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Adult Care Services Offering Programs that Support the Caregiver

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Caring for the caregiver is just as important as caring for a person who requires hands-on care.

Adult Care Services, The Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center, and The Margaret T. Morris Center’s mission, Quality Care, Quality Services, and Quality of Life, is not solely about the person receiving the hands-on care from their programs, but for the support of caregivers as well. Two key people responsible for this within the three non-profits specializing in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care are Candace Lea and Melody Thomas-Morgan. Both women passionately agree that offering support to family caregivers in today’s times is desperately needed.

Thanks to a one-year Community Health Improvement Grant from Dignity Health/YRMC, The Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center now offers care management and programming support for community members attending the day center. Candace Lea, who has been with Adult Care Services for more than two years as community liaison, transitioned to this new role effortlessly. With a master’s degree in business, emphasizing health care management, a past career as a program manager in case management, a family caregiver and a certified yoga instructor, Candace is a wealth of knowledge who knows the resources. She states that her goal as a care manager is to help family caregivers successfully navigate their role as caregivers when respite time ends.

The Margaret T. Morris Center Resident Services Specialist Melody Thomas-Morgan is no stranger to family caregivers. She served as the life enrichment director at The Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center for many years. Melody transitioned to her current role at The Margaret T. Morris Center in 2016. Melody, a trained support group leader, is finishing her last class for the completion of her master’s degree in pastoral counseling in crisis intervention and trauma with a specialty in grief counselling and support. She is a natural at leading the Adult Care Services Support Group and helping families transition from hands-on caregivers to their prior role of spouse, child or friend, once deciding upon assisted living. Melody believes in giving caregivers hope as they deal with guilt and loss when making the best decisions for their loved one living with dementia.

Caring for the caregiver is just as important as caring for a person who requires hands-on care. What the caregiver is truly going through on the inside may not show on the outside. Adult Care Services is here for caregivers to navigate resources, deal with feelings of sadness, loss and grief, and instill hope for confident, successful living. QCBN

By Yvonne Napolitano

For more information about Adult Care Services, see the company website at www.AdultCareSevices.org or call 928-771-2335.

Yvonne Napolitano is the executive director of Adult Care Services.

YRMC Launches Employee Recognition Programs: DAISY and Bumble-BEE Awards

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Nominees whose actions most align with YRMC’s organizational values will be selected for DAISY and Bumble-BEE Awards.

Nearly every day at Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC), I hear from a patient or family member about a nurse or other employee who made a positive difference to them during their time at YRMC West in Prescott or YRMC East in Prescott Valley.

These heartfelt messages helped inspire two new employee recognition programs at YRMC. The programs give patients, families, visitors and others the opportunity to recognize the extraordinary work of individual YRMC team members. They include:

The DAISY Award – This international recognition program rewards and celebrates the clinical skill and compassionate care nurses provide. It was created in 1999 by the DAISY Foundation and has been adopted by health care organizations worldwide, including YRMC.

The Bumble-BEE Award – All YRMC employees (non-nursing team members) are eligible for this award. It recognizes YRMC employees whose efforts, support and kindness make a difference to patients, families and others.

These recognition programs have two features that distinguish them from most employee recognition programs. First, they give voice to the people YRMC serves – patients, families and community members. And second, the programs highlight the extraordinary – and sometimes unseen work – YRMC employees do every day.

Four times a year, three nurses and three staff members from both YRMC campuses will receive the DAISY Award or Bumble-BEE Award.

An objective and anonymous system was developed to select the award recipients. Nominees whose actions most align with YRMC’s organizational values will be selected for DAISY and Bumble-BEE Awards. Those values include:

  • Respect – Behaves in a way that honors self and others.
  • Integrity – Is consistent and honest in word and deed.
  • Quality – Provides service excellence in meeting others’ expectations.
  • Commitment – Demonstrates dedication to one’s work, personal development, the organization, and YRMC’s mission and vision.
  • Accountability – Follows through and is answerable for one’s performance.

To learn more about the DAISY and Bumble-BEE Awards visit, YRMC.org/daisy-bee. QCBN

By Tracey McCollum

Tracey McCollum, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, is the chief executive nursing officer at Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center.

Diabetes Self-Management Helps People Feel Empowered, Encouraged, Enlightened

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YRMC’s Diabetes Education program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for Quality Self-Management Education.

If you have diabetes, you’re not alone. One in 10 Yavapai County residents lives with the condition.

“It’s pretty widespread,” said Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) Director of Preventive Medicine and Wellness Andrea Klein, RN, BSN, CDCES, CCRP. “Even with numbers like this, people who have diabetes can feel isolated.”

YRMC’s Diabetes Self-Management program helps people living with the condition overcome feelings of isolation. During five weekly sessions, participants learn strategies that empower them to effectively manage their diabetes. The program is for anyone with diabetes, from the newly diagnosed to people who have lived with the condition for years.

“Group members become each other’s cheerleaders and champions,” said YRMC Diabetes Educator Bonita Wilson, RN, CDCES. “The camaraderie creates a positive learning environment.”

YRMC’s Diabetes Self-Management five sessions focus on:

  • Managing Your Diabetes
  • Meals: Healthy Eating
  • Monitoring, Motion and Problem Solving
  • Reducing Risks and Healthy Coping
  • Taking Medications and Putting it All Together

YRMC’s Diabetes Education program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for Quality Self-Management Education. The program is offered throughout the year in Prescott and Prescott Valley. QCBN

By Bridget O’Gara

For more information, call 928-771-5794 in Prescott or 928-759-5920 in Prescott Valley or visit our DignityHealth.org/YRMC.

Bridget O’Gara is a writer, communications strategist and project manager who specializes in healthcare. Bridget has spent her career writing about healthcare topics. She works with mission-driven healthcare organizations, including hospitals, other healthcare providers and advocacy organizations.

Should Lung Cancer Screening be Part of Your Preventive Health Plan?

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“It’s exciting how the body heals itself after giving up smoking,” Harvey said.

If you have a history of smoking, adding annual lung cancer screening to your preventive health plan could save your life.

Lung cancer screening uses low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) to produce detailed images of the chest and lungs and detect lung cancer early, when it’s most curable.

“Early-stage lung cancer has about an 80% chance of cure, or survival, over five years,” said Jennifer Harvey, RN, Nurse Navigator, Lung Cancer Screening and Care at Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). “That is huge.”

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a good time to explore the benefits of this lifesaving program. Here are just a few:

There’s even more data demonstrating that lung cancer screening works.

Thanks to its success, lung cancer screening now begins at a younger age and includes people who have smoked less. The latest Medicare screening guidelines include people who are:

  • Ages 50-77
  • Heavy smokers (one pack a day for 20 years or the equivalent)
  • Current smokers or smokers who have quit in the last 15 years
  • Free of any lung cancer symptoms

“Lowering both the qualifying age for screening to 50 years old (from 55), and the pack-per-day elgibility allows for more individualized risk assessment,” Harvey said. “For example, someone who has a strong family history of lung cancer, or other risk factors, is now eligible for screening at a younger age.”

Top physician organizations recommend lung cancer screening.

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) – one of the largest physician organizations in the United States – is the latest to endorse lung cancer screening. The organization’s leaders point to mounting evidence that lung cancer screening works. The AAFP also supports the expanded criteria, which makes lung cancer screening available to more minority populations who may have fewer “pack years” but are at higher risk for lung cancer.

Lung Cancer Screening and Care at Dignity Health, YRMC is a dedicated healthcare partner.

That partnership begins by ensuring you qualify for lung cancer screening. Additionally, our nurse navigator is available to answer questions about LDCT and lung health.

Harvey reaches out to every Lung Cancer Screening and Care participant to remind them of their annual lung cancer screening. That year-to-year continuity is an important aspect of Lung Cancer Screening and Care.

“Lung cancer screening is not a one and done,” said Harvey. “If you don’t have any signs of lung cancer after your first screening, you will be screened annually. I suggest that people think of their LDCT as they would a mammogram or colonoscopy. It’s a screening that you need even – and especially – if you have no symptoms.”

If a patient’s lung cancer screening findings are suspicious, a follow-up scan may be scheduled. The Lung Cancer Screening and Care team may also recommend a biopsy, in which case the patient would be referred to a procedural pulmonologist or a radiologist. If surgery is needed, the Lung Cancer Screening and Care team also includes a cardiothoracic surgeon.

LDCT not only detects lung cancer early, but it can discover other potentially life-threatening illnesses before you’re experiencing symptoms.

LDCT scans include a large part of the body. This means in addition to lung cancer, LDCT can also detect chronic pulmonary obstructive disorder (COPD) and heart disease, for example.

If you’re a longtime smoker who wants to quit, you’ll receive support from Lung Cancer Screening and Care.

The health benefits of giving up smoking are substantial:

One year after quitting smoking, a person’s risk for coronary heart disease decreases 50 percent.

After 10 years, a person’s chances of developing lung cancer and dying from it are cut in half compared to someone who continues smoking.

“It’s exciting how the body heals itself after giving up smoking,” Harvey said. “After someone quits, it’s recommended that they continue annual lung screening for at least 15 years. After that, their chance of developing lung cancer drops significantly.”

How do you get help quitting? The Arizona ASHLine sponsors a customized program called Quit Coaching. You’ll find information at AZDHS.org/ashline or by calling 1-800-556-6222.

Want to learn more about Lung Cancer Screening and Care? Speak to your healthcare provider or contact us at 928-771-5454. QCBN

By Bridget O’Gara

Bridget O’Gara is a writer, communications strategist and project manager who specializes in health care. O’Gara has spent her career writing about healthcare topics. She works with mission-driven healthcare organizations, including hospitals, other healthcare providers and advocacy organizations.

Five Questions to Ask Before Your Next Mammogram

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Does your facility have advanced breast imaging technology?

One of the most important healthcare decisions a woman will make is where to undergo breast screening.

“Most women assume that all imaging facilities offer the same services and are pretty much interchangeable,” said Breast Care Center Imaging Operations Manager Kathi Hoffer at Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). “In reality, there are significant differences between imaging centers.”

This October – National Breast Cancer Awareness Month – the Breast Care Center and Dignity Health Imaging Center in Prescott are teaming up to give the women of our community the information they need to select an imaging center. We’ll also clear up some of the confusion about how frequently women should undergo screening mammography.

Does your facility have advanced breast imaging technology?

The Breast Care Center and Dignity Health Imaging Center have exceptional technology dedicated to detecting breast cancer. This includes state-of-the-art digital mammography, a dedicated breast MRI system, three-dimensional breast imaging, the Hologic Supersonic Mach 30 breast ultrasound and more.

“Technology is constantly improving, so it’s also important for imaging centers to continually invest in proven technology,” said Hoffer.

If I need a follow-up imaging procedure after a screening mammogram, is that available at your facility?

The imaging center where you undergo your screening mammograms should be your breast health home.

“I encourage women to think long-term about their breast health,” Hoffer said. “This means finding a center that can manage all of the breast imaging needs you may encounter at different times.”

The Breast Care Center features a continuum of breast health services. The center provides breast screening, diagnostic procedures and, if needed, treatment planning and the guidance of a clinical navigator.

Do your radiologic technologists – the professionals who conduct mammograms – specialize in breast imaging?

At the Breast Care Center and Dignity Health Imaging Center, screening mammograms are performed by breast imaging technologists. These are radiologic technologists specially trained in breast imaging.

“This really makes a difference in your mammogram,” explained Hoffer. “Our breast imaging technologists are experienced at positioning for optimal views, recognizing possible pathology and taking extra views when needed.”

Are your radiologists board certified?

Radiologists are the physicians who interpret your mammogram and other imaging studies. At both the Breast Care Center and Dignity Health Imaging Center, radiologists are certified by leading radiology accreditation organizations. They also have been trained at some of the nation’s top radiology programs.

“We have an amazing team of radiologists,” Hoffer said. “They are extremely skilled at interpreting breast screenings as well as performing breast-related diagnostic studies and procedures.”

Are your breast imaging modalities accredited?

The American College of Radiology (ACR) is the leading accreditation organization for imaging studies in the United States. ACR accreditation means an imaging center provides the highest level of image quality and safety requirements for equipment, medical personnel and quality assurance.

Both the Breast Care Center and Dignity Health Imaging Center have earned ACR accreditation in mammography, breast MRI and stereotactic biopsy. The Breast Care Center was also recently designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the ACR.

A Mammogram Screening Schedule

Since 1990, screening mammography has helped reduce breast cancer mortality by nearly 40 percent in the United States. That’s an extremely positive track record. It’s why the Breast Care Center and Dignity Health Imaging Center support these screening recommendations:

A baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40.

Yearly mammograms starting at age 40 and continuing as long as you are healthy.

“Our community is full of very vibrant women in their 70s, 80s and even their 90s,” Hoffer said. “That’s a major reason we do not recommend ending annual mammograms at a certain age.”

Schedule Your Mammogram

Has it been more than a year since your last mammogram? Contact the Breast Care Center in Prescott Valley or Dignity Health Imaging Center in Prescott at 928-771-7577 to schedule your screening. It’s the best way to celebrate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. QCBN

By Bridget O’Gara

Bridget O’Gara is a writer, communications strategist and project manager who specializes in health care. Bridget has spent her career writing about healthcare topics. She works with mission-driven healthcare organizations, including hospitals, other healthcare providers and advocacy organizations.

Vein Center Welcomes Dr. Saina Attaran

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“I love everything about this community: the people, spirit and scenery,” she said.

Veins, vessels and valves are all part of the body’s vascular system, which is why cardiothoracic surgeon Saina Attaran, M.D., is at home in her new role at the Vein Center at Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC).

“The venous system is critical to our overall health,” said Dr. Attaran, vein specialist at the Vein Center at YRMC. “We depend on our network of veins to deliver deoxygenated blood back to our hearts. It’s familiar territory for me.”

The Quad Cities community is also familiar to Dr. Attaran. She moved to the area in 2019 to join the surgical team at YRMC’s James Family Heart Center.

“I love everything about this community: the people, spirit and scenery,” she said. “Helping the people of my community stay healthy is a privilege.”

Patient-Centered Care

With Attaran’s exceptional skills and experience, the fully-staffed Vein Center will continue to provide top diagnostic and advanced therapies for people with lower-extremity vein issues. The strong partnership with Advanced Wound Care at Dignity Health, YRMC, will also continue.

“Our Advanced Wound Care and Vein Center teams often collaborate to care for patients,” said Advanced Wound and Vein Center Director Cheryl Sofonia. “It’s a benefit to patients that our clinics are together in one location. It’s an even bigger benefit that our Advanced Wound and Vein Center teams draw on the expertise of the multidisciplinary medical team to ensure patients receive the best care possible.”

Attaran echoes this and also emphasizes the patient’s significant role in the Vein Center’s care model. “Teamwork is a very important to the Vein Center. And our patients are at the center of our team. We work with every patient to improve their mobility with individualized care plans that may include lifestyle changes, compression stockings and possibly a venous procedure.”

A Global Medical Education

Attaran’s medical education has taken her to top medical centers in the United States and worldwide. She pursued a valve reconstruction fellowship in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. Prior to that, she studied valve/aortic surgery during a fellowship at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong and cardiothoracic surgery during a junior clinical fellowship at the London Chest Hospital.

Attaran’s cardiothoracic residency took place in the United Kingdom at hospitals throughout London and Liverpool. She earned her medical degree from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran. QCBN

By Bridget O’Gara

How to Reach the Vein Center

The Vein Center is located on the campus of YRMC East at: Del E. Webb Outpatient Center 3262 North Windsong Drive, Prescott Valley, Arizona 86314. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 928-759-5890

Bridget O’Gara is a writer, communications strategist and project manager who specializes in health care. O’Gara has spent her career writing about healthcare topics. She works with mission-driven healthcare organizations, including hospitals, other healthcare providers and advocacy organizations.

Dignity Health, YRMC Breaks Ground for New Clinic

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The new clinic will feature contemporary, state of-the-art advanced interactive technology equal to any place in the country.

The new clinic will feature contemporary, state of-the-art advanced interactive technology equal to any place in the country. An $8 million, 10,000-square-foot family and specialty medical clinic is under construction at the intersection of Highway 69 and Lee Boulevard on the eastern edge of Prescott.

After several years of negotiation, property owner Jim Lee joined officials from Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center in early June to celebrate the groundbreaking for the long-awaited facility.

Jim and Linda Lee, long known as generous resident philanthropists for the greater community, said, “The new clinic will feature contemporary, state of-the-art advanced interactive technology equal to any place in the country. Patient records will be accessible to expert medical practitioners across the nation, and it goes both ways.”

Initially, staff will include two primary care provider and two advanced clinical practitioners. Other specialists will be available on an as-needed basis. John Amos, retiring president and CEO of Dignity Health, YRMC and his successor, Anthony Torres, M.D., who had been chief medical officer, praised the new clinic as a tremendous addition to the health care system for the region.

Designed by Archsol and to be built by Venn Construction (both Scottsdale-based firms), the clinic is expected to accept patients in 2023. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Anthony Torres, M.D., Named President, CEO of Dignity Health, YRMC

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Look for Dr. Torres to continue to build community and physician partnerships and continue important integration work with Dignity Health.

Dignity Health has announced that Anthony Torres, M.D., will serve as the next president and chief executive officer of Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). Dr. Torres has nearly 40 years of healthcare experience, and his leadership skills, medical expertise and dedication to the community are an excellent fit for leading YRMC into the future.

“Dr. Torres was selected for the role after an in-depth process that involved the Yavapai Regional Medical Center Board, executive leadership and medical staff,” said Tim Bricker, interim president, Dignity Health, Southwest Division. “His institutional knowledge, clinical experience, and strong reputation will be great assets in helping YRMC to grow services to meet the needs of an expanding population, as well as to enhance access to care in an increasing competitive healthcare environment. Look for Dr. Torres to continue to build community and physician partnerships and continue important integration work with Dignity Health.”

Torres has been a member of the YRMC team for 13 years, and has served as the hospital’s chief medical officer (CMO) since 2016. As CMO, Torres has provided leadership for the highly effective Medical Executive Committee. In addition, Torres has championed several quality programs to support patient care, and he has been instrumental in the ongoing development of the James Family Heart Center.

Prior to becoming CMO, Torres was the medical director for Yavapai Regional Medical Group (YRMG). In this role, he was a catalyst for growth across the organization and helped develop neurosurgical, palliative medicine and behavioral health programs.

Torres is an internal medicine physician by training, having completed his medical degree at the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara in Guadalajara, Mexico, followed by internship and residency training at the Hunter S.P.O.R.T.S. Medical Center at Fairview Heights, Illinois. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Northland Cares in Prescott.

Torres assumed his new leadership duties on July 11. John Amos, who announced his retirement in March, will continue to provide advisory and transition support through Friday, Sept. 30. QCBN

By Ken Boush

Ken Boush is the director of marketing and communications at Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center.

YRMC Recognizes Volunteers of the Year

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“I sincerely enjoy volunteering at YRMC. It has become an enriching part of my life.”

What is the best job in the world? Working with volunteers, of course. Just ask Nancy Thomes, the director of volunteer services at Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC).

“I am so fortunate to be where I am because I work with top-notch people every day,” said Thomes. “It takes a giving heart to be a volunteer and I’m surrounded by hundreds of volunteers with very generous hearts.”

The volunteers are an integral part of the hospital, enhancing the patient experience and providing much needed support to YRMC staff. While the pandemic restricted their involvement throughout the past two years, YRMC is currently working to reopen additional service areas. Along the way, volunteers build friendships and enjoy the sense of purpose that volunteering provides.

Each year, YRMC Volunteer Services recognizes three volunteers whose service to the hospital, its patients and the community embodies the mission and vision of Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center. Each recipient is recognized for the unique ways in which they make YRMC a better place.

YRMC East 2021 Volunteer of the Year, Maggie Goltra

“Nancy had asked if I could attend a meeting at the West Campus, and of course, if I can help in any way, I will be there,” recalled Goltra. “When we walked into the room, I recognized some of the staff, but still couldn’t figure out what I was doing there. When Nancy told me that I was Volunteer of the Year – East Campus, I was completely shocked. That never entered my mind. What an honor.”

Goltra started volunteering at YRMC in 2007. Over the years, she has worked in Admitting, Care Management, and the Family Birthing Center, and now works at the East Campus Front Lobby. Volunteer Services Manager Victoria Spears says that Goltra is one of those kinds of people that you just love being around.

As the first point of contact when you walk through the hospital doors, the Front Desk volunteers have an important role. They can often set the tone for the patient or visitor’s experience, offering information and assurance. Duties include helping patients check in at the kiosk, helping visitors sign in, escorting patients and visitors throughout the hospital, delivering items and regularly sanitizing the area.

“Maggie does all of this with a big smile and gracious attitude,” said Spears. “Everyone who is around Maggie cannot help but smile. She is a joy to be around.”

Goltra gives credit to her fellow volunteers as well.

“It’s nice to work with a group of people who are there because they want to be,” she said. “I work with Debbie, Wayne and Gus, who are always there with a friendly hello and a readiness to help all of the patients and visitors who come in. These are the type of volunteers I would like to have welcome me to the hospital.”

With more than 1,850 volunteer hours under her belt, Goltra is a true asset to YRMC. Yet, she describes her role in simple terms: to be helpful, even if in a small way.

“The best part about volunteering at YRMC is just being able to help make our patients’ time at the hospital a bit easier, in our small way,” she explained. “It’s important to be able to help where you can, especially if it is making someone’s day easier or less stressful.”

YRMC West 2021 Volunteer of the Year, Mary Kerper

Mary Kerper worked for 42 years for an international mechanical parts distributor, overseeing operations, training, auditing and continuous improvement for more than 400 locations. Retirement brought her and her husband to Prescott in 2019. Their desire was to continue to contribute to their new community.

“I have had chores, responsibilities and jobs since elementary school,” said Kerper. “I was taught that work is important and contribution is necessary to help others, as well as yourself. Volunteering helps me to maintain my sense of self while I provide support to others.”

Nancy Thomes recognizes Kerper’s strong work ethic as she looks back on the past few years.

“Mary is one of the volunteers who didn’t let COVID stop her from volunteering,” explained Thomes. “She stayed active until we suspended all volunteers and returned immediately when we could open up the Information Desk – our only service area for a while. She took on an extra shift and was a rock throughout that very uncertain time.”

Staff and fellow volunteers agree. When asked why she is a stand-out volunteer, responses include:

  • Mary is so vigilant – always alert to who is coming through the doors.
  • She consistently subs for her fellow volunteers when she is available.
  • One of Mary’s responsibilities is training new volunteers. They consistently remark how thorough she is with her training.
  • She is helpful, compassionate and caring, and has a friendly smile.
  • The Front Desk is a challenging area of service, and she has remained calm throughout.
  • Mary is a problem-solver extraordinaire.

“It is so amazing to come to a place of healing and do what I can to contribute to the patients, visitors, staff and my fellow volunteers,” said Kerper.

Yet on a larger scale, she reflects on the importance of her award.

“This award reinforces the importance of the role of volunteers. It really shows the value that YRMC leadership places on the contributions the volunteers make. I love being part of this team. Leadership here at YRMC clearly includes volunteers as valuable members of their team.”

“The new relationship between Dignity Health and YRMC has brought change and will no doubt bring more change. But the community will benefit greatly,” she continued. “What I feel will not change is the commitment our leadership has to the hospital and to our community. The volunteers will always be here to help.”

Sandy Zinn Martin Award Recipient, Norma Bauer

When describing Norma Bauer and her dedication to YRMC patients, staff, visitors and fellow volunteers, Nancy Thomes is reminded of a television show.

“There is a show called “New Amsterdam.” The setting is in a hospital and the medical director is often seen moving about the hospital asking, ‘How can I help?’ The writers may not know this, but they must have fashioned that character after Norma Bauer.”

Thomes continued, “She has been super flexible, changing service areas often, and always willing to go where needed. When I ask for favors of volunteers, I often begin with a reminder that ‘no’ is an acceptable answer. That is a word that Norma rarely uses.”

The award is named after a former volunteer, Sandy Zinn Martin, whose spirit lives on in the selfless service that Bauer demonstrates. It’s often the little things that show the true character of a person – the things that go unnoticed by most people. Thomes shares a brief, but telling, story.

“A staff member sent me an email after observing Norma assisting a patient who was having trouble getting something from a vending machine. Norma was a patient coach, gentle and kind.”

“This award is a humbling honor; there are so many dedicated volunteers,” said Bauer. “I believe it indicates that staff and other volunteers have considered my presence and efforts in a positive light and kindly took the time to say so.”

“Nearly every shift includes at least one interaction that stands out from the rest,” Bauer said. “What makes the greatest impact on me usually comes from a patient who expresses apprehension approaching a procedure. A brief suggestion to expect the staff to be caring and understanding can often serve to lessen the patient’s anxiety.”

Bauer has been called a true role model in the Volunteer Services program, with some affectionately referring to her “Old-World” mannerisms. According to staff and fellow volunteers, Bauer’s gracious, polite and professional approach informs everything she does.

Comments include, “It was a privilege to be tutored and to subsequently work with Norma,” and, “She deserves this recognition.”

When she was invited to consider volunteering at YRMC, Bauer didn’t hesitate. She was impressed with the quality of care given to her friends and family.

“Volunteering at YRMC is an opportunity to support and give back to an organization that benefits our community,” she explained. “It gives me a sense of purpose and provides interests beyond myself. YRMC values its volunteers and demonstrates their appreciation of them.”

“I sincerely enjoy volunteering at YRMC. It has become an enriching part of my life.” QCBN

By Joanne Robertson

To learn more about becoming a volunteer at YRMC, call Volunteer Services in Prescott at 928-771-5678 or in Prescott Valley at 928-442-8683. Visit DignityHealth.org/YRMC for more information about YRMC.

Joanne Mack Robertson is a freelance writer and video producer. She and her husband, Jeff, are the creative energy behind Big Picture Video Production in Prescott and Tucson.

Learn from Your Laptop with YRMC’s Healthy Conversations

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“Healthy Conversations includes top medical experts from our community,” said Boush.

The concept of health and wellness has come a long way. You may remember the workout tapes that once captivated Americans. Or the weight-loss strategies involving cabbage soup, cookies and grapefruit people pursued over the years, sometimes at a cost to their health.

“Today, people view health and wellness through a broader and more sophisticated lens,” said Ken Boush, director of marketing and communications at Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). “They’re concerned about all aspects of their health and are discriminating about the source of their health information.”

Healthy Conversations, YRMC’s online speakers’ bureau, is designed for today’s savvy healthcare consumer. Launched in 2020, Healthy Conversations features:

  •  A diverse menu of health and wellness topics
  •  Knowledgeable, local healthcare providers
  •  Brief, informative videos
  •  Easy-to-access, on-demand videos
  •  A regular flow of new health and wellness topics

 

“Healthy Conversations includes top medical experts from our community,” said Boush. “There’s a leading orthopedic surgeon who talks about the latest hip replacement surgery, an experienced dietitian who teaches you how to count carbs and many more healthcare providers sharing accurate information.”

Check out the following Healthy Conversations topics, presented by YRMC healthcare providers and Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Group (YRMG) physicians:

Adult Health & Screening Topics

DEXA: Are Your Bones Healthy?
Sierra-Amber Mabry, RT, BS, Prescott Medical Imaging

Farewell to Hip Arthritis … Hello to Hip Health
Dr. Jason Weisstein, Orthopedic Surgeon, YRMG

Five Signs it’s Time for a Total Knee Replacement
Francisco Jaume, DO, Orthopedic Surgeon, YRMG

Is the Cognitive Assessment and Support Clinic Right for You?
Sam Downing, M.D., Director of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, YRMG

Lung Cancer Screening
Jennifer Harvey, RN, Nurse Navigator, Lung Cancer Screening and Care, YRMC

Palliative Medicine: A Big Picture Perspective
Larry Parsons, M.D., Palliative Medicine, YRMC

Say So Long to Swelling: What You Need to Know About Leg Edema
Anil Kumar, M.D., ABVLM, RPVI, RPhS, FACC, FSVM, Vascular Medicine and Vein Specialist

 

What You Should Know About Neurosurgery & Physiatry
Bradley Benson, DO, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, YRMG

Why Worrying About Your Varicose Veins is Not Vain
Dr. Anil Kumar, Vascular Medicine and Vein Specialist

Nutrition & Fitness Topics

Tips for Transitioning to a Plant-Based Diet
Danyelle Schott, Certified Nutritionist and Certified Personal Trainer, Preventive Medicine and Wellness, YRMC

Carb Counting for Diabetics
Wendy Nelson, Diabetes Educator-Dietitian, Preventive Medicine and Wellness, YRMC

Get Toned at Home
Danyelle Schott, Certified Nutritionist and Certified Personal Trainer, YRMC

Mindfulness Topics

Building More Resilience to Navigate Life’s Challenges
Cheryl Van Demark PT, C-IAYT, Physical Therapist and Certified Yoga Therapist, Physical Rehabilitation Services, YRMC

Welcome Self-Compassion into Your Life
Cheryl Van Demark, Physical Therapist and Certified Yoga Therapist, YRMC

Aging, Safety & Senior Health Topics

A Matter of Balance
Al Peraza, PT, DPT, Physical Therapist, Physical Rehabilitation Services, YRMC

Must-Know Self-Defense Tips (with Demonstrations) for Seniors
Jill Potter, RN, ACSM-CEP, AACVPR, CRP and sixth-degree black belt, Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation, YRMC

Swallowing Issues and Aging: What You Should Consider
Courtney Brimm, MS, CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist, Physical Rehabilitation Services, YRMC

Volunteerism

Volunteering and the Helper’s High

Nancy Thomes, Director of Volunteer Services, YRMC

Keep up with Healthy Conversations presentations by subscribing to YRMC HealthConnect (YRMCHealthConnect.org). Healthy Conversations is supported by a grant from the William L. and Ruth T. Pendleton Memorial Fund. QCBN

By Bridget O’Gara

Bridget O’Gara is a writer, communications strategist and project manager who specializes in health care. She works with mission-driven healthcare organizations, including hospitals, other healthcare providers and advocacy organizations.