Health Portal Highlights

Adventures in Neurosurgery: A Chat with Shore Regional’s Dr. Khalid Kurtom

February 19, 2020 by Dave Wheelan 1 Comment

While the public has a modest grasp of the mission of such organizations like Doctors without Borders, where physicians volunteer to work in some of the world’s poorest countries, nothing can compare with the extraordinary story of a SWAT team of neurosurgical experts performing one the most complicated and demanding surgeries in the field of health in some of the most remote locations on the planet.

Without the benefits of first-world operating rooms, familiar surgical equipment, or even knowing the case histories of those that they will be working on, this extraordinary team, led by Dr. Khalid Kurtom, has now left the Eastern Shore twice to perform these intensive procedures.

The Spy sat down with Dr. Kurtom shortly after leaving an isolated camp in Honduras, where his team operated on eleven patients in three days. He discusses the extraordinary challenges they faced while working without much sleep, but also the emotional, spiritual, and psychological impact that each team member feels during and after these special episodes in the professional and personal lives.

This video is approximately five minutes in length. For more information about Regional Shore Health please go here.

About the Plant: Shore Seniors Finding Relief from Cannabis

October 29, 2019 by The Spy Leave a Comment

Perhaps one of the most startling results of Maryland’s legalizing medical cannabis on the Eastern Shore is that most of the users are considered senior citizens. Seeking relief from pain, both physical and psychological, these older patients, some of them in their 80s, make their way to Ash +Embar of Centreville, as well as other dependencies on the Shore, seeking relief.

And, as Ashley Herr, the co-founder of Ash+Embar, notes in our most recent “About the Plant” series, they are finding that relief.

This video is approximately three minutes in length. For more information about Ash+Embar services, please go here. Disclosure: Chestertown Spy publisher and editor Steve Meehan is a principal in Hippocratic Growth, LLC. Ash+Embar is a sponsor of the Chestertown Spy and Talbot Spy and its coverage of Mid-Shore health topics.

Shore Goes Purple: Joe Gamble on Opioid War Successes and Challenges

September 5, 2019 by Dave Wheelan Leave a Comment

For Talbot County Sheriff Joe Gamble and his team of deputies, the battle against opioids can sometimes can be seen as a constant game of “whack a mole.” For every positive step forward to rid the region of this catastrophic drug epidemic, a new year brings entirely new setbacks.

In his interview with the Spy, Sheriff Gamble talks about these counterpoints of his work when he summarizes the current state of affairs with opioid addiction, and the devastating impact it has on the Eastern Shore.

This video is approximately five minutes in length. For more information about going Purple in your community go here.

Ash+Ember’s Colen Sisters Discuss the Dispensary Business and Campaign to De-stigmatize Medical Cannabis

July 31, 2019 by Peter Heck 1 Comment

Ashley Colen and Paige Colen, principals of Ash+Ember cannabis dispensary in Centreville, spoke to the Community Breakfast group Tuesday, July 25. The sisters grew up on a farm outside of Rock Hall. They received the license to operate Ash+Ember in February 2018, which has grown to over 5000 registered patients, often recommended by local medical providers. They also hold a U.S. patent for the first 3-D printed delivery device for medical cannabis.

Cannabis sativa is the scientific name for the cannabis plant, distinguished from commercial hemp that has no psychoactive properties. All strains of medical cannabis produce a variety of chemical compounds – cannabinoids – including THC, responsible for the marijuana “high,” and CBD, believed to reduce anxiety, inflammation, and pain.

Ashley Colen explained that components of the plant – especially THC and CBD – regulate bodily processes differently from opiates, which mask pain but do not heal. The illegal status has stymied research in the U.S., but Ashley Colen reported that studies in Israel, England, and other countries show that CBD can be useful for epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and childhood diabetes.

“Western medicine is just catching up now,” Ashley Colen said. Researchers at John Hopkins are starting to suggest that patients try CBD. The University of Maryland Pharmacy School recently announced its Masters in Cannabis Studies program.

“While cannabis is effective for pain relief, it’s not a quick panacea, like pop this in and everything’s going to be great,” Ashley Colen remarked. She contrasted it with opiates that may produce quick relief, but are highly addictive with unwanted side effects. “You might not feel pain in your leg, but you probably also don’t laugh as hard or enjoy your sunsets…. It dulls all of your senses, so that’s not ideal.”

Cannabis studies show “it’s more like a supplement, a vitamin,” rather than a “quick fix.” The healthy body naturally produces molecules identical to THC, she explained. Cannabis therapy “fills in the holes” to replace those molecules lost in aging bodies. “It makes your body work more as it did when you were 20.”

Atlas asked about the long-term effects of regular use of cannabis. Ashley Colen responded that “It’s been used for thousands of years of medicine in numerous cultures, so the evidence is there.” Western science “is just getting into it.”

Paige Colen explained that Israeli researchers have been investigating cannabinoids for almost 40 years and have isolated over 400 different compounds in addition to the familiar THC.

“But it’s also been determined that most of these chemicals have specific effects that can be used to target different ailments. Identified by scientists in the 1990s, the human cannabinoid system has receptors on most of the major organs of the body. There are none on your brain stem, so that is why you cannot overdose on cannabis,” Paige Colen explained.

Audience member Airlee Johnson asked about varieties that Ash+Ember offered.

“If you come in and tell me how you want to feel, I will tell you what strain you want,” Ashley Colen explained, noting that Ash+Ember has developed relationships with Maryland’s top growers and stocks 60 different strains depending upon availability. Ash+Ember’s staff is trained about different strains with similar healing effects so that patients can have alternatives. Factors like sleep, exercise and diet are in play while deciding on a course of treatment. There is a pharmacist on staff, mandated by state law, and all staff members are rigorously trained.

Paige Colen discussed differences between ingesting cannabis products in food and smoking them. Smoking gets the cannabinoids into the bloodstream very quickly, but the effects last only about 3 hours. Conversely, edibles are slower to take effect, but last much longer – 4 to 6 hours, typically. Delivery depends on the patient’s condition and comfort level, she said.

Atlas said that many people are brought up believing that “life is hard,” and that anxiety and stress are “the normal state of affairs.” He worried that if he “felt good all the time about things,” he might not be “my normal participant self.”

“You’re not altered to the point where you’re numbed and you just don’t care about anything,” Paige Colen responded. “You’re just not snappy anymore.” She added that cannabis allows the user to step back and evaluate things, “which is what you should be doing at every stage.” She said she found that her own performance in all areas was enhanced by using cannabis, although she has stopped using cannabis when she became pregnant.

Chestertown Councilman David Foster asked, “What is the difference between Maryland’s medical marijuana law and recreational use?”

“When you come to us, we don’t tell you can only take CBD,” Paige Colen said. “I like to say that anyone who’s using cannabis for recreation, the joke’s on you, because you’re getting the medical benefits” such as lower anxiety, improved sleep, and pain relief.

Dr. Harry Hart, a retired optometrist, remarked that his wife had tried CBD for chronic pain, at first with some success, but didn’t result in further improvement of her condition.

Ashley Colen explained Hart’s wife was likely taking CBD derived from industrial hemp, and that studies have shown that such CBD has “a top-off point, and the body stops absorbing it.” “Medically-optimized Cannabis sativa does not have that problem because it has a higher concentration of CBD, Ashley Colen explained, adding that the main side effects are “happy, sleeping well, hungry.”

Ashley Colen also reported that they have started a non-profit program to supply cannabis to indigent hospice patients to allow them to have some quality of life without being sedated with opioids.

Foster asked what the sisters would tell their children about cannabis?

Paige Colen said she would be talking to them and telling them about it as a medicine.

Ashley Colen talks to her nine-year-old son “very openly.” Her mission is to “destigmatize this plant. It’s not dangerous.” Communicating respect for “the power of the plant” is the best approach to deter young people from misusing it, she remarked. If a child thinks, “Mommy sells medical cannabis to sick people all the time, he’s less likely to be attracted than if it’s somehow mysterious and forbidden,” she said. “Kids aren’t going into your medicine cabinet and chugging aspirin.”

The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission requires patients to register and pay for a patient ID card that can be ordered online at www.mmcc.maryland.gov. Ash+Ember can assist patients who need application assistance.

Ash+Ember is open seven days a week: Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m; Friday-10 to 8; Saturday-10 to 5, and Sunday-11 to 3. Medical cannabis is not covered by most insurance plans. Ash+Ember accepts cash or checks. For more information, visit www.ashembercannabis.com.

The community breakfast group meets at 7:30 a.m. every Thursday at Holiday Inn Express in Chestertown. The talks usually last about an hour, with a question-and-answer included.

Editor’s note: Steve Meehan is a Chestertown Spy advisor, volunteer editor, and part owner of Ash + Ember.

Philanthropy: Qlarant Foundation Grants Spotlight Health Needs on the Shore

July 30, 2019 by The Spy Leave a Comment

While it may have a new name, the Qlarant Foundation, formerly known as the Quality Health Foundation, has been providing significant grants in the field of healthcare since the grant-making institution began in 2003. In fact, the grant-making institution has just reached the $6 million mark after their last round of donations were released last month.

During the award ceremony, the Qlarant Foundation made close to $400,000 in grants to seventeen health organizations, many of whom directly serve the Eastern Shore.

And while the Spy could not profile each recipient, we did catch up with three local recipients, the leaders of the Eastern Shore Wellness Solutions of Dorchester County, Rebuilding Together of Caroline County, and the Kinera Foundation from Queen Anne’s to understand more about what these relatively new and not very well known organizations do to improve the quality of life their communities. We also talked to Qlarant Foundation volunteer chair, Dr. Molly Burgoyne-Brian, on its mission and decision-making process.

This video is approximately seven minutes in length. For more information about the Qlarant Foundation please go here.

Local Qlarant Foundation Awards $384k in Grants

July 22, 2019 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

The Qlarant Foundation, the mission arm of Qlarant Inc., held a reception and information-sharing event at their Easton headquarters on July 12th to celebrate the 2019-2020 grant awards. Each of the eighteen different charities from locations throughout Maryland and Washington D.C. were given their designated monetary award, and Maryland Senator Addie Eckhart gave citations to her Eastern Shore grant recipients.

The event featured Ms. Tammy Black, Executive Director of Access Carroll, Inc. as the guest speaker. Ms. Black illuminated specific qualities of her organization that have enabled it to grow and prosper over a 12-year period. Also in attendance were Easton Mayor, the honorable Robert Willey, and Maryland State Delegate Mr. John Mautz.

Mrs. Molly Burgoyne-Brian, Board of Directors Chair of the Qlarant Foundation notes, “We are so proud of this year’s grantees – the competition was tremendous and it is always difficult to select the finalists. The impact on the community from these associations is dramatic and we are humbled by the dedication and passion each provide.”

During the morning session, each grantee provided a brief overview of their program including staffing and funding summaries plus powerful stories regarding the people they serve. The agenda also included a brief overview and group discussion on social media ‘best practices’ headed by Qlarant associate Andrew Bowers.

This year’s grantee list included:

Breast Care for Washington, DC
Camp Attaway
Community Reach of Montgomery County
Deep Roots
Eastern Shore Wellness Solutions
Girls in the Game
Grace Center for Maternal and Women’s Health
HASA (Hearing and Speech Agency)
Helping Up Mission
Kinera Foundation
Miriam’s Kitchen
Mission of Mercy
Rebuilding Together, Caroline County
Shepherd’s Clinic
The Arc, Prince George’s County
University Legal Services
University of Maryland Medical System Foundation, Breathmobile Program

Dr. Molly Burgoyne-Brian presents Tammy Black of Access Carroll with an appreciation plaque.

From left to right: Dr. Molly Burgoyne-Brian; Dr. Senora Simpson; Easton Mayor Robert Willey, and Brenda Crabbs.

Del. Johnny Mautz discusses the issues with Kinera Foundation attendees Lori Stokes and Kate McCloskey; and John Murray, Vice Chair of the Qlarant Board

Channel Marker Cuts Ribbon on Regional Wellness Center

June 11, 2019 by Amy Blades Steward Leave a Comment

Channel Marker, Inc. has completed the final phase of its renovations of its 19,000-square foot Regional Wellness Center on Glebe Park Drive in Easton. The organization’s ribbon cutting celebrates the completion of a $2 million Capital Campaign to provide integrated services to people with severe and persistent mental illness in Talbot, Caroline and Dorchester counties.

Senator Addie Eckardt; Tolbert Rowe, Volunteer Executive Director of Channel Marker Foundation; Cathy Cassell, Channel Marker Program Director; Len Foxwell, Chief of Staff for Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot; and Danielle Williams, Clinical Coordinator, in the Channel Marker’s new fitness gym

The new building consolidates the administration and client programs, previously situated in rented properties and houses a dedicated medical wing for a Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner Consultant, and Psychiatrist. The program section of the new building offers two lounges for social activities – one for transition age youth (ages 18-25) and one for adults, a computer lab with work stations, a large teaching kitchen and pantry, a dining area, two large group activity rooms, and a fitness gym with exercise equipment. As visitors enter the building, they are greeted with a view of a lush courtyard, complete with a pond and garden, around which the building was constructed.

Johnny Mautz, Senator Addie Eckardt, John McQuaid, President of the Channel Marker Board of Directors; Debbye Jackson, Executive Director of Channel Marker, and Ryan Snow from Governor Larry Hogan’s office.

Chad Hill, Liz Freedlander, Development Director; and Scott Warner of Rural Maryland Council.

Debbye Jackson, Executive Director of Channel Marker, commented, “Our plans are to offer a wide variety of group activities in the new facility for all of our clients. Many Caroline and Dorchester county clients now receive services from their psychiatrist and therapist at the Regional Wellness Center. The organization also recently rebranded its public image, with a new focus on wellness for our clients.”

According to Jackson, who has been with Channel Marker for 34 years, Channel Marker, Inc. opened its doors in 1982, operating out of donated space in churches. Over time, the organization embarked on a campaign to build facilities to have a permanent place in communities in Talbot, Caroline and Dorchester counties. Channel Marker serves approximately 400 people annually, almost 50% of whom are under the age of 21. Channel Marker’s services increase social and problem-solving skills, job readiness, illness management, and substance abuse recovery. Services are provided in day and residential settings in all three counties of the Mid Shore by a dedicated staff of nearly 60 people who have a personal and caring relationships with the individuals who live with organic brain disease through no fault of their own.

During the activities to put the final touches on the client program spaces, in preparation for the building’s ribbon cutting, one client asked a staff member, “When the party is over, will this all be taken away from us?” Hearing that everything was for the permanent use of the clients, he replied, “Then this must be my birthday!”

Ceci Nobel, Debbye Jackson, Executive Director of Channel Marker; and Marti Reed in the new fitness gym.

Funding for Channel Marker’s work in the community primarily comes from Medicaid and the State of Maryland. Support from generous members of the community and private foundations underwrites uncompensated costs for programs that are vital to clients’ well-being. A community of donors including government, private foundations and individuals participated in the completion of the recent Capital Campaign.

Donor Nancy Klein of Oxford commented, “Our foundation was pleased to contribute to Channel Marker’s Capital Campaign. Its mission to serve very vulnerable members of our community matches our philanthropic interests.”

Among the other donors to the Campaign are The Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Foundation, The Michael and Nancy Klein Foundation, Bruce and Sandra Hammonds, Maxine Whalen Millar, The Whalen Company and Craig A. Wanner in memory of Ronald J. Wanner, Dr. David Hill and the Hill Family, The George B. Todd Fund of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, The Reynolds/Cristiano and Ferree Funds of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, Wayne and Terri Cole and Win Transport, Amy’s Army, Tom and Cathy Hill, The Schulman Foundation, The Robert and Ruth St. John Foundation, John and Debra McQuaid, Phoebe Reynolds, C. Tolbert and Jeanne Rowe, The Van Strum Foundation, and anonymous friends.

According to Tolbert Rowe, Volunteer Executive Director of Channel Marker Foundation, completion of Channel Marker’s Capital Campaign, “Opening New Doors to Wellness,” has enabled the organization to repay the Foundation’s loan to purchase and renovate the building. He added, “The Foundation is excited about our next project to improve services to youth in Caroline County, having just purchased the former Hospice House in Denton for this purpose.”

For further information or to tour the new Channel Marker facility in Easton, contact Debbye Jackson, Executive Director of Channel Marker, at 410-822-4619 or visit channelmarker.org.

Kids Grieve Too: Talbot Kids Grief Camp with Becky DeMattia

April 24, 2019 by The Spy Leave a Comment

When Chestertown’s Becky DeMattia, Talbot Hospice’s bereavement coordinator, talks about providing support for children who grieve, it might seem odd at first to hear her talk about interjecting fun as part of that effort. But as you begin to understand that kids work through bereavement very differently from adults, it becomes much more clear how important a camp environment might be for a child struggling with the loss of a parent or another loved one.

As Becky tells us in our Spy interview, this is the reason that Talbot Hospice has just started Talbot Kids Grief Camp. This special children’s bereavement camp is designed for any youth, ages 6-12, who have experienced that kind of loss. This two-day camp will be held May 18-19, 2019, at the Talbot County Agricultural Center, and there is space for 35 participants. Each child attends the camp at no cost, to learn how to cope with the complex feelings of grief.

The goal is to provide an opportunity for children to process their losses in a healthy, peer supported environment via a curriculum of activities and therapeutic practices designed to teach children about themselves, and the grief they are experiencing. Together campers will discover ways to cope, realize they are a valuable member of the group and work together to overcome challenges ahead. The camp will also provide grief education, support, and resources to parents and families and help strengthen the family unit as they process the loss together.

We spent some time with Becky at the Hospice office in Easton last week.

For more information about Talbot Kids Grief Camp please contact Becky DeMattia at 410-822-6681 or bdemattia@talbothospice.org.

Mid-Shore Health: Compass Regional Hospice Adds Palliative Care

March 21, 2019 by The Spy Leave a Comment

Since 1985, Compass Regional Hospice has been serving the Mid-Shore of Maryland with perhaps one of the most challenging moments for human beings; the management of the end of one’s life.

Through their extensive coverage in Caroline, Kent, and Queen Anne’s Counties, Compass has developed a well-deserved reputation for exceptional in-patient care for those in need as well as an extensive commitment to in-home support for those with a life expectancy of six months or less.

But like any institution with a special mission, the board and staff of Compass knew that something important was missing from their long list of services. A few years ago, after an extensive strategic planning process, the organization concluded that to serve their communities, a palliative care program must also be added.

Palliative care is entirely different from hospice care. It is an interdisciplinary approach to care for people with life-limiting illnesses rather than a terminal condition. Those benefiting from this specialized approach are provided relief from the symptoms, pain, physical stress, and mental stress at any stage of a chronic illness with remarkable improvements in quality of life.

To understand more about the significant change at Compass, the Spy sat down with Compass’s executive director, Heather Guerieri and the organized newly appointed medical director, to understand what this means for the communities they serve.

This video is approximately eight minutes in length. For more information about Compass Regional Hospice please go here.

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