LINKLINKTHE VITATHE VITAJune 2016 Vol. XXXV, Issue 6

Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) has been recognized with the 2016 QUEST® Award for High-value Healthcare from Premier Inc. for providing outstanding patient care.

Only 38 hospitals received a Citation of Merit for achieving top performance in any four of the six areas measured in Premier’s QUEST collaborative, including cost and effi ciency, inpatient and outpatient evidence-based care, mortality, safety, patient experience and appropriate hospital use.

Honored during Premier’s annual Breakthroughs Conference June 21, MRMC was the only hospital in Tennessee to receive the award.

“Maury Regional’s achievements in QUEST reinforces our commitment to reliably deliver the best care experience to the communities we serve,” said CEO Alan Watson. “We’re proud to be the only hospital in Tennessee to receive the QUEST Award as we continue down our path of improving patient outcomes and community health.”

Th e 2016 Maury Academy for Students in Health (MASH) program was held at MRMC June 6-17. Th e two-week program, sponsored by MRMC and the Auxiliary, provides high school students interested in health care careers with a hands-on learning experience. Th e group visited numerous departments and participated in an emergency training exercise with physicians and staff members. Volunteer Services Assistant Director Cindy Short who coordinated the program is pictured (kneeling, far right) with participants (in alphabetical order) Amanda Bennett, Melody Brink, Eston Carlton, Alexa Cathey, Natalie Cook, Emma Davis, Sarah Ebert, Madison Griffi th, Haley Jager, Ryan Lance, Ximena Leon, Annabeth Marlin, Hannah Martin, Claire McGee, Lindsay Melton, Alex Nguyen,

Specifi cally, MRMC was recognized for: • Obtaining a mortality rate at least 15 percent less than expected; • Reducing the average cost of care to at least less than $6,870 per discharge (depending on size of the facility);• Reliably delivering inpatient and outpatient evidence-based care measures in the areas of heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care at least 96 percent

of the time; • Improving the hospital experience so that patients and

families favorably rate their stay and would recommend the facility to others at least 76 percent of the time;

• Reducing preventable harm events; and• Obtaining a readmissions rate at least 11 percent less than

expected.All hospitals participating in QUEST from October

2014-September 2015 were eligible for the award.

MRMC achieves QUEST award

Students complete MASH programDivy Patel, Shelby Rohling, Caitlyn Stanfi ll, Ben Tomlin, Lindsey Truelove, Callie White, Kylie Wood, Meredith Yarbrough and Alexis Yokley. Also pictured are volunteers Margaret Wells, Margene Hyatt (standing, far left ) and Don Young (back row, far right).

(See “QUEST Award” on page two)

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NEW EMPLOYEES

MAURY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

ADMITTING/REGISTRATION

Karen BurrowBrandie Ferraro

Janell HollisEMS

Jeff rey SmothermonJustin Zlotky

EMPLOYEE HEALTH

Melissa GarlandENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Eloisa VazquezFOOD & NUTRITION

Sheena CrislipSydnee Slater

HUMAN RESOURCES

Melissa MeadorIMAGING

Jennifer ChambersNURSING

Stacy BrewerJune Burrow

McKaylin ClarkBrenda Davis

Samuetta DavisAshley GobbleMegan Kelley

Tiff any Lindsey

(Continued on next page)

The VitaLink is published monthly for Maury Regional Health through the

Marketing Department. Distribution is to employees, retirees, members of the medical staff, board of trustees, advisory board, Maury County

Commission and volunteers.

For address corrections, please contact the Human Resources

Department.

Editor: Rita WilliamsDesigner: Jesse Foreman

Writers: Michele Tankersley and Rita Williams

Proofreader: Jan VarnadoPhotography: Hatcher Images

1224 Trotwood AvenueColumbia, TN 38401

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MRMC recognized for best practices in fi nancial assistance

MRMC was recently awarded the Patient Financial Communication Best Practices Award by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) as a result of the work by Patient Accounts and Patient Access. MRMC is the fi rst organization in Tennessee to be recognized and the 63rd in the nation.

A task force representing consumers, hospitals, physicians, health plans and other stakeholders evaluated organizations for using best practices in fi nancial communications with patients. MRMC demonstrated that it follows nearly 100 best practices covering all aspects of fi nancial interactions that take place in a variety of care settings.

“In a time when patients are paying more out of pocket for their health care, the fi nancial conversations we have with patients have never been more important,” said CFO Nick Swift . “We have taken steps to ensure that patients are treated with compassion and respect in fi nancial matters, and this recognition confi rms that.”

HFMA is the nation’s premier membership organization for health care fi nance leaders, with more than 40,000 members.

Medical oncologist joins medical staffHeather A. Steele, M.D., a specialist in medical oncology,

has joined the MRMC medical staff . Dr. Steele is associated with FHG Oncology.

Dr. Steele received her medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Miami, Florida. She completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Fort Gordon, Georgia. Dr. Steele also completed a fellowship in hematology/oncology at San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. She is board certifi ed in internal

medicine, medical oncology and hematology.Dr. Steele’s offi ce is located at the Maury Regional Cancer Center, 808 South

James Campbell Boulevard. For more information, call 931.381.3872.

DR. STEELE

QUEST award (Continued from page one)

QUEST was launched in 2008 to help health systems reliably deliver the most effi cient, eff ective and caring experience for every patient, every single time. Approximately 350 health systems volunteered to transparently share data and defi ne a common framework with consistent measures

that would continually set a top performance goal for both participants and the nation. QUEST participants have prevented more than 176,000 deaths, reduced health care spending by more than $15 billion and improved readmission rates by 32 percent.

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BIRTHS BIRTHS

IN MEMORY

Todd Edwards, Marketing, and his family welcomed

Mae Lee Edwards on May 20. She weighed 7 lb. and 8 oz.

Amanda King, Nursing, and Kyle King, PrimeCare Clinic, welcomed Emery Kay King

on May 25. She weighed 8 lb. and 2 oz.

Dana Chapman Farris passed away on June 14. She retired from

MRMC in 1989 and was a unit secretary in Nursing.

(Continued from previous page)

NURSING

Melia McCrayShree McGraw

Sarah PetersHeather SmithRachel Tyler

Megan WilkinsonLindsey Wood

OUTCOMES MANAGEMENT

Kimberly Th omasonPHYSICAL THERAPY

Christopher ShortRADIATION THERAPY

Morgan RileyRESPIRATORY CARE

Joseph WarrenSECURITY

Brandon MaxwellSUPPLY CHAIN

Tommy RikerTRANSPORTATION

Devin ScottURGENT CARE

Staci Kreig

AFFILIATES

FAMILY HEALTH GROUP

Neeley AndersonJillian Graves

Carmen HarrisAndrea Mota

Melissa NewtonAllison Tracy

MARSHALL MEDICAL CENTER

Louise MealerTiff any NormanCarmen WalkerSarah Williams

WAYNE MEDICAL CENTER

Misty EatonKodi Daniels

Victoria FauldsDaniela FrazierLauren Perry

NEW EMPLOYEES

Excellence Through LeadershipTh e most recent Excellence Th rough Leadership program at MRMC

concluded on June 10. Th ose completing the course are pictured below with coordinator Joan Stephens (standing, far right). Graduates are (seated, l-r) Regina Walters, Crystal Powell, Glenda Hunt, Tunisia Chaney; (standing) Aaron Gignilliat, Lyndall Propst, Russell Pothier, Tracy Hall and Gary Townsend.

ORGANIZATIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT—

Dr. Bowser named ED medical directorChad Bowser, M.D., has been named medical director for the

MRMC Emergency Department, a position previously held by Omar Hamada, M.D.

Dr. Bowser came to MRMC in 2012 from Eglin Air Force Base Hospital, and has served as the assistant director to Dr. Hamada. He received his medical degree from the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Chicago Medical School, conducted his emergency medicine residency training at the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, and is board certifi ed in emergency medicine. He achieved the rank of Major, USAF, and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom as emergency medicine director at Kirkuk Regional Air Force Base.

“We welcome Dr. Bowser to this new role and thank Dr. Hamada for his work as director over the past two years,” said CEO Alan Watson.

DR. BOWSER

Kimberly Wells, Nursing, and her family welcomed Kennedy

Marie Wells on June 5. She weighed 8 lb. and 2 oz.

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2016 SERVICE AWARDSEmployees reaching service milestones with the organization were recognized with service awards this spring. Th ere were 466 employees recognized for providing 5,839 years of service to the organization. Pictured on pages 4, 5 and 6 are those who attended each event.

FIVE YEARSPictured (seated, l-r) are Darlene Isbell, Ashley Tarpley, Jenny Carbaugh, Kayla Hildenbrandt, Cayci Brunson, Jan Morse; (standing) CEO Alan Watson, Kirby Howell, Sally Horvath, Matthew Krauss, Joel Sanders, Allison McCord, Roger Larkin, Bobby Haywood, Teresa Lewis-Wing, Jim Parcel and Board of Trustees Chairman Doug Williamson.

Pictured (seated, l-r) are Tracey Shrader, Allison Fortman, Barbara Purcell, Lisa Bigwood, Sherry Keener, Beth Baldwin; (standing) Watson, Christine Watson, Stephanie Hurst, T.J. Watson, Holly Gibson, Tammy Calvert, Jamie McKnight, Sarah Barry, Tammy Guillory and Williamson.

Pictured (l-r) are Watson, Cathy Malone, Teresa Dixon, Jan Brewer, James Caruthers, Regina Walters, Allen McDaniel, Jason Griggs, Carla Totty, Tonya Moore, John Hall, Nancy Harris, Teddy Wallin and Williamson.

TEN YEARS

FIFTEEN YEARS

Pictured (seated, l-r) are Barbara Weaver, Jan Varnado, Cindy Hood, Lori Th omas, Karen Lampley; (standing) Watson, Sal Inghilleri, Karen Miller, Kim King, Lee Ann Prince, Danny Fleming, Christina Seiber, Melissa Collie, Lea Ables, Randall Young, Jan Hayes and Williamson.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS

Pictured (l-r) are Watson,June Page,Mary Patton and Williamson.

Pictured (l-r) are Watson, Elizabeth Joyce, Patty Trousdale, Robin Jack, Stephanie Allred, Pete Dawson and Williamson.

THIRTY YEARS

FORTY YEARS

TWENTY YEARS

Pictured (l-r) are Watson, Cindy Kington, Frank Bennett, April Pilkinton, Cindy Dugger, Deb Th omas, Linda Clayton and Williamson.

THIRTY-FIVE YEARS

(Continued on next page)

Pictured (seated, l-r) Shirley Patterson, Wanda Peery, Lori Lee, Glinda Malugin, Connie Demumbreum; (standing) Watson, Eric DeLabruere, Stephen Staggs, John Collier and Williamson.

Maury Regional Medical CenterMRMC held its annual Service Awards Banquet on May 19, honoring 289 employees who have provided 3,855 years of service.

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2016 SERVICE AWARDS

Marshall Medical Center (MMC) held its annual Service Awards Banquet on May 10. Th e event honored 24 employees who have provided 330 years of service. Th ose attending are pictured below (l-r) with MMC CEO Phyllis Brown and MRMC CEO Alan Watson.

Wayne Medical Center (WMC) held its annual Service Awards Banquet on May 25 honoring 27 employees who have provided 355 years of service. Th ose attending are pictured below (l-r).

FIVE YEARS

FIVE YEARS

TEN YEARS

TEN YEARS

FIFTEEN YEARS

FIFTEEN YEARS

Vinessa Ward, Jenny Shaw and Jane Francis

Tina Athearn

Jennifer Henderson and Dale Rayn

Jennifer McNeese

Mae Pulley, Anna Lee, Tina Holt and Carisa Pitts

Terry Brewer and Robert Farris

Estell Blalock and Pam Whitehead

Michael Byrd, Leah Skipworth, Kendra Smith, Vickie Petty and Tim Ward

Carolyn Lay

Brenda Cheeves, Jenny Black, Velvet Simmons, Debra Butcher and Debbie Brown

Phyllis Brown

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS

TWENTY YEARS

TWENTY YEARS TWENTY-FIVE YEARS THIRTY-FIVE YEARS

(Continued on next page)

Marshall Medical Center

Wayne Medical Center

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2016 SERVICE AWARDS

FIVE YEARS

Pictured (l-r, seated) are Sarah Lyell, Alisha Ashley, Elizabeth Domkowski, Marilyn Baker, Faye Garland, Nancy Finley, Amanda Padgett, Barbara Shannon, Jennifer Lee, Kenni McIntosh; (standing) Lori Cude, Felicia Henley, Melinda Gilliam, Dr. Stephen Simmons, Kathy King, Donna Tucker, Sandy Morreale, Tammy Adams, Lori Tywater, Anne Still, Katie Lynn, Dr. Houston Jameson, Angela Chance, Danielle Griffi n, Heather Riddle, Lori Adcox, Crystal Farrar, Connie Th omason, Alesia Davis, Dr. Kanthi Narra, Pam Wilson and Felicia Hayes.

Pictured (l-r, seated) are Michelle Maxwell, Kendra Sharpe, Cher Spears, Kristy Neece, Cathy Bowman, Th omasha Marsh, Donna Watkins, Zelma Evans, Christa Niedergeses; (standing) Dianna Newton, Jane Bailey, Gloria Branton, Karen Perry, Susan Orton, Tracy Angus, Sherry Wimmer, Pam Dawson, Angela Rodgers, Rochelle Ribley, Misty Tidwell, Chuck Hoelscher, Chi Dahlgren, Dr. Charles Ball, Erica Moyer, Dr. Cummins Couch, Clarissa Coleman and Rebecca Bytwerk.

Pictured (l-r, seated) are Kay Parker, Alana Dickey, Angie Dickson, Kate Tustin; (standing) Dottie Kuzawinski, Dr. Ben Gardner, Nathan Miller, Dr. Timothy Nash and Dr. Jawaid Kamal.

TEN YEARS

FIFTEEN YEARS

Tara Smith is pictured with FHG CEO Mike Fecher.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS

TWENTY YEARS

Fecher is pictured with (l-r) Bridget Vandiver and Barbara Hinson.

THIRTY-FIVE YEARS

Kathy Price is pictured with Fecher.

Family Health GroupFamily Health Group (FHG) held its fi rst service awards recognition on June 9 in Columbia. Th ere were 126 FHG employees who received awards for providing 1,299 years of service to the organization, including employment with MRMC and affi liates. Th ose attending are pictured below.

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MAURY REGIONAL HEALTH CARE

FOUNDATIONFOUNDATION

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ART EFFECTS SET FOR AUGUST 5-6Th e Maury Regional Health Care Foundation is bringing

Art Eff ects back to Columbia on August 5-6 with the support of presenting sponsor First Farmers. Th e event features regional artists whose mediums include oil, watercolor, pottery, jewelry, wood and more. Art Eff ects will be held at the Memorial Building, located at 308 West 7th Street in Columbia. Friday hours are 3-8 p.m. and Saturday hours are 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Th is year’s featured artist is Ronald Lewis of Birmingham, Alabama who has participated in Art Eff ects for nine years. Since graduating from the University of Montevallo, Lewis has won more than 95 awards for his painting in oil, watercolor and acrylic and

was one of 100 artists chosen to exhibit at the Smithsonian Institute with the National Park Academy of the Arts. Lewis has been an Honored Artist at the Birmingham Festival of

the Arts and is represented in the collections of the Birmingham Museum of Art, the Columbus Museum in Columbus, Georgia and the Fine Arts Museum of the South in Mobile, Alabama. He is also represented in private and business collections throughout the U.S. and abroad. His works have been published in Revue Modeme in Paris, Southern Accents, Birmingham, Th e Artist, American Artist and American Artist Acrylic Highlights. To view a sampling of his art, visit http://RonaldLewisArt.blogspot.com/.

“We are honored to have Ron Lewis as our featured artist this year and appreciate his long-term support of the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation. His works have garnered prestigious recognitions and he is among the most popular artists sharing their talent at Art Eff ects this year,” said Foundation Executive Director Joe Kilgore.

Joining presenting sponsor First Farmers are NHC Columbia and NHC Hillview who are sponsoring the reception on Friday evening. Proceeds from Art Eff ects benefi t the programs and services provided by the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation. To learn more about Art Eff ects, the Foundation or to make a donation, visit MauryRegional.com or call 931.380.4075.

SHOOTING EVENTS SUPPORT FOUNDATION

Two recreational shooting events held in the month of May will further the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation’s work to assist local breast cancer patients.

Th e Maury County Gun Club hosted its annual “Shoot for a Cure” sporting clays competition on May 14 in Maury County. Th e club donated $3,521 in proceeds from the event to the Foundation’s Women’s Center Fund. Th e club has supported the Foundation’s work since 2012.

Shooting Sports for Cancer, Inc. held its Ta Ta Bang Bang event in Giles County on May 28. Th e sporting clays regional event got its beginnings in Georgia and has expanded across the southeastern United States. Th is was the fi rst Tennessee event for the organization. Proceeds from the event were donated by the organizers to the Foundation’s Women’s Center Fund.

Ronald Lewis will be the featured artist at Art Eff ects.

One of the teams participating in the Ta Ta Bang Bang event to benefi t the Foundation included (l-r) Travis Jones, Lisa Butler, Dr. James Grippo and Steve Burt.

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Ables honored at retirementLea Ables retired from MRMC on May 27.

She was a benefi ts specialist in Human Resources and provided 20 years of service to the medical center and its employees.

“Lea dedicated her career to making retirement a very special time for her fellow employees. As she now retires, we thank her for her many years of service. Please join me in wishing Lea well in her retirement,” said Human Resources Manager Jessica Bytwerk.

Dodson retires from MRMCCarolyn Dodson retired from MRMC on

June 24. She was a food service associate in Food & Nutrition and worked at MRMC for almost 15 years.

“Carolyn worked during lunch and dinner in the cafeteria. She has many close friends who would joke and confi de with her regularly. She is one who enjoys life and helps those in need with compassion and a relaxing sense of family care. She will be missed,” said Food & Nutrition Director Mac Olivier.

Dr. Woodley retiresDr. Steven E. Woodley, a physician

specializing in medical oncology, retired on June 22. Dr. Woodley joined the MRMC medical staff in 2000 and was most recently associated with FHG Oncology at the Maury Regional Cancer Center.

Dr. Woodley earned his medical degree from the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama, and completed his residency at Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama. He completed a fellowship in oncology and hematology at the University of Alabama-

Birmingham. “During the last sixteen years, Dr. Woodley has provided

outstanding care and support for his patients. He is a well-respected member of the local medical community whose valuable experience and skills will be missed by patients and staff members. We wish him the very best in his retirement,” said FHG CEO Mike Fecher.

Burney earns certifi cation

Reimbursement Director LeeAnn Burney recently achieved certifi cation as a specialist in business intelligence.

Burney earned the certifi cation from the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).

Burney joined MRMC in 2012, is a certifi ed public accountant and a fellow of the HFMA.

LEA ABLES

CAROLYNDODSON

DR. STEVEN E.WOODLEY

Stroke seminar; support group planned

Eff orts are underway to establish a new support group to provide resources for community members recovering from stroke.

Administrative Director Carey Albright and Stroke Coordinator Brenda Bishop are leading eff orts to develop the stroke support group at MRMC. 

Th ose who are passionate about stroke care, have had a stroke, or care for someone who has had a stroke are invited to participate in the planning for the support group. For more information, call Albright at extension 1585 or Bishop at extension 4350.

Th e support group will be introduced as part of a community seminar about stroke on Th ursday, July 28. Th e program will begin at 6 p.m. at the MRMC Annex. Dr. Megan Rahmlow, a neurologist with FHG Neurology, will be the featured speaker.

BURNEY

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MRMC has launched Mission Wellness, a free monthly class designed to assist individuals in meeting their health goals by focusing on disease prevention, exercise and weight loss.

Th e fi rst class was held on June 21. Mission Wellness is held from 6:30-8 p.m. at the William R. Walter Educational Conference Center in the MRMC Annex at 1223 Trotwood Avenue across from the Medical Center. Classes meet on the third Tuesday of each month as follows:

• July 19 • August 16 • September 20 • October 18 • November 15 • December 20 “Mission Wellness has been developed to equip

individuals with the tools to take control of their eating, break poor health habits and set goals that

are attainable. Our goal is to make what oft en feels like ‘mission impossible’ become achievable. Participants will learn strategies for making wiser food choices and becoming more active in an eff ort to maintain a healthy weight. We will walk this journey together and learn how to succeed from each other,” said Family Nurse Practitioner Carey Barr, MSN, ACNP-BC, FNP, who facilitates the class.

For more information about Mission Wellness or to register, call 931.490.7282.

LHC blood drive is success

Lewis Health Center (LHC) hosted a successful blood drive on June 3. Th ere were 26 donors at the drive conducted by Blood Assurance, with 22 units of blood collected. Th e donations have potential to save 66 lives.

Th e next blood drive will be held at MRMC on Wednesday, July 13. Donations will be accepted from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. in the Auxiliary Conference Room. To schedule a donation appointment, call 840.4446 or visit BloodAssurance.org.

LHC offers athletic screenings

LHC provided free health screenings to student athletes in Lewis County this spring.

Nicky Edwards, FNP-C, and Trent Lewis, PT, performed screening physicals for approximately 200 athletes in middle and high school during the month of May.

In addition, LHC off ered concussion baseline testing for student athletes in June. Th ese screenings use a tool known as IMPACT or Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing. Th e tool provides a baseline measurement of a player’s normal brain function. If an athlete sustains a head injury during the season, another screening is performed with results compared to the baseline to help determine when a player may be able to return to play.

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Mission Wellness launched

CAREY BARRNurse Practitioner

As part of the annual Maury Academy for Students in Health (MASH) program at MRMC in June, an emergency training exercise was conducted. Th e exercise simulated a tornado that struck the medical center, aff ecting patients and staff members. MASH participants and volunteers portrayed patients in the mock emergency, which allowed staff members to practice their response to an emergency situation. Pictured at right, Brenda Chapman, RN, Infection Control, attends to a mock patient portrayed by MASH participant Ben Tomlin.

MASH program holds emergency training exercise

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Blood sugar program offered at MMC

Certifi ed Diabetes Educator Michelle Kennedy off ered a community seminar in Lewisburg in June.

Kennedy presented the seminar on blood sugar control at Marshall Medical Center (MMC) on June 16. Staff members from MMC off ered free glucose fi nger-stick testing as part of the program. Approximately 30 community members participated.

More than 85 million Americans age 20 and older have pre-diabetes and diabetes remains the seventh leading cause of death. An outpatient program on self-management of diabetes is off ered on a regular basis at MRMC. Topics include meal planning, exercise, medications and prevention of complications. For information about diabetes services, call 540.4324.

MMC CEO Phyllis Brown (left ) is pictured with Kennedy at the seminar.

Emergency medical services (EMS) at MRMC and Wayne Medical Center (WMC) recently added several new pieces of life-saving equipment with funding assistance from the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation.

Th e Foundation supplied $75,000 in matching funds to purchase AutoPulse® Resuscitation System devices for Maury Regional EMS and WMC EMS. Th e medical centers funded the remaining cost.

“We are very grateful to the board and leadership of the Foundation for recognizing the valuable benefi ts that the AutoPulse units will have for our community members,” said Maury Regional EMS Director Lynn Th ompson.

AutoPulse is a device that provides automated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) compressions to a patient who is in cardiac arrest, allowing medical personnel to carry out additional life-saving measures during an emergency response situation.

All advanced life support vehicles serving Maury, Lewis and Wayne counties are now equipped with the devices, which include a specially designed board that supports the patient and can be used alone or with a stretcher or backboard during transport. Attached to the board is a LifeBand,® which fi ts around the patient and delivers compressions to the chest while stimulating blood fl ow. Th e equipment automatically adjusts to the circumference of the chest to ensure that the correct depth of compression is administered.

Amanda Schatz, a training offi cer with Maury Regional EMS, explains that AutoPulse delivers consistent, continuous compressions to a patient in cardiac arrest, even during challenging circumstances and in a moving ambulance.

“Emergency responders are oft en faced with small spaces, diffi cult terrain, stairs and other obstacles when transporting and treating a patient,” Schatz said. “Th ese factors can make it diffi cult to provide compressions consistently, which is detrimental to the resuscitation of a cardiac arrest patient.”

Th e American Heart Association recommends that compressors rotate every two minutes during CPR to reduce fatigue.

“Manual CPR is diffi cult to perform under the best conditions,” said WMC EMS Director James Wilson. “When you add the challenges involving the layout of homes, terrain and distance to a hospital, it can be diffi cult to continue providing eff ective CPR. Th is device can continue to perform life-saving compressions for as long as necessary.”

According to Foundation Executive Director Joe Kilgore, the Foundation’s board of directors recognized the value the AutoPulse technology could have for local emergency responders and caregivers.

“Our board members felt strongly that this contribution would serve as an additional resource to our emergency medical personnel and nursing staff who are providing life-saving care to patients on a daily basis,” said Kilgore.

EMS receives additional equipment through Foundation funding

Maury Regional EMS personnel pictured (l-r) with one of the AutoPulse units are Jason Griggs, Amanda Schatz, Andrew Bell, Johnathan Harrison, Jeff Sharp, Mike Wilson, Billy Rose, Dustin Rose and Randall Young.

WMC EMS personnel pictured (l-r) are Roger Pitts, EMS Director James Wilson, Cain Creasy, Training Coordinator Sherry Ray, Jacob Creasy, Jordan Horton, Tyler Dixon, Robert Gobble, Tim Ward and Jay Cooper.

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JULY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

July 5GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: 5:30 p.m., Chapel, call 540.4243

July 6DIABETES EDUCATION GROUP: 11 a.m., Auxiliary Conf. Room, call 540.4324

July 7GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: noon, Marshall Medical Center, call 359.6241

July 8BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP: 1 p.m., Annex, call 490.7074

July 9EXPECTANT PARENT CLASS – UNDERSTANDING BIRTH: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., call 490.7046

July 11NEW EMPLOYEE ORIENTATION: 8 a.m., call 381.1111, ext. 2334

July 12CELIAC SUPPORT GROUP: 5 p.m., First Floor Conf. Room, call 381.1111, ext. 1275

July 12COPING WITH CANCER: 2 p.m., Cancer Center, call 490.7192

July 13BLOOD DRIVE: 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Auxiliary Conf. Room, call 840.4446

July 16EXPECTANT PARENT CLASS – NEWBORN CARE: 9 a.m., call 490.7046

July 16EXPECTANT PARENT CLASS – INFANT CPR: 12 p.m., call 490.7046

July 19MISSION WELLNESS: 6:30 p.m., Annex, call 490.7282

July 20FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK: 9:30 a.m., Columbia Senior Center, call 490.4600

July 21FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK: 9:30 a.m., Hohenwald Senior Center, call 490.4600

July 23EXPECTANT PARENT CLASS – JUST FOR SIBLINGS: 9 a.m., call 490.7046

July 25EXPECTANT PARENT CLASS – BREASTFEEDING: 7 p.m., call 490.7046

July 27BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP: 11 a.m., Annex, call 490.7074

July 28OSTOMY SUPPORT GROUP: 10 a.m., First Floor Conf. Room, call 698.7438

July 28FREE SEMINAR – UNDERSTANDING STROKE: 6 p.m., Annex, call 840.4446

MYPLAN GPSSM LAUNCHED

Have you ever wished it was easier to get your retirement portfolio into shape? You can with Lincoln’s new interactive web experience: MyPlan GPSSM.

In the coming weeks, you will receive a series of emails from People-Human Resources that will prompt you to log into MyPlan GPSSM. You can walk through the steps for enrolling in the retirement plan, select investments and change your contribution rate.

Featuring interactive video tutorials, MyPlan GPSSM makes it easier to become fi nancially fi t.

Specifi cally, MyPlan GPSSM features a series of modules including:

• Plan Basics — Explore an overview of your retirement plan features

• Savings Analysis — Find out how much you may need to save, given your age, expected retirement age, assets and more

• Risk Profi le — Gauge your investment risk tolerance by taking a short questionnaire

• My Profi le — See a high-level overview of your plan balance, contributions, investment selections, risk profi le and savings analysis

• Library — Access all the print and video information you need to examine important retirement planning topics on an ongoing basis

Non Profi t Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDColumbia, TN 38401

Permit No. 710

KUDOS FOR CAREGIVERSMAURY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER1224 Trotwood AvenueColumbia, Tennessee 38401

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