- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAs you enjoy colorful leaves and brisk temperatures, take a moment to recognize National Addiction Treatment Week during the third week in October. This annual initiative raises awareness about substance use disorder as a chronic, treatable disease and helps undo the stigma that surrounds it. Substance use changes your brain and your behavior. At Luminis Health, we understand that those impacted by substance use disorder are not in control, and we want to help you take that control back. Risk factors Substance use disorders are treatable medical disorders that affect a person’s brain and behavior, leading to an inability to control their use of drugs – whether legal or illegal – including alcohol or medications. Substance use disorders can develop from the use of many types of mood/mind-altering substances, with people developing dependencies on alcohol, stimulants, marijuana, opiates and others. Risk factors for developing a substance use disorder can include: Family history of substance use Readily available alcohol or drugs Starting substance use at a young age The presence of an untreated mental health condition Available treatment options It is important to realize you are not alone and there is hope. Many available treatment options are available to meet you or your loved ones needs, such as: Twelve-step support groups and other self-help groups, such as Celebrate Recovery Office-based treatment with a psychiatrist or primary care doctor using medications that are FDA-approved for substance use disorders Outpatient treatment—including intensive outpatient treatment—at substance use disorder treatment programs Inpatient residential treatment centers Recovery residences to help promote long-term change Resources It can sometimes be difficult to know where to begin your path to recovery. Here are some trusted organizations: Maryland residents can access substance use services by calling 211 and pressing 1, by visiting https://211md.org or by texting 898-211 and entering your zip code. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) national helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) is a confidential, free 24-hour hotline for individuals or family members facing mental or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups and community-based organizations. You can also visit SAMHSA’s online treatment locator, or send your zip code via text message: 435748 (HELP4U) to find help near you. Closer to home, Luminis Health Pathways offers care for individuals that need support with managing addiction and substance use. Support for loved ones If you have a loved one who is struggling with a substance use disorder, you must take proactive steps to help them on their journey to stay sober and drug-free. Here are some suggestions: Start by having an open and non-judgmental conversation with your loved one, expressing your concern and support. Encourage them to seek professional help, such as a therapist, counselor, or addiction specialist, who can provide the necessary guidance and treatment options. Find a support group. Al-Anon and Alateen can be very helpful in learning how to take care of yourself while also discovering how to appropriately support your loved one with a substance use disorder. Consider a therapy-based education program for families. Luminis Health offers family wellness workshops. Call (443) 481-5449 for upcoming dates and more information. Be patient and understanding, as recovery can be challenging and an ongoing process. There’s always hope “I have seen many more substance use disorder success stories than failures in my years of practice,” says Dr. Aliya Jones, executive medical director of behavioral health for Luminis Health. “Most people are eventually successful when they are able to use available resources for support and stay engaged in their care.” To learn more about substance use disorder and treatment, please visit here. Author Aliya Jones, MD, is the executive medical director of Behavioral Health for Luminis Health.
- Blood Donation, News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThis May, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially implemented a series of individual risk-based questions that will be asked of every blood donor, regardless of their gender, sex or sexual orientation. This decision ends decades-old, discriminatory restrictions that prohibited gay and bisexual men from donating simply on the basis of their sexual orientation. As a vanguard of inclusion, the Luminis Health Blood Donor Center updated its history questionnaire accordingly to prioritize science over stigma and strengthen our vital blood supply. “The new guidelines are a step in the right direction for medical institutions to remove systemic rules that create stigma against members of the LGBTQIA+ community. New guidelines still have restrictions on donation for individuals with active, non-monogamous sexual relationships, but it’s my hope that future updates consider the tremendous benefit of PREP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) medications, and their role in preventing the spread of HIV for our communities,” said Danny Watkins, Senior Director of Behavioral Health at Luminis Health. What does this mean? Anyone interested in donating blood, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, must answer a new “risk-based” questionnaire that determines eligibility based on sexual history and various other factors. People who have had anal sex with one or more new sexual partners within the last three months will have to wait to donate. This means more sexually active gay and bisexual men who are in monogamous relationships no longer need to abstain from sex to donate blood. “There is ongoing research to learn more about the effects of PrEP/PEP on blood collection, testing, and transfusion-transmitted infections,” according to Megan Frisk, Blood Bank and Blood Donor Center Manager at Luminis Health. “Until further research is conducted to assess the potential risk of transfusion-transmitted infections, donors currently taking these medications will be temporarily deferred. It is our hope that further research will quantify this risk and open our donation centers to more people. LHAAMC has provided specialized training to the staff and engaged the community on the new blood donor eligibility requirements.” Why were these restrictions in place? In the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, restrictions on donating blood were designed to protect the blood supply from HIV. This policy was created at a time when it was believed that most people with HIV were gay or bisexual men, and when blood screenings and testing for HIV antibodies were extremely limited. “We welcome all members of our community who wish to donate blood or blood products. While some of these new questions may seem blunt and personally intrusive, the changes are a compromise developed by a panel of scientific experts. The goal is to strike a delicate balance between including new groups who were historically excluded due to a perceived increased risk of carrying transfusion-transmitted diseases and the paramount goal of doing everything possible based on existing scientific information and technology to keep our transfusion recipient population safe,” said Sanford H. Robbins III, M.D., Chief of Pathology at Luminis Health. Why defer anyone from donating if all units are already tested for transfusion-transmitted infections? There is a window period after a person becomes infected when it is not possible to detect the presence of infections like HIV and hepatitis. A donor with an early infection can unknowingly transmit a virus because even the most accurate testing methods available today cannot detect it. Our questionnaire helps assess the timeframe for potential infection and reduces the risk of transmission to a patient. We are looking forward to welcoming new and returning donors to our growing life-saving community. For more information about the FDA’s new guidance and eligibility, please visit our website or call (443) 481-4215.
- Employee SpotlightGeneral Page Tier 3BlogOn the International Day of the Girl, we celebrate the remarkable journeys of Deneen, Anne and Ana Maria, women whose lives are a testament to the power of integrity. These three inspiring individuals have overcome adversity, championed individuality, and are paving the way for a more inclusive future for girls and women everywhere. Deneen’s Full Circle Journey Deneen Richmond, president of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center and Chief Quality, Equity, and Population Health Officer, has come full circle in her journey. The hospital she leads is just a mile away from the elementary school she attended as a child. However, her path was not without its challenges. In the 1970s, as a young girl, Deneen recalls experiencing racism for the first time when she was bused during the desegregation of schools. “We basically felt unwanted here,” Deneen recalls. “Our buses would pull up, and there would be parents of kids throwing things at the bus, yelling nasty things as we’re getting off the bus. No child should have to go through that, not because of anything that you’ve done, but just because of the color of your skin.” Nearly 50 years later, Deneen is on a mission to address racial inequities that persist in healthcare and advance the health system’s Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) initiatives. “I think a lot of it, and even what we see in healthcare, is the same thing we’re seeing in our communities,” Deneen reflects. “There’s still bias, there’s still racism, and so I think that impacts women and women of color and our ability to be recognized for the talents and strengths that we bring to the table.” She, along with hospital staff members, have returned to her former grade school to donate school supplies and gifts during the holidays. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for girls everywhere. Anne’s Unwavering Authenticity For Anne Gotimer, director of WellBeing and Employee Health, life has been a journey of self-discovery and resilience. From a young age, she faced the challenge of expressing her gender identity and unique style in a world that often demands conformity. However, Anne refused to compromise her identity, standing up for her right to self-expression even in the face of bullying and harassment. “I’ll never forget the first time I was allowed to wear something other than a dress in my school yearbook photo,” Anne recalls. “I just remember having this smug look on my face like ‘Finally, I did it! I don’t have to wear a dress!’” Despite facing harassment during her middle and high school years, Anne refused to compromise her identity. “I drew a lot of negative attention and bullying over it,” she says. “When I was 11, a group of boys ambushed me in a lunch line and sprayed me with men’s cologne so I ‘smelled right’. I was furious that they thought they could make me feel bad about myself.” She stood up for her right to self-expression and learned how being true to herself had an effect on other classmates. “I didn’t know how much it mattered until a high school acquaintance talked to me about my suits and over-the-top outfits… apparently this, in our rural town, made other people feel like they could be bold.” Anne’s stayed true to herself. She drew inspiration from icons like David Bowie and Annie Lennox, who celebrated their individuality fearlessly. Anne’s parents also played a crucial role in nurturing her uniqueness, showing her that being loved for who you are is deeply rewarding. Reflecting on her experiences, Anne has valuable advice for young girls and women: Find your unique identity and wear it proudly. Confidence in one’s authentic self can be a catalyst for personal and professional success. In her role at Luminis Health, Anne’s unique perspective has fostered inclusivity and collaboration. She actively promotes diversity as a driver of innovation and teamwork. Anne reminds us to embrace our true selves and our passions, emphasizing that life is too short to postpone authenticity. Her journey is a testament to the power of diversity and authenticity. Ana Maria’s Resilient Advocacy Ana Maria Phillips, abuse and domestic violence specialist at Luminis Health, embodies the invincible spirit of women everywhere. Born in Cuba, her life took a dramatic turn when, as a 5-year-old unaccompanied minor, she left her homeland for the United States during the Cuban revolution. “I was separated from my family for about two years,” she said. “State governments and religious organizations sponsored us, and I ended up in St. Ann’s Orphanage in Massachusetts. It was a challenging environment.” Reuniting with her parents was a miracle, an emotional moment that Ana Maria’s mother hadn’t expected when she put her daughter on that plane. Ana Maria’s path to advocacy was somewhat accidental but deeply meaningful. Her high school years were marked by a fascination with Native American history, a subject that helped her draw connections to the injustices faced by her own people in Cuba. This sparked her determination to fight for human rights and eventually pursued a degree in social work. A move to Maryland led Ana Maria to a role at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center as a domestic violence specialist. Over the last 15 years here, she says she has learned so much on the job, working closely with Latina women and providing essential support and education on their rights. She earned the prestigious Warren B. Duckett Jr. Memorial Commitment to Justice Award from the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney, recognizing her outstanding advocacy work. Her journey of resilience serves as a powerful source of inspiration for her patients who have also experienced trauma and hardship. On this International Day of the Girl, Deneen, Anne and Ana Maria are examples of the transformative impact that one person can have on the world. Their stories share the enduring spirit of girls and women who rise above adversity, empower others, and create positive change. Embracing authenticity is not just a celebration of individuality; it’s a call to action for a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWe have recently received reports of fraudulent recruitment communications and outreach posing as Luminis Health recruiters and employees. These scammers aim to seek personal information and direct deposit or credit card payments. We assure you that we take this matter seriously and do not conduct our outreach to candidates in this manner. Your safety is our priority and we urge you to not respond to these fraudulent communications. Spotting a Recruitment Scam Unsolicited Communication: Beware of unexpected phone calls, emails, social media messages, and texts claiming to be from Luminis Health recruiters when you have not recently submitted an application. Online-Only Interviews: Be cautious if you’re asked for online-only interviews with a quick response required. Money or Personal Information Requests: Our recruiters will never ask for money, personal information, or software purchases in exchange for a job offer. Check Email Addresses: Verify email addresses for legitimacy; all genuine offers come from @luminishealth.org addresses. Our Recruitment Process Apply through luminishealthcareers.org: We require all applicants to use our official website for job applications. Face-to-Face Interviews: Our interviews will always include a face-to-face component, whether virtual or in-person. Official Communication Channels: Genuine offers will only come from @luminishealth.org email addresses or official phone lines. If You Receive Suspicious Communication Exercise Caution: If you get messages via phone calls, emails, texts, or social media that seem suspicious, be careful. Don’t Share Personal Info: Never disclose personal or financial information in response to these messages. Save Evidence: Keep unsolicited messages and report them to your local police department. Learn More About Job Scams Visit the FTC website to get further information on job scams.
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSince fall is here, it’s time to pull out the sweaters and fire pits, visit the pumpkin patch, watch your favorite football team, and breathe the crisp air as you enjoy fall foliage. Whatever the fall activity, chances are you’ll swing by your local coffee shop for a pumpkin spice latte, cold brew, or cup of joe. But did you know that sweetened beverages account for nearly half of all added sugars consumed in our diets? Never fear! Minor adjustments to your drink order can cut back significantly on calories and added sugar. If you are trying to lose weight, every calorie counts. Empty Calories It’s easy to drink a lot of calories without realizing it, because beverages sweetened with sugar aren’t as filling as food. Sugary drinks may bring comfort, but they don’t offer nutritional benefits. That’s why we consider these drinks “empty calories.” A good tip? Everything in moderation. Too many sugary drinks can contribute to the development of many diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancers. Which Drink is Right for You? A plain cup of brewed cup of coffee has less than five calories and no fat. Cold brew coffee without any extras can be just as healthy as regular coffee. A general rule of thumb is lattes contain the most milk and are the highest in calories, fat, and protein. Cappuccinos contain a bit less milk but still provide a good amount of calories. Macchiatos contain only a splash of milk and are significantly lower in calories, fat, and protein. Tips for Reducing Sugar in Caffeinated Beverages There are simple ways you can reduce the amount of sugar you consume each day in your favorite coffee drink. Here are some ideas: Request less syrup. When ordering a latte, ask the barista to limit the syrup. A single pump of flavored syrup can provide more than five grams of added sugar. (For context, four grams of sugar is equal to about one teaspoon.) Try a smaller size. You can still enjoy your favorite drink, but with less sugar. Know your coffee shop lingo. Many coffee shops use terms like “lightly sweet” or “skinny” to refer to drinks with less added sugar. The skinny options usually include nonfat milk, the removal of whipped cream and the replacement of regular syrup with sugar free. For example a grande iced vanilla latte from Starbucks has 28 grams of sugar, while the skinny version has only ten grams of sugar. Ditch the toppings. While whipped cream, caramel and chocolate drizzle toppings are delicious, they add a heap of empty calories and added sugar. Mix it up. Consider occasionally switching up your sweet drink order with a seasonal unsweetened tea. You can enjoy it iced or hot. It has all the flavor and none of the sugar. And if your sweet tooth needs to be satisfied, use sugar substitutes to sweeten your tea. Tips for Less Sugar in Other Beverages In addition to coffee drinks and sodas, smoothies and bottled teas can also contain more sugar than you might expect. By making your smoothie or iced tea at home, you have more control over the sugar content. In smoothies, fruit is usually sweet enough that you don’t need any additional sugar or honey. Use plain yogurt, unsweetened milk or almond/soy milk or water instead of flavored yogurt or sweetened milk to help reduce sugar. For a festive fall smoothie, add a scoop of canned pumpkin and a dash of pumpkin spice or a cup of chopped apple with a sprinkle of cinnamon to unsweetened yogurt and milk. For iced tea, make a pot of caramel apple black tea or pumpkin spice black tea, let it cool and then serve over ice. Cut Back on Sugar Slowly No one expects you to quit cold turkey. It’s best to cut back on your sugar intake gradually so that your taste buds get used to less sugar. For some great alternatives, consider unsweetened sparkling water or seltzer. Whether at home or at the coffee shop, think about ways to reduce sugar in your drinks. These small steps can lead to big health benefits. To learn more, or to make an appointment for nutritional support, visit our webpage. Author Allison Maurer, RDN, LDN is a registered dietitian at Luminis Health
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