- 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
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt’s time to paint the town pink! Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center is hosting its annual Pink Ribbon Rally to raise awareness about breast cancer and the critical importance of early detection through mammograms. The event, taking place October 6 on our Lanham campus, will feature no-cost mammograms and clinical breast screenings, as well as life-saving information about the signs, symptoms, and early detection of breast cancer. “The Pink Ribbon Rally is not just an event; it’s a movement to empower our community with the knowledge and support in the fight against breast cancer,” said Deneen Richmond, president of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. “Since Luminis Health’s mission is to enhance the health of the people and communities we serve, our goal is to raise awareness, provide support, and encourage all women to prioritize their breast health.” A recent study shows an alarming trend of cancer impacting younger Americans, particularly women, with gastrointestinal, endocrine and breast cancers climbing at the fastest rates, especially among age 30 to 39. “African American and women of color are especially at risk because we tend to get breast cancer at younger ages and a more aggressive form called triple negative breast cancer,” said Dr. Regina Hampton, chief of breast surgery at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. “With breast cancer being one of the leading causes of death among women in Prince George’s County, I can’t stress enough the importance of getting a mammogram. Early detection is the key to survival.” The hospital received a $1.3M state grant to provide breast cancer screenings to women in Prince George’s County over a three-year period. In the first year, Luminis Health administered 1,038 no-cost breast cancer screenings for women in the County. In addition to mammograms, the Pink Ribbon Rally will offer resources and guidance from local organizations, support groups, and healthcare professionals. There will also be inspirational stories from breast cancer survivors, bra fittings, live music, food, and games. Event Details: Date: Friday, October 6, 2023 Time: 8 am to 3 pm Location: Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center; top level of the Emergency Department garage Address: 8118 Good Luck Road, Lanham Admission: Free and open to the public
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt is never easy to hear that you have cancer, but it can be even harder for those who least suspect it because age is on their side. Yet more and more younger Americans are diagnosed with cancer in a concerning trend. A recent study shows an alarming increase of cancer impacting younger people, particularly women, with gastrointestinal, endocrine and breast cancers climbing at the fastest rates, especially among ages 30 to 39. Greater Risk for Women of Color These numbers are no surprise to Dr. Regina Hampton, chief of breast surgery at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center, whose practice primarily serves African-American and Latina women. “Breast cancer can occur more frequently in women under the age of 50 in the African-American population,” says Dr. Hampton. “It’s not uncommon for me to see someone in their thirties or forties who has received a breast cancer diagnosis.” Because of this, Dr. Hampton recommends women of color get a breast cancer risk assessment and start breast cancer screenings at age 30. Know Your Family History Family history of breast cancer is one of the biggest risk factors for diagnosis. It’s important to know if you have any of your close family members, such as mothers or sisters and even fathers and brothers who have been diagnosed. Men can’t be left out of the conversation, as they, too, can be diagnosed with breast cancer. Having open and honest conversations about your family’s history with breast cancer could save your life, or that of a loved one. Importance of Screening Sometimes women are unsure when they should start screening for breast cancer. You should receive a yearly mammogram starting at age 40, with 3D mammograms being the gold standard. If there is a family history of breast cancer, then you should start getting a mammogram ten years prior to the age your loved one was diagnosed. For example, if the mother was age 42 at diagnosis, the daughter should start getting mammograms at age 32 and enroll in a high-risk breast screening program. If you have no insurance or are underinsured, Luminis Health can help with your screening. We received a $1.3M state grant to provide breast cancer screenings to women in Prince George’s County over a three-year period. In the first year, Luminis Health administered 1,038 no-cost breast cancer screenings for women in the County. To see if you qualify for a no-cost mammogram, please call (301) 552-7724. Looking Ahead Although alarming, the increase in breast cancer diagnoses in younger women may be due, at least in part, to increased breast cancer awareness and improved technology. Regular breast self-exams are essential. Early breast cancer is best diagnosed when there are no symptoms and there is only a small abnormality on imaging. Whatever your age, if you are concerned about changes in your breast tissue, get it checked by your healthcare provider and continue to advocate for yourself until you get answers that satisfy your concerns. Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center is hosting its annual Pink Ribbon Rally on Friday, October 6 at its Lanham campus from 8 am to 3 pm. The event includes testimonials from survivors as well as opportunities to receive life-saving information about the signs, symptoms, and early detection of breast cancer. Please join us as we paint the town pink! Author Dr. Regina Hampton is the chief of breast surgery at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.
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