(10
August 2006) HALIFAX COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEM RANKED
FOURTH BEST COMPANY IN CENTRAL FLORIDA
DAYTONA BEACH – (August 10, 2006) – Halifax Community Health System (HCHS) ranked fourth (#4) in the 2006 “Top 100 Companies for Working Families” in Central Florida by the Orlando Sentinel, up from number eight last year.
With nearly 5,000 employees, HCHS is the largest company ranked in the top five this year, and the only company from Volusia County to rank in the top 25 for three consecutive years.
“This award is given to companies that have continuously raised the bar by developing new and creative ways to put families first. My congratulations go out to our Board of Commissioners, medical staff, employees and volunteers for the outstanding work they do to serve this community,” said HCHS President and CEO Jeff Feasel.
Held in Orlando, the awards ceremony on August 4, recognized the 25 highest-scoring companies from applications submitted by hundreds of Central Florida employers. An independent group of human resources experts evaluate the companies on their programs and policies related to work/life benefits.
Benefits, programs and services which help HCHS employees find time for work and family were highlighted in the August 6 issue of FLORIDA MAGAZINE.
The program is coordinated by the Orlando Sentinel. Information about the Top 100 Companies for Working Families is available online at www.OrlandoSentinel.com/top100.
Halifax Community Health System (HCHS) is the provider of choice for health care services in Volusia and Flagler counties. HCHS offers a continuum of care through affiliated organizations including Halifax Medical Center, Florida Health Care Plans, The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, Volusia Health Network, Healthy Communities and Patient Business and Financial Services. Information is available online at
www.halifaxhealth.org.
# # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, APR
Director of Public Relations
Halifax Community Health System
Phone: 386-254-4224
E-mail: kate.holcomb
WHAT: As part of its 10-year master facility planning, Halifax Community Health System is inviting members of the community to provide input on its future facility plans at the upcoming Community Forums. The public will be asked a series of questions and have the opportunity to provide input following an overview of the future expansion plans including Halifax Medical Center’s proposed 10-story inpatient tower and new emergency department in Daytona Beach.
WHEN & WHERE: The Community Forums will be held at the three locations described below.
Monday, August 14 at 12 p.m.
Daytona Beach Daytona Beach Community College *
Theatre Center Bldg.
220 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd.
Daytona Beach
*Note: Where to park at DBCC: Enter from White St., one block north of International Speedway Blvd. Park in the lot at the corner of White St. and Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd.
Monday, August 14 at 5 p.m.
Ormond Beach Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center
399 US-1, Ormond Beach
(on the corner of Wilmette Ave. and US-1; north of Granada Blvd.)
Thursday, August 17 at 10 a.m.
New Smyrna Beach Atlantic Center for the Arts (Harris Theater)
1414 Art Center Ave. (located off US-1)
New Smyrna Beach
Doors will30 minutes before each Community Forum begins. No pre-registration or reservations are required. Seating will be available on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, please call Halifax Health Line at 386-258-4848 or e-mail
health.line
# # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, APR
Director of Public Relations
Halifax Community Health System
Phone: 386-254-4224
E-mail: kate.holcomb
PALM COAST – Grief can be an overwhelmingly large experience, especially for a child.
Hearts and Hooves, a unique one-day event for children who have experienced the death of a loved one, uses horses to help children explore their feelings and find new ways of coping.
One of many bereavement activities offered by The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, Hearts and Hooves will be held Sat., Sept. 23 at the Ranch of Sleepy Hollow, a 17-acre ranch in Palm Coast owned by Hospice nurse Gail Barr. This equine-assisted event is for children 6 to 18 years old who are Flagler County residents.
There is no charge for the children to participate
thanks to support from the City of Flagler Beach, the City of Bunnell, and the Kiwanis Club of Palm Coast and
Flagler.
Facilitated by Bereavement Counselor Shannon Andersen and Children's Bereavement Program Developer Karen Grant, the event features ground-based activities using horses such as grooming, haltering, and leading. There is no horseback riding involved.
“These interactive techniques help children become more aware of their emotions because horses tend to mirror what they sense from their handlers,” said Grant. “Horses have an amazing power to heal and teach. Their unconditional friendship offers an opportunity for grieving children to express their feelings and discover their strengths.”
During the session the children will also enjoy arts and crafts, and their parents join them for a special closing ritual at the end of the day.
Hearts and Hooves runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is required and the deadline is August 26. For more information or to register, call Shannon Andersen at 386-566-5991, or Karen Grant at 386-258-5100.
About The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler
The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, a not-for-profit healthcare organization, has been providing compassionate care to terminally ill patients and their families in Volusia and Flagler counties for over 26 years. The mission of The 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, The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler operates a 16-bed Hospice Care Center in Port Orange, the 6-bed Pineapple Palm Hospice House in Palm Coast and a 5-bed Hospice House in New Smyrna Beach. An 18-bed Hospice Care Center is under construction in Orange City. The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler is an affiliate of Halifax Community Health System. More information is available at
www.hovf.org.
# # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, APR
Director of Public Relations
Halifax Community Health System
Phone: 386-254-4224
E-mail: kate.holcomb
(19
June 2006) Old-Fashioned Community BBQ June 24 to
Benefit The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Pineapple Palm
House
PALM COAST
– Things will really be smoking at Watson Realty,
1410 Palm Coast Parkway NW, on June 24 from 12 to 4
p.m. when an Old-fashioned Community BBQ is held to
benefit The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler’s Pineapple
Palm House.
This family
fun day will feature barbeque and entertainment will be provided by
The Blizzard 93.3 FM and Bill “Elwood”
Norman’s Blues Brothers.
Donations to
The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler will be accepted at the
event and drawing tickets will be available for a 1928
Ford Model A, which will be on display. The car, which
was donated to The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler by the
Marcus Moody Family, will be presented to one lucky
winner when the drawing takes place later this summer
on Aug. 26.
Hospice of
Volusia/Flagler Event Coordinator Kim Carney said, “We
are thrilled that Vice President/Broker Lindsay
Dolamore along with the many dedicated, professional
staff with Watson Realty are hosting this event.
Everyone is welcome to join in the fun.”
Carney said
community sponsorship opportunities are available for
the BBQ and will help defray the cost of the event.
For sponsorship information contact Watson Realty’s
Bill May at 386-864-1555. For event information
contact Danny Green 386-503-4719, also with Watson
Realty.
The Hospice
of Volusia/Flagler’s Pineapple Palm House, 93 White
Hall Drive, Palm Coast, is a 6-bed assisted living
facility serving terminally patients by providing them
a home-like environment when they can no longer remain
in their own home or other healthcare facility. The
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 26 years, caring for patients
in their homes, hospitals, nursing homes or wherever
they reside. In addition to the Pineapple Palm House,
it operates a 16-bed inpatient Hospice Care Center in
Port Orange and a 5-bed Hospice House in New Smyrna
Beach. Construction of a new 18-bed, inpatient care
center in Orange City is underway. The Hospice of
Volusia/Flagler is an affiliate of Halifax Community
Health System. More information is available online at
www.hovf.org.
# # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, APR
Director of Public Relations
Halifax Community Health System
Phone: 386-254-4224
E-mail: kate.holcomb
(6
June 2006) Fourth Annual Hospice of Volusia/Flagler
Golf Festival at Sugar Mill Country Club Raises Over
$86,000
NEW SMYRNA
BEACH – The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler’s Trauma
and Loss Bereavement Program will benefit from $86,455
raised at the Fourth Annual Hospice of Volusia/Flagler
Golf Festival held on April 21 at Sugar Mill Country
Club.
Hospice’s
Bereavement Services Trauma and Loss Program provides
counseling and support services to individuals and
families who have lost a loved one due to homicide,
suicide or accidental death. Over the past four years,
the Golf Festival has raised more than $230,000 for
this program which depends solely on community
donations and grants to help survivors of trauma and
loss.
“Thanks to
our wonderful sponsors and community supporters, we
have put on a successful event benefiting The Hospice
of Volusia/Flagler for the fourth year in a row,”
says Jerry Tyrrell, chairwoman of the Golf Festival.
“Our goal for 2007 is to raise $100,000 and we will
be looking for additional local sponsors to reach that
number,” she adds.
The event at
Sugar Mill drew 220 players who teed off on three
nine-hole courses labeled red, white and blue, and
competed in hole-in-one contests for prizes such as
new golf clubs or new automobiles stationed at
specific holes on the course. Presenting sponsors this
year included the Tyrrell Foundation, O’Meara
Charitable Foundation and Johnson & Johnson.
“We had
beautiful weather and an outstanding tournament,”
says Randy Hanson, tournament director. “Through
generous donations from area businesses we were able
to provide a hole-in-one contest on all six of the par
3 holes in the tournament, with three of the prizes
being automobiles.”
In a new
twist added to the tournament this year, Charlie Duffy
won $1,000 in a live helicopter “ball drop,” when
his numbered golf ball landed closest to the pin.
Numbered balls were available for a $25 per ball
donation. All 200 numbered golf balls were sold prior
to the event.
# # #
-- Photos available upon request --
Contact: Kate Holcomb, APR
Director of Public Relations
Halifax Community Health System
Phone: 386-254-4224
E-mail: kate.holcomb
(30
May 2006) Acclaimed Author and National Advocate on
Decisions at the End of Life to Speak in Daytona Beach
DAYTONA BEACH
- William Colby knows all too well the difficult
choices families must face before and after the death
of a loved one. He has walked this difficult journey
with families in a professional and personal way and
will bring his insight and expertise to Daytona Beach
on June 8.
Colby is
nationally recognized for his legal argument before
the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of Nancy Cruzan’s
family. The Cruzans fought on behalf of their daughter’s
care in a legal case that catapulted end-of-life
issues to national attention. Author of the
critically-acclaimed book about this case, Long
Goodbye: The Deaths of Nancy Cruzan, Bill Colby has
become an outspoken advocate for legal and ethical
issues involving care at the end of life. His new
book, "Unplugged: Reclaiming Our Right to Die in
America" will be published this month.
Echoes of the
Cruzan case were heard when attention focused on Terri
Schiavo last year, where once again a family tragedy
over withdrawing life sustaining treatments hit
national headlines.
Colby will
speak to that issue during the free public forum
sponsored by The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler and the
Halifax Medical Center Family Medicine Residency
Program.
Colby’s
thought-provoking presentation, "From Cruzan to
Schiavo: What Have We Learned?" will start at 12
noon in the Regional Oncology Center First Floor
Conference Room on the Halifax Medical Center main
campus, 303 N. Clyde Morris Blvd. Doorsat 11:30
a.m. and a light lunch will be provided. Continuing
education credits are available for physicians,
nurses, clinical social workers, and mental health
counselors.
“The
Schiavo case led many of us to think about some
challenging issues in a very personal way. We began
some important conversations with our families,
doctors, even our elected officials. Through this
forum with William Colby, we have a unique opportunity
to consider these issues and further the
conversations,” said JoAnne King, Hospice of Volusia/Flagler’s
program operations manager.
Colby is a
well-known national expert, who has presented these
issues to the U.S. Supreme Court and to groups across
the country. He has appeared on Larry King Live,
Hardball, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, CBS This Morning,
Today, Good Morning America and other televised news
shows and radio programs.
During his
presentation Colby will read from his books and answer
audience questions. He will be available for a book
signing after the talk. For more information about the
event contact JoAnne King, 386-322-4701.
# # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, APR
Director of Public Relations
Halifax Community Health System
Phone: 386-254-4224
E-mail: kate.holcomb
(23
May 2006) Halifax Medical Center Nurses Celebrate Recognition Week
With Awards, Education, Healthy Fun and Giving -
30 Nurses of Excellence Named, 14 Nursing Scholarships Awarded at Ceremony May 1
DAYTONA BEACH – Halifax Medical Center marked National Nurses Week (May 1-5) with a series of celebrations, educational programs and fun events, highlighted by the third annual Nurses of Excellence Ceremony and Reception held May 1 honoring thirty nurses for providing the highest quality care.
The 2006 Nurses of Excellence were selected by their peers for consistently providing patient-centered care, and recognized as a nursing leader who collaborates with other disciplines to insure quality care is provided to all patients.
The 2006 Nurses of Excellence were (in alphabetical order): Zipporia Bell, Centralized Staffing; Carolyn Brown, Surgical Care; Constance Cameron, Pre-Op Testing; Steve Cerreta, Cardiac Cath Lab; Patty Copeland, Radiology; Darlene Craig, Women’s Health Place; Leah Durante, Neurosurgical; Natalie Dykes, The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler; Norma Failer, GI Services; Diane Gamble, Oncology; Mary Geno, Orthopedics; Jennifer Glaczenski, Pediatrics; Monika Glisson, Intensive Surgical Care; Patricia Gonzalez, Cardiac Intermediate Care; Maureen Isaac, Post Anesthesia; Ruth Janesko, HPC Same Day Surgery; Lisa Kaufman, Main Operating Room; Kathleen Klepper, Family Health Center; Abigail Kondos, Cardio Vascular ICU; Rebecca Mack, PBFS-Discharge Services; Joy MacNichol, Oncology; William Metakes, Centralized Staffing; Jennifer Mitchell, Emergency Services; Mary Reed, Intensive Medical Care; Michael Register, Halifax Urgent Care; Rosemarie Rocca, Psychiatry; Elvira Stepp, Telemetry; Richard Story, Renal Dialysis/Discharge Unit; Sandra Sturgeon, HBS Child Psychiatry; Jan Wagner, Women’s Services/Family BirthPlace.
Wagner, a registered nurse for 37 years with the last 27 at Halifax Medical Center, and one of those selected as a 2006 Nurse of Excellence said, “It has been a tremendous honor and a wonderful compliment to be selected by my co-workers and friends.” The timing of the award was especially poignant for Wagner who works with expectant and new mothers in the Family BirthPlace. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in January and is at her halfway point in chemotherapy treatments. “Halifax Medical Center has saved my life, the outpouring of support is my therapy,” she said.
In addition, a total of $10,000 in nursing scholarships (in amounts of either $500 or $1000) were awarded to 14 students in nursing programs from Bethune-Cookman College, Daytona Beach Community College,
Excelsior College, Jacksonville University, University of Central Florida and the University of Phoenix. These scholarships were made possible through the generous support of the HMC Medical Staff and the HMC Foundation.
Other Nurses Week events included 18 free “lunch and learn” continuing education programs, a day-long health fair for all HCHS employees and the very popular ‘themed basket’ fund-raiser.
Halifax Community Health System
departments were challenged to create a themed gift basket that could be used in a prize drawing. Over fifty extravagant gift baskets were created this year and a total of $10,700 in donations collected, more than double the amount collected last year.
The proceeds from the gift basket fundraiser were divided between the Halifax Employee Emergency Relief Fund,
HMC Foundation, and the Dream-A-Wish Foundation, a local charitable organization that helps fulfill wishes for physically or mentally challenged special needs children in Central Florida.
# # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, APR
Director of Public Relations
Halifax Community Health System
Phone: 386-254-4224
E-mail: kate.holcomb
(8
May 2006) Rock & Roll Bowl Set for May 21,
Benefits Hospice of Volusia/Flagler
PALM COAST –The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler and The Blizzard 93.3 FM will host a bowl-a-thon fund raising event at Coquina Lanes located on Old Kings Rd., from 2 to 6 p.m.. The event will benefit the Faith in Action Program of The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler.
The bowling center will be converted to a Rock & Roll concert hall as local entertainers and celebrities perform music and hospice supporters enjoy an afternoon of bowling, food and fun. There will be a silent auction, 50/50 drawing and lots of prizes.
Anyone wanting to support this event needs reserve a lane. Please call Kim Carney at 800-272-2717, ext. 6296 to reserve a lane.
Teams of five bowlers will be formed. Participants are encouraged to ask friends and family to support the bowl–a-thon by making donations. All bowlers should bring collected donations with them to the event.
All funds raised at the event will be matched by a grant and will be used in Flagler County. Faith in Action 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.”
The 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 26 years, caring for patients in their homes, nursing homes and hospitals. It also operates the six-bed Pineapple Palm Hospice House in Palm Coast, a five-bed Hospice House in New Smyrna Beach, and a 16-bed inpatient Hospice Care Center in Port Orange, Planning is also underway for construction of an 18-bed, inpatient care center in Orange City.
# # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, APR
Director of Public Relations
Halifax Community Health System
Phone: 386-254-4224
E-mail: kate.holcomb
(28
April 2006) Halifax Medical Center’s Stroke Care Program First in Florida to Achieve ‘Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center’ Designation
DAYTONA BEACH – (28 April 2006) – Halifax Medical Center (HMC) announced this week it is the first hospital in Florida to designate itself as a Comprehensive Stroke Center. Effective April 19, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) listed Halifax Medical Center’s stroke care program as a Comprehensive Stroke Center.
Each year about 700,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke, which is the nation's third leading cause of death. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds and someone dies of a stroke every 3.1 minutes. Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States, with about 4.7 million stroke survivors alive today.
The key element of a Comprehensive Stroke Center is that of a multi-disciplinary team of health care professionals involved in providing accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment of stroke. A hospital must be a designated Primary Stroke Center, which Halifax earned in January from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), prior to seeking this higher certification.
“Our dedicated Stroke Team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing rapid evaluation along with the latest interventional procedures needed to reverse or reduce the effects of stroke,” said Halifax Medical Center Administrator Dan Lang. “As a Comprehensive Stroke Center, we are able to provide the highest level of care to our patients suffering from stroke and cerebrovascular disease.”
Like a Primary Stroke Center, Halifax Medical Center’s Comprehensive Stroke Center has the necessary staffing, infrastructure, and programs to stabilize and treat most acute stroke patients. “What differentiates us is our ability to go one step further in providing our patients with specialized care and advanced technological resources, not available at your typical Primary Stroke Center,” explained Lang.
Halifax Medical Center’s Comprehensive Stroke Center has:
• Neurosurgical expertise available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Neurologists with special expertise in the management and stroke patients available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Interventional/Neurointerventional Radiologists available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Advanced neuroimaging capabilities
• The ability to perform surgical and endovascular techniques, (e.g. clipping and coiling of intracranial aneurysms; carotid endarterectomy, intra-arterial thrombolysis)
A stroke is a medical emergency. If you witness someone exhibiting signs of a stroke, call 911. Every second counts. When emergency medical services staff notify the Halifax Medical Center Emergency Department and the patient meets certain clinical criteria, a Stroke Alert is called. A Stroke Alert brings together staff from Laboratory, Respiratory, Radiology, Neurology and Nursing, who along with the Emergency Department physicians, rapidly assess and begin appropriate treatment of the stroke patient.
The signs and symptoms of a stroke are:
• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
“This achievement of Comprehensive Stroke Center status not only demonstrates Halifax Medical Center is compliant with state and national standards, it demonstrates our commitment to world-class care and our ability to meet the highest criteria for managing stroke care,” said Lang.
About Halifax Medical Center:
Halifax Medical Center (HMC), a 764-bed, full service tertiary care hospital, was founded in 1928. Its main campus is in Daytona Beach at 303 N. Clyde Morris Blvd. HMC is the only hospital in Volusia and Flagler counties providing a trauma center, pediatric emergency department, neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, and a neuroscience center. The Family BirthPlace delivers nearly 2,000 babies each year and the uniquely themed “Speediatrics,” providing general pediatric care, is part of the Betty Jane France Pediatric Center. The Kerman Regional Oncology Centers offers a comprehensive cancer program at HMC’s main campus and through outpatient centers in Ormond Beach, New Smyrna Beach and soon in Port Orange. HMC is a teaching hospital hosting both a radiologic training program and the Halifax Family Medicine Residency Program. Satellite campuses are located in Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach, and the 80-bed Halifax Hospital-Port Orange is expected toas a community hospital this Fall. More information is available at
www.halifax.org.
About AHCA:
Information about the Agency for Health Care Administration is available at
www.ahca/myflorida.com.
# # # Halifax Medical Center Contact: Kate Holcomb, APR
Director of Public Relations
Halifax Community Health System
Phone: 386-254-4224
E-mail: kate.holcomb
Agency for Health Care Administration Contact: Toby Philpot
Deputy Press Secretary
Phone: 850-922-5871
philpott
(10
April 2006) Daytona
Beach Mall Walkers Go the Distance…..to Canada
DAYTONA
BEACH–
If Marilyn Hiatt, 76, of
Ormond Beach
, had walked up the East Coast of the
United States
instead of around the Volusia Mall, she would have
walked all the way to
Canada
.
Organizers
of the Mall Walkers at Volusia Mall encouraged people
to walk inside the climate controlled mall or perhaps
a mile or so up the street to Halifax Medical Center.
One walker did go all the way to
Halifax
….Halifax,
Nova Scotia
that is.
Hiatt
took first place with the most miles walked, logging
1,801 miles with the Mall Walking program in 2005.If she had walked the 1,649 miles from Volusia
Mall to
St. John
,
New Brunswick
,
Canada
then took one of the Bay Ferries to
Digby
,
Nova Scotia
and continued on her walk to
Halifax
, she would still have 10 miles left over to sight see
in the coastal community.
Hiatt
says she walks every chance she gets. “I walk
instead of driving whenever I can. I used to have high
blood pressure and high sugar levels and walking is
the best way to keep them down,” said Hiatt.
Coming
in a close second and third, respectively, for the
second consecutive year were DeBary residents
Elizabeth Kretschmer, 69, with 1,626.7 miles, along
with his husband Hans, 70, who logged in 1,611.65.In a tie for fourth place were mother and
daughter Dorothy and Virginia Sanford of Holly Hill
with 1,004 miles each.
Of
the 225 people who registered for the program, 32
people turned in their miles every single month,
logging in 12,000 miles. That’s an average of 391
miles per person or the equivalent of walking from
Volusia Mall in
Daytona Beach
to
Columbia
,
South Carolina
.
The
free Mall Walking Program started in 2002 when the
HalifaxHealth
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.
The
2006 program is underway. Participants enjoy a safe
and temperature controlled environment inside Volusia
Mall,
1700 W. International Speedway Blvd.
,
Daytona Beach. Walking hours are
7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Monday – Saturday, and
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
on Sunday. 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.Each
walker receives a gift when they complete their first
25 miles of the year.
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 from Halifax Community Health System discuss
various health and wellness topics.The next meeting will be on May 4 at 8:30 a.m.
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 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
(22
March 2006) New Patient Tower and Emergency Department Part
of Proposed Halifax Medical Center Plan
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - Halifax Community Health System (HCHS) announced this week the rollout of a proposed
10-year master facility planning and redesign of Halifax Medical Center’s main campus, 303 N. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach. The first phase of the proposed plan includes the construction of a new inpatient tower, new emergency department and additional parking.
“Our 10-year master facility plan is a means to evaluate all existing services and plan for growth in a way that is in the best interests of the health care needs of our community,” said HCHS President and CEO Jeff Feasel. “This plan strengthens our existing capabilities and maximizes the community investments made at our current location. Halifax Medical Center has the leading edge technology in Volusia and Flagler counties. Our new plan supports not only our current services, but enhances them to insure we continue to meet the community’s health care needs in the future.”
The proposed 10-story inpatient tower will add 204 licensed beds to the campus. To be located northwest of the existing emergency department, the almost 450,000 square foot facility will have all private patient rooms and increased family space including a family resource area. “The goal of the design is to help patients and families experience an environment that supports the healing process, with fewer distractions and noise, and provides convenient access to staff, services and supplies that insure superior continuity of care and patient safety,” said Feasel.
The new Emergency Department will be more than four times the size of the existing facility and more than double the number of treatment rooms. Of the 107 new treatment rooms, 96 will be modular in design to meet patient demand and needs, eight will be dedicated psychiatric rooms and three will be designated as trauma resuscitation rooms. A rapid admissions unit and chest pain unit will also be included in the new facility.
“Our current Emergency Department is efficient but significantly undersized for the number of patients we expect to care for in the coming years,” said Dan Lang, Halifax Medical Center administrator. “The new space will allow us to dramatically improve the overall patient
experience, with more privacy in the registration and waiting areas and larger treatment rooms. It is also designed to meet changing patient populations and improve our disaster preparedness capabilities.”
Halifax Medical Center has a level II trauma center, is a designated brain and spinal injury center, and a certified primary stroke center. Currently averaging over 100,000 visits per year (excluding Urgent Care Center visits); the Halifax Emergency Department was ranked the fourth busiest in Florida in 2005.
In addition, Halifax Medical Center offers unparalleled interventional radiology, cardiac care and neuroscience services, the latest in cancer care, the area’s only neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, and the best orthopedic outcomes in the state of Florida.
In the last 10 years, Halifax Medical Center has built anheart surgery center on the campus, four new cardiac catheterization labs, and has made upgrades to the operating suites, as well as emergency services, labor and delivery, pediatrics, laboratory and radiology. Total capital construction projects since 1995 have totaled more than $62 million. A $2 million renovation of the Family BirthPlace (labor and delivery) is currently underway.
“We are committed to strengthening the health care services for residents of Central Florida,” said Halifax Community Health System Board Chairman Mori Hosseini. “And to do that, we have to continually invest in the infrastructure of the organization. Bringing new technology and services enhances our overall capabilities, and allows us to attract and retain a sophisticated level of physicians and medical professionals with training and experience that our residents deserve.”
Following Board approval, construction would begin later this year with an expected completion in 2009. With an estimated total of approximately $200 million, the hospital will issue bonds for approximately 75 percent of the project cost.
Once the new North Tower is completed, renovations to the existing 10-story East Tower will begin, and include modernization of nursing units with amenities designed to meet clinical care needs and consumer demand. All patient rooms in this building will eventually be converted to private rooms, while maintaining semi-private capability as a community resource for any disaster needs.
The hospital also needs land to provide for parking capacity to replace existing and projected traffic volumes on the main campus over the next 15 years. Land acquisition is in process.
“With the addition of a new inpatient tower and the renovation of the East Tower, Halifax Medical Center will have a total of 968 licensed beds, with over 500 of them private. This gives us the capacity to meet projected demand for inpatient beds in the future using primarily private rooms,” said Lang. “The build-out of three additional floors in the new inpatient tower could increase our licensed beds to over 1000.”
In addition to plans for the main campus, Halifax Hospital Port Orange, currently in the final phases of conversion from an outpatient facility to an 80-bed community hospital, is expected toin the late 2006. HCHS will also begin construction on a proposed administrative services building for Patient Business and Financial Services, and affiliate of HCHS, in late 2006 on a parcel it owns on Williamson Blvd. (south of LPGA Blvd.), and will continue to evaluate that property for future health care needs.
The firm leading the master site and facility planning is Perkins+Will. Established in 1935, they are an international firm that is consistently ranked as one of the largest health care architectural firms in the world with a focus on design innovation in architecture, interiors, branded environments, planning and strategies. They have offices in more than 20 cities and countries and serve clients in commercial and civic, healthcare, higher education, K-12 education and science and technology.
# # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(7 March 2006) Physicians
Earn Certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine
PORT ORANGE
– The American Board of Hospice and Palliative
Medicine (ABHPM) announced March 1 it has awarded
Susan Howard, MD, and Lyle Wadsworth, MD,
certification.
Dr. Howard,
who is board certified in family medicine, cares for
The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler patients in East
Volusia and is a full-time faculty member with the
Halifax Family Medicine Residency Program at Halifax
Medical Center, Daytona Beach.
Dr.
Wadsworth, who is board certified in internal medicine
and geriatrics, cares for Hospice of Volusia/Flagler
patients in West Volusia where he has practiced
medicine for 28 years. He has a private internal and
geriatrics practice in DeLand, and is the medical
director at the Florida Lutheran Health Center, also
in DeLand.
Hospice of
Volusia/Flagler Medical Director Raul Zimmerman, MD,
is also certified by the ABHPM.
The ABHPM was
formed in 1995 to measure the level of knowledge,
attitudes and skills required for certification of
physicians providing hospice and palliative medicine.
More information is available at www.abhpm.org.
To sit for
the exam an applicant must have received prior
specialty certification, practiced 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.
Hospice and
palliative medicine is the medical discipline of the
broad therapeutic model known as hospice and
palliative care. This model of care is devoted to
achieving the best possible quality of life for the
patient and family throughout the course of a
life-limiting illness through the relief of suffering
and the control of symptoms.
The Hospice
of Volusia/Flagler, a not-for-profit healthcare
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
The 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, The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler
operates a 16-bed Hospice Care Center in Port Orange,
6-bed Pineapple Palm Hospice House in Palm Coast and a
5-bed Hospice House in New Smyrna Beach. It is
currently building an 18-bed Hospice Care Center in
Orange City and is an affiliate 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
(28
February 2006) Funcoast Basketball Classic
Presented by
Florida
Health Care Plans
DAYTONA
BEACH - The
Seventh Annual Funcoast Basketball Classic presented
by Florida Health Care Plans
will be played Friday,
Mar. 10 at Spruce Creek High School, 801 Taylor
Road, Port Orange, Florida. 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, Joe Giddens,
Spruce
Creek
High School
will coach the East team against Herman Jones 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
Spruce
Creek
High School
's David Howard, coach of the East team.
The East teams will consist of players from Atlantic, Palm Coast, Mainland, Seabreeze, Spruce Creek high schools and Calvary Christian and Warner Christian academies. 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, Lighthouse Christian and Trinity
Christian academies.Over the past seven years, Florida Health Care
Plans has donated over $26,200 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. #
# #
John Riordan
Special Projects Coordinator
john.riordan
386-322-4764
(24
February 2006) Halifax Medical Center Receives Certificate of Need To Establish Kidney Transplant Program
DAYTONA BEACH – (24 February 2006) - The Agency for Health Care Administration announced today their approval of a Certificate of Need (CON) to establish an adult kidney transplant program at
Halifax Medical Center.
Halifax Medical Center Administrator Dan Lang said Sajid Latif, MD, has agreed to assume the role of medical director, and the recruitment of a surgical director with a documented track record in kidney transplant surgery will begin immediately. Depending on how long this process takes, Lang estimated the first kidney transplant could take place in 2006. Dr. Latif has been a member of the Halifax Medical Staff since 1997 and is a partner in Nephrology Consultants, Daytona Beach. He is board certified in nephrology and internal medicine.
“The need for a high quality kidney transplant program is well established in Volusia County. With the support of our medical staff, we applied for the Certificate of Need to replace the gap in service created when Bert Fish Medical Center closed their transplant program in July 2005,” said Lang. “We are the only hospital in Volusia and Flagler counties with the physician specialists needed to support a high quality transplant program working on-site, full-time.” These specialists include: nephrologists, certified critical care specialists, infectious disease director, a full-time hospital-based endocrinologist and
pulmonologists.
There are currently seven adult kidney transplant programs in Florida which transplanted 820 patients in 2004. Adults represent 99 percent of all kidney transplant candidates. In 2004, there were 807 patient admissions for renal failure in Volusia County, 215 of them at Halifax Medical Center. Currently, almost half of all kidney transplant candidates wait from six months to one year to receive a new kidney.
The Halifax Medical Center program will provide needed care for patients throughout what is known as Organ Transplantation Service Area 3 which includes Volusia, Orange, Osceola, Brevard, Seminole, Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, St. Lucie and Lake counties. The closure of Bert Fish Medical Center’s program left Service Area 3 with only one other kidney transplant program located in Orange County.
The CON application stated that total project costs are estimated to be $424,666 for equipment, start up costs and staff, with no construction renovation costs.
About Halifax Medical Center
Halifax Medical Center (HMC), a 764-bed hospital, full service tertiary care hospital, was founded in 1928. Its main campus is in Daytona Beach at 303 N. Clyde Morris Blvd. HMC is a primary stroke center, and the only hospital in Volusia and Flagler counties providing a trauma center, pediatric emergency department, neonatal intensive care unit and pediatric intensive care unit. Other services include the Halifax Heart Center, Lung Center, Rehabilitation Center, MS Center and Neuroscience Center. Satellite campuses are located in Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach, and the 80-bed Halifax Hospital-Port Orange is expected toas a community hospital in the Fall of 2006. More information is available at
www.halifax.org. #
# # Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(23
February 2006) Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Bereavement
Support Groups Start Mar. 13
VOLUSIA
AND FLAGLER COUNTIES - Hospice of
Volusia/Flagler
bereavement support groups will begin new sessions in
March and areto anyone in the Volusia/Flagler
area who has recently experienced a death.
Hospice
of Volusia/Flagler offers “New Beginnings,” an
adult grief support group for individuals who need
understanding and help in coping with the death of a
loved one. The groups are facilitated by masters level
bereavement professionals and topics include:
identifying feelings and symptoms associated with
grief; learning more effective ways to manage loss and
stress; and making adjustments to a new way of life.
“New
Beginnings” sessions run for six weeks and are
to the public. Group sizes are limited to 10 people
and advance registration is required. Sessions are
held throughout Volusia and Flagler counties beginning
(in date order):
Flagler Beach, Mar.
13 - Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic Church, 801
N. Central Ave., Mondays,
5:30 p.m.
Palm Coast, Mar.
13 - Florida Health Care Plans-Marketing
Office, 21 Florida Park Dr., Mondays,
9 a.m.
Daytona Beach, Mar.
15 – Our Lady of Lourdes, 201 University
Blvd., Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.
Port Orange (two
sessions) - Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Care
Center, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Wednesdays at 10
a.m. starting Mar.
15 and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. starting Mar.
16.
New Smyrna
Beach, Mar. 16 - Coronado Community United Methodist Church, 201 S.
Peninsula Ave., Thursdays, 1:30 p.m.
DeLand (two
sessions), Mar. 16 - Hospice of Volusia/Flagler’s Lawrence E. Whelan
BeginAgain Children’s Grief Center in
West Volusia
,
1250 S. Spring Garden Ave.
(S.R. 15-A),
Suite
3
, Thursdays at
1:30 p.m.
and 6 p.m.
For
more information on New Beginnings, or other ongoing
grief counseling programs such as Trauma and Loss
groups for those who have lost a loved one due to
homicide, suicide or accident; Reflections – a
social/support networking group; young widows and
widowers; and a men’s grief support group, contact
Hospice of Volusia/Flagler in East Volusia at
386-322-4701, in Ormond Beach at 386-673-7770, Flagler
County at 386-446-0300, in West Volusia at
386-822-4851 or toll-free at 800-272-2717. The
Lawrence E. Whelan BeginAgain Children's Grief Centers
offer grief support programs especially for young
people and their families. For information on
children's grief services in Daytona Beach call
386-258-5100, in DeLand call 386-822-4851. #
# # Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(14
February 2006) Sculpture Honoring Betty Jane France
Unveiled at Halifax Medical Center
DAYTONA
BEACH – (16 February 2006) - At a special ceremony
held Tuesday, Feb. 14, community leaders joined
Halifax Medical Center (HMC) Board members,
physicians, nurses and staff in unveiling a sculpture
commissioned in honor and recognition of Betty Jane
France. Members of the France family and the racing
community were among the invited guests.
HMC
Foundation President Glenn Ritcheyd the ceremony
by thanking Mrs. France for her ongoing support and
commitment to the hospital. Noting she is responsible
for helping raise in excess of $2 million in support
of healthcare services for children and women in our
community, Richey gave many examples of her support
and influence including the fact that Speediatrics was
named one of three designated children’s charities
to benefit from NASCAR Day 2005, and will be again in
May 2006.
Jeff Feasel,
CEO and president of Halifax Community Health System,
then outlined the many services Halifax provides to
infants, children, women and families, emphasizing the
significance of community support for these services.
“Caring for the community is our mission. Everything
we do, every decision we make, and every dollar we
invest is dedicated to providing the best and most
compassionate care possible.
“But we can’t
do it alone. It is only through the dedication and
support of people like Mrs. France that we are able to
achieve our goals. Our community is a healthier place
because of her, and for that we honor her,” said
Feasel.
Following
poignant comments from Dr. Lindsey Johnson, chairman
of the Department of Pediatrics, and Nurse Manager
Catherine Privett about what her support has meant to
the children and families they care for, proclamations
were presented by Volusia County Council Chairman
Frank Bruno and City of Daytona Beach Mayor Yvonne
Scarlett-Golden, officially naming Feb. 14, 2006 “Betty
Jane France Day.”
After
presenting Mrs. France with 36 long-stemmed red
Valentine roses - one for each bed in Speediatrics -
Halifax Board Chairman Mori Hosseini, along with
Ritchey and France, moved into the main lobby to
unveil the sculpture.
Titled by the
artist Paul Baliker “Safe and Secure,” the bronze
sculpture depicts two small children, sitting in the
palm of a large hand.
On Nov. 12,
2003, at the Halifax Medical Center Foundation’s
annual Humanitarian Award Dinner where Betty Jane
France was honored for her ‘advocacy, commitment,
support and advancement of healthcare and human
services for women, infants, children and families.’
It was announced that evening that the Foundation
would commission a bronze sculpture by Baliker to
depict Mrs. France’s care and concern for the health
and well being of children. Two castings of the
sculpture were done. The other is at Betty Jane France’s
home in Daytona Beach. #
# #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(6
February 2006) Halifax
Medical Center’s Stroke Care Program Awarded Joint
Commission Certification
DAYTONA
BEACH -- Halifax Medical Center has earned the Gold
Seal of Approval™ for stroke care. The Joint
Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare
Organizations has awarded Halifax Medical Center
Primary Stroke Center Certification. Halifax Medical
Center earned this distinction after the Joint
Commission conducted an on-site review in early
January.
“Halifax
Medical Center demonstrated that its stroke care
program follows national standards and guidelines that
can significantly improve outcomes for stroke
patients,” says Charles A. Mowll, executive vice
president, Business Development, Government, and
External Relations, Joint Commission.
In
awarding this certification, JCAHO noted Halifax
Medical Center’s longstanding commitment to
providing high quality care stating, “The ability to
offer thrombolytic and interventional services for
acute stroke treatment and neurological rehabilitation
continues to place Halifax Medical Center as a
Regional Care provider for stroke.”
Each
year about 700,000 people experience a new or
recurrent stroke, which is the nation's third leading
cause of death. On average, someone suffers a stroke
every 45 seconds and someone dies of a stroke every
3.1 minutes. Stroke is a leading cause of serious,
long-term disability in the United States, with about
4.7 million stroke survivors alive today.
“Joint
Commission Primary Stroke Center Certification
recognizes Halifax Medical Center’s commitment to
providing outstanding care to our patients and our
community,” said Halifax Administrator Dan Lang.
“We are proud of this accomplishment, which is a
step toward in our goal of achieving Comprehensive
Stroke Center status awarded by the Agency for Health
Care Administration.”
When
emergency medical services staff identify a person as
being a possible stroke patient, EVAC notifies the
Emergency Department and, if the patient meets certain
clinical criteria, a Stroke Alert is called. At
Halifax Medical Center a multi-disciplinary team,
including a neuro-interventional radiologist, is
available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A Stroke
Alert at Halifax Medical Center brings together staff
from Laboratory, Respiratory, Radiology, Neurology and
Nursing, who along with the Emergency Department
physicians, rapidly assess and begin appropriate
treatment of the stroke patient.
The
Joint Commission's Primary Stroke Center Certification
is based on the recommendations for primary stroke
centers published by the Brain Attack Coalition and
the American Stroke Association's
statements/guidelines for stroke care. The Joint
Commission launched the program - the nation's first -
in 2003. A list of Joint Commission-certified programs
is available at www.jcaho.org
About Halifax Medical Center: Halifax Medical Center (HMC), a 764-bed
hospital, full service tertiary care hospital, was
founded in 1928. Its main campus is in Daytona Beach
at 303 N. Clyde Morris Blvd. HMC is the only hospital
in Volusia and Flagler counties providing a trauma
center, pediatric emergency department, neonatal and
pediatric intensive care units, and a neuroscience
center.The
Family BirthPlace delivers nearly 2,000 babies each
year and the uniquely themed “Speediatrics,”
providing general pediatric care, is part of the Betty
Jane France Pediatric Center.The Kerman Regional Oncology Centers offers a
comprehensive cancer program at HMC’s main campus
and through outpatient centers in Ormond Beach, New
Smyrna Beach and soon in Port Orange. HMC is a
teaching hospital hosting both a radiologic training
program and the Halifax Family Medicine Residency
Program.Satellite
campuses are located in Daytona Beach and Ormond
Beach, and the 80-bed Halifax Hospital-Port Orange is
expected toas a full-service hospital in the
Fall of 2006. More information is available at www.halifax.org.
About
JCAHO: Founded in 1951, the Joint Commission seeks to
continuously improve the safety and quality of care
provided to the public through the provision of health
care accreditation and related services that support
performance improvement in health care organizations.
The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more
than 15,000 health care organizations and
programs in the United States, including more than
8,200 hospitals and home care organizations, and more
than 6,800 other health care organizations that
provide long term care, assisted living, behavioral
health care, laboratory and ambulatory care services.
The Joint Commission also accredits health plans,
integrated delivery networks, and other managed care
entities. In addition, the Joint Commission provides
certification of disease-specific care programs and
primary stroke centers. An independent, not-for-profit
organization, the Joint Commission is the nation’s
oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting
body in health care. #
# # Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(9
January 2006) DeBary Pro-Am Golf Tournament on Jan.
23 to Benefit
Hospice of Volusia/Flagler West Volusia Care Center
PORT
ORANGE
– The Marcus Moody Pro-Am Golf Tournament will be
held
on Monday, Jan. 23 at DeBary Golf and Country Club, US
Highway 17-92.The
tournament will be a scramble format with a shotgun
start at 9 a.m.
Entry
fee for the event is $125 per player and includes
golf, cart fee, range balls, post-tournament awards
banquet, replay invitation and prize pack.Each team will consist of three players and one
Professional Golf Association (PGA) member. In
addition, one lucky golfer could win up to $1,000 in
the live helicopter “ball drop,” if his number
comes up on the golf ball closest to the pin.
For
register for the tournament stop by the DeBary Golf
and Country Club pro shop, or call Hospice of Volusia/Flagler,
386-322-4701, ext. 6416.
All
donations and proceeds from the tournament will go to
Hospice of Volusia/Flagler’s West Volusia Care
Center Campaign in memory of Marcus Richard Moody.A Hospice of Volusia/Flagler patient, Moody
died in August after a five-year battle with cancer.
He was 19 years old.
Ground
was broken in August on the 18-bed West Volusia Care
Center located on Veterans Memorial Parkway in Orange
City. When completed in late 2006, the Care Center
will provide a home-like environment for terminally
ill patients that need a higher level of care or can
no longer remain at home or wherever they reside.
Hospice
of Volusia/Flagler, the area’s leading
not-for-profit hospice organization, has been
providing compassionate care to terminally ill
patients and their families since 1979. The mission of
Hospice of Volusia/Flagler is to provide extraordinary
and dignified care, 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, The
Hospice of Volusia/Flagler operates a 16-bed Hospice
Care Center in Port Orange, 6-bed Pineapple Palm
Hospice House in Palm Coast and a 5-bed Hospice House
in New Smyrna Beach, and is an affiliate of Halifax
Community Health System.More information is available at www.hovf.org.For information on the West Volusia Hospice
Care Center campaign, contact Terry Mularkey,
386-322-4701. #
# # Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(6 January 2006) Community Education Program
Answers Questions about New Medicare Part D
Prescription Drug Coverage
DAYTONA
BEACH – Many people are confused about the new
Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. If you
need more information in order to feel comfortable
about making an informed decision, plan to attend a
free community education event designed to help give
you the answers you need.
The
event, which is free andto the public, will be
held on Thursday, January 19 at the Daytona Beach
Community College Theater Center in Daytona Beach. The
doors willat 10 a.m., and the one hour program
will start at 10:30 a.m.
The
program will feature a general overview of the new
Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage followed by
a panel discussion. Topics to be covered include:
•Who is eligible
•What is covered and how it can vary by plan
•Additional resources for those who need it most
•When and how to enroll
The
free event is presented jointly as a community service
by Halifax Community Health
System, DBCC Foundation,
Council on Aging of Volusia County and the local
office of the Social Security Administration.Representatives of these organizations will be
on hand to answer questions.
For
information about this event call 386-615-5050.
Parking
will be available in the lot closest to the DBCC
Theater Center (Building 220). Participants should
enter the DBCC Daytona Beach campus from White St. (go
one block north of International Speedway Blvd.), and
park in the lot at the corner of White St. and Dr.
Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd.
For
information on Medicare call 1-800-MEDICARE, or online
at www.medicare.gov.
# # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(13
December 2005) Halifax Medical Center Nurses, Riding in Santa’s Sleigh,
Deliver 250 Filled Backpacks to the Homeless Dec. 13
DAYTONA BEACH – Riding in his sleigh down International Speedway Blvd., Santa
helped deliver over 400 backpacks filled with items donated by Halifax Medical Center nurses to the Volusia/Flagler County Coalition for the Homeless on Tues., Dec. 13.
After asking Coalition for the Homeless Program Manager Ted Kuzma for a ‘wish list,’ Halifax nurses from departments throughout the hospital donated enough items to fill
420 backpacks with socks, a hat, and gloves; personal care items including a comb, brush, soap, toothbrush, and toothpaste; and a Votran bus pass.
Those backpacks destined for children included a toy and a stuffed animal too. #
# #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
*****************************************************
EVENT CONTACT:
John Riordan, Special Projects Coordinator
(386) 322-4764
E-mail: john.riordan
(30
November 2005)Volusia and Flagler High School Seniors Showcase Talent Dec. 8 at
Funcoast Football Classic Presented by Florida Health Care Plans
DAYTONA BEACH -- The Eighth Annual Funcoast Football Classic presented by Florida Health Care Plans will be played on Thursday, December 8 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 Most Valuable Player for the East and West teams will be recognized, along with academic scholar athletes. The East team leads the West team five to two in the series.
American Indoor Football League Daytona Beach Thunder players and coaches will be the honorary game captains. In addition to t-shirt giveaways, they will hold a field goal kicking contest for the area’s all-star kickers during half-time. The Thunder, Daytona Beach’s newest indoor football team, will kick off their season in March at the Ocean Center.
The East team, coached by Skip Saunier of Atlantic High School, will include players from Atlantic, Flagler Palm Coast, Mainland, Seabreeze and Spruce Creek high schools, and Warner Christian Academy. The West team, coached by Les Ross of Taylor High School, includes DeLand, Deltona, Father Lopez, New Smyrna Beach, Pine Ridge and 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.
Remaining Schedule for 2005-2006 Funcoast Classics Presented by Florida Health Care Plans:
• Funcoast Soccer Classic - Wednesday, February 22, New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex, both girls and boys games start at 6 p.m. on adjacent fields
• Funcoast Basketball Classic - Friday, March 10, (site to be determined), girls game at 5:30 p.m., boys game at 7:30 p.m.
Background:
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, Lighthouse Christian and Trinity Christian academies. Over the past seven years, Florida Health Care Plans has donated over $26,200 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.
Florida Health Care Plans is the oldest Federally qualified HMO in Florida, and the second oldest Federally qualified HMO in continuous existence in the United States. FHCP serves more than 65,000 members throughout Volusia and Flagler counties and is an affiliate of Halifax Community Health System. More information is available online at www.fhcp.com.
#
# # Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(1
November 2005) Funcoast Classics Presented by Florida Health Care Plans
- First Event is Volleyball on Nov. 14
DAYTONA BEACH – Florida Health Care Plans announced plans for six Funcoast Classic games for the 2005-2006 school year. The Funcoast Classics showcase the best high school seniors in Volusia and Flagler counties and include volleyball (girls), football, soccer (girls and boys) and basketball (girls and boys).
The East teams for each event consist of players from Atlantic, Father Lopez, Flagler Palm Coast, Mainland, Seabreeze and Spruce Creek high schools and Calvary Christian Academy. The West teams feature players from DeLand, Deltona, New Smyrna Beach, Pine Ridge and Taylor high schools and Trinity Christian and Warner Christian academies. During the year, over 1,000 college coaches will be invited the events.
All Funcoast Classics are free andto the public. In support of holiday community food drives, everyone attending the Funcoast Football Classic at Municipal Stadium on Thursday, December 8 is asked to make a canned food donation.
Schedule for 2005-2006 Funcoast Classics Presented by Florida Health Care Plans:
• Funcoast Volleyball Classic - Monday, November 14, at Spruce Creek High School, 7 p.m.
• Funcoast Football Classic - Thursday, December 8, at Municipal Stadium, 7 p.m.
• Funcoast Soccer Classic - Wednesday, February 22, at New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex, (both girls and boys games start at 6 p.m. on adjacent fields)
• Funcoast Basketball Classic - Friday, March 10, at a site to be determined, 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, Lighthouse Christian and Trinity Christian academies. Over the past seven years, Florida Health Care Plans has donated over $26,200 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.
# # #
EVENT CONTACT:
John Riordan, Special Projects Coordinator
Halifax Community Health System
Phone: 386-322-4764
John.riordan
17
October 2005) Halifax Medical Center Recognized for Clinical Quality Excellence by National Study
- Orthopedics, Back and Neck Surgery, Stroke and Vascular Services Cited in 8th Annual HealthGrades Study
DAYTONA BEACH - (October 17, 2005) - Halifax Medical Center has received five-star ratings for clinical excellence for orthopedics, back and neck surgery, stroke services, and vascular services according to a study released today by HealthGrades, the nation’s leading provider of independent hospital ratings.
These new rankings place Halifax Medical Center:
• number one in Florida, and in the top five percent in the nation, for overall orthopedic services (hip fracture repair, and hip and knee total joint replacement);
• number two in Florida, and in the top five percent in the nation in spinal surgery;
• in the top five percent in the nation for stroke services;
• and in the top 10 percent in the nation for overall vascular services.
Halifax Medical Center was also the recipient of the 2005 HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence placing it among the top five percent of all hospitals in the nation based on overall clinical outcomes. In a national study released earlier this year by HealthGrades, HMC received a five-star rating in maternity care, earning it the Maternity Care Excellence Award in 2005.
“Quality patient care is our top priority,” said Halifax Medical Center Administrator Dan Lang. “Recognition from an objective, independent source such as HealthGrades validates the efforts our physicians, nurses and staff deliver to people in Volusia County every day.”
As part of its eighth annual Hospital Quality in America Study, HealthGrades independently analyzed nearly 5,000 hospitals in all 50 states and the District of Columbia for its 2006 ratings, objectively assessing their clinical outcomes and quality. The data utilized in the assessment is licensed from the federal government’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The HealthGrades ratings measure whether patient outcomes for each of more than two dozen procedures and diagnoses are better than expected (5-Star), as expected (3-Star) or worse than expected (1-Star).
“HealthGrades objectively rates hospitals' performance to help consumers make better health care choices, and it’s clear that Halifax Medical Center provides outstanding care. The people of Volusia County should be secure knowing they have top-notch care in their own backyard," said Samantha Collier, HealthGrades vice president of medical affairs.
The 2006 HealthGrades ratings for all hospitals nationwide are posted at www.healthgrades.com. More than two-and-a-half million unique users and 125 major employers visit the HealthGrades Web site every month to access quality information about hospitals, nursing homes and physicians. HealthGrades also provides consumers and payers with detailed assessments of hospitals’ patient safety outcomes, based on indicators developed by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
About Halifax Medical Center
Halifax Medical Center (HMC), a 764-bed hospital, full service tertiary care hospital, was founded in 1928. Its main campus is in Daytona Beach at 303 N. Clyde Morris Blvd. HMC is the only hospital in Volusia and Flagler counties providing a trauma center, pediatric emergency department, neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, comprehensive stroke center and neuroscience center. The Family BirthPlace delivers over 2,000 babies each year and the uniquely themed “Speediatrics,” providing general pediatric care, is part of the Betty Jane France Pediatric Center. The Kerman Regional Oncology Centers offers a comprehensive cancer program at HMC’s main campus and through outpatient centers in Ormond Beach and New Smyrna Beach. HMC is a teaching hospital hosting both a radiologic training program and the Halifax Family Medicine Residency Program. Satellite campuses are located in Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach, and the 80-bed Halifax Hospital-Port Orange is expected toas a full-service hospital in the Fall of 2006. More information is available at
www.halifax.org.
About HealthGrades
HealthGrades (Nasdaq:HGRD) is the leading healthcare ratings company, providing ratings and profiles of hospitals, nursing homes and physicians to consumers, corporations, health plans and hospitals. Millions of consumers and hundreds of the nation’s largest employers, health plans and hospitals rely on HealthGrades’ independent ratings to make healthcare decisions based on the quality of care. More information on the company can be found at
http://www.healthgrades.com.
# # #
HOSPITAL CONTACT:
Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
HEALTHGRADES CONTACT:
Scott Shapiro
(720) 963-6584
sshapiro
(17
October 2005) The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Presents the
16th Annual Tree of Remembrance Program - New Events Added: “Celebration of Life” Tree Lighting Ceremonies and Corporate Holiday Greeting Cards
PORT ORANGE – The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler is kicking off the 16th Annual Tree of Remembrance program. Proceeds will help ensure compassionate, end-of-life care can be provided to hospice patients regardless of their ability to pay.
As our community grows, so does the number of patients The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler cares for each year. In an effort to enhance funding for these additional patient needs, two new programs have been added this year to the 2005 Tree of Remembrance program.
This year, The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler is joining with six communities in Volusia and Flagler counties to host “Tree of Lights: A Celebration of Life” tree lighting ceremonies starting Nov. 16 through Dec. 11. These events are being held in addition to the traditional Tree of Remembrance display at the Volusia Mall where tree ornaments, teddy bears and angel tree toppers can be purchased in memory of honor of a loved one.
The other inaugural program enables businesses, organizations and individuals to support The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler by purchasing high quality, personalized holiday greeting cards this year through a convenient online ordering program available at www.hovf.org. The cards will be mailed directly to a home or business.
The Tree of Remembrance program’s traditional holiday collection of ornaments includes an angel ($50), “Always in our Hearts” wreath ($30), white-feathered dove ($25), beanie-style bear ($15), and a stuffed teddy bear ($12). A l6-inch angel tree topper, of which 10 are available, also is offered for a $500 sponsorship donation. These items can purchased and, if the donor chooses, hung on the beautiful Trees of Remembrance on display at the Volusia Mall, 1700 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, from Friday, Nov. 25 to Friday, Dec. 23. Collections of preprinted holiday cards featuring art from local artists will also be available for purchase at the Volusia Mall display, and starting on Nov. 7 at all Publix Supermarkets in Flagler and Volusia counties.
The new “Tree of Lights: A Celebration of Life” offers families and friends a chance to memorialize or honor a loved one by making a $25 donation to The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler and reserving a light on one of six holiday trees, or sponsoring a tree for a $1,000 donation. Donations will be accepted through Nov. 1. Donors and the public are encouraged to attend the tree lighting ceremony in the community closest to them. The Tree of Lights displays will remain on view throughout the holiday season.
Tree of Lights ceremony dates, times and display locations:
• Bunnell: Flagler Auditorium, 3265 East Highway 100, Wednesday, Nov 16 at 7 p.m.
• Ormond Beach: The Casements, 25 Riverside Dr. Saturday, Dec. 3 at 9:30 a.m., immediately preceding the Annual Christmas Walk through the Casements.
• Port Orange-City Center Amphitheater, 1000 City Center Cir., Saturday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. NOTE: Following the ceremony the tree will be moved to the Port Orange Library, 1000 City Center Cir.
• Daytona Beach-Daytona Beach International Airport, 700 Catalina Drive. Sunday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m.
• Edgewater-Hawks Park, 1108 S. Ridgewood Ave. Saturday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. NOTE: Following the ceremony, the tree will be moved to Edgewater Public Library, 103 W. Indian River Blvd.
• Orange City-Dickerson Park, Graves Avenue at U.S. 17-92. Sunday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m.
For information on the Tree of Remembrance Program or to make a donation, please call Kim Carney, special events coordinator for The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, at (386) 322-4701, ext. 6296. Checks may be made payable to HOVF and mailed to The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129. More information is available online at www.hovf.org.
About The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler
The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, a not-for-profit healthcare organization, has been providing compassionate care to terminally ill patients and their families in Volusia and Flagler counties for 26 years. The mission of The 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 wherever the patient resides, The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler operates a 16-bed Hospice Care Center in Port Orange, 6-bed Pineapple Palm Hospice House in Palm Coast and a 5-bed Hospice House in New Smyrna Beach. Most recently ground was broken on what will become an 18-bed Hospice Care Center in Orange City to serve patients in West Volusia. The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler is an affiliate 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
(17
October 2005) 4th Annual Hospice 5K Run & Walk November 5
to Benefit the Family Caregiver Program, A Community Service of The Hospice of
Volusia/Flagler
PORT ORANGE – The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler will host the 4th Annual Hospice Run & Walk - Celebrating the Spirit of Caregiving on Saturday, Nov. 5. The 5K Run & Walk, presented by Bright House Networks, will be held at The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange. Registration begins at 6:45 a.m., the timed competitive 5K run along with a 5K walk begin at 8 a.m. This year’s event also includes a quarter mile Kiddie Dash for children 10 and under starting at 8:50 a.m.
WESH-2 News Reporter Shannon FitzPatrick will emcee the 5K Run & Walk, which is a Daytona Area Grand Prix event.
Registration is $20 per person, including the day of the event. The cost of the Kiddie Dash is $5. All paid registrants receive a T-shirt, goodie bag, entry into the prize drawings, food and beverages.
Entry forms are available online at www.hovf.org, at all of The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler offices (Port Orange, DeLand, Ormond Beach, and Palm Coast) and Resale Shops (Palm Coast, South Daytona, and Orange City), or by calling 386-322-4701, ext. 6296.
Pre-registration will be held on Nov. 3 and 4 from 12 to 6:30 p.m. at The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Care Center in Port Orange. Participants are encouraged to pick up their shirts and goodie bags during pre-registration.
Participants are encouraged to form teams by signing up co-workers, friends and family. There will be recognition of the largest team formed. Anyone who cannot attend the event but would like to support Hospice patients and caregivers can do so by registering as a “Caregiver Supporter.” Caregiver Supporters can pick up their T-shirts and goodie bags during pre-registration.
Funds raised will help The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler offer caregiver’s relief and respite as they so selflessly give their time and hearts to those they love. Caregivers play an integral role in the care of Hospice patients.
The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Executive Director Fran Davis said, “For over 25 years, The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler has witnessed ordinary people perform extraordinary acts of kindness and compassion at life’s end. After all these years, we are still moved by the dedication and sacrifices family members give to their loved ones as they face the end of life’s journey.”
Event Notes:
• Bright House Networks is the presenting sponsor for the Hospice 5K Run & Walk.
• The timed competitive 5K Run is part of the Daytona Area Grand Prix series.
• Gold level sponsors include: The Cloisters Retirement Community, Daytona Pennysaver, Daytona Beach Track Club, Halifax Medical Center Employee Community Service Fund and Florida Health Care Plans.
• The 5K competitive run will be a timed event with awards by the following age groups (male/female): Overall, Masters (55+), 0-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+. Top overall male and female finishers will receive a VO2 Max Test donated by Maxwell’s Fitness Center.
• Nearly 1,800 total supporters have attended the event in the past three years.
Directions to 4th Annual Hospice 5K Run & Walk
The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler is located at 3800 Woodbriar Trail in Port Orange (just off Dunlawton Ave., East of Nova Rd.). From I-95: Exit #256 Dunlawton Ave. (Port Orange). Head East on Dunlawton Ave.. Make a left on Woodbriar Trail (at Halifax Hospital-Port Orange). Follow signs to parking.
# # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(12
October 2005) Fifth Annual Trimmings for Tots
-
Healthy Start Family Service Workers Accepting Food Donations
DAYTONA BEACH – Share your pantry this Thanksgiving season by dropping off non-perishable food items for the Fourth Annual Trimmings for Tots Thanksgiving Food Drive.
Trimmings for Tots Food Drive is collecting non-perishable Thanksgiving food donations 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 food will be distributed to Halifax Keech Health Center patients and Healthy Start clients in time for the holiday.
Non-perishable holiday foods can be dropped off through Nov. 11 at the office of Healthy Communities, 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 family support workers 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 up to age three 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 food drive contact Cher Philio at 386-323-0000. For information about Healthy Communities call 386-323-0000 or online at
www.halifaxhealth.org.
# # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(30 September 2005)
Halifax
Urgent Care at the HMC-Atlantic Campus is Moving
- New Halifax Express Care isng
DAYTONA BEACH
- The Daytona Beach location of
Halifax Urgent Care, currently located at 400 N.
Clyde Morris Blvd. on the HMC-Atlantic Campus,
is moving across the street to the main campus
of Halifax Medical Center, 303 N. Clyde Morris
Blvd., Daytona Beach.
The last day
Halifax Urgent Care will beat the
Atlantic Campus is Fri., Sept. 30 (8 a.m.-7
p.m.).
The new
HALIFAX EXPRESS CARE willat 9 a.m. on
Mon., October 3, on the ground floor of
Halifax Medical Center near the main
Emergency Department.
HALIFAX
EXPRESS CARE - New Phone Number:
386-254-4369 / New Fax Number: 386-254-4379
/ New Hours:every day, 9 a.m. to
Midnight.
In addition to
urgent care services, the new HALIFAX EXPRESS
CARE area also includes what used to be known as
the “fast track” area from the main ED along
with eight additional monitored beds. EXPRESS
CARE is located in a newly renovated area on the
HMC Ground Floor whichd up when same day
surgery moved to the Halifax Professional Center
adjacent to the hospital this summer.
The goal of
combining the busy ‘fast-track’ area
(non-critical emergency care) with urgent care
services (minor emergency care) along with
additional monitored beds in close proximity to
the main emergency department is to be able to
treat emergency patients more quickly and move
them more easily to the most appropriate
treatment areas, depending on the acuity level
of their injuries and illnesses.
HALIFAX EXPRESS CARE will have its
own separate entrance and registration area. The
new entrance is accessible from Heineman Ave.
(from N. Clyde Morris Blvd. take Mayberry to
Heineman).
Parking is
available in the Halifax Medical Center Visitor
Parking Orange Lot (east lot at the HMC East
Lobby Entrance across from Daytona Beach
Community College). Patients can also enter
through the main Emergency Department entrance
where they will be triaged and, depending on the
seriousness of their injury or illness, escorted
to HALIFAX EXPRESS CARE for treatment when
appropriate. Patients needing a higher level of
treatment will be cared for in the main
emergency department.
In addition to
Halifax Express Care, Halifax Medical Center
operates two other Urgent Care Centers staffed
by Halifax Emergency Physicians providing
walk-in, minor emergency care in Ormond Beach
and Port Orange. # # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
29 September
2005) Hole-in-One Wins Golfer New Car
PALM COAST – Dagny O’Keefe received more than she
bargained for when she played in The Hospice of
Volusia/Flagler Fall Charity Golf Classic held Sept.
24 at Halifax Plantation Golf Club.
The Daytona Beach golfer and long-time supporter of
The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler knew the tournament
proceeds would benefit terminally patients and their
families, and she thought it would be nice if she
happened to win a door prize at the banquet. But
that was before O’Keefe hit a hole-in-one on the
115-yard sixth hole and won a brand new, 2005
Malibu, compliments of Tom Gibbs Chevrolet of Palm
Coast.
The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Executive Director
Fran Davis and Gibbs Sales Manager Don Palmer will
be on hand to present the car to O’Keefe on Sat.,
October 1 at 9 a.m. at Tom Gibbs Chevrolet, one mile
east of I-95 on State Road 100, Palm Coast.
The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Fall Charity Golf
Classic raised $9,500 for the organization’s Special
Wish Fund which helps many Hospice patients to live
out their remaining days in ways that are meaningful
to them each year.
Hospice patient Gary Dobson, of Palm Coast, spoke at
the banquet following the 18-hole tournament. Dobson
and his wife had a special wish fulfilled in July
when The Hospice of Volusia./Flagler arranged for
them, accompanied by their grown children, to take a
deep sea fishing trip together. Noting he always
wanted to take such a trip but never had because he
was busy with work and had kept putting it off, he
said he was grateful for the time he and his family
were able to spend together.
“My children and I have grown much closer because of
that special day. I wish I had spent more days like
that with them while they were growing up. We spend
so much time making a living that we forget about
what is really important, like our relationships
with our children,” said Dobson.
The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Fall Charity Golf
Classic tournament winners include:
First Place: East Volusia Family Practice and a
sponsor of the event represented by Roxy Marrese,
MD, Robert Leb, MD, Keith Bulko and Thomas Dargan
Second Place: Peter and Lori Delone, J.C. and Zalpha
Adams
Third Place: Randy Filippi, Don O’Connor, Rick
Bickel and Matt Gorman
About The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler
The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, a not-for-profit
healthcare organization, has been providing
compassionate care to terminally ill patients and
their families in Volusia and Flagler counties for
26 years. The mission of The 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, The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler
operates a 16-bed Hospice Care Center in Port
Orange, 6-bed Pineapple Palm Hospice House in Palm
Coast and a 5-bed Hospice House in New Smyrna Beach.
It is building an 18-bed Hospice Care Center in
Orange City and is an affiliate 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
DAYTONA BEACH – Children grieve differently than
adults. They often need help understanding their
feelings and assurance that the emotions they are
experiencing are normal.
Camp BeginAgain offers children an experience to
address those needs. Held twice a year, this weekend
retreat is for young people age 6 to 18 who have
experienced the death of a loved one.
The next session will be Nov. 18-20 at the
Central Baptist Youth Camp in DeLand. A map of the
location will be provided to participants.
The camper registration deadline is Oct. 28.
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 the Lawrence E. Whelan
BeginAgain Children’s Grief Center, 386-258-5100.
Individuals willing to volunteer to spend a weekend
or a day helping children also are needed to serve
as cabin assistants, kitchen help, recreation
leaders, arts and crafts teachers, guitar players
and song leaders, a camp nurse, chaplain and canoe
navigators. Individuals are needed to set up for
Camp BeginAgain on the Friday before the camp starts
and on Sunday to help clean up.
The volunteer application deadline is Nov. 1.
A free, comprehensive training program for
volunteers is scheduled for 5:30 -9 p.m. Nov. 11 at
the Lawrence E. Whelan BeginAgain Grief Center, 1124
Beville Road, Suite C, Daytona Beach, 32114. For a
volunteer application or more information, please
call the Center.
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 The
Hospice of Volusia/Flagler.
# # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
21 September 2005)
New Bereavement Support Groups Start Oct. 6
VOLUSIA AND FLAGLER COUNTIES – The Hospice of
Volusia/Flagler bereavement support groups will
begin new sessions in October and areto anyone
in the Volusia/Flagler area who has recently
experienced a death.
The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler offers “New
Beginnings,” a six-week, adult grief support group
for individuals who need understanding and help in
coping with the death of a loved one. The groups are
facilitated by master’s degree-level professionals
and topics include making adjustments to a new way
of life, identifying feelings and symptoms
associated with grief and learning more effective
ways to manage loss and stress.
“New Beginnings” sessions are limited to 10 people
and advance registration is required. For more
information, call 386-822-4851 and ask for the
Bereavement Services Coordinator. Sessions are held
throughout Volusia and Flagler counties beginning
(in date order):
• DeLand: Lawrence E. Whelan BeginAgain Children’s
Grief Center, 1250 S. S.R. 15-A, Suite 3, Thursdays
at 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., starting Oct. 6.
• Palm Coast: Florida Health Care Plans Marketing
Office, 21 Florida Park Drive; Mondays at 9 a.m.,
starting Oct. 10.
• Flagler Beach: Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic
Church, 801 N. Central Ave.; Mondays at 5:30 p.m.,
starting Oct. 10.
• New Smyrna Beach: Coronado Community United
Methodist Church, 201 S. Peninsula Ave.; Thursdays
at 1:30 p.m. starting Oct. 13.
• Port Orange: Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Care
Center, 3800 Woodbriar Trail; Wednesdays; starting
Oct. 12, at 10 a.m., and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
starting Oct. 13.
• Daytona Beach: Our Lady of Lourdes, 201 University
Blvd. (beachside); Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., starting
Oct. 25.
The New Beginning Groups are repeated five times a
year.
The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler offers several other
ongoing bereavement support groups. These include:
Reflections: Reflections is a social/support
networking group. Education regarding grief and
mourning is provided along with related information
about community activities and services.
Two different Reflections groups take place:
• DeLand: Lawrence E. Whelan BeginAgain Children’s
Grief Center, 1250 S. S.R. 15-A, Suite 3; 10 a.m.
the first Saturday of every month.
• Port Orange: The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Care
Center, 3800 Woodbriar Trail; 10 a.m. to noon the
third Saturday of every month.
Other ongoing groups require registration and
include:
Men’s Group: This group recognizes and responds
to the different bereavement needs of men. It is run
by a licensed bereavement counselor. The men’s group
meets two Saturdays every month. For schedule and
location, please call 386-822-4851 or 800-272-2717
and ask for Mark Olson or Marjorie Lamphear.
Young Widows and Widowers Group: This is an
ongoing group for widow and widowers under age 60
which meets in various places in Palm Coast on
Tuesdays at 5:45 p.m. Call group facilitator Shannon
Andersen, 386-446-0300, for the meeting schedule.
Trauma and Loss Family Group: This support
group for families with children meets in Daytona
Beach. The children, teens and adult members of
families who have experienced a loss due to
homicide, suicide or accident all are welcome and
will each have their own group in which to
participate and receive support. Group counselors
and volunteers are sensitive to the special issues
related to these types of losses. An orientation
appointment must be made prior to attending this
group. Please call 386-258-3237 to set up an
orientation appointment.
Restorative Retelling Group: This is a 10-week group
for those who have lost a loved one due to homicide,
suicide or accident. With violent deaths, many
family members get stuck in the retelling, or the
reliving of how the loved one died. This group will
assist with a form of retelling that aids in the
healing process. This group is not recommended for
anyone whose loss has occurred less than six months
prior to the start of the group. Anyone interested
must have an individual session with the group
leaders, prior to the start of group. For more
information, please call 386-258-3237.
Lawrence E. Whelan BeginAgain Children’s Grief
Center: Grief Center locations are in Daytona
Beach and DeLand. Through play, art and special
activities, children and adolescents (ages 6-17) can
express their feelings about their loss in a caring,
supportive environment. A parent/significant adult
group is also available. Family orientation is
required before beginning sessions. For more
information about these programs, please call
386-258-5100 in Daytona Beach or 386-822-4851 in
DeLand.
The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, a not-for-profit
healthcare 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 The 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, The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler
operates a 16-bed Hospice Care Center in Port
Orange, the 6-bed Pineapple Palm Hospice House in
Palm Coast and a 5-bed Hospice House in New Smyrna
Beach. It is now building an 18-bed Hospice Care
Center in West Volusia and is an affiliate 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
(24
August 2005) Cruzan Family Attorney and Acclaimed
Author to Speak at Public Forum Sept. 29 in Port
Orange
EVENT/COALITION CONTACT: JoAnne King,
Coordinator, Life’s Journey Coalition
386-322-4701, ext. 6395
PORT ORANGE - William Colby knows all too well the
difficult choices families face before and after the
death of a loved one. In 1989 he represented Nancy
Cruzan’s family before the U.S. Supreme Court in a
case that catapulted end-of-life issues to national
attention. He is also the author of a
critically-acclaimed book on the case, Long Goodbye:
The Deaths of Nancy Cruzan. Colby heard echoes of the
Cruzan case with the Terri Schiavo case in Florida,
where once again a family tragedy over withdrawing
life sustaining treatments hit national headlines.
Colby will speak to that issue on Thursday, September
29 during a free public forum sponsored by Life’s
Journey, A Coalition in Action, to be held at the
Riverside Pavilion, 3431 Ridgewood Avenue, Port
Orange.
Colby’s talk, From Cruzan to Schiavo: What Have We
Learned? is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. Doors
willat 11 a.m. and a box lunch will be provided.
Seating is limited for this free presentation. The
first 50 entrants will receive a complimentary copy of
Long Goodbye.
“The Schiavo case led many of us to think about some
challenging issues in a very personal way. We began
some important conversations with our families,
doctors, even our elected officials. Through this
forum with William Colby, we have a unique opportunity
to consider these issues and further the
conversations,” said JoAnne King, coordinator for
Life’s Journey, A Coalition in Action and Hospice of
Volusia/Flagler program operations manager.
Colby will read from his book and take questions from
the audience. Free continuing education units (CEUs),
compliments of Life’s Journey, will be available to
nurses, mental health providers and professional
guardians. A book signing will be held following the
presentation. For information call JoAnne King,
386-322-4701.
Formed in 1999, Life’s Journey, A Coalition in Action
is comprised of social service organizations, health
professionals, businesses, caregivers and citizens
committed to improving end of life care in our
community. # # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(15 August 2005)
Golf Tourney Benefits “Special Wishes’’of Patients
Served by The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler
PORT ORANGE – Near the end of life’s journey, people
often look back and wish they could see far-away
family members again, visit a favorite place or maybe
go fishing one more time. Not everyone has the means
to make their wishes come true, and for terminally ill
patients and their caregivers, even arranging a simple
wish such as seeing the sun rise over the ocean can be
a real challenge.
To address this need, The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler
is partnering with Halifax Plantation Golf Club on
Saturday, Sept. 24 to host the Fall Charity Golf
Classic. Proceeds from the event, to be held at
Halifax Plantation, 3400 Clubhouse Drive, Ormond
Beach, will benefit Hospice’s Special Wish Fund. Each
year, the program helps many Hospice patients to live
out their remaining days in ways that are meaningful
to them. The 18-hole tournament is a step-aside
scramble format, with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m.
"When The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler approached me
about assisting with this golf tournament, I was
thrilled,’’ said Allen Hindman, tournament chairman.
“I can think of no organization that does more to help
people in times of need than Hospice. The Special Wish
Fund is just another example of how this organization
does everything it can to meet the needs of terminally
ill people and their families."
The Golf Classic
entry fee is $100 per person, which includes golf, a
cart, banquet and contest prizes. A putting contest
will be offered 7:30-8:15 a.m. and a Hole-In-One
contest will be featured on all par 3 holes (holes 3,
6, 13 and 16). A 50/50 drawing highlights play on the
13th hole on the Green Course.
For more information about sponsorships or to register
for the tournament, please call 386-322-4701 or 800-
272-2717; ext. 6296.
Tournament registration forms are
also available in the pro
shops of most area golf courses.
About The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler
The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, a not-for-profit
healthcare 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 The 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, The Hospice of Volusia/Flagler
operates a 16-bed Hospice Care Center in Port Orange,
6-bed Pineapple Palm Hospice House in Palm Coast and a
5-bed Hospice House in New Smyrna Beach. It is
building an 18-bed Hospice Care Center now in West
Volusia and is a proud part 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
(12 August 2005)
Volunteers Needed for Children’s Grief Center Application deadline is Sept. 8 for next training
session
DAYTONA BEACH -- The Lawrence E. Whelan BeginAgain
Children’s Grief Center, with locations in Daytona
Beach and DeLand, 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 Sept. 8. Volunteers receive a free,
comprehensive training program at one of the Center’s
two locations: 1124 Beville Rd., Suite C, Daytona
Beach; and 1250 S. Spring Garden Ave. (S.R. 15-A),
Suite 3, DeLand. The next six-week session will be
held on Monday nights, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., starting
Sept. 12 and ending Oct. 17.
Volunteers are needed for programs based in Daytona
Beach and DeLand.
Individuals interested in becoming volunteer
facilitators or finding out more about the Grief
Center may call Karen Grant at 386-258-5100 or Donna
Hardy at 386-822-4851.
The Lawrence E. Whelan BeginAgain Children’s Grief
Center, a program of The 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
(9 August 2005) Ann
Martorano Named Administrator of Halifax Hospital-Port
Orange
DAYTONA BEACH – The Halifax Community Health System
Board reacted with both approval and pleasure at its
August meeting to CEO Jeff Feasel’s announcement that
he has named Ann Martorano to be administrator of
Halifax Hospital-Port Orange, the new full-service
facility to serve southeast Volusia that is scheduled
toin September, 2006.
Martorano, who since 2000 has served as executive
director of Volusia Health Network (VHN) after nearly
two decades in a variety of administrative positions
at Halifax Medical Center, has literally grown up with
healthcare in the area. Her father, Dr. Charles Stump,
is one of the longest-practicing and best-known
physicians in the region.
Martorano, a Stetson University graduate who holds
Masters degrees in Communications and Healthcare
Administration from the University of Central Florida
and is a certified member of the American College of
Healthcare Executives, said after the Board meeting
that she is especially pleased with her new assignment
“since I have been part of the planning process for
this hospital from the days when it was only a dream
and have watched our involvement with the community
increase as it has grown.”
Although theng of the new hospital is still a
year away, Feasel told the Board Martorano’s
appointment is timely so that the myriad details
involved in completing conversion of the building for
hospital use and preparing a Team to meet community
needs can be completely consistent with its operating
plans and philosophy. Martorano will phase out of her
VHN leadership through a transition period as she
assumes the new responsibilities.
Active in the community, she is co-chair of the
America’s Promise movement in Volusia and Flagler
counties and serves on the advisory board of the
Volunteer Center of the United Way of Volusia/Flagler.
Through her husband Richard Martorano and his
organization Music Etc., Ann is also a frequent
soloist with area churches and in civic musical
presentations. # # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(1 August 2005) Halifax
Medical Center Names 2005 Employee of the Year and
Caregivers of the Year
DAYTONA BEACH - Halifax Medical Center (HMC) announced
the 2005 winners of the Halifax Quality Caregiver of
the Year and Employee of the Year awards at its annual
employee recognition luncheon.
Those attending the June 28 event included the
employee of the year nominees, service pin recipients,
members of the Halifax Hundred Club - the 100 hospital
employees with the most longevity - board members and
other invited guests.
The 2005 Halifax Quality Care Giver awards were
presented to Jane Sarricchio, RN, and Rik Spelmans for
their dedication and commitment to providing
exceptional patient care. Sarricchio, who has worked
as a nurse in the Halifax Heart Center four years and
resides in South Daytona, cares for patients
undergoing cardiac catheterizations from admission to
discharge in the Diagnostic Outpatient Care Unit and
Cardiac Intermediate Care Unit. Spelmans, who has
worked for HMC for five years and resides in Ormond
Beach, is a physical therapy supervisor at HMC’s Port
Orange Rehab Center.
John Wilson, of Port Orange, was presented the 2005
Halifax Employee of the Year award. Wilson has been
with HMC for 23 years and is a recruiter with the
Human Resources Department. He was one of 12 nominees
for the award. The other nominees, all employees of
the month, were: Jan Pruitt, Linda Syford, Ivo Traykov,
Rosie Richardson, Terry Pomfret, Lyn Bonnevier,
Margaret Bishop, Nasir Hill, Greg Bisesi, Dennis
Wiggins and Frances Ingram.
Founded in 1928, Halifax Medical Center employs over
3,500 people at the 764-bed hospital, its satellite
campuses and community clinics, and is an affiliate of
Halifax Community Health System. # # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(1 August 2005) Free Car
Seat Safety Check Up to Be Held the Second Saturday
Every Month at Halifax Medical Center
DAYTONA BEACH – Anyone who has tried to install a
child car seat knows it’s not as easy it looks. While
proper installation is key to making sure kids ride in
cars safely, by some estimates as many as four out of
five child car seats are installed incorrectly.
While child care seat check up events have been and
will be held in various locations in the area, until
now there has never been an ongoing, regularly
scheduled time that parents and parents-to-be can plan
to get their child car seat checked.
Wanting to help ensure their tiny patients travel home
from the hospital as safely as possible, the staff of
the Family BirthPlace at Halifax Medical Center took
this idea on as a special project.
Spearheaded by Neonatal Intensive Care Clinical
Instructor Marilyn Bennett, RN, a group of Family
BirthPlace employees became certified car seat
technicians and now volunteer their time once month to
make inspections and teach proper car seat
installation at Halifax Medical Center.
Starting Saturday, August 13, a free child car seat
check-up will be held the second Saturday of each
month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the first floor of
the Halifax Professional Center Parking Garage located
on Halifax Medical Center’s main campus just north of
the main hospital, 311 N. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona
Beach. The event will be held rain or shine as the
area is fully covered. For information contact Health
Communities, 386-323-0000.
To participate parents, grandparents and guardians are
invited to drive their cars, with their car seats and
children, to the event. Expectant parents are
encouraged to have their infant car seats properly
installed by a certified technician prior to the birth
of their baby.
This free monthly event is made possible by The Family
BirthPlace at Halifax Medical Center and the
Volusia/Flagler Child Passenger Safety Team – a
collaborative effort of Volusia County Fire Services,
Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, Healthy Communities’
Safe Kids Coalition and Flagler/Volusia County Healthy
Start Coalition. # # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(29 July 2005)
No
“Resume
Padding”
In Hospital Board Leadership
DAYTONA BEACH - The old saying, “when you want to get
something done, get a busy person to do it,” was the
perfect metaphor for Halifax Community Health System’s
recent election of a new chair.
Mori Hosseini, chairman and CEO of ICI homes, the
largest residential homebuilder in Volusia County and
a major force in home construction in other Florida
counties and in Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina,
accepted the chairman’s gavel from Glenn Ritchey, Sr.,
chairman of the Jon Hall Automotive Group, which
operates auto dealerships in Florida and Georgia and
who has served as co-chair of the General Motors
Corporation’s National Dealership Council. In
interviews after the meeting both men talked about the
importance of “giving back” to the communities that
have played important roles in their business success.
Hosseini, a native of Iran, educated in England, came
to the United States in 1977 and enrolled in Daytona
Beach’s Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, which
today sports a field house named for ICI in honor of
his support. He began his homebuilding and
development career while still a student and as it has
grown he branched into other enterprises, including
lumber, title insurance and utility companies.
Builder Magazine consistently ranks ICI among the Top
100 Builders in the nation.
“My businesses and my family (wife Forough and three
daughters) have thrived in Daytona Beach and Florida,
and I feel strongly that I have an obligation to do my
part to add to the quality of life we all share. One
way is through creation of developments that respect
our natural surroundings and draw on the feedback from
our satisfied customers to keep our homes in tune with
our lifestyle. Another, and equally important, way is
to use my business experience to help the institutions
of the community function efficiently and provide
donors and taxpayers the maximum return on their
investment.”
Doing so keeps Hosseini away from the area golf
courses he loves to play and cuts into his ability to
cheer for Embry-Riddle athletic teams or put to use
the piloting skills he acquired as an ERAU student.
“You can’t just accept a seat on some Board and do no
more than look at information put before you at a
meeting,” he says. “If you are going to give your
name to an organization or cause, then you’ve got to
know that you can be proud to be part of it.”
In addition to the Halifax Board, to which he and his
fellow commissioners are appointed by the Governor for
four year terms (he is in his second term), and a
variety of local and national trade associations,
Hosseini lends his time, talents and often contributes
money to, among others, Embry-Riddle, for which he is
a Trustee; the YMCA; Halifax Area Chamber of Commerce
and Volusia County Association for Responsible
Development. Most recently he has become a benefactor
of the Southeast Museum of Photography at Daytona
Beach Community College, where his support will permit
creation of an expanded permanent home for the highly
acclaimed museum. With Ritchey, he is a board member
of The News-Journal Center and Green Flag Committee
seeking the NASCAR Hall of Fame for Daytona Beach.
Despite these commitments, Hosseini said that “the
health system, as a $700 million public service
agency, including five corporate entities and
employing more than 4,000, demands more time and
attention than most,”
Ritchey agrees, and notes the chair’s role is
especially demanding. “I greatly enjoyed serving two
terms as chair because of the real progress we are
making toward meeting community needs,” he says, “but
I’ll enjoy the added time I gained when I turned the
gavel over to Mori.” All Board members serve on
committees, dealing with areas such as finance,
facilities and community outreach, which are in
addition to the monthly Board meetings that run
between one and half and two hours. The chair, in
addition, meets regularly with the chief executive
officer and other administrative personnel to review
actions, set agendas and sign many documents inherent
in the operation of a Legislatively chartered public
hospital. “As with business, the devil is in the
details,’ Ritchey says, “and the chair has the
responsibility to assure that important details don’t
slip by the Board. Whether serving on the Board and
its committees, or taking on the extra load of the
chair, people can be assured that we more than earn
our pay,” he joked, noting that Board members receive
no compensation of any kind.
“I’ve been pleased that I’ve played a role in helping
to refine our financial statements to give the Board a
clear picture of our operations, and that some of my
experience in business translated well into
suggestions that have helped us assure maximum return
on our investments,” Hosseini said. The good working
relationship we have enjoyed with CEO Ron Rees and
anticipate continuing now that he has retired with is
successor Jeff Feasel and his Team gives me confidence
our momentum will continue and increase during my term
as chair.” # # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(25 July 2005)
At-Risk Children
Take Part In Junior Lifeguard Camp This Week
PONCE INLET - approximately 35 at-risk children from
around Volusia will spend one of their last weeks of
summer vacation by taking part in Junior Lifeguard
Beach Camp at Lighthouse Point Park July 25 through
29.
According to Deputy Beach Chief Bill Bussinger, the
group consists mainly of boys and girls from Police
Athletic League (PAL) programs in Port Orange and
Deland.
"These are children that do not get to visit the beach
as often as those in our other Junior Lifeguard
programs," Bussinger said. "This camp is tailored
especially for them."
Because the beach creates a different set of
circumstances from pools and lakes, the children
receive training in safety techniques for the ocean
including rip currents, strong surf and lightening.
"Some of these children are less experienced in
water," Bussinger said. "For them we use the same
techniques but keep them closer to shore to help build
their confidence level."
Participants also receive environmental education.
They are introduced to protected and endangered
species of plants and animals that inhabit the beach.
"We also take them to the top of the lighthouse so
they are able to get a bird's-eye view of the inlet
and the stabilization project," said Bussinger. "We'll
also touch on the importance of historic and
environmental preservation."
The camp is sponsored by Volusia County Beach
Services, Healthy Communities, Panama Jack, The
Embassy of Hope Foundation and the PAL organizations.
Lighthouse Point Park is on the north side of Ponce de
Leon Inlet at 5000 S. Atlantic Ave., Ponce Inlet. The
camp begins Monday, July 25, and will run from 9 a.m.
– 2 p.m. through Friday, July 29. Water activities are
held on the ocean side of the park.
For more information on the camp, please contact Tami
Andrasco in Beach Services at (386) 239-6415 ext. 21.
# # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(13
July 2005) New Bereavement Support Groups Start
Aug. 1
VOLUSIA AND FLAGLER COUNTIES - Hospice of
Volusia/Flagler bereavement support groups will begin
new sessions in August and areto anyone in the
Volusia/Flagler area who has recently experienced a
death.
Hospice of Volusia/Flagler offers “New Beginnings,” an
adult grief support group for individuals who need
understanding and help in coping with the death of a
loved one. The groups are facilitated by professional
bereavement counselors and topics include: making
adjustments to a new way of life; identifying feelings
and symptoms associated with grief; and learning more
effective ways to manage loss and stress.
“New Beginnings” sessions run for six weeks and areto the public. Group sizes are limited to 10
people and advance registration is required. Sessions
are held throughout Volusia and Flagler counties
beginning (in date order):
• Flagler Beach, Aug. 1 - Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic
Church, 801 N. Central Ave., Mondays, 5:30 p.m.
• Palm Coast, Aug. 1 - Florida Health Care
Plans-Marketing Office, 21 Florida Park Dr., Mondays,
9 a.m.
• Port Orange (two sessions) - Hospice of
Volusia/Flagler Care Center, 3800 Woodbriar Trail,
Wednesdays at 10 a.m. starting Aug. 3 and Thursdays at
6:30 p.m. starting Aug. 4.
• New Smyrna Beach, Aug. 4 - Coronado Community United
Methodist Church, 201 S. Peninsula Ave., Thursdays,
1:30 p.m.
• DeLand, Aug. 4 - Hospice of Volusia/Flagler’s
Lawrence E. Whelan BeginAgain Children’s Grief Center
in West Volusia, 1250 S. Spring Garden Ave. (S.R.
15-A), Suite 3, Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
• Daytona Beach, Aug. 16 – Our Lady of Lourdes, 201
University Blvd., Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.
For more information on New Beginnings, or ongoing
grief counseling programs such as specialized groups
for those who have lost a loved one due to homicide,
suicide or accident; Reflections – a social/support
networking group; young widows and widowers; and a
‘men only’ grief support group, contact Hospice of
Volusia/Flagler in East Volusia at 386-322-4701 or
toll-free at 800-272-2717, in Ormond Beach at
386-673-7770, Flagler County at 386-446-0300, and in
West Volusia at 386-822-4851.
The Lawrence E. Whelan BeginAgain Children's Grief
Center offers grief support programs especially for
young people and their families in East Volusia and
West Volusia locations. For information on children's
grief services, contact Karen Grant at the Center in
Daytona Beach at 386-258-5100; in West Volusia, call
386-822-4851. # # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(13
July 2005) Grieving Children to Benefit from
Tribune Foundation Grant
PORT ORANGE – Hospice of Volusia/Flagler’s unique Camp
BeginAgain grief counseling experience for children
recently won a $4,000 “Orlando Sentinel Family Fund’’
grant from the Robert R. McCormick Tribune Foundation,
one of many honors the program has received since it
began.
“Over the past 10 years, we have received
approximately $60,000 from the Orlando Sentinel Family
Fund,’’ said Karen Grant, a licensed clinical social
worker and children's program developer for the
Lawrence E. Whelan BeginAgain Children's Grief Center.
“This funding has helped sponsor grieving children in
our camp and center programs. We are extremely
thankful for their support as it has greatly enhanced
our ability to offer these special programs to every
child in need of this service.
“This latest grant of $4,000 will help defray the cost
of Camp BeginAgain that is held twice a year at the
Central Baptist Youth Camp in DeLand,’’ Grant added.
“This awesome weekend camp helps children who have
experienced the death of a loved one know they are not
alone in their grief and that their feelings are
normal."
The next Camp BeginAgain experience will be November
18-20. For more information about the camp, please
call the Center at 386-258-5100 in East Volusia, or
386-822-4851 in West Volusia.
Robert R. McCormick Tribune Foundation is a charitable
organization that supports work in journalism,
communities, citizenship and education. The
Foundation's Communities Program, through which
Hospice of Volusia/Flagler was awarded its grant,
involves partnerships between the Tribune Foundation
and newspapers such as the Orlando Sentinel,
television and radio stations, and sports
organizations around the United States. The Tribune
Foundation provides dollars to match funds raised from
the public and offers fund-raising and grant-related
support to its community-based partners, who raise
awareness for and champion local issues. # # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(5 July 2005)
Health Services at Volusia County Jail Receive
National Accreditation
DAYTONA BEACH – The Accreditation Committee of the
National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC)
has awarded accreditation to the Volusia County
Detention Centers, specifically the Volusia County
Branch Jail and Volusia County Correctional Facility,
for their compliance with NCCHC Standards for Health
Services in Jails. This is the first time Volusia
County has been awarded this accreditation.
The Standards cover the general areas of care and
treatment, health records, administration, personnel
and medical-legal issues. Health services are provided
by Halifax Medical Center, whose staff had been
preparing for this accreditation for the last three
years.
The mission of the National Commission on Correctional
Health Care is to improve the quality of health care
in jails, prisons and juvenile confinement facilities.
NCCHC’s Standards for Health Services are
recommendations for managing the delivery of medical
and mental health care in correctional systems.
According to the NCCHC, the Standards have helped the
nation’s correctional and detention facilities improve
the health of their inmates and the communities to
which they return; increase the efficiency of their
health services delivery; strengthen their
organizational effectiveness; and reduce their risk of
adverse legal judgments.
The survey team, which consisted of a lead surveyor,
medical doctor, licensed practical nurse and a retired
commander of a county jail, had high praise for the
HMC staff that care for the inmates at the jail.
“The NCCHC survey team told us we could be a model
jail for others in the country to follow and that they
found it very refreshing to not only see inmates
receiving this level of care, but to see the close
working relationship the health services staff at the
jail have with both the local corrections department
and the hospital,” said Nurse Coordinator Trudy
Haider, RN, CCHP.
Halifax Medical Center has provided health services to
the Volusia County Branch Jail and Volusia County
Correctional Facility since 1995. # # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(27 June 2005) Tennis
Social Benefits Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Children’s
Grief Centers
ORMOND BEACH – The Perfect Match Tennis Boutique and
Trails Racquet Club in Ormond Beach recently teamed up
for a tennis social that raised more than $4,000 to
benefit the Lawrence E. Whelan BeginAgain Children’s
Grief Centers operated by Hospice of Volusia/Flagler.
More than 100 women who play tennis at the Trails
Racquet Club, Tomoka Oaks Country Club, Oceanside
Country Club, Plantation Bay Country Club and Ormond
Racquet Club took part in the April 29 event. The
tournament featured round robin play on eight courts,
racquet demonstrations and professional instruction,
followed by a luncheon that was provided by sponsor
Stonewood Grill and Tavern and Peach Valley Café.
“I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to
organize, sponsor and host the tennis social for the
BeginAgain Children’s Grief Centers,’’ said Beth
Agnone, event organizer and owner of the Perfect Match
Boutique. “It never ceases to amaze me how lucky we
are to live in a community where so many people are
willing to help others. Much of the success is
attributed to business leaders in the community, like
Jan Buenner, owner of the Trails Racquet Club, and
Doug Sullivan, a participating partner of Stonewood
Holdings, who underwrote a large portion of the event
cost.’’
After lunch, participants were treated to a fashion
preview of clothing modeled by some of the area’s
tennis players, along with entertainment provided by
Alana Agnone, Sheldon Hawthorne and Randy “Elvis”
Filippi. Hosts were Beth Agnone and Jan Buenner.
Doug Sullivan watched the tennis action and his wife,
Jill, modeled new fashions for the court. Nancy
Phoenhouse, who served as co-chair of the event, is a
counselor at the BeginAgain Children’s Grief Center in
Daytona Beach.
Children’s grief
counselor Karen Grant presented each tennis social
participant with a lapel pin bearing the logo of the
BeginAgain program.
Stacy Lipton of Stacy Lipton Interiors also provided
gift certificates to tournament winners. # # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(13 June 2005) DeLand
Rotary Selects Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Care Center
as Charity Beneficiary for Southern Living Idea House
at Victoria Park
DeLAND, FL – The Rotary Club of DeLand, charity host
for the 2005 Southern Living Idea House at Victoria
Park, has earmarked significant proceeds from
admissions to the house during its June 11 to October
2 presentation to be used to support construction of a
inpatient care center by Hospice of Volusia/Flagler.
“It is appropriate that a portion of the proceeds from
the tours of the Idea House, which epitomizes comfort,
convenience and living life fully and well, should go
to provide residents of our area unable to spend their
final days at home surroundings that combine advanced
comfort care with a non-institutional setting in which
families can share precious memories,” Rotary
President Mark Van Fleet said in making the
announcement. The Club has assured Hospice that at
least $20,000 will be donated as a result of the Idea
House and if attendance meets expectations, the amount
could be considerably more. Construction will start
this summer on the $4.5 million Care Center, centrally
located adjacent to Veterans Parkway in Orange City,
just south of the 2005 Southern Living Idea House at
Victoria Park.
“Rotary has consistently been among the strongest
supporters of our programs,” Hospice of
Volusia/Flagler Executive Director Fran Davis said,
“and the generosity of the DeLand Rotary Club in
providing what will be a major boost both to the
completion of our fund raising drive for the Care
Center and an unparalleled outlet for educational
information on how our Hospice is a part of the
communities we serve can’t be overstated.” Hospice of
Volusia/Flagler, which has been in existence for a
quarter-century, provides patient care from the time a
lifespan of six months or less is diagnosed and
bereavement services for family members for 13 months
after their loss. Other programs include respite
programs for care-givers; trauma counseling at schools
and workplaces after a sudden loss has occurred;
complimentary alternative therapies to ease discomfort
and counter depression and stress for both patients
and care givers and special programs for children’s
grief, including the widely acclaimed Camp BeginAgain
retreats.
Rotary’s selection of Hospice of Volusia/Flagler was
based both on the wide range of services it offers and
“on the fact that roughly a third of those served by
the organization live on the west side of Volusia
County and it is difficult for those unable to care
for a loved one at home to make repeated trips back
and forth to the current Care Center in Port Orange.
There is need for the Center to serve all West Volusia
and we felt our support would truly make a
difference,” Van Fleet said.
A major portion of the $5 admission to the 2005
Southern Living Idea House at Victoria Park will be
presented to Hospice. Hospice of Volusia/Flagler is a
501(c)(3) not for profit corporation affiliated with
Halifax Community Health System. More information
about Hospice of Volusia/Flagler can be found at
www.hovf.org. # # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(20 May 2005)
Sugar Mill Golf Tourney Raises Thousands For Hospice
of Volusia/Flagler
NEW SMYRNA BEACH – Hospice of Volusia/Flagler’s Trauma
and Loss Bereavement Program will benefit from $61,500
raised by the 3rd Annual Sugar Mill
Golf Festival, supporting
the program during the next year.
“What greater gift could you give?’’ asked Ed Cooper, a Hospice of
Volusia/Flagler volunteer and one of the Golf Festival
Committee members who organized the tournament. “Our 3rd
Annual Golf Festival was a resounding success.
Contributions from the golfers, sponsors, and staff
were outstanding. We couldn’t have done it without all
our volunteers and helpful staff.’’
The April 29 Golf Festival at Sugar Mill drew 216
players who teed off on three nine-hole courses
labeled red, white and blue, competing for a chance to
make a hole-in-one and win golf clubs or new
automobiles stationed at specific holes on the course.
Golfer K.C. Markley did take home a set of new clubs
after scoring a hole-in-one on the red course.
Presenting sponsors for the event included the Tyrrell
Foundation and Johnson & Johnson.
New Smyrna Beach Police Chief Ron Pagano addressed
those gathered for the Golf Festival banquet. “Hospice
has been involved with my family three separate times
giving end-of-life care. I never had an opportunity to
thank Hospice before. What a noble organization!’’
Pagano then introduced a Volusia County resident who
praised Hospice’s Trauma and Loss program for helping
her cope after a family member took his own life.
Sugar Mill Club member Ken Swanton, who chaired the
Golf Festival Committee, said, “I am so impressed with
the continued support we have for this Golf Festival
to raise money for the Trauma and Loss Program at
Hospice of Volusia/Flagler. Having the New Smyrna
Beach Police Chief here to talk about how this program
is helping people in our community really helped the
Golf Festival participants understand the need for
this program.”
“We are always looking for ways to reach more people
who want to get involved in helping the Trauma and
Loss Program,’’ Swanton added. “We have already
started planning for next year’s event.”
The Trauma and Loss Bereavement Program provides
counseling and support services to children, teens and
adults seeking support and therapy after the loss of a
loved one due to
homicide, suicide or accidental death. For more
information about the Trauma and Loss Program please
call (386) 258-3237 for an appointment.
About Hospice of Volusia/Flagler
Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, a nonprofit healthcare organization, has been
providing compassionate care to terminally ill
patients and their families in Volusia and Flagler
counties for over 25 years. Its mission 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
and Hospice Houses in New Smyrna Beach and Palm Coast. Planning is underway for construction of an 18-bed Hospice Care Center in West Volusia. More information
is available at
www.hovf.org. # # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(20 May 2005) New Support Groups
Created for Families Dealing With Suicide-Related Loss
DELAND – Two new “HopeAgain” support groups will be
starting in West Volusia to help families and friends
grieving the recent death of a loved one by suicide.
The groups are a collaborative effort of the Suicide
Prevention Coalition of Volusia and Flagler Counties
and Hospice of Volusia/Flagler. The first, which will
be an ongoing support group, will meet monthly on the
second Tuesday of every month beginning in June. The
second group will involve creating a scrapbook to
preserve memories of the deceased loved one, and will
meet the fourth Tuesday of every month. Both groups
will be facilitated by a counselor-volunteer team,
specially trained in working with people who have
experienced a suicide loss.
An orientation evening has been scheduled for
Tuesday, May 24 to provide persons interested
in the group an opportunity to meet the facilitators
and learn more about the program. The orientation is
from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the BeginAgain Children’s Grief
Center, 1250 S. Spring Garden Road (S.R. 15-A), Suite
3, DeLand.
For more information, or to register for the HopeAgain
orientation, please call HopeAgain Group Facilitators
Laura Meyer at (386) 736-2446 or Edna Cortes at (386)
774-2188.
Hospice of Volusia/Flagler also provides two other
groups that may be helpful to people who have
experienced the death of a loved one due to suicide,
homicide, accident or other unnatural death:
Restorative Retelling
Group
This 10-week support group meets four different times
throughout the year, offering help to those who have
lost a loved one due to homicide, suicide or accident.
With violent deaths, many family members get stuck in
the retelling, or the reliving, of how the loved one
died. This group will assist with a form of retelling
that aids in the healing process. The
Restorative Retelling group is not recommended for
anyone whose loss occurred less than six months prior
to the start of the group. Anyone interested in this
group must have an individual session with the group’s
leaders prior to the start of Restorative Retelling.
For more information on this group, please call (386)
258-3237.
Trauma and Loss Family
Group
This is a twice-monthly support group for families
with children. Children, teens and adult members of
families who have experienced a loss due to homicide,
suicide, or accident all are welcome and each age
group will have its own group in which to participate
and receive support. Counselors and volunteers are
sensitive to the special issues related to these types
of losses. An orientation appointment must be
made prior to attending the Trauma and Loss Family
Group. Please call (386) 258-3237 to set up an
orientation appointment.
# # #
(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. # # #
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. # # #
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. # # #
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. # # #
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. # # #
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. # # #
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. # # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(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. # # #
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. # # #
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. # # #
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. # # #
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. # # #
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, NewSmyrna
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. # # #
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. # # #
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. # # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(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. # # #
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
(27 January
2005) 3rd 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 4th
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. # # #
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.
# # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
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. # # #
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. # # #
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. # # #
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. # # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(10 December 2004)
5th 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. # # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
(8 December 2004) Jeff
Feasel Named President and CEO of Halifax Community
Health System
DAYTONA BEACH - Halifax Community Health System today
named Jeff Feasel president and CEO to succeed the
retiring Ron Rees. The appointment is effective
January 1, based on finalization of a wage and
benefits package. Rees will continue to serve as a
consultant to the Board and assist Feasel in
completing a transition started last July until his
retirement takes effect in July, 2005.
Halifax Community Health System (HCHS) includes as
affiliates Halifax Medical Center, a 764-bed tertiary
care hospital with a separate facility housing the
region’s largest adolescent psychiatric program, and
it is completing a satellite 80-bed full-service
hospital in Port Orange; Florida Health Care Plans,
the largest HMO operating in the area; Hospice of
Volusia/Flagler; Volusia Health Network, a PPO serving
many area employers with self-insurance programs;
Patient Billing and Financial Services; and Healthy
Communities, regional administrator for Healthy Kids
and other community care programs. HCHS employs just
over 5,000 and has annual revenues in excess of $650
million.
HCHS
Board Chair Glenn Ritchey reminded members during the
meeting that last July, when Rees announced his
retirement date, the Board agreed with his
recommendation to set up a two-part transition
program. Because the Board and Rees had begun nearly
seven years ago to recruit and identify talent with
the potential to become CEO and assure itself of
choices within the organization when that time came,
Ritchey said, the first phase of the transition was to
give Feasel, chief operating officer of the Health
System, the opportunity to assume the role and
responsibilities of CEO and allow the time for the
Board to review and react to his leadership.
“The
first phase of the transition has gone well enough
that I am prepared to recommend today that we move
into the second phase by naming Jeff our CEO and
providing the opportunity for him to benefit from
Ron’s support in completing a smooth transition,”
Ritchey said. He added that Rees had encouraged Board
members to make the appointment at this time to
solidify the management team and avoid any disruption
of steady growth and financial success keyed to
quality service.
Feasel’s appointment came on unanimous vote of the
Board and is pending final agreement of a benefits and
salary package to be negotiated by Ritchey and Feasel.
The Board specified the package would be comparable to
health care industry standards. Board member Mori
Hosseini told Feasel he was “filling big shoes” and
praised Rees’ commitment to the community and
hospital. He announced that the development company,
ICI, he heads will donate $25,000 to the Halifax
Medical Center Foundation in Rees’ honor to be used
for support of a department or activity the outgoing
leader designates. Foundation Director Glenn Barber
told Board members that a dinner honoring Rees has
been scheduled for May 7.
Feasel, 43, joined Halifax in April, 2000, as
president/CEO of its Patient Business and Financial
Services affiliate and vice president of HCHS. He was
promoted to chief operating officer in February,
2003. Prior to joining Halifax, Feasel had been
director of Patient Financial Services for the Medical
College of Ohio Hospitals since 1993. He earned a BS
degree in Business Administration from Bowling Green
State University and an MBA from the University of
Findlay. He is a member of the American College of
Healthcare Executives and Healthcare Financial
Management Association. Since coming to Daytona Beach
he has joined the Board of The Chamber/Daytona Beach
Halifax Area, which he serves as Chair of Community
Development and been active in the American Heart
Association and other health related groups. Feasel,
his wife, Lori, and three children are active in youth
athletics. # # #
Contact: Kate Holcomb, 386-254-4224
Halifax Community Health System
Public Relations
kate.holcomb
DAYTONA
BEACH – (16 February 2006) - At a special ceremony
held Tuesday, Feb. 14, community leaders joined 
