Lucie Hughes

Compass Regional Hospice Chief Executive Officer Heather Guerieri announced the appointment of Lucie Hughes as its Director of Mission Advancement. “I am beyond excited to have Lucie join our Compass team. She will be an integral part of our leadership team. She is highly skilled and just what we need to advance our mission and presence in the communities we serve”, said Guerieri. Hughes will oversee the newly created Mission Advancement Department including fundraising, communications, advocacy and outreach, and volunteer services.

A native of Hebron, Maryland, Hughes has more than 30 years of experience in leading fundraising, communications, public relations, legislative outreach, marketing, budget planning, alumni development, special events management and strategic planning.

Hughes comes to Compass Regional Hospice from Chesapeake College where she served as the Vice President of Institutional Advancement for 5 years. Prior to Chesapeake College, she was Vice President for Advancement at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Hughes also served as Associate Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations at Maryland Institute College of the Arts. She held a similar position at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and was later a Vice President at Brakeley Briscoe, Inc. Consulting.

A graduate of Washington College, Hughes earned her master’s degree in management from Notre Dame of Maryland University. She is a graduate of Leadership MD ‘17, and past president and current member of Tidewater Rotary where she developed and leads Talbot Goes Purple. She currently serves as a member of the Vestry for Christ Church in Easton, and as a board member for Waterfowl Chesapeake.

Hughes joins Compass Regional Hospice at a pivotal time, as they round out their $4 million dollar capital campaign to raise funds for their expansion project, and prepare to celebrate their 35th year in business.

“Compass Regional Hospice is a crucial resource, and an integral part of our counties’ strategy to care for the physical and mental health of our community members,” Hughes said. “Our goal is to educate the public on the range of services and assistance available to both patients and caregivers. Compass is here to provide support and guidance during what can otherwise be a difficult and lonely transition.”

“We have also recently added a palliative care program, and anticipate being able to accommodate a previously overlooked category of residents who are suffering with a serious and life-limiting illness, but do not qualify for hospice services.” Hughes adds, “The rate at which our organization is growing is both thrilling and crucial, and we will continue to expand as necessary to ensure that our residents have access to the resources they need as they near end-of-life.”

To learn more about Compass Regional Hospice and the various services available, please contact 443-262-4100 or info@compassregionalhospice.org.

Compass Regional Hospice

Since 1985, Compass Regional Hospice has been dedicated to supporting people of all ages living with a serious illness, and those learning to cope following the death of a loved one. Today, the organization is a regional provider of palliative care, hospice care, and grief support in Queen Anne’s, Kent, and Caroline counties. Whether serving their patients in private residences, skilled nursing facilities, or Compass’ residential centers in Centreville and Chestertown, staff and volunteers are guided by their mission to provide comprehensive and compassionate care. Grief support services are offered to families of all patients, as well as to children and adults in the community who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Compass Regional Hospice is a fully licensed, independent, community-based nonprofit organization certified by Medicare and the state of Maryland, and accredited by the Joint Commission. It is affiliated with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Hospice & Palliative Care Network of Maryland. For more information about Compass Regional Hospice, call 443-262-4100 or visit compassregionalhospice.org.

Chesapeake College recognizes the importance of specialized training for first responders who may interact with individuals with disabilities including autism spectrum disorders. As a component of the college’s paramedic program, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s) participate in hands-on awareness training at Benedictine during the month of April.   

Benedictine’s special education teachers, therapists, nurses, and behavioral specialists all play a role in educating the students. The small-group training on campus provides students with the tools they need to communicate and respond effectively and safely to emergency situations involving individuals with multiple disabilities.

“We call it the 17 second rule,” said Benedictine Teacher, June Ward. “It may seem like a lot, but that is the amount of time individuals need to process and respond to a direction.”

For a paramedic, those directions could be as simple as, “Where does it hurt?” An understanding of processing times and the importance of visual cues, such as a picture, can be keys to effective communication during an emergency.

“My experience here so far has been truly eye opening,” said EMT and paramedic student, Bradley Garner. “I can see how each individual is different and how our approach has to be case specific with a tailored treatment plan.”

During training, students toured different program areas and clinical services including physical therapy, Total Communication classrooms, music therapy, nurses’ station and the behavioral resource team.

While on campus, students were able to observe Benedictine’s skilled staff and the various supports and techniques they use, as well as become familiar with the clients served here. Working within this population it is important to understand the difference between mental age verse chronological age, behavioral challenges and more commonly associated medical issues.

“We’ve been able to ask about what challenges to expect when doing patient assessments, like getting blood pressure or doing a physical evaluation,” said EMT and paramedic student Brandon Givens. “I’ve learned about applying pressure as a calming technique here which could be used in the field, as well as the School’s protocols so we know how to step in if and when we get the call.”

Summer camps for children abound on Maryland’s Mid-Shore. For many local children with Type 1 diabetes, however, enrollment in most summer camps is not possible because needed specialized nursing attention and supervision is not included. Thanks to Shore Kids Camp, a day camp offered each summer at MEBA Engineering School (located on Route 33, the Oxford Road) by University of Maryland Shore Regional Health, children with diabetes can enjoy a wonderful day camp experience while also learning about the diseases in a safe and healthy environment. The camp program is designed for children with diabetes, 7-12 years of age, who are able to fully participate in age-appropriate activities with no restrictions other than those related to diabetes. The camp is managed by pediatric nurses with experience in diabetes who are assisted by high school and college students as volunteers.

Offered this summer beginning Monday, July 8 through Thursday, July 11, Shore Kids Camp includes activities like swimming, basketball, arts and crafts, boat rides, and visits to local attractions such as organic farms and museums. Complementing these recreational experiences are on-site, educational presentations about diabetes and interactive games that teach them about their condition and how to manage it safely.

“There’s other camp like this on the Eastern Shore,” says Wynne Aroom, UM SRH patient education specialist who directs Shore Kids Camp. “The diabetes camps across the Bay Bridge are overnight camps, and often parents are reluctant to a young child with a chronic illness that far away from home or the cost may be more than they can afford. Overall, the children who attend Shore Kids Camp have a great time and many return to the camp for multiple years.”

An additional benefit for those who attend is shared experience. Aroom explains, “In many cases, they are the only child in their school class with diabetes, and this can be very challenging for them. The camp provides networking for both the children and their parents, so they don’t feel alone in the challenges they face daily. ”

Increased independence is one of the key goals of the camp. “The activities help boost the children’s confidence that they can survive without their parents,” says Aroom. We provide healthy food and snack options and help the campers in keeping track of what they eat and in trying new foods.”

The Shore Kids Camp cost is $75 at registration and a $10 fee, required in advance for application materials. Some need-based scholarships are available. Registration is limited to 15 children.  The deadline for registration is July 1, 2019.

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,500 employees, medical staff, board members, and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

The popular Safe Sitter® class, taught by pediatric nurses for youth ages 11-13, will be offered in Kent County one last time this year on Thursday, June 27, 2019, 9 a.m.to 3:30 p.m. at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown Education Center.

Safe Sitter® is a national, non-profit organization that provides programs to teach youth life and safety skills for when they are home alone, watching younger siblings or babysitting. Over 175 lives have been saved by Safe Sitter® graduates using the skills learned through the Safe Sitter® training. More information about the program may be found at www.safesitter.org.

The cost for this one-day class is $45; some scholarships are available. Because seating is limited, advance registration is required. For more information or to register, call Chrissy Nelson, 410-778-7668, ext. 2175.

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,200 employees, medical staff, board members and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

Not a drop of rain came down during the Chester River Health Foundation’s 25th annual golf tournament, which raised $95,000 (net) toward the $200,000 goal to purchase a Vitros® 5600 Chemistry Analyzer for Laboratory Services at University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown. This year’s event was held in honor of the tournament’s co-founder, local attorney Dan Saunders, and the event’s top sponsor was once again the Chester River Hospital Center Auxiliary, which made a generous donation of $30,000.

The golf tournament hosted 120 golfers and 25 hard-working volunteers at the Chester River Yacht & Country Club just outside of Chestertown, on May 31, 2019.

Kyle Kirby, CRH Foundation Board member, Ken Kozel, UM SRH president and CEO, Chip MacLeod, SRH Board member, and Ed Salcedo, MD

“A heart-filled thank you to the Foundation’s board members and full complement of Shore Regional Health team members and volunteers who made our annual golf event a huge success,” said Ken Kozel, president and CEO, UM Shore Regional Health. “All who participated were in great spirits and happy to be enjoying the beautiful day on the golf course while raising money in support of our hospital. I am very proud to be part of the team!”

Four hole-in-one prizes went unclaimed: a 2020 Super Bowl trip for two, sponsored by M3 Architecture; two $10,000 cash prizes that were sponsored, respectively, by the Shore Regional Health Medical Staff and by Shore Medical Center at Chestertown’s Executive Director, Kathy Elliott and her husband Rick; a third $10,000 cash prize that was offered in honor of the hospital’s Laboratory Services staff. Bob Ramsey, owner of The Finishing Touch in Chestertown, came very close to winning the $10,000 putting contest sponsored by The Law Offices of C. Daniel Saunders.

A $1,000 cash prize, offered for a golfer whose first shot came in with 12” of the hole on hole #16, was sponsored by Foundation staff member Deb Lauser and her husband, Dave. There was no winner but several golfers came close.

More than $3,000 in prizes donated by community businesses, Foundation Board members and staff were given to the winners of the many team and special events along the course. Winners included:

First Place Low Gross: Taylor Fields, Kreigh Kirby, Dave Landskroener and Rusty Poisson: 59

First Place Low Net Ladies: Sue Edson, Kathy Lazo, Barbara Noll and Alice Ritchie: 58.5

First Place Low Net Men: Casey Hurd, Frank Smith, Todd Smith and Rick Walls: 49.5

First Place Low Net Mixed: Wallace Reynolds, Mary Anne Shea-Reynolds; Paddy Tobey and Rich Tobey: 55

Closest to the Pin, First Shot: Tim Shipp and Leslie Price, hole 3; Doug Ashley and Sharon Somers, hole 12.

Closest to the Pin, 2nd Shot: Erin Gillespie, hole 1; Jeff Carroll, hole 6; Katy Lightburn, hole 11; and Jim Canatella, hole 18.

Longest Drive: Summers Hunter and Alice Ritchie

Longest Drive Not in the Fairway: Kreigh Kirby and Brooke Maier

Accurate Drive: Sam Mirarchi and Leslie Price

Winners of the Ladies’ Low Net, First Place award Kathy Lazo, Barbara Noll, Sue Edson and Alice Ritchie.

“The planning committee’s year-long efforts ensured the success of our tournament,” commented Barrie Meima, Foundation board chairperson. “The Chemistry Analyzer is an essential tool to diagnose serious medical conditions, The Foundation extends a very special thanks to Mary Burton, who once again chaired the event, to Jim Harbeson of the Chester River Yacht & Country Club, who acted as our liaison, and to the Club and its staff who hosted us for the day.”

“Volunteers are the absolute backbone of this event; we simply could not have it without them,” said Maryann Ruehrmund, Foundation executive director. “As a thank you, all volunteers, many of whom were hospital employees or Auxiliary members, received a tropical-themed shirt and were treated to a delicious buffet lunch, compliments of Bill and Barbara Noll, and a sumptuous dinner. We are very grateful to each of them!”

For more information about next year’s tournament (save the date: 5/29/20), or to make a donation to help the Foundation raise the balance of the funds needed to purchase the chemistry analyzer, please contact Maryann Ruehrmund, 410-810-5660 or by email at mruehrmund@umm.edu.

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,500 employees, medical staff, board members, and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

Penny Greeley, a social worker with Compass Regional Hospice, is the most recent recipient of the Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Hospice Caregivers Award.

Greeley was nominated by a patient’s family member to recognize her caring and thoughtful spirit.

Each staff member of Compass Regional Hospice is committed to the mission, which is to provide “care on your terms” to individuals and their families through comprehensive, professional and compassionate end‐of‐life care and grief support.

Greeley was singled out for the care she provided to the nominator’s loved one. As a social worker, Greeley has been providing psychosocial support to Compass Regional Hospice patients and families since 2018.

From left are Heather Guerieri, executive director of Compass Regional Hospice; Penny Greeley, social worker at Compass Regional Hospice; and Kirk Helfenbein of Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home.

The Hospice Caregivers Award nominator wrote, “Penny was a huge help in the last few months of my mom’s life.  She was instrumental in getting my mom the end-of-life care she would want and needed.  I will never forget how caring, thoughtful and kind Penny was to me, my sister and my mom.”

Greeley typically serves patients throughout her territory of Chestertown and surrounding Kent County.

“She really seemed to understand what we were going through and her dedication and ‘customer service’ (if you will) was outstanding. I really appreciated everything that everyone at Compass did for me and my family. ,” the nominator wrote.

The quarterly Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Hospice Caregivers Award is open to physicians, nurses, social workers, bereavement counselors, hospice aides, chaplains, administrative staff and volunteers of Compass Regional Hospice who care for patients in Queen Anne’s, Kent and Caroline counties.

To nominate a hospice caregiver, contact Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, 408 S. Liberty St., Centreville, at 410‐758‐1151 or info@fhnfuneralhome.com.

Compass Regional Hospice

Since 1985, Compass Regional Hospice has been dedicated to supporting people of all ages living with a serious illness, and those learning to cope following the death of a loved one. Today, the organization is a regional provider of palliative care, hospice care, and grief support in Queen Anne’s, Kent, and Caroline counties. Whether serving their patients in private residences, skilled nursing facilities, or Compass’ residential centers in Centreville and Chestertown, staff and volunteers are guided by their mission to provide comprehensive and compassionate care. Grief support services are offered to families of all patients, as well as to children and adults in the community who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Compass Regional Hospice is a fully licensed, independent, community-based nonprofit organization certified by Medicare and the state of Maryland, and accredited by the Joint Commission. It is affiliated with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Hospice & Palliative Care Network of Maryland. For more information about Compass Regional Hospice, call 443-262-4100 or visit compassregionalhospice.org.

On Tuesday, May 14, Governor Hogan signed House Bill 829, which will change the way that mental health services are provided in the state of Maryland. The bill prohibits private insurance carriers from rejecting an accredited community-based health care provider solely because the provider is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) or a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). Public assistance has long been recognizing LGSWs and LMSWs as billable providers. Now, under HB 829, private carriers must follow suit.

For All Seasons Executive Director, Beth Anne Langrell, Delegate Jeff Ghrist (Caroline County), and the Mid Shore Behavioral Health Consortium worked on the bill for over two years. Langrell testified before the Senate, the House of Delegates Committees, and the Eastern Shore Delegation to help others understand the insurance billing challenges and how they affect individuals and families who need services.

(Back row, from left) Caroline County Delegate Jeff Ghrist, For All Seasons Executive Director, Beth Anne Langrell, and Legislative Assistant, Lois Dustin look on as Governor Hogan signs HB829.

According to Langrell, “People in need of care should not have to worry about whether they carry public or private insurance when scheduling a visit. HB 829 eliminates a long-standing discrepancy and simplifies getting more individuals the mental health services they need.”

Delegate Jeff Ghrist comments, “For so long private insurance holders have not received equal treatment in the ways their mental health services are billed. This bill helps to streamline access for people who need care, rather than complicate the process.”

The bill will go into effect on October 1, 2019.

For All Seasons offers individual and group therapy, general, child and adolescent therapy, marriage and couples’ counseling, grief counseling, school-based mental health therapy, urgent care services, Rape Crisis Response, Rape Crisis Counseling and Support, 24-Hour English and Spanish Hotlines, and education and outreach programming. For further information about For All Seasons or to donate, call 410-822-1018 or visit forallseasonsinc.org.

The Caroline Foundation, in partnership with the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, invites organizations that provide medical and/or health-related services to residents of Caroline County, Maryland to apply for FY 2020 grant funding.

Applicants must be nonprofit corporations with IRS tax-exempt status, or government-related entities.  Applications are online at http://www.mscf.org/caroline-foundation. The deadline for submission of FY 2020 grant applications is July 1, 2019.

Grant decisions and distributions will be made in October 2019.  The Caroline Foundation retains the right to accept or reject applications, suggest changes, and support grant requests in full, in part, or not at all.

Organizations that would like additional information about The Caroline Foundation’s grants process should contact Buck Duncan or Robbin Hill at the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, 410-820-8175  or  info@mscf.org.