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May 17, 2022

The Chestertown Spy

An Educational News Source for Chestertown Maryland

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Health Health Notes

UM Shore Regional Health Recognizes National Donate Life Month

May 13, 2022 by UM Shore Regional Health Leave a Comment

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University of Maryland Shore Regional Health celebrated April as National Donate Life Month, honoring organ donors and bringing awareness to saving or enhancing lives through organ, eye and tissue donation. On April 22, UM SRH team members wore blue and green in honor of National Donate Life Blue and Green Day, which encourages the sharing of the Donate Life message and promotes the importance of registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor.

Members of the UM Shore Regional Health Same Day Surgery and Endoscopy at Easton team dressed in blue and green to honor organ donors on Blue and Green Day, which was Friday, April 22. From left are Alexis Coverdale, RN; Maddi Nagel, RN; Stacy Dion, RN; Cindy Coulbourne, unit secretary; Renee Thomas, RN; Amy Schwaninger, RN; and Amanda Coate, RN.

“Thanks to the generosity of donors and their families, and the dedication of healthcare and transplant professionals, many lives were saved through donation and transplantation throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Chris Wright, Hospital Services Coordinator for The Living Legacy Foundation of Maryland and UM Shore Regional Health. “Those families who have experienced organ donation from the giving side are comforted in knowing that, even in death, their loved one is helping others.”

Created by Donate Life America in 2003, Donate Life Month is observed annually to honor organ donors and their families’ choice to save lives. In 2021, more than41,000 lives were saved in the United States through organ donation, and of these, more than 34,000 were saved thanks to deceased donors.

From left are Petra Raiford, medical assistant; Fallon Bauer, PA; Mohammad Walid Kamsheh, MD; Rena Sukhdeo Singh, MD; and RahelAlemu, NP.

The Donor Council of UM Shore Regional Health and The Living Legacy Foundation of Maryland regularly educate the community about organ donation through information sessions about the donation process as well as awareness tables on our hospital campuses.

About 95 percent of adults in the U.S. support organ donation, but only slightly more than 50 percent are registered donors. Educating hospital staff about the process supports organ donation registration by enabling them to educate the public and encourage discussion among family members about options for their end-of-life wishes. Maryland registered more than 220,000 new organ donors in 2021.

To register as an organ donor, visit the Maryland Vehicle Administration while obtaining or renewing a driver’s license or state ID, or visit The Living Legacy Foundation of Maryland online at www.thellf.org.

About University of Maryland Shore Regional Health

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.

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland, bringing innovation, discovery and research to the care we provide and educating the state’s future physician and health care professionals through our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the UM Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and Dentistry in Baltimore. As one of the largest private employers in the State, the health system’s 28,000 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations and at 12 hospitals. UMMS’ flagship academic campus, the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore is partnered with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and is recognized regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation in specialized care. Our acute care and specialty rehabilitation hospitals serve urban, suburban and rural communities and are located in 13 counties across the State. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

Filed Under: Health Notes Tagged With: Health, local news, UM Shore Regional Health

Compass’ Grief 101 Workshops

May 12, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Grief reactions are often intricate and complex. When you add that your loved one died from an overdose, accidental or not, or death by suicide, it complicates matters. There are myriad emotions that occur when someone dies, but when the death is from an overdose or suicide, the most difficult ones rise to the surface. If you have experienced the death of a loved one from an overdose or substance abuse or suicide your reactions may be unlike anything you have ever experienced.  Your feelings and reactions are common in what feels like an abnormal situation or uncharted waters.

If you have experienced these or continue to experience these, please know that the intensity and duration changes over time.   Often, understanding the grief process can help you navigate these unchartered waters.  We would like to invite you to join us for a Grief 101 Workshop, that focuses on the unique grief that surrounds the death of someone who has passed due to a substance overdose or suicide.  Compass is offering two opportunities to participate:

Location: Kent County Community Center
Address: 11041 Worton Rd.
Date: Tuesday, May 24th
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Register by May 20th

Location: The Barnett Center (Compass)
Address: 255 Comet Drive, Centreville, Md 21623
Date: Thursday, June 2nd
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Register by May 27th

For more information or to register please reach to Rhonda Knotts at rknotts@compassregionalhospice.org or 443.262.4120.

Compass

Since 1985, Compass has been allowing patients to spend their final months the way they choose, guiding loved ones after a life-limiting diagnosis, and showing individuals healthy ways to manage their grief. Today, the organization is a regional provider of hospice care, supportive care, and grief services in Caroline, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. Whether serving their patients in private residences, skilled nursing facilities, or Compass’ residential center in Centreville, staff and volunteers are guided by their mission to ensure that individuals facing end of life can live out their days in a full and meaningful way.

Compass 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.

Are you interested in setting up a planned gift? Leave a legacy of caring by making a planned gift to Compass. This could in remembering Compass in your will, naming them as a beneficiary in a life insurance policy, charitable gift annuities, and more. To learn more about planned giving opportunities to Compass, please contact Kenda Leager at kleager@compassregionalhospice.org or 443-262-4106. For more information about Compass, call 443-262-4100 or visit compassregionalhospice.org.

Filed Under: Health Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, Compass Hospice, Health, local news

University of Maryland Urgent Care Opens Newest Location Today In Chester / Kent Island

May 11, 2022 by UM Shore Regional Health 2 Comments

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The University of Maryland Medical System today opened its newest University of Maryland Urgent Care (UMUC) location, located in the Kent Town Market Shopping Center off Maryland Route 50 (25 Kent Town Market, Suite 100A in Chester).

The opening of UMUC’sKent Island location is long overdue and fills a much-needed void for healthcare in Queen Anne’s County. The site is more than 4,400 square-feet, will employ approximately 20 local residents and plans on providing care to over 12,000 patients annually.  This is UMUC’s third location on the Eastern Shore, with centers already serving patients in Denton and Easton.

“We are thrilled to bring urgent care services to the residents of Queen Anne’s County. The services we will provide at this location will help relieve pressure from the emergency departments and will make health care much more accessible with is now being just down the road, rather than in the next major town miles away,” said Scott Burger, D.O., UMUC’s Interim Chief Medical Officer.

Last Thursday, the new business celebrated their joining of the Queen Anne’s County Chamber of Commerce with a traditional ribbon cutting, which included County Commissioners Steve Wilson and Jack Wilson; Economic Development Commissioners Jim Reilly and Laura Wilson; Joe Ciotola, MD, the Health Officer for Queen Anne’s County; and Ken Kozel, President and Chief Executive Officer of University of Maryland Shore Regional Health. During the event, attendees had the opportunity to take a “behind the scenes” tour of the new facility, including the updated storefront with new windows, the triage room, an exam room and oversized lobby featuring large wall murals from local photographer Jay Fleming.

In addition to the University of Maryland Urgent Care locations in Denton and Easton, the Kent Island center will be another great option for local residents as well as for summertime beach-goers and those on their way to or from Eastern Shore vacations, any of whom may find themselves in urgent need of medical care.

The location opened today and will be open seven days a week from 8 am to 8 pm, including most holidays.

Details about the new University of Maryland Urgent Care Kent Island location are available at UMUrgentCare.com.

About University of Maryland Urgent Care

University of Maryland Urgent Care operates nine centers across the state of Maryland in Baltimore, Caroline, Harford and Talbot counties and Baltimore City. UM Urgent Care focuses on providing a superior patient experience and ensures patients receive high-quality health care that is convenient and affordable.

UM Urgent Care is accredited by the Urgent Care Association. Our centers meet nationally standardized criteria to provide high-level care and processes associated with quality, safety and scope of services. For more information, visit UMUrgentCare.com.

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland, bringing innovation, discovery and research to the care we provide and educating the state’s future physician and health care professionals through our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the UM Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and Dentistry in Baltimore. As one of the largest private employers in the State, the health system’s 28,000 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations and at 12 hospitals. UMMS’ flagship academic campus, the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore is partnered with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and is recognized regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation in specialized care. Our acute care and specialty rehabilitation hospitals serve urban, suburban and rural communities and are located in 13 counties across the State. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

Filed Under: Health Notes Tagged With: Health, local news, UM Shore Regional Health

State Tax Credits Awarded to Chester River Health Foundation

May 7, 2022 by Shore Regional Health System Leave a Comment

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The University of Maryland Chester River Health Foundation (CRHF) was awarded an allocation of state tax credits to support its efforts to raise nearly $150,000 to fund a replacement hematology analyzer for the laboratory at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown. CRHF is one of just two health-related organizations awarded tax credits this year from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

According to Maryann Ruehrmund, executive director of CRHF, the program provides a tax credit to donors equal to fifty percent (50%) of any donation of $1,000 or greater. The number of credits available is limited and tend to be sold quickly. CRHF’s mission is to raise funds that steward and enhance healthcare excellence for the people who live in or visit the communities served by UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown.

“A hematology analyzer is imperative to have in every hospital lab because it is used to screen for blood disease and aid in treatment of cancer patients,” said Elizabeth Principe, Laboratory Site Coordinator at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown.

“The Sysmex brand we will purchase is considered to be the global leader and ‘gold standard’ of hematology analyzers in the industry,” Principe said. “The results it generates will accurately and quickly tell providers a great deal about the overall health of their patients.  We appreciate our community’s continued support of the Foundation’s efforts to ensure the lab has state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment.”

Tax law changes enacted in 2017 affected the deductibility of charitable donations for many people because of the increase in the standard deduction, Ruehrmund explained. “The attractiveness of this tax credit program has increased because the tax credits are offered in addition to any deduction taken for making a charitable gift – or in addition to the standard deduction.”

“While I believe most people make donations to the Chester River Health Foundation because they support the mission of the hospital, the obvious benefits of the CITC program have opened the door for individuals to make larger contributions,” Ruehrmund said.

Donors interested in tax credits should contact Reuhrmund at 410-810-5660 or by email, mruehrmund@umm.edu, prior to sending a donation.

About University of Maryland Shore Regional Health

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland, bringing innovation, discovery and research to the care we provide and educating the state’s future physician and health care professionals through our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore professional schools (Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and Dentistry) in Baltimore. As one of the largest private employers in the State, the health system’s more than 29,500 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations, including 12 hospitals and 9 University of Maryland Urgent Care centers. The UMMS flagship academic campus, the University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore, is recognized regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation in specialized care.  Our acute care and specialty rehabilitation hospitals serve urban, suburban and rural communities and are located in 13 counties across the State. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

Filed Under: Health Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, Health, local news, UM Shore Regional Health

For All Seasons Recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month with Spread Joy Confetti Challenge!

May 6, 2022 by For All Seasons, Inc. Leave a Comment

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According to Mental Health America, about one-half of all Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life, with symptoms starting by age 24 for the majority of people. The organization also reports that the average delay between symptom onset and treatment is 11 years, meaning a lot of people spend months or years facing mental health challenges before getting a diagnosis.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and For All Seasons wants the public to know that it is never too early or too late to seek treatment for your mental health. Mental health is an essential part of overall health. The agency continues to partner with area businesses, schools, government agencies, healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, and citizens to promote mental wellness and support prevention efforts. Intervening effectively during the early stages can save lives and is critically important for people living with mental health conditions.

For All Seasons staff celebrates its “Spread Joy Confetti Challenge!” for Mental Health Awareness Month.

One of the questions a lot of people ask when it comes to their mental health is: can you have times of poor mental health without having a diagnosable condition? The answer is yes. Just like our physical health where you can be generally physically unhealthy without having a particular illness, we can have tough days and weeks when we struggle with our mental health. To be diagnosed with a mental health condition, the changes in your thinking and emotions must be seriously hurting your ability to do the things you want to do; and staying longer than they should – weeks or months, depending on the condition.

Mental Health America says that some risk factors for mental health conditions include: trauma, which can be a one-time event or ongoing; your environment and how it impacts your health and quality of life (also known as social determinants of health like financial stability and health care access); genetics; brain chemistry; and your habits and lifestyle such as a lack of sleep. Taking time to examine feelings and behaviors to see if they are part of a pattern caused by a mental health condition, can be the first step in deciding if you need an assessment by a mental health professional.

Some possible questions to ask yourself are:

  • Have things that used to feel easy started feeling difficult?
  • Does the idea of doing daily tasks like making your bed now feel really, really hard?
  • Have you lost interest in activities and hobbies you used to enjoy?
  • Do you feel irritated, possibly to the point of lashing out at people you care about?

If you feel the answer to a number of these questions is yes, you may want to talk with your physician or call a mental health professional to receive the help that you need. You are not alone.

Another way to have a positive impact on your mental health, as well as someone else’s, is to do something that makes you smile. For All Seasons is inviting the community to join the agency this May to spread joy through its Spread Joy Confetti Challenge! To pick up your confetti packet or to share your video of participating in the Spread Joy Confetti Challenge! contact: For All Seasons Marketing and Outreach Associate, Jon Qvarnstrom at jqvarnstrom@forallseasonsinc.org. Videos will be shared throughout the month on the For All Seasons Facebook, and Instagram pages – @forallseasonsinc.

For All Seasons professionals are available 24/7. Call 410- 822-1018 or on our 24-hour confidential crisis hotlines English: 410-820-5600, Español: 410-829-6143, English or Español text: 410-829-6143.

Filed Under: Health Notes Tagged With: For All Seasons, Health, local news

Harnessing Hope with Governor Hogan Grant

May 3, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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The transformative healing power of horses will reach more people struggling with physical, psychological, and developmental challenges made possible by Governor Larry Hogan’s FY’23 budget for Miscellaneous Grants. The highly competitive award to Talisman Therapeutic Riding in Grasonville will support capital improvements and the expansion of specialty equine programs led by licensed therapists and riding instructors on the bucolic 30-acre farm.

The $650,000 matching grant marks the kick-off of Harnessing Hope, a $2 million capital campaign, to be announced at Talisman’s annual Derby Day benefit on May 7. Founded in 2012 with one horse and one rider, today over 200 riders/clients, ages four to 80+, participate annually. Supported conditions include: cerebral palsy, PTSD, autism, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, severe brain trauma, dementia, vision impairment, stroke, depression, anxiety, muscular dystrophy, ADD & ADHD, and others.

The grant was made possible with invaluable support from the District 36 Delegation to the State legislature, Senator Stephen Hershey and Delegates Steven Arentz, Jefferson Ghrist, and Jay Jacobs.

“Talisman provides unique therapeutic services with trained horses in a beautiful outdoor setting,” says Peter Behringer, Chairman of the Talisman Board. “The Governor’s grant ignites our fundraising campaign to improve lives through an expansion of programs and facilities.”

Talisman Equine Programs:

  • Heroes on Horses – serves active duty military, veterans of the armed forces, national guard, first responders, and front-line healthcare workers
  • Hippotherapy – physical, occupational, and speech language pathology guided by instructors who use the movements of a horse to provide carefully graded motor and sensory input.
  • StableFamily – a comprehensive equine experience that promotes family connection through interaction and guided cooperative exercises with horses.
  • TheraPony – equine activities for children ages four to 11 with cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and physical disabilities.
  • Talisman Tranquility – training in relaxation and mindfulness practices in both equine and non-equine programs.
  • TTRiding – tweens and young teens benefit from bonding relationships with equine partners that build confidence and improve physical strength while developing new skills.
  • Horse Discover Center (HDC) – for able-bodied children and adult horse enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels.
  • Summer Programs – Specialized week-long riding sessions based on age and ability.

“Through the remarkable energy of the horses, I have witnessed the strength, determination, and ability that lie within each individual.” Beth Cole, Talisman CRTI Instructor

Horses are experts at teamwork and relationships. They understand loyalty, honesty, and cooperation. When a rider takes a step of confidence, a horse will respond positively, reinforcing that feeling and behavior. A rider learns to be independent by feeding, brushing, and saddling their horse. Based on an individual assessment, a customized lesson plan is developed for each client/rider upon enrollment in a program.

It would be our pleasure to welcome you for coverage of the announcement of the Grant and Capital Campaign at our annual Derby Day benefit, complete with mint juleps, dinner, and auction. The event begins at 5:00pm on Saturday, May 7 at Talisman Therapeutic Riding, 172 Blue Ribbon Lane, Grasonville, MD 21638. RSVP required

Filed Under: Health Notes Tagged With: Health, local news

UM SRH Neurosurgeon Dr. Khalid Kurtom Competes in Boston Marathon

April 30, 2022 by UM Shore Regional Health Leave a Comment

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UM SRH neurosurgeon Khalid Kurtom, MD, is shown at the finish line of the Boston Marathon on April 18, 2022.

Khalid Kurtom, MD spent his 44th birthday – at least 3 hours and 28 seconds of it – on the road from the town of Hopkinton, Massachusetts to Boston.

But Kurtom was not behind the wheel – he took a few days off from his role as a neurosurgeon and medical director at the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center in Easton to spend a long weekend in Boston among more than 25,000 competitors running the 126th Boston Marathon on April 18. Kurtom was joined in Boston by his 11-year old son and 9-year old daughter, and together they enjoyed a few days touring the city’s museums, parks and historic sites before the marathon.

“This didn’t leave much time for preparing for the race with the best nutrition and stretching, but we’d never been to Boston before and there is so much there to see and do,” said Dr. Kurtom. “We saw so many sights in just a few days. I tried to enjoy every moment with my kids and share this experience with them.”

A resident of the Talbot County town of Trappe, Dr. Kurtom’s journey to running the Boston Marathon – named one of the top six marathons in the world by sportstourismnews.com – began in the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I was never a long-distance runner, but when the pandemic started, I saw an opportunity to maintain a high level of physical activity by establishing running a marathon as my goal, which seemed like an unachievable goal to me but one worth pursuing,” Dr. Kurtom said. “Before, I ran only a few miles at time, but I started increasing the distance, working up to 50 or 60 miles a week as well as continuing strength training at the gym. Along the way, I also learned so much about health, nutrition, and exercise – to me, that journey is the most important part of the whole experience.”

Shown with Dr. Kurtom after the race is his colleague Wendy Towers, CRNP. Towers and her husband traveled to Boston to be on hand for the event.

He ran a few half marathons first and then in April 2021, entered the Tidewater Striders Spring Marathon in Chesapeake, Virginia, which is a Boston Marathon qualifier. Coming in third overall among 71 racers, Kurtom clocked in at 2:54:55, qualifying him to compete in the Boston event.

In addition to his children, on hand for the event were Dr. Kurtom’s colleague, Wendy Towers, CRNP, UM Shore Medical Group, who with her husband, Cooper, enjoyed a visit with their daughter who lives in Boston. “When Dr. Kurtom qualified for the Boston Marathon last year, I was so excited, I promised to be there,” said Towers. “I offered as much support and encouragement as possible throughout his year of training, so it was great to be there to cheer him on.”

“Because of the terrain, the Boston Marathon is much harder than many other races — it takes a lot of mental and emotional preparation as well as physical preparation, it is designed to break the most accomplished runners,” Dr. Kurtom said. “The hardest stretch is from mile 17 to 21, which has four, mile-long uphill climbs. The last one is called ‘heartbreak hill’ because that is where a lot of runners break down.”

Dr. Kurtom’s determination and training paid off – he finished in 3 hours and 28 seconds, within the top 13 percent of finishers and placing 536thin his age group. But he’s quick to give credit to others who supported his journey, including his family, his colleagues at UM Shore Regional Health and his patients.

“I got so much support, so much encouragement – especially from my neurosurgery team members who had a close-up view of my training schedule, which included lunchtime runs from the office as well as late night runs,” he said. “One of many things I learned from the experience is that time is relative, you make time for things that are important to you. When I encourage my patients to improve their fitness level, I tell them if I can find the time to work on fitness in my busy schedule, I know you can, too.’”

“This is really another monumental achievement for Dr. Kurtom,” said his friend and colleague, Christopher Runz, MD. “His mindset, skills and voracious work effort make him world class in everything he does. He really is a motivating force and an inspiration to all of us.”

With the marathon behind him, finding free time is likely to be less challenging for Kurtom; while all over the U.S., there are many marathons that offer better weather, easier terrain and nicer vistas than Boston, he plans to return to a more moderate, more well-rounded fitness routine.

“I was honored to be running alongside so many really accomplished, elite runners who travel the world competing in marathons. It was an amazing diversity of people, and I am so glad I had that experience,” he said. “I also hope that my story inspires others to take up some kind of physical activity that will benefit their overall health and fitness, to set a goal, and keep fighting to reach it.”

“We congratulate and celebrate Dr. Kurtom’s success at this year’s Boston Marathon,” said Ken Kozel, President and CEO of UM Shore Regional Health. “He has proven that setting what seem as unattainable goals can be accomplished with hard work, perseverance and determination.”

About University of Maryland Shore Regional Health

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.

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland, bringing innovation, discovery and research to the care we provide and educating the state’s future physician and health care professionals through our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore professional schools (Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and Dentistry) in Baltimore. As one of the largest private employers in the State, the health system’s more than 29,500 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations, including 12 hospitals and 9 University of Maryland Urgent Care centers. The UMMS flagship academic campus, the University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore, is recognized regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation in specialized care. Our acute care and specialty rehabilitation hospitals serve urban, suburban and rural communities and are located in 13 counties across the State. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

Filed Under: Health Notes Tagged With: Health, local news, UM Shore Regional Health

Advance Directives Workshops Held May 2 Across Mid-Shore

April 28, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Mid-Shore Pro Bono and the Maryland State Bar Association are hosting free informational sessions for seniors on advance medical directives beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Mon., May 2 at locations in Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot, and Queen Anne’s Counties.

Participants will learn what an advance directive is, how to prepare one, and why they are important. Workshop participants will also have the opportunity for their advance directives documents to be prepared by a Mid-Shore Pro Bono attorney on May 2.

“An advance directive is a legal document that explains how you want medical decisions to be made if you cannot make the decisions yourself,” says Mid-Shore Pro Bono Legal Director Laura Chafey, Esq. “An advance directive can help you plan ahead about what kind of care you want and lets your health care team and loved ones know what kind of health care you want, or who you want to make decisions for you when you can’t.”

The sessions are being held at the Caroline Senior Center in Denton; Brookletts Place, Talbot Senior Center in Easton; and the Kramer Center in Centreville. An additional workshop is being held for Pleasant Day Adult Medical Day Care clients only in Cambridge.

“We’re grateful to partner with our volunteer attorneys and the Maryland State Bar Association to provide these workshops,” says Mid-Shore Pro Bono Elder Law Case Manager Alicia Myers. “The workshops are part of our elder law services to help seniors in need with personal, confidential legal advice and counseling. Clients can obtain wills, powers of attorney, and advance medical directives free of charge.”

Myers says Mid-Shore Pro Bono also assists senior citizens with issues regarding adult guardianship, and more.

Mid-Shore Pro Bono delivers a mission of helping Maryland’s Eastern Shore residents obtain access to legal assistance, with offices in Easton, Chestertown, and Salisbury, with more at www.midshoreprobono.org.

Filed Under: Health Notes Tagged With: Health, local news

Compass Receives Support from The Knights of Columbus

April 26, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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L-R: Heather Guerieri, Chief Executive Officer of Compass; Bonnie & Mike Messix, The Knights of Columbus, Fr. George S. Bradford Council #11248; Kenda Leager, Development Officer of Compass

The Knights of Columbus, Fr. George S. Bradford Council #11248’s Bonnie and Mike Messix presented Compass with a $5,000 check to help support their mission. Compass offers comprehensive, professional and compassionate care and support to patients, caregivers and families who have found themselves facing a life-limiting diagnosis or loss. Rita Blusiewicz named The Knights of Columbus as a beneficiary in her estate. She was a long-time member of the Sacred Heart Parish and a great friend to Fr. Bradford Council, her wishes were to use the bequest as the council chose. The council has worked to distribute Rita’s legacy to local charities. Compass is one of the organizations that was chosen. This donation will go towards covering costs associated with hospice care, supportive care, and grief services provided by Compass to Queen Anne’s, Kent, and Caroline counties.

Compass

Since 1985, Compass has been allowing patients to spend their final months the way they choose, guiding loved ones after a life-limiting diagnosis, and showing individuals healthy ways to manage their grief. Today, the organization is a regional provider of hospice care, supportive care, and grief services in Caroline, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. Whether serving their patients in private residences, skilled nursing facilities, or Compass’ residential center in Centreville, staff and volunteers are guided by their mission to ensure that individuals facing end of life can live out their days in a full and meaningful way.

Compass 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.

Are you interested in setting up a planned gift? Leave a legacy of caring by making a planned gift to Compass. This could in remembering Compass in your will, naming them as a beneficiary in a life insurance policy, charitable gift annuities, and more. To learn more about planned giving opportunities to Compass, please contact Kenda Leager at kleager@compassregionalhospice.org or 443-262-4106. For more information about Compass, call 443-262-4100 or visit compassregionalhospice.org.

Filed Under: Health Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, Compass Hospice, Health, local news

Medication Disposal Event Set this Month for National Take Back Day

April 21, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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A drug drop box sits outside Chestertown Police Department, ready for medication disposal.

Chestertown Police and Kent County Behavioral Health this week announced prescription medication collection from 8 a.m. until noon April 30, in Chestertown as part of National Drug Take-Back Day.

National Drug Take-Back Day is an annual collection event sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The DEA also sponsors a collection event each October; that event saw 372 tons of medications collected across more than 4,900 sites.

For this month’s event, Chestertown police will collect unused prescription medications at the Chestertown Farmer’s Market in Fountain Park. Unused or expired prescription medications pose a serious public safety issue – proper disposal helps prevent misuse and abuse and helps save lives.

“We encourage everyone to properly dispose of any unused medications they may have around their home,” said Chestertown Police Chief Ronald M. Dixon. “That simple action could save a life.”

Collection includes unwanted medications, vitamins and supplements — vape pens, inhalers, sharps and needles are NOT accepted. This program is anonymous – no questions asked, no identification required. The site also will include free educational materials along with free disposal and storage solutions, like Deterra bags, from Kent County Behavioral Health Prevention Office. Deterra bags allow for medication disposal right at home, without endangering the environment.

“Every time we dispose of our leftover medications properly, we help prevent substance misuse,” said AnnetteDuckery, KCBH prevention coordinator. “We know that most Kent County teens don’t drink alcohol or use other drugs, and together we can help keep it that way.”

In addition to this year’s take-back day initiative,Kent County has three 24-hour prescription drug drop box locations: Kent County Sheriff’s office; Rock Hall police department and Chestertown police department.

For more information about medication storage and disposal, and about substance use prevention, visit www.kentcountyprevention.org. For more information on National Take-Back Day visit www.takebackday.dea.gov.

The Kent County Behavioral Health Prevention Office helps community groups, agencies and individuals in providing programs and activities to prevent alcohol and other drug abuse, and to build a healthier community.

Filed Under: Health Notes Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, Health, local news

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