(17 May 2005) Halifax Urgent Care Center in Port Orange Relocating, Daytona Beach Center Expanding Hours

PORT ORANGE – To accommodate construction during the ongoing conversion of Halifax’s outpatient facility in Port Orange to a full service hospital, the Halifax Urgent Care-Port Orange will soon move a few blocks east to a new permanent location on the first floor of the Preferred Medical Center building, now in the final stages of completion.

Halifax Urgent Care-Port Orange will be closed starting Tuesday, June 14 and will reon Friday, June 17 at the new location, 740 Dunlawton Ave., Suite 100 (just east of Nova Rd., almost across the street from the Port Orange Post Office). The phone number will remain the same, 386-767-4462.

The new Center will beseven days a week, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., providing walk-in emergency care for minor illnesses and injuries.

During the time the Center in Port Orange is closed, patients may use Halifax Urgent Care in Daytona Beach located at Halifax Medical Center-Atlantic Campus, 400 N. Clyde Morris Blvd. which, effective May 31, is expanding its hours of operation to 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. This Center is just north and across the street from the main emergency department and trauma center on Halifax’s main campus which is24 hours, seven days a week.

Halifax operates a third urgent care center at 1688 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, which isMonday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
 

(12 May 2005) Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Receives Grant for
Faith-Based Volunteer Program Expansion in Flagler

PORT ORANGE – The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation recently awarded Hospice of Volusia/Flagler a $35,000 Faith in Action grant to expand its Faith in Action Health Ministry program within Flagler County, enhancing this hospice’s 25-year presence in the Flagler community.

The grant was awarded as a part of the Foundation’s commitment to its national Interfaith Volunteer Caregiving Program. Currently, the national Faith in Action network consists of hundreds of programs nationwide in which Americans of every faith; Catholics, Hindus, Jews, Muslims and Protestants, focus on improving the lives of their neighbors with long-term health needs.

This grant will be administered and utilized for the Faith in Action Health Ministry’s general operating expenses and to provide the 21-hour Hospice volunteer orientation on-site at faith-based organizations. Those who take the orientation may choose to become Hospice of Volusia/Flagler volunteers and/or use the knowledge they have gained to volunteer within their own congregation. The Faith-Based Volunteer program has already been offered at First Baptist Church, Palm Coast.

A Faith in Action grant first helped established the Health Ministry within Volusia County in 2002 with seven active faith-based organizations in that program.
Volunteers help those in need with many everyday activities, such as picking up groceries, providing a ride to the doctor, or offering much needed support to the caregiver of a terminally ill patient. With this assistance, members of the community who have long-term healthcare needs can maintain their independence as long as possible.

“Faith in Action volunteers are generally highly motivated people who make valuable contributions to their congregations and to the community. Their gift of service is a means to express their faith,” said Suzanne DeWees, PhD, Health Ministry coordinator at Hospice of Volusia/Flagler. “Volunteering one hour a week through one’s congregation or at Hospice has a huge positive impact on the challenge of caring for the elderly in our community. While at the same time, one hour a week provides the volunteers with an irreplaceable sense of value in their own lives.”

With more Americans living longer lives, many are faced with the challenge of helping a family member, neighbor or friend who has arthritis, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, HIV/AIDS or other long-term healthcare problem.The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has supported faith-based community efforts to meet these challenges with volunteer caregivers.

“Love Thy Neighbor” is the basis for the Faith in Action Health Ministry of Hospice of Volusia/Flagler.

For information about the Faith in Action Health Ministry in Volusia or Flagler counties, contact DeWees at 386-239-5000, ext. 5277 or e-mail suzanne.dewees In Flagler County contact Mary Ann Maguire at 386-446-0300 or e-mail mary.maguire More information on this health ministry is also available by visiting the Faith in Action Web site at www.faithinaction.org.

About Faith In Action
Faith in Action is a national interfaith volunteer caregiving initiative supported by a grant from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation with direction and technical assistance provided by Wake Forest University School of Medicine. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, based in Princeton, N.J., is the nation's largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to health and health care.

About Hospice of Volusia/Flagler
Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, a nonprofit health care organization, has been providing compassionate care to terminally ill patients and their families in Volusia and Flagler counties for over 25 years. The mission of Hospice of Volusia/Flagler is to provide extraordinary and dignified comfort and compassion to every person facing the end of life. In addition to care at home, in nursing homes, in hospitals or where ever the patient resides, Hospice of Volusia/Flagler operates a Hospice Care Center in Port Orange, Hospice Houses in New Smyrna Beach and Palm Coast, and is a proud partner of Halifax Community Health System. More information is available at www.hovf.org.
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Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
 

(25 April 2005) Halifax Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Graduates, Families Invited to Reunion Picnic on April 30

DAYTONA BEACH – Halifax Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) physicians, staff, graduates and their families are invited to attend a Reunion Picnic celebrating 27 years of caring for babies.

The NICU Reunion Picnic will be held Saturday, April 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Halifax’s main campus, 303 N. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach, in Bird Ave. Park located just north of the main entrance and the Halifax Professional Center.

Activities include: • Free hotdogs, hamburgers, popcorn and other picnic favorites • Hannie the Clown with her treasure chest, face painting and balloon animals • Inflatable moon walk, rockwall and slide • Live music • Tours up to NICU to view a showcase the staff has created chronicling the Unit’s 27-year history.

Families are encouraged to bring their “now and then” photos of their NICU graduate to add to the “Wall of Fame.”

A brief ceremony will be held at 11:30 a.m. to recognize HMC Neonatologist Dr. Yick B. AuYeung for 27 years of service.

HMC has provided obstetric services since itd in 1928. The NICU was added in 1977 and remains the only NICU serving Volusia and Flagler counties. It is a nine-bed Level II NICU, caring for babies weighing 1000 grams or more at birth or babies born at less than 36 weeks gestation. Over 300 babies are admitted to the NICU each year. The average length of stay is 10 days.

The Halifax NICU staff consists of one neonatologist, two staff pediatricians, 37 nurses and nine respiratory therapists. On average, 10 percent of all births will require some sort of intervention by the NICU staff. Most babies get better very quickly with the first 24 hours being the most crucial.
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Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
 

(25 April 2005) Dr. Steven Miles Receives Top Professional Recognition

DAYTONA BEACH – Steven G. Miles, a Daytona Beach native and Medical Staff leader at Halifax Medical Center, has been recognized by his peers of the American College of Radiology (ACR) as a Fellow of the national organization, an award accorded only about 3,000 of the College’s more than 32,000 U. S. members.

Since 1989 Miles has practiced as part of Radiology Associates, which provides services to Halifax Medical Center, Twin Lakes Imaging, Port Orange Imaging and Palm Coast and St. Augustine Imaging. He is a former member and past chairman of the Board of Halifax Community Health System and has served as chief of the hospital’s Medical Staff. He continues to serve on numerous committees of the hospital and of the Volusia County Medical Society, of which he is past president. He is also past president of the Florida Radiological Society, served a term on the Board of Governors of the Florida Medical Association and chaired that organization’s public relations committee. He is a current Board member of the Daytona Beach Community College Foundation.

Dr. Miles nomination for fellowship in the American College of Radiology was based on significant accomplishments in radiology research, recognition as a role model, and community involvement. “Steve Miles has been instrumental in the turn around from having patients in need of specialized radiological services having to leave town to the status today in which patient are sent to Halifax from other parts of Florida,” said Jeff Feasel, CEO of Halifax Community Health System. “Steve’s vision, not just for his specialty, but for the way in which healthcare providers can meet community needs, makes him a real asset to our area.”

Founded in 1923, the American College of Radiology is a professional medical organization, comprised of diagnostic radiologists, radiation oncologists, interventional radiologists, nuclear medicine physician and medical physicists dedicated to providing quality patient care. The ACR has 54 chapters around the world. ACR members performed approximately 200 million radiological procedures in 2003.
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Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb

 

(18 April 2005) Poker Run Benefits Hospice of Volusia/Flagler 

WEST VOLUSIA – Bikers from New York to Florida turned out for Moose Lodge 2538’s successful Deltona Poker Run and raised more than $2,300 for Hospice of Volusia/Flagler on March 6.

Cathy Mann, event organizer, said the Poker Run drew 63 bikes, including 22 from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Services, who showed their support for Hospice of Volusia/Flagler. The Poker Run included stops at Foxhead, Cabbage Patch, AMVETS Deland and the Orange City Eagles chapter. It finished at the West Volusia Moose Lodge with a pulled pork dinner, music, auction and 50/50 drawing.

Moose Lodge members Carolyn Denny and Carolyn and Dan Frick obtained items for the silent auction and drawings. Mann announced there will be another Poker Run in October to benefit Hospice, which helped one of her relatives. 

Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, a nonprofit health care organization affiliated with Halifax Community Health System, has been providing compassionate care to terminally ill patients and their families in Volusia and Flagler counties for over 25 years.
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Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb

(11 April 2005) It’s Time To Talk About It: Making Your Healthcare Wishes Clear

PORT ORANGE – Hospice of Volusia/Flagler invites the public to a timely discussion called "It's Time to Talk About It: Making Your Healthcare Wishes Clear,’’ a series of free presentations emphasizing how important it is for everyone to make their healthcare wishes known in the event it becomes necessary.

As the leading provider of compassionate care to terminally ill patients and their families in Volusia and Flagler counties for over 25 years, Hospice of Volusia/Flagler staff members know many people have questions about this issue including:

• What happens if I can’t tell my doctors what I want them to do for me?
• What is a Living Will, and how is it different from a Healthcare Surrogate? Do I need both documents?
• I’ve put my wishes in writing, what do I do next?

“These are highly personal and challenging subjects for each person. That’s why we’ve put together this two-county series of workshops about advance directives for healthcare needs, to ensure people are prepared and knowledgeable about their options,” said JoAnne King, operations manager for Hospice of Volusia/Flagler.

The hour-long, free presentations are being held at these locations throughout Volusia and Flagler counties. Light refreshments will be served.
• Monday, April 18 • 10:30 a.m. • Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Resale Shop • 876 Saxon Blvd., Orange City
• Tuesday, April 19, 1 p.m. • Connor Room in the Brannon Center • 105 S. Riverside Dr. • New Smyrna Beach
• Tuesday, April 19 • 2 p.m. Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Resale Shop • 1801 S. Nova Road, Suite 107, South Daytona
• Thursday, April 21 • 11:30-12:30 p.m. • Flagler County Library, 2500 Palm Coast Parkway, NW; Palm Coast
• Friday, April 29, 2 p.m. • Café in the Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Care Center • 3800 Woodbriar Trail • Port Orange

If you would like Hospice of Volusia/Flagler to send you a free living will or healthcare surrogate document, call 386-258-4848.

In addition to hospice care in patients’ homes, nursing homes and hospitals, Hospice of Volusia/Flagler operates a 16-bed inpatient Care Center in Port Orange, a five-bed Hospice House in New Smyrna Beach and isng the Pineapple Palm House, a six-bed Hospice House, in Flagler County. Planning also is underway for construction of an 18-bed, inpatient care center in Orange City.
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Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb

(8 April 2005) Tennis Social April 29 To Benefit Hospice of Volusia/Flagler's Children's Grief Center

ORMOND BEACH - The Perfect Match Tennis Boutique and Trails Racquet Club invite all interested women tennis players to the 2nd Annual Spring Tennis Social and Fashion Preview on April 29. This year’s event will benefit the Lawrence E. Whelan BeginAgain Children’s Grief Center a program of Hospice of Volusia/Flagler.

The Children’s Grief Center is a place where grieving children in Volusia and Flagler counties can interact with others who share their feelings, aided by counselors specially trained to help young people deal with loss.

Pre-registration is required. The registration fee is $30 per player and players may choose a start time of 9:30 a.m. with lunch at 11:30 a.m., or 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch at 1 p.m. Lunch is provided courtesy of Stonewood Grill & Tavern and Peach Valley Café. The event also features prize drawings and entertainment. Players will have the opportunity to preview the latest collections from the LBH Group and place team orders for Fall 2005.

In the event of rain, the Tennis Social will take place with a luncheon and fashion preview at noon. For registration or more information, call Beth Agnone at (386) 290-3061.

Hospice of Volusia/Flagler has been the leading not-for-profit provider of hospice care to terminally ill patients and their families in Volusia and Flagler counties for more than 25 years, caring for patients in their homes, nursing homes and hospitals. It operates a 16-bed inpatient Hospice Care Center in Port Orange, a five-bed Hospice House in New Smyrna Beach and isng the Pineapple Palm House, a six-bed Hospice House, in Flagler County. Planning is also underway for construction of an 18-bed, inpatient care center in Orange City.
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Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb

MARCH 2005 NEWS RELEASES (Scroll down)

(31 March 2005) Third Annual Golf Festival Set for April 29 at Sugar Mill Country Club

NEW SMYRNA BEACH – Sugar Mill Country Club is the host for the Third Annual Golf Festival benefiting Hospice of Volusia/Flagler on Friday, April 29 at Sugar Mill Country Club, 100 Clubhouse Circle. The tournament will be a Scramble format with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m.
All player slots have been filled but hole sponsorships still are available for $100. For sponsorship information, please contact Special Events Coordinator Kim Carney at (386) 322-4701, Ext. 6296

Proceeds from the event will benefit Hospice’s Bereavement Services Trauma and Loss Program, which provides counseling and support services to individuals and families who have lost a loved one due to homicide, suicide or accidental death.

Current sponsors include: the Tyrrell Foundation, Johnson & Johnson, Bright House Networks; Brunswick Boat Group; Creative Tour and Travel; Florida Health Care Plans, Inc.; MedOne Shuttle; Murphy Bed Center; Riverside Bank; and Publix Super Markets Charities.

Hospice of Volusia/Flagler has been the leading not-for-profit provider of hospice care to terminally ill patients and their families in Volusia and Flagler counties for more than 25 years, caring for patients in their homes, nursing homes and hospitals. It operates a 16-bed inpatient Hospice Care Center in Port Orange, a five-bed Hospice House in New Smyrna Beach and isng a six-bed Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Hospice House in Flagler County. Planning is also underway for construction of an 18-bed, inpatient care center in Orange City.
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Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb

(29 March 2005) “LIVING WITH GRIEF: Ethical Dilemmas at the End of Life”  -  HOSPICE OF VOLUSIA/FLAGLER WILL HOST HOSPICE FOUNDATION OF AMERICA’S ANNUAL BEREAVEMENT TELECONFERENCE APRIL 20

DAYTONA BEACH – Cokie Roberts, an analyst for ABC News and National Public Radio, will moderate a panel discussion during the 12th Annual National Bereavement Teleconference on “Ethical Dilemmas at the End of Life," Wednesday, April 20.

The panel discussion on ways to enhance the quality of life for terminally ill patients will be hosted locally by Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, the established not-for-profit leader in providing hospice services in Volusia and Flagler counties.

It will be broadcast live via-satellite, 1:30 to 4 p.m., EDT, in the first floor conference room of the Regional Oncology Center on the main campus of Halifax Medical Center, 303 N. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach. The event is free andto the public. Companion books to the presentation will be available to the first 40 program registrants. To make a reservation or for information, call Lynn Stewart at 386-774-2188, ext. 5114.

Each year, Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) presents a nationally recognized learning program to an audience of more than 125,000 viewers in 2,000 communities. For more than a decade, this annual educational program has educated health care professionals and families on issues affecting end-of-life care. It also provides an opportunity for professionals such as doctors, nurses, ethicists, educators, social workers and bereavement counselors to share and exchange ideas and obtain continuing education credits. Hospice of Volusia/Flagler will offer CEUs through Hospice Foundation of America at a charge of $25. Those who desire education credits must stay for a local panel discussion scheduled from 4 to 4:30 p.m.

This year’s National Bereavement Teleconference distinguished panel of experts will examine issues relating to the social perspectives of medical ethics and how various health care settings may influence ethical decisions in hospitals, nursing homes and hospices. Roberts will lead the panel of experts on those issues as they address the interrelationships between values, ethics and law in health care settings, as well as how cultural differences may influence ethical choices.

The panelists include: Kenneth J. Doka, PhD, College of New Rochelle; Bruce Jennings, MA, Senior Research Scholar, The Hastings Center; Charles Corr, PhD, Professor emeritus, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville; Bernice Harper, PhD, Board Chair and President, Foundation for Hospices in Sub-Saharan Africa; Richard Fife, PhD, Vice President, Bioethics and Pastoral Care, VITAS Healthcare Corporation; Jack Gordon, Chairman and CEO, Hospice Foundation of America; William Lamers, MD, Medical Consultant, Hospice of Foundation of America; Richard Payne, MD, Director, Duke Institute on Care at the End of Life, Joanne Reifsnyder, RN, PhD, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing.

The teleconference is produced by Hospice Foundation of America, a non-profit organization working to educate health care professionals and the families they serve on issues relating to illness, loss and grief. The program is sponsored in part by a grant from the Foundation for End-of-Life Care, in cooperation with the Association for Death Education and Counseling, the Hastings Center and National Hospice Work Group.
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Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb

 

(22 March 2005) Halifax New Community Health Center

DAYTONA BEACH – Halifax Medical Center dedicated the new Halifax Dunn Health Center March 21. A ribbon of surgical gauze was cut with surgical scissors by representatives of the City of Daytona Beach, Volusia County Council, the NAACP, the Black Clergy Alliance and Halifax Community Health System.

The Center is conveniently located in Daytona Beach at 1455 Dunn Ave., just west of Clyde Morris Blvd. Along with ample parking, the new location has the advantage of being adjacent to the walk-in and extended hours facilities of the Halifax Urgent Care Center on the Hospital’s Atlantic Campus and close to Halifax’s main campus with its 24/7 emergency department service. It is on Votran bus route 11.

The Dunn Center replaces the Halifax Crosslin Health Center, whose facilities had become inadequate to meet community needs, as the primary center for adult clinic care. The Dunn Center isMonday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Patients will be cared for by family practice physicians Ann Cheema, MD, and Fabiola Fairgrieve, MD, with a third physician scheduled to join the staff in August.

The new location provides more space enabling the consolidation of the adult medical practice formerly provided at the Crosslin Center with the adult patients that were seen at the Halifax Keech Health Center, which will now become a full Pediatric facility. The Center has also been designed to provide facilities for specialists assisting in the community outreach program.

Halifax Hospital Medical Center District residents without insurance and with incomes below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level are eligible for care for chronic and serious illness through the Halifax Managed Healthcare Assistance program (HMHA), for which they may register in advance through the HMHA office at the hospital. Information and application for assistance will be available in the near future as result of a partnership with the Daytona Beach Branch, NAACP, and representatives of the 42 member churches of the Daytona Beach Black Clergy Alliance. An expanded discount program covering individuals up to 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level and allowing a prompt pay discount for all patients was implemented January 1.

Joining in the  cutting of a ribbon of surgical gauze were Dr. Ann Cheema, Rev. L. Ronald Durham of the Greater Friendship Baptist Church and president of the Black Clergy Alliance, Daytona Beach Branch NAACP President Cynthia Slater, Daytona Beach City Commissioner Cassandra Reynolds, Volusia County Council Member Joie Alexander, Daytona Beach Mayor Yvonne Scarlett-Golden and Dr. Fabiola Fairgrieve.
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Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb

(17 March 2005) Child Safety Seat Checkup Event in DeLand March 19
 
DELAND – A child safety seat check up event will be held Saturday, March 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at St. Peters Catholic Church, 359 W. New York Avenue, DeLand.   Parents and guardians are invited to drop by in their cars with their car seats and children to make sure their child car seat is correctly installed.  
 
The Volusia/Flagler Child Passenger Safety Team is coordinating the checkup event.  In addition to getting their child safety seats checked, families are invited to participate in the Hispanic Health Initiative’s Health Fair for Latin Women & Teenage Daughters.  Families will receive health education, free screenings, medical exams, work shops and enjoy music, prizes and much more.
 
Even when parents use restraints, their child still may be at risk.  Community child safety seat check-up events held throughout Florida indicate that over 96 percent of the child safety seats inspected were incorrectly installed in one or more ways. 
 
Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 14 and under, according to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that if used correctly, child safety seats have been found to be 71 percent effective in preventing fatalities, 67 percent effective in reducing the need for hospitalization, and 50 percent effective in preventing even minor injuries.
 
The event is part of the Latin Women’s Health Fair sponsored by Hispanic Health Initiatives, Inc. and made possible by the Volusia/Flagler County Child Passenger Safety Team.  The partnership, whose goal is to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities to children by increasing awareness of the importance of proper usage of child safety seats, is comprised of the Flagler/Volusia Healthy Start Coalition, Volusia County Sheriff's Office, Volusia County Fire Department and the Volusia/Flagler SAFE KIDS Coalition.
 
For more information about the upcoming event, call Healthy Communities at 386-323-0000.
 
The Volusia/Flagler SAFE KIDS Coalition is part of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, the first and only national nonprofit organization dedicated solely to the prevention of unintentional childhood injury — the number one killer of children ages 14 and under. Three hundred state and local SAFE KIDS coalitions in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico comprise the Campaign.
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Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb

(11 March 2005) Halifax Medical Center Neurosurgeon William Kuhn, MD, First In Central Florida To Implant Artificial Disc  ~ The CHARITÉ™ Artificial Disc Offers New Way to Treat Low Back Pain ~

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – Many people with chronic back pain have resisted spinal fusion surgery, a common treatment for chronic low back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. Spinal fusion joins vertebrae together using bone grafts so that motion no longer occurs between them. While most patients report relief from pain after spinal fusion surgery, the surgery significantly reduces their flexibility and range of motion.

On February 28, Halifax Medical Center Neurosurgeon William Kuhn, MD, successfully performed the first surgery in the area using an artificial disc. He removed the patient’s damaged disc and replaced it with the new CHARITÉ™ Artificial Disc, a high-tech device made of two metallic endplates and a movable high-density plastic center.

Dr. Kuhn is a board-certified neurosurgeon who has been practicing in Daytona Beach since 1991. He did his neurosurgery residency at Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, and completed additional training in spine surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Although he routinely performs many types of neurosurgical prodcedures, he specializes in complex spinal surgeries.

In clinical trials comparing artificial disc replacement to spinal fusion surgery, CHARITÉ™ Artificial Disc patients maintained or improved their range of motion and experienced improvements in pain. There were no significant differences in complications.

The CHARITÉ™ Artificial Disc was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), making it the first artificial disc on the U.S. market. While artificial replacements are commonly used in hips and knees, this is the first FDA approval of such a device for spinal discs.

“In selected patients, the lumbar artificial disc will allow us to treat disc disease without performing a fusion procedure,” said Dr. Kuhn. “A fusion may limit motion and potentially cause deterioration of the adjacent lumbar disc.”

Typically, two surgeons work together in the operation. General surgeon David Ramshaw, MD, approached the spine through an incision in the abdomen and carefully moved blood vessels and internal organs out of the way to provide access to the spine. Dr. Kuhn then used special tools to remove the damaged disc and create a space between two vertebrae for the implantation of the artificial disc. The procedure generally takes two hours.

About 65 million Americans suffer from low back pain every year, according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS). By some estimates, Americans spend about $50 billion each year on low back pain, the most common cause of job-related disability and lost workdays. More than 12 million people are reported to have degenerative disc disease.

Artificial disc replacement is not for everyone. As with any major surgery, there are possible complications that can occur including unresolved pain, allergic reactions, bladder problems and/or infection. Patients should ask their doctors to see if artificial disc replacement is appropriate for them.

Halifax Medical Center (HMC), a not-for-profit 764-bed acute care hospital, is the largest hospital in East Central Florida and offers all major medical and surgical services. HMC has been serving the region since 1928, has over 2,700 employees and is a part of Halifax Community Health System. More information is available online at www.halifax.org.

For more information about the CHARITÉ™ Artificial Disc visit www.charitedisc.com or call 1-866-DISC523.
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Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb

(10 March 2005) Funcoast Basketball Classic Presented by Florida Health Care Plans  

DAYTONA BEACH -- The Sixth Annual Funcoast Basketball Classic presented by Florida Health Care Plans will be played Friday, March 18 at Deltona High School, 100 Wolfpack Run, Deltona This double-header all-star event begins with the girls game at 5:30 p.m., followed by the boys game at 7:30 p.m. Like all Funcoast Classic events, admission is free andto the public.  

The games will showcase the best high school senior basketball players in Volusia and Flagler counties. Halftime activities include a three-point shootout during the girls game and a slam dunk contest during the boys game. Florida Health Care Plans will recognize a student athlete from each of the East and West teams at the conclusion of each game. Over 250 college coaches have been invited to attend this event. 

In the girls game, Corey Moore, Seabreeze High School, will coach the East team against Kym Wiser of New Smyrna Beach High School, coach of the West team.  Pine Ridge High School's head coach Shawn Knaub will coach the boys West team against Atlantic High School's Brian Morris, coach of the East team in a rematch of last year’s Funcoast Basketball Classic.              

The East teams will consist of players from Atlantic, Flagler Palm Coast, Mainland, Seabreeze, Spruce Creek high schools and Warner Christian Academy.  The West teams will consist of players from DeLand, Deltona, Father Lopez, New Smyrna Beach, Pine Ridge and Taylor high schools and Trinity Christian and Lighthouse Christian Academies.  

Last year, Florida Health Care Plans presented the Five Star Conference with a donation of just over $3,300 with additional donations going to Father Lopez, Warner Christian, Calvary Christian and Trinity Christian academies.  Over the past six years, Florida Health Care Plans has donated over $21,800 to high school athletics in Volusia and Flagler counties as part of the Funcoast Classic events. 

The Inaugural Funcoast Football Classic took place in December 1998, followed by the Funcoast Volleyball Classic (girls) in November 1999, the Funcoast Basketball Classic (boys and girls) in March 2000, and the Funcoast Soccer Classic (boys and girls) in March 2003.
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Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
 

(9 March 2005) Halifax Medical Center Neurosurgeon Dr. Thomas Boulter First in Central Florida to Perform New Alternative to Spinal Fusion

DAYTONA BEACH – On February 22, neurosurgeon Thomas Boulter, MD, performed the first surgical procedure in Central Florida using the Dynesys Dynamic Stabilization System. The procedure was done at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach.

Dr. Boulter is board certified, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, member of the North American Spine Society and the Spinal Section of the American Association of Neurologic Surgeons. He was trained in the Dynesys system by faculty of the experimental device system study. Dr. Boulter was trained in spinal procedures in the United States and Europe, and has 30 years of experience.

This spinal system is a new alternative for patients with back and leg pain due to spinal stenosis (compression of nerves) or spondylolisthesis (abnormal and excessive movement of the vertebrae, commonly known as ‘slipped disc’).

For many years, the main surgical solution for these patients has been traditional spinal fusion surgery, which generally includes removal of the affected discs and fusion of the vertebral segments (using rigid rods and screws) resulting in stopping any motion in the affected area to reduce pain.

Using the Dynesys system, a small device is attached to both sides of the affected vertebrae. The device is made of titanium alloy screws and external spacers made of surgical polyurethane (flexible plastic tubing) surrounding a nylon-like cord (see photos attached).

Once in place, the device stabilizes the affected joints, leaving much of the intervertebral discs and joints intact. Because of the flexible materials used, the device allows a controlled range of motion that may be lost with traditional fusion.

“This modern technology maintains function while reducing pain. Because I do not destroy tissue, future treatments are still possible,” said Dr. Boulter. “In selected patients, this system is the most rewarding and offers the fastest return to normal lifestyles. Additionally, it is an extremely low-risk surgical procedure. I like the Dynesys system because of the patient benefit without high risk.”

Facts about back pain:
• Back pain is one of the most common reasons for going to the doctor.
• It is estimated that 19 million people in the United States suffer from some form of back pain.
• Over $80 billion is spent each year due to back pain, and it is the second most common cause of missed work days.
• Back pain is the leading cause for disability between the ages of 19-45, representing 16 percent of all Worker’s Compensation Claims.
• It is estimated that nearly 400,000 people in the United States undergo fusion procedures each year.

The Dynesys system has been available in Europe since 1994 and over 13,000 patients have been implanted worldwide. An FDA clinical study is now underway in the United States to assess the safety and effectiveness of the system. Dr. Boulter is one of a very select group of prominent
spine surgeons who will be implanting the device. Patients will be followed for two years to assess the performance of the device. The device is manufactured by Zimmer Spine which researches, develops and manufactures spinal implants and instrumentation. Information about Zimmer Spine is available online at www.zimmerspine.com.

Halifax Medical Center (HMC), a not-for-profit 764-bed acute care hospital, is the largest hospital in East Central Florida and offers all major medical and surgical services. HMC has been serving the region since 1928, has over 2,700 employees and is a part of Halifax Community Health System. More information is available online at www.halifax.org.
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Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
 

(8 March 2005) Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Medical Director Receives Certification

PORT ORANGE – Raul Zimmerman, MD, has been certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Zimmerman is the medical director for Hospice of Volusia/Flagler which provides care to terminally ill patients and their families in all of Volusia and Flagler counties. Dr. Zimmerman joins 1,908 fellow physicians nationwide to have achieved such certification.

Eligibility requirements for certification by the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine are significant. In order to sit for the examination, applicants must have completed fellowship training in palliative medicine, or alternatively have received prior major specialty certification, practiced for at least two years following residency, worked as a member of an interdisciplinary team for at least two years and have directly participated in the active care of at least 50 terminally ill patients in the preceding three years.

Dr. Zimmerman also holds board certification in family medicine. Prior to becoming the full-time medical director of Hospice of Volusia/Flagler in 2004, he was the program director of the Family Medicine Residency Program at Halifax Medical Center where he continues to serve on the faculty educating residents on end of life care, and helping them be more aware of what hospice and palliative medicine can offer patients and their families. Dr. Zimmerman also serves as chair of the Bioethics Committee at Halifax Medical Center.

Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, a nonprofit health care organization, has been providing compassionate care to terminally ill patients and their families in Volusia and Flagler counties for over 25 years. The mission of Hospice of Volusia/Flagler is to provide extraordinary and dignified comfort and compassion to every person facing the end of life. In addition to care at home, in nursing homes, in hospitals or where ever the patient resides, Hospice of Volusia/Flagler operates a 16-bed Hospice Care Center in Port Orange, a 5-bed Hospice House in New Smyrna Beach, and is a proud partner of Halifax Community Health System. More information is available at www.hovf.org.

Information on the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine may be obtained from the Web site, www.ABHPM.org, or by calling 301-439-8001.
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Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb

FEBRUARY 2005 NEWS RELEASES (Scroll down)

(24 Feb 2005) Camp BeginAgain Helps Grieving Children, Volunteers Needed ~ April 4 camper registration and volunteer application deadline

DAYTONA BEACH - Grieving the loss of a loved one is difficult, but when the person grieving is a child, special support is often needed. Children need help understanding their feelings, and that the emotions they are experiencing are normal. This is the goal of Camp BeginAgain, a weekend retreat for young people age 6 to 17 who have experienced the death of a loved one.

Held twice a year, the next session will be April 15-17 at the Central Baptist Youth Camp in DeLand.

The camper registration and volunteer application deadline is April 4.

The cost is $100 per child and scholarships are available. Camper applications can be picked up from school guidance counselors in Volusia and Flagler counties, or by contacting Karen Grant at the Lawrence E. Whelan BeginAgain Children’s Grief Center, 386-258-5100.

Compassionate individuals willing to volunteer to spend a weekend or a day helping children are needed. A free, comprehensive training program for Camp volunteers is provided. Volunteers are needed for the weekend to serve as cabin assistants, kitchen help, recreation leaders, arts and crafts teachers, guitar player and song leader, camp nurse, chaplain and canoe navigators. Volunteers are needed for the day on Friday to help set up, and on Sunday to help clean up. For an application or more information call the Center.

BACKGROUND:
Camp BeginAgain combines traditional camp activities such as sports, games, canoeing, singing, and other fun activities with peer sharing and creative arts, giving the children a chance to express their feelings, and to grieve with others experiencing similar emotions. Counselors and volunteers are available throughout the weekend to listen and talk with campers. A special memorial service is held at the end of camp to remember loved ones. Camp BeginAgain is just one of the children’s bereavement support programs offered by the Lawrence E. Whelan BeginAgain Children’s Grief Center, a program of Hospice of Volusia/Flagler. The Center is located at 1124 Beville Road, Suite C, Daytona Beach. The phone number is 386-258-5100.
# # #
Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb

(23 February 2005) Dance, “Elvis” Tribute to Benefit Hospice of Volusia/Flagler

PALM COAST –  Dance, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, bid on silent auction items and see Randy “Elvis” Fillipi perform his tribute to the king of rock and roll at “The Hop With ‘Elvis’ Tribute. The fun starts at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 12 at the Palm Coast Yacht Club, 1 Yacht Club Drive, Palm Coast.
 
Tickets are $50 per person.  Proceeds benefit Hospice of Volusia/Flagler programs and services in Flagler County. For information call 386-322-4701, ext. 6296.
 
Any tickets still available on the night of the event can be obtained at the door. Pre-event ticket locations include –
Palm Coast:
Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Resale Shop, 140 Palm Coast Pkwy.
Hospice of Volusia/Flagler office, 7 Florida Park Dr., Suite A
A & L Deli, 226 Palm Coast Pkwy.
Palm Coast Yacht Club, 1 Yacht Club Dr.
 
Flagler Beach: Klein Art, 102 S. Fourth St.
 
Port Orange: Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Care Center, 3800 Woodbriar Trail
 
About Hospice of Volusia/Flagler:
Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, a nonprofit health care organization, has been providing compassionate care to terminally ill patients and their families in Volusia and Flagler counties for more than 25 years. The mission of Hospice of Volusia/Flagler is to provide extraordinary and dignified comfort and compassion to every person facing the end of life. In addition to care at home, in nursing homes, in hospitals or where ever the patient resides, Hospice currently operates a 16-bed Hospice Care Center in Port Orange and a 5-bed Hospice House in New Smyrna Beach and has plans toinpatient and residential care centers in both Flager County and West Volusia.  Hospice of Volusia/Flagler is a proud partner of Halifax Community Health System.  More information is available at www.hovf.org.
# # #
Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb

(23 February 2005) Funcoast Soccer Classic Presented by Florida Health Care Plans on March 2

EVENT CONTACT:
John Riordan, Special Projects Coordinator
Halifax Community Health System, 386-322-4764

NEW SMYRNA BEACH – Florida Health Care Plans is hosting the Third Annual Funcoast Soccer Classic on Wednesday, March 2 at the New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex, 1800 Turnbull Bay Road, New Smyrna Beach.
 
This soccer double-header is designed so college scouts can view Volusia and Flagler counties’ top senior high school players.  The girls and boys games begin on adjacent fields at 6 p.m.
 
Now in its seventh year, Florida Health Care Plans’ Funcoast Classics showcase the best high school senior athletes in Volusia and Flagler counties with events in volleyball, football, soccer and basketball.
 
Like all Funcoast Classic events, admission is free andto the public. Florida Health Care Plans will recognize a student athlete from each of the East and West teams at the conclusion of each game. Over 100 college coaches have been invited to attend this event.
 
The East teams will consist of players from Atlantic, Flagler Palm Coast, Mainland, Seabreeze, and Spruce Creek high schools.  The West teams will consist of players from DeLand, Deltona, Father Lopez, New Smyrna Beach, Pine Ridge and Taylor high schools and Warner Christian Academy.
 
Coaching the East team for the girls will be Bob Wilson, Mainland High School, and leading the West will be Allen Mandell, DeLand High School. Juan Arrieta, Spruce Creek High School, will be coaching the boys East and together Casey Korkus, Pine Ridge High School and Chris Dowdell, Deltona High School will lead the boys West team.

Mark your calendar for the final Funcoast Classic event for the 2004-2005 school year:
·        Funcoast Basketball Classic - Friday, March 18 at Deltona High School, girls game at 5:30 p.m., boys game at 7:30 p.m.
 
Last year, Florida Health Care Plans presented the Five Star Conference with a donation of just over $3,300 with additional donations going to Father Lopez, Warner Christian, Calvary Christian and Trinity Christian academies.  Over the past six years, Florida Health Care Plans has donated over $21,800 to high school athletics in Volusia and Flagler counties as part of the Funcoast Classic events.
 
The Inaugural Funcoast Football Classic took place in December 1998, followed by the Funcoast Volleyball Classic (girls) in November 1999, the Funcoast Basketball Classic (boys and girls) in March 2000, and the Funcoast Soccer Classic (boys and girls) in March 2003.
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Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb

(23 February 2005) Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Resale Shop in South Daytona ~ Grandng Sat. Feb. 26 ~

SOUTH DAYTONA – A grandng celebration will be held on Saturday, February 26 at the new Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Resale Shop located in the Landmark Business Park, 1801 S. Nova Rd., Suite 107, South Daytona.

Grandng festivities start at 10 a.m. on Saturday and include a 10 percent discount on all purchases all day, refreshments, and a registration for a $25 shopping spree.

The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Resale Shop in South Daytona isMonday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. The 6,000 square foot Shop offers furniture, quality clothing, computers, house wares, jewelry and antiques.

Donations of quality items are gladly accepted, and free pick up for larger items can be arranged. Volunteer opportunities are also available. Proceeds from the Shop are used to support Hospice of Volusia/Flagler’s programs and services. For information call the Shop at 386-761-6045.

About Hospice of Volusia/Flagler:
Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, a nonprofit health care organization and a proud part of Halifax Community Health System, has been providing compassionate care to terminally ill patients and their families in Volusia and Flagler counties for more than 25 years. The mission of Hospice of Volusia/Flagler is to provide extraordinary and dignified comfort and compassion to every person facing the end of life, regardless of their ability to pay. In addition to care at home, in nursing homes, in hospitals or where ever the patient resides, Hospice of Volusia/Flagler operates a 16-bed Hospice Care Center in Port Orange and a 5-bed Hospice House in New Smyrna Beach for those patients that need a higher level of care. Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Resale Shops are located in South Daytona, Orange City and Palm Coast. More information is available at www.hovf.org.
# # #
Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb

(22 February 2005) Volunteers Needed for Children’s Grief Center - Application Deadline Mar. 4 for Next Training Session

DAYTONA BEACH -- The Lawrence E. Whelan BeginAgain Children’s Grief Center, is offering a training course for those interested in working with grieving children and their families. The Center is looking for compassionate individuals in Volusia and Flagler counties who are willing to give a one-year commitment to the program. “We are looking for people who want to make a difference in the life of a child,” said Program Coordinator Karen Grant, who is a licensed clinical social worker.

The deadline to apply for the next volunteer training session is March 4. All volunteers receive a free, comprehensive training program which is held at the Center, 1124 Beville Rd., Suite C, Daytona Beach. The next six-week session will be held on Monday nights, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., starting March 7.

Volunteers are needed for programs based in Daytona Beach, DeLand and Palm Coast.

Individuals interested in becoming volunteer facilitators or finding out more about the Center, should call Karen Grant at 386-258-5100.

BACKGROUND:
The Lawrence E. Whelan BeginAgain Children’s Grief Center, a program of Hospice of Volusia/Flagler,d in February 1998 and is the only program of its kind in Volusia and Flagler counties. Supported by community donations, the Center offers a safe place where children and families can express their grief in a supportive, caring environment. Activities at the Center are geared to each child’s needs. Drawings, acting out emotions, group discussions and ceremonies are all a part of the therapy to facilitate the healing process. The Center serves children age 4 to 18 and offers children’s groups with adult groups conducted simultaneously. Under the direction of Karen Grant, LCSW, and formatted after the Dougy Center in Portland, Oregon, the Center is staffed by trained volunteers who facilitate group sessions. There is no cost for children to participate.
# # #
Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb

(17 February 2005) Savvy Seniors Seminar in Ormond Beach March 23 - Reservation Deadline March 18

ORMOND BEACH – Savvy Seniors, a free community program presented by SeniorLine, will be held Wednesday, March 23, from 1 to 3:30 p.m., at the Ormond Beach Library, 30 S. Beach St.

SeniorLine Education and Training Coordinator Marcia Goldstein will be the speaker for this two-part program. The first part, “Living Wills and Health Care Surrogates,” will provide important information everyone needs to know about end-of-life planning.  During part two, “Managing Medical Insurance Paperwork,” Goldstein will provide tips and strategies to help seniors organize and deal with insurance and health care correspondence more effectively.

There is no charge to attend the program, however reservations are suggested. The reservation deadline is March 18.

For information or to make a reservation, call SeniorLine at 386-254-1673.

SeniorLine, a part of Halifax Community Health System, provides products and services for seniors including: information, education and presentations for groups, independent seniors and caregivers; computer and Web-TV classes; and the Handy Dandy Gadget Shop with over 100 tools to help with everyday living activities.
# # #
Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb

(16 February 2005)  DMAT FL-6 Conducting Scheduled Training Exercise Feb. 18-20 at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach

DAYTONA BEACH – Halifax Medical Center will host the Central Florida Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT FL-6) on their main campus in Daytona Beach this week in support of the Team’s scheduled field training exercise. The exercise will also be supported by Volusia County Emergency Medical Services. 

DMAT FL-6 will set up in the parking lot in front of the Kerman Regional Oncology Center on Friday afternoon, February 18, and break down on Sunday night, February 20.  

The purpose of the DMAT exercise is to support Volusia County health and medical operations related to Speedweek. 

This is only a drill and does not affect normal hospital operations.  Please note that the emergency department at Halifax Medical Center will befor business as usual during this time.  

About DMAT FL-6:
A DMAT team deploys with 35-40 personnel with a variety of health and medical skills including physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, critical care nurses, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, respiratory therapists, lab technicians and command and control specialists. The primary objective of the team is to enhance community health and medical response capability in the event of a disaster. DMATs can also be deployed to support large mass gathering events. Functions include triaging patients, providing medical care in austere settings, and preparing patients for medical evacuation.  The unit includes a tented field hospital and is set up to be self-sufficient for the first 72 hours of operation. Recent deployments of DMAT FL-6 personnel included 2004 Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne and the 2005 Super Bowl. 

DMAT FL-6 is part of the National Disaster Medical System, which is a federally funded part of FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security.  Personnel are classified as intermittent FEMA employees when deployed or on training missions. DMAT FL-6 is one of six DMATs in the state and has 140 members from the 10 counties of the Central Florida Region.
# # #
Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb

(11 February 2005) Chefs Collaborate to Benefit Patrons and Patients - Halifax Heart Center Partnering with Area Restaurants on Heart Friendly Menu Items

DAYTONA BEACH – Will you be dining with someone you love this Valentine’s Day? Show them how much you care by taking a moment to learn how to eat smart for your heart. It’s easy. And it’s going to get easier.

Halifax Heart Center announced today that it is partnering with several area restaurants to identify meals on their menus suited for a heart-healthy diet. In addition, Halifax Medical Center has plans to offer meals branded by the restaurants on its inpatient menus later this year.

A Halifax Heart Center “Certified Heart Friendly” seal will start appearing beside restaurant menu items at Aunt Catfish’s in Port Orange, Cancun Lagoon in Daytona Beach and Inlet Harbor in Ponce Inlet. In addition, participating restaurants will also have information available upon request from the American Heart Association on how to make good food part of a lifestyle that’s kind to your heart.

Dietitian Myra Vergani, who is one of the Lighter Lifestyles Weight Management program staff with the Halifax Health Fitness Center, has been working with the chefs at these restaurants to not only identify heart friendly items already on their menus but to help them make some menu items more heart friendly by changing certain ingredients.

The effort is part of Halifax’s ongoing Women’s Leadership Campaign To Save Lives to raise awareness about heart disease, and provide education to prevent it in order to reduce the number of heart disease related deaths in Volusia County.

In what is believed to be a very unique arrangement, the dietary department at the hospital has begun working with these restaurants to add featured dishes from their menus to choices patients are given during their stay. The meals will be available to inpatients on unrestricted diets as well as those on certain restricted diets. These selections will be phased into the Halifax Medical Center menus as they are adjusted for diet restrictions and standardized for quantities larger than restaurants generally produce.

“We want our patients not only to have nutritious food, but also food they can look forward to,” said Dietary Department Manager Theresa Massie. “We know the restaurants we are working with are local favorites, and while we may not be able to match the décor of each place, we can provide meals with their brands that will bring back memories of happy times dining with family and friends.”

Each Heart Friendly item on the restaurants’ menus had to be reviewed by a registered dietitian. The recipes ingredients were adjusted as necessary and a nutritional analysis done for each portion. Likewise, recipes served on the patient menus must be approved by the dietitians, tested, and entered into the computerized food production system, so that the recipes can be produced for any number of servings and have the same taste and nutritional content. As these are completed, they will be added to the patient menu, a process that is expected to run through the end of this year.

The restaurant-branded meals will be a compliment to a variety of new recipes created by Halifax Medical Center Executive Chef Mark Bartell, who has headed kitchens at several private clubs and resorts.

“Chef Mark is creating recipes that will add character and improved flavor to foods for even our patients on restricted diets with his talent and culinary expertise.” Massie said. “We are all working toward a common goal to match the quality of our food service to the same standards that our clinical team provides.”

QUOTES:

"We here at Cancun Lagoon are all very excited to be partnering with Halifax Medical Center and the community in helping to raise awareness on heart health. We are proud to showcase some of our heart friendly menu items in this effort". - Kevin McKenzie, general manager, Cancun Lagoon

“Aunt Catfish’s is pleased to be partnering with Halifax Medical Center and their drive to increase awareness about heart disease, promote a heart friendly lifestyle and decrease heart disease in the Volusia County area. As you know, Aunt Catfish’s is happy to accommodate dietary requests such as no butter on an entree as well as providing steamed, broiled and grilled options on most of our menu items. The need to be heart healthy is very important and we want to help in as many ways as we can…” - Paul Galbreath, owner, Aunt Catfish

“This campaign is a recipe for a healthy community. Inlet Harbor is proud to offer Certified Heart Friendly items on our menu. I love the idea of offering healthy choices to our customers.” - Jeremy Hurst, chef, Inlet Harbor.
# # #
Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb

(7 February 2005) Mall Walkers Go the Distance ‘From Florida to Maine’

DAYTONA BEACH – If Theresa Doherty, 83, of Port Orange, had walked up the East Coast of the United States instead of around the Volusia Mall, she might have made it all the way to Pittsfield, Maine.

Doherty took first place for the most miles walked, logging 1,451 miles with the Mall Walking program in 2004. Coming in a close second was DeBary resident Hans Kretschmer, 69, with 1,443.3 miles, along with his wife Elizabeth, 68, who logged in 1,241.3 miles and came in third.

Of the 200 people who registered for the program, 66 people turned in their miles every month, logging in over 15,000 miles – the equivalent of walking from Daytona Beach to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California, and back….THREE TIMES!. That’s an average of 230 miles per person – the equivalent of walking from the Daytona Beach, Florida to Savannah, Georgia.

The free Mall Walking Program started in 2002 when the Halifax Health Fitness Center and Volusia Mall along with the Happy Wanderers, a Port Orange Volksporting walking club, designed a free, fun and educational walking program to encourage walking on a daily basis.

Participants enjoy a safe and temperature controlled environment inside Volusia Mall, 1700 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. Walkers receive a walking log to keep track of their completed mileage during the year round program. A master log is kept to monitor everyone’s progress. Everyone receives a t-shirt when they complete their first 25 miles.

The 2005 program is already underway. The club meets on the first Thursday of each month (except December) in the Volusia Mall food court area to enjoy refreshments, turn in logged miles and hear guest speakers.

Walking hours at Volusia Mall are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday – Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Registration forms for this free program are available at the Volusia Mall Information desk or at any of the monthly meetings. For more information call Volusia Mall’s Information Desk at 386-253-6783 or a talk with a Halifax Medical Center program representative at 386-322-4764.
# # #
Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb

(2 February 2005) Halifax Medical Center Rejoins Blue Cross Blue Shield Network

DAYTONA BEACH – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) and Halifax Medical Center announced today a new three-year agreement effective February 1 that returns Halifax to the insurer’s provider network. BCBSF members covered by Traditional (PHS), BlueChoice (PPC), BlueCare (HMO), BlueOptions (NWB) and Workers Comp products are fully covered for the use of Halifax Medical Center.

Halifax has not been a participating provider in the BCBSF network since the last agreement between the two expired in October, 2001. Negotiations to reach mutually acceptable terms have been ongoing with both sides seeking conditions beneficial to plan members and the hospital’s ability to provide high quality services.

“We are pleased to welcome Halifax Medical Center into our HMO, PPO and traditional provider networks and look forward to working with them in offering health coverage solutions for members in Volusia and Flagler counties,” said Barry Schwartz, MD, president care and network management. “We are particularly pleased that Halifax Medical Center has also joined NetworkBlue, the provider network that supports Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida’s newest family of health plans called BlueOptions. BlueOptions is focused on offering broad choices, services and capabilities that help members make informed decisions.”

Jeff Feasel, CEO of Halifax Community Health System, of which Halifax Medical Center is a part, said to System Board members in announcing the new agreement that “the negotiations with Blue Cross Blue Shield have been long, but we both have focused on assuring the healthcare consumer the highest quality coverage. We are pleased to again be part of the provider network and able to offer to many residents and visitors the access to care they have urged us to make possible.” Feasel said that effective work by Patient Business and Financial Service affiliate head Arvin Lewis in working with BCBSF representatives assured that “our working relationship with BCBSF will be stronger as a result of the prolonged negotiations and will more fully meet the needs of patients using our facilities.”

BCBSF is a leader in Florida’s health industry. BCBSF and its subsidiaries serve more than 6.6 million people. Since 1944 the company has been dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of all those it serves by offering an array of choices. BCBSF is a private, policyholder-owned, tax-paying mutual company. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, BCBSF is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.

Halifax Medical Center is the major medical facility serving Volusia and Flagler counties, and includes the Family BirthPlace; Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units; Kerman Regional Oncology Center; Lung Center; Halifax Heart Center; Rehabilitation Center; Neuroscience Center; Women’s Health Place; Health Fitness Center; Halifax Wound Center and Interventional Pain Center. The hospital offers branch campuses in Ormond Beach and Port Orange and Urgent Care Centers in Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach and Port Orange.
# # #
Halifax Community Health System Contact:  John E. Evans, 386-254-4228
Blue Cross Blue Shield Contact: Mark Wright, 904-905-6955

(1 February 2005) Nationally Known Author Greg Baer, MD, to Present Series on “Healing Power of Love” in Daytona Beach
 
DAYTONA BEACH - The 29th Annual Halifax Pastoral Care Institute Conference, presented by Halifax Medical Center, will be held February 24-26 and will feature Greg S. Baer, MD.
 
An ophthalmic surgeon and teacher, Dr. Baer is the author of several books including Real Love: The Truth About Finding Unconditional Love and Fulfilling Relationships. A native of Logan, Utah, he and his wife Donna have seven children.
 
Dr. Baer will make three different presentations during the Conference:
·  Thurs., Feb. 24 –  “The Power of Real Love in Spiritual Communities” at Central Baptist Church, 142 Fairview Ave., Daytona Beach. Dinner 6 p.m., Lecture 7:15 p.m. Cost: $15 (includes dinner).

·  Fri., Feb. 25 – “The Healing Power of Real Love: A Revolutionary Approach to Mental and Physical Health for Healthcare Professionals” and “Interpersonal Relations in Health Related Professions” at Adam’s Mark Resort-Daytona Beach, 100 N. Atlantic Ave. Registration 8 a.m., Conference 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost $75 (includes lunch).

·  Sat., Feb. 26 – “Real Love in Marriage and Family” and “The Healing Power of Real Love in Marriage and Family” at First United Methodist Church of Ormond Beach, 336 S. Halifax Dr. Registration 8 a.m., Conference 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Cost: $75 (includes lunch).
 
The Halifax Pastoral Care Institute isto nurses, physicians, clergy, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, mental health, other healthcare professionals and the general public. Continuing education credit is available for some professionals for sessions on Feb. 25 and 26, call for details. Add $10 to registration received after Feb. 18.
 
Call Chaplain James E. Smith, (386) 254-4138, for more information or to register or go to Events Calendar.
# # #
Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
 

JANUARY 2005 NEWS RELEASES (Scroll down)

(27 January 2005) 3^rd Annual Hospice 5K Run & Walk ‘Blows Away’ Last Year’s Results Despite Hurricane Jeanne   

PORT ORANGE – Hospice of Volusia/Flagler announced the 3rd Annual Hospice 5K Run & Walk - Celebrating the Spirit of Caregiving - raised $15,496 for their Family Caregiver Program. 

Traditionally part of the Port Orange Family Days activities, the Hospice Run & Walk was originally scheduled for September 25, the same day Hurricane Jeanne began affecting Volusia County causing it to be postponed until October 30.  

Mark Deese, New Smyrna Beach had the best overall time with 17:18 and Debbie Tillman, Ormond Beach was the fastest female with a time of 18:14. Over 500 runners and walkers enjoyed the course which wound its way around the campus of Hospice of Volusia/Flagler’s Care Center in Port Orange. 

“Despite the delay caused by Hurricane Jeanne and the lingering affects of Hurricanes Charley and Frances, the community literally ‘blew us away’ with their overwhelming support of the event.  We more than doubled the amount raised last year,” said Special Events Coordinator Kim Carney.  The 4^th Annual Hospice 5K Run & Walk in 2005 is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, November 5, 2005. 

The funds raised will benefit the Family Caregiver Program, one of two programs within the Health Ministry of Hospice of Volusia/Flagler.  The Program provides education and support services for caregivers in the community to help ease their burden of caregiving.  Monthly sessions include caregiver stress management and relaxation skills, and areto the community. The Family Caregiver Program of Hospice of Volusia/Flagler collaborates with community agencies including Council on Aging of Daytona Beach, House Next Door and Alzheimer's Association.

Additional services such as in-home respite care, homemaking assistance, monthly luncheons and chore services, as well as special support during the holidays, are available for caregivers of Hospice of Volusia/Flagler patients. For information and a schedule of events, call Mary Ann Maguire, Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Health Ministry specialist, 386- 239-5000 ext 5271.  
# # #
Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
 

(6 January 2005) Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Hospice Houseng in New Smyrna Beach - A CommunityHouse will be held Jan. 12
 
 NEW SMYRNA BEACH – Hospice of Volusia/Flagler will hold anhouse January 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. to celebrate theng of their new Hospice House, 1020 Claudia St, New Smyrna Beach.
 
A brief dedication ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. to recognize the significant community support the project has received, with special recognition of the New Smyrna Beach and Edgewater Rotary clubs, the Bert Fish Medical Center Foundation, Norwood’s Restaurant and Pete Tyrrell.  The event isto the public.
 
When it this month, the five-bed Hospice of Volusia/Flagler House in New Smyrna Beach will provide 24-hour hospice care in a home-like environment to terminally ill patients who need a level of care they can no longer receive in their own home or wherever they currently reside. In addition to nurses, nursing aides and volunteers who work in the House around the clock, other Hospice services and programs that help insure a patient and family is cared for emotionally and spiritually as well as physically are also available including complementary therapists, social workers, chaplains and bereavement counselors.
 
Decorated in a light and airy ‘Florida tropical’ theme and looking more like a bed and breakfast inn than a health care facility, the House and it’s furnishings feature a color palette chosen for its soothing and peaceful qualities.
 
The House has five private patient rooms, and the view from the living room and large screened-in lanai includes stately oaks and the golf course beyond. While each room is nicely appointed, patients are encouraged to bring personal items and mementos with them to help make their room their own during their stay. Under Hospice’s guidance, the all-volunteer kitchen staff, like their counterparts in the 16-bed Hospice Care Center in Port Orange, will prepare and serve nutritious, tasty meals and snacks, or even a patient’s favorite dish, at whatever time the patients’ request.
 
Hospice of Volusia/Flagler House Patient Care Coordinator Peggy Kuecken, who has lived in New Smyrna Beach for 23 years, said “We wanted to create a home-like, comfortable and inviting place for patients and their family members, and I think we’ve succeeded.  I have been simply overwhelmed by the support and love the Southeast Volusia community has shown us, they have poured their heart and soul into making this possible.”
 
While thehouse and dedication is scheduled for January 12 from 3 to 5 p.m., Kuecken said many folks have already been dropping by to say hello and welcome them to the neighborhood. “One man even brought us oranges from his tree,” she said, adding, “The arms of Hospice of Volusia/Flagler are alwaysand welcoming to everyone in Southeast Volusia who needs our care.”
 
About Hospice of Volusia/Flagler
Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, a nonprofit health care organization, has been providing compassionate care to terminally ill patients and their families in Volusia and Flagler counties for 25 years. The mission of Hospice of Volusia/Flagler is to provide extraordinary and dignified comfort and compassion to every person facing the end of life. In addition to care at home, in nursing homes, in hospitals or where ever the patient resides, Hospice of Volusia/Flagler currently operates the 16-bed Hospice Inpatient Care Center in Port Orange, and isng Hospice Houses in New Smyrna Beach, West Volusia and Flagler County.  Hospice of Volusia/Flagler is a proud partner of Halifax Community Health System.  Information is available at www.hovf.org or by calling 386-322-4701. In New Smyrna Beach call 386-428-8214.
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Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
 

(3 January 2005) Savvy Seniors Seminar in New Smyrna Beach Feb. 9 - Reservation Deadline Feb. 4

Event Contact: Marcia Goldstein, SeniorNet/SeniorLine
386-478-1835 or 386-254-1673 

NEW SMYRNA BEACH – Savvy Seniors, a free community program presented by SeniorLine, will be held Wednesday, February 9, from 1 to 3:30 p.m., at the New Smyrna Beach Library, 1001 S. Dixie Freeway.

SeniorLine Education and Training Coordinator Marcia Goldstein will be the speaker for this two-part program. The first part, “Living Wills and Health Care Surrogates,” will provide important information everyone needs to know about end-of-life planning.  During part two, “Managing Medical Insurance Paperwork,” Goldstein will provide tips and strategies to help seniors organize and deal with insurance and health care correspondence more effectively.

There is no charge to attend the program, however reservations are suggested. The reservation deadline is February 4.

For information or to make a reservation, call SeniorLine in Southeast Volusia at 386-478-1835.  In Daytona Beach call 386-254-1673.

SeniorLine, a part of Halifax Community Health System, provides products and services for seniors including: information, education and presentations for groups, independent seniors and caregivers; computer and Web-TV classes; and the Handy Dandy Gadget Shop with over 100 tools to help with everyday living activities.

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Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb

DECEMBER 2004 NEWS RELEASES (scroll down)

(29 December 2004) Computer Learning Center Holds House January 6 

Event Contact: Gene Heidrich, SeniorLine/SeniorNet, 386-254-1673

DAYTONA BEACH – The community is invited to a freehouse on Thursday, January 6, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the SeniorNet Volusia/Flagler Learning Center, 111 N. Frederick Ave. - one block west of Nova Rd. and one half block north of International Speedway Blvd. -  Daytona Beach.

Attendees will be able to enjoy refreshments, win door prizes and see computer demonstrations of course curriculum. Information will be available about SeniorNet classes that begin the second week of January.

“If one of your New Year resolutions is to learn more about computers then SeniorNet may be just what you are looking for,” said Gene Heidrich. “Perhaps you’d just like to get more comfortable using e-mail to keep in touch with family and friends, or maybe you want to explore some of the other things a computer can be used for such as art projects, photo restorations or slide shows - either way SeniorNet can help.”  Classes are small and offer hands-on learning with an instructor and several coaches in each so no student is left behind said Heidrich.

About SeniorNet:
SeniorNet is a nonprofit organization that provides older adults education for and access to computers and the Internet to enhance their lives and enable them to share their knowledge and wisdom with the world.. SeniorNet currently sponsors over 220 Learning Centers across the United States for adults, age 50 and over, wanting to learn how to use and enjoy computers. Information about the local SeniorNet Learning Center is available at www.volusiaflaglerseniornet.org or call 386-254-1688.
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Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb

(27 December 2004) Hope Again Outreach Team Training Starts January 19 -Volunteers Needed to Offer Support to Area Families Following Suicide Loss

DAYTONA BEACH - For families and friends grieving the recent death of a loved one by suicide, a community service offers caring support. The Hope Again Outreach Team is comprised of volunteers who make home visits and provide support and a complete information packet of community resources and grief education materials. Compassionate individuals are needed to volunteer for this program.

An initial interview is required and must be scheduled prior to attending the training. The training consists of seven consecutive sessions held weekly on Wednesdays starting January 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Lawrence E. Whelan BeginAgain Children’s Grief Center, 1124 Beville Rd., Suite C, Daytona Beach.

For information or to register for the training, call Karen Grant, 386-258-5100, or Marjorie Lamphear at 386-258-3237.

After a thorough background check, all Hope Again Outreach volunteers complete the free training course on grief and loss of a loved one by suicide. The course is conducted by professional grief counselors with Hospice of Volusia/Flagler which is a part of Halifax Community Health System.

The service is sponsored by the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Volusia and Flagler Counties, a collaborative effort of various social service agencies and interested individuals who have joined together to decrease the suicide rate in our community. To schedule a home visit by the Hope Again Outreach Team, call the ACT Corporation Helpline, 800-539-4228.
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Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb

(13 December 2004) Fourth Annual Care for Kids Toy Drive Healthy Start Family Service Workers Accepting Toy Donations

DAYTONA BEACH – Share your holiday this season with a disadvantaged child by dropping off an unwrapped gift for the Fourth Annual Healthy Start Care for Kids Toy Drive. 

Care for Kids Toy Drive is collecting unwrapped toys for Healthy Start families in need, as well as pregnant and/or teen parents enrolled in the Lawton Chiles Academy Teen Parent Program at Atlantic High School.  The donated toys will be distributed to Halifax Keech Health Center patients and Healthy Start clients in time for the holiday.  Toys can be dropped off at Healthy Communities, located at 655 N. Clyde Morris Blvd., Suite A, Daytona Beach, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The drive is coordinated by the Healthy Communities Healthy Start staff who provide outreach and case management services to pediatric patients of Halifax Keech Health Center as well as serve pregnant women and mothers with children ages three years and younger residing in the Halifax area (32114, 32117, 32127, 32129, 32174, and 32176 zip codes).  Family Support Workers also provide services to pregnant and/or parenting teens that are enrolled in Volusia County School’s Lawton Chiles Academy Teen Parent Program at Atlantic High School.  The case managers help families manage the challenges of parenting, provide support and encouragement to parents in achieving personal and family goals and ensure the needs of these families and children are met.   

For information about the toy drive contact Cher Philio at 386-323-0000. Information about Healthy Communities is available by calling 386-323-0000 or online at www.halifaxhealth.org.
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Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb

 

(10 December 2004) Volusia and Flagler Seniors to Showcase Talent Dec. 16 at Funcoast Football Classic Presented by Florida Health Care Plans

DAYTONA BEACH - The Seventh Annual Funcoast Football Classic presented by Florida Health Care Plans will be played on Thursday, December 16 at Municipal Stadium in Daytona Beach.  

Kick-off is 7 p.m.  Admission and parking are free with the donation of a non-perishable food item at the gate.  

The game will showcase the best high school senior football players in Volusia and Flagler counties.  At the conclusion of the game, the Offensive and Defensive MVP for the East and West teams will be recognized, along with academic scholar athletes. 

The East team, coached by Robbie Jarvis of Spruce Creek High School, will include players from Atlantic, Flagler Palm Coast, Mainland, Seabreeze, Spruce Creek high schools, and Warner Christian Academy.  The West team, coached by Al Manning of Taylor High School, includes DeLand, Deltona, Father Lopez, New Smyrna Beach, Pine Ridge, Taylor high schools and Trinity Christian Academy.  Each team will carry approximately fifty players on the roster.  Over 150 college coaches have been invited to scout the players.   The East team leads the West team four to two in the series.

Remaining events in the 2004-2005 Funcoast Classic series presented by Florida Health Care Plans include:
·        Funcoast Soccer Classic - Wednesday, March 2, 2005 at New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex, (both girls and boys games start at 6 p.m. on adjacent fields)
·        Funcoast Basketball Classic - Friday, March 18, 2005 at Deltona High School, girls game at 5:30 p.m., boys game at 7:30 p.m.

Last year, Florida Health Care Plans presented the Five Star Conference with a donation of just over $3,300 with additional donations going to Father Lopez, Warner Christian, Calvary Christian and Trinity Christian academies.  Over the past six years, Florida Health Care Plans has donated over $21,800 to high school athletics in Volusia and Flagler counties as part of the Funcoast Classic events.

The Inaugural Funcoast Football Classic took place in December 1998, followed by the Funcoast Volleyball Classic (girls) in November 1999, the Funcoast Basketball Classic (boys and girls) in March 2000, and the Funcoast Soccer Classic (boys and girls) in March 2003.
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Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb

(10 December 2004) 5^th Annual “We Care Teddy Bear” Drive at Halifax Medical Center Dec. 15

DAYTONA BEACH – Children who are patients in Speediatrics, part of the Betty Jane Pediatric Center, and other children’s services at Halifax Medical Center will have a brighter holidays this year thanks to the 99.9 FROGGY FM’s “We Care Teddy Bear” drive.  

Now in its fifth year, 99.9 FROGGY FM’s “We Care Teddy Bear” drive collects brand new teddy bears for children who are sick or injured during the holidays. 

Through December 14, donations of brand new teddy bears are being dropped off at Riverside Bank locations throughout Volusia County. The drive culminates on Wednesday, December 15, when Jeff Davis and the whole FROGGY FM crew will broadcast live from the parking area in front of Halifax Medical Center, 303 N. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach.

Donations of brand new teddy bears can be dropped off during the live broadcast from 6 to 9:30 a.m.  Only brand new teddy bears, free from exposure to tobacco smoke or dust, can be accepted. 

Following the broadcast, special guest national recording artist Chely Wright will accompany 99.9 FROGGY FM to the Speediatrics unit to hand out bears to the children. 

For information about 99.9 FROGGY FM “We Care Teddy Bear” drive, contact Signe Huff, 386-672-9210.
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Contact:  Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb