Current Projects

Lisa Gaydos, Michelle Walker Spinks, June Yonas, Cher Kotovsky and Sandra Pinsker

LHAS Emergency Care Packages

LHAS has a long standing tradition with our UPMC Clinical Social Workers, providing financial support for patient medications, lodging and even cab fare. After meeting with Mary Ellen Cowan, Director of Clinical Social Work UPMC Oakland and Shadyside, we decided to put together care packages for families of patients coming into the ER.

In too many cases, families and friends rush to the hospital to follow their loved ones, often forgetting to pack the necessities for a long stay. Chaired by our UPMC Liaison, Dr. Michelle Walker Spinks has organized LHAS Emergency Care Packages, which will include over 15 personal hygiene items (four personalized with our LHAS logo. These packages will be distributed throughout the UPMC hospitals in Oakland and the Hillman Cancer Center by social workers and nurses to family members. LHAS is proud to support UPMC and its clinical social workers whenever we can!

LHAS plays a very important role in easing the burden experienced by family members of patients too far from home or who have come with the patient to the hospital on an emergent basis.

LHAS purchases a variety of 17 toiletries for these care packages and volunteers assemble them. Some of the items included in an LHAS-logo'd clear bag are:  toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, wipes, waterless hand soap, comb, local area information, shampoo, bar of soap, deodorant, small note pad w/pen, mints and tissues.  With your financial support, we have successfully distributed 1,000 packages and are raising funds to purchase more items and assemble more packages. 

For more information on how you can help, please contact Michelle Walker Spinks at the LHAS office to help make a difference!

Good Grief Group

LHAS Good Grief Program

On December 9, 2008 President Laura Kronk presented a check in the amount of $12,640 to UPMC Presbyterian Nursing to establish the LHAS Good Grief Center.

Each of us will experience grief at some time in our lives. While it is a universal experience, it is also a unique one. There is no specific process, no healing formula, and no right way to manage grief. However, there are healthy, effective ways to cope. Through the generosity of Ladies Hospital Aid Society, UPMC Presbyterian Nursing is equipped with the appropriate resources in dealing with the bereavement process and dedicated to helping people through these especially difficult times.

LHAS is well known for its support of programs that enhance the quality of life and care delivery is well known. The LHAS Good Grief Center provides educational and support programs for patient care staff, unit directors and new hires of UPMC Presbyterian, offering grief education, support techniques and resources to enhance patient care and self care, while fostering a culture of mutual respect, cooperation and compassion.

LHAS is proud to partner with UPMC Presbyterian and in the community by demonstrating a commitment of caring to staff and families.