, another member of the Access Work Group also provides medically assisted treatment to its primary care patients. (Continued on page 12) We invite you to take a look at our community education program offerings and encourage you to sign up for programs that help you meet your own health and wellness goals. Included in this listing are many free programs as well as some programs that have a cost. Please call the number listed for more information on a specific program. LIVING WELL Evening Brief on Pain Relief Meet local community experts with skills and tools to help you manage pain and live a healthy life. May 11 6:00-7:30 pm FRH 527-7120 Living Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Program 527-7120 Hypnosis for Pain Management May 14 & May 21, 9:00-11:00 am FRH 527-7120 Franklin Farmer’s Market Tuesdays 3:00-6:00 pm July-Sept FRH Choose Franklin Community Day May 14 Odell Park, Downtown Franklin 934-2060, ext. 8369 Keeping Your Back Healthy May 19 5:30-6:30 pm, Interlakes Medical Center 524-2852 Advance Directives 1st Friday of the month, 10:00-11:30 am LRGH 1st Tuesday of the month, 10:00-11:00 am FRH 527-7120 Heart Health: Cardiac Rehabilitation 527-2810 8 SPRING 2016 LRGH.ORG Lung Health: Pulmonary Rehabilitation 527-2810 Massage Therapy 524-2852 CHILDBIRTH AND PARENT EDUCATION Childbirth Classes 524-3211, ext. 3744 Breast Feeding Support Every Wednesday FREE LRGH 524-3211, ext. 3707 Car Seat Safety Checks 527-2948 or 934-2060, ext. 8369 DIABETES Diabetes Self-Management Education 934-2060, ext. 8269 Foot Clinic 524-3211, ext. 6581 WATER EXERCISE Pool classes held at Hillside Medical Park- Rehab Lot C in Gilford. Call 524-2852 for times/dates. FITNESS Wellness Centers Exercise Program Laconia, 527-9355 Moultonboro, 253-1839 Fitness Consultations 524-2852 Healthy Hips and Knees for Sports Participation June 13 5:30-6:30 pm FRH 524-2852 Walking and Trail Guide Greater Franklin Area Call 527-7120 for your free copy! How’s Your Balance and Flexibility June 6 11:00-12:00 pm Hillside Medical Park 524-2852 CANCER CARE Breast Cancer & Beyond Support Program 1st Monday of the month 4:30-6:00 pm LRGH 527-2940 Breast Prosthesis Fittings 527-2940 Wig Bank 527-2940 SMOKING CESSATION Are You Ready To Stop Smoking? One on one quit smoking education/coaching. FREE 527-7120 Stop Smoking with Hypnosis June 18 9:00 am -12:00 pm LRGH 527-7120 Holistic Smoking Cessation 524-9261 The NH Tobacco Helpline 1-800-quit-now (1-800-784-8669) or www.trytostopnh.org WOMEN’S HEALTH Let No Woman Be Overlooked Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening Program 527-7000 Mammography Bridge Program 527-7000 NUTRITION & WEIGHT MANAGEMENT Weekly Weight-In Mondays 3:30-4:45 pm LRGH Thursdays 3:45-5:00 pm FRH Register 527-2946 Bariatric Surgery Info Sessions 2nd Tuesday of the month LRGH 527-2946 Bariatric Support Group 3rd Thursday of the month 6:00-7:00 pm LRGH FREE 527-2946 Nutrition Counseling 527-2946 ASTHMA Asthma Education Classes 527-7120 Please remember to register! Many programs are free while others have a cost. Programs may be cancelled due to weather or low registration. LRGH.ORG SPRING 2016 9 “I want my doctors and health plan to work together.” INTRODUCING A HEALTH PLAN THAT MAKES SENSE FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE. Tufts Health Freedom Plan is a groundbreaking collaboration between providers and a health plan with the vision of delivering better care coordination, improved health outcomes, and increased choice. Backed by outstanding customer service, our fresh approach to healthcare will bring more access and ease of use you’re seeking from your health plan. thfp.com 10 SPRING 2016 LRGH.ORG ALL THE SUITS Prism Healthcare Partners Team Up with LRGHealthcare If you work at LRGHealthcare, or know someone who does, you may have heard some talk about “all the suits” walking around the hospital the last few months. Truth be told, those “suits” are much more than that. Those in the suits are the talented team from Prism Healthcare Partners, one of the nation’s leading management consulting firms specializing in performance improvement for health systems. LRGHealthcare invited Prism to work with its leadership and staff to help put the organization in a better position to invest in the future. Between changes in healthcare, a high mix of Medicare and Medicaid patients, and the challenges of treating chronically ill, mentally ill, and substance abuse patients, there are a number of financial barriers to meeting the healthcare needs of the communities LRGHealthcare serves. Working in partnership with Prism, LRGHealthcare is assessing current operations and implementing new and improved processes for sustainability all with patient care at the center of what they do. Members of the Prism team are expected to be on site at LRGHealthcare’s hospitals and provider practices for the next 9+ months and they come with an abundance of experience. Each Prism consultant has 20 to 30 years of experience in all aspects of hospital and health system operations. The beauty of this process is that it is a true collaborative approach. Prism is working WITH LRGHealthcare and it is a participative process amongst the entire organization. While leadership teams have been formed to review all aspects of LRGHealthcare’s operations, ALL are encouraged to make suggestions and bring their ideas forward whether they are in a leadership position, or are a staff member. Prism has committed to working with each department and there will be a thoughtful review that includes productivity, operations, and the unique challenges faced within each department. “Prism approaches consulting in a very collaborative manner, so they’re here to help us and work with us,” states LRGHealthcare Board Chairman, Scott Clarenbach. “They provide services all over the country, so they’ve seen just about everything in every market and can apply all that knowledge here. They bring an expertise to the table that we don’t necessarily have in house and enable us to focus on what the challenges are.” LRGHealthcare understands the importance of taking care of its community and that’s what drives this process. Not only is LRGHealthcare the premier healthcare provider of the Lakes and Three Rivers Regions, it’s also a primary employer for the area, and plays a huge role in recruiting new employees from outside the area helping drive the local economy. The goal with this process is to ensure long term financial stability for LRGHealthcare with patient care always at the center. The community can rest assured, while the word, “consultant” can sometimes be viewed negatively, there is nothing but positivity with Prism. All recommendations made, whether by LRGHealthcare staff or leadership, or Prism team members, will be vetted by LRGHealthcare’s Senior Leadership with the best interests of LRGHealthcare, its people, and its community in mind. The future looks bright for LRGHealthcare. Get back to living your life! OrthOpaedics at LrGheaLthcare provides high quality care by some of the best trained doctors in the field. Whether through surgery, or pain management, they will help you get back to a healthy and active lifestyle. LRGH.ORG SPRING 2016 11 lrgh.org • Advanced Orthopaedic Specialists / Gilford / 528.9100 • Laconia Clinic Orthopedics / Laconia / 524.5151 • Lakes Region Orthopaedics Meredith & Franklin / 737.6048 (Engaging the Community for Patient Care continue from page 7) If you, or someone you know needs help with addiction, contact Horizons Counseling Center at 603-524-8005 or HealthFirst at 366-1070 (Laconia) or 934-1464 (Franklin). PATIENT FAMILY ADVISORY COUNCIL (PFAC): Created a year ago at both Franklin Regional Hospital (FRH) and Lakes Region General Hospital (LRGH), PFAC is comprised of community individuals who have been LRGHealthcare patient family members or patients themselves in the past. Pulling from their own experiences or those they’ve heard throughout the community, PFAC proactively looks at LRGHealthcare’s processes and services to offer suggestions for how they can build on the positive experiences and keep the negative ones from happening again. PFAC committees have been created at hospitals around the country and the idea stems from a realization that in healthcare, providers and administrators have always done what they thought was best for patients, however they never involved them in the decisions making. Healthcare providers sometimes forget what it’s like just to be a patient, or the family member of one. What they see as best from a healthcare standpoint may not necessarily be best from a patient’s. PFAC brings together patients and family members to share their perspectives BEFORE LRGHealthcare enacts something. LRGHealthcare can think every policy or process they do is perfect, but if they don’t involve patients or their family members, then it doesn’t really work. In its first year, the LRGH and FRH PFACs have already done some great work in improving the patient experience: • Patient Experience Guide (PEG) - The former “Patient Guide” for patients staying at LRGH or FRH is being expanded from a few pages of short and sweet FYIs that only skimmed the surface about their stay, to a more robust “Patient Experience Guide” filled with ALL patients need to know and then some. • How to be a Patient Advocate Community Education Program - When one is responsible for the care of a family member, it can be difficult to know how to ensure their healthcare needs are being met. It can be a challenge to understand their loved one’s condition, how to manage it, and even what questions to ask. This is why PFAC connected with LRGHealthcare Community Education about creating a program for caretakers on how to be a patient advocate. The program is currently in development for launch soon. • Changes in Hospital Signage – Employees of LRGHealthcare walk the halls of FRH and LRGH every day, so they don’t often pay attention to signage. PFAC has taken tours of the hospitals and pointed out signage that might be confusing or even missing altogether. In response, LRGHealthcare has already drastically improved their signage in both LRGH and FRH making it easier for folks to find their way. • Committee Integration – LRGHealthcare has begun integrating PFAC members into various standing LRGHealthcare committees. By welcoming PFAC members onto these committees, they are able to be full committee participants and speak on the behalf of patients and patient family members on the different topics being addressed. Rather than hearing about a new policy or procedure after it’s already in the works, PFAC members can share their thoughts and concerns as the discussions are being had. LRGHealthcare’s goal is to eventually have enough PFAC members to have representation on every committee. *If you or someone you know might be interested in becoming a PFAC member, please contact Volunteer Services at 527-2895. SPOTLIGHT ON VOLUNTEERS! You may notice some smiling faces in the lobbies, halls, offices, and practices of LRGHealthcare sporting blue, turquoise, pink, or red coats. They are just some of the over 200 volunteers who lend their services to the patients and staff of LRGHealthcare. To speak to them, each has a reason why they do it and each gets something different out of it, but what’s the same for them all is that volunteering at LRGHealthcare holds a very special place in their hearts. What’s it like to be a volunteer at LRGHealthcare? JUST ASK DAVID! Volunteer Patient Rounder & employee Franklin Regional Hospital (FRH) - 10 years of service: David first became a volunteer at FRH when he worked for Walmart and learned of their VAP (Volunteering Always Pays) program where if he volunteered for a non-profit organization, Walmart would make a donation to that organization and David would also get credit for it at work. Thanks to VAP and David, FRH was able to develop an ER Crisis Closet stocked with comfortable clothing for patients who needed it. David started out volunteering in the FRH Gift Shop, moved up to the patient floor answering call bells, and now he does patient rounding when he’s not working his regular job in the FRH pharmacy. With patient rounding, David pops in to patient rooms simply to say hello to them, see how they're doing, and if they need anything. They may be just fine; they may like some company; they may have some complaints, which require David’s follow through. For all of the above, he is happy to oblige in an effort to make the patient’s stay more pleasant. “It’s made a big difference in my life, knowing I’m able to help somebody. And, it’s rewarding to see how they look up to you and look for you when you’re not there,” he says. “You just have to be willing to show compassion and make others feel good.” Why does he do it? To make a difference in their stay! Many patients at FRH are from nursing homes and may not have family close by. Simply stopping by with a smile and hello, or advocating for them if they need anything, can mean all the difference. And, it’s good for David too. JUST ASK SHERI! Volunteer Patient Escort - Lakes Region General Hospital (LRGH) – Since 2008: Sheri became a volunteer when she decided to retire at an early age and found it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. Being home more than she’d ever been, she found she really missed interacting with people and needed an outlet. That’s when she discovered being a patient escort at LRGH! As a patient escort, Sheri may be one of the first people a patient or visitor sees when they walk into the lobby of LRGH. Patient escorts spend a lot of their time taking folks to wherever they need to be, so they’re not “You really do form a bond left to find their own way. And, many times it can help put their minds with those you volunteer at ease giving them the chance to have a friendly chat with someone with, “explains Sheri. and relax just a little before they get to their oncology appointment, “Wednesdays are magic!” go in for surgery, pay a visit to an ill loved one, or any number of reasons they could be at the hospital. Patient escorts also do a great service to LRGHealthcare’s staff and are an extension of the team. They run paperwork between departments; transport blood samples from phlebotomy to the lab; deliver flowers to patients’ rooms; assist patients at discharge; and more. Patient escorts are busy bees! Why does Sheri do it? For the smiles! Sheri lovingly refers to her Wednesday volunteering as “smile Wednesday.” Coming into a hospital isn’t always pleasant, so she enjoys that she can take that extra moment to make someone feel more comfortable. “If I can put a smile on someone’s face, I’ve done my job!” As for what it’s done for Sheri…it’s the friendships she’s formed. Volunteering with the same group of people 4 hours in a day, they form friendships and look out for each other. Some volunteers even get together outside volunteering. Are you interested in volunteering? Many volunteer opportunities are available at various LRGHealthcare locations! For more information, contact Darcy at 603-737-6720 or fill out an application online at lrgh.org. LRGH.ORG SPRING 2016 13 LRGH.ORG FALL 2015 13 Qs Your LRGHEALTHCARE’S PRESIDENT OF MEDICAL STAFF, DR. PAUL RACICOT “President of Medical Staff…” sounds like a BIG job doesn’t it? While that may be true, it’s nothing out of the ordinary for Dr. Racicot, who was recently elected to this position and already wears many hats for LRGHealthcare. Read on to get to know Dr. Racicot a little bit better Q A Q A Q A colleague are always difficult. It has to be done correctly and it has to be done in the right steps. So, I always say that I’m not making any decisions alone. I’m pretty much presiding over a good group of people to help with the decisions and I’ve told the Medical Executive Committee that I’m not the final arbitrator, they are. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH LRGHEALTHCARE? This is my 30th year. I came here in the summer of 1986, right out of training in Massachusetts. I started in the Emergency Room (ER) at Franklin and Lakes, and two weeks later, I became the ER Director at Franklin, so I didn’t have much of a training period. And, for about 20 years, I ran both ERs. YOU RECENTLY WERE NAMED THE PRESIDENT OF MEDICAL STAFF. WHAT DOES THIS ROLE ENTAIL? The President of Medical Staff is elected by the medical staff to a two-year term, though you can be re-elected for three terms. It’s a role that gives the president a seat on the Board of Trustees for LRGHealthcare. It also puts me in the position of chair for the Multidisciplinary Committee, which deals with any problems quality or personality wise that occur in the medical staff. It also involves chairing the Medical Executive Committee, which is composed of all the department chiefs. So, it’s a big role and is a lot of work on top of my normal day-to-day responsibilities. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THAT COME WITH THIS ROLE? 99% of the time people behave themselves and practice good medicine, but the times when you have to discipline a 14 SPRING 2016 LRGH.ORG Q A Q A WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT THE JOB? I think I’m working with very good physician, nurse practitioner, and physician assistant providers with very sharp minds. The Executive Committee is a real resource of leaders and I think it’s exciting to have that kind of input from those people. HAVING MULTIPLE ROLES AT LRGHEALTHCARE, WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY LIKE FOR YOU? Well, I have A LOT of jobs, so every day is different. I usually start in Franklin in the mornings and do Occupational Health or the Suboxone Clinic. By Noon, I’m continuing with Occupational Health at Hillside in Gilford. On Tuesdays though, I also do the Nathan Brody outpatient chemical dependency unit because I’m the Medical Director there. And on Wednesdays I’ll have my medical students all morning where I’ll sit in on all the lectures and sometimes give some of the lectures as well. So, it’s as if I’m in my 8th year of redoing my 3rd year of medical school! On Saturdays I Dr. Racicot with his 2010 class of medical students from University of New England. involved, it still didn’t take long and it didn’t take a lot of money. So, it’s encouraging to see that you can do some amazing things without big equipment, without a building, and you can do it fast. do the urgent care clinic at ClearChoice MD in Belmont. I take Sundays off. Q A Q A Q A HOW DO YOU BALANCE SO MANY RESPONSIBILITIES? I like to work…I really do. I think when you like to work, it’s really not work. I’m just not at an age yet where I could sit around. Working is still a lot of fun for me. I always say to my wife that I’ll do it until it’s not fun. So, it doesn’t feel like I have to juggle. I love the patients; I like people. It’s just a great way to get out and keep your mind busy. What I find interesting is that millennials very much are a population that is less likely to have a primary care physician or make an appointment, so I think healthcare in general is going to evolve into more episodic care in the outpatient arena. That’s why I think we’ve seen the growth of these urgent care centers. But, eventually, as these millennials get older, they’re going to need the traditional primary care model. So, I think for the next few years we’ll continue to see an explosion in all kinds of point of entry access, and the hospital is well-tuned to that. WHAT DO YOU MOST LIKE TO DO WITH YOUR FAMILY? I love to be on my tractor. I like to go to the beach, especially the ocean, and I like going to Boston. My youngest daughter is at Harvard Law School, and I like to go see her. There’s plenty to do in Cambridge. So, I like to visit my daughters and go to the ocean mostly. I try to take a little more time off in the summer. WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT AS FAR AS THE FUTURE OF LRGHEALTHCARE AND HEALTHCARE IN GENERAL? It’s going to be a challenge because the money is shrinking and the needs are increasing. But, I’m excited that LRGHealthcare became a teaching facility. I think it’s raised our stature, and patients seem to really like the students. It seems like it also energizes our physicians who are involved. And, one of the benefits is that we’re starting to get some our students back here as physicians. So, I think the student affiliation is going to be a good way for us to rebuild our medical staff. Our medical staff isn’t very young and to recruit young doctors is increasingly difficult. The other exciting part of LRGHealthcare is that when there’s a big community need like drug addiction, we formed alliances with all the other community-based programs and came up with a best practice solution involving mental health, counseling, care management, and prescription Suboxone to help those patients. What’s exciting for me is that with all the people Q A Q A WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO’S CONSIDERING SEEKING CARE FROM AN LRGHEALTHCARE PROVIDER? WHY SHOULD THEY CHOOSE LRGHEALTHCARE? We have a wide group of very talented providers. When I came up here from Massachusetts, I was amazed at how good and advanced the care was. I continue to be amazed by the providers that we have in this network in every type of subspecialty. They’re as good as anywhere. WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE OUR READERS TO HELP THEM LEAD A HEALTHY LIFE? Trying to be careful with weight as we get older helps the joints, helps the back, and helps hold off diabetes and hypertension. And, I know it’s been a real challenge for people in America in general. I worry about children especially with video games and things that weren’t around when I was growing up. We were all outside playing sports! I drive by the sports fields today and I don’t see anyone on them. So I think diet and exercise is going to become more and more important for a healthy lifestyle. LRGH.ORG SPRING 2016 15 TRANSFORMING HEALTHCARE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY By Patricia Rice, Communication Applications Manager We live in a world where technology is at our fingertips; we shop online, manage banking with our phones and interact on social media … why not govern our healthcare electronically? LRGHealthcare is excited to announce a plan to implement Cerner, the global leader in healthcare technology for its health information system/electronic health record (EHR) at Franklin Regional Hospital, Lakes Region General Hospital and affiliated medical practices. The new health information system will deliver real-time, patient-centered information instantly and securely. It will contain the medical and treatment history of patients, including laboratory, x-ray, medication prescriptions, and much more. The advantages of the Cerner system include: • Better healthcare by improving all aspects of patient care, including: safety, effectiveness, communication, education, efficiency and equity • Improved health through care coordination and preventative medicine • Improved clinical decision making by integrating patient information from multiple sources "The Electronic Health Record helps us in terms of continuity of care,” states LRGHealthcare Chief Information Officer, Kevin Irish. “People can be accessing the record simultaneously in different departments now where before there was the one paper chart. By transitioning system-wide services from paper to computer, we have the ability to transform the way we deliver care within the communities we serve.” Cerner’s full suite of healthcare information software solutions will replace multiple existing systems, and the integrated EHR will help LRGHealthcare support clinical care and advance accessibility to all patient information. The federally mandated use of EHR will improve care coordination, quality, efficiency and patient safety. From clinical to business services, staff and providers throughout the LRGHealthcare system are working hard to prepare for the launch of the new healthcare information system slated to go live later this year. THANK YOU! Red Dress Gala: Gatsby Goes Red! Presented by MB Tractor & Equipment Friday, February 12, 2016 The sell out gala raised a record $80,154 to benefit cardiac services at LRGHealthcare. Save the Date - Red Dress Gala: An Evening in Tuscany Friday, February 10, 2017 Church Landing, Meredith, NH and make 16 SPRING 2016 LRGH.ORG LRGHealthcare is grateful to the Red Dress Gala committee, corporate sponsors, auction donors, guests, the many businesses and individuals who helped to the night such a success! LIVING WELL WITH CHRONIC PAIN By LRGHealthcare Community Education For many of us, living with chronic pain is ongoing. The cycle of pain and fatigue can be exhausting and can lead to other symptoms such as stress, poor sleep, and depression. Living a full and active life can seem difficult when pain limits our ability to do what we want to do. The good news is, with the right skills, support, and education, it is possible to increase your level of activity and quality of life while managing your pain. When pain is impacting your life, it can be useful to explore your options for helping to deal with your symptoms. Learning self-management tools or ways to help lessen our symptoms can help to break the cycle of chronic pain. Some examples of these tools include using your mind, better sleep, physical activity, healthy eating, relieving stress, and action planning. Developing a good relationship with your healthcare provider will also help you to meet your needs for symptom management. Talk with your healthcare provider about options for you. There are a variety of resources available for pain management right here in your own community. LRGHealthcare offers workshops, classes, and tools to help you manage chronic pain. Below is a summary listing of these community offerings. To receive a full listing with details, please call LRGHealthcare’s Community Education Department at 527-7120. Evening Brief on Pain Relief Meet local community experts with skills and tools to help you manage pain and live a healthy life. Learn more about hypnosis, acupuncture and other alternative therapies. For more information or to register for this program please call 527-7120. May 11, 6:00-7:30 pm, FRH Ongoing Programs LIVING WELL WORKSHOP Free six-week workshop teaching you tools to better manage your symptoms. Call 527-7120 for more information. REHAB SERVICES Working with a rehab therapist on strengthening and stretching, various kinds of taping, the TENS unit, traction, group classes and more! Talk to your healthcare provider about these options to find out if they are right for you. Call 524-2852. CHIROPRACTIC CARE Chiropractic care can help alleviate pain, as well as correct and restore function and range of motion to the spine and supportive structures. Call Advanced Orthopaedic Specialists at 528-9100. MASSAGE Available for $31.50 for ½ an hour and $56 for a full hour. Call 524-2852 for more information. WATER EXERCISE CLASSES Variety of water exercise classes at Hillside Medical Park. Call 524-2852 for more information. HOLISTIC HEALTH Acupressure and Acupuncture target trigger points in the body to help relieve pain, tension, and stress. Call 524-9261 for more information. EXERCISE Contact LRGHealthcare at 527-7120 to see what exercises classes are available that might work for you, or contact your local Parks and Recreation Department, Adult Ed program, or private fitness club to find out what is offered in your community. HYPNOSIS FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation and focused attention, and can help with pain reduction. Call 527-7120 for more info on upcoming classes. REIKI Reiki is a healing technique that activates the body’s natural ability to heal. Benefits include relaxation and stress reduction and relief of pain and muscle tension. To schedule a free visit at LRGHealthcare please call 737-6720. TASTE TEST The first and second Thursdays of the month, LRGHealthcare’s Food & Nutrition Services features a superfood ingredient in their monthly recipe. They provide taste testing of the featured recipe, a fact sheet on the superfood, and have a dietitian available to answer any questions during the lunch and dinner meal. Our cafeterias will then feature the superfood ingredient in recipes throughout the month. April’s super food ingredient was Garlic. Some of the health benefits of garlic, is it can help to boost the immune system and may be beneficial to improve blood pressure and lower cholesterol. May’s Super food ingredient is Asparagus. Asparagus is known for being one of the top vegetables that is packed with antioxidants and may be helpful in fighting certain forms of cancer. Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette Dressing Roasted Garlic Spread: Yields about ¾ cup of whole garlic cloves, or about ½ cup of garlic spread 4 Whole Garlic Bulbs (about 6-8 oz/170-225 g total), unpeeled 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil ¼ Teaspoon Sea Salt INSTRUCTIONS (PREHEAT OVEN TO 375F) 1. Slice the top ¼-inch off of each head of garlic, leaving the bulbs intact. 2. Place the garlic bulbs cut-side-up on a large piece of foil; drizzle the oil on each bulb, and sprinkle with sea salt. 3.Tightly wrap the bulbs in the foil, and bake until the garlic is completely soft and light caramel in color, about 45 minutes. 4. Cool to room temperature, and then remove the garlic from the peel. You can either peel away the garlic paper to keep the cloves whole, or you can push the cloves out like toothpaste by squeezing up from the bottom. 5. To make the roasted garlic into spread, just mash the cloves together with a fork. 6. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. 18 SPRING 2016 LRGH.ORG For the Dressing: Yields 1 ¼ cups 1/3 Cup Roasted Garlic Spread 6 Tablespoons Water ¼ Cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil "EVOO" ¼ Cup Apple Cider Vinegar 1 Tablespoon Local Honey ½ Teaspoon Sea Salt INSTRUCTIONS 1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth. 2. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Nutrition Information: 1 ounce = 65 Cals, 6 g Fat, 60 mg Sodium, 2 g Carbs, 0 mg Protein THURSDAYS: Spring Roasted Asparagus Salad Yields 6 servings, ½ cup each 1 Tablespoon Rice Vinegar 1 Teaspoon Red Wine Vinegar 1 Teaspoon Soy Sauce 2 Teaspoons Local Honey 1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard 2 Tablespoons Peanut Oil 1 Tablespoon of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil "EVOO" 1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil 1 ½ pound Fresh Asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces 1 Tablespoon Sesame Seeds INSTRUCTIONS (PREHEAT OVEN TO 375F) 1. Toss asparagus in 1 Tablespoon EVOO, place on baking sheet, (Optional: Season with sea salt .) Roast at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes. 2. Whisk together the rice vinegar, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and mustard. Drizzle in the peanut oil and sesame oil while whisking vigorously to emulsify. Set aside. 3. Place the asparagus in a large bowl and drizzle the dressing over the asparagus. Toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds to serve. Nutrition Information: 95 Cals, 7.5 g Fat, 5.8 g Cholesterol, 2.8 g Protein, 75 mg Sodium LOST 100 lbs With WINH You Lose GAINED Self confidence, energy, & knowledge about healthy lifestyle choices ft er Ba ria tric Surg ery WITH THE WINH TEAm BEHIND YOu! winh.org 527.2946 FREE Info Sessions n lso Ne -A Surgeon / Dietician Exercise Specialist Health Coach Care Coordinator Not Ready for Surgery? – OPTIFAST Liquid Meal Replacement – Lifestyle & Nutritional Counseling a Follow Jules on her new weight loss journey. winh.org LRGH.ORG SPRING 2016 19 Patient Photo - Belknap Mill, Laconia / WINH A Dept. of Lakes Region General Hospital 1. y Lead b Adult le! p exam rs membe y famil ortant y are imp els for health d o m role ercise. and ex eating 10 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR FAMILY HEALTHIER!! 2. Start ‘em young! Don’t w ait until you r child is at an unhealth y weight to institu te activity h good eating an d abits. It’ s to main tain a he much easier alt than to lose extr hy weight a pound s later. 3. Be active together! al Make it usu y il for the fam ve to be acti , . Being not sedentary mily allows active as a fa d energy kids to expan way! in a positive Eat together ! Eating a mea l together sen ds the right message s about nutrition. Kid s will also see this as a time for socializing an d sharing. 4. Hang out in the kitchen d together an is h T ! cook e b t o n may le ib ss po ids into k te vi in ut g ever yday, b of preparin the process y h lt ea aking h food and m es ic o ch ingredient High five your family every day! A high five is a healthy reminder to incorporate more portions of the five food groups: fruit, vegetables, protein, dairy and grains! 7. 20 SPRING 2016 LRGH.ORG Discuss the importance of sleep! Adults & Childrens’ bodies need sleep so muscles, bones, and skin can grow to help figh t sickness. Our brains need rest to help with focus and concentration. Grocery shop to gether! With so many jun k food options, showing kids how to shop on the perim eter of the store will he lp increase awareness of fresh fruit, vegetables, and me at that is available. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. Chart your family goals! A family goal chart posted in a highly visible spot can remind family members to pay attention to their exercise and eating habits. When the whole family achieves their goals, do something fun to celebrate! Practice positive body image! ngs By saying positive thi your about your body and s are kids’ bodies (Your arm t bes strong! - You have the e ativ neg appetite), redirects body impressions. HEALTH FUN FACTS 30 Miles logged by most Americans by the time they reach age 50 10,000 Steps taken in a day is equivalent to exercising strenuously for 30 minutes 3 Muscle is 3 times more efficient at burning calories than fat which is why a fitness routine should include some form of strength training 60,000 Pounds of food you’ll eat in a lifetime 69.2 Percentage of Americans who are overweight or obese 650 Muscles in the human body Minutes per day of cardio exercise, 3 times per week can start to improve physical fitness 100,000 Number of times your heart beats in a day 71 Percentage of men who admit they should exercise more 110 Billion $ Dollars spent annually by Americans on fast food 65 Grams of sugar in one 20oz CocaCola (more than in a large Cinnabon) LRGHealthcare care. compassion. community. •Weight Institute of New Hampshire’s (WINH) bariatric surgical center is accredited as a Low Acuity Center under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a joint program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). •LRGHealthcare has been recognized for the second year in a row for having the lowest number of hospital acquired conditions amongst NH hospitals. •The LRGH ICU, along with DartmouthHitchcock Medical Center, was chosen as one of two hospitals in NH and 67 other adult ICUs throughout the country, to participate in a national ICU Liberation Bundle Improvement Collaborative. The goals are to improve ICU teamwork and communication; optimize pain control and sedative exposure; reduce time for a patient to be on mechanical ventilation; reduce length of stay; reduce costs to patients; decrease the incidents of long-term physical and cognitive dysfunction; and engage and empower families to participate in the care of their loved ones. 80 Highland Street • Laconia NH 03246 lrgh.org • 603.524.3211 •LRGHealthcare Food & Nutrition Services received a Health Champion Award from the Partnership for Public Health for achievements in promoting health and wellness in the towns within Belknap County as well as Danbury, Franklin, Hill, and Northfield. care. compassion. community. •LRGHealthcare is one of the top three hospitals in NH for exceptional infection control rates. LRGHealthcare Building a healthy organization for a healthy community measures up in performance!