- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogTo meet the historic and growing needs of mental health services in Prince George’s County, Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) has opened an inpatient psychiatric unit at its new Behavioral Health Pavilion located on the hospital’s Lanham campus. With the addition of these 16 inpatient psychiatric adult beds, it expands the continuum of care, supporting and being supported by the services operating on-site. “When Luminis Health was formed, we made a commitment to increase quality, accessible safe healthcare in Prince George’s County,” said Tori Bayless, CEO of Luminis Health. “Since 2019, we have invested more than $85 million at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center, including opening the new Behavioral Health Pavilion to provide additional much needed services to the communities we serve.” In the summer of 2022, Luminis Health opened the first floor of the Behavioral Health Pavilion and currently provides the following services: • Outpatient Mental Health Center to provide therapy and medication management for adults • 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 5:30 p.m. • Psychiatric Day Treatment Program which includes a mental health partial hospitalization program and an intensive outpatient program for adults and adolescents. “Since opening the first floor of the new Behavioral Health Pavilion, we’ve treated more than 300 patients in our outpatient programs,” said Dr. Aliya Jones, executive medical director of Behavioral Health at Luminis Health. “Our new inpatient psychiatric unit on the second floor will provide specialized treatment around the clock for adults who need intense mental health and critical psychiatric care.” With the completion of the new Behavioral Health Pavilion, Luminis Health is now launching a $300 million capital improvement project to renovate and upgrade the campus of LHDCMC. A major component of the project is to build a new Women’s Health Center to expand women’s and children’s healthcare services in Prince George’s County. One of the bold goals of Vision 2030, our 10-year strategic plan, is to eliminate maternal and infant mortality. “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,” said Deneen Richmond, president of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. “It’s a deep concern because the maternal mortality rate for Black women in Prince George’s County is 50 percent higher than the national average. We join Governor Wes Moore and his administration’s priorities for advancing health equity and addressing the mental health and obstetrical needs of all Marylanders.” Once Luminis Health receives state approval for the proposed women’s tower, construction will begin immediately and take three to five years to complete. The state-of-art facility will provide obstetrics services, labor and delivery, and postpartum care.
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogDuring the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of people in the United States delayed getting routine cancer screenings. Fortunately, data shows cancer screening rates are returning to pre-COVID levels but, even in the best of times, the number of people who are screened is lower than it should be. But what screenings should you get and when? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages screening for breast, cervical, colorectal (colon), and lung cancers because early detection leads to better outcomes. April is Cancer Control Month, which raises awareness for cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. Many people don’t realize that they are due for a cancer screening. Read the guidelines below to make sure you are up to date. Breast Cancer Screening Individuals should undergo breast cancer risk assessment by age 25 years and be counseled regarding potential benefits, risks, and limitations of breast screening in the context of their risk stratification. You and your doctor can work together to decide what’s best for you and we strongly encourage you to ask questions and share your concerns. Our providers recommend that women who are at least 40 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram annually. Cervical Cancer Screening The HPV test and the Pap test can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early. The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause cell changes on the cervix. The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately. You should start getting Pap tests at age 21. If your Pap test result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.If you are 30 to 65 years old, talk to your doctor about which testing option is right for you: An HPV test only. This is called primary HPV testing. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test. An HPV test along with the Pap test. If both of your results are normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test. A Pap test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test. If you are older than 65, your doctor may tell you that you don’t need to be screened for cervical cancer anymore if: You have had normal screening test results for several years, and You have not had a cervical precancer in the past, or You have had your cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids. Colon Cancer Screening It is now recommended that regular screening, beginning at age 45, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer and finding it early. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States, and it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men younger than 50. Most people should get a colonoscopy at least once every 10 years. You may need to get one every 5 years after you turn 60 if your risk of cancer increases. Stool-based tests are becoming more popular because they are done at home, so many people find them easier than a colonoscopy. But, although these tests are easier to implement, they need to be done more often. If the result from a stool test is abnormal, a timely colonoscopy is required to check for cancer. Lung Cancer Screening We recommend annual lung cancer screening for people who: Have a 20 pack-year or more smoking history, and Smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years, and Are between 50 and 80 years old. A 20 pack-year is smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for one year. For example, a person could have a 20 pack-year history by smoking one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years. Talk to your doctor about lung cancer screenings if you have regular exposure to second hand smoke. Lung cancer screenings can stop when the person being screened: Turns 81 years old, or Has not smoked in 15 or more years, or Develops a health problem that makes him or her unwilling or unable to have surgery if lung cancer is found. Ask your doctor which cancer screenings are right for you and if you have concerns about cancer, you should talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Author Robert Rice, MD, PhD is the executive medical director of oncology at Luminis Health, with more than 20 years of oncology experience.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health has ended universal masking at all its facilities, including Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center, as well as all other clinical and non-clinical areas. Luminis Health, which serves nearly two million residents in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties, the Eastern Shore and beyond, has shifted to optional masking for all-staff, patients and visitors. Luminis Health mandated a mask requirement in March 2020 to help prevent the spread of the novel SAR-CoV2 virus. Three years later, Luminis Health is shifting to an endemic recovery response. “With high vaccination rates and a major reduction in community transmission, we are no longer seeing a significant number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19,” said Jean Murray, system director of Infection Prevention and Control at Luminis Health. “With the reduced risk to the community and hospitals, and the pending end of the federal public health emergency in May, our Incident Command Team feels it’s appropriate to lift the universal mask requirement.” Patients and visitors who prefer to wear a mask while in our facilities may do so. Patients may also request that their care team members wear masks. All care partners and support persons will be required to wash or sanitize their hands throughout their visit. While masks are now optional, patients with respiratory symptoms will be asked to wear masks as part of standard precautions and visitors should still refrain from visiting when ill. Luminis Health will continue to follow the science and Centers for Disease Control recommendations and if the situation changes the health system will review and update its visitation guidelines and practices. Since the COVID-19 vaccine became available at the end of 2020, Luminis Health has administered more than 125,000 COVID-19 vaccines in the communities it serves. We continue to encourage Marylanders get vaccinated and/or boosted to keep the public safe and healthy.
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogTeenage girls are in crisis. New research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals nearly three in five (57%) teen girls in the United States felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021. This is double that of teen boys and the highest level reported in the past decade. This data aligns with the increased number of teen girls who are being seen in the clinics and emergency departments in Prince George’s County, where Jesselina Curry, MD—a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Luminis Health—reports that the most common symptoms reported by these teenagers are low self-esteem and thoughts of not wanting to be alive. Why Are Teen Girls Affected Most? According to Dr. Curry, both teen boys and girls are experiencing increased mental health struggles, but girls often identify the struggle faster and are quicker to act on their feelings. There are a number of reasons for the increase, including among other things the loss of primary family members, academic stress and peer conflict. These factors are compounded by internal stressors such as trying to figure out who they are and who they want to be in life. LGBTQ and racial minority teens are struggling to find genuine safety and trust in relationships. Without feeling secure and a sense of real belonging, these teens tend to isolate from others, act impulsively or develop deep, prolonged sadness. Cultivating Connection with Adult Caregivers Creates Resilience Although many adults grew up with the philosophy of “speak only when you are spoken to,” it is important for adult guardians to create opportunities for teens to feel heard on a regular basis, not just once a conflict or crisis arises. For a host of reasons, grandparents are increasingly playing an important role in their grandchildren’s lives, especially since many parents are working longer hours to support the household. Because of the age difference, it might be harder for grandparents to connect with their grandkids. Dr. Curry encourages adult guardians to share a personal story of a difficult time from their own life, and then encourage the teen to share a personal hardship. It’s important for adults to ask the teen how the situation made them feel. That way they can then find solutions together. As adult caregivers help teens cope with the everyday tragedies and disappointments in life, you hope these life lessons stick with them into adulthood. Available Resources for Teens Every teen wants a sense of belonging. To help with their emotional growth, encourage them to join a club at school or a group with positive role models who can build up their self-esteem. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry website includes a variety of resources to support teens who may be struggling with their mental health, as well as helpful resources for their families. The site includes fact sheets, books recommendations, videos for teens and more. A few organizations that provide support, belonging and empowerment specific to teen girls include: • Girls Scouts of the USA • Girls on the Run • Boys & Girls Clubs of America Key Takeaways from an Adolescent Psychiatrist According to Dr. Curry, the teenage years are the most difficult. To help successfully navigate these sometimes choppy seas, she encourages parents/caretakers do the following: • Create a strong listening environment • Don’t overlook changes in your teen’s behavior • Continue to provide them with structure and a community of support • Model coping skills in difficult situations The Behavioral Health Pavilion on the campus of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center provides Behavioral Health Walk-In Urgent Care for non-emergent behavioral health concerns for ages four years old and up. This service in Lanham is available Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Author Jesselina Curry, MD, is an adolescent psychiatrist at Luminis Health.
- EndocrinologyGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAccording to the Maryland Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 10.5 percent of Maryland adults have diabetes, with obesity or being overweight the most significant contributing factors (65.2 percent) to diabetes risk. Thirty-four percent, or approximately 1.6 million, of Maryland adults have prediabetes according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2019, the prevalence of diabetes in the state of Maryland led the state to deploy its own action plan to combat diabetes and support diabetes risk awareness. Following the state’s lead, Luminis Health placed diabetes on its list of top metrics that are being regularly tracked for quality and performance. Recognizing Risk Factors Diabetes risk factors include: Being overweight or obese Age (risk increases as age increases) Sex (males are more likely to develop diabetes) Race/Ethnicity (African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, and Pacific Islanders have a higher prevalence of diabetes than non-minority individuals) Poor nutrition and lack of physical activity Tobacco use Prediabetes and gestational diabetes Social determinants such as the lack of access to resources, income and higher-level education Diabetes is more common among people who are members of some ethnic minority groups and groups with lower socioeconomic status. This exemplifies why Luminis Health created its HEART Force. This group of trustees, leaders and staff, clinicians, community stakeholders and public health partners worked together to develop a plan for building a more equitable and just health system. Working to Provide Health Equity The HEART Force’s recommendations for Luminis Health fall into three major categories: Lead as an inclusive organization; confront and eradicate inequities in health care. Enhance culturally informed communications and community collaboration. Measure and integrate accountability. What does this work look like to reduce health disparities related to diabetes? Our team hosts education and exercise series in our communities. These programs are funded by a Maryland Community Health Resources Commission grant. We also work closely with impacted and at-risk patients to directly support the development and management of healthy blood sugar levels. As part of this initiative we provide patients with individual glucose monitors and equipped them with weekly plans for healthier lifestyles. Seeing Real Results Luminis Health’s collaboration with community health programs for diabetes support and prevention is yielding tangible results. One of our community health equity goals is for 75 percent of our diabetic patients over the age of 18 to have an A1C test result of less than 8 percent, which is a healthy goal for most people with diabetes. From October to December, 74 percent of our diabetic patients fit this criteria. The A1C test—also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test—is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. It’s one of the commonly used tests to diagnose prediabetes and is also the main test to help diabetics and their healthcare team manage the disease. Higher A1C levels are linked to diabetes complications, so reaching and maintaining your individual A1C goal is important for diabetics. Managing Your Diabetes with Luminis Health Our Luminis Health Primary Care team strives to work with patients to help them achieve the best control of diabetes. In-office A1C testing and regularly scheduled visits allows medical providers to make meaningful changes to diabetes management. By focusing on patients’ specific needs we can customize a diabetic management plan and help them access the resources they need to better manage their care. Knowing the ABCs to diabetes and your personal goals is the key to success. A1C: You and your provider should have an agreed upon goal A1C target. You should have monthly office visits until you achieve that goal. In each visit you can discuss what is working, where help is needed, and any barriers to care. Blood pressure: If you have diabetes it is critical to have your blood pressure under control. Based on your medical conditions, providers will give you a specific Blood Pressure goal. Getting blood pressure to goal may require lifestyle changes and medications. Cholesterol: It is also critical for patients with diabetes to have good control of their LDL (low-density lipoprotein) Cholesterol (often called “bad” cholesterol). Diet, exercise, and medication can help you achieve your LDL goal. Diet: Understanding which foods increase your blood sugar is critical to gaining control of your diabetes. Working with your health care providers and dieticians/diabetic educators is key in understanding the challenges of managing diabetes and controlling this condition. Exercise: Working with your healthcare providers to design an exercise plan specific to your needs is crucial to manage diabetes. Healthy exercise habits will lead to better control of your diabetes. Follow-up: Regular follow up with your health care team is critical to yourThe Luminis Health diabetes team includes doctors, nurses, diabetes educators, registered dietitians, physical therapists, speech and language therapists, behavioral health specialists, and occupational therapists. We provide the full range of diabetes care for children and adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, as well as any diabetes complications. Luminis Health is here to: Educate you on how to live a healthy and full life with diabetes. Monitor your condition so we can catch and treat any complications at an early stage. Provide all the treatments you need, including medications, technology supports, physical therapy, nutrition counseling and more. Reducing health disparities and any instance where the health outcomes of our patients are less than the best possible is part of the reason Luminis Health continues a journey dedicated to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. Learn more about our JEDI journey here. Learn more about Luminis Health’s comprehensive diabetes resources here. Authors Tamiko Stanley, vice president and chief JEDI officer Dr. Andrew McGlone, executive medical director – primary care and population health
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