- 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
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt’s been more than a year since the first cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) were reported in Wuhan, China, sparking the beginning of a global pandemic. Information changed daily, especially in those early days. We all had a lot to learn about this new virus. Its symptoms. How it spreads. Who’s most at risk. As we begin 2021, here’s what we have learned about COVID-19. COVID-19 spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets, produced when you cough, sneeze, talk and breathe. This happens when people are within about six feet of each other. We believe this is the main way the virus spreads. That’s why it’s so important to remember the 3Ws. Wash your hands. Wear a mask. Watch your distance. Certain people are at higher risk of becoming more ill from COVID-19 than others. This includes older adults, particularly those who are 65 and older, and people with underlying health conditions. If you fall into these categories, it’s especially important to take precautions against getting the virus. But the virus can be unpredictable. Younger people, including those without pre-existing conditions, aren’t immune to getting sick. The long-term effects of COVID-19 are still unknown. Most people who contract the virus recover within about two weeks. Yet others, known as “long haulers,” have symptoms that can last for months – even those who were never treated in the hospital. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most commonly reported long-term COVID symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, joint pain and chest pain. Other COVID long haulers have reported brain fog, depression, muscle pain, headache, fever that comes and goes and heart palpitations. Still others have experienced more serious complications, including heart, respiratory and neurological problems. It will be several years before we fully understand the virus’ long-term effects on people. Vaccines are a ray of hope. But we’ll still have to be vigilant. The arrival of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in Maryland last month was a big step forward. And we’re excited and optimistic that this means the beginning of the end of the pandemic. But it will be months before the majority of Maryland residents receive the vaccination. Gov. Larry Hogan has rolled out a plan that involves a multi-tiered distribution process, allowing frontline health care workers and residents and employees of long-term care facilities to get the vaccine first. It will eventually be available to everyone who wants it. We believe this is our best shot at ending the pandemic. But it will take time. So, again, let’s continue to practice the 3Ws. We’re all in this together. It’s going to take a collective effort to defeat this pandemic once and for all. Follow safety guidelines to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Get the vaccine once it’s available to you. Encourage your loved ones to do the same. If we can work together to do these things, there’s reason to believe in a light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. Author Kanak Patel, MD, is Luminis Health’s system director of Critical Care Medicine.0
- General Page - Tier 2Please Help Keep Our Community Healthy Coming together for a stronger community Since 1975, Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) has provided quality healthcare services to everyone regardless of their financial circumstances. Because of generous donors, like you, we can continue to strive for a healthier community. Your donation during this time of uncertainty will ensure that we can help everyone. Your support will prepare our staff who are working day and night to meet the demands of this pandemic that has impacted the world., Donation of personal protective equipment (PPE) If you or your company can provide masks or other essential medical supplies listed below, please donate them to help protect our healthcare workers: N-95 masks of all sizes Isolation gowns Hand sanitizers with greater than 60 percent alcohol content Face shields Procedure masks Protective eyewear Antibacterial/antiviral wipes To donate supplies, please contact the LH DCMC Foundation at 301-552-8670 or email [email protected]. Thank you for your support during this time. Together, we can keep our community safe and healthy.0
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogA lung cancer diagnosis brings fear. Sadness. Uncertainty. So, how can you support someone with such a heavy load? There’s no single answer. Words can’t fix it, but they can comfort. They can also hurt or make someone feel hopeless, even by accident. Knowing what to say, and what not to say, can make all the difference. Some general things to keep in mind We don’t want you to be so cautious that you avoid your loved one or friend. But there are some general tips to keep in mind when you talk to someone sick. Avoid clichés. They’re impersonal, and they fall flat. Don’t give your friend medical advice. Let your friend’s care team be the experts. And unless asked, don’t share stories of others with lung cancer. You’ll steal the moment and possibly force your friend to compare themselves to someone else. Every journey is different, and your friend might feel badly if they don’t live up to the standards established by someone else. Phrases to avoid Avoid expressions that come off uncaring, like: “Did you smoke?” or “You shouldn’t have done this.” Lung cancer is often associated with smoking, sometimes unfairly. Lots of people who develop lung cancer have never smoked. If you have lungs, you are at risk for lung cancer. Asking about smoking habits or drawing conclusions on how your friend could have avoided lung cancer isn’t helpful. These expressions put the blame on the person who is sick. “I know how you feel.” You don’t. You can empathize, but you really can’t know how this person feels or what they are thinking, even if you’ve had cancer. This seemingly empathetic expression redirects the conversation to you and diminishes the moment for your friend. A form of “Your cancer is treatable,” “Be positive” or “If you have to get lung cancer, that’s the one to get.” These words belittle your friend’s authentic feelings. Being diagnosed is scary, and expressions that misrepresent the severity of cancer can make your friend feel like their concerns aren’t valid. Don’t let emotions bottle up. Sometimes a good cry is the best way to release fears. Telling someone they are strong or brave. They might not feel that way. These words can put pressure on your friend to act courageously for others and might keep them from expressing their fear. Predicting a positive outcome, like “You can beat this” or “Everything will be fine.” You don’t know that. No one does. Say this instead Let your friend guide the conversation. If they don’t want to talk about their illness, talk about something else. If they do discuss their cancer, understand that your friend is inviting you to discuss something very personal. They want to feel hopeful. They want to know that you care for them. And you don’t have to be a wordsmith to offer words of comfort. Instead of trying to think of something profound, try an expression like… “How do you feel today?” Navigating lung cancer is a rollercoaster. Some days are better than others. Ask your friend how they’re feeling in that moment. “How do you feel” is too big a question. Asking about a specific moment is manageable. “What have your doctors told you about treatment options?” Show that you are there for them, even if you can’t be in the doctor’s office. But don’t pry. Follow their lead. “I’m going to be there for you.” And then do it. Many people with lung cancer say the hardest part of their journey is feeling abandoned. Regular check-ins make people feel like they have a champion with them. Again, follow their lead. Some people like daily conversations. Others appreciate a phone call every few weeks, nothing more. No matter how often you check in, being remembered makes the experience less lonesome. “I’m not sure what to say.” People appreciate honesty. Your friend isn’t expecting you to be enlightening. Just present. You can also offer your help. Instead of a vague offer such as “let me know what I can do,” try to think of specific ways you can make life a little easier for them. Offer to bring them groceries on Sundays, cut their grass this week, or drive their child to school. By reducing your friend’s obligations, you can help them focus on their care. Support your friend No matter what you say, or don’t say, being there for your friend is the most important way to show your support. Your friend is the same person they were before their diagnosis. And they need support now more than ever. Learn more about lung cancer treatment here. Authors Stephen Cattaneo, MD, is a thoracic surgeon and medical director of Thoracic Oncology at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center.0
- Community, Giving, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLast updated at 8:00 am Monday, June 8, 2020. Thank you for caring for our employees and patients during the coronavirus (COVID-19) health crisis. We appreciate your generosity more than you know. The outpouring of donations from our friends and neighbors is a boost to our spirits. We have moved our collection site but we are still accepting donations. You can drop off items to our North Pavilion information desk and leave in the bins there. In addition to following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance for social distancing and staying home as much as possible, here are three things you can do right now to help: Donate protective equipment. Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) is accepting donations of personal protective equipment (PPE). If you or your company have a supply of masks or any of the other essential medical supplies listed below, please donate them to help protect our healthcare workers. N95 masks, all sizes Isolation gowns and surgical caps. Learn how to make handsewn gowns and surgical caps here. Avagard or a product with greater than 60 percent alcohol content Face shields with masks Yellow procedure masks Protective eyewear Oxivir wipes Please deliver donations to the North Tower reception desk, located at Hospital Pavilion North, 2001 Medical Parkway, Annapolis, MD, 21401. You can leave your items in the bins next to the information desk. We sincerely appreciate your help as we work together to care for our community. If you have questions or would like a tax-deductible receipt, please email us. Make a CDC-compliant mask. Many members of our community have reached out and asked if they can help us by making masks. Yes, we can use CDC-compliant masks for those in health care spaces who are not taking care of patients yet need extra protection, as well as for our patients. This will allow the professional protective gear to be used exclusively for health care professionals who are at higher risk of exposure. Learn how to make a face mask here. “At a time of a national shortage of masks we appreciate the community’s willingness and eagerness to do this,” says Barbara Jacobs, RN, chief nursing officer at AAMC. “This will allow us to accumulate masks that can be used if supply issues continue, particularly for our patients.” We will sanitize all delivered masks. Please deliver these items to the North Tower reception desk, located at Hospital Pavilion North, 2001 Medical Parkway, Annapolis, MD, 21401. You can leave your items in the bins next to the information desk. Give blood. We encourage healthy individuals to schedule an appointment to help meet the blood supply need in our community. Call 443-481-4215 to schedule a time to donate. READ MORE: Blood donations and coronavirus: How we’re keeping our community safe The Blood Donor Center is located inside AAMC’s Wayson Pavilion, Suite 450. Donation times are Monday through Wednesday from 8:15 am to 3:45 pm and Thursday and Friday from 7:15 am to 2:45 pm. Thank you for supporting our incredible heroes on the frontlines as we work together to care for our community during this unprecedented time. We appreciate the many who have asked about donating food. If you are interested in donating meals to our frontline health care workers, please email [email protected] to learn more about how you can help to keep our staff fed during the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to keep our limited resources focused on the gathering of PPE supplies for our health care workers and homemade masks for those not in direct patient care, as well as encouraging people to donate blood. These are critical to the health of our staff and patients. We will keep you informed if things change. If you are interested in further supporting the important efforts of our caregivers and staff who are working tirelessly to care for our community, we would be grateful for any and all financial donations for our Community Response Fund – every dollar truly makes a difference. You have a critical role as we Stay Healthier Together.0
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