- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) and Doctors Community Health System (DCHS) are taking the first step in the formation of a new health system that will serve the region. The two hospitals are working toward a definitive agreement pending completion of a due diligence process and standard regulatory approval. Last year, DCHS began the search for a partner to help strengthen its existing services, make new investments, and to continue to meet the needs of patients and the Prince George’s County community. “Partnership is essential for independent hospitals that are working to navigate the rapidly changing health care environment,” said Philip Down, CEO of DCHS. “We vetted many affiliation opportunities, and ultimately chose Anne Arundel Medical Center because of our shared values of community service and quality care.” While the hospitals have primary locations in separate counties, there are bordering service areas between the two, with AAMC serving patients in Prince George’s County through locations in Largo and Bowie, and DCHS serving patients in its Crofton location. “Our contiguous service areas make this an ideal opportunity to come together and provide care to our collective community,” said Victoria Bayless, president and CEO of AAMC. “We determined that our counties share more than just a border, and we want to make the region in which we operate healthier as a whole. Together, we believe that we can bring better care to the residents of Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties.” Through the new health system, AAMC plans to invest up to $138 million over five years in the existing DCHS campus and its IT infrastructure, expand inpatient and outpatient services, and launch much-needed programs that support the Prince George’s County Community Health Needs Assessment. “We are excited by the opportunities this partnership is designed to deliver and look forward to working with the team at AAMC to learn from one another,” said Rene LaVigne, chairman of Doctors Community Hospital’s Board of Trustees. “We admire the high level of care that AAMC provides its patients, and the incredible abilities of its staff, which is why we view them as an ideal partner as we plan for how to best serve this region in the years ahead.” “AAMC is excited by the opportunity to partner with DCHS and to expand and enhance care across Prince George’s County. Together, the two systems can meet the unique needs of this region and grow, even in a complex and challenging health care environment,” said John Belcher, chairman of AAMC’s Board of Trustees. Due diligence discussions are expected to continue for the next 30 days. A name for the new health system will be announced this summer. FAQs: What is happening? When? Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) is partnering with Doctors Community Health System (Doctors/DCHS) to create a new health system. This new system will allow us to meet the growing health needs of our region, while providing personalized care and remaining community focused. We will announce the name of the new health system this summer, with the full integration process expected to take one to two years. Throughout that time, we will provide regular updates about our progress. What will the new health system be — AAMC, DCHS or something new? Something new. Together, we are forming a new, yet-to-be-named health system of which both AAMC and DCHS will be a part. As we embark on this journey, we will engage and request feedback from employees and members of the medical staff at both organizations, as well as community members in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties in order to respect both legacies and histories, while also being aspirational about the future. This is not a transition that will happen overnight, or suddenly. We want to make sure that our new health system is built in a way that considers the interests of our communities, our patients and our employees. That means that we will continue to operate as AAMC and DCHS for a time, providing the same services you are used to, as we bring together our organizations and build something new. We will keep you updated along the way. What’s the timeframe for this growth? While we hope to have an agreement completed and signed by both entities in June, our main priority is not meeting a deadline, but making sure that we complete our due diligence, go through the necessary regulatory process, and establish a new health system that meets the needs of our communities and patients for the long term. Over the next several months, and following extensive conversations with our community members and employees, we will create a transition plan for the formation of the new health system. The transition plan will include multiple phases, with full integration likely in one to two years. What changes will AAMC patients see? Nothing will change in terms of how we care for our community and our plans for growing services in Anne Arundel County and on the Eastern Shore. We will continue to be a regional referral system and our vision for services like the new mental health hospital, cardiac surgery program and Easton Pavilion continue to move forward. We will be expanding access in Prince George’s County to include programs that support the Community Health Needs Assessment. We want to create more entry points for care across the region, and to provide more access to care close to home for the people we serve.0
- CommunityGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFor the most delicious and nutrient-dense produce, look no farther than your local farmers market. These markets offer fruits and vegetables at the peak of their growing season, which means the produce is at its freshest and tastes the best. And it’s likely more nutritious than what you’d buy at the grocery store. Most fruits and vegetables at the supermarket are grown in other states or even other countries. When food is shipped across the globe or the country, it loses quality and nutrients along the way. If that’s not enough, here are six other reasons to visit farmers markets this season. Get the best nutrients. Most food at farmers markets is minimally processed. Many farmers go to great lengths to grow the most nutritious produce possible by using sustainable techniques and picking produce right before selling. Access a wide variety of produce. Farmers markets offer an array of produce you don’t see in the supermarket: red carrots, a rainbow of heirloom tomatoes, purple cauliflower, gooseberries, watermelon radishes, donut peaches, quail eggs and much more. Pick something new to try! Learn cooking tips and meal ideas. Farmers are often passionate cooks with plenty of free advice about how to prepare the foods they sell. Just ask! Enjoy a fun family outing. These markets are kid-friendly and a great opportunity to talk about where food comes from. Encourage healthier snacks by letting your kids pick something to try. Protect the environment. Food in the U.S. travels an average of 1500 miles before it ends up on your plate. This shipping uses large amounts of natural resources (like fossil fuels) that create pollution and trash from extra packaging. Most food at farmers markets is grown and sold near the same place, using sustainable methods. Support the local economy. Shopping at farmers markets also supports your local farmers and keeps the money you spend on food closer to your neighborhood. The AAMC farmers market is open to the community and runs every Friday from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm through Oct. 25 in the Hospital Pavilion South (ground level) located at 2001 Medical Parkway. The AAMC farmers market now accepts Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits via the electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card. By accepting SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps, AAMC is expanding access to fresh fruits and vegetables to everyone in our community. Want to turn your produce into a delicious side dish? Try this grilled veggie platter for dinner. Authors By Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford, nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them call 443-481-5555. Originally published June 15, 2016. Last updated June 3, 2019.0
- Senior Care, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases is growing daily in the U.S., and these are extraordinary times for all of us. Over the last few weeks, we’ve all heard how important it is to work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Gov. Larry Hogan has banned public gatherings of 10 people or more people, and ordered shopping malls, restaurants and all non-essential businesses to close. This means a drastic change in lifestyle for many people, and some may question whether these extreme measures are necessary – particularly older people who have survived difficult times, including illnesses, in the past. If you have a parent or a grandparent who is questioning these mandates, here’s what to tell them. Explain the risks associated with coronavirus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Some of those underlying health conditions include heart conditions, high blood pressure, lung disease and diabetes. If you are in this high-risk group, the CDC recommends stocking up on supplies, including medications. Remind parents and grandparents to practice social distancing by keeping at least six feet away from others, and avoiding crowds. People of all ages should wash their hands often and watch out for symptoms, including fever, cough and shortness of breath. READ MORE: Coronavirus and high-risk individuals Remind them that staying home is about protecting other people as much as it is about protecting themselves. Let older family members know that even if they catch the virus and recover quickly, they could still spread it to others who may not be as lucky and become very ill. Social distancing is meant to protect everyone in your community. Offer to help set up food deliveries and other services to make their lives easier and safer. Many grocery stores and pharmacies offer delivery services. CVS Pharmacy has even waived delivery fees due to the pandemic. Many restaurants that have closed are also offering delivery and takeout services, and apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats make home delivery easier than ever. Some restaurants are offering free delivery, too. If you have family members who are missing their favorite restaurant meals, let them know that they can still “dine out” in the comfort of their own home. Remind your loved ones of these services and help them take advantage of them. Let them know you’re only a phone call away. Staying homebound for days or weeks can be difficult for people of any age. Parents and grandparents with active social lives may have an especially hard time staying in their homes. This is why it’s important to reach out to them and let them know you’re thinking of them. Give them a call and chat with them about their worries and concerns. And think about virtual visits, too. See if you can FaceTime, Zoom or Skype older members of your family so you can interact “in person.” Walk them through how to use this technology if they are unfamiliar with it. This new way of life is challenging for everyone, and we don’t know how long it is going to last. But if we remain patient and support each other, we will get through this together. Author Lil Banchero is the senior director of AAMC’s Institute for Healthy Aging.0
- Orthopedics, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogA small, hard rubber ball…long sticks…and the speed of soccer with the contact of hockey. Can you think of a more injury-inviting sport than lacrosse? Lacrosse continues to gain in popularity, making it one of the fastest growing team sports in the United States. U.S. Lacrosse, the governing body of men’s and women’s lacrosse, estimates nearly 772,000 athletes play the game nationwide. The more people who play, the more likely injuries will occur. These injuries are not all sustained during games. According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), athletes are three to five times more likely to be injured in a game than in a practice. However, athletes are twice as likely to sustain injury in preseason practice versus regular season play. Most common injuries More than 50 percent: Lower extremities (hips down to toes) 25 percent: Upper extremities (shoulder to fingers) 15 percent: Head and neck Less than 10 percent: Trunk and back Ankle sprains, knee ligament or cartilage injuries, and concussions are the three most common lacrosse injuries. All of these injuries can sideline players and can even end a player’s season. Rules are changing While rules have been created to help protect athletes near the crease (area surrounding the goal on a lacrosse field), this is the typical “hot-spot” for injuries on the field. Preseason “no pad” practices also help decrease injuries. These practices condition players before contact occurs on the field to decrease the high preseason injury rate. Many programs can help decrease knee injury rates, especially in female athletes who are most prone to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. Injury prevention tips Get a sports physical exam from your physician. Train for strength and flexibility, both in and off season. Know the rules and play safe. Wear protective equipment properly and without modifications. Warm up and cool down…every time. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated before, during and after exercise. Use proper techniques involved in the sport. Eat properly to allow for maximum performance and optimal recovery. Take off at least one day per week to allow the body to recover. Understand your body and limits. Don’t push through pain. We’re often taught to “play hard,” but the most important lesson is to play smart. Author By Benjamin Petre, MD, orthopedic surgeon with AAMC Orthopedics. Originally published March 22, 2016. Last updated Aug. 13, 2018.0
- Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIn 1944, the Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) Auxiliary was founded as a way for community members to integrate with the hospital and give back. Originally referred to as the “Pink Ladies,” over time, the group of volunteers became known as the “Blue Crew” and evolved into an integral part of the organization’s mission of providing patient-centered, high-quality health care services to the community it serves every day. “Volunteers dedicate an incredible amount of hours in any given month, equating about 58 full-time staff members that the hospital would need to hire,” said Ann Brundige, Auxiliary president. “The best part about being an auxilian is the ‘family’ spirit.” Last year marked 75 years of service for the AAMC Auxiliary. There are now 500 volunteers who serve over 30 service lines on AAMC’s main campus and off-campus locations around the community. Among those volunteers, you’ll come across auxilians like June Caudill and Rita Kapurch. READ MORE: Donating to AAMC: A how-to guide Lasting impact In August 1996, June joined a volunteer program that formed through a partnership between the American Cancer Society and AAMC. Being surrounded by other volunteers and having the opportunity to work directly with patients made her feel like she had discovered her calling in life. “I quickly became attached to the environment,” she says. “Working with the other volunteers felt like having a second family. I was warmly welcomed by AAMC staff, and it was that warm approach that was an integral part of immediately feeling part of the hospital.” A year later, June started supporting Oncology and working with cancer patients. She often came across patients who were undergoing difficult situations, and although at times it was hard for her, she learned how to appreciate how gracious many of them were considering what they were going through. “When I first started as a volunteer, I thought it was about seeing the patients in the bed and taking care of them,” June says. But, she learned that working in health care can be both rewarding and challenging. “It was such a different feeling and I have asked myself, ‘are you sure you’re doing the right thing?’ And then I stopped and thought, ‘if not me, then who?’ So I kept pushing right through it because I loved being with patients.” Making lifelong friends Rita, who began as a volunteer in the gift shop, had a similar experience when she started her journey as an auxilian 31 years ago. “I read somewhere that volunteers live longer,” she laughs, adding that she started volunteering in her home state of Massachusetts. “When we moved to Maryland, I told my husband I wanted to be a volunteer at AAMC, which was also good for me personally because I didn’t know anyone.” Rita says she had the opportunity to meet the most amazing volunteers and patients while working at AAMC. Her favorite part? Meeting new grandparents. “I love seeing grandparents come in and buy the big teddy bears,” she says. “Especially when they’re first-time grandparents, I get to share the joy and special moment with them.” Rita’s favorite day of the week is Tuesday, when she volunteers at AAMC’s gift shop. “I always look forward to seeing the other volunteers, whom I proudly call my friends,” she says. “I love people and I couldn’t be more grateful for volunteering.” Learn more about the AAMC Auxiliary and ways you can get involved.0
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