HRMC plans behavioral health
program
March 24, 2010 – The Hunt Memorial Hospital District
Board of Directors have approved the renovation of the fifth
floor of Hunt Regional Medical Center to house a behavioral
health program for adult and geriatric patients.
The program, which will be managed by Signet Health, will serve
patients with severe depression or mild forms of psychosis.
It will not be a detoxification facility and will not treat
patients who may pose a threat to themselves or others. Both
Medicaid and Medicare patients will be accepted in the program.
Medical beds and a transitional care unit formerly occupied
the fifth floor space. We Build, a subsidiary of Harrison, Walker
and Harper, has been hired to do the renovation. Completion
by the end of September is expected.
The unit will be a 22-bed facility. According to HRH Assistant
Administrator of Medical Affairs, Dr. James Sandin, more than
200 patients in need of mental health care were identified during
treatment at the HRMC emergency department last year.
"We forecast an average daily census of 13-17 patients
during the first year of operation," said Richard Carter,
CEO of Hunt Regional Healthcare.
PET/CT Scan now available at HRMC
March 15, 2010 - Another health-related trip to the Metroplex
for Hunt county residents seeking state-of-the-art medical health
care has been rendered unnecessary.
Hunt Regional Medical Center has contracted with Alliance Imaging,
a nationally known supplier of mobile imaging technology, to
bring a mobile PET/CT coach on site at HRMC each Tuesday. The
coach is equipped with a General Electric Discovery ST PET/CT
unit.
This particular state-of-the-art equipment combines the two
technologies of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with Computed
Tomography (CT) into a fused image that provides the Radiologist
or Radiation Oncologist with highly effective imaging of anatomy
and metabolic functions of specific human organs, tissue and
bone. PET/CT is also used to accurately diagnose and treat cancer,
Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, Graves disease and
Parkinson’s disease.
Cancer patients will benefit the most from the local service,
according to Isaac Mathai, the nuclear medicine technologist
who travels with the coach. Most patients with a cancer diagnosis
will be referred to PET imaging at some point during their course
of treatment, as it is designed to detect tumors and measure
tumor size.
Both medical and radiation oncologists rely on PET imaging
to detect new tumors and for sizing tumors following a course
of either radiation or chemical therapy.
“I think the convenience of the PET scan will put cancer
patients more at ease, knowing they don’t have to make
another trip into the Metroplex as part of their treatment,”
said Dr. James Petrikas, chief radiation oncologist at the Lou
and Jack Finney Cancer Center at HRMC.
“We have a tremendous amount of technology at our finger
tips here at the Cancer Center,” said Petrikas, physician
with Texas Oncology. “We continue to treat more people
at the Lou and Jack Finney Cancer Center than we originally
forecast, which shows me there will be an ongoing need to expand
the healthcare resources locally.”
The patient experience with PET/CT is relatively pain free.
It requires an injection of a radioactive tracer, a short wait
in a calm setting, followed by an image obtained with the patient
lying on an exam table while the PET/CT unit makes images. The
procedure is similar to undergoing a CT scan.
Patients in need of a PET scan are referred by a specialist
or oncologist. Call The Alliance Imaging toll-free scheduling
line at 866-442-1656, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m.
to 6 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. The physician’s
office may also fax an order to 877-442-1656. On the day of
the scan, patients will come to Registration at HRMC and be
escorted to the PET/CT coach by Imaging Center staff.
The PET exam results may have a major impact on the physician's
diagnosis of a potential health problem and, should a disease
be detected, how the patient’s return to good health is
managed. Patients should feel free to ask their physicians what
they hope to learn from a PET exam.
John Ervin , director of the Imaging Services at HRMC and service
line director of the Lou and Jack Finney Cancer Center said,
“I’m extremely excited to have this type of diagnostic
capability at HRMC as it complements the care that our patients
receive in the Cancer Center. This is another way that administration
at HRMC demonstrates to the public that Hunt Regional Healthcare
is committed to providing the greatest, most comprehensive care
possible to the citizens of Hunt County and the surrounding
area.”
More information about the PET/CT scan
FitSTEPS for Life® Grand Opening
February 16, 2010 - The grand opening of a new therapy program
for cancer patients is set to take place on February 18 at Hunt
Regional Medical Center.
The introduction of FitSTEPS for Life® will be in conjunction
with the Greenville Chamber of Commerce’s Business after
Hours. The event is free and open to the public.
FitSTEPS for Life® is an exercise therapy program aimed
at helping cancer patients receive physical, nutritional and
spiritual support. The program is based on each individual’s
specific needs to help improve their quality of life and survival
rate; there is evidence that patients may improve their survival
rate by up to 50 per cent.
FitSTEPS for Life® begins with the patient’s initial
assessment where vital statistics are taken, and the trainers
assess the physical needs of the patient. The first meeting
between the trainer and the patient usually lasts about an hour,
and will require an appointment. To participate in the program,
the patient or cancer survivor must be recommended by a licensed,
practicing physician.
The fitness program uses a mix of cardio and muscle training
to help each patient gain more strength. At Hunt Regional Medical
Center, the FitSTEPS for Life® center has treadmills, ellipticals,
free weights and weight machines that meet low impact needs
of cancer patients. Those who use the FitSTEPS for Life®
center in Greenville will be coached by Michele Lowe, fitness
coordinator and personal trainer, and Patty Mahler, fitness
trainer.
“Our goal is to help each patient achieve a level of
confidence so that they will be able to work on their own in
a fitness center,” Lowe says.
Patients and survivors can benefit from FitSTEPS for Life®
by improving muscle tone, strength, endurance and resistance
to chronic disease. The program also helps to enhance independence.
The side effects that sometimes result from chemotherapy are
reduced, and the patients gain more energy leaving them feeling
less fatigued. Bone marrow suppression and the risk of infection
are reduced, along with lowering the patient’s chance
of becoming depressed.
FitSTEPS for Life® at HRMC was funded by last years “Laughter
is the Best Medicine” gala produced by the Foundation
for Good Health.
When fully operational, the program will be available Mondays,
Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
For more information about FitSTEPS for Life®, contact
Michele Lowe at 903-408-1886 or log onto the FitSTEPS
for Life® website.
Gala a "resounding success"
February 12, 2010 – Proceeds from the 5th annual "Laughter
is the Best Medicine" Gala set a record for the event.
Gross revenues from sponsors, tickets, and donations totaled
more than $100,000 which will help support :
- An upgrade in breast biopsy technology that allows even
greater accuracy in locating and diagnosing lesions of the
breast
- The FitSTEPS for Life program that offers free physical
conditioning, dietary instruction, and spiritual and psychological
support for cancer patients and survivors
- A "workstation on wheels" that allows patient
information to be collected bedside and stored digitally.
"On behalf of the Hunt Regional Healthcare Foundation
and the people of Northeast Texas, I'd like to thank all of
our Partners in Good Health who made the Gala sc uh a resounding
success," said Foundation Executive Director Jack Gray.
Ron & Julia Wensel were recognized as this year's winners
of the Harold Curtis Friend of the Foundation Award for their
outstanding service as Partners in Good Health.
Gala Photo Gallery
FitSTEPS for Life® debuts at Hunt
Regional Healthcare
February 10, 2010 – A free exercise program for cancer
patients is coming to Hunt Regional Medical Center.
FitSTEPS for Life® for Life will be introduced to the community
during the program’s grand opening on February 18 at 4:30-7
p.m. in the HRMC Atrium.
FitSTEPS for Life® is a fitness and counseling program
designed for cancer survivors and patients currently undergoing
cancer treatment. It includes physical conditioning, dietary
counseling, and psychological and spiritual support for cancer
patients. The program was developed by retired oncologist Dr.
Gary Kimmel of the Cancer Foundation for Life in Tyler, Texas.
Data shows the remarkable benefits of exercise in cancer treatment.
Patients can improve their survival rates by as much as 50%
by exercising during and after treatment.
"I have watched this program grow and touch more and more
lives that are devastated by cancer," said Kimmel. "When
I walk into these centers and I see what’s happening it’s
truly incredible. It’s much more than just exercising.
People who have lost their vitality of life have the opportunity
to get it back. "
The program will be offered free of charge to cancer patients
based on their referral from a licensed physician. Funding for
the program has been made possible by generous donations to
the Hunt Regional Healthcare Foundation through support of the
Foundation’s "Laughter is the Best Medicine"
Galas.
Foundation Gala shows Laughter is the Best
Medicine!
January 18, 2010 - "Laughter is the Best Medicine"
Gala is "making waves" this year as it helps continue
the fight against cancer on the home front while also providing
new technology for Hunt Regional Community Hospital at Commerce.
The annual comedy fundraiser of the Hunt Regional Healthcare
Foundation will be held at 6:30 p.m. February 6 (Saturday) at
the Sam Rayburn Student Center on the campus of Texas A&M
University-Commerce.
Area residents are invited to sign up to take a comedy cruise
on "The Love Boat," the theme for this year’s
event. Tickets are $50 each, and reservations can be made by
calling 903-408-1064. Seating is limited, and reservations are
being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The evening
will begin with a pre-event reception and includes a catered
dinner.
"We’re really excited about the new venue and what
we think is going to be an exceptionally fun theme," said
Barbara Cullen who, along with Tubby Adkisson, is co-chair of
the Foundation’s Special Events Committee and "cruise
directors" for The Love Boat.
"We established the Gala in 2005 with a goal of generating
funds to help address urgent and emerging healthcare needs in
the Hunt County area," said Jack Gray, executive director
of the Foundation.
"We also wanted to make it an event somewhat unique to
this area, offering residents a chance to step out for an evening
of fine dining and good fun.
"To date we’ve raised more than $200,000 in philanthropic
gifts to improve local healthcare, " Gray said. "We
had no way of knowing that the Gala would be so successful.
"
The Foundation’s signature event, the Gala uses laughter
as a "cure for what ails you. "
Headlining this year’s event and prompting the belly laughs
will be comedian Mark Mayfield, a comic and corporate entertainer
who has been inducted into the National Speakers Association
Hall of Fame. He has been praised for "a brand of comedy
that is clean but leaves the audience rolling in the aisles.
"
Mayfield’s eclectic career has included employment as
a director of government affairs for a major Midwest corporation,
owner of the most popular nightclub in Kansas City and manager
of his own entertainment company for the past 24 years.
He prides himself on being "one of the five funniest people
in my family. "
"I am looking forward to being part of the Gala,"
said Mayfield. "These are the best people in the world
– the givers. We are going to have a good time, "
Mayfield promised.
Directing the flow of the evening’s activities will be
celebrity emcee Dan Jones, president of A&M-Commerce.
"We’re delighted that Dr. Jones accepted our invitation
for the University to become our partner in improving the health
of the people and communities of this area, " said W. D.
Hilton, Jr., chairman of the Foundation Board of Trustees.
The invitation was extended to Jones by the Gala’s Commerce
Steering Committee consisting of Foundation board members Bob
Aikin, Bob Clark and Eddie Smith.
Jones, who was named the university’s 11th president nearly
two years ago, came to Commerce from Texas A&M International
University in Laredo.
Past galas have celebrated Mardi Gras and featured magic acts,
stand-up comics and the world’s worst motivational speaker,
all in the name of laughter, according to Gray.
The healthcare industry spends millions – perhaps
billions – of dollars annually on new medications,
new procedures and new technology to improve the health
of Americans.
Well, there’s another remedy to encourage good
health that costs much less.
“We’ve all heard the saying that “laughter
is the best medicine”, but now it’s scientifically
proven,” says Dr. Lee Berk of the Loma Linda School
of Public Health in California.
Research has found clinical evidence that laughter
- Strengthens the immune system by lowering the level
of stress hormones
- Can lower blood pressure
- Reduces pain and allows us to tolerate discomfort
- Reduces blood sugar levels, increasing glucose tolerance
in diabetics
- Can improve job performance, especially in jobs that
have a creative component
- Establishes – or restores – a positive
emotional state and a sense of connection between people.
Now there is hard evidence that laughter also helps
our blood vessels function better by causing them to relax
and expand, increasing blood flow.
And at a recent meeting of the American College of Cardiology,
Michael Miller, M.D., of the University of Maryland, reported
on a study that indicated provoking laughter did as much
good for people’s arteries as aerobics.
So plan now to come on February 6and get your laugh prescription
at Laughter is the Best Medicine, the annual charity gala
of the Hunt Regional Healthcare Foundation. |
How the Foundation Gala meets healthcare
needs
"Improving the health of the people and communities we
serve is at the core of Hunt Regional Healthcare’s mission
statement," notes Richard Carter, CEO of the regional healthcare
organization.
The 2010 Foundation Gala will do just that by providing funding
that will address three important local healthcare initiatives:
Previous galas have acquired therapeutic patient recliner
chairs, including bariatric chairs, for both hospital campuses;
secured a life-saving airway crash cart for the E.R. at Hunt
Regional Medical Center, and provided start-up funding for the
FitSTEPS program that will provide complimentary care on a doctor’s
written orders to cancer patients from throughout Northeast
Texas.
A & M President to host Gala
January 18, 2010 - As the annual Hunt Regional Healthcare Foundation
Gala moves to a new site, there will also be a new face taking
the celebrity emcee’s spot.
Dr. Dan Jones, in his second year as president of Texas A&M
University-Commerce, will serve in a job not foreign to his
career in education.
The Gala is scheduled for Feb. 6 in Commerce on the second floor
of the just completed Sam Rayburn Student Center at Texas A&M
University-Commerce.
Of his latest assignment, the educator says with a laugh, "I’ve
been talking to people for a long time. Sometimes they didn’t
always listen very well. "
"Seriously, I am honored by the invitation from the Foundation.
This is such an important cause, so we will do all we can to
ensure quality healthcare for all of Hunt County and surrounding
areas.
"A strong healthcare system also helps the University recruit
top-quality faculty and staff as well as students. Among other
things, it also supports economic development of the area.
"This will be my first Gala – I understand it’s
a very fun event. Having it on campus is good for Commerce and
a great way of showing off our new student center, which has
become more or less the heart of the campus. I think this will
be a good opportunity for some of our civic leaders to see the
center for the first time or at least in this capacity. "
Dr. Jones assumed the presidency of Texas A&M University-Commerce
in July 2008. Prior to that, he served as Provost and Vice President
for Academic Affairs at Texas A&M International University
in Laredo, Texas, from 2003-2008. Academically, his rank is
Professor of English.
Dr. Jones served in several capacities at the University of
Houston-Downtown from 1985 to 2002, and also served as instructor
and student publications advisor at Casper College in Wyoming
from 1982-1985.
A native of Bartlesville, Okla., Dr. Jones earned bachelors’
degrees from the University of Texas in English and Magazine
Journalism; a master’s degree in English from Rice University;
and, a master’s degree and Ph.D. in American Studies from
the University of Iowa.
Dr. Jones has published several articles and made numerous presentations
dealing with higher education and popular culture. He and his
wife, Jalinna, have two daughters, Aislinn and Allyson.
A member of the Commerce Rotary Club, Dr. Jones has served on
numerous boards that benefit communities, including Chambers
of Commerce and Project MEND (Medical Equipment Network for
the Disabled).
January 5, 2010 - Award winners were announced during the annual
Hunt County Emergency Medical Services First Responders dinner
in December. 
Andrew
Threndyle, center, Emergency Medical Services director for Hunt
Regional Healthcare, presents awards to Michael Sanchez, left,
and Andrew Peters as they are named Mentors of the Year for
2009. 
Affiliated
with Baylor Health Care System