- Giving, News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIn a remarkable display of kindness and community spirit, students at Southern High School in Harwood, Maryland have made a significant contribution to the Thomas J. Frank Family Birth Center and Teddy’s Place Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC). Students from the National Honors Society and Future Farmers of America collectively raised $6,000 and donated handmade baby blankets to support the care of sick and premature babies. Students, administrators and club advisors presented the check and blankets to members of the hospital’s care team. “This is a great example of young people in our community supporting our precious newborns and their families,” said Dr. Monica Jones, chair of Luminis Health’s Women’s and Children’s services. “Since our Level III NICU treats close to 800 newborns each year, these students’ generosity will help us provide specialized care to the tiniest and most vulnerable members of our community.” Dr. Jones personally thanked the students by saying “you are a friend of ours forever.” The students raised the money by hosting a “Stroller Roller” 3K walk/run/stroll event. Rising senior Brenna Kadjeski came up with up with the idea for the service project to honor the doctors and nurses in the NICU who treated her twin sisters. “Whenever we talk about this project in our house, it’s just a bunch of smiles. It’s a sense of pride like yes, we gave back to the NICU. It’s not just me doing something, it’s the whole family. We were able to repay them for what they did for our family, they went above and beyond for my siblings, my mom and my dad,” said Kadjeski. The donations will support various initiatives, including critical medical treatments, lodging, and educational materials for families. The handmade blankets will provide babies a sense of security by keeping them warm and safe. “The students from Southern High School students should be commended by demonstrating the true spirit of compassion and empathy through this remarkable contribution,” said Elizabeth Gross, vice-president of the Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center Foundation. “Their generosity and dedication remind us all of the power of making a positive difference in the world, and their efforts serve as an inspiration to others to contribute to those who need it the most.”
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt’s officially law. After approval from voters, Maryland becomes the latest state to allow the adult use of recreational marijuana. Starting July 1, 2023 anyone in Maryland aged 21 and older can legally purchase marijuana—also known as cannabis—for recreational use from licensed medical cannabis dispensaries. Before visiting one, it’s important to know the facts, especially the possible impacts of marijuana use. Unregulated Potency First, read the label. Because the potency of legal marijuana is not yet regulated, you must read a product’s label to know how much tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is in a marijuana product. THC is one of the main substances—called cannabinoids—in marijuana that makes people feel “high.” By law, marijuana product labels must list the concentration of cannabinoid compounds they contain. The higher the percentage of cannabinoids, the more potent the product is and the stronger its effects. You may be surprised to hear the concentration or strength of THC in marijuana products is increasing. A study of marijuana samples from 1995 to 2014 found that its potency had almost tripled. This is important to know, as the more potent a drug is, the more likely a person is to develop a substance use disorder from it. Responsible Use If someone aged 21 or older uses recreational marijuana, it is important to buy only from licensed dispensaries. This helps avoid unknown contaminants that can be dangerous or life-threatening, especially fentanyl. These factors are also crucial: Don’t drive while under the influence of any substance, including marijuana. It’s unsafe and illegal. Don’t combine cannabis with other drugs, including alcohol. The effects may be unpredictable. Inform your doctor about your marijuana use so they can tell you about any possible interactions with your prescribed medications. Keep marijuana out of the reach of anyone under the age of 21. Don’t use marijuana if your job doesn’t allow it or if you are on-call for a job, caring for someone who is sick or taking care of children. Don’t use marijuana while pregnant or nursing. Potential Risks Marijuana use—especially if it is frequent and in high doses—can sometimes cause people to be disoriented and have unpleasant thoughts or feelings of anxiety and paranoia. People who use marijuana are more likely to develop temporary psychosis, which means they don’t know what is real, hallucinate and can be paranoid, in addition to other symptoms. Marijuana users are also more likely to develop long-lasting mental disorders, including schizophrenia (a type of mental illness where people might have delusions and hallucinations, among other things). A just released study from the National Institutes of Health reveals young men are at highest risk of schizophrenia linked with cannabis addiction. Smoked marijuana can harm lung tissue and cause scarring and damage to small blood vessels, regardless of how it is smoked. Cannabis smoke has many of the same toxins, irritants and cancer-causing chemicals as tobacco smoke. Adolescent Use The human brain stops developing at around age 25. Use of cannabis by adolescents and young adults may cause harm to the growing brain, including serious problems with learning and feelings. Cannabis Use Disorder You also run the risk of developing marijuana use disorder, which means you are unable to stop using marijuana even though it’s causing health and relationship problems. Signs of marijuana addiction include: Using more marijuana than intended Trying but failing to quit using marijuana Giving up important activities with friends and family in favor of using marijuana Using marijuana in high-risk situations, such as while driving Continuing to use marijuana despite physical or psychological problems Needing to use more marijuana to get the same high Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping marijuana use You should refrain from using marijuana recreationally if you already have a diagnosed mental health condition or are in recovery from a substance use disorder, as the risk increases for developing cannabis use disorder or returning to the substance you were previously addicted to. In Conclusion Remember, just because it will be legal for those over the age of 21 to use recreational marijuana does not mean that it’s always safe. Do it in moderation, avoid daily use or large amounts.Treat marijuana use the same way that you treat alcohol use—if you would not drink in certain situations, you also should not smoke or consume cannabis in similar situations. If you are using marijuana for the first time, start at lower potencies and increase slowly until you know how it will affect you. And it bears repeating: Purchase your marijuana legally, so you know exactly what you are consuming and eliminate the risk of accidental overdose by exposure to fentanyl. Author Aliya Jones, MD, is the Executive Medical Director of Behavioral Health for Luminis Health.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogTo help fulfill Luminis Health’s mission of enhancing the health of the people and communities it serves, Bowie Mayor Timothy Adams and his wife, the Honorable Sheila Tillerson Adams have personally donated $100,000 to Luminis Health’s behavioral health services in Prince George’s County. Tori Bayless, chief executive officer of Luminis Health, and Deneen Richmond, president of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center, joined members of the Adams family for a ceremonial check presentation inside the new Behavioral Health Pavilion in Lanham. Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) opened the Behavioral Health Pavilion in the summer of 2022 to meet the growing needs of mental health services in Prince George’s County. The Pavilion currently offers a broad continuum of services including: Outpatient Mental Health Clinic to provide therapy and medication management for adults and adolescents Behavioral Health Walk-In Urgent Care for non-emergent behavioral health concerns for ages four years old and up. This service is available Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Psychiatric Day Treatment Program which includes a mental health partial hospitalization program and an intensive outpatient program for adults and adolescents A 16-bed Inpatient psychiatric unit for adults “Since 2019, Luminis Health, a locally formed health system, has invested $85 million at our Lanham campus, including expanding behavioral health services,” said Deneen Richmond, president of LHDCMC. “The Adams’ generosity and commitment to our community warms my heart tremendously. Their financial support will provide access, treatment and programming to Prince Georgians who deserve high-quality care close to home. It is my sincere hope these much needed services will help end the stigma of receiving mental health and substance use treatment.” This summer, we anticipate opening an 8-bed addiction residential services followed by a substance use disorder intensive outpatient treatment program. Major funding for the new Behavioral Health Pavilion was made possible through a $20 million grant from Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and the Prince George’s County Council.
- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWomen should make health a priority. Sounds simple enough, but we all know life sometimes gets in the way. With the demands of work and family, an active lifestyle and a healthy diet are the least of our worries. As the president of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center in Lanham, I encourage all women to take better care of themselves and make an appointment to see their doctor at least once a year. Early detection saves lives. Since May is Women’s Health Care Month, it’s important to take note of these reminders: Starting at age 40, receive a yearly mammogram to detect breast cancer. African American women with a family history of breast cancer should start sooner because of a higher risk Consult your physician, but you should have a pap smear every 3-5 years to detect cervical cancer depending on your risk Regular screening for colon cancer starting at age 45 Screen for sexually transmitted infections. If taking contraception, yearly surveillance is recommended Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings. Call (301) 552-7724 about eligibility and to make an appointment. Now, let’s talk about matters of the heart. You may be surprised to hear heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease killed more than 314,000 women in 2020–or about 1 in every five female deaths. Take it seriously by lowering your chances of getting heart disease: Have your blood pressure checked regularly. High blood pressure has no symptoms and is typically higher in African American women Keep your cholesterol low Maintain a healthy weight and diet. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Skip processed foods, fast food and carbonated drinks Exercise 3 to 4 times weekly for at least 30 minutes Test for diabetes. Having uncontrolled diabetes raises your risk of heart disease Quit smoking and limit alcoholic drinks Mental health for women is also important. We recently opened a new Behavioral Health Pavilion at LHDCMC to provide inpatient mental health services, and outpatient mental health and substance use services, something desperately needed in our community and nationwide. This new center has an inpatient psychiatric unit, and other services such as walk-in urgent care, a mental health clinic, and psychiatric day programs. This center is another example of our commitment to our community by offering all residents expanded access to high-quality treatment, rehabilitation and support services. In fact, since 2019, Luminis Health has invested $85 million at our Lanham campus and is pledging to invest even more for years to come. We have major plans to expand women’s and children’s healthcare services in Prince George’s County. It is unacceptable that 8 out of 10 women have to deliver their baby outside of the County because of a lack of obstetrical and other healthcare services. As someone who grew up and still calls Prince George’s County home, I experienced this challenge firsthand when I gave birth to both my sons. One of the bold goals of Vision 2030, our 10-year strategic plan, is to eliminate maternal and infant mortality. According to a report from the CDC, the nation’s maternal death rate rose significantly in 2021, with the rates among Black women more than twice as high as those of White women. In Prince George’s County, the maternal mortality rate for Black women is 50 percent higher than the national average. To address this, Luminis Health is raising $300 million to renovate and upgrade LHDCMC, with plans to build a Women’s Health Center for inpatient obstetrics services, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. Once Luminis Health receives state approval for the proposed women’s tower we’re ready to begin construction on our campus, which will take three to five years to complete. We’ve been treating and improving the life of our community since 1975. As LHDCMC prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, I hope you are as excited as I am for our expansion plans since it will ensure our community receives critical, additional and much-needed care close to home. Now, and in the future, Luminis Health is committed to enhancing the health of the people and community we serve. Author Deneen Richmond is the president of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSeconds count when someone is suffering from a stroke. As part of a community awareness campaign, County Executive Steuart Pittman presented a proclamation honoring Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center’s (LHAAMC) stroke care initiatives and designated Anne Arundel County as “Stroke Smart” due to the level of care offered by its hospitals. “With 1 in 6 people having a stroke in their lifetime, this May I encourage all county agencies, schools, health and safety-focused entities, businesses, and community organizations to participate in improving stroke literacy,” Pittman said. “I hereby proclaim May 2023 as National Stroke Awareness Month in Anne Arundel County and call upon all of our residents to recognize and educate themselves and others about the symptoms of stroke.” To earn the “Stroke Smart” designation, hospitals must meet certain standards of care outlined by the American Stroke Association and Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) that demonstrates the organization’s ability to provide life-saving treatment to patients who may have suffered a stroke. “A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is suddenly interrupted or cut off. It is a medical emergency that needs immediate attention by calling 911,” said Sherry Perkins, president of LHAAMC. “Knowing that stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in Maryland, our stroke center program is fortunate to work with community organizations, the Maryland Health Department, local schools and businesses to improve stroke care in our communities and save lives.” Our Stroke Program provides a full range of neurology services supported by the outpatient neurology collaborative team, and patients with hemorrhagic strokes receive neurosurgical care by our neurosurgical team. “I feel fortunate to lead these dedicated team of professionals, including the multidisciplinary stroke teams as well as stroke survivors support groups that help us deliver a high quality care for stroke patients and also tremendously appreciate the critical communication between the local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) teams with our Emergency Department colleagues who are the key for the “TIME IS BRAIN” concept,” said Dr. Minas Gebru, stroke medical director at LHAAMC. LHAAMC is consistently rated a “Get with the Guidelines Gold Plus” from the American Heart Association and is an Advanced Primary Stroke Center that has been designated by MIEMMS since 2012. “It was my privilege to accept this proclamation from Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman on behalf of Luminis Health,” said Jen Harrington, LHAAMC chief operating officer. “Declaring Anne Arundel County a Stroke Smart County ensures high-quality healthcare for all residents of Anne Arundel County.”
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