LHAS: Making a Difference!

Making a Difference

LHAS Names New Doctor of Distinction

LHAS has elected Terence Starz, MD Rheumatology, as its newest Doctor of Distinction.

LHAS Doctors of Distinction

Michael W. Collins, Ph.D.

Freddie H. Fu, M.D.
D. Sci. [Hon]

Alan Russell, Ph.D.

David C. Whitcomb,
M.D., Ph.D.

Mark R. Lovell,
Ph.D. Abpn

Joseph C. Maroon, M.D.

Donald S. Burke, M.D.

Check of Proceeds of 2010 LHAS Gala Presented!

Dean Donald Burke, M.D., stops by the LHAS Board Meeting for a check presentation to the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health's research on aging and longevity. The 2010 LHAS "The Best Is Yet To Come!" Gala raised $100,000 in proceeds for the School.

LHAS Doctor of Distinction Honored at Mardi Gras Gala!

One of the LHAS Doctors of Distinction Dr. Freddie Fu, along with his wife Hilda Pang Fu, was honored as the 2011 King and Queen of the Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central Pennsylvania's 17th Annual Mardi Gras Gala on March 8, 2011 at the Westin Convention Center Pittsburgh. LHAS participated as a King's Court Sponsor and helped celebrate the amazing contributions that Freddie and Hilda have made in the Pittsburgh community.

SOME OF THE 2011 UPMC ALLOCATIONS GRANT AWARDEES

LHAS gave over $130,000 to various UPMC departments in the UPMC 2010-2011 Allocation Grants program. Four of the 17 grants awarded are highlighted this month.

CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF UPMC TRAINING AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENT given $5000 by LHAS for their Infant/Child CPR Anytime Project. This project is an alternative method of teaching the core skills of CPR to families, friends, grandparents, siblings and others caring for high risk infants/children. Using the American Heart Association's unique, research-proven "practice while watching" technique, the users practice CPR on a personal manikin while watching DVD instruction. This program allows the parent/caregivers to learn CPR techniques at home. Infants and children considered "at risk" for suffering either apnea or sudden cardiac event outside the hospital can now have educated care providers within their home area. "I was thrilled to receive this funding," said Sharon Smarto, RN and Nurse Educator, "We can train approximately 2-5 people per kit. That's over 450 lives that are touched through its use. With this assistance from LHAS, we can start this program in May 2011."

PATIENT TRANSPORT SERVICES received $19,000 from LHAS for PFCC Discharge Wheel Chairs. The department purchased 70 wheel chairs to assist with prompt patient discharges. As part of the Patient- and Family- Centered Care initiatives, putting the well-being of patients is a primary concern–and getting out of the hospital in a timely manner is a major point for patients and their families. This program provides wheel chairs at strategic locations throughout inpatient nursing areas as well as extra ones at Patient Transportation Services. Doug Kassab, Director of Patient Transport Services says, "These chairs will greatly improve the timely discharge of patients, especially on high volume days. We expect to have all the chairs out by the end of April 2011." With the LHAS logo printed on the chairs, all our contributors can see on a daily basis how their efforts have impacted the lives of patients and their families.

LHAS GRANTS 6 NE CTRC WITH $4000 for Comfort Measure Only bags. As part of the Magnet Champions program, the Comfort Measure Only bags are provided to the family members of a dying patient. The bags contain items that provide diversion: playing cards, personal journal and pen; comfort: quality Kleenex, information regarding grieving and pastoral care services; nutrition: light snacks such as peanuts, chips, pretzels, crackers, and bottled water. Each bag has a note attached to it with a special message for the family. The CMO bags help the emotional and nutritional needs of the patient's family at a very difficult time and convey to the family members that we care about them as well as their loved one. The bags have the LHAS logo on the front. Due to all our volunteers, staff and other contributors, these bags are an immediate and meaningful gift for people who truly need to know others care.

6 NE CTRC was given $350.00 by LHAS for their Traveling Magnet Cart program. The Magnet Designation is a nationally recognized level of excellent for hospitals. Both UPMC Presbyterian and Montefiore Hospitals are working on achieving this designation. The Traveling Magnet Cart is an interactive educational model that explains each of the five components of the Magnet Recognition Program. The cart will travel throughout both hospitals' campuses, rotating on a weekly basis. With the LHAS logo on its sides, the cart reminds the wonderful staff at both hospitals that LHAS supports their efforts and hard work.