Provena United Samaritans Medical Center News

Medical Center to Be Enrollment Site for National Cancer Prevention Study

Provena Health — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:00:00 CST

What if an hour of your time every two years could spare someone from hearing the words “You have cancer?”

Presence United Samaritans Medical Center is proudly offering you the opportunity to fight cancer by enrolling in the American Cancer Society’s new research study, Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3).

The ultimate goal of CPS-3 is to enroll men and women from various racial/ethnic backgrounds from across the U.S. to better understand the lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer and will save lives.

If you are between the ages of 30 and 65 years old and have never been diagnosed with cancer, Just follow these simple steps:

Go to the website to schedule your appointment. The appointment should take approximately 20-30 minutes. Appointments will take place on July 10 at Presence United Samaritans Medical Center, 812 North Logan Avenue, Danville, Illinois, in Conference Rooms 2 & 3 on the Ground level.

Prior to your appointment, you will receive a confirmation e-mail

Jenkins Named Shining Star

Provena Health — Thu, 02 May 2013 12:00:00 CST

Mary Jenkins was recently named a Presence United Samaritans Medical Center “Shining Star.”

The Shining Star award is given to an employee each month who gives an outstanding example of caring and excellence. Patients, visitors, volunteers, or fellow employees can make nominations. A supervisor evaluates each nominee, and a committee of employees selects the monthly winner.

Jenkins is a Licensed Practical Nurse on 4 East, and has been employed by the Medical Center for 38 years.

Faith in Action Offers "Body & Soul" Class

Provena Health — Wed, 01 May 2013 12:00:00 CST

Faith in Action is offering seniors in the greater Danville area an opportunity to get up and move, with “Body & Soul,” a weekly body movement class. This class is designed for those sixty years and over to keep moving, active, and toned.

Every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m., participants will move to relaxing music by the lake at Lake Vermilion County Park, just off Denmark Road. The first session is Tuesday, May 14, 2013 with Judy Story, RN, BSN, leading the class. She is board-certified in geriatric nursing.

Some of the benefits of participating in a movement class include an improvement in balance, strength, relaxation, muscle-toning, flexibility, and more.

“We also want this to be a fun, social time too,” states Story. “We encourage people to bring a lunch to have afterwards with friends at the Songer Pavilion in the park.”

Participation is free of charge to seniors 60 and over, but registration is required. To learn more or to sign up, call Faith in Action at 217.431.8489 or visit Rehabilitation Department delivers nearly 6,400 therapy sessions annually, and the new location has a number of benefits.

“Patients previously had to make their way to the Ground Level and check in at the office and then go across the hall to start their session,” states Colleen Clemmons, Regional Program Director for Rehabilitation Services. “Now we’re conveniently located just off the Main Lobby, right behind Registration and patients can register, check-in, and start therapy all in the same place.”

Therapy patients now enjoy sunlight and a pleasant view of the outdoors in their new surroundings. The layout allows for more patient privacy, as well as easy access for physicians and staff.

“We&rs

Employees Awarded at Banquet

Provena Health — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Presence United Samaritans Medical Center recently announced the recipient of the Brightest Star award, the Clinical Nurse Excellence award, and recognized years of service at the annual Employee Service Awards Banquet.

Marylyn Cross, a Food Service employee, was named The Brightest Star, or employee of the year. She was selected from the 2012 monthly Shining Star recipients and received a cash award, a lapel pin, a plaque, and a rose bouquet.

Angie Stock, RN, an Ambulatory Care Unit nurse, was presented with the Clinical Nurse Excellence annual award. She was selected from eight nominees. Angie received a scholarship for continuing her nursing education.

Employees who reached various years of service also received recognition at the award banquet. Those with anniversary dates for every five years of service to the ministry were honored, and nearly 90 were recogni

CUE Club to Hold Flower Sale

Provena Health — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Just in time for Mother’s Day, the CUE Club (Contributions by United Samaritans Employees) of Presence United Samaritans Medical Center’s Foundation will be hosting a spring flower sale May 9, 2013.

Shoppers can choose from hanging baskets, spring perennials and other seasonal items from Danville Gardens.

Payroll deduct will be available for employees, and cash and checks are also accepted.

The sale will be from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. under the shelter outside the hospital’s north entrance, off Fairchild.

In the event of bad weather, the sale will be moved indoors to the cafeteria.

CUE Club is a way for Presence United Samaritans employees to provide resources for patients, patients' families, and each other in times of need.

The fund provides rides to visitors when needed, prescription assistance to patients, and financial assistance to employees facing hard times, along with many other forms of support.

For more informa

I Sing the Body Electric Arts & Health Festival

Provena Health — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

The arts can communicate a world of feelings and information to those viewing it. Put paintbrushes, clay, or a camera in the hands of local youth, and the results can be life changing. On Sunday, May 5 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Danville Area Community College in Vermilion Hall, Room 306, teens from 10 Vermilion County high schools, Kenneth D. Bailey Academy, College Express – DACC, and Young Women Aware will exhibit health-based art projects at the ninth Arts and Health Festival presented by I Sing the Body Electric, a powerful outreach program of Presence United Samaritans Medical Center’s Foundation.

This prevention program challenges high school students to develop creative, artistic projects that combat health risks for themselves, their peers, younger students, and the community in general. Follow our youth as they explore the issues of alcohol, drugs, teen pregnancy, body image, bullying, and depression, all of which were identified in the 2012 I Sing the Body Electric health survey as risk factors of utmost concern to them.

As in previous years, a pa

We Choose Health Vermilion County Kicks Off "Let's Walk Vermilion County" w...

Provena Health — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Two local organizations that are part of We Choose Health Vermilion County hope that their latest project will encourage more Vermilion County residents to get outside and walk for their health.

Presence United Samaritans Medical Center’s HALO Project and the Vermilion County Health Department invite citizens to the first ever Let’s Walk Vermilion County event on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. in 10 local communities throughout the county.

“The Let’s Walk Vermilion County project was developed to help promote and encourage regular physical activity in our busy lives,” states Kathy Richard, Director of the HALO Project. “Establishing small changes, as simple as walking 30 minutes a day, most days of the week, will improve your health.”

Participants on May 11 will receive a brochure of all the

HALO Project and Presence Employees Provide Dental Supplies

Provena Health — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

The HALO Project will assist the public in improving and maintaining healthy dental habits thanks to generous donations of children’s dental supplies by Presence United Samaritans Medical Center employees and volunteers.

The drive, held from April 1 through April 15, 2013, yielded over 750 items that included toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, and dental floss.

These items will be donated to needy children who participate in the HALO Smiling Faces Dental Day events, which will be held in June and July, and the HALO Children’s Health, Safety, & Activity Fair which will be held on September 7, 2013 at the Village Mall in Danville.

Dental Care was listed as one of the top healthcare needs that must be addressed to improve health and the quality of life in our community. It is essential that dental health be conscientiously t

New Pre-Operative Holding Area

Provena Health — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Chances are, if you’ve had surgery at Presence United Samaritans Medical Center in the past, you’ve spent some time in a very small holding area right before surgery while your loved ones waited in another room.

Now prior to surgery, you might stay in a new, expanded pre-op holding area with your loved ones right by your side.

Located across the hall from the old pre-op area on Level 1, this newly refurbished space has doubled the number of patients that can be held prior to surgery from four to eight.

“The old area was so crowded, not only could we hold fewer patients at a time, but it was hard for the doctors and staff to properly assess and care for the patient,” states Cheryl Rotramel, Director of Perioperative Services.

Privacy curtains separate the patients, who also benefit from natural sunlight, improved décor, televisions, and most importantly, room for loved ones to stay with them prior to surgery.

“The privacy and comfort of being able to have loved ones with you right up until the procedure can really reduce the anxiety some patients ha

I Sing the Body Electric Releases New Survey Results

Provena Health — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

High school students – 2,810 of them – from 12 high schools in Vermilion County have expressed their attitudes and reported their health behaviors through the 2012 I Sing the Body Electric (ISBE) Youth Risk Behavior health survey. I Sing the Body Electric, an outreach program of Presence United Samaritans Medical Center’s Foundation, has now administered six biennial surveys.

Results of the survey, the first step in this three-phase health education and prevention program, were released today at a news conference held at Presence United Samaritans Medical Center. The printed survey report, which represents the responses of approximately 70% of the teen population in participating Vermilion County schools, includes data and a retrospective analysis of health risks since the first biennial survey was conducted in 2002.

“The survey data gives us a very vivid picture of what is on the minds of our Vermilion County youth,” stated D

Grant Awarded to Fund HALO Project Body Walk

Provena Health — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

As a child, did you ever wonder what goes on inside your body each day? Thanks to a $4,000 grant from the A.L. Webster Foundation to the HALO Project, an outreach program of Presence United Samaritans Medical Center’s Foundation, many of those questions will continue to be answered for second grade students throughout Vermilion County.

The HALO Project's "Body Walk" is an event designed to provide a hands-on interactive experience for second grade students with 13 individual booths set up to emulate different parts of the body, such as the mouth, stomach, heart, lungs and bones. Each child also visits six health booths consisting of skin care from the sun, avoidance of lice, importance of proper nutrition, dangers of smoking, proper eye care, and the hand washing “germ box” before being "shrunk" to the size of an inch.

They then tour various body parts from the "inside" as they enter through the mouth and “take a trip through the inside of the body.”

Faith in Action South Hosts Money Smart Week Seminars

Provena Health — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Money Smart Week, April 20-27, is a public awareness campaign designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances. Many local schools and organizations have planned events in conjunction with this week, including Presence United Samaritans Medical Center’s Faith in Action South program.

Faith in Action South is hosting two educational sessions on Thursday, April 25. From 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Neal Ehrlich, owner of Bud’s Car Stereo & Cellular, will discuss “Technology for Non-Techies,” highlighting how consumers can meet their personal technology device needs without overspending.

Then from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Donna Haluska, an experienced local couponer, will present “Couponing 101,” discussing how to stretch your food budget with basic coupon techniques.

Both sessions will be held at the Faith in Action South office, 302 North State Street, in Westville. There will be demonstrations, refreshme

White Named Shining Star

Provena Health — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:00:00 CST

Amanda White was recently named a Presence United Samaritans Medical Center “Shining Star.”

White is a nuclear medicine image specialist, and has been employed by the Medical Center for 10 years.

Childbirth Classes at Presence United Samaritans

Provena Health — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

The Family Life Center at Presence United Samaritans Medical Center is here to support and educate expectant parents. Breastfeeding and childbirth classes are offered throughout the year to help make the birthing experience be a positive one.

Breastfeeding Class:

This class on the basics of breastfeeding is offered the last Wednesday of every month, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This class is free to mothers who deliver at Presence United Samaritans. Dates for the rest of 2013 are: April 24, May 29, June 26, July 31, August 28, September 25, October 30, and November 27. December class will be held upon request.

Childbirth Education Series:

Childbirth education classes are offered as a four-week course. Participants should be enrolled by the fifth month of pregnancy to begin the course at 32-34 weeks gestation. Expecting parents will learn all about the Lamaze method, the C-section procedure, pain relief options during labor and delivery, and will tour of

400 Students to Take Body Walk April 10

Provena Health — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

Nearly 400 area elementary students will take an amazing journey through the human body Wednesday, April 10 at Pine Crest Elementary School in Georgetown.

Presence United Samaritans Medical Center’s “Body Walk” will visit the school for a one of a kind learning experience.

Tours will run all day starting at 8:25 a.m. and should wrap up just after 2:00 p.m.

The “Body Walk” is a wonderful experience where each child pretends to be shrunk into a small particle and walks or crawls through a larger than life size model of the human body. They learn about the body parts and functions, as well as visit other information stations with instruction on nutrition, exercise, tobacco and smoking, humor and health, and more.

Employees and volunteers from several departments of the medical center, the HALO Project, and the community work at this event with the help of DACC nursing and radiology students, the Vermilion County Sheriff

I Sing the Body Electric to Hold Press Conference

Provena Health — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

I Sing the Body Electric, a community outreach program of Presence United Samaritans Medical Center’s Foundation, will hold a press conference at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 11 at Presence United Samaritans Medical Center, Conference Rooms 2 and 3, to release the results of the sixth biennial Vermilion County 2012 I Sing the Body Electric Youth Risk Behavior health survey.

From January through May 2012, I Sing the Body Electric staff administered the Centers for Disease Control Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance survey to 2,810 students from 12 high schools in Vermilion County. The survey provided a means for high school students to express their attitudes and report their health behaviors on a variety of issues including substance abuse, drinking and driving, nutrition, weight control, body image, depression and suicide, bullying, violence, sexuality behavior, and tobacco use.

The printed survey report, which represents the responses of approximately 70% of the teen population in participating Vermilion County high schools, will be distributed at the press conference and includes dat

Provena Health is now Presence Health

Provena Health — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

Provena Covenant Medical Center in Urbana and Provena United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville have officially changed their names to Presence Covenant Medical Center and Presence United Samaritans Medical Center.

Presence Health is the name of their parent company and was formed by the merger of two hospital systems, Provena Health of Mokena and Resurrection Health Care of Chicago in November, 2011. Presence Health, a not-for-profit health system, encompasses 12 hospitals, 27 senior care locations, more than 500 employed physicians and 90 primary and specialty care clinics, extensive home health services, and a fully-accredited, not-for-profit specialty school for health sciences. The system has 22,000 dedicated employees and 4,000 expert medical staff physicians in 150 locations across the state.

As the newest health care system in Illinois, Presence Health has a new way of thinking when it comes to health care. They are leading health care reform by shifting their care model from disease-centered toward patient-centered.

“Our new patient-centered model of care is transformative. It supports in

Put a "Spring in Your Step" With Walking Event

Provena Health — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

Provena United Samaritans Medical Center and the Village Mall are teaming up to get folks walking on National Walking Day, April 3, 2013 with a fun “Spring In Your Step” event.

According to the American Heart Association, on this day, Americans are encouraged to lace up their sneakers and take at least 30 minutes out of their day to get up and walk.

“Physical activity is so important for good health,” states Anita Lieb, RN, Health Aware coordinator for Provena United Samaritans, “and it’s easier to incorporate into your life when it’s fun.”

From 8:30 a.m. to noon, on Wednesday, April 3 at the Village Mall in Danville, individuals are encouraged to come walk the mall, get their blood pressure checked, have a body fat analysis, and take a variety of risk assessments. Light snacks and giveaways will be available, and a variety of vendors will have informational booths.

Participating vendors in addition to Provena and the mall are: Robinson Chiropractic, Sears Optical, Shoe Sensation, Relay for Life, Danville Area Community College, Pet Suppli

Bereavement Support Groups Offered

Provena Health — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

The Pastoral Care Department of Provena United Samaritans Medical Center sponsors bereavement support groups for people who have experienced the death of a loved one. Those who attend will receive support through this difficult time. You’ll also learn about the process of grieving and meet others who have experienced loss. The groups are free and open to everyone in the area.

Loss & Grief Recovery
This series is scheduled over nine weeks, meeting every Tuesday. It is for individuals age 16 and over who need help dealing with a death. Registration is required. Sessions are held at the Medical Center, in Conference Room 5, from 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Next sessions are:
April 2 – May 28, 2013
June 18-August 13, 2013
September 17-November 12, 2013
November 19—special session: Handling the Holidays

Little Angels
This support group is for parents and others who are suffering because of the loss of a child through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, or young infant death. Group mee

Seminar on "Sophisticated" Surgery Techniques to Be Held

Provena Health — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

Provena United Samaritans Medical Center is offering a free educational seminar on minimally-invasive surgery, “Sophistication is Here,” on Thursday, April 4, 2013.

Dr. Venkata Kakarla, general surgeon with Christie Clinic in Danville, will discuss laproscopic and other minimally-invasive surgical solutions for gallbladder and appendix issues, hernia, bowel resection, cancer, and more.

“Many procedures that used to require a multi-day hospital stay can now be done on an outpatient basis,” states Dr. Kakarla. “People often don’t realize that these advanced techniques are available right here at our hospital in Danville.”

In addition to a quicker recovery, patients often have less pain, less scaring and a better overall experience with minimally-invasive surgery versus traditional surgery.

Dr. Kakarla is board certified in general surgery, and joined Christie Cli

Medical Center Partners with CRIS to Open Senior Meal Site

Provena Health — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

Provena United Samaritans Medical Center's cafeteria and the CRIS Healthy Aging Center have partnered to offer seniors breakfast, lunch and dinner meals for the low price of $2.75.

There will be a grand opening celebration Friday, March 15 starting at 4:00pm. The event will feature speakers from the Provena nutrition department and CRIS to explain the program. Dinner will be available to seniors for only $2.75. There will be door prizes. Seating at the grand opening is limited. Call CRIS at 217.443.2999 to register.

The PUSMC/CRIS senior meals will be available a the Provena cafeteria daily, with breakfast being served from 6:00-10:00am, lunch from 11:00am-2:00pm, and dinner from 4:00-6:30p. The reduced-price meals are available to any senior, age 60 and over. Participants must register and receive special coupons from CRIS to receive the discounted meals.

To register and receive coupons, call CRIS at 217.443.2999, or stop in at 309 North Franklin Street in Danville.

Pulmonary Services Lab Earns Accreditation

Provena Health — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

The Pulmonary Services laboratory at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center has been awarded a two-year term of accreditation as part of an on-site visit by the College of American Pathologists Accreditation team.

The US federal government recognizes the CAP Laboratory Accreditations Program, which was founded in the 1960s as being equal to or more stringent than the government’s own inspection program.

During the CAP accreditation process, inspectors examine the laboratory’s records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and record and overall management.

The Pulmonary Services lab at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center provides arterial blood gas measurements. This test measures the pH, carbon dioxide, and oxygen in the blood. It lets the physician know how well a patient is ventilating (exchanging gases in the body). Pulmonologist I

Spring Book Fair Set

Provena Health — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:00:00 CST

The CUE Club (Contributions by United Samaritans Employees) of Provena United Samaritans Medical Center Foundation will be hosting a Spring Book Fair on Monday, March 25 and Tuesday, March 26, 2013.

Quality books and unique gift items will be on sale at discounted prices from 7:00am to 4:00pm both days in Conference Rooms 2 & 3, Ground Floor, at the Medical Center, 812 N. Logan Avenue, Danville.

Cash, credit cards, and checks are accepted, as well as payroll deduction for Provena employees. All proceeds from the sale benefit the Special Employee Relief Fund (SERF).

SERF was created as a way for Provena United Samaritans employees to support fellow employees during times of crisis, such as family illness or catastrophic events.

For more information on CUE Club or the Book Fair, contact the Provena United Samaritans Medical Center Foundation, 217.442.6583 or visit Faith in Action is a ministry for assisting seniors aged 60 and over in the Danville area. The ministry provides transportation and home repairs, builds wheelchair ramps on homes, and can help with emergency assistance.

Faith in Action is currently recruiting new volunteers. Orientation will be held for those interested in volunteering, on the following dates: Tuesday, March 19, 9:30 -11:00am; Thursday, March 21, 1:30-3:00pm; and Monday, March 25, 1:30-3:00pm.

This ministry serves the Danville area. If you would like to attend one of these sessions, please call the office at 217.431.8489. Sessions are held at the First Presbyterian Church, 100 N. Franklin in Danville.

Faith in Action is an outreach program of the Provena United Samaritans Medical Center Foundation.