Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) and Doctors Community Health System (DCHS) have combined to form a new health system. AAMC and DCHS announced today that the name of the new, integrated health system is Luminis Health. The new health system will reimagine community care, improving access and population health while expanding services throughout Maryland.

“For years, Anne Arundel Medical Center and Doctors Community Health System have shared a dedication to compassionate care, delivered when and where people need it most,” said Victoria Bayless, president/CEO of AAMC and CEO of Luminis Health. “We’re carrying that same commitment into the future as Luminis Health, a health system that is here to embrace progress and awaken a new era in care for our communities.”

“We are committed to lighting the way to the highest quality, personalized health care to meet our patients’ needs,” said Gary Jobson, board chair, Luminis Health. “The benefits of combining and creating the new health system include more entry points for coordinated care across the region, improved access to care close to home, enhanced quality and improved health outcomes.”

“Luminis Health will serve as a beacon of hope and healing to strengthen our local communities,” said Paul Grenaldo, president of DCHS. “Those important phrases truly represent elements of each organization’s great traditions while looking towards the future as to how we can be of greater service to people throughout Maryland.”

After sharing their intent to partner in May, AAMC and DCHS signed a definitive agreement at the end of June and closed July 1, 2019. Luminis Health will launch its new brand in spring 2020, which will include a new logo and visual identity. The full integration is expected to take up to two years.

In November, health system officials will host public town hall meetings in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties. To view the town hall schedule and to learn more about Luminis Health, visit LuminisHealth.com.

What is the meaning behind the new name?

Luminis (pronounced lu·mi·nous) is symbolic of light. It signifies the health system’s commitment to being a beacon of hope and healing for its communities. Light is quite literally energy that you can see — and by joining forces and moving forward as one, AAMC and DCHS are igniting new possibilities for how and where health care is delivered.

How did you pick this name?

Over the past several months, health system officials have asked for input from community members and internal stakeholders through surveys, research and interviews. Luminis Health was born from that input, but more importantly, all of the research will help define the new health system brand. The new brand will be revealed in spring 2020.

Will the name of the hospitals change?

Starting Sept. 17, the new health system will be known as Luminis Health. The next step is to determine how the new system name will apply to both hospitals’ existing entity names while respecting the legacies of each. This process will continue to include an enormous amount of research to make sure voices of both AAMC and DCHS stakeholders (i.e., employees, physicians, board members, community members, volunteers, etc.) are heard.

How will this affect patients?

Right now, access to care will remain the same, without any immediate changes. Patients can continue to see their preferred providers, and insurance coverage and access to patient portals will not change.

About Anne Arundel Medical Center

Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC), a regional health system headquartered in Annapolis, Md., serves an area of more than one million people. Founded in 1902, AAMC includes a 349-bed not-for-profit hospital, a multi-specialty medical group, imaging and lab services, community care clinics, a research institute, a substance use treatment center and health enterprises. In addition to an Annapolis campus, AAMC has outpatient pavilions in Easton, Bowie, Kent Island, Odenton, Pasadena and Waugh Chapel. AAMC is nationally recognized for its joint replacement center, emergency heart attack response and cancer care. A leader in women’s services, AAMC delivers the state’s second highest number of babies annually and has a Level 3 NICU. AAMC is among just 6 percent of U.S. hospitals to be designated a Magnet® hospital, the highest-level credential for quality patient care and nursing excellence. As a Most Wired® healthcare organization, AAMC is nationally recognized for using technology to enhance the patient experience. With more than 1,200 medical staff members, 4,700 employees and 1,000 volunteers, AAMC consistently receives awards for quality, patient satisfaction and innovation. To learn more, visit askAAMC.org.

About Doctors Community Health System

Doctors Community Health System is a network of medical and surgical services provided throughout Prince George’s County and in Anne Arundel County. At the heart of this network is its flagship – Doctors Community Hospital in Lanham, Maryland. To complement the hospital’s high quality and comprehensive services, the system has more than a dozen centers of care in Bowie, Camp Springs, Crofton, District Heights, Hyattsville, Lanham, Largo, Laurel, Riverdale and Temple Hills. In addition to being recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a high-performing hospital in colon cancer surgery and heart failure, it is the only hospital in Prince George’s County on Forbes’ list of best midsize employers. Also, it earned Hospital Compare’s four-star quality rating – the highest in Prince George’s County.

After renovations at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown allowed for a larger main entrance, expanded emergency department, separate emergency department waiting room and movement of the hospital gift shop to a new location near the hospital entrance, hospital staff saw an empty space near Patient Registration as an excellent spot for a more private waiting area for patients and families awaiting hospital outpatient services, including laboratory and medical imaging services, to relax. The new waiting room recently was completed for hospital guests.

On August 17^th, Compass Regional Hospice kicked off its 25^th year of Camp New Dawn. This annual bereavement camp gives local children, teens, and families the opportunity to express and understand their grief, and meet other kids who have been impacted by the loss of a loved one. During its inaugural year in 1994, Susan Brandon established “Camp Rainbow”, as it was originally called, which hosted 18 children from Queen Anne’s County. That first year, one camper who attended after losing his mother and grandfather told a reporter that he liked camp because it gave him an opportunity to talk to people about the loved ones he had lost, “when you are with your family, you don’t really want to say too much about it. But at camp, you can talk easier about your feelings.”

This year during the closing ceremony, campers and volunteers had the opportunity to reflect on the past years and recognize how much camp has evolved since 1994. Camp Director, Rhonda Knotts, has been involved with Camp New Dawn for nearly 20 years. Knotts said of founder Susan Brandon, “This program would not be where it is today, if it weren’t for the vision, passion, and commitment of Susan.”Now held at Camp Pecometh, the 4-day, 3-night event offers a kids’ program for children ages 6-13, a teen group, a mini camp for children ages 3-6, a 24-hour adult retreat, and a 24-hour family retreat.

Paige Barton attended that first camp 25 years ago, after suddenly losing her grandfather to a heart attack. She said of her experience, “Camp new dawn helped me realize it was okay to reminisce and reflect on the wonderful memories we shared together, it was okay to cry, it was okay to communicate to others my sad feelings. I can only imagine the lives that this camp has touched. It’s not only a reflection of our loved ones but also a reflection of what Compass Regional Hospice has done in our community.”

Another camp alumni, Kristin Whitesell, remembers receiving her mom’s incurable cancer diagnosis when Whitesell was only 10 years old. When hospice got involved in her mom’s care, she was introduced to Susan Brandon, someone whose impact she will never forget. Three years later “Camp Rainbow” came to fruition, and Susan reached out to invite Whitesell. “I think back on that weekend often. I think about all the special people I met, and the tools that I learned to help me deal with my feelings and grief. I even, after all these years, saved an autograph book that I made during that weekend at camp.”

Over the last 25 years, Camp New Dawn has grown and provided a safe place for over 800 children to learn about and process their grief. Each child is paired with a “Buddy”, a volunteer who stays with their camper for the duration of the weekend, building a trusting relationship and helping the child move forward in their healing process. Buddies find the camp a rewarding and fulfilling experience that they ultimately carry with them for the rest of their lives. Long-time volunteer Mark Wade said, “One of the things that we are most proud of here at Camp New Dawn, is the fact that so many of our past campers believe so strongly in the power of healing that takes place during our retreat, that they are now volunteers—truly some of our best volunteers.”

In addition to structured grief-related activities, discussions,and remembrance activities, attendees enjoy lots of typical camp fun. From swimming and fishing, to dancing and yoga, Camp New Dawn makes sure that campers come away from the experience wanting to come back. “Our program provides a unique opportunity for children and teens to increase levels of hope, enhance self-esteem, and most importantly to learn that they are not alone. We provide a structure that enables healing and fun filled moments with people who understand what it feels like to lose someone close”, Knotts said

The cost of Camp New Dawn is $30 per camper or $75 per family. No one is turned away based on inability to pay and these fees cover just a fraction of the actual operating costs, so Compass Regional Hospice relies on donations, grants and fundraising events to cover expenses. Knotts says they have been extremely fortunate regarding the amount of people who donate their materials, talents, time, and energy to the children and families who participate in their camp. Those who find themselves intimidated by becoming a “Buddy”, offer support through in-kind gifts and expertise that keep camp running smoothly. This year over 100 volunteers spent the long weekend ensuring all needs were met for all 65 campers. This annual retreat would not be possible without the generosity and support of the community members who passionately stand behind the mission.

Compass Regional Hospice

Camp New Dawn is a bereavement camp hosted by Compass Regional Hospice, designed to promote understanding and healing for children, who have lost a loved one. 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. 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. If you are interested in being a part of Camp New Dawn, whether through sponsorship, volunteering or donating, please contact, Rhonda Knotts, Supervisor of Grief Services and Director of Camp New Dawn: rknotts@compassregionalhospice.org.

The Insight Meditation Community of Chestertown is offering a 6-week Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation class on Sunday afternoons from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. beginning October 6, 2019. At the heart of insight meditation is the practice of mindfulness, the cultivation of clear, stable and non-judgmental awareness. Anne Briggs, the group’s leader, and Wendy Morrison, a mindfulness and yoga teacher, will be teaching the classes, which will be held at the Chester River Friends Meeting House, 124 Philosophers Terrace, Chestertown. There is a $25.00 registration fee, which can be mailed to Anne Briggs at 220 N. Kent Street, Chestertown, Md. 21620. Checks should be made payable to IMC – Chestertown, and accompanied by your e-mail address and telephone number.

For further information, please consult the group’s web site at www.imc-chestertown.org. or get in touch with Anne Briggs by telephone at 410-778-1746, or by e-mail at info@imc-chestertown.org.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties is pleased to announce the resumption of our Family Support Groups.  These groups are peer-led groups for family members, caregivers, and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness.  The groups are offered to the public at no cost. Support group members gain insight from the challenges and successes of other group members facing similar circumstances.

Family members or friends of someone with mental illness find from the support group that they are not alone and that they can find the support they need from the group.The family support group is unique because it follows a structured model, ensuring everyone the opportunity to be heard and to get information and the support that they need.The support groups are free, confidential, and led by people who have loved ones with mental illness.

By sharing your experiences with a group in a safe and confidential setting, you gain hope and develop supportive relationships.  The group encourages empathy, productive discussion and a sense of community. Members benefit through others’ experiences, discover inner strengths, and learn how to identify and use local resources.

One group member said, “The most beneficial thing for me to learn was that I am not alone.  I found the NAMI Family Support Group at the time I really needed it!”

NAMI offers its Family Support Program on the first Tuesday of the month in Centreville and the third Tuesday of the month in Chestertown, from 7:00 – 8:30 pm.  For more information contact:  443-480-0565 or namikentandqueenannes@gmail.com

UM Shore Regional Health’s Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology offers four diabetes support groups that are free and open to those with diabetes or pre-diabetes, as well as families, caregivers and friends of those living with diabetes. Led by certified diabetes nurse educators, these support groups provide informative presentations as well as fellowship and support for persons affected by diabetes.

Participants gather to discuss their successes and their fears while learning about meal planning, monitoring and managing blood sugar levels, treatment options and other strategies to avoid diabetes complications and maintain their best health. “Group members share their personal stories and learn meal preparation strategies so they can enjoy foods they like as long as they control portions and exercise regularly,” says Jessica Tippett, lead diabetes educator. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Tippett joined the diabetes education team in April and became lead educator in July.

No registration is required to attend these groups, which are scheduled as follows:

Cambridge: Fourth Wednesday of each month, 5:30 p.m., first floor Board Room, UM Shore Medical Center at Dorchester, 300 Byrn Street. Led by Wynne Aroom.

Chestertown: Fourth Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m., Conference Center, UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, 100 Brown Street.

Denton (day and time change): First Tuesday of each month, 5 p.m., St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 S. Fifth Avenue. Led by Jessica Tippett.

Easton: Second Monday of each month, 5:30 p.m., Talbot County Senior Center, 400 Brookletts Avenue. Led by Karen Hollis.

Diabetes educators also are available to speak to community groups throughout the five-county region. “We are happy to speak to groups on such topics as the prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes in our region, treatment options and strategies for managing the disease for to maintain overall good health,” says Tippett.

For more information about the support groups or to book a speaker on diabetes for your organization, please call 410-822-1000, ext. 5757.

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.

Jennifer L. Bowie, former vice president, Patient Care Services and chief nurse executive at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital (MWPH) in Baltimore, has joined UM Shore Regional Health (SRH) as vice president for Nursing and Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer. For the past several weeks, Bowie has been on site working with vice former senior vice president and CNO Ruth Ann Jones, whose official retirement date was August 16, to effect a smooth transition.

Before her arrival at UM SRH, Bowie had served in the vice president position at MWPH since 2012. In in that capacity, she was responsible for the strategic/operational leadership of the 103-bed, two-campus hospital’s inpatient and outpatient nursing, respiratory therapy, pharmacy, social work, admissions, care management and infection prevention. MWPH is affiliated with University of Maryland Medical Center and Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Among Bowie’s many accomplishments at MWPH are: successful JCAHO, CARF and CMS surveys; the opening of a 50-bed transitional unit for infants; implementation of a successful, hospital-wide patient experience initiative; creation of a succession planning model to grow leaders and staff aligned with MWPH strategic goals and initiatives; and the creation of departmental and hospital-wide councils to build leadership growth opportunities.

Bowie’s previous experience also includes serving as executive director of nursing at Trinity Regional Healthcare, a 515-bed, three hospital system in Rockland, Illinois; administrative director, Women’s and Children’s Services at Mary Washington Hospital, a 459-bed Magnet®-accredited, level 2 trauma facility in Fredericksburg, Virginia; director, Business Development at West Valley Hospital in Goodyear, Arizona; and director, Women’s and Children’s Services at Paradise Valley Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona.

Bowie earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from The Catholic University of America and her MBA from Grand Canyon University. She is pursuing a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership and Development. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honors Society and in 2018 was named one of Baltimore’s Best Nurses in the Manager/Nurse Executive Category by Baltimore Magazine.

“We are delighted to have Jenny Bowie joining the Shore Regional Health senior leadership team,” said Ken Kozel, president and CEO. “She is a proven nurse leader whose outstanding skills and accomplishments have contributed to innovative health care management strategies and excellent patient care at several medical organizations.”

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.

Judy Kyle has joined University of Maryland Shore Medical Group (UM SMG) as senior director, Operations, Timothy Shanahan, DO, medical director, UM SMG has announced. In this position, Kyle leads a 17-member team supporting UM SMG, which includes 25 medical practices employing more than 100 physicians and advanced practice providers.

Kyle brings more than 20 years in health care management and leadership to UM SMG, including 15 years providing oversight of physician practices and specialty clinics at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia and seven years directing the hospital’s informatics. Her responsibilities included overseeing the operations and financial management of pediatric primary care practices and subspecialty practices including the Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Cardiology Catheterization Laboratory, Peripheral Vascular Laboratory, EEG Lab, and Cardiology, Cardiovascular Surgery, Neurology, Psychiatry and Psychology. She also was responsible for the recruitment and hiring of physicians and for the expansion and/or relocation of 11 physician practices.

Kyle earned her B.S. in Clinical Laboratory Science from Thomas Edison State College in Trenton, New Jersey and her M.S. in Management from Troy State University in Troy, Alabama. She is a resident of Centreville, Maryland.

“I am very pleased to welcome Judy as our new director,” said Dr. Shanahan.  “She brings a broad depth of leadership skills and health care management to our team. I look forward to continuing to working collaboratively with the entire Shore team and my new partner, in the dyad structure, in continuing to build the premier healthcare organization on the Shore.”

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 Nearly New Shop on High Street in Chestertown has a new look and layout, according to Nanny Porter, co-manager of the shop with JoAnn Bowdle. Porter and Bowdle are both members of the Chester River Hospital Center Auxiliary, which has owned and operated the Nearly New Shop for the past 60 years.

Porter has been a volunteer with the Auxiliary since 2013. When asked to become the new shop manager, she saw a need to make changes inthe interest of increasing sales. Using many suggestions from Shop volunteers, new concepts were implemented.

In an effort to appeal to customers, more display space was created. Porter felt that the male shoppers needed a room of their own, so the former volunteers’ work room is now the Men’s Department, which has been received very favorably by male customers.

“We also reorganized the remainder of the inventory by converting the first room that you enter into the housewares, jewelry, scarves and handbags display,” says Porter. “The entire store has new racks that give each room an open feeling. These changes have made a big difference in that shoppers can find  merchandise more easily and the open spaces allow them to move around more comfortably. Many have asked if we have added on to the building because the rooms seem more spacious.”

New sales initiatives and policies accompany the new appearance. As Porter explains, “We try to turn over all merchandise within six weeks. We run a 50% off sale in both the men’s and women’s departments every week and we offer a senior discount every Thursday to shoppers over the age of 60. To attract more student shoppers, we offer a 10 % student discount during the school year, and during the month of September, to thank our first responders for the sacrifices they make every day, we are offering 10 % off their total purchase.”

Nearly New’s changes have been very well received. In addition to compliments from shoppers and greater volunteer pride and satisfaction, Porter reports that sales are up. “We are seeing big gains over the past; overall our revenues are now averaging $1500 or more each week and that is without raising our prices,” she says. “I think the quality of our merchandise is better as well – not just the clothing, but wonderful donations of china, crystal, linens, art and jewelry.”

Located at 320 High Street in Chestertown, the Nearly New Shop is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Weekly sales are listed in the Tidewater Trader.

Reported to be the oldest retail store in continuous operation in Chestertown, the Nearly New Shop is always in need of volunteers and interest person may apply in person at the store. For more information, call 410-778-1781.

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.