ANNISTON, AL (October 15, 2017) — As a registered licensed Physical Therapy Assistant (LPTA) and certified Lymphedema Therapist in the rehab department at RMC in Anniston, Winter Triplett works every day with breast cancer patients who have experienced radical mastectomies and the many life-altering effects of breast cancer surgery. But, in January of this year, after a mammogram at age 38, Winter discovered what it was like to be on the receiving end of that important patient care following her own double mastectomy and breast cancer diagnosis.

Winter sought medical advice from the physicians at RMC after experiencing the symptoms of mastitis – an infection that generally affects the milk ducts in a woman’s breasts while nursing. But considering she had no children and was not breastfeeding, Naomi Wade, CRNP at RMC, recommended that she undergo a mammogram and ultrasound to uncover what was causing the infection-like symptoms and red streaking in one of her breasts.

As a healthcare professional, Winter was quick to think that doctors would prescribe antibiotics and she’d be on her way. It was not until she was seeing a patient when the doctors’ office called with her biopsy results – and responded affirmatively when she asked if her husband, Brian, should join her at the doctor’s office — did she fully understand the ramifications of what might be happening. In the months that followed, Winter underwent a double mastectomy in February followed by a series of procedures that included filling tissue expanders that were placed during her initial mastectomy surgery. Her second surgery in June was to finalize breast reconstruction and replace tissue expanders with implants.

But Winter is one of the lucky ones. Because she recognized that something wasn’t quite right and thoroughness of those treating her at RMC, she was encouraged to have a mammogram. It was through this simple test that revealed she had breast cancer. Thankfully for Winter, her cancer was caught early – at stage 0 – and had not spread through her lymphatic system. As a result, Winter did not require any subsequent radiation or chemotherapy treatment following the breast cancer removal surgery.

When asked what helped her transition from the position as a health care provider to a breast cancer patient, she is quick to point to her faith, her family and the support of her co-workers at RMC.

“I see patients every day who have undergone radiation, chemotherapy and radical mastectomies,” said Winter Tripplet. “These patients are survivors. They depend on me for lymphedema therapy and scar management in their new world of normal. If I can share an understanding smile and shed some positive light on their experiences because I’ve been through it myself, then it is an honor and privilege to do so.”

While Winter admits she did have a five minute or so ‘freak out’ moment of tears and anxiousness when calling her family and husband with the initial news, she also appreciates the fact that she felt stronger because of the support of her supervisor, Joan Hardy, and many co-workers, her husband, parents and in-laws.

“Never once did I feel alone during this entire experience,” she said. “It is so very important that patients are surrounded by loved ones who care about them during their treatment and recovery so their bodies can heal.”

One aspect that Winter said she wishes more education and support would center on following a breast cancer diagnosis is for more attention and resources directed to the spouses of breast cancer patients. Following a major surgery – like a mastectomy – patients are carefully ushered through the clinical journey of each next step that’s about to happen. But spouses are often left in shock and aren’t sure how to fully cope.

Winter and her husband, Brian, have been married for eight years in December. The couple came home to Oxford, AL two years ago following Brian’s stint in the military. Winter credits her family and coworkers as her ‘rock’ throughout her cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Having the support of Brian’s family as well as her own during this very recent struggle helped Winter feel much more appreciative of the little things people do for her and each other.

To those who are reading this article and not quite sure when they should start routine mammograms, Winter emphasizes the new guidelines for breast cancer screenings released by the American Cancer Society (ACS) in October 2015. According to ACS, these guidelines recommend that all women should begin having yearly mammograms at age 45 and can change to having mammograms every other year beginning at age 55.

However, as Winter shared, women should also listen to their bodies.

“If something doesn’t feel right or you’re experiencing symptoms that raises red flags, don’t be scared and don’t hesitate to see your doctor,” said Winter. “Don’t wait. Make time to get yourself checked. The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, like mine, the higher the chances are for a full, happy, healthy recovery and long life ahead.”

RMC has multiple locations in Oxford and Anniston that provide a full range of Radiology, Mammography and Imaging Services for the convenience of the patients in our local communities, said Louis Bass, CEO of RMC Health System.

In April, Bass said, RMC expanded mammography screening services to RMC Oxford Mediplex that features new mammography capabilities. This innovative technology includes a full-field digital mammography (FFDM) unit with Tomosynthesis and C-view imaging that reduces patient radiation doses.

Source: American Cancer Society – new guidelines for breast cancer screening. The guidelines were published October 20, 2015 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

(ANNISTON, AL) OCTOBER 22, 2017

WHAT: RMC will host the THIRD annual Brake for Breakfast on Friday, October 27th in honor and recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Community members and news media are invited to stop by the RMC Oxford Mediplex for a FREE healthy breakfast and a chance to learn more about RMC’s Early Detection Connection and latest GENIUS 3D mammography capabilities available at RMC. The event is FREE but breakfast items are limited. All are invited to drive through in the comfort of their own cars and encouraged to arrive early. Registration is not required.

WHEN: Friday, October 27, 2017 – 7 to 8:30 am

WHERE: RMC Oxford Mediplex, 1400 Highway Dr., Oxford, AL 36203

WHY: RMC became one of the first affiliate hospitals in the UAB Cancer Care Network, fortifying the resources, collaboration on treatment and diagnosis, and research opportunities available to patients and their families in Northeast Alabama. Oncology services at RMC include a comprehensive, multidiscplinarary approach to diagnostic and treatment for breast cancer patients that involves a highly skilled team of expert doctors, nurses, dieticians, patient nurse navigators, counselors and chaplains who are skilled at supporting a breast cancer patient through diagnosis, treatment and post-recovery.

VISUALS: Media are invited to film/photograph and interview patients (with consent) as they drive through the RMC Brake for Breakfast special event and to tour the new Genius 3D mammography center located at the RMC Oxford Mediplex.

CONTACT: For more information please call 256.235.5044 or email info@rmccares.org.
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ANNISTON, AL (December 4, 2017) – Two RMC Health System employees were recently
recognized by the Healthcare Authority Board as recipients of the annual Josie King Hero
Awards. The Hero Award was created by the Josie King Foundation to be given to those who
work hard to create a positive culture of patient safety. The recipients are Susan Greene, RN,
ICU Nurse Manager and Philip Suter, R.T.(R)(MR)(ARRT), both employees on the RMC Anniston
campus.

Louis Bass, CEO, RMC Health System said that both of these individuals truly embody the core
values of the RMC Health System of providing superior patient care and the Josie King Hero
Award that demonstrates employees who set an example for others every day and inspire
positive change.

“The Josie King Hero Award emphasizes good teamwork and the ever important culture of
patient safety being first and foremost in daily activities,” said Mr. Bass. “This includes listening
to patients and their families, encouraging them to speak up and ask questions of their
healthcare providers, improving communication, improving teamwork, being alert to any
questionable circumstances and proactively addressing potential problems before they cause
harm to a patient.”

Earlier this year, a patient arrived in the MRI department for an abdominal MRI. Despite being
prescreened prior to arriving in the department, during the first sequence of the exam Suter
detected a foreign metal artifact in the lower quadrant of the patient’s body. Because of his
astute observation he was able to remove the patient from the scanner and notify the
radiologist, referring doctor and GI lab physician and prevent a potential medical emergency
from impacting this patient.

Ms. Greene, ICU nurse manager, vigilantly doublechecked physician orders from another
department within the hospital and was able to ensure that a patient sent to the ICU was
transferred with correct clinical orders.

“We are extremely grateful for the highly observant, patient-centered actions of both Susan
Greene and Philip Suter,” said Mr. Bass. “Because of their fundamental training and focus on
patient safety, care for their patients was not compromised that could have resulted in negative
consequences or outcomes.”

To learn more about the Josie King Hero Awards, click here: http://josieking.org/jkf-tools/josieking-
hero-award/.

About RMC Health System
With 323 inpatient beds at RMC Anniston, 104 beds at RMC Jacksonville and 125 acute care beds
at Stringfellow Memorial Hopsital, as well as numerous outpatient facilities and physician offices,
RMC is the largest not-for-profit healthcare provider in Northeast Alabama. With more than
2,200 employees, 300 volunteers and over 200 primary care and specialty physicians, the
expanded RMC Health System provides state-of-the-art integrated healthcare with integrity, skill
and compassion. RMC Anniston is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission
on Cancer, is an associate of the UAB Health System Cancer Community, is recognized by Blue
Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama as a Blue Distinction® Center+ for Knee and Hip Replacement
and Maternity Care, and is the first designated Baby Friendly birthing facility in Alabama. All three
hospitals within RMC Health System are accredited by The Joint Commission, the leading
accrediting agency for hospitals in the U.S. For more information, visit www.rmccares.org.

ANNISTON, AL (November 30, 2017) – The RMC Foundation recently donated $50,000 in matching funds to purchase six new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds at Stringfellow Memorial Hospital. This generous gift was to match the $50,000 in funds The Healthcare Authority Board had allocated for purchase of new ICU medical equipment. The total purchase price for the new beds totaled $100,000.

Ashlie Barnes, RN, BSN, Director of Nursing at Stringfellow presented the proposal for new ICU beds to the RMC Foundation at last month’s board meeting and was met with unanimous approval.

“More than five million critically ill patients are treated in ICU’s in the United States each year,” said Ms. Barnes. “These new ICU patients beds, designed with the latest technology, will help us meet the increasing demand for ICU care in our community and continue to deliver first-rate services for patients who require close staff and medical monitoring when they are admitted to our unit.”

The generous $50,000 donation from the RMC Foundation was raised primarily through the Foundation’s annual golf classic in May, as well as other fundraisers held throughout the year, according to Lagina Fillingim, Director of RMC’s Foundation.

“We are thrilled by the generosity of our community, physicians, buisnesses and indivduals who helped to contribute to this vital need of purchasing new beds at our sister hospital, Stringfellow Memorial,” said Lagina Fillingim, Director of RMC’s Foundation. “It is through these generous donations and programs that we are able to fulfill RMC Health System’s mission to provide the highest level of superior quality health care services for the residents of Northeast Alabama.”

RMC Foundations Donates $50K Matching Gift for ICU beds Stringfellow/ add one

As one of the region’s largest non-for-profit health systems, RMC reinvests hospital earnings back into our local communities through improved access to expanded health care services, state-of-the-art technologies and recruitment of top talent as the area’s largest employer.

About RMC Health System
With 323 inpatient beds at RMC Anniston, 104 beds at RMC Jacksonville and 125 acute care beds at Stringfellow Memorial Hopsital, as well as numerous outpatient facilities and physician offices, RMC is the largest not-for-profit healthcare provider in Northeast Alabama. With more than 2,200 employees, 300 volunteers and over 200 primary care and specialty physicians, the expanded RMC Health System provides state-of-the-art integrated healthcare with integrity, skill and compassion. RMC Anniston is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, is an associate of the UAB Health System Cancer Community, is recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama as a Blue Distinction® Center+ for Knee and Hip Replacement and Maternity Care, and is the first designated Baby Friendly birthing facility in Alabama. All three hospitals within RMC Health System are accredited by The Joint Commission, the leading accrediting agency for hospitals in the U.S. For more information, visit www.rmccares.org.

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Project Search Partnership Begins in Calhoun County
Students with Disabilities Transition from School to Work through Community Agency Partnership Whle Gaining Employability Skills

ANNISTON, AL (August 2, 2017) — On Monday, August 7, 2017, Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Anniston welcomed their first cohort of student interns participating in the Project SEARCH program. Project SEARCH is a program that provides students with disabilities with a one-year skill building experience that combines classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training.

Project SEARCH empowers young adults to be successful in work and in life upon completion of their internship requirements. The program is a school-to-work transition program for students with disabilities. The program began in 1996 at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in Ohio. Since that time, the program has grown to over 300 sites across the United States, Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland, and Australia. RMC Anniston’s local Project SEARCH program is coordinated by Calhoun County Schools, hosted at Regional Medical Center and supported by the Opportunity Center, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, Alabama Department of Education, Alabama Department of Mental Health,and the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities. Together , these agencies have created a one-year immersion experience that combines classroom instruction, career exploration and hands-on training through worksite rotations at RMC.

The goal for each student intern upon completion of Project Search is competitive employment. Project SEARCH provides real-life work experience combined with training in employability and independent living skills to help young adults with significant disabilities make a successful transition from school to a productive adult life.

“RMC is much more than just a health system,” said Louis Bass, RMC CEO. “Our mission is to help all residents in Calhoun County. By partnering with vital organizations like Project Search we support students and outstanding young people as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives and provide important contributions to society and our community.”

The Project SEARCH model involves an extensive period of training and career exploration, innovation adaptations, long-term job coaching and d continuous feedback from teachers, job coaches, and employers . As a result at the completion of the training student interns with sintellectual djsabilities are ready to become employed in nontraditional, complex and rewarding jobs.

To qualify, student interns apply to be a part of the program during their previous, senior school year. They must pass a skills assessment evaluation and be interviewed as part of the acceptance process. Once accepted into the program, student interns report to RMC in Anniston instead of their home school district classroom for the entire school year. Student interns rotate through a number of job assignments throughout hospital departments . This year in Calhoun County there are 12 student interns participating in Project SEARCH. The average Project SEARCH Program accepts 10-12 student interns annually.

To apply students with disabilities interested in becoming a student intern through Project SEARCH should contact a student support services teacher at their local school or the school district’s student support services office. For additional program information, please visit: www.projectsearch. us.

For more information or to set up a press interviews please contact: Kate Van Meter, 256-235-5289 (office) or KVanMeter@rmccares.org.

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While a little wet weather might dampen some outdoor events, a little rain didn’t dampen the fun, festivities or funds raised at the 2nd annual RMC Foundation Garden Jubilee held last month at the Longleaf Botanical Gardens in Anniston. The RMC Foundation today announced that more than 357 guests in attendance at the 2017 Garden Jubilee helped raise over $98,000 to fund college scholarships for deserving local Calhoun County high school students.

The RMC Foundation created the Martha Vandervoort Memorial Scholarship last year as an opportunity to invest in youth with benevolent character and a servant’s heart and to close the gap for senior high school students in Calhoun County fulfilling unmet financial needs as students pursue a college education. The scholarship was established to honor the life and legacy of longtime Anniston resident and philanthropist, Martha Vandervoort. Recipients of the scholarship were chosen through an application and interview process with a selection committee. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrate they have a financial need and reflect the embodiment of charity.

This year’s Martha Vandervoort Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Ciara Smith, who graduated seventh in her class from Anniston High School in May with a 3.95 GPA. A member of the National Honor Society and president of the Spanish Club, she also served as president of the Student Government Association (SGA), member of the Key Club and an ambassador for Anniston High School. Smith plans to attend Spelman College & University in Atlanta this fall, joining ROTC and pursuing her dream to become an attorney.
“Ciara has contributed countless hours to improving Anniston’s downtown community through her participation in Anniston’s Main Street program and legacy club as well as raising funds and awareness for March of Dimes, Second Chance and Relay for Life,” said Fillingim. “She is a delightful young woman of the finest character and we could not be more pleased to assist Ciara and further invest in the future leaders of our community.”

This year, Garden Jubilee attendees enjoyed classic Motown sounds from the band, Daybreakk, and dining delicacies catered by Anniston favorite, Classic on Noble. Primary corporate sponsors included: Eastman, Calhoun County Medical Society, Regional Medical Center, Robins & Morton Builders, The Anniston Star, ERA King, Webb Concrete Building Materials, NLM, Buster Miles, Morris Building Constructors, Busby Printing and ABS – Business Systems.

“Martha Vandervoort was a true inspiration to all those around her and a shining example of a servant leader,” said Lagina Fillingim, RMC Foundation Director. “We are so pleased to recognize those students in Calhoun County who have led by Ms. Vandervoort’s example and made an impact in our community through leadership and community service.”
This year’s RMC Garden Jubilee Committee was chaired by Leslie LaPlante and supported by the following committee members: Vera Jordan, Dr. Margaret Pope, Kate Van Meter, Ellen Bass, Hannah Downing, Elke Obermeier, Maudine Holloway, James Riddle, Cristy Humphries, Jessica Rivera-Martin, Bridgette Magouirk, Chris Wilson, George Dudchock, Kathy Phillips and Jessica Grisso.

Since its’ inception, the Martha Vandervoort Memorial Scholarship has helped three Calhoun County high school students attain their dream of attending college. Each year the scholarship awards an annual renewable $6,000 scholarship to a graduating senior high school from Calhoun County. The Martha Vandervoort Garden Jubilee is an annual event. Next year, the RMC Garden Jubilee will be held on May 11, 2018.

The RMC Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit volunteer organization promoting and assisting Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center (RMC) by enhancing community services through education and financial assistance. If you would like to make a donation or learn more about the RMC Foundation, please visit www.rmccares.org/Foundation.
About RMC Health System

With 323 inpatient beds at RMC Anniston, 104 beds at RMC Jacksonville and 125 acute care beds at RMC Stringfellow, as well as numerous outpatient facilities and physician offices, RMC is the largest not-for-profit healthcare provider in Northeast Alabama. With more than 2,200 employees, 300 volunteers and over 200 primary care and specialty physicians, the expanded RMC Health System provides state-of-the-art integrated healthcare with integrity, skill and compassion. RMC Anniston is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, is an affiliate in the UAB Cancer Care Network, is recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama as a Blue Distinction® Center+ for Knee and Hip Replacement, and is the first designated Baby Friendly birthing facility in Alabama. All three hospitals within RMC Health System are accredited by The Joint Commission, the leading accrediting agency for hospitals in the U.S. For more information, visit www.rmccares.org.

Do you or a loved one suffer from painful joints in your hips or knees?  Then you won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn more about the latest ways to reduce pain and improve your quality of life.  Join RMC’s Orthopaedic & Joint Center for a FREE seminar to answer your most pressing questions related to the latest treatments, nutrition, exercise and medications related to hip/knee joint pain.  There are three dates available to best meet your schedule.  Monday, July 25, Tuesday, August 29 and Monday, September 25.  Sessions will last one hour and begin at 5:30 pm CT in the Tyler Center.  For more information or to make your reservation, please call 256.235.5970 or email:  info@rmccares.org.  Don’t let joint pain sideline your life!

June 23, 2017

RE: Grassroots Call to Action –Senators Strange and Shelby need to hear from us NOW

Dear Friends of RMC:

Please contact Senators Shelby and Strange asking that they not support the new Senate Healthcare bill. The reductions it proposes will negatively impact Alabama hospitals and citizens. Hospitals in our state cannot afford further cuts. These cuts combined with the failure of Congress to address the Alabama wage index, our poorly funded Medicaid program and the lack of competition in the commercial insurance market will result in the loss of jobs, reductions in service, increased numbers of uninsured and under insured patients and ultimately the closing of more Alabama hospitals. Contact Sens. Shelby and Strange today and voice your opinion. Then contact Congressman Rogers and remind him that RMC is the second largest employer in his home county with over 2,000 employees and needs his active support on this and the Medicare wage index issue Thank you for your action.

Regards-

Louis A. Bass, President/Chief Executive Officer

Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center

P.O. Box 2208

Anniston, Alabama 36202

(256) 235-5646

lbass@rmccares.org

Alabama Hospital Association

Thursday, June 22, 2018

Media contact:

Kate Van Meter, 256-235-5289 (office)

KVanMeter@rmccares.org

Alabama Hospital Association Government Relations Call to Action 

U.S. Senate has released its version of “repeal and replace” and it is BAD. CONTACT Senators Shelby and Strange asking them to OPPOSE this bill

WHAT:            The Senate version of repeal and replace healthcare bill was released today.  According to our colleagues at the Alabama Hospital Association (ALAHA.org), the bill will be detrimental to Alabama’s hospitals and health care delivery system.  Our elected state Senators need to hear from you before next week with a clear message to VOTE NO. A “NO” vote will protect access to care for every Alabamian, our health care delivery system, health care jobs, and our state’s economy.  The Senate should go back to the drawing board and give careful and deliberate consideration before moving forward with any type of reforms.

HOW YOU CAN

HELP?              Hearing directly from you will support the ongoing communication from the Government Relations staff and reinforce real world impacts of this bill.  Senators need to be contacted every day until the vote occurs next week.  Time is of the essence so do not rely using “snail mail.” Calling and emailing are the best (see contacts below).  Senate staff report they can’t answer the phones because of the large volume.  Most calls are being directed to voice mail.  If you can’t get them on the phone, email!  Remember to put the name of your hospital in the subject line.  Engage your entire hospital…board members, volunteers, medical staff, and community leaders. The vote next week will be very close!!

CONTACT:       Tweet @SenShelby and @SenatorStrange or post to their Facebook pages.  Social media is a great way to engage your communities OR CALL or contact via email: Clay Armentrout in Senator Shelby’s office (clay_armentrout@shelby.senate.gov or (202) 224-5744. Nick Moore in Senator Strange’s office (nick_moore@strange.senate.gov or (202) 224-4124

BACKGROUND/

TALKING POINTS

• This bill advantages expansion states at the expense of non-expansion states.
• Medicare DSH cuts are NOT restored.   These cuts are scheduled to begin in 2018.
• Slashing Medicaid funding is NOT Medicaid reform.
• Flexibility for state decisions on Medicaid program design will NOT help Alabama.  Our program is already minimal with strict eligibility requirements.
• Any per capita cap should be based on CPI-Medical, at a minimum, permanently. The move to CPI-Urban is a tool to fund expansion states.
• Do not reduce the provider tax caps.  While provider taxes in some states may be supplemental, they are fundamental to funding Medicaid in Alabama.
• Absent revenue from provider assessments, the Alabama legislature will have to find $800 MILLION dollars in new revenue for the state’s general fund – just to keep the program level funded.

Remember to add personal touches about the negative impact this bill will have on your hospital in every contact you make to the Senators:

• Remind them of how many people your hospital employs. Health care is the largest employer in the state of Alabama.
• Share stories about what your hospital does beyond its four walls (clinics, community engagement, etc).
• Tell them about the amount of uncompensated care you provide already and how this bill could lead to even more uncompensated care and bad debt.

**IMPORTANT – when you call or email make sure you include the name of your hospital in your message or email subject line.  Be respectful but persistent. Senate staffers are getting hundreds of emails and calls each day from advocacy groups from across the country, most not representing Alabama.

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MEDIA ALERT:
Grand Opening Celebration of RMC’s NEW Oxford MediPlex on April 27th

WHAT: On Thursday, April 27th from 11 am to 2 pm, community members of all ages are invited to attend the Grand Opening Celebration of RMC’s new Oxford Mediplex – a 24,000 square foot, multi-specialty medical facility that will house primary care and specialty physician offices, state-of-the-art imaging and laboratory technology, occupational health and orthopedic services.

WHEN:  Thursday, April 27, 2017 from 11 am to 2 pm;

SPECIAL EVENT: 11:30 am – Ribbon cutting with Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce and RMC executives and board members

WHERE: RMC Oxford Mediplex, 1400 Highway Drive, Oxford, AL 36203

ABOUT: Join us for a delicious cookout throughout our event, community tours of the new RMC Oxford Mediplex, and FREE health screenings for the entire family including: hearing, sleep disorder, skin cancer and cholesterol screenings. Meet some of RMC’s newest specialty physicians – including Dr. Eric Hensen – a new ENT practicing in the new center. Ribbon Cutting with the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce at 11:30 am and live remote with on-air personality – Greg Burgess from WZZK-FM out of Birmingham from 12:30- 2:30 pm.

WHY: The RMC Oxford Mediplex will improve access to vital primary and specialty health care services for residents in Oxford and surrounding communities. With two stories, this 24,000 square-foot multi-specialty medical facility will house internal medicine and specialty physicians, full-service radiology and lab along with occupational health services.

CONTACT: For more information on this facility and our milestone event, please visit rmcisforme.org or call 256-231-7500.

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