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Back in the Swim of ThingsSpine Surgery Leads to a Pain-free Life

A Lifelong Commitment to CaringDedicated Nurse Leader Retires After 45 Years

Filling a Gap in the Road to Recovery Support for Those with Behavioral Health Needs

HEALTHY HABITSSummer Safety Tips for Seniors

2 Waterfront • MedStar Harbor Hospital | SUMMER 2018

These are nurses who are known within their organizations as true leaders, role models, team players, and above all else, excellent care providers for the patients they encounter every day. This year, Kathleen Barlow, PhD, APRN-BC, who cares for patients in the Behavioral Health Unit at MedStar Harbor Hospital was among those recognized. Please join us in congratulating her!

To learn about the career opportunities that are available on our team, visit MedStarNursing.org/TopNurses2018.

3MedStarHarbor.org/Waterfront • 855-546-0862

After more than a century of healing, MedStar Harbor Hospital is a mainstay in the community, serving patients from Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Howard counties. Our convenient waterside location combines the services of a large, regional medical center with a smaller, more personal environment. From general medicine and surgery, obstetrics, orthopaedics and geriatrics, to behavioral health, cardiology, gastroenterology and urology, our team of caring physicians and associates professionally serves the unique needs of every patient.

Waterfront is published by the Marketing and Communications department of MedStar Harbor Hospital. The information provided in this publication is intended to educate readers about subjects pertinent to their health and is not a substitute for consultation with a personal physician. For more information, call 855-546-0862. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright 2018.

MedStar Harbor Hospital complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

On the cover: Susan McMenamin is back to enjoying her time at the community gym after spine surgery at MedStar Harbor Hospital.

SUMMER 2018

[CONTENTS] [WHAT’S new]

FEATURES

4 Back in the Swim of Things Spine Surgery Leads to a Pain-free Life

8 A Lifelong Commitment to Caring Dedicated Nurse Leader Retires After 45 Years

10 Filling a Gap in the Road to Recovery Support for Those with Behavioral Health Needs

14 Ensuring Access to Care Task Force Unites Community to Break Down Barriers

DEPARTMENTS

3 WHAT’S NEW

7 HEALTHY HABITS

12 STAYING WELL

13 CARING FOR YOU

15 CLASSES AND EVENTS

S udden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the unexplained death of a baby under a year

old, is the leading cause of death among infants between one month and one year

of age, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

SIDS is unexpected, silent, and may happen to a baby who seems perfectly healthy. It is sometimes called “crib death” because it is associated with babies sleeping. Cribs do not cause SIDS, but the baby’s sleep environment can be a factor. The best way to reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS is by creating a safe sleep environment. Start by following the ABCs: Alone. Always let your baby sleep alone. Never let your baby sleep in a bed with another person where the baby could be smothered. Back. Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep, never on their stomach or side. Crib. Always put your baby to sleep in a crib with only a firm mattress and tight-fitting sheet. Do not place toys or blankets in the crib.

Recognizing Excellence in Nursing

E ach year, Baltimore magazine recognizes 50 nurses for their extraordinary efforts—

nurses who go above and beyond the normal call of duty.

Creating a Safe Sleep Environment for Your Baby

Remember the ABCs

For additional information about creating a safe sleep environment for your baby, visit MedStarHarbor.org/Waterfront.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly a year since I was named president and chief medical officer of MedStar Harbor Hospital. My experiences since assuming these positions have underscored just how special an environment we have here.

Our hospital is a place where patients receive world-class care in a warm, friendly and family-focused environment. We provide a wide range of healthcare services, including some that are not offered elsewhere, with convenient access to many of MedStar Health’s regionally and nationally recognized clinical programs. We value our role as a key member of the South Baltimore community, and are proud of our commitment to provide the finest service possible to the patients who call our area home.

In this issue of Waterfront, you’ll learn about some of the innovative work we are doing and get to know a few of the individuals who are on the front lines, impacting the lives of area residents in a myriad of ways. You’ll read how a local resident finally got the relief she so badly needed for her back pain after coming to our Spine Center. And you’ll meet a nurse who played a significant role in shaping the hospital into what it is today before recently retiring after 45 years here.

This issue also includes a feature about our behavioral health services, which are among the most comprehensive in the region, and an article about our Community Health Needs Assessment Task Force, which brings representatives from the hospital and community together to ensure that we are addressing the most pressing healthcare needs of our community.

This is just a glimpse of what we do at MedStar Harbor Hospital. I hope that you find it informative and helpful. Thank you for your continued trust in us—we are here for you.

In good health,

Stuart M. Levine, MD, FACP President and Chief Medical Officer, MedStar Harbor Hospital Senior Vice President, MedStar Health

Kathleen Barlow, PhD, APRN-BC

4 5MedStarHarbor.org/Waterfront • 855-546-0862Waterfront • MedStar Harbor Hospital | SUMMER 2018

FAST FACT: Back pain is the second-most cited reason for visits to the doctor’s office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections.

the pain they are experiencing can be resolved, surgically or through other treatments such as medication or physical therapy.

“If you are experiencing weakness in your legs, feet, or arms, having trouble with your balance, or start noticing drastic changes in your handwriting, you should consider seeing a spine specialist,” explains Dr. Carbone. “People can be quick to assume that these changes are just a result of aging, and that they are normal. They are not. Age doesn’t cause your

handwriting to change, and it won’t cause you to lose your balance and fall. These are the hallmark indicators of a spine problem, and we can help.”

Fortunately, modern spine techniques have led to very positive success rates for patients like McMenamin, who opt to undergo surgery to reduce or eliminate back pain. In developing treatment plans for each patient he cares for, Dr. Carbone always emphasizes that spine surgery is an elective procedure and personal decision.

Back in the Swim of Things Spine Surgery Leads to a Pain-free Life

SUSAN MCMENAMIN CAN’T explain how, when, or why her back pain began, other than that it came on suddenly, and quickly became debilitating.

“I had gotten into a really good routine; I was working out, losing weight, feeling good, and enjoying life,” she remembers. “Then out of nowhere comes this back pain. Some days it was so bad that just walking would bring me to tears. I wasn’t sure what to do at first, but what I knew for sure was that I couldn’t live like that.”

With guidance from her primary care physician, McMenamin turned to John Carbone, MD, director of Orthopaedic Spine Services in the Spine Center at MedStar Harbor Hospital. Imaging revealed she had back problems that included degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and degenerative scoliosis … conditions that are common as people get older. Surgery was an option, but it was not a decision she took lightly.

“I was scared,” says McMenamin. “But Dr. Carbone and his team

were very patient and took the time to educate me and answer all my questions. I kept trying to convince myself that I didn’t need surgery. But at the end of the day, the pain was still there, and I felt so limited in terms of things I could do in my life. I scheduled the surgery.”

McMenamin woke up in the recovery room at MedStar Harbor and immediately knew she had made the right decision. She sat up and felt no pain. A short while later, she took a few steps and felt no pain. Three days later, she was feeling so good that she began taking brief walks around her neighborhood.

“I did not expect to feel that good, that quickly,” McMenamin says. “It was an amazing feeling. I was proud of myself.”

Dr. Carbone sees patients just about every day with medical issues similar to McMenamin’s. Many have been living with pain or limited physical abilities for a long time. Some assume their issues will eventually go away. Others don’t realize that

DID YOU KNOW?An estimated 80 percent of Americans experience back pain at one time or another. One of the most common ailments brought on by disease, injury, or misalignment of the spine, it can be a dull muscle ache in the lower back or a severe, sharp pain that affects your ability to bend over or stand up straight. Understanding the causes and symptoms of back pain is key to determining the best treatment options.

John Carbone, MD

Swimming is one of McMenamin’s favorite activities now that she is no longer in pain.

McMenamin takes a break during her workout.


“I don’t try to talk anyone into having surgery,” Dr. Carbone notes. “I explain the options and process, and that having the operation will likely make them better than they are today. Once a patient realizes they can be comfortable again, and do the things they want without pain, it does become an easier decision in many cases. But it’s their decision to make.”

Today, McMenamin’s life is back on track and she is feeling better than ever. She has a lot more energy, and most importantly, a very positive outlook on her future. She is swimming, dancing, and exercising regularly at her community gym.

Just four months after her surgery, McMenamin took a once-in-a-lifetime vacation—a transatlantic cruise, sailing from Rome back to the U.S. Her days were packed with exciting adventures and excursions, including a physically demanding hike on Mount Vesuvius, a volcano located on the Gulf of Naples in Italy. She considers it one of her greatest life accomplishments, especially since she reached the top without any discomfort or pain.

“I had the time of my life,” says McMenamin, age 64. “I am so grateful for Dr. Carbone. He gave me my life back.”

[HEALTHY habits]

S ummer is here … time to get outdoors and enjoy the warm weather. But for seniors,

the heat and sun can be dangerous if proper precautions aren’t taken.

“Hot weather is definitely a serious health concern for seniors. As we age, our bodies are less efficient at sweating, which is the body’s way of cooling. Also, the sensation of thirst decreases,” says Darius Cameron, MD, a specialist in internal medicine at MedStar Harbor Hospital. “To further complicate matters, many older adults have heat-related problems caused by prescription medications that limit the amount of fluids they can safely drink, electrolyte imbalances due to a salt-restricted diet, and chronic diseases that can impact blood flow or increase the possibility of dehydration,” Dr. Cameron notes.

Here are some tips that the elderly, as well as their caregivers, can use to make sure they have a safe summer:

DRINK LOTS OF WATER. The rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces. However, be sure to check with your doctor to make sure your fluids aren’t restricted. In addition to water, Dr. Cameron recommends that seniors drink sweat replacement products containing salt and potassium.

STAY IN AIR-CONDITIONED AREAS. If you don’t have air-conditioning, try to get to a public building such as a mall or library. During heat waves, many communities in our area set up cooling centers for seniors and other vulnerable populations.

DRESS FOR THE WEATHER. When it’s hot out, wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes and a wide-brimmed hat. Put on sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and don’t forget the sunscreen.

KNOW THE RISKS OF HYPERTHERMIA. Be cautious about abnormally high body temperatures—a condition known as hyperthermia. Heat stroke is an advanced form of hyperthermia that can be life-threatening at any age, but more so in older adults. Know the warning signs and get medical attention immediately if you or anyone you know is experiencing these symptoms:

• Body temperature greater than 104 degrees• A change in behavior, such as acting

confused or agitated• Dry, flushed skin• Nausea and vomiting• Headache• Heavy breathing or a rapid pulse• Not sweating, even if it’s hot out• Fainting

“Elderly individuals are more prone to heat stroke,” adds Dr. Cameron. “If your neighbors or loved ones are elderly, check on them regularly to ask how they are doing. Even over the phone you can usually tell if there is something wrong.”

Darius Cameron, MD

Summer Safety Tips for Seniors

Just a few months after surgery, McMenamin was more active than she had been in ages.

For more information, visit MedStarHarbor.org/Waterfront or call 855-546-0862.

For more information or a physician referral, visit MedStarHarbor.org/Waterfront or call 855-546-0862.


Dedicated Nurse Leader Retires After 45 Years

A Lifelong Commitment to Caring

IT WAS MORE THAN 45 YEARS ago when Lenora Addison, RN, BSN, MA, first stepped foot into South Baltimore General Hospital—now MedStar Harbor Hospital—to begin learning how to take care of patients. She was a student at Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School aspiring to become a nurse. By the time Addison earned her high school diploma, she had satisfied the requirements to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and knew she’d found her true calling.

“I had fallen in love with taking care of people who are sick,” says Addison. “I was born to be a caregiver.”

For her first eight years as a licensed nurse, Addison worked on the hospital’s oncology unit. Eager to advance in her career, she took advantage of the tuition reimbursement program to continue her nursing education. She also pursued any opportunity to further develop both practical and leadership skills. Over time,

she worked in every division of nursing and was appointed to an interim vice president role, which eventually led to her being named vice president of Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer.

“Without a doubt, my journey taught me the importance of embracing change,” Addison says. “But regardless of where I was working or the title I held, it’s always been about taking care of people. No matter where I was standing or what I was wearing, I always have been and always will be a nurse first.”

Addison’s longevity at MedStar Harbor, combined with her commitment to excellent patient care, safety, and outcomes, earned her a reputation as one of the organization’s most valuable leaders. Stuart Levine, MD, who took over the role of president and chief medical officer in 2017, says that Addison played a significant role in shaping the hospital into what it is today.

“The members of our team who work directly with our patients all answered to Lenora for many, many years. She was the leader responsible for patient care and experience and she dictated the ‘tone’ of our hospital,” he notes. “She’s been a positive role model for so many people because she is a strong strategic thinker who is also a fierce advocate for nursing teamwork and safety. And she is well-liked, and that means a lot. When she speaks, people listen. She earned that respect.”

So, it was with mixed emotions that Dr. Levine and the rest of

Thinking back, Addison feels fortunate to have spent so many years of her career at MedStar Harbor Hospital.

the team at MedStar Harbor bid farewell to Addison on April 1 as she ventured into the next phase of life: retirement.

“Lenora was a consistent and stabilizing force for our hospital for more than four decades,” says Jill Johnson, vice president of Operations. “Her imprint can be seen in every corner of the organization and will always remind us of her great commitment and leadership. We will certainly miss her.”

Thinking back on her career, Addison is proud of her accomplishments and feels fortunate that she was able to devote her working years to a single organization that truly valued her talents.

“One of the happiest times in my life was when my career was first beginning,” says Addison. “Over the years, I held jobs that I loved.

I got to take care of so many people. I got to teach others how to take care of people. And now, I feel an equal level of happiness as I end my career. A door is opening for me to spend more time with my family and relax a bit.”

Addison plans to travel with her husband of 41 years, Leonard, and take time for the simple things in life during her best years to come. She is looking forward to taking part in grandparents’ day at her grandchildren’s school and will be spending a lot more quality time with her two sisters, who are also retired and live nearby.

“You reach a point in your career when you know the time is right to hand it all over,” said Addison. “I will always remember the experiences I have had and the people I’ve worked with, but the time is right. I am ready for this next chapter to begin.”

Addison spends a few minutes chatting with Robin Wong, her administrative assistant.

PERSPECTIVES FROM THE TEAM … Whenever I faced a dilemma that needed a quick resolution, Lenora always managed to squeeze in time to talk with me. She inspired me to be the best I can be and is the type of leader I aspire to be.

Veronica Santiago, RN, MS Director, Clinical Informatics Nursing

Lenora taught me that making mistakes and learning from them helps your team grow. She demonstrated great leadership at all times … her story is a great one for the nursing profession.

Kayleen Ross, RN, MBA, BSN Director of Peri-Operative Services

Lenora led by example every day through her commitment to the organization, the community, and most importantly, our patients.

Cherie Washington, RN, MS, MBA Director of Risk Management


Filling a Gap in the Road to Recovery Support for Those With Behavioral Health Needs

TWO YEARS AGO, MEDSTAR Harbor Hospital opened several brand new behavioral health treatment areas devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of conditions ranging from depression and anxiety, to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This has made it possible for the physicians and therapists at the hospital to offer a broad range of treatment options tailored to fit the needs of each individual patient.

Some patients require inpatient care. Others are facing mental health challenges that can be best managed on an outpatient

Lindsay Lichtenberg, RN, reviews patient materials with Dr. Kankam and Keaveney.

basis. But a great number of patients need a level of care that is somewhere in the middle of that spectrum. MedStar Harbor’s Partial Hospitalization Program is designed to fill that gap.

“Partial hospitalization serves as a step-down program for patients who no longer require inpatient care, or a step-up for those who need a bit more support than what can be accomplished in a traditional outpatient setting,” says Donna Keaveney, a psychotherapist at MedStar Harbor. “The program helps patients stabilize their symptoms

and learn comprehensive coping skills, so they can quickly return to work or their community.”

Patients who take part in the Partial Hospitalization Program come to MedStar Harbor anywhere from two to five days per week, for approximately six hours at a time, to participate in intensive group therapy sessions. The primary goal is to support each patient in gaining a better understanding of their illness and how to manage it.

The program is housed in the same area of the hospital as the behavioral health outpatient clinic. As patients transition from one level of care to another, they continue to see the same physicians and therapists in the same location. And it is that consistency in their care, in a genuinely supportive environment, that helps many patients who struggle with mental health issues eventually thrive.

“They are coming into a nurturing, healing environment, where they feel welcome and accepted,” Keaveney notes. “They get to meet other people who face similar challenges, and they start to learn how to manage their illness, so their illness doesn’t manage them.”

Keaveney leads a group therapy session at MedStar Harbor Hospital.

Jemima Kankam, MD, medical director for the Partial Hospitalization Program, explains that making people feel comfortable with the concept, from day one or even slightly before, is critically important.

“Patients on the inpatient unit who may benefit from the Partial Hospitalization Program are invited to come in for a ‘share day’ so they can get a feel for how the program works before they get started,” says Dr. Kankam. “With the patient’s permission, we also encourage family members and significant others to participate, so they have an improved understanding of their loved one’s illness and can provide much-needed support.”

Jill Johnson, vice president of Operations at MedStar Harbor, says that one of the biggest

barriers in the treatment of behavioral health disorders is to convince patients that they can talk openly and honestly about their feelings. People who face these challenges are sometimes hesitant or embarrassed to open up to family members, or even their primary care provider. In other cases, people who need help delay seeking care, simply because they have fears about treatment, and what that plan might look like.

“I like to draw a parallel with services that people are more familiar with, to help them see how this process works,” says Johnson. “Consider the care someone receives when they have a stroke. They may be an inpatient in an acute care setting first, then their recovery continues with various phases and intensities of outpatient care.

Through these processes, they relearn fundamental life skills to eventually function at home with less support. The model is essentially the same when we are caring for patients with mental health disorders.”

Plans are under development now to expand the scope of services offered by the Partial Hospitalization Program in the future. One addition, according to Dr. Kankam, will be the integration of chemical dependency rehabilitation support groups.

“There is a strong association between mental health issues and substance abuse, and it is our job to address it,” she said. “By providing these resources, our patients have a better chance to recover and regain their quality of life.”

For more information or a physician referral, visit MedStarHarbor.org/Waterfront or call 855-546-0862 to learn more.


[STAYING well]

D id you know that Maryland ranks among the states with the highest number of

confirmed cases of Lyme disease? The most common infectious disease spread

by the bite of ticks, Lyme disease is also more likely to be contracted in late spring

through early fall. So if you live here, it’s important to take precautions against Lyme disease,

particularly in the summer months.

trained in geographical areas where Lyme disease is not prevalent may not think to test for the infection,” he notes. The risk of exposure to ticks is greatest in the woods and in the edge area between lawns and woods. However, ticks can also be carried by animals onto lawns and gardens and into houses by pets.

Steps to prevent Lyme disease include using insect repellent, applying pesticides, reducing tick habitat, and wearing long pants and sleeves to keep ticks off the body when outdoors. If a tick is found it is important that it be removed as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers.

Lyme disease was first recognized in the United States in 1975 after an unusual outbreak of arthritis near Lyme, Connecticut. Today, over 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention each year, though the true number of infections is thought to be much higher.

“Untreated Lyme disease can be very serious,” Dr. Catipon adds. “If you develop any of the symptoms associated with Lyme disease after a tick bite or being in a tick habitat, contact your healthcare provider.”

“Lyme disease is caused by bacteria that is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, sometimes called deer ticks,” explains Ericson Catipon, MD, a specialist in internal medicine at MedStar Harbor Hospital. “Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a ‘bulls-eye’ shaped skin rash. If left untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.”

Most cases of Lyme disease can be cured with a few weeks of antibiotics, especially when treatment is started early. However, many cases of Lyme disease are misdiagnosed, often resulting in debilitating symptoms that can last for years.

“Lyme disease is difficult to identify because it mimics many other disorders. It is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings such as a rash, and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks. Laboratory testing is helpful if done correctly, but not all providers are familiar with the methodology, which can lead to false positives,” says Dr. Catipon.

“As a result, some individuals end up being treated for Lyme disease rather than the condition that is the source of their symptoms. In addition, providers who

Ericson Catipon, MD

For more information, visit MedStarHarbor.org/Waterfront or call 855-546-0862.

For more information, go to myMedStar.org or send an email to [email protected]. You can also

speak to one of our representatives by calling 877-745-5656.

[CARING for you]

W e know how challenging it can be to keep track of your health records and appointments.

That’s why we developed myMedStar—a free and secure online patient portal where

you can conveniently manage your health information anytime, anywhere.

“Many patients, especially those with complex medical histories, have found myMedStar to be an invaluable tool for helping to take charge of their health,” says Cindy Tanenbaum, assistant vice president, Information Services at MedStar Harbor Hospital. “Because the portal is fully integrated with our electronic medical record system, patient information is available in real time, within one system. That means only one myMedStar account is needed to communicate with all participating facilities,” she notes.

With myMedStar, you can:

• Review most laboratory test results, after provider review

• View a summary of your hospital stay or office visit

• Send your medical information securely to other healthcare providers

• Exchange email messages securely with your MedStar healthcare providers

• Pay your physician or hospital bill• Request prescription refills, request

appointments and request referrals from your MedStar healthcare providers

“In addition, we continue to enhance the portal through the addition of many of the health management resources that are now available,” she explains. “For example, we now offer the ability for you to securely connect some apps, such as fitness trackers, dietary trackers, and more, to your health record.”

Plus, it’s easy to enroll. When you register at a MedStar Health hospital or one of our physician offices, our associates will ask for your email address. We will then email you a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and a link to our website. Click on the link and follow the instructions.

Or you can self-enroll by going to myMedStar.org. You will be asked to agree to our Terms of Use. All portal enrollments require your unique MedStar Health patient ID, which can be found on the visit or discharge summary you received during your last visit. If you cannot locate it, please ask an associate or click the link at myMedStar.org to submit a secure request.

Self-enrollment is available for MedStar Health patients who are age 18 or older. Parents and guardians must request access to the accounts of individuals they care for on site from one of our associates.

“To protect the privacy and confidentiality of any personal information that is transmitted, the myMedStar patient portal uses highly secure encryption technology,” adds Tanenbaum. “This ensures that messages cannot be intercepted, deleted, copied, or altered in any way.”

Cindy Tanenbaum

LYME Disease: What YouNeed to Know

Managing Your Health with myMedStar


Gross’ job is to engage that person in a supportive, no-judgement

conversation. He attempts to first gain their trust by explaining that earlier in his life, he was in their shoes.

“Fifteen years ago, I was addicted to drugs and alcohol, and I lost everything because of it,” Gross explains. “I got help and turned my life around. And now I am so fortunate that I get to help others. Being able to make that first connection with someone is so important. That’s what I needed a long time ago. And that’s what I am giving now.”

Moran says that MedStar Harbor offers a number of health education programs and classes to give people additional resources to help them prevent and manage chronic diseases and pursue healthier lifestyles. (See sidebar.)

“By creating better access to care, we can play a significant role in helping people get well and stay well,” said Moran. “That is what the Community Health Needs Assessment Task Force is really setting out to accomplish.”

In addition to the Emergency department, peer recovery coaches provide services in the inpatient behavioral health and mother and infant services units.

non-profits, for open discussion and dialogue about healthcare resources that exist, or don’t but need to, in our community. Along with these discussions, the task force collects insight from the public through surveys and community input sessions.

“MedStar Harbor is one of the anchor institutions in the city for healthcare services,” says Ryan Moran, who serves as the hospital’s director of Community Health. “It’s important that we assess what people are experiencing in a way that directly involves them and then respond to fill those gaps.”

Most recently, the task force identified an increasing need for behavioral health and chronic disease management services in the communities that surround MedStar Harbor. Moran says that the hospital is putting new programs and resources in place in response to this. One of the most significant investments has been the development and launch of a Peer Recovery Coach Program. This program is designed to provide support, guidance, and a path to recovery for individuals with substance abuse or addiction issues.

Jerry Gross is one of three peer recovery coaches the hospital now employs through grant funding from the Baltimore Population Health Workforce Collaborative. If and when a patient screens positive for substance use in the Emergency department,

That’s the focus of the MedStar Harbor Hospital Community Health Needs Assessment Task Force, which brings hospital leaders and physicians together with representatives from the Baltimore City Health Department, Baltimore City government, and other local

MEDSTAR HARBOR HOSPITAL is fully committed to meeting the healthcare needs of its community. But knowing exactly what those needs are, and putting the right programs and services in place to meet them, can require a bit of research.

Task Force Unites Community to Break Down Barriers

Ensuring Access to Essential Care Living Well With Diabetes—

Take Charge of Your Health This is a free series of workshops for people living with diabetes or for those caring for someone with diabetes. A seven-week program, it can help you take charge of your health and your life. There is no cost to participants.

MedStar Harbor Hospital Outpatient Center Conference Room Wednesdays, Aug. 15 to Sept. 261:30 to 4 p.m.

To register, call 410-350-2563.

NAMI Basics NAMI Basics is a free education program developed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for parents and family caregivers of children and teens who are experiencing mental health issues. You’ll learn the facts about mental health conditions and how best to support your child at home, at school, and when they’re getting medical care. Space is limited, and advanced registration is required.

MedStar Harbor Hospital, Baum Conference Center, Conference Room A Saturdays, June 9, 16, and 238 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To register, call 410-435-2600.

Mental Health ForumJoin with other Baltimore area healthcare professionals, professors, researchers, and community partners to discuss topics related to mental health and wellness. The forum is designed to help families and community members better understand mental health issues and the resources available. Advance registration is encouraged. Members of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) may attend at no cost; the fee for non-members is $5.

MedStar Harbor Hospital, Baum Conference Center, Conference Room AWednesday, July 186:30 to 8 p.m. To register, call 410-435-2600.

Cancer Screening Programs Free mammograms, breast exams, and pap tests are available for women who are:• Age 40 and older• Uninsured or underinsured• Of limited income• Residents of Baltimore City,

Baltimore County, or Anne Arundel County

Free colorectal cancer screenings are also offered for individuals meeting certain eligibility requirements.

Early detection saves lives. Call 410-350-2001 to see if you quality.

Ryan Moran

PROGRAMS TO HELP YOU STAY HEALTHY FOR LIFEAt MedStar Harbor Hospital, we care about the health and wellness of our community. One of the ways we try to help you maintain your good health is by offering special programs throughout the year. Join us, and learn how you can stay healthy for life.

[CLASSES and events][CLASSES and events]

Gross, a Peer Recovery Coach at MedStar Harbor Hospital, connects with a patient.

When it comes to your health, we know you want top-notch physicians, nurses, and staff, as well as personalized, comprehensive, and convenient care. That’s why we promise to get to know you through meaningful conversations about your healthcare needs, values, and goals.

We offer one-stop, personalized, expert care.

It’s all right here, close to home:

• Full range of specialties:– Behavioral health– Cardiac care– Cancer care– Diabetes care– Diagnostic services– Pediatrics– Primary care – Sports medicine, joint replacement,

and spine– Specialized women’s care and

obstetrics– And more

• Emergency experts ready 24/7 for any accident, illness, or emergency

• Easy access off I-95 and I-895 with plenty of free parking

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Baltimore, MD

Permit No. 9306

3001 South Hanover St. • Baltimore, MD 21225MedStarHarbor.org/Waterfront855-546-0862

Looking for a dependable neighbor?MedStar Harbor Hospital is closer than you think.

We’re here when you need us.

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