Our Community In-kind or not included

CHARITY CARE REIMBURSEMENT TO LEHIGH VALLEY PHYSICIAN GROUP

The Hospital reimburses the Lehigh Valley Physician Group for the cost of uncompensated charity care provided to the community. Reimbursement to the Lehigh Valley Physician Group was $3,584,537 in FY’05.

COMMUNITY HEALTH AND HEALTH STUDIES

ALERT Partnership
ALERT Partnership's mission is to prevent alcohol and other drug abuse and related social problems in the Lehigh Valley, utilizing a comprehensive public health approach. ALERT is a resource to the Lehigh Valley and surrounding region on neighborhood organizing, policy change, drug and alcohol prevention, community policing, asset-based community development, youth gang prevention and violence prevention. Through partnerships at every level in communities in Lehigh and Northampton counties, ALERT creatively furthers the implementation of proven prevention strategies, very often providing direct funding support to the community through federal and state grants.

During FY05 ALERT operated with three grants from the U.S. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention: a State Incentive Grant (passed through the Pennsylvania Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs) provides resources for ALERT to develop the Northampton County Community Prevention Collaborative with focus in Easton and the Slate Belt; a Drug-Free Communities Grant enables ALERT to work in partnership with the city of Allentown’s Weed and Seed effort to develop alcohol and other drug prevention initiatives and valley-wide underage drinking social policy change initiatives, and a Drug-Free Communities Mentoring Grant supports ALERT’s work in partnership with the East Penn Take Back Our Children Task Force and a new coalition serving the Northampton Area School District. Over $60,000 in funding from these three grants was awarded to community organizations by ALERT to address issues related to alcohol and other drug abuse in the above-mentioned communities. These grants are multi-year efforts.

In any given year since its inception in 1987, ALERT has provided technical assistance on the above issues to thousands of Lehigh Valley organizations, municipalities, schools, agencies, parents, teens and children. ALERT staff members present information on substance abuse, violence and gang issues, and provide technical assistance on issues related to substance abuse. These services are always provided at no cost to the community. The majority of ALERT's work is accomplished by forming partnerships with local government, residents, law enforcement, the faith community and community-based organizations and agencies to address pertinent issues related to substance abuse and violence.

Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network provides in-kind support to ALERT, including office space, utilities, postage, Human Resources, Payroll, Finance/Accounting, Information Services and related activities.

Clinical Prevention
Community Health’s Clinical Prevention programming focuses on supporting the development of tobacco use cessation and domestic violence screening efforts within the ambulatory care practices of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. Educational interventions are conducted to increase awareness and skill development of resident physicians, attending physicians and the clinical staff members. These sessions reached 387 health care professionals for tobacco-use issues, as well as 209 health care professionals and 710 new hires for domestic violence-related screening activities. Policy and programmatic changes are supported to improve documentation, assessment, counseling and referral processes. To substantiate successful intervention and sustain improvements, performance feedback is provided to clinical leadership.

Tobacco Treatment Program
The Tobacco Treatment Program opened to the community on July 1, 2003. Services are provided primarily to Lehigh and Northampton county residents and extend to Carbon, Monroe, Berks and Bucks county residents as needed. The 12-month counseling program provides a comprehensive approach to nicotine dependence combining behavioral and addiction models, relapse prevention and pharmacological therapy. From July 1, 2004 through June 30 2005, 243 individuals have enrolled in the program. Counseling is provided at no cost to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured (have insurance but cessation counseling is not a covered service). In Lehigh and Northampton counties, over-the-counter medications are provided free of charge to residents for whom these medications are not a covered service. The improved Lehigh Valley Hospital website provides easy access to Tobacco Treatment Program information and links to other network-wide cessation services. Educational sessions discussing cessation reached 870 community participants at local heath fairs or Tobacco Treatment Program presentations.

Funding is provided through the Pennsylvania Department of Health Tobacco Settlement. Program management is supported, in part, through the Dorothy Rider Pool Health Care Trust.

Coalition for a Smoke-Free Valley
The vision of the Coalition for a Smoke-Free Valley (CSFV) is a Lehigh Valley free from the health, social, economic and political consequences of tobacco use. CSFV is a broad-based community coalition dedicated to reducing tobacco use in the Lehigh Valley by promoting advocacy and providing education, training and support services. CSFV provides a comprehensive tobacco control approach in our community including youth tobacco prevention programs, local smoke-free policy initiatives and health care provider training in hospitals and private practices.

For FY’05, CSFV accessed $583,015 in grant funds from three sources. Two grants, totaling $388,015, were through the Allentown Health Bureau and Bethlehem Health Bureau from the Pennsylvania Department of Health Tobacco Settlement Funds. Allentown Health Bureau for Lehigh County services provided $209,270 with the remaining $178,745 from the Bethlehem Health Bureau for Northampton County services. The American Legacy Foundation Priority Populations Initiative also awarded CSFV a $195,000 grant award for each of two years in a collaborative project with resources shared by CSFV, Latinos for Healthy Communities and the Bethlehem Health Bureau. Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network provides in-kind support to CSFV, including office space, utilities, postage, and services such as: human resources, payroll, finance/accounting, and information services.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND SCREENING PROGRAMS

Cancer Resource for Schools
The JDMCC provides lectures on cancer-related topics to health classes in area school districts and also to various colleges. The topics for FY05 included: Skin Cancer Prevention, Overview of Chemotherapy, Care of the Oncology Patient, and General Oncology Overview.

Community Cancer Resources
The JDMCC also provides lectures on cancer-related topics as requested by both the lay and professional communities. The topics for FY05 included: Common Questions and Answers About Skin Cancer, Nutrition’s Role in the Prevention of Cancer, Managing Fatigue Related to Cancer Therapy, Prostate Cancer Prevention and Early Detection, Breast Self-Exam, Prevention and Early Detection of Colon Cancer, Second-Hand Smoke: First-Hand Program, training for Support of Survivors volunteers, and lectures on various breast health topics.

Skin Cancer Screening
Free examinations are provided during the annual skin screening. A total of eight dermatologists and 17 nursing/clerical staff volunteered for the skin screening held in FY05. This program is conducted in conjunction with the American Academy of Dermatology & Hospital’s Division of Dermatology.

Prostate Cancer Screening
Free prostate cancer examinations were provided during the annual prostate cancer-screening program. This program is held in conjunction with the Prostate Education Council and the Allentown Health Bureau. Two staff urologists as well as 4 nursing/clerical staff volunteered for the two screening sessions.

Cancer High Risk Assessment Program
LVHHN Cancer Risk Assessment Program multidisciplinary team includes a medical oncologist, genetics counselor, nurse educator and cancer and support services social worker. A detailed personal and family history is obtained and a personalized risk assessment is provided. Each participant will learn the significance of risk factors and find out the role of genetics in cancer risk. A personal plan of care is developed which may include surveillance and risk reduction.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS ACTIVITIES

In our role as a leading provider of health and health-related services to the Lehigh Valley community, Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network recognizes our responsibility to help the people of our service area achieve and maintain optimum health status. That responsibility defines our core purpose, but also requires a broader scope of activity beyond the traditional provision of health care services. There is an inextricable tie between the vitality of the community and the vitality of its institutions. For both to thrive, they must become partners working toward a shared vision of making their community a better place to live and work.

In 1991, the Department of Public Affairs adopted The Community Agenda, a series of strategies, programs and plans of action to enable LVHHN to achieve its social vision.

The Community Agenda continues to focus on four areas of emphasis:

• Community Education
• Partnerships
• Voluntarism
• Contributions

COMMUNITY EDUCATION

LVHHN’s educational efforts are health-related to help fulfill our mission of helping people in our service area achieve and maintain optimum health status. Efforts in this area include free community health and patient education publications, materials to promote health-related activities, a physician referral and health information line, and speakers bureau.

Speakers Bureau
Through LVHHN’s speakers bureau coordinated by Public Affairs, free education programs are offered to the community. Many service clubs and civic and church groups rely on LVHHN as a source for qualified speakers on a variety of health care topics. In FY’05, LVHHN provided 41 speakers to community groups reaching 3,060 people.

VOLUNTARISM

LVHHN’s work force, the largest in the region, is comprised of many individuals who engage in personal community service. These individuals give of their time, talent and resources to make our community a better place to live and work.

United Way Campaign
In the 2004 United Way Campaign, LVHHN employees contributed $336,705.

Individual Volunteer Efforts
Physicians and employees volunteer their time individually, benefiting community organizations and causes. In FY’05 private physicians contributed 37,379 uncompensated hours for patient care in the clinics and emergency department, and to educational activities. Hundreds of LVHHN employees volunteer thousands of hours annually providing care, educating the community and serving on boards of social service agencies.

DONATIONS OF FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT

Several items of furniture and equipment were donated to various schools, colleges, and other community groups and organizations in FY’05.

RECOVERED MEDICAL SUPPLIES PROGRAM

The Hospital donates supply and equipment items to various charitable organizations, which, in turn, distribute the items worldwide for humanitarian purposes. These items are outdated or no longer usable by the Hospital, but can be refurbished or reconfigured for foreign use.

PEDIATRICS COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS

Child Health Month
This national celebration is promoted by the American Academy of Pediatrics each October. The purpose of this program is to promote education regarding prevention of illness and injury in children. During October, programs are presented for the community with members of the nursing staff and other Hospital departments participating in presentations including poison prevention, fire prevention, violence prevention, safety, and immunizations.

Hospital Tours
Tours are provided by the Pediatric Staff and Child Life Specialist throughout the year to pre-school or elementary students and various community groups. The purpose is to promote a positive attitude toward hospitalization, while providing education to familiarize children with a hospital environment. Each session features a video depicting a child's hospitalization, medical and surgical play activities and touring of the Pediatric Department.

Pediatric staff members participate in numerous other programs throughout the year to educate children and their families about illness and injury prevention in children. Some of these programs include school based education/prevention programs (TraumaRoo, Think First), Teen DUI, Mayfair Children’s Tent, Medevac helicopter tours, and car seat checks. Several thousand children from elementary through high school are reached by one or more of these programs each year.

TRAUMA TELLING IT LIKE IT IS PROGRAM

Emergency Department and Medevac RNs present the “Trauma Telling It Like It Is” program at local high schools and middle schools, and at the Lehigh Valley Hospital Nurse Camp. In FY’05 the program was presented at the Roberto Clemente, Northern Lehigh, Northwestern, and Whitehall high schools, and at the Jim Thorpe and Raub middle schools. The RNs conduct a formal presentation and discuss the perils of speeding, not wearing seat belts, drinking and driving, etc. Each presentation lasts for about one and one-half hours, and approximately 1,600 students in total attended.

LIBRARY SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY

There are approximately 600 visitors to the libraries annually. They may be categorized as follows: patients, members of patients’ families, area students, and drug company representatives. Because consumers are taking a more proactive role in making decisions they will seek information beyond what their healthcare providers share with them. In addition, the library serves a public relations role in interacting with the public.

The Health Library & Learning Center (HLLC) at the 17th street location has special consumer materials. The HLLC has an internet subscription to Health & Wellness Resource Center that provides medical information in layman terms. It also has books, brochures and audio-visuals for use by visitors and area students. Approximately 125 people from the community have utilized this service in the last year.

Library services to the community may be categorized as follows: health and medical information, information about the libraries’ hours and holdings, and links to related web sites from the libraries’ web site. The library staff answered 1,225 telephone inquiries with respect to physicians’ names and addresses, and what type of materials and library information services are available to the public.

CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT - COMMUNITY SERVICE

Lehigh Valley Hospital’s Center for Educational Development and Support (CEDS) coordinates learning experiences for both high school and undergraduate college students to educate them about the medical field.

For high school students, CEDS has provided approximately 100 shadowing opportunities in a variety of clinical and non-clinical positions in FY’05. The shadowing program is extended to all students and schools in the area, including specific programs with Lehigh Career and Technical Institute and Parkland High School’s Career Exploration program. CEDS also runs the Health Care Career Explorers program for high school students who have completed eighth grade. This program provided opportunities for LVHHN departments to present their field to the 48 students who registered for the program.

For college students, CEDS provides shadowing, tours, internships, and lectures. Approximately 55 students participated in the shadowing program, and 45 students filled internship positions in both clinical and non-clinical departments.

STROKE CENTER COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Neurosciences staff and/or physicians conducted several education sessions on stroke risk factors and patient care for EMS providers, nurses and nursing students, and community groups.

The Stroke Center staff educated several hundred community members at various locations throughout the year on stroke symptoms and risk factors. The focus of all programs was on prompt recognition of symptoms, importance of using 911 and seeking treatment at a Stroke Center. The Stroke Center also collaborated with Medevac outreach to provide 318 pre-hospital EMS personnel with the Acute Stroke Course. This two hour workshop was taught by an RN from the Stroke Center and included review of Stroke Assessment and current available treatments.

NEUROMUSCULAR CENTER SUPPORT GROUPS & EDUCATION

Neuromuscular Center staff presented a patient education program to the general public on the topic of Peripheral Neuropathy. Center staff also participates on a monthly basis in meetings of the ALS Resource Group, which is a support group for the area’s ALS population.

LEHIGH VALLEY HEADACHE CENTER EDUCATION PROGRAMS

The Lehigh Valley Headache Center staff and volunteer physicians spoke to the community on a variety of topics including “Conquering Headaches,” “Is Acupressure Right For You?,” “How Well Do You Sleep?,” and “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Triptans But Were Afraid To Ask.” Center staff also conducted several yoga classes geared toward treatment of headaches.

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OUTREACH & EDUCATION

Organizational Development department staff members shared their expertise with several community agencies and institutions. These education and outreach activities included a presentation on Team Building to the Alliance on Aging, design and facilitation of a board/staff/teachers retreat for Communities in Schools, and conducting an employee satisfaction survey and executive coaching for the Allentown Art Museum.

MS CENTER OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

Community outreach activities of the MS Center included:

“Lunch n Learn” – These are no charge educational programs to improve quality of life and educate patients with MS and their families and friends. These occur monthly at the Center. In the past year 500 plus individuals attended.

“MS School” – This is a one-hour program for newly or recently diagnosed patients with MS. This is a free program established to educate patients and their families about MS. In the last year 30 patients and families attended.

Bus Trip – A bus trip to NYC to attend a patient oriented program was sponsored by the MS Center. An MS Center employee served as the “guide” and “responsible adult”. Another trip is being planned to see the autumn leaves. These trips provide opportunities for patients who ordinarily are unable to do so due to physical limitations and finances.

Medication Assistance – We collect medications from patients who no longer need them. These injectable are valued at approximately $12,000 a year. We then provide them to patients who are now unable to afford them enabling us to provide continuity in their treatment program.

Financial Assistance – We provide medications, lab tests and MRIs at no cost when necessary. We have also provided bus fares and equipment for patients in need.

Durable Equipment – This year we were able to provide one scooter, two walkers, a shower chair, commode and three air conditioners to MS patients and their families. We were able to provide a baby crib to a patient with MS who was unable to afford one as well.

MS Clinic – This is a monthly free clinic for patients with MS. Approximately 250 people have been seen this year. The clinic is staffed by a neurologist and a physical therapist.

Table Top Auction – This program is coordinated by the MS Center staff with the assistance of volunteers from the MS community. Proceeds from the auction benefit education and patients in need.

NUTRITION ASSESSMENT, COUNSELING, & EDUCATION SERVICES

Outpatient nutrition service dietitians from the Clinical Nutrition Services department provide free counseling, assessment, and education services through the Hospital’s Center for Women’s Medicine, AIDS Activities Office, and Outpatient Dialysis Clinic. In FY’05, the dietitians provided approximately 453 hours conducting free education sessions.

PATIENT CARE SERVICES - COMMUNITY SERVICE

Patient Care Services provides a variety of classes/support groups to our patients and their families.

Burn Survivors Support Group
This group meets bi-monthly for support and education of burn patients and family members. Healed group members in turn provide current burn patients with peer support. The meetings are facilitated by nursing and social services staff. Average attendance is 10-12 individuals per meeting.

Total Joint Pre-Operative Education Classes
This two-hour class, held twice a month, is designed to assist patients scheduled for total joint replacement to prepare for surgery and the extended rehabilitation required for recovery. Approximately 20 patients and families attend these classes each class.

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Patient and Family Support Group
Three nurses from the hospital conduct this support group, which meets for a 1-1/2 hour session nine times a year. The group, which consists of ICD recipients and their families, has a regular attendance of 5-20 per session. The nurses and other health care professionals provide information on health topics pertinent to the needs of this group including medications, diet, and lifestyle modifications.

Renal Education and Enhancement Program
The Renal Education and Enhancement Program provides newly diagnosed chronic renal failure patients and their families with information on treatment options, nutrition and lifestyle changes, as well as support to cope with these changes.

Amputee Support Group
The Amputee Support Group meets monthly. It is the only group of its kind within a 50 mile radius of LVHHN. The group is facilitated by LVHHN nursing staff. During FY’05, the group supported approximately 25 amputees and their families. In addition to the formal support group meetings, designated group members were trained to become peer visitors. These individuals contact patients who are scheduled to have or just recently had an amputation and discuss upcoming everyday challenges and emotional feelings endured upon having an amputation.

The Professional Nurse Council (PNC) participated in the following community service activities in FY’05.

Take N.O.T.E.S. (Nursing Opportunities to Educate Students)
LVHHN hosted the 14th year of the Take N.O.T.E.S. program. Eighteen students completed a seven–week experience that includes time on the patient care units with a registered nurse and classroom time with nursing guest speakers. The program is co-sponsored with the Lehigh Valley Business Education Partnership. The target audience is junior and senior high school students considering a nursing career.

Nurse Camp
LVHHN, in conjunction with DeSales University, hosted the third annual Nurse Camp. Twenty-four students from local high schools spent the week exploring nursing careers. The camp provides students with an opportunity to examine their consideration of nursing as a career choice.

Celtic Fest
LVHHN nursing staff volunteered their time to provide first aide services at the Celtic Festival in Bethlehem. Twenty-four nurses volunteered their time to provide first aide during the three-day event.

Adopt – A – Family
The Professional Nurse Council coordinated the “Adopt-A-Family” program during the December Holidays. The families were needy patients or employees of LVHHN. Various departments adopted a needy family and provided family members with holiday gifts and other necessary items. This year 465 families were “adopted.”

Emergency Department Mitten Collection
More than 200 pairs of mittens were donated by our staff and given to needy pediatric patients who presented at our inner city 17th Street Emergency Department during the cold months of the year.

Emergency Department Sweat Suit Collection
Abuse victims seeking care in the Emergency Department must often relinquish their clothes as potential crime evidence. The Professional Nurse Council coordinated the donation of new sweat suits for these patients to replace the personal clothing they had to relinquish.

Jamaican School Project
The Professional Nurse Council supported Cedar Crest College nursing students in their efforts to supply school and medical supplies to a needy school in Jamaica. More than 100 items were donated by LVHHN staff.

School Supply Donation
The Professional Nurse Council coordinated donation of school supplies to benefit needy children enrolled in the Allentown and Bethlehem School Districts. Response from our LVHHN family was overwhelming – donated supplies almost completely filled 3 mini-vans!

TRAUMA DIVISION - INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAMS

Trauma Division staff conducted multiple trauma prevention programs for all age categories in the community during FY’05. Over 4,400 members of the community were reached through one or more of these programs.

SCHOOL BASED PRESENTATIONS

Traumaroo Injury Prevention Programs
Traumaroo Injury prevention programs including bicycle, playground, pedestrian, and home/neighborhood safety were presented to elementary school children grades K-3 at grade schools throughout the community reached by Lehigh Valley Hospital. The Traumaroo program utilizes a video coupled with classroom interaction to teach children how to be safe.
Number educated: 1,046

Safety Town
Safety Town is a unique injury prevention program developed by the trauma division in 2005. This portable, interactive “town” is designed to teach children grades K-2 how to be safe in their everyday lives. The town was constructed with the vision of having the children begin at home and travel through a normal day in their lives...school, park, and neighborhood while discussing what dangers they may encounter along the way. Safety Town has been taken to local community events and schools. This free service has continued to attract significant attention from the community.
Number educated: 125

CAR SEAT INSPECTION
The Lehigh Valley Hospital Pediatric Trauma Coordinator is a certified child safety seat technician. She participates in LVH sponsored car seat safety checks as well as through the Allentown Health Bureau. These car seat checks are held in various areas throughout Lehigh County enabling the community to benefit from this community service.
Number Educated: 60

HEALTH FAIRS
Trauma Division staff including MedEvac personnel educated the community about brain and spinal cord injury prevention, as well as bike/helmet and pedestrian safety at multiple health and safety fairs in the Lehigh Valley and Luzerne County.
Number educated: 1,000.

DRINKING AND DRIVING EDUCATION
The Trauma Program is an active member of the Lehigh Valley Regional DUI task force called TEAM DUI. This initiative is part of a partnership between Lehigh Valley Hospital, local police departments, PennDOT, Health Bureaus, and insurance companies to decrease the frequency of drinking and driving crashes through aggressive law enforcement and education. The trauma program supported Team DUI through attendance at monthly meetings and participation in multiple education events, press conferences, and alcohol awareness fairs. LVH sponsored a non-alcoholic holiday mix-off in the Anderson Wing featuring LVH and local news media.
Number Educated: 1,500.

COMMUNITY LECTURES
Trauma Division staff has been invited to various organizations throughout the Lehigh Valley to lead discussions on injury prevention.
Number Educated: 700

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