- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) is proud to announce it has received our tenth consecutive ‘A’ Grade from the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for providing patients with exceptional, safe care. According to Leapfrog, the non-profit hospital in Annapolis is one of 152 hospitals nationwide, and the only one in Maryland, to maintain a consistent ‘A’ rating for every grading period since 2018. In response to this outstanding accomplishment, LHAAMC President Sherry Perkins expressed deep gratitude to the entire team. “Exceptional quality and safety are only achieved through the knowledge and caring of our teams in every role – our physicians, nurses, technicians, therapists, support staff, and volunteers. We work around the clock to earn the trust of patients, families and all members of our community for their care. To receive an ‘A’ grade for patient safety consistently is a testament to our team and the community partnerships we treasure. Luminis Health is dedicated to upholding best practices that drive quality, safety and accountability in all aspects of our operations. Our commitment to patient safety is ingrained in our organizational culture, evident through our regular safety meetings, patient rounds, educational initiatives for clinical staff, and the invaluable insights we gain directly from our patients. We maintain close collaboration with our health system’s Patient Family Advisors, a collective of both staff and community members, who work together to voice concerns and propose solutions. The Leapfrog Group is a nationally renowned organization dedicated to assessing and improving healthcare quality and patient safety. Its Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program exclusively based on hospital prevention of medical errors. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually in the fall and spring.
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen discussing women’s cancers, breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers often come to mind. However, lung cancer claims more lives among women in the United States than the combined mortality of these three. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to learn more about how to prevent lung cancer, as well as the symptoms that can be associated with it. Risk factors and prevention Over the past 20 years, lung cancer rates have increased in women. The exact reasons are unclear, but there are several possible explanations including hormones or increased exposure to secondhand smoke. Genetics also likely plays a role. Most lung cancer risk factors are environmental, such as smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, exposure to cancer-causing substances in the air and prior radiation treatment. A family history of lung cancer also puts you at higher risk of developing it. Doing your best to avoid environmental risk factors helps lower your risk of getting lung cancer: Don’t smoke; smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. To speak with a tobacco treatment specialist about quitting tobacco, please call 443-481-5366. Avoid secondhand smoke. Avoid radon exposure in your home. Radon is an odorless, invisible, radioactive gas naturally released from rocks, soil and water. Radon can get into homes and buildings through small cracks or holes and build up in the air. You can order radon testing kits here. Avoid exposure to asbestos, a mineral used in many products including insulation and construction materials; its fibers can be inhaled or ingested. Symptoms, screening and treatment Unusual fatigue, weight loss, a persistent cough and/or coughing up blood, shortness of breath and wheezing are all symptoms of lung cancer. If you experience these symptoms, see your doctor right away and don’t hesitate to request a screening. Our experts recommend annual lung cancer screening starting at the age of 50-years-old for those who currently smoke, or have quit in the past 15 years. As with all cancers, earlier detection of lung cancer improves outcomes. Treatment options for lung cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and IV treatments such as chemotherapy. There are also some patients who might be eligible for oral pills that can target the cancer specifically. Different treatments are sometimes used together, with a treatment plan tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient. In Conclusion The rise in lung cancer in women is concerning and more research is needed. Both men and women should talk to their doctor if they have any questions regarding lung cancer prevention or to see if they qualify for a lung cancer screening imaging test. Authors Feras Abdul Khalek, MD is an experienced medical oncologist at Luminis Health. He is board certified in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology. He is also an active member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology and the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer.
- Cancer Care, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogTanja Syre-Goodman of Annapolis, Maryland, was taken aback when she received a breast cancer diagnosis. She had kept up with her yearly mammograms and no one in her family had experienced breast cancer. She scheduled an appointment with Dr. Rubie Jackson, a breast surgeon at the Luminis Health Breast Center. “It was a fantastic experience,” Syre-Goodman said about her appointment. Dr. Jackson discussed various treatment options with her, and together they decided on a one-sided nipple-sparing mastectomy. ”I was so pleased that Tanja had the option to keep her nipple. A nipple-sparing mastectomy allows a woman to keep all of the skin of her own breast, including her nipple and areola, while the internal breast tissue is removed,” Dr. Jackson explains. “The result is that the reconstructed breast has the most natural appearance possible. Women who have to undergo mastectomy usually are more satisfied with the results of their surgery when their nipple can be preserved.” After the treatment plan was established, Syre-Goodman found herself counting down the days to surgery. To pass the time, she played golf and went boating to distract herself. The surgery, which also involved reconstruction by the Luminis Health Plastic Surgery team, was performed in October 2020. “I know that Dr. Jackson routinely performs these procedures and even instructs others in the field, so I felt I was in really good hands,” Syre-Goodman said. Following the surgery, Dr. Jackson offered a reassuring hug. Three years later, Syre-Goodman has recovered successfully and maintains an active lifestyle through yoga and kayaking. Her advice to others is, “Take each day as it comes. Every day is a gift.”
- 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.
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