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News: Press Releases
Here you will find the latest information, feature stories, plus comprehensive articles in the latest treatment options and research at Altoona Regional Health System.
5/7/08 - ORONDE A. SMITH JOINS MEDICAL STAFF
5/2/08 - GOLF TOURNAMENT BENEFITS ALTOONA REGIONAL PEDIATRICS UNIT
5/1/08 - Altoona Regional Foundation for Life and Friends of Altoona Regional raise nearly $30,000 through holiday fund-raisers
5/1/08 - HEPATITIS C SCREENING SCHEDULED MAY 20; MANY PEOPLE MAY BE IN AN AT-RISK GROUP
4/29/08 - HEALTH SYSTEM'S MAGAZINE WINS NATIONAL AWARD
4/25/08 - Accidental injury death rate of children 14 and under down by 45 percent since 1987, says Safe Kids USA 20th anniversary report
4/21/08 - SAFE KIDS BLAIR COUNTY PARTICIPATES IN UNITED WAY EVENT
4/15/08 - WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY EDUCATION SESSION SET FOR TUESDAY, MAY 27
4/16/08 - VOLUNTEERS GIVE BACK TO COMMUNITY THROUGH HOSPITAL SERVICE
4/07/08 - 28TH ANNUAL SENIOR HEALTH FAIR SET FOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9
4/04/08 - JOINT STATEMENT WITH SEIU
4/04/08 - PATTON MAN HIRED AS PATIENT ACCESS SUPERVISOR
4/04/08 - TWO NUTRITION SERVICES DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES PROMOTED
4/04/08 - ANNUAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS HEALTH SYSTEM'S COMMUNITY IMPACT
3/21/08 - HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SETS APRIL PROGRAMS
3/20/08 - ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES EMPLOYEE RETIRES WITH 18 YEARS OF SERVICE
3/20/08 - SUPPLY CLERK RETIRES WITH 18 YEARS OF SERVICE
3/14/08 - BRYAN J. FUNARI, M.D., JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF
3/12/08 - THREE ALTOONA REGIONAL PHYSICIANS EARN BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
3/11/08 - ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON USES NEW DISC REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE FOR NECK PAIN PATIENTS
3/11/08 - ADAM M. BUDNY, D.P.M., JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF
3/10/08 - PATRICK D. RICE, M.D., JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF
3/05/08 - TO NAP OR NOT TO NAP?
2/21/08 - ALTOONA REGIONAL NURSE EARNS DEGREE, CERTIFICATION
2/21/08 - ALTOONA REGIONAL REGISTERED NURSE EARNS BACHELOR'S DEGREE
2/21/08 - TWO MEDICAL STAFF EMPLOYEES ACHIEVE RECERTIFICATION IN MEDICAL STAFF SERVICES/CREDENTIALING
2/21/08 - FOUR RESPIRATORY THERAPISTS PASS NATIONAL REGISTRY EXAMINATION
2/12/08 - WEATHER CANCELS EVENING EVENTS TONIGHT
2/11/08 - HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SETS MARCH PROGRAMS
1/24/08 - ADDICTIONS COUNSELOR PROMOTED TO SUPERVISORY POSITION WITHIN ALTOONA REGIONAL CENTER FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROGRAM
1/18/08 - ALTOONA REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM PRESIDENT/CEO ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
1/10/08 - ALTOONA REGIONAL EMPLOYEE GRADUATES FROM UNIVERSITY OF FINDLAY NUCLEAR MEDICINE PROGRAM
1/10/08 - ALTOONA PIPE & STEEL DONATES CPR TEACHING EQUIPMENT, AUTOMATED DEFIBRILLATOR
1/7/08 - ASHISH BEHL, M.D., JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF
1/7/08 - HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SETS JANUARY/FEBRUARY PROGRAMS
1/3/08 - FIRST BLAIR COUNTY BABY OF NEW YEAR BORN AT ALTOONA REGIONAL
12/31/07 - WILLIAM J. COCHRAN, M.D., JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF
12/31/07 - NEW FISCAL SUPERVISOR APPOINTED FOR ALTOONA REGIONAL CENTER FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES
12/31/07 - ALTOONA REGIONAL NAMES TRANSITIONAL CARE UNIT ADMINISTRATOR
12/27/07 - ALTOONA REGIONAL BOILER OPERATOR/MAINTENANCE MECHANIC RETIRES WITH 34 YEARS OF SERVICE
12/20/07 - EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT ENTRANCE REOPENS
12/18/07 - CHURCH GROUP DONATES TOYS FOR HOSPITALIZED CHILDREN
12/14/07 - ALTOONA REGIONAL RECOGNIZED FOR ORGAN PROCUREMENT RATE
12/13/07 - FIVE ALTOONA REGONAL PHYSICIANS PASS NATIONAL RECERTIFICATION EXAMS
12/13/07 - ALTOONA REGIONAL NAMES DIRECTOR OF SERVICE AND ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE
12/7/07 - ALTOONA REGIONAL PHYSICIAN DESIGNATED AS DIPLOMATE CERTIFIED IN PEDIATRICS
12/6/07 - JOHN ANASTASI, M.D., COMPLETES CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION IN ATRIAL FIBRILLATION TREATMENT
12/3/07 - SURGICAL PRETESTING DEPARTMENT RELOCATES TO BON SECOURS HOSPITAL CAMPUS
12/3/07 - CENTRAL POINT OF ACCESS SUPERVISOR APPOINTED
12/3/07 - RESEARCH COORDINATOR COMPLETES A DUAL MASTER'S DEGREE
11/30/07 - ALTOONA REGIONAL NURSE EARNS MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE
11/30/07 - ALTOONA REGIONAL TRAUMA CENTER REACCREDITED THROUGH 2008
11/29/07 - ALTOONA REGIONAL'S NEW MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM REDUCES LIKELIHOOD OF ERRORS
11/28/07 - CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING, ANGELS REVEALED THURSDAY
11/26/07 - Media Advisory - NEW MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM TO BE UNVEILED
11/26/07 - ALTOONA REGIONAL RECEIVES APEX AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN PATIENT CARE FROM VHA INC.
11/21/07 - JORGE GONZALEZ-CRUZ, M.D., JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF
11/16/07 - PASTOR PUBLISHED IN INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION
11/15/07 - Environmental Services Manager Receives Promotion
11/5/07 - NEW MRI TECHNOLOGY INCREASES PATIENT COMFORT, IMPROVES DISEASE DIAGNOSIS
10/26/07 - DROWSY DRIVING PREVENTION WEEK CAMPAIGN SEEKS TO TEACH YOUNG DRIVERS HOW TO DRIVE ALERT AND ARRIVE ALIVE
10/25/07 - HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SETS NOVEMBER PROGRAMS
10/19/07 - MENTAL HEALTH SUPERVISOR PROMOTED AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ALTOONA REGIONAL CENTER FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES
10/16/07 - BUILDING COMMUNITY: TAKING ACTION
10/12/07 - RADIATION ONCOLOGY WAITING AREA RECEIVES FACELIFT
10/10/07 - MICHAEL A. PEDONE, D.O., JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF
10/10/07 - TANYA L. HOLSOPPLE, D.O., JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF
10/10/07 - HASSAN Y. ZAMMAM, M.D., JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF
10/8/07 - Safe Kids Blair County Gives Smoke Detectors to Families During Fire Prevention Week
10/4/07 - CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION LAB SPECIALIST RETIRES WITH 43 YEARS OF SERVICE
10/4/07 - PENNSYLVANIA PATIENT SAFETY AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS NAMES LOCAL NURSE TO INFECTION ADVISORY PANEL
10/3/07 - FRIENDS OF ALTOONA REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS
10/3/07 - Safe Kids Blair County to Participate in Fire Prevention Week Oct. 7-13
10/1/07 - ALTOONA REGIONAL NOW PROVIDES A SOFTER MAMMOGRAM
9/20/07 - Mental Illness Awareness Week Set for Oct. 14-20
9/18/07 - Child Safety Seat Checkup Event Set for Thursday
9/14/07 - ALTOONA PHYSICIAN WILL GIVE KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FREE CLINICS SUMMIT
9/11/07 - NURSE EARNS MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN NURSING
9/11/07 - CASE MANAGER EARNS RECERTIFICATION
9/11/07 - Altoona Regional Employee Promoted
9/11/07 - CLINICAL COORDINATOR ACCEPTS PROMOTION
9/7/07 - HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SETS PROGRAMS FOR OCTOBER
8/30/07 - ALTOONA REGIONAL CARPENTER RETIRES WITH 38 YEARS OF SERVICE
8/30/07 - TWO NUCLEAR MEDICINE INTERNS COMPLETE PROGRAM
8/28/07 - ALTOONA REGIONAL NAMES NEW MANAGER FOR GIFT SHOPS
8/28/07 - SYSTEM ASSISTS COMMUNITY WITH BIOTERRORISM READINESS
8/28/07 - PHYSICAL THERAPIST COMPLETES ADVANCED TRAINING IN PRIMAL REFLEX RELEASE TECHNIQUES
8/15/07 - ALTOONA REGIONAL RECEIVES DONATION FROM BLAIR/BEDFORD BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
8/9/07 - ALTOONA REGIONAL HIRES PHARMACIST
8/9/07 - COVERSATIONAL SIGN LANGUAGE CLASS HOLDS GRADUATION
8/7/07 - HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SETS SEPTEMBER PROGRAM SCHEDULE
8/7/07 - ALTOONA REGIONAL NURSE MANAGER ACCEPTS CLINICAL RECRUITER POSITION
8/1/07 - Safe Kids Blair County Offers Car Seat Inspections
7/26/07 - CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE SCHOOL WELCOMES TWO NEW STUDENTS
7/25/07 - ALTOONA REGIONAL ANNOUNCES DECISION CONCERNING TYRONE HOSPITAL SITUATION
7/12/07 - HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SETS AUGUST PROGRAMS
7/11/07 - CHILD SAFETY SEAT CHECKUP EVENT SET FOR AUG. 10
7/2/07 - PHYSICIAN'S BOOK EASES SURGERY FEARS
May 7, 2008 - ORONDE A. SMITH JOINS MEDICAL STAFF

Oronde A. Smith, M.D. Oronde A. Smith, M.D., recently joined the Altoona Regional Health System medical staff in the department of Emergency Medicine.

Dr. Smith is board certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine. He received his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine and did his residency at Bellevue Hospital, New York.

He has special interests in EMS and disaster preparedness.





May 2, 2008 - GOLF TOURNAMENT BENEFITS ALTOONA REGIONAL PEDIATRICS UNIT

The Blair/Bedford Builders' "Builders for Kids" Golf Tournament to benefit Altoona Regional Health System Pediatrics Unit will be held Thursday, May 22 at Iron Masters Country Club in Roaring Spring.

The event will feature Hole in One and Closest to the Pin competitions and a complimentary beverage cart and dinner. Registration begins at 11 a.m. with a noon shot gun start. If the outing is cancelled due to inclement weather, all prizes will be awarded by drawing. Interested golfers or sponsors should contact golf committee chair, Galen Grimes at 330-4266 or call the Blair Bedford Builders Association office at 693-9710.

A portion of the net proceeds will be directed to the Altoona Regional Health System Foundation for Life and used to purchase vital signs and oxygen monitoring equipment for the Pediatrics Unit.

As a newly incorporated entity established as the fund-raising arm of Altoona Regional Health System, The Foundation for Life is a private, 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization which exists to inspire gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations and other entities to support the preservation of health care for the well-being of community members in Blair and surrounding counties. As a qualified charitable organization, donations to the Foundation for Life are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

The Pediatrics Unit is on the Altoona Hospital Campus, one of two acute care hospitals that anchor the 497-bed system. Altoona Regional is a nonprofit community health care provider. The system also includes more than 20 affiliated health care companies. Altoona Regional offers centers of excellence in cancer care, heart care, neurosciences, behavioral health, vascular and wound care and much more. Its Regional Trauma Center serves more than 20 counties in Central Pennsylvania. The mission of Altoona Regional Health System is for exceptional people to provide exceptional health care.





May 1, 2008 - Altoona Regional Foundation for Life and Friends of Altoona Regional raise nearly $30,000 through holiday fund-raisers

During the 2007 holiday season, Altoona Regional's Foundation for Life and Friends of Altoona Regional co-organized two events and raised $29,866.50 in support of Altoona Regional's Partnering for Health Services' Free Medical Clinic, which provides free health care to thousands of our working neighbors who are uninsured.

The first-ever Holiday Tree Shopping Spree Raffle, held at both hospital campuses in mid-November, raised $10,189. Over 40 health system departments participated by decorating a 3-foot holiday tree with ornaments and gifts to be raffled. Regional's Partnering for Health Services' Free Medical Clinic, which provides free health care to thousands of our working neighbors who are uninsured.

The annual Revealing the Angels Holiday Campaign, which included a bake sale, raised $9,677.50. For a $10 donation or higher, a paper ornament was placed on a holiday tree at a hospital campus in honor of or in memory of a special "Angel" who deserves recognition. Friends also delivered on its promise to match donations with a contribution of $10,000. Regional's Partnering for Health Services' Free Medical Clinic, which provides free health care to thousands of our working neighbors who are uninsured.

"In addition to touching the lives of thousands in need, the campaign reinforces the critical role that Altoona Regional plays in ensuring access to health care for all in our region," said Valerie L. Brumbaugh, president of Altoona Regional's Foundation for Life. Regional's Partnering for Health Services' Free Medical Clinic, which provides free health care to thousands of our working neighbors who are uninsured.

The Altoona Regional Health System Foundation for Life is a private, 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization which exists to inspire gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations and other entities to support the preservation of health care for the well-being of community members in Blair and surrounding counties. As a qualified charitable organization, donations to the Foundation for Life are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Fund-raiser raises nearly $30,000


Photo: Vicki Baughman, president, Friends of Altoona Regional, presents a check for $29,866.50 to Zane Gates, M.D., left, medical director, Partnering for Health Services, Altoona Regional's free medical clinic, and William Wallen, chairman of the Board, Altoona Regional Partnership for a Healthy Community. Valerie L. Brumbaugh, president, Altoona Regional Health System Foundation for Life, was absent from photo.





May 1, 2008 - HEPATITIS C SCREENING SCHEDULED MAY 20; MANY PEOPLE MAY BE IN AN AT-RISK GROUP

A free Hepatitis C blood screening will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, at 501 Howard Ave., Altoona (across from Altoona Regional's Altoona Hospital Campus), B-Building, Room 204. The screening is free and confidential. Pre-registration is preferred but walk-ins will be accommodated as time permits. Participants must be age 18 or older. Call 889-6111 to pre-register or for information.

The screening is sponsored by Altoona Regional Health System, Altoona Regional Partnering for Health Services, Blair County Drug & Alcohol Services and Blair Gastroenterology Associates.

Hepatitis C is a virus that attacks the liver, causing cirrhosis or scarring, liver failure and liver cancer, and is most often contracted through high-risk behaviors such as intravenous drug use, tattoos and body piercing, and sharing needles or razors with someone who is infected.

Other situations in which exposure can occur include dialysis, blood transfusions or solid organ transplants before 1992. Also, health care workers or individuals who work with blood have an increased risk of exposure — two of every 100 will contract the disease.

Hepatitis C is known by nicknames like "the ghost virus" and "the silent killer" for its ability to evade widespread media attention and even medical diagnosis despite being one of the most prevalent causes of chronic liver disease in the United States.

By the year 2014, Hepatitis C will be a pandemic, affecting an extraordinarily high number of people over a large geographic area, including Altoona and much of Blair County.





April 29, 2008 - HEALTH SYSTEM'S MAGAZINE WINS NATIONAL AWARD

Altoona Regional's Healthy Living Magazine has won another merit award in the 25th Annual Healthcare Advertising Awards sponsored by Healthcare Marketing Report.

This is the third merit award for Healthy Living Magazine. The free publication is produced by the health system's marketing department and mailed to Healthy Living Club members four times a year. Altoona Regional's marketing department has also earned two gold awards in this competition.

This year's award comes in the category of Publication/External, competing against health care systems nationwide with revenue exceeding $300 million. Other winners in the same category included DeKalb Medical in Georgia and The Methodist Hospital System in Texas.

More than 4,400 entries were received this year, making the awards the largest health care advertising awards competition. A national panel of judges reviewed all entries based on creativity, quality, message effectiveness, consumer appeal, graphic design and overall impact.

The Healthcare Advertising Awards is the oldest, largest and most widely respected health care advertising awards competition. The awards are sponsored by Healthcare Marketing Report, the leading publication covering all aspects of health care marketing, advertising and strategic business development.

Altoona Regional is a nonprofit community health care provider. Two acute-care hospitals anchor the 497-bed system, which includes more than 20 affiliated health care companies. Altoona Regional offers centers of excellence in cancer care, heart care, neurosciences, behavioral health, vascular and wound care and much more. Its Regional Trauma Center serves more than 20 counties in Central Pennsylvania. The mission of Altoona Regional Health System is for exceptional people to provide exceptional health care.





April 25, 2008 - Accidental injury death rate of children 14 and under down by 45 percent since 1987, says Safe Kids USA 20th anniversary report

But accidental injury remains No. 1 killer of kids

Many deaths can be prevented; join Safe Kids Blair County to learn how


The accidental injury death rate of children 14 and under has declined by 45 percent in the United States since 1987, yet accidental injury remains the nation's leading killer of kids, according to a new national report release by Safe Kids USA in conjunction with National Safe Kids Week.

"We're losing too many children to an epidemic that can be prevented," said Mitch Stoller, president and chief executive officer of Safe Kids USA. "The 45 percent drop demonstrates tremendous progress, but we can't lose sight that accidental injury remains the leading killer of our nation's kids and that many of these injuries can be prevented."

"The drop in children’s accidental deaths gives us thousands of reasons to celebrate — one for every single child that was saved from a serious or fatal injury," said Sherry Turchetta, local Safe Kids coordinator and Altoona Regional educator. "But we’re still losing too many kids in this country, which is why Safe Kids Blair County joins the national efforts to make child injury prevention a priority."

In celebration of National Safe Kids Week, Safe Kids Blair County will conduct a child safety seat check Thursday, May 1, from 2-4 p.m. at North American Communications, Duncansville.

National report findings
The comprehensive national report was undertaken by Safe Kids USA in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations whose mission is to prevent accidental childhood injury. Entitled Report to the Nation: Trends in Unintentional Childhood Injury Mortality and Parental Views on Child Safety, the report examines accidental injury in the United States and its impact on children by age, gender and race, and reviews the changes in accidental childhood injury death rates in areas such as motor vehicle occupant injuries, drownings, suffocation (which includes strangulation and choking) and more. The report also compares current data to data from 1987 and 1997.

The report unveils many findings, including:
  • Only 58 percent of parents with children 14 and under report their child being involved in a serious accident or getting seriously injured as a major concern — a seven percentage-point drop since 1987.
  • There is little change from 1987 to 2007 in the amount done by parents to ensure their child's safety — due to reasons varying from parents actually feeling the chance of their child being seriously injured is slim (especially fathers); to reporting that taking all the necessary steps are a hassle; to 20 percent of low income families (household income levels under $25,000) saying many safety devices such as fire extinguishers and bike helmets cost too much.
  • Yet when parents do take action, they are not always taking the right steps every time their child is at risk of injury. For example, 31 percent of households with children 14 and under do not consistently ensure their children ride in the back seat of a car all the time; 24 percent do not consistently supervise their children around the water all the time and 18 percent do not always ensure their children (under 10 years of age) are with an adult when crossing the street.
In addition, the report demonstrates that among children 14 and under, accidental death rates are declining except for the childhood suffocation death rate which has increased by 21 percent. (This is partly due to a re-categorization of deaths previously attributable to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.)

The injuries examined in the report are serious, many resulting in death or permanent disabilities. Many children survive, but live with significant physical and emotional health consequences for a lifetime. The stress on the children, their families and the health care system cannot be underestimated. In 2000 in the U.S., injuries to children 14 and under cost society approximately $58 billion in medical bills and lost wages of the children's caregivers.

"The great strides made over the past 20 years in reducing accidental childhood injuries by Safe Kids USA, the American injury prevention community, parents and governments is reason for optimism," Ms. Turchetta said. "Yet all of us can do more to create a safer environment for the children of Blair County."

What parents can do
The four leading causes of death from accidental injuries to children 14 and under are suffocation (19 percent), motor vehicle occupant injuries (16 percent), drownings (16 percent) and pedestrian incidents (11 percent). Here are 10 steps Safe Kids Blair County recommends to parents that could have a major impact on their children's safety:
  1. Properly secure your children under age 13 in a back seat every time they ride in a car.
  2. Keep your children in the right type of car or booster seat until adult lap and shoulder belts fit them correctly.
  3. Make sure your children wear a helmet and other protective gear every time they bike, skate, skateboard or ride a scooter.
  4. Teach your children to cross streets at corners and look left, right and left again before crossing. Make sure children younger than 10 always cross the street with an adult.
  5. Always keep your eyes on your children when they are playing in or near water.
  6. Always make sure your children wear life jackets when riding on boats or playing in or near open bodies of water.
  7. Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and outside of every sleeping area. Change the batteries once a year, and test them monthly.
  8. Do not place blankets, pillows or other soft items in a baby's crib. Keep small items such as toy parts, coins, buttons and beads away from children under age three.
  9. Keep poisonous items, such as medicines and cleaners, locked away and out of reach of children.
  10. Do not let your children play on stairs, furniture, balconies, roofs, or in driveways, streets or parking lots.
What government can do
"Our nation needs a coordinated strategy on children's injury prevention that allows us to turn research into safety strategies that save lives," says Martin R. Eichelberger, M.D., founder and director of Safe Kids Worldwide and chief of Trauma and Burn Services, Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. "From Capitol Hill to our local communities — we need to act together to make our neighborhoods and homes safer places for children to live, learn, travel and play."

Safe Kids Bair County joins Safe Kids USA in calling on national and state governmental leaders to recognize that accidental injury is the #1 threat to Pennsylvania's children, and in response, to marshal a multi-faceted effort (similar to what the nation has done to address drunk driving and smoking cessation) to eliminate this serious public health threat.

Some of their specific calls to action to government include:
  1. Congress continuing its efforts to modernize the operations and authority of the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission so that it can better fulfill its critical mission of protecting consumers, especially children, from dangerous products.
  2. The President and Congress providing sufficient federal budget support for the other federal agencies charged with promoting child safety. Those agencies include the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the United States Fire Administration and the Centers for Disease Control (National Center for Injury Prevention).
  3. State legislators addressing specific risk areas — such as motor vehicle collisions by passing or improving laws that require all children to be appropriately buckled in a child safety seat (infant seat, forward facing child safety seat or booster seat) or seat belt in the back seat of motor vehicles.
National Safe Kids Week
National Safe Kids Week has been held annually for 20 years. This year's theme is Twenty Years of Preventing Accidental Injury and is supported by Safe Kids Worldwide's founding sponsor, Johnson & Johnson. In addition, Johnson & Johnson is sponsoring a Safe Kids USA public service advertising campaign with Nickelodeon and distributing safety information at retail locations. Academy Award-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden joined Safe Kids USA on April 28, 2008, to unveil a new report tracking the accidental childhood injury death rate in the United States since 1987. Some of the report's startling statistics demonstrate that in 2005 accidental injury claimed the lives of 5,162 children, ages 14 and under, and in 2006 there were more than 6.2 million children's emergency room visits for accidental injuries in this age group.

For more information or for a copy of the Report to the Nation: Trends in Unintentional Childhood Injury Mortality and Parental Views on Child Safety please visit www.usa.safekids.org. The report was funded by an educational grant from Johnson & Johnson.

Safe Kids Blair County works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the leading killer of children 14 and under. Safe Kids Blair County is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing accidental injury. Safe Kids Blair County was founded in 1992 and is led by Altoona Regional Health System.

Safe Kids Blair County has local experts available for interviews.

All data in this news release is included in the Safe Kids USA Report to the Nation Trends in Unintentional Childhood Injury Mortality and Parental Views on Child Safety, April 2008

i[1] Ted Miller et al, "The Cost of Child and Adolescent Injuries and the Savings from Prevention," Injury Prevention for Children and Adolescents: Research Practice and Advocacy, 15-64, American Public Health Association, 2005





April 21, 2008 - SAFE KIDS BLAIR COUNTY PARTICIPATES IN UNITED WAY EVENT

In celebration of National Safe Kids Week, Safe Kids Blair County is holding an event featuring children's activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, at Penn State Altoona's Adler gym in cooperation with the United Way of Blair County's Week of the Young Child Celebration.

National Safe Kids Week is April 26 through May 3 and has been held annually for 20 years. This year's theme is Twenty Years of Preventing Accidental Injury and is supported by Safe Kids Worldwide's founding sponsor Johnson & Johnson. In addition, Johnson & Johnson is sponsoring a Safe Kids USA public service advertising campaign with Nickelodeon and distributing safety information at retail locations.

Academy Award-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden will join Safe Kids USA on April 28 to unveil a new report tracking the accidental childhood injury death rate in the United States since 1987.

Safe Kids Blair County works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the leading killer of children 14 and under. Safe Kids Blair County is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing accidental injury. Safe Kids Blair County was founded in 1992 and is led by Altoona Regional Health System.





April 15, 2008 - Weight-loss surgery education session set for Tuesday, May 27

Are you considering weight-loss surgery? Plan to attend an important education session at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, in the Juniata Room, 6th floor, Outpatient Center, Altoona Hospital Campus. Join Bariatric Coordinator Paula Kustenbauder, MSN, RN, as she discusses available options for weight-loss surgery. Get the facts about medical, dietary and insurance-related requirements, and learn what to expect after surgery. Ample time will be allotted for your questions. No fee. Registration required. Call Altoona Regional's Bariatric Clinic at 889.3219.





April 16, 2008 - VOLUNTEERS GIVE BACK TO COMMUNITY THROUGH HOSPITAL SERVICE

During National Volunteer Recognition Week, April 27-May 3, Altoona Regional Health System salutes its 690 volunteers who contributed 114,544 hours to the health system in 2007.

Volunteering is an activity Bertie Raia does to give back to the community.

"To be able to give of oneself in your senior years and know that it does make a difference is truly a gift. Every return smile and thank-you make for a good day," she said.

For Dick Carothers, front desk greeter, volunteering is important, and volunteering at Altoona Regional is an "opportunity to help others, which gives you a feeling of self-satisfaction and accomplishment."

Ty Clouser, R.N., clinical manager of Same Day Surgery Unit/Post-Anesthesia Care Unit on the Bon Secours Hospital Campus, knows the value of volunteers.

"We have a number of very dedicated volunteers," he said. "They help out in so many different ways; for example, greeting patients and families, making up all our charts for daily admissions, and providing prayer services to help everyone feel at ease for their procedure that day. Volunteers play a very intricate part in the daily functions of this unit, which is the recipe for a smooth, fluent flow."

Diane Harris, director of Health Information Management, also uses volunteers in her department.

"Our volunteers are very important to our department," she said. "We value the time and dedication they provide to all of us. We certainly hope that they enjoy their time with us as much as we enjoy working with them."

"We truly appreciate each volunteer," said Cindy Skupien, Volunteer Services department manager. "My hat is off to all volunteers for the excellent service they provide. They are truly the heart of the community."

Altoona Regional is a nonprofit community health care provider. Two acute-care hospitals anchor the 497-bed system, which includes more than 20 affiliated health care companies. Altoona Regional offers centers of excellence in cancer care, heart care, neurosciences, behavioral health, vascular and wound care and much more. Its Regional Trauma Center serves more than 20 counties in Central Pennsylvania. The mission of Altoona Regional Health System is for exceptional people to provide exceptional health care.

Please note: A video/interview opportunity exists 11:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, May 1 at the Jaffa Mosque when we honor our volunteers with a luncheon.





April 7, 2008 - 28TH ANNUAL SENIOR HEALTH FAIR SET FOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9

WHAT: A health fair for ages 60 and older

WHERE: Jaffa Mosque, Broad Avenue & 22nd St., Altoona

WHEN: 8-11 a.m., Wednesday, April 9

WHY: Opportunity to promote health prevention messages on prostate cancer, coronary disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, liver and kidney disease, anemia and others.

Great video and interview opportunities. At the event, ask for Robin Beck of Blair Senior Services to direct you to sources.

Sponsored by Blair Senior Services Incorporated and Altoona Regional Health System





April 4, 2008 - JOINT STATEMENT WITH SEIU FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

We are pleased to report that after over eight hours of bargaining extending from Thursday to Friday, SEIU and Altoona Regional representatives made significant progress toward what we hope will be a tentative labor agreement, subject to ratification by the SEIU Negotiating Committee and its members and the Altoona Regional Board of Directors.





April 4, 2008 - PATTON MAN HIRED AS PATIENT ACCESS SUPERVISOR

Mike Means Mike Means of Patton, formerly of Baltimore, Md., and Altoona, was recently hired as a supervisor of the Patient Access department. His duties as supervisor on second shift include the supervision of six to nine employees, status transfers of patients, and verification of patients' insurance information, which is extremely important for reimbursement from both the government and private insurance companies.

Before coming to Altoona Regional, Means served as a health care financial consultant with McBee Associates of Columbia, Md.

Means earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Policy and Administration from the Pennsylvania State University, University Park.





April 4, 2008 - TWO NUTRITION SERVICES DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES PROMOTED

Two Altoona Regional Nutrition Services department food service supervisors, Julie Lingafelt and Debbie Yoder, have been promoted to certified dietary managers.

They will be responsible for supervising the activities of all employees engaged in food service on two hospital campuses. This involves all food service for patients, employees, visitors and special functions; sanitation and food safety; food purchasing, proper receiving and storage. They also will be responsible for making sure all foods are prepared in accordance with prescribed diets, menus and standards.

Julie Lingafelt
Lingafelt, of Altoona, started her career in Nutrition Services in 1981 as a sanitation and food transportation and cold food worker at Altoona Hospital. She moved to Mercy Hospital as a dietetic tech, a position she held until January 1996 when she became a food service supervisor. Lingafelt has her Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition from Pennsylvania State University.

She has two sons, Matthew and Tyler.


Debbie Yoder Yoder was hired in March 1998 as a food service supervisor in Nutrition Services at Altoona Hospital. Formerly from Johnstown, she worked for Laurelwood Nursing Home as a dietary supervisor and as a customer service representative for Crown American Hotels.

Yoder has her Bachelor of Science degree in dietetics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a concentration in hotel/restaurant management. She is a certified dietary manager and a certified food protection professional through the Dietary Managers Association. She is Servsafe certified through the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.

She lives in Altoona with her son, Aydan.





April 4, 2008 - ANNUAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS HEALTH SYSTEM'S COMMUNITY IMPACT

In fiscal year 2007, Altoona Regional Health System provided in excess of $29 million in community benefit — beyond the health care services provided every day.

This tangible assistance is detailed in the latest Community Benefit Annual Report, which is available free to the public by calling 814.889.2271 and is on our Web site www.altoonaregional.org

Here are a few highlights from the report:

Altoona Regional provided free and discounted care (charity care) to the poor and people with no insurance. As a nonprofit community health care system, Altoona Regional's mission is to care for everyone. We offer charity care according to a patient's ability to pay. Community benefit: $825,431

Altoona Regional provides health care under government programs even though they pay less than what the care costs. Very often, care for low-income and uninsured or underinsured people covered by programs like Medicaid (Medical Assistance) and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is more expensive to give than the payment received from the government. The health system receives no payment for the difference but remains committed to caring for anyone in need. Community benefit: $9,541,916

Altoona Regional provides the community with critical services despite a financial loss. The community has specialized health care needs that only the health system provides. They include services such as trauma and emergency care, women's health care, renal dialysis, transitional care and behavioral health. Community benefit: $3,249,646

"Through the report, we seek to ensure the community that Altoona Regional is dedicated to a nonprofit quality and service ethic that guarantees help for all those who need it," said Jim Barner, President/CEO. "We remain committed to meeting community health care needs without regard to level of payment. We will expand health care access, reduce its disparities and help those who face obstacles in their daily lives."

Altoona Regional is a nonprofit community health care provider. Two acute-care hospitals anchor the 497-bed system, which includes more than 20 affiliated health care companies. Altoona Regional offers centers of excellence in cancer care, heart care, neurosciences, behavioral health, vascular and wound care and much more. Its Regional Trauma Center serves more than 20 counties in Central Pennsylvania. The mission of Altoona Regional Health System is for exceptional people to provide exceptional health care.





March 21, 2008 - HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SETS APRIL PROGRAMS

Find out if you are at risk for osteoporosis on Friday, April 4, 12:30-3 p.m. An osteoporosis screening (free heel scans) will be offered by appointment only in the Kaufman Dining Room, Bon Secours Hospital Campus. This bone mineral density screen is a noninvasive, painless tool that can help determine bone health and your risk for fractures. It can also monitor your response to various osteoporosis treatments. It's available for men and women. For an appointment, call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.

An AARP Driver Safety Program will be offered 6 to 10 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, and Wednesday, April 9, in the Logan Room, 6th floor, Outpatient Center, Altoona Hospital Campus. The fee is $10. Registration required. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.

This classroom refresher course covers age-related physical changes, perceptual skills, rules of the road and more. All automobile insurance companies in Pennsylvania provide a premium discount to graduates age 55 and older. Most require both spouses insured under the same policy to take the class to receive a discount.

Plan to attend the 28th Annual Senior Health Fair sponsored by Blair Senior Services and Altoona Regional Health System on Wednesday, April 9, at the Jaffa Shrine Facility. While there, join Altoona Regional recreational therapists Geoff Geesey and Jennifer Helsley for a presentation entitled, "The Attitude of Fitness," at 9:30 a.m., featuring ways to manage stress, plan time, use community resources and problem-solve to improve your well-being and satisfaction. Also get a 15- to 20-minute lesson on progressive muscle relaxation to start you on your way to a better life. No fee. Registration required for program only. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.

A Child Safety Seat Checkup Station is scheduled for Friday, April 11, 9:30-11 a.m., in the Altoona Hospital Campus parking garage, Blue level. Look for the Safe Kids van. No fee. By appointment only. Call Safe Kids Blair County at 889.7802. Find out if your child's safety seat is installed properly. Your child's life may depend on it!

Getting pregnant can be as simple as withholding contraception. Yet, for some, it is an emotional, physical and financial burden. Join Dr. John Paulson, M.D., of Blair Medical Associates as he discusses prevention, diagnosis, myths and treatment options for infertility in his program, "Infertility: Are You at Risk?" at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 16. The program takes place in the Rotunda, 6th floor, Outpatient Center, Altoona Hospital Campus. There is no fee. Register by calling 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665. Class size is limited. Healthy refreshments will be served.

Is it a cold or allergies? Why do some people have allergies and others don't? How can they be prevented or avoided? How are allergies treated? What are the different types of allergies? Join Dr. Rakesh Verma, allergist and immunologist, Thursday, April 24, at Bon Secours Hospital Campus Education Center, Trzeciak Conference Suite, 2621 8th Ave., as he discusses and answers these questions and more for his presentation "Wage War on Your Allergies." Lunch is served at 11 a.m. followed by the program until 1 p.m. There is no fee. Registration required. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.

Most of the 8 million to 12 million Americas who suffer from PAD (peripheral arterial disease) are unaware they have it. Join Dr. Arthur DeMarsico, board-certified vascular surgeon and medical director of Altoona Regional's Vascular Institute, on Tuesday, April 29, as he discusses the signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this often undiagnosed medical condition. Lunch is served at 11 a.m. followed by the program until 1 p.m. at the Bon Secours Hospital Campus Education Center, Trzeciak Conference Suite, 2621 8th Ave.

There is no fee. Registration required. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665. Our last program was so popular, we decided to repeat it (please do not register if you attended in February).

In addition, if you make an appointment, Kay Adams, Vascular Institute nurse manager, will perform an ABI (ankle-brachial index) screen, a painless screening in which blood pressure is measured in legs and arms to determine blood flow. Please be prepared to remove shoes and socks. There is no fee, but space is limited. You must be registered for Dr. DeMarsico's program. Call the Vascular Institute at 889.2005 to register for this screening.

Gail Murphy, registered instructor in Hatha yoga, leads a seven-week program, which offers mind/body exercise, breath control, stretching and strengthening to promote mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Classes run Tuesdays, April 29 through June 17 (no class June 3). Fee $35. A class for beginners is offered from 5:30-6:40 p.m., and for those at the intermediate level from 6:50-8 p.m., in the Rotunda, 6th floor, Outpatient Center, Altoona Hospital Campus. Register now as class is limited to 25. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.





March 20, 2008 - ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES EMPLOYEE RETIRES WITH 18 YEARS OF SERVICE

Elaine Claar

Elaine Claar of Altoona recently retired from the Bon Secours Hospital Campus with 18 years of service. She was hired as an environmental services aide on Feb. 19, 1990, with the former Bon Secours-Holy Family Hospital.





March 20, 2008 - SUPPLY CLERK RETIRES WITH 18 YEARS OF SERVICE

Agnes Kirsch

Supply clerk Agnes Kirsch of Altoona recently retired from Altoona Regional Health System with 18 years of service.

Kirsch started her career in the Marketing Department Jan. 30, 1990, as a medical photographer where she worked until July 1994. She then worked for six months in Nutrition Services before transferring into the Nursing Services department as a supply clerk on the 8th floor, a position she held until her retirement.





March 14, 2008 - BRYAN J. FUNARI, M.D., JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF

BRYAN J. FUNARI, M.D.

Bryan J. Funari, M.D., recently joined the Altoona Regional medical staff in the clinical service of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics and Newborns. He is in practice with Children's Hospital Heart Center, Pittsburgh.

He earned his medical degree from West Virginia University School of Medicine. He completed his residency at the University of Kentucky-Chandler Hospital and a fellowship at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. He is board eligible in Pediatrics.





March 12, 2008 - THREE ALTOONA REGIONAL PHYSICIANS EARN BOARD CERTIFICATIONS

Three Altoona Regional Health System physicians have earned certifications in their respective specialties:

Andrew W. Gurman, M.D., recently passed examinations in general orthopedics and surgery of the hand for recertification in both areas by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery through 2018.

Todd A. Sponsler, M.D., completed the requirements for maintenance of certification and is recertified by the American Board of Ophthalmology through 2017.

Ryan M. Zlupko, M.D., is a diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology, certified for the period 2007 through 2013.

Andrew W. Gurman, M.D. Todd A. Sponsler, M.D. Ryan M. Zlupko, M.D.
Andrew W. Gurman, M.D. Todd A. Sponsler, M.D. Ryan M. Zlupko, M.D.






March 11, 2008 - ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON USES NEW DISC REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE FOR NECK PAIN PATIENTS

Charles J. Harvey, D.O., of Blair Orthopedic Associates & Sports Medicine performed a new cervical disc replacement procedure Feb. 18 at Altoona Regional Health System using the first artificial disc approved for this use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The new artificial disc, called the Prestige ® Cervical Disc Replacement, is inserted into the neck using a similar procedure that surgeons use when performing a spinal fusion. However, the Prestige disc, used in a procedure called "cervical disc arthroplasty," showed superior neurological and overall successful outcomes in recently concluded clinical trials that compared it to cervical discectomy and fusion (spinal fusion) procedures.

"What excites me the most about the Prestige Cervical Disc is that my patients who want to maintain motion in their necks have this new option," said Dr. Harvey. "This disc may revolutionize treatment options for surgical patients who normally would have only the option of a motion-restricting process of spinal fusion."

In spinal fusion, patients receive a cervical spine diskectomy and fusion using bone graft and a plate. A disc replacement eliminates the need for both the bone grafting and the plate, and motion is maintained.

In the U.S. clinical trial of Prestige, patients who received the disc showed improved neurological success at 24 months and improved overall success. The clinical trial is the largest completed, prospective, randomized controlled study of its kind regarding the cervical spine, enrolling 541 patients.





March 11, 2008 - ADAM M. BUDNY, D.P.M., JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF

Adam M. Budny, D.P.M.

Adam M. Budny, D.P.M., has joined the Altoona Regional medical staff in the clinical service of Podiatry, department of Orthopedics. He is affiliated with Bert J. Altmanshofer, D.P.M., 1798 Old Route 220 North, Suite 201, Duncansville.

He received his medical degree from Des Moines University, College of Podiatric Medicine & Surgery, Des Moines, Iowa, and did his residency at St. Vincent Charity Hospital, Case Western Reserve, Ohio.

He is board eligible with the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.





March 10, 2008 - PATRICK D. RICE, M.D., JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF

Patrick D. Rice, M.D.

Patrick D. Rice, M.D., recently joined the medical staff of Altoona Regional Health System in the Family Medicine department.

Dr. Rice is affiliated with Altoona Family Physicians, 501 Howard Ave., Suite F-2, Altoona.

He has been board certified in Family Medicine since 1995 and earned his medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in Calif. He completed an internship and residency at Altoona Hospital. His special interests are hospice and palliative care.





March 5, 2008 - TO NAP OR NOT TO NAP?

Would you ever think that Thomas Edison, Napoleon Bonaparte, Salvador Dali, Winston Churchill and Presidents Kennedy and Reagan had something in common? In fact, each of them enjoyed a regular nap.

Many people find that a 20- to 30-minute nap is restorative, especially during the normal afternoon circadian "dip" that usually occurs between 2 and 5 p.m. Napping can help maintain or even increase alertness and performance, sharpen memory and reduce symptoms of fatigue, especially during long periods of being awake. A nap can also help people adjust to the hour of sleep lost when Daylight Saving Time returns, at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 9.

However, napping, in general, is no substitute for a good night's sleep, says the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) and Altoona Regional Institute for Sleep Medicine.

"Naps can help people boost their alertness and performance — IF they are healthy and usually get sufficient sleep at night. But naps will not reverse total sleep debt and shouldn't be thought of as a substitute for a good night's sleep," says Mark Rosekind, Ph.D. "If you get sufficient sleep at night on a regular basis, you should not need a regular daytime nap." Dr. Rosekind is president and chief scientist of Alertness Solutions in Cupertino, Calif., which specializes in fatigue management issues.

While napping isn't a widespread occurrence at U.S. workplaces, one-third of respondents in NSF's 2000 Sleep in America poll said they would nap at work if it was allowed. NSF's 2005 poll found that more than one-third of America's adults take two or more naps a week, and these last an average of 50 minutes.

Timothy Lucas, M.D., medical director of the Altoona Regional Institute for Sleep Medicine, recommends a nap of around 30 minutes. "Even a shorter nap can take the edge off of sleepiness, but you want to avoid getting into a deep sleep, which can occur after a longer nap of around an hour, causing you to awake groggy instead of feeling refreshed," he said.

This sleep inertia or grogginess and disorientation that can occur when you awake from a deep sleep usually disappears in 10 to 15 minutes, but the accompanying lack of alertness can be critical at the workplace or when engaged in other activities such as driving.

If and when you nap, Dr. Lucas and the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) offer the following tips:
  • Determine an optimal nap time. Try not to nap too late in the day, which can disrupt your nighttime sleep. If you are having difficulty sleeping at night, don't nap during the day.
  • Find the right environment. Make the most out of your nap time and avoid surrounding distractions. Find a quiet place, block out light and noise; use an eye mask and/or ear plugs if necessary.
  • Be sure to make a good night's sleep a regular daily activity — on average, between seven and nine hours are recommended for most adults. Establishing this regular sleep habit may help you kick a nap habit. Do you know your real sleep need? Try to determine how many hours of nightly sleep you need to be alert and at your best performance throughout the day, then establish a nightly routine and make time for your needed sleep.
Here are some additional tips to help adjust to the return of Daylight Saving Time:
  • Try to sleep a bit more than usual a few nights prior to and immediately following the time change to help reduce any sleep debt you may be carrying.
  • Take a nap in the afternoon on Sunday if you need it, but not within a few hours of your regular bedtime. Remember, napping too close to bedtime can disrupt nighttime sleep.
NSF is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public health and safety by achieving understanding of sleep and sleep disorders, and by supporting sleep-related education, research and advocacy.

Altoona Regional Institute for Sleep is an NSF Community Sleep Awareness Partner® working with NSF to help raise awareness about the importance of sleep.





February 21, 2008 - ALTOONA REGIONAL NURSE EARNS DEGREE, CERTIFICATION

Robin deKoning, RN, BSN, CEN, CFRN, PHRN, LNC

Robin deKoning, RN, BSN, CEN, CFRN, PHRN, LNC, of Altoona, who works in Nursing Administration and the Emergency Department at Altoona Regional's Bon Secours Hospital Campus, has earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Mount Aloysius College, Cresson. She also received a Nursing Management Certificate through Penn State Altoona in 2007. Additionally, deKoning serves as secretary for the local Emergency Nurses Association Chapter representing Altoona Regional. She is also a nurse with Geisinger Life Flight.

She and her husband, Chris, have a son, Cody.





February 21, 2008 - ALTOONA REGIONAL REGISTERED NURSE EARNS BACHELOR'S DEGREE

Chris deKoning, RN, BSN

Chris deKoning, RN, BSN, of Altoona, who works in the cardiac catheterization laboratory at Altoona Regional Health System, has earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Mount Aloysius College, Cresson.

He and his wife, Robin, have a son, Cody.





February 21, 2008 - TWO MEDICAL STAFF EMPLOYEES ACHIEVE RECERTIFICATION IN MEDICAL STAFF SERVICES/CREDENTIALING

Altoona Regional Medical Staff Administrative Director Kathy Vincent, RHIT, CPMSM, CPCS, and Credentialing/IT Coordinator Georgia Ray, CPMSM, CPCS, have been recertified by the Certification Commission of the National Association of Medical Staff Services.

Fulfilling the recertification requirements demonstrates that they are keeping current with the vital and ever-changing area of the medical services/credentialing profession. The recertification is effective Jan. 1, 2008, through Dec. 31, 2010.
Kathy Vincent, RHIT, CPMSM, CPCSGeorgia Ray, CPMSM, CPCS
Kathy Vincent, RHIT, CPMSM, CPCSGeorgia Ray, CPMSM, CPCS






February 21, 2008 - FOUR RESPIRATORY THERAPISTS PASS NATIONAL REGISTRY EXAMINATION

Four respiratory therapists at Altoona Regional have passed a national registry examination administered by the National Board of Respiratory Care. Passing this examination shows they have attained the highest level of proficiency in the field by passing written and clinical simulation tests. They are Misty Bauman of Claysburg, Jessica Hmel of Cresson, Lisa McDannell of Alum Bank and Chris Schrum of Bedford. It earns them the title of Registered Respiratory Therapist. Health consumers should look for the initials R.R.T., following a therapist's name to see if he or she has attained this level of proficiency.

Misty BaumanJessica Hmel Lisa McDannell Chris Schrum
Misty BaumanJessica Hmel Lisa McDannell Chris Schrum






February 12, 2008 - WEATHER CANCELS EVENING EVENTS TONIGHT

The following events have been canceled tonight at the Altoona Hospital Campus:

The Lap Band Support Group

Yoga classes

55 Alive Driver Training Classes. Rescheduled for March 11 and 12.





February 11, 2008 - HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SETS MARCH PROGRAMS

"Long-Term Living Services: What are the Options? Who pays?"

Join Melissa Raley, R.N., director of Long-Term Living Services with Blair Senior Services Inc., and Patti Defibaugh, Long-Term Living supervisor, Blair County Board of Assistance, as they discuss Blair County services and resources for long-term care (both in-home care and long-term care facility) Friday, March 28. Lunch at 11 a.m. followed by program until 1 p.m.

The program is at the Bon Secours Hospital Campus Education Center, Trzeciak Conference Suite, 2621 8th Ave. No fee. Registration required. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665

A conversational, sign language course for beginners will be offered for 12 weeks on Tuesdays, March 4 through May 20 inclusive, from 7-8:30 p.m. at Bon Secours Hospital Campus Education Center, Trzeciak Conference Suite, 2621 8th Ave.

Pastor Robert Smith of the Altoona Regional Pastoral Care department will teach this course. There will be assignments with the lessons, and a certificate will be given upon completion. You will need a three-ring binder.

The cost is $25. Registration required. Class limited to 30. Register by calling 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.

Learn about the benefits of healing conflict in relationships with a six-week workshop offered Mondays, March 10 through April 14 inclusive, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Bon Secours Hospital Campus Education Center, Trzeciak Conference Suite, 2621 8th Ave.

This six-week workshop will help you understand that conflict needs to be healed and not just managed. Dr. Mlen-Too Wesley, a conflict management specialist, faculty member at Penn State Altoona and member of the Altoona Regional Pastoral Care team, will conduct this workshop with the purpose of helping people experience healing when conflict occurs and to build healthy interpersonal relationships and improve their lives.

The cost is $30. Registration required. Register by calling 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.





January 24, 2008 - ADDICTIONS COUNSELOR PROMOTED TO SUPERVISORY POSITION WITHIN ALTOONA REGIONAL CENTER FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROGRAM

Gina Smithbower-Zabrosky, M.A., C.C.D.P.

Altoona Regional Addictions Counselor Gina Smithbower-Zabrosky, M.A., C.C.D.P., has been promoted to drug and alcohol clinical supervisor and will oversee the outpatient drug and alcohol program that includes both hospital — and school-based treatment programs and the Intensive Case Management/ Resource Coordination Substance Abuse program.

She began at the health system in 2004 as an addictions counselor. From then until her promotion took effect in mid-October, she worked as the clinical supervisor. In addition to her supervisory responsibilities on the Altoona Hospital Campus, she provides counseling services to middle school and high school students in the Bellwood-Antis School District.

Smithbower-Zabrosky earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Science from Mt. Aloysius College and a Master of Arts degree in Human Services/Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University, Lynchburg, Va. She is also a certified co-occurring disorder professional.

Smithbower-Zabrosky resides in Gallitzin RD with her husband, John, and their son, Nathan.





January 18, 2008 - ALTOONA REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM PRESIDENT/CEO ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

James W. Barner will retire October 31; board begins CEO search


ALTOONA, Pa. — James W. Barner, President/CEO of Altoona Regional Health System (ARHS), will retire October 31, 2008 after more than 16 years as President/CEO, and more than 30 years as an administrator with the healthcare system.

The Altoona Regional Health System Board of Directors accepted Barner's resignation "with regret," at its regular board meeting Thursday, January 17, said board member Robert W. Montler, chairman of Lee Industries. The board's executive search committee, led by Montler, immediately engaged the respected Witt/Kieffer executive search firm to begin a comprehensive national search for Barner's successor.

"When Jim became CEO in 1992, Altoona Hospital was a community hospital," said Dr. Robert E. Wertz, board chairperson. "During his years leading the organization, we've become a regional health system with world-class services in many medical and surgical subspecialties, including cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery and vascular surgery, and we became a Level II trauma center in 2001."

"Jim's greatest achievement as CEO was being the architect of the merger between Central Pennsylvania Health Services Corporation/Altoona Hospital and Bon Secours Holy Family Hospital (formerly Mercy Hospital), combining the staff, services and traditions of both organizations in 2004. As a result, we are today building a healthcare system for our community's future, eliminating the duplication of services and resulting in savings of healthcare dollars," said Don Devorris, board member of ARHS and prior Board member of both the Altoona and Mercy Hospitals.

"It's hard to consider the accomplishments of our healthcare system over the last few decades without considering Jim's role in all these milestones," Montler said. "His leadership has created a strong, innovative healthcare system that provides a remarkable range of services to people in the region. Jim will be missed."

"I'm grateful to the board, the medical staff, our employees, our organization, and to the entire community for giving me the opportunity to work and serve our community healthcare institution as a leader," Barner said.

"I have worked in healthcare administration my entire career of 38 years with 30+ years at Altoona. Over the years, the Board, Medical Staff, entire management team and our employees have worked hard in laying the foundation for ARHS to provide and sustain high quality healthcare to our region, and it is now time for me to move on to the next phase of my life. Approaching age 62 at retirement, I'll look forward to spending more time with my wife, my children and my new grandson," Barner added.

Barner's retirement announcement is in keeping with a plan approved by the board committee over two years ago in November 2005, Montler said. At that time, following the completion of the first year of the Altoona Hospital-Bon Secours Hospital merger, Barner expressed a desire to retire, but the board committee asked him to stay on for another three years, to assure the transition to a fully integrated regional healthcare system. Barner agreed.

On October 31, 2007, Barner told the board's executive search committee that he would follow through on his plan to retire on October 31, 2008. Thursday's board action begins the process of identifying a new CEO for the healthcare system.

Witt/Kieffer is familiar with Altoona Regional Health System; the board retained the firm when the health system's chief operating officer position opened in 2006.

Witt/Kieffer's role will be to support the executive search committee in coordinating a national recruitment process by identifying and assessing prospective candidates. The committee will begin by having Witt/Kieffer gain input from a variety of stakeholders concerning the skills and characteristics they believe the new CEO should possess. The selection process will involve external candidates nationwide, and will also include any interested internal or regional candidates that may emerge.

"This is one of the most important leadership roles within the health system, at the largest employer and one of the most prominent community institutions in the region," Montler said. "We owe it to the community to make this search as thorough and as comprehensive as possible. The board, our employees and the community expect nothing less."





January 10, 2008 - ALTOONA PIPE & STEEL DONATES CPR TEACHING EQUIPMENT, AUTOMATED DEFIBRILLATOR

Altoona Pipe & Steel Supply Co. donates teaching equipment

Altoona Pipe & Steel Supply Co. recently donated an automated external defibrillator and three cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) dummies for use in various training classes at Altoona Regional Health System. Altoona Pipe & Steel President Joel Hollander (center) presented the equipment to Doug Stern, D.O., (second from left) medical director of Emergency Medicine at Altoona Regional. Joining them for the presentation are Altoona Pipe & Steel employees (from left) Terry Mock, Tim Harris and Nick Rebar.





January 10, 2008 - ALTOONA REGIONAL EMPLOYEE GRADUATES FROM UNIVERSITY OF FINDLAY NUCLEAR MEDICINE PROGRAM

Mark Paris - X-ray technician Mark Paris of Claysburg, RT(R), an X-ray technician in the Imaging Services department of Altoona Regional Health System, graduated from The University of Findlay's Nuclear Medicine program after completing an eight-month internship at Altoona Regional.

The course consists of instruction in nuclear medicine radiopharmacy, imaging procedures, quality assurance, equipment, patient and customer relations, diagnostic and therapeutic dosimetry, radiation safety procedures, federal and state regulations and interactions with other departments. Completion of the program makes him eligible for the registry exam in nuclear medicine.





January 7, 2008 - ASHISH BEHL, M.D., JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF

Ashish Behl, M.D. Ashish Behl, M.D., has joined the Altoona Regional Health System medical staff in the Internal Medicine department.

He is affiliated with Lexington Hospitalists, Altoona Regional Health System, 620 Howard Ave., Altoona.

Dr. Behl is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

He graduated from the Government Medical College, India. He did his internship and residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.





January 7, 2008 - HEALTHY LIVING CLUB SETS JANUARY/FEBRUARY PROGRAMS

Altoona Regional's Healthy Living Club, in conjunction with Safe Kids Blair County, offers a Child Safety Seat Installation Checkup Station Friday, Jan. 11, in the Altoona Hospital Campus parking garage, Blue Level. Look for the Safe Kids van. No fee. By appointment only. Call Safe Kids Blair County at 889.7802. Find out if your child's safety seat is installed properly. Your child's life may depend on it.

Join Gail Murphy, registered instructor, for Hatha Yoga, which offers mind/body exercise, breath control, stretching and strengthening to promote mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Three different classes are being offered for a six-week series:

Tuesdays, Jan.15 through Feb. 19 in the Rotunda, 6th floor, Outpatient Center, Altoona Hospital Campus. Fee $30 (both beginner and intermediate classes).

Beginners: 5:30-6:40 p.m. Intermediate: 6:50-8 p.m.

Another Beginners class will meet 5-6:10 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 17 through Feb. 21, Altoona Hospital Campus, School of Nursing auditorium (behind helicopter pad). Fee $30. Register now as classes are limited to 25. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.

Need a healthy energy boost? Join Dona Baughman, R.D., LDN, clinical nutrition manager at Altoona Regional, as she explains how best to maintain a healthy diet through the doldrums of winter and what foods may boost energy levels. "Winter Eating for Energy" will be presented Monday, Jan. 21, 6:30-8 p.m. in the Rotunda, 6th floor, Outpatient Center, Altoona Hospital Campus. No fee. Register by calling 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665. Class size is limited. Healthy refreshments will be served.

A new year is upon us. If one of your resolutions is to take better care of yourself, please join family physician and hospitalist Dr. Ryan Ridenour of Blair Medical Associates as he discusses important steps you can take toward your good health in 2008! "Off to the Right Start" will be presented Friday, Jan. 25. Lunch is served at 11 a.m. followed by program until 1 p.m. in the Bon Secours Hospital Campus Education Center, Trzeciak Conference Suite, 2621 8th Ave. No fee. Registration required. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.

Find out if you are at risk for osteoporosis with a free osteoporosis heel scan by appointment only on Friday, Feb. 1, 12:30-3 p.m. Outpatient Center, 6th floor, Allegheny Room, Altoona Hospital Campus. This bone mineral density screen for women only is a noninvasive, painless tool that can help determine bone health and your risk for fractures. It can also monitor your response to various osteoporosis treatments. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.

Join Sharon Rydbom, Altoona Regional's own craft diva, as she guides you in making a cute St. Patrick's Day wreath to welcome guests and family into your homes! Wreath-making takes place Friday, Feb. 1, 6:30-8 p.m. at the Bon Secours Hospital Campus Education Center, Trzeciak Conference Suite, 2621 8th Ave. The cost is $14. Materials needed include scissors, glue gun and glue sticks (don't special purchase), foil or paper plate to rest your glue gun on, two paper towels, Styrofoam plate or tray for paint, 15-inch piece of waxed paper and 6- to 8-inch brown paper bag. Register by calling 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665. Class size limited to 25.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women. "Be Heart Smart" and learn more about the risks women have for this sometimes silent killer. Joseph Gattuso Jr., M.D., Cardiology Associates of Altoona, will address this very important topic Monday, Feb. 4, 6:30-8 p.m., in the Rotunda, 6th floor, Outpatient Center, Altoona Hospital Campus. February is Heart Health Awareness Month, and this is an opportune time to learn the latest prevention and treatment options to keep your heart healthy! No fee. Register by calling 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665. Class size is limited. Healthy refreshments will be served.

An AARP Driver Safety Program classroom refresher course will be offered 6-10 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, and Wednesday, Feb. 13, in the Logan Room, 6th floor, Outpatient Center, Altoona Hospital Campus. The course covers age-related physical changes, perceptual skills, rules of the road and more. All automobile insurance companies in Pennsylvania provide a premium discount to graduates age 55 and older. Most require both spouses insured under the same policy to take the class to receive a discount. Fee $10. Registration required. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.

Most of the 8 million to 12 million Americans who suffer from Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) are unaware they have it. On Friday, Feb. 29, join Dr. Arthur DeMarsico, board-certified vascular surgeon and medical director of Altoona Regional's Vascular Institute, as he discusses the signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this often undiagnosed medical condition. Ample time will be allotted for questions. Lunch will be served at 11 a.m. followed by the program until 1 p.m. at the Bon Secours Hospital Campus Education Center, Trzeciak Conference Suite, 2621 8th Ave. The program will be followed by an optional free screening by appointment only. You must attend Dr. DeMarsico's program to receive the screening.

The free PAD screening will be offered by appointment only on Friday, Feb. 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Oak Room (one flight up from Trzeciak) by Kay Adams, Vascular Institute nurse manager. She will perform an ABI (ankle-brachial index) screen, a painless screening in which blood pressure is measured in legs and arms to determine blood flow. Please be prepared to remove shoes and socks. No fee. Registration required. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665. You must attend Dr. DeMarsico's program to register for the screening.

Learn to be a healthier, more savvy grocery shopper with "Don't Put It on the Table Until You Read the Label: Giant Eagle Store Tour" on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2-3:30 p.m. Giant Eagle Grocery Store, Logan Towne Center, Altoona. "Light...low fat...no cholesterol." These terms bombard us while we do our grocery shopping.. What do they really mean? Which are the healthiest foods to buy? If you've made the decision to eat right and take better care of yourself in 2008, join Randy Grabill, Altoona Regional clinical dietitian, as he shows you how to understand nutrition information on labels and choose healthy and nutritious foods. No fee. Registration required. Call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.





January 3, 2008 - FIRST BLAIR COUNTY BABY OF NEW YEAR BORN AT ALTOONA REGIONAL

First baby of 2008 born at ARHS


Photo: Altoona Regional Chief Operating Officer Ron McConnell (right) welcomes the first Blair County baby of the new year, Noah DiVentura, and congratulates his parents Shena Long and Chris DiVentura of Altoona.

The first Blair County baby of 2008 was born at 8:02 a.m. Jan. 1 in Altoona Regional Health System's Maternity department to an Altoona couple.

Noah DiVentura was born to Shena Long and Chris DiVentura. He weighed 8 pounds, 14 1/4 ounces and was 21 inches long. Grandparents are Katie and Robert DiVentura, and Christina Frederick and Timothy Shoup, all of Altoona.

As the first baby born at Altoona Regional, the family receives the following gifts:
Mother: A dozen red roses and a $50 gift certificate from Target
Father: A $50 gift certificate from Target
Baby: A $200 savings bond

A newborn picture taken at the hospital at no charge.

There were two other babies born here Jan. 1. Their families received the following:
Mothers: 1/2 dozen red roses and a $25 gift certificate from Target
Fathers: $25 gift certificate from Target
Babies: $75 savings bond
Newborn picture taken at the hospital at no charge.







December 31, 2007 - WILLIAM J. COCHRAN, M.D., JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF

William J. Cochran, M.D. William J. Cochran, M.D., has joined the Altoona Regional Health System medical staff in the clinical service of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatrics & Newborn department.

He is affiliated with Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pa.

Dr. Cochran is board certified in Pediatrics & Newborn, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Nutrition, and as a Physician Nutrition Specialist.

He graduated from the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pa., and did his residency and internship training at Strong Memorial Hospital of the University of Rochester, N.Y. He did two fellowships in Pediatric Gastroenterology/Nutrition, one at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, and the other at Strong Memorial Hospital of the University of Rochester.





December 31, 2007 - NEW FISCAL SUPERVISOR APPOINTED FOR ALTOONA REGIONAL CENTER FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

Sherri Sell Sherri Sell was recently promoted to the new position of fiscal supervisor of Altoona Regional's Center for Behavioral Health Services. Her responsibilities include the supervision of fiscal clerks and oversight of department finances. She began her career with Altoona Hospital as a fiscal specialist in the department. She has a bachelor's degree in accounting from Penn State University, University Park. She and her husband Brian of Bedford have two sons.





December 31, 2007 - ALTOONA REGIONAL NAMES TRANSITIONAL CARE UNIT ADMINISTRATOR

Alice M. Hershberger, B.BA., M.H.A.C. Alice M. Hershberger, B.BA., M.H.A.C., recently joined Altoona Regional Health System as the nursing home administrator of the Transitional Care Unit.

Previously a surgical services administrative coordinator at Hanover Hospital in Hanover, Pa. Hershberger earned her bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Pennsylvania Nursing Home Administrator's license at Mount Aloysius College, Cresson. She also completed her master's degree in Healthcare Administration at the University of Phoenix, Arizona.

She resides in Duncansville with her family and has five adult children.





December 27, 2007 - ALTOONA REGIONAL BOILER OPERATOR/MAINTENANCE MECHANIC RETIRES WITH 34 YEARS OF SERVICE

Eugene Smith Eugene "Gene" Smith of Saxton, a boiler operator/maintenance mechanic in the Environment of Care department at Altoona Regional Health System, recently retired with 34 years of service. He began his career June 18, 1973, as a mechanic in the Maintenance department with Mercy Hospital in Altoona. Seven years later, he became a boiler plant operator/maintenance mechanic, a position he held for the remainder of his career.





December 20, 2007 - EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT ENTRANCE REOPENS

The main entrance to the Altoona Hospital Campus Emergency department has reopened to patients and vehicle traffic following a fire service line break Saturday.

Patients were diverted to a different entrance and a temporary waiting area was established due to minor flooding caused by the break, but at no time was patient care or fire protection interrupted. A back up system provided protection until the line was repaired.





December 18, 2007 - CHURCH GROUP DONATES TOYS FOR HOSPITALIZED CHILDREN

Michael and Andrea Miller started Playful Heals, a church group collecting donated toys for hospitalized children, after their daughter, Jasmyn, was a patient in the Pediatrics Unit at Altoona Regional Health System in April.

Donations of new, easily washable toys were made by families of the Calvary and Pinecroft United Methodist and Bread of Life churches, the Pioneer Club of Calvary and Pinecroft U.M.C., and the Altoona Wal-Mart.

"Our hope is that, although a toy will not heal their illness, it may make dealing with their stay a little easier," Andrea said.

For more information, or to make a donation, call the Calvary and Pinecroft United Methodist churches in Bellwood at 742-7695.

medals awarded for organ procurement rate


Photo: Attending the toy donation on the Pediatrics Unit are (from left): Amy Kowalski, R.N., Pastor Donna Vaux, Jasmyn Miller, Andrea Miller, Ashley Holiday, R.N., and Heather Van Klaveren, R.N.





December 14, 2007 - ALTOONA REGIONAL RECOGNIZED FOR ORGAN PROCUREMENT RATE

For the third consecutive year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has recognized Altoona Regional Health System and the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) for success in achieving increased organ donation rates.

National Organ Donation Medals of Honor were presented by Cynthia Tomaro, professional liaison for CORE, to system representatives. Altoona Regional was only one of seven hospitals in Pennsylvania to achieve a 75 percent or higher organ donation consent rate in a 12-month cycle. Altoona Regional's donation consent rate is about 80 percent compared to a 50 percent donation consent rate three years ago when the program started, according to Simon Lampard, M.D., F.A.C.S., medical director of Trauma Service. He also serves as a member of a committee charged with improving the organ donation process within the system.

"We've achieved this improvement by following national standards through a large, cooperative effort among trauma, the emergency department, nursing, the intensive care unit, the operating room and the assistance of CORE," Dr. Lampard said.

The higher procurement rates benefit those residents of the region who are awaiting transplants, Tomaro said, by increasing their chances for transplantation.

CORE is a regional not-for-profit agency that is the primary call center and intermediary for the organ recovery and allocation process that serves 156 hospitals and more than 6 million people in Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Chemung County in New York. CORE has helped to pioneer organ procurement allocation and recovery for this region since it was founded in 1977 as the Pittsburgh Transplant Foundation..

medals awarded for organ procurement rate


Photo: Cynthia Tomaro(second from right), professional liaison for CORE, presents the National Organ Donation Medals of Honor to Simon Lampard, M.D., F.A.C.S., (second from left) medical director of Altoona Regional Trauma Service. Looking on are (from left) Chris Rickens, acting chief nursing officer, Kathryn Terlinsky, director of Education, Jacquie Rizzo, administrative director of Critical Care Services, and Denise Gdula, administrative director of Trauma Service. All are members of the Donor Advisory Committee, a committee which works to improve the organ donation process, at Altoona Regional.





December 13, 2007 - FIVE ALTOONA REGONAL PHYSICIANS PASS NATIONAL RECERTIFICATION EXAMS

The following members of the Altoona Regional Medical Staff have been recertified in their respective specialties:

Janelle L. Brumbaugh, D.O., is recertified as a diplomate by the American Board of Family Medicine through Dec. 31, 2014. She practices with Blair Medical Associates, 721 N. Juniata St., Hollidaysburg, and 1400 Pennsylvania Ave., Tyrone.

Mark M. Keating, M.D., met the requirements for recertification in Medical Oncology and Hematology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is recertified through Dec. 13, 2017. He practices with Blair Medical Associates Oncology, 620 Howard Ave., Altoona.

Timothy A. Lucas, M.D., met the requirements for recertification in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine through Dec. 31, 2017. He practices with Altoona Lung Specialists, 801 Howard Ave., Altoona.

Thomas M. Mextorf, D.O., is recertified in Geriatric Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians through Dec.. 31, 2017. He practices with Blair Medical Associates, 1400 Pennsylvania Ave., Tyrone, and 1414 9th Ave., Altoona.

Peter M. Smolarczyk, M.D., board certified anesthesiologist, is recertified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine through Dec. 31, 2016. He is also certified in Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography by the National Board of Echocardiography until June 30, 2013. He practices with Blair County Anesthesia, 1701 12th Ave., Altoona.

Janelle L. Brumbaugh, D.O. Mark M. Keating, M.D. Timothy A. Lucas, M.D.
Janelle L. Brumbaugh, D.O.Mark M. Keating, M.D.Timothy A. Lucas, M.D.






December 13, 2007 - ALTOONA REGIONAL NAMES DIRECTOR OF SERVICE AND ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Bob Strawser
Bob Strawser has been named director of Service and Organizational Excellence for Altoona Regional Health System.

This newly created position will allow him to develop and implement the health system's service excellence initiative by coordinating methods to enhance and sustain patient and employee satisfaction. Strawser hopes to create an atmosphere at Altoona Regional where patients want to receive care, employees want to work, and physicians want to practice medicine. He will also be responsible for training new and existing employees and physicians to better meet the needs of customers.

Strawser earned his bachelor's degree from Susquehanna University in sociology and his master's from Penn State University in health administration.

He began his work in the behavioral health department at Lewistown Hospital. He also worked for the Huntingdon, Mifflin and Juniata Tri-County in behavioral health administration.

In November 1999 he was named director of customer service at Bon Secours-Holy Family Regional Health System. Upon formation of Altoona Regional in 2004, he became director of customer service for the new health system.





December 7, 2007 - ALTOONA REGIONAL PHYSICIAN DESIGNATED AS DIPLOMATE CERTIFIED IN PEDIATRICS

Rebecca L. Delbaggio, M.D.
Rebecca L. Delbaggio, M.D., a member of the Altoona Regional Medical Staff, has been recertified as a diplomate in pediatrics through Dec. 31, 2014, by the American Board of Pediatrics. Dr. Delbaggio practices with Blair Medical Associates Pediatrics, which has offices at Station Medical Center, 1414 9th Ave., Altoona, and 111 Deville Dr., Duncansville.





December 6, 2007 - JOHN ANASTASI, M.D., COMPLETES CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION IN ATRIAL FIBRILLATION TREATMENT

Heart surgeon John Anastasi, M.D.
Heart surgeon John Anastasi, M.D., recently completed continuing medical education credits in the treatment of atrial fibrillation through Inova Health System, Falls Church, Va. He was awarded 6.35 AMA PRA Category 1 credits through his participation in "Twenty Years of Innovations in the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation: An Integrated Surgical and Electrophysiology Summit." Dr. Anastasi is chairman of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery of Altoona Inc., 620 Howard Ave.





December 3, 2007 - SURGICAL PRETESTING DEPARTMENT RELOCATES TO BON SECOURS HOSPITAL CAMPUS

The Surgical Pretesting department is relocating to the Bon Secours Hospital Campus from the Altoona Hospital Campus effective Monday, Dec. 10. All surgical pretesting patients should continue to report to the Altoona Hospital Campus through Dec. 6. The department will be closed Friday, Dec. 7, while making the move.

Once the move is complete on Dec. 10, the department will also have a new name: the Pre-Anesthesia Evaluation Unit. The new phone number will be 889.7603, new fax number will be 889.3838, and to reach Anesthesia, call 889.3830.

Surgical Pretesting will occupy the former maternity area, which has been closed since 2003. Pretesting evaluates all patients who need anesthesia services.

The move will provide patients with easier access when they come for evaluations, and the large increase in space will reduce patient waiting times, said Dr. Domenico Falcone, chairman/chief of Anesthesia. The department will ensure greater patient safety and higher quality and avoid unnecessary delays and cancellations. The new location will have eight times the space — 8,600 square feet — and eight exam rooms.

Staff includes seven registered nurses, two secretaries, two physician assistants and a certified registered nurse practitioner. All work in collaboration with the surgeons, primary care physicians, specialists and anesthesiologists.

Approximately 70 patients a day are triaged by the nursing staff either by phone or in person, with an average of 30-35 being evaluated by the PA-C or CRNP.

Frederick is a licensed professional counselor. He received his bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation Education from Penn State and a master's degree in Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.

He lives in Altoona with his wife Bonnie and their four children.





December 3, 2007 - CENTRAL POINT OF ACCESS SUPERVISOR APPOINTED

Mark R. Frederick Mark R. Frederick has been promoted to central point of access supervisor for Altoona Regional Behavioral Health Services.

He will provide supervision and oversight for the Access Center, where Blair County residents come for services for their mental health or drug and alcohol treatment. Frederick previously served as the liaison/coordinator for the Student Assistance Program for 15 years. He started his career with Altoona Hospital 22 years ago as a crisis center counselor.

Frederick is a licensed professional counselor. He received his bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation Education from Penn State and a master's degree in Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.

He lives in Altoona with his wife Bonnie and their four children.





December 3, 2007 - RESEARCH COORDINATOR COMPLETES A DUAL MASTER'S DEGREE

Kim Corle, RN, CCRN, MSN, MHA Kim Corle, RN, CCRN, MSN, MHA, research coordinator in the department of Quality Management, recently completed a dual master's degree in the science of nursing and health administration at the University of Phoenix, Arizona. She graduated with honors.

Corle resides in Martinsburg. She was hired as a staff nurse in a medical-surgical unit with Altoona Hospital in 1987 and has worked as a staff nurse and a manager, most recently in Quality Management.





November 30, 2007 - ALTOONA REGIONAL NURSE EARNS MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE

Cindy Keith, M.S.N., R.N., C.W.O.C.N. Cindy Keith, M.S.N., R.N., C.W.O.C.N.., with the Altoona Regional Health System Ostomy and Wound Care Program, recently earned her Master of Science degree in Nursing, with a focus in education, from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Prior to completing the two-year requirement, Cindy received her undergraduate degree in nursing from Temple University, Philadelphia. She worked at Home Nursing Agency for 26 years and at Altoona Regional for the past five years. Cindy and her husband John, of Entriken, have three children.





November 30, 2007 - ALTOONA REGIONAL TRAUMA CENTER REACCREDITED THROUGH 2008

The Altoona Regional Trauma Center was one of 27 Pennsylvania hospitals granted accreditation through September 2008 by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation. Altoona Regional has maintained accreditation since its opening in 2001.

Trauma center accreditation means Altoona Regional has resources immediately available to provide efficient surgical intervention to reduce the likelihood of death or permanent disability. Accredited trauma centers like Altoona Regional are continuously prepared to treat the most serious life-threatening and disabling injuries.





November 29, 2007 - ALTOONA REGIONAL'S NEW MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM REDUCES LIKELIHOOD OF ERRORS

MAK System for patient safety A new medication administration system at Altoona Regional Health System increases patient safety and reduces the possibility of medication errors through a series of electronic safeguards which back up a nurse's bedside expertise.

Called the Medication Administration Check System — or MAK — it helps nurses with the five R's to administer the right drug at the right time in the right dose by the right route to the right patient.

The system uses bar coding technology — the same principles used at your local grocery store to properly identify products and their prices. In the hospital setting, each drug is packaged with a unique bar code. The patient wears a unique identification band that has a bar code. And, the nurse's identification band also has a bar code.

When it's time to administer medication to a patient, the nurse's identification badge is scanned, the patient's wristband is scanned and the medication is scanned using a handheld scanner. The computer determines if the patient's information matches the medical record and drug safety information and then provides a screen prompt on whether it is advisable to administer the medication.

"Only 10 percent of the hospitals in the nation have these systems in place so we're cutting edge," said R. Thomas Zeek, director of nursing information. "And, it's all for patient safety."

Photo above right: Altoona Regional Staff Nurses Lynda Weber (left) and Cindy Bartlett demonstrate the Medication Administration Check System.





November 28, 2007 - CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING, ANGELS REVEALED THURSDAY

The annual Christmas tree lighting and the unveiling of the Revealing the Angels Holiday Campaign honor board take place at 10 a..m. Thursday, Nov. 29, in the atrium of the Altoona Hospital Campus and at 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 30, in the 7th Avenue lobby/cafeteria of the Bon Secours Hospital Campus.

The Revealing the Angels campaign funds the system's free medical clinic, which provides free health care to thousands of our working neighbors who are uninsured. Friends of Altoona Regional Health System will match up to $10,000 in donations.

For more information, or a contribution envelope, please call Volunteer Services at 889.2151.





November 26, 2007 - NEW MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM TO BE UNVEILED

WHAT: Medication Administration Check System — or MAK — A new medication administration system that increases patient safety and reduces the margin for medication errors through integrated electronic safeguards which back up a nurse's expertise.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 28 at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Altoona Hospital Campus, Board Room (Meet in the lobby for an escort.)

WHO: Altoona Regional senior leadership, nursing and information technology staff

WHY: A significant undertaking and investment to safeguard patients and increase quality of care.





November 26, 2007 - ALTOONA REGIONAL RECEIVES APEX AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN PATIENT CARE FROM VHA INC.

Altoona Regional Health System has been recognized by VHA Pennsylvania, part of a national alliance of hospitals, for demonstrating excellence in patient care.

Altoona Regional received the award for demonstrating extraordinary levels of clinical performance in treating patients with heart attacks.

"This award means that through our continuous performance improvement process, working with our physicians and nurses, we are continuing to improve the quality of care we provide to our patients," said James Robuck, who served as interim director of Quality Management during the award time frame, January through March 2007. "Receiving such an award from the VHA validates our commitment to excellence."

Sandy Kozielec, present director of Quality Management, said, "Altoona Regional is continuing its pursuit of excellence in health care, which is evidenced through continued compliance with national standards."

Some of the national standards of excellent care are the administration of aspirin and beta blockers upon arrival and discharge, smoking counseling for every patient who smokes, and proper discharge medications, said registered nurse Carole Roman, supervisor for quality documentation nurses.

"This award recognizes the high quality of care for heart attack patients that our staff provides," said David L. Cowger, M.D., senior vice president, Quality/Medical Affairs. "Members of the community can be reassured knowing they are receiving a nationally recognized standard of care."

"We are pleased to present Altoona Regional with this award," said Marilyn Rudolph, R.N., BSN, MBA, vice president of performance improvement. "VHA is working with hospitals across the nation to help them improve clinical performance. This award validates their commitment, as well as ours, to improve clinical quality and patient care."





November 21, 2007 - JORGE GONZALEZ-CRUZ, M.D., JOINS ALTOONA REGIONAL MEDICAL STAFF

Jorge Gonzalez-Cruz, M.D. Jorge Gonzalez-Cruz, M.D., has joined the medical staff in the clinical service of Neurosurgery, Specialized Surgery department.

He is affiliated with Allegheny Brain & Spine Surgeons, 501 Howard Ave. Bldg. F-3, Altoona.

He graduated from Ignacio S. Santos Medical School, I.T.E.S.M., Mexico, performed his internship training at the University of Hawaii, and his residency in neurosurgery at Louisiana State University Hospital, Shreveport. His special interests are brain tumors and spine surgery.





November 16, 2007 - PASTOR PUBLISHED IN INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION

Rev. Ronald Khoury The Rev. Ronald Khoury of the Pastoral Care department, Altoona Hospital Campus, will have an article he's written published in an upcoming issue of VOICE magazine. VOICE is the international publication for the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship, which promotes the Gospel through personal testimonials. Khoury resides in Altoona.





November 15, 2007 - Environmental Services Manager Receives Promotion

Tonya Smarsh Tonya Smarsh of Morrisdale was recently promoted to environmental services manager. Tonya began working with Bon Secours Holy Family Hospital as an environmental services supervisor in November 2002. She is married to Robert Smarsh. They have two daughters and one grandson.





November 5, 2007 - NEW MRI TECHNOLOGY INCREASES PATIENT COMFORT, IMPROVES DISEASE DIAGNOSI