APRIL 28, 2017 | VOLUME 17 | ISSUE 17

AMERICAN STROKE MONTH APPROACHING

During the month of May, Mercy will commemorate American Stroke Month by running a special campaign designed to educate the community on recognizing the signs of stroke and the importance of seeking treatment as soon as possible.

When a stroke occurs, patients at Mercy have access to a team of multiple specialists who work together, going above and beyond to ensure stroke patients receive the best care possible. Dr. Michael Jacoby, Terri Hamm, Teresa Long, staff in the Emergency Department and 6 North, rehabilitation, radiology, neurosurgery, neurology, hospitalists, CIC unit, internal medicine, family medicine, chaplains and palliative care all play an integral role in supporting stroke patients and their families. Thanks for the work you do to make Mercy the best place to be treated for a stroke in Des Moines!

THE MOST RECENT SPIRIT OF MERCY AWARD WINNER, LORI LEACH, works at Mercy Riverside Rehab as a speech language pathologist. She is responsible for assessing and treating the language and communication deficits her patients face. In her role, Leach helps children with communication and voice deficits, and works on improving cognition. She also focuses her attention on children who have difficulty getting the daily nutrition they need by providing group and individual feeding instruction and support.

Leach demonstrates Mercy Values at work from the moment she walks through the door. She is patient, a good listener and generously gives her time and resources to the patients and families she serves to ensure they receive the best care. According to her colleagues, Leach uses her skills to better understand and treat each child as a unique individual.

In addition to her duties at Riverside Rehab, Leach also plays a vital role in caring for children at Mercy Center for Craniofacial & Children’s Reconstructive Surgery. Many of these children are born with a cleft palate and require multiple surgeries to treat the condition. Leach helps each child and their parents adapt to eating solid food; thereby reducing stress and concern about their child’s nutrition and safety.

The demands on Leach’s time are considerable, however, she always finds the time for the 70 children presently needing her care. Colleagues say Leach views her vocation as a call to serve others, and many benefit because of her dedication to her patients.

Congratulations on your Spirit of Mercy Award, Lori!

MEET SPIRIT OF MERCY AWARD WINNER LORI LEACH

The Bulletin is published weekly for staff and friends of Mercy Medical Center, 1111 6th Ave., Des Moines, Iowa 50314-2611

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WHAT’S UP?INTERNAL MEDICINE WESTOWN TO MOVE MAY 10

Mercy Clinics is relocating its West Des Moines internal medicine clinic to better serve patients. Internal Medicine Westown will close May 10 and reopen at its new location on May 15 as Mercy Clinics Internal Medicine West. The new clinic is located in the Mercy West clinic building, 1601 NW 114th St., Ste. 240, in Clive. Patients will enjoy the convenience of an on-site pharmacy, lab and imaging center, as well as free valet parking.

The providers currently practicing at Internal Medicine Westown, Dr. Thomas Luft, Charlene Ostrem, ARNP, and Nellie Simon, DNP, will see patients at the new clinic. They will be joined by Dr. Patricia Overton-Keary and Dixie Harms, ARNP, who currently practice at Internal Medicine Urbandale.

As an internal medicine clinic, the new location will serve adult patients only. The clinic will be open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (515) 358-7750.

HEALTHY KIDS DAY AT THE GRUBB YMCA

The annual Healthy Kids Day will be held at the John R. Grubb YMCA tomorrow from 9 a.m. to noon. The Grubb YMCA is located at 1611 11th St., Des Moines. This is a great opportunity for kids and parents to get involved in a healthy lifestyle. The Hy-Vee/Mercy Healthy You bus will be at the event providing nutrition information and healthy snacks. The morning will be filled with fun activities, including: football toss, golf, a fun run, open swim and more. There will also be free T-shirts for kids, a bike raffle and other great prizes. The event is free and open to children ages 5-13 years old and their parents. For questions or more information, please call (515) 246-0791.

HEART WALK

WELCOME TO THE MERCY FAMILY

Congratulations to members of the Mercy-Iowa Heart Center Heart Walk team, pictured above, who raised more than $10,000 for research and education of cardiovascular diseases and stroke via the Central Iowa Heart Walk on April 22. Special thanks and congratulations to the "We Heart Hearts" team from Iowa Heart Center and their team captain Kate Procyk for being the top fundraising team, raising $1,370, and to Jennifer Wagner of the Mercy Wellness Center for organizing the teams and leading our efforts.

Heather Easton, ARNP Mercy Clinics Ottumwa

Jennifer Mockus, ARNP Iowa Heart Center

Amy Oliver, ARNP Mercy Clinics Quick Care

CONGRATULATIONS TO... Greg Willis, Mercy Communications, and

Alyssa, on the birth of their son, Elliott

Jordan. Elliott was born on April 9.

Alicia Patrick, Ambulatory Surgery, and

Addison, on the birth of their son, Ryker.

Ryker was born on April 17.

SYMPATHY TO…

Margo Lierman, Family Medicine

Beaverdale, on the death of her mother.