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Community Education
As part of Nason Hospital's National Hospital Week Celebration in May, Nason employees and volunteers collected personal care items, non-perishable food and cash donations for distribution to Family Services: Victim Services Program.  Over 30 boxes were filled with donated items for the program.
Pictured are Linda Ritchey, Nason Volunteer/Community Coordinator and
Cheryl Bassler, Family Services Community Education Coordinator.
A Retirement social was held in honor of Karen Malone, RN on April 12, 2010 in the hospital Boardroom.  Karen retired from the Special Delivery Obstetrics Unit of Nason Hospital on April 11, 2010.  Karen started her career at Nason Hospital as an RN on September 15, 1969, giving her over 40 years of service to the hospital and our patients.  Karen was wished a fond farewell from her colleagues and best wishes on her future endeavors. 
Pictured are (L to R) Mr. Hoover, Charlene Reffner and Linda Ritchey.
Garrett Hoover, President/CEO presents Charlene Reffner with a certificate designating her as the 2010 Nason Hospital Volunteer of the Year.

Charlene Reffner of Roaring Spring received a certificate, corsage, and a ladybug planter to honor her as Nason Hospital Volunteer of the Year.  Charlene has over 27 years of service to Nason Hospital; six of those as a volunteer. She volunteers weekly in the Nason Hospital Snack Bar and was previously employed in the Laundry department at Nason.  A carry in dinner and awards program was held on April 20, 2010 in the hospital classroom.  Awards and gifts of appreciation were given to all volunteers. The theme of the event was "Nason Hospital Volunteers Are A Circle Of Friends."  Linda Ritchey, Community Volunteer Coordinator, states, "Charlene is always willing to help with a smile anytime there is a need."  
Pictured are (from left):  Dr. Michael  Lettieri, Co-Director Nason Emergency Department, Tina Burchfield, RN and Deborah Miller, ED Manager
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nason Hospital Emergency Department Safety & Security

April 1, 2010

Violence in our country’s Emergency Departments is becoming increasingly more common. According to data compiled by ACEP (American College of Emergency Physicians), Emergency Department (ED) violence has been increasing due to:

Overall increase of violence in society,
Increased prevalence of drug and alcohol use in society,
Use of EDs for “medical clearance” of drug and alcohol-related arrests,
Unavailability of acute psychiatric treatment outside of EDs, the ED provides “psychiatric clearance,”
Prolonged wait times for patients seeking medical care, often compounded by unpleasant waiting room environments.

These are just a few of the more common reasons. The marked increase in the amount of drug and alcohol use and in the number of assaults and thefts has caused many hospitals to rethink their position on providing a safe workplace for their employees and safe environments for patients seeking care.

As a result, Nason Hospital developed a task force to identify areas of concern and implement a plan to improve Emergency Department safety and security issues. With good practices already in place, we made the following adjustments to protect our patients and the employees.

Measures to improve safety and security include:
Hospital staff training on de-escalation techniques, early recognition of potentially violent patients/visitors and getting help before an incident occurs
“Panic buttons” to secure assistance from security and/or police
Direct phone lines to security and the police department
Controlling access and egress between the emergency department and other areas in the hospital
Limiting visitors to 1 per patient
Instructing patients/visitors to remain in their assigned treatment area
Removing items from the treatment rooms and securing equipment to prevent theft
Reporting assaults to the police and filing charges
Reporting drug seeking behavior to the Drug Enforcement Agency

In addition, we have made some physical changes to the ED entrance that includes:
New triage room, allowing for timely initial assessment
An additional examination room within the department
Improving visualization (mirrored film at ED entrance doors)
Using Video surveillance monitors
Limiting access to the ED area; (patients and visitors must use an intercom to communicate with staff and then be buzzed in by a staff member from a secure door).

These changes will be implemented on April 9, 2010.
It is our goal is to provide quality, timely care to all patients in a safe and effective manner. We believe the above changes were necessary to maintain the safety and security of our Emergency Department services for both our patients and our staff.
Martinsburg Pack 358 provided community service at Nason Hospital on
Nov 7th by providing trash pick up on the surrounding hospital grounds.

Pictured from left to right:
1st row  Taylor Davis, Shawn Connacher, Jacob Dick, Derick Welstel, Nathal Elders, Adaline Smith
2nd row  Brandon Wastler, Jarod dick, Kase Smith, Michael Housel, Drew Hill, Nathan Connacher.  Not pictured: Bradley Kegley
PRESS RELEASE

December 1, 2009

On Sunday, November 8, 2009, Nason Hospital was honored for “Excellence in Preservation of County History and Heritage” at the Blair County Historical Society’s 2009 Annual Meeting.
The award was presented for the 21st Century Capital Campaign Mural Project.
Pictured are (from left):  Pat Gildea, Blair County Historical Society; Katherine "Kitty " Sullivan, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient; Kathy Mueller and Deb Bunnell, artists, 21st Century Mural Project; Heidi Kreider, Nason Hospital Director of Development; Herman R. Nagle, President's Award recipient.
The Mural Project, which is in the hospital’s main corridor, was commissioned by the hospital’s Board of Directors in the summer of 2008. The intention of the mural project is to highlight the history and culture of the communities and people served by Nason Hospital. Painting was started in September 2008 and completed in November 2009. The mural focuses on historical landmarks and points of interest that are significant to the patrons of Nason Hospital. A committee comprised of hospital employees, board members, and the painters, Deb Bunnell and Kathy Mueller of Deb and Kathy Paintworks, visited throughout the southern Blair County region and decided which landmarks to include in each community’s depiction. The committee also received photographs and suggestions from employees and community members. The communities showcased include: Roaring Spring, Martinsburg, Curryville, Williamsburg, Hollidaysburg, Claysburg, Saxton, and the Northern Bedford area.

The murals have been warmly received by patients and visitors to Nason Hospital. Community members and people visiting from out of town have stopped by the hospital just to view and enjoy the murals. The murals give the hospital a less institutional and more welcoming feeling. Patients have commented that they enjoy looking at the murals on the way to testing as they help to relax and distract them. They also serve as a learning tool and diversion for restless children. The murals have provided a history lesson for many people who are not Blair and Bedford county natives. Many conversations take place in front of the murals discussing the community and historical significance of each painting.

List of Landmarks Included in the Nason Hospital
21st Century Capital Campaign Mural Project

Claysburg: Old Mill
Large old house and barn across from Brickyard
Park Scenes

Cove Area: A composite of different farms, buildings, fields, children, animals, and 1936 John Deere tractor

Curryville: Old Mill Store
Curryville Schoolhouse

Hollidaysburg: Reiser House (Canal Basin)
Iron Corbel Inn
Blair County Courthouse
Discovery Garden at Legion Park

Loysburg: Waterside Woolen Mill
Town of Loysburg
5 story Stone House

Martinsburg: Borough Building
Brownstone (formerly Morrisons Cove High School)
The Manor House
Morrisons Cove Memorial Park Entrance

Northern Bedford: Covered Bridges of area

Roaring Spring: Blank Book Company
Spring Dam
Railroad Station and caboose

Saxton: The Bucket Line (1924-1944)
H&BTRR Roundhouse (1899-1954)
H&BTRR Engine #38 (~1950)
Main Street

Williamsburg: Royer Mansion
Rails to Trails
PRESS RELEASE
November 30, 2009

Nason Hospital Administration, Staff, and Board of Directors are pleased to welcome Danielle L. Leighty, Psy.D. as a provider of mental health services effective December 1, 2009.

Dr. Leighty received her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University, Washington, D.C. in 2006. She received her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from West Chester University and her B.S. in Psychology from the Pennsylvania State University.

Dr. Leighty will provide outpatient therapy and psychological assessments as well as consulting with physicians on inpatients as needed. Dr. Leighty has extensive experience in mental health assessment of disruptive behavior disorders and developmental disorders. She is also experienced in Family Based Mental Health, Co-Occurring Disorders, Pervasive Developmental Disorders (including Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome), Recovery, and Trauma.

Dr. Leighty currently serves as the Assistant Clinical Director/FBMHS Director/Clinical Psychologist at The Alternative Community Resource Program in Johnstown, PA. She has provided services at The Youth Opportunity Center in Muncie, Indiana, Federal Corrections Institutions, Pyramid Healthcare and Manito Therapeutic Enrichment Center.

Dr. Leighty is the daughter of James and Crissie Pepple of New Enterprise. She is married to Aaron Leighty and they have one son, Cooper. Her hobbies include horseback riding, camping, and spending time with friends and family. Dr. Leighty is interested in establishing a therapeutic horseback riding facility in the future.
PRESS RELEASE November 5, 2009 Nason Hospital Donates Communication Equipment to Friendship Volunteer Fire Company.
Mr. Gary Dennis of the Friendship Volunteer Fire Company receiving one of the Motorola radios from Mr. Garrett Hoover, President/CEO of Nason Hospital. Also pictured is Mr. Craig Hattler, Nason Hospital Director of Maintenance and Security
Mr. Gary Dennis of the Friendship Volunteer Fire Company receiving one of the Motorola radios from Mr. Garrett Hoover, President/CEO of Nason Hospital. Also pictured is Mr. Craig Hattler, Nason Hospital Director of Maintenance and Security. Pictured are (from left):  Garrett Hoover, Gary Dennis, Craig Hattler.
Nason Hospital recently donated $13,500 worth of communications equipment to the Roaring Spring Friendship Fire Company. Eight Motorola radios and eight Motorola speakers were among the donated communications equipment. The equipment will be used to assist the fire company’s response to emergency situations and will enable better communication with other area responders as well as the hospital.

The funding for the equipment was received through the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Hospital Preparedness Program. The purpose of the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) is to enhance the ability of hospitals and health care systems to prepare for and respond to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies.

Nason Hospital has received funds through this program since it was began in 2005 and previously received monies from the Health Resources & Services Administration’s Hospital Bioterrorism Preparedness Program in 2003 and 2004. Funds have been used for items such as improved Emergency Department Security, Level A Suits for the fire department, antiviral pharmaceutical supplies, max air hoods, training, and a portable decontamination tent that was used recently in the Appleton Paper Mock Disaster Drill.
Ninety-nine golfers participated in the 4th Annual Nason Foundation Golf Outing on September 14, 2009
at Iron Masters Country Club in Roaring Spring.  

$16,500 was raised to benefit students who are enrolled in the Nason Foundation Scholarship program.  The scholarship program is open to students enrolled in nursing programs and other essential healthcare occupational programs.

Golfers were divided into two flights.  

Winners in the first flight were:
First Flight First Place:  Credit Control Collections (Steve Lewis, Mike Adams, Craig Diehl, Dave Elliott)
First Flight Second Place:  Blair Gastroenterology Associates (Steve Lewis, Mike Curtorillo, Steve Lewis, Bob Bilger)

Winners in the second flight were:
Second Flight First Place:  St. Jude Medical (David Faber, M.D., Antonino Cammarata, D.O., Mario Wilfong, Aaron Salyards)
Second Flight Second Place:  Med-tronic (Brett Mitchell, Chuck Sieghman, Basil Mannino, Bill Deremer)

Bill Deremer was the $100 winner in the Putting Contest sponsored by Spring Cove Medical Services (Drs. Dinger and DeFay).

Major sponsors for the tournament were as follows:
Ace Sponsor – Siemens
Clubhouse Sponsors – Blair Gastroenterology Associates, Cove Radiology, Fenner Corporation and First National Bank
Golf Cart Sponsor – NPC, Inc
Lunch Box Sponsor – CBIZ, Inc
Giveaway Sponsor – Southern Cove Medical Associates
Reception Sponsor – Highmark
Birdie Sponsors – Home Health Resource, William J. Kirsch, M.D., Source 1 Healthcare Solutions, Empire Communications
Putting Contest – Spring Cove Medical Services (Drs. Dinger and DeFay)

There were 33 tee sponsors.

Lunch was provided by Ann’s TD Catering and US Foods.  
Beverages were provided by Ritchey’s Dairy and Roaring Spring Bottled Water.
 Nason held it's Ninth Annual Walk/Run on July 25, 2009 at the Spring Dam in Roaring Spring in conjunction with Spring Dam Days.  
The event started and ended at the Spring Dam.  
The Nason Wellness Unit was on site to do blood pressures and other wellness activities.  
Pro Care Health Systems lead warm up exercises with the participants prior to the start of the race.  
This year's event had over 70 participants.
Lorie Smith, Nason Hospital Human Resource Director presents ribbons for finishing the race to Garrett Hoover, Nason Hospital CEO and his son, Gabe.
PRESS RELEASE
REPORT: PA HOSPITALS HAVE $84 BILLION EFFECT ON JOBS, COMMUNITIES

Nason Hospital annually contributes nearly $55 million to the region’s economy, according to a report released by The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP). Nason Hospital also supports more than 400 jobs in the Altoona/Johnstown region, according to the Report.

The Economic and Social Roles of Pennsylvania’s Hospitals shows the positive effects Pennsylvania’s hospitals have as economic anchors in their communities.

The HAP report also quantifies hospital community benefit, which includes charity care and financial aid programs (includes uncompensated care, bad debt, and Medicare and Medicaid underpayments), public education, health fairs, school programs, screenings, and much more. Based on data compiled from hospitals across the state, HAP estimates the value of hospital community benefit to be nearly $4 billion annually.

“Nason Hospital is an economic and social anchor providing healing, health, and hope in our community,” said Garrett W. Hoover, President/CEO. “We also provide a safe haven and a safety net for our most vulnerable citizens.”

But Mr. Hoover warned that the deepening recession is taking its toll on Nason and most others across the Commonwealth, threatening their very survival, and putting the respective communities at risk through reduced access to health care and job losses.

“Pennsylvania’s hospitals are responsible for one out of every nine jobs in the commonwealth,” said Heidi Kreider, Nason’s Director of Development. “Policymakers must act prudently in response to this recession, and the health of our hospitals must be considered as part of any state and federal economic recovery. This will assure our ability to maintain and recruit a strong workforce and to invest in clinical resources, technology, and infrastructure to assure the continued delivery of the best quality care.

”Among the report’s findings, Pennsylvania’s hospitals annually:
Provide a total contribution of approximately $84 billion to the state’s economy.
$34 billion in direct total spending.
$50 billion in spending as a result of hospital operations.

Support the employment of approximately 625,000 Pennsylvanians.
286,000 in direct employment.
339,000 employed as a result of hospital operations.

Generate total labor income of more than $26.3 billion.

Generate $4 billion in community benefit.

In the five years since HAP’s first report, the annual economic impact of Pennsylvania’s hospitals has increased by $28 billion.

“This new report on the considerable and growing social and economic impact of hospitals on communities across Pennsylvania shows that it is imperative for policymakers to consider the health of hospitals - and, by extension, their communities - as they make decisions about critical health care issues, including economic development funding, reimbursements for care, medical liability reform, physician availability, and health care workforce retention and recruitment,” said HAP President and CEO Carolyn Scanlan.


The report also summarizes the findings of a recent survey about the impact of the recession on the state’s hospitals by showing the changes hospitals have made and will make to survive the recession, as the effects of the downturn on investment income and on the ability to borrow for technology and capital improvements.

The Economic and Social Roles of Pennsylvania’s Hospitals is available online at http://haponline.org/downloads/HAP_The_Economic_and_Social_Roles_of_PA_Hospitals
_March2009.pdf. The report updates HAP studies released in 2004, 2006, and 2007, and includes data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, and HAP member hospitals and healthsystems.

DOWNLOAD THE REPORT released by The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP).
PRESS RELEASE
March 2, 2009
photo Dr. Ramon Burket retires
Dr. Ramon Burket Retirement

Dr. Ramon Burket was honored at the February 4, 2009 Nason Medical Staff meeting held at The Blairmont Country Club in Hollidaysburg. Dr. Burket retired from the practice of family medicine on December 31, 2008.

Dr. Burket has been a pillar of Nason Hospital and the surrounding communities for more than 40 years. He joined the Medical Staff in 1965 and has served the hospital on numerous committees and held various offices. He previously served as Chief of Staff, Director of the Emergency Department, and the Emergency Department/Intensive Care Unit Committee Chair. He has served an integral role during his tenure in many of the changes that have taken place at Nason Hospital. Nason Hospital President and CEO, Garrett W. Hoover stated, “Dr. Burket has made a lasting impact on Nason Hospital and on the health of area residents. He recognized the importance of preventative health care before it became a national concern and was always very knowledgeable on the most up-to-date standards of care. He deserves all our thanks.”

Dr. Fred Heaton joined Dr. Burket in August 2008 and will continue to practice family medicine in the Cove Medical Center.

Dr. Burket, accompanied by his wife Kaye, was honored with gifts from Nason Hospital and Nason Medical Staff. An engraved mantle clock was presented by D. Stephen Martz, President of Nason Board of Directors. Dr. Keith Eicher, President of Nason Medical Staff, presented Dr. Burket with a memory book compiled with pictures and notes from Nason physicians, Nason staff members, Dr. Burket and Dr. Heaton’s present and former office staff and Spring Cove School District coaches and staff. Dr. Burket was a former Spring Cove School Director and a long time school district volunteer physician.

Pictured at the presentation are: (L to R)
Garrett Hoover, Nason Hospital President/CEO, Dr. Keith Eicher, Nason Hospital Chief of Staff, Dr. Ramon Burket, D. Stephen Martz, Nason Hospital Chairman, Board of Directors
PRESS RELEASE
February 12, 2009
Nason Hospital is pleased to welcome Dr. Larry J. Sarginger, MD to the hospital’s Emergency Department effective January 2009.

Dr. Sarginger completed his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh where he continued his studies toward a Masters in Pharmaceutics Degree while working as a hospital pharmacist at Eye and Ear Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. He graduated in 1981 from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia where he completed both an Internal Medicine and Surgical Sub-internship in his fourth year.

Dr. Sarginger completed his residency in family practice at Forbes Family Practice in Monroeville, PA. Dr. Sarginger gained valuable experience working as a Uniformed Service Physician in the US Public Health Service where he served as the Medical Director of the 29 bed Wagner Indian Hospital in Wagner, SD. Dr. Sarginger has worked as family practice physician in the Saint Mary’s area for over 20 years with experience as an emergency room physician and urgent care physician during that time as well. Garrett Hoover, CEO states, “Dr. Sarginger brings tremendous experience to the Emergency Department at Nason Hospital and he will be an asset to our hospital and surrounding communities.”

Dr. Sarginger is Board Certified in Family Practice and he is certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. He will be replacing Dr. Marwan Sadekni. Dr. Sarginger joins Dr. Steve Um, Dr. Michael Lettieri, and Dr. John Baker on the Nason Hospital Emergency Department full time staff. Dr. Samuel Long, Dr. Karl Stine, and Dr. Gilfred Ubina serve the Emergency Department in a casual rotation.

Dr. Sarginger enjoys breeding and raising Arabian horses for training, riding and showing and Standardbred horses for showing in his spare time.
The Ladies Auxiliary of Nason Hospital presented Garrett W. Hoover, Nason Hospital President/CEO, on December 10, 2008 with a check for $15,000 to help with the hospital lobby renovations.  The money was raised by the auxiliary over several years with multiple fund-raising events, member dues and sales from the hospital gift shop.  

Pictured are (from left):  Dorothy Mellott, Pat Horner, Janet Kreider, Garrett Hoover, Linda Ritchey, Joan Mock, Betty Jean Hoover and Helen Clemens.
On December 10, 2008 Nason Hospital held an Open House and Ribbon Cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new MRI Unit.  Nason Hospital's Radiology Department expanded 1,200 square feet to accommodate the magnet.  Through a collaborative agreement, Nason Hospital and King's Medical Group are offering state-of-the-art MRI services on a full-time basis.  The Siemens MAGNETOM Symphony 1.5Tis one of the world's most popular magnets.

Present for the Ribbon Cutting are (from left):  Judy Juda, Blair County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador; Dr. Keith Eicher, President, Nason Medical Staff; Garrett Hoover, President/CEO Nason Hospital; D. Stephen Martz, President Nason Hospital Board of Directors; Dr. Steven Diehl, Nason Hospital Radiologist; State Rep. Jerry Stern; George Lilja, King's Medical; John Lerda, King's Medical; Garnold Bodenheimer, King's Medical; and Sherri Stayer, Blair County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador.