Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center Foundation of Northern New York will host the 27th annual Thousand Islands Golf Classic event on Thursday & Friday, June 6 & 7, 2024. The presenting sponsor is the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 910 & Northern New York National Electrical Contractors Association.
This year’s event features a dinner reception and live auction on Thursday, June 6, at the Edgewood Resort. On Friday, June 7, enjoy 18 holes of golf at the beautiful Thousand Islands Country Club. Both the old course and lake course will be utilized.
The increased demand for mental health services in our community can be seen as Samaritan’s Emergency Department behavioral health unit patient volume has doubled since 2022, and our inpatient mental health unit continues to be full. A portion of the proceeds raised from this year’s event will be dedicated to enhancing vital mental health services at Samaritan Medical Center.
This year’s online auction is open and runs until 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 6. The in-person auction takes place at the dinner event the evening of June 6. The online and in-person auctions both feature a wide variety of items including vacation rentals, event tickets, gift cards for dining and experiences, designer accessories, artwork, crafting kits, furniture, airline tickets, dirt bike, go cart, grills, coolers, and more. There is something for everyone.
Visit samaritanhealth.com/golfto register for the online auction bidding and to purchase tickets to the dinner and live auction.
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for March 2024. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who support patient care, both at the hospital and all outpatient clinics.
Brandi Simpson, registered nurse (RN) at Samaritan Interventional Radiology received the DAISY Award. Brittney Kiblin, registered pharmacy technician at Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE Award.
Nurse Manager Kim Smith, nominated Simpson saying:
Brandi Simpson, RN
“Brandi takes time at the bedside to engage in casual conversation to ease the apprehension and fear of patients receiving treatment for both new and old acute and chronic diagnosis. Brandi makes sure that the support person is always included and provides time for them to ask questions and seek clarification. She always provides them with education and reassurance to always “reach out and call if you have any concerns or questions”. She always maintains that welcoming smile and demeanor. Plus she is always willing to come in on a moment’s notice to help with staffing and make sure patients’ needs are met. I am so proud to have Brandi on my team and for all she has accomplished.”
For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Simpson was presented with a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.
Kiblin was nominated by Pharmacist Andrea Favret, with the following statement for nomination:
Brittany Kiblin, Registered Pharmacy Tech
“Brittney has been instrumental in preparing for and implementing the new regulations set forth by USP 797 on IV sterile compounding. Without her help, we wouldn’t be as successful as we are at maintaining regulations, training staff, and providing the highest level of care for our patients. Brittney is always willing to lend a hand to her fellow employees to complete the daily tasks in the department even if not scheduled to do so. She is very deserving of this award.”
Kiblin was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.
Both awards will continue to be presented throughout the year, and nominations can be submitted by patients, families, or colleagues at any time. To make a nomination or to learn more about the Samaritan DAISY and BEE Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
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About Samaritan Medical Center
Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serves the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.
About The DAISY Foundation
The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,900 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and for nurses participating in medical missions. More information is available at http://www.DAISYfoundation.org.
Do you treat your mental health with the same care and attention as you do your physical health?
It’s a simple yet important question to consider, especially as we enter Mental Health Awareness Month. Observed every May, this nationwide recognition event shines a light on the often overlooked but critically important aspects of our mental well-being.
For most of us, the honest answer to the above question is “no.” When we have cold or flu-like symptoms, we consult our doctor or an urgent care clinic. If we chip a tooth, we make an appointment with a dentist. Yet, when we feel anxious, depressed or experience a traumatic event, we often avoid asking for help.
“It is quite common for people to brush off feelings of anxiety or depression rather than seek help from a mental health professional,” says Tina O’Neil, director of mental health services at Samaritan Health. “Some may think they can handle these feelings on their own, or they might feel embarrassed or ashamed about seeking help. Some people may not even realize that what they are experiencing is a mental health issue.”
Watch for warning signs
Identifying the warning signs of mental illness can be a difficult – but critical – first step toward getting help. All individuals have different behaviors, and all illnesses have different symptoms, but the following are some common warning signs of mental illness:
Excessive worrying or fear
Feeling excessively sad or low
Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning
Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria
Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger
Avoiding friends and social activities
Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy
Changes in eating habits, such as increased hunger or lack of appetite
Changes in sex drive
Overuse of substances such as alcohol or drugs
Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress
“Children and teens may also show warning signs of mental illness,” says Samaritan Psychiatrist Daniel J. Williamson, MD. “It is important to be aware of certain behaviors in youth, especially since they may not be capable of or comfortable talking about their full emotions at home.”
In addition to the warning signs listed above, Dr. Williamson encourages families to watch for the following signs in children and adolescents.
Changes in school performance
Excessive worry or anxiety, for instance fighting to avoid bed or school
Hyperactive behavior
Frequent nightmares
Frequent disobedience or aggression
Frequent temper tantrums
Reaching out for help
If you notice any of these warning signs, or even if you think you do, the next step is to reach out for help. Start by voicing your concerns to a trusted family member, friend or your primary care doctor. Then get in touch with a mental health professional in your area.
Here in the North Country, Samaritan offers comprehensive mental health services for patients of all ages. The Samaritan Outpatient Behavioral Health clinic, located at 1575 Washington Street in Watertown, provides various forms of counseling, talk therapy, medication-based treatment, and other interventions.
“Our specialists are trained to treat anxiety disorders, mood disorders — including depression — sleep disorders, psychotic disorders, and just about any other mental or behavioral health concern a patient may need help with,” O’Neil says. “Treatment is tailored to each patient, and we even offer counseling specific to couples, families and other situations.”
New patients can access Samaritan’s Outpatient Behavioral Health clinic by coming to walk-in hours from 8:00–11:00 a.m. Monday through Friday. During the initial walk-in appointment, a caregiver will collect medical history, perform a brief assessment, and schedule a follow-up appointment with a therapist. Space is limited at walk-in hours.
In addition to providing outpatient care, Samaritan has resources to help in urgent mental health situations. The emergency department at Samaritan Medical Center has a unit dedicated to behavioral health emergencies, and just upstairs, a 32-bed inpatient mental health unit provides a safe, caring and confidential environment for adults experiencing a severe psychiatric crisis.
Fighting against stigma
“One other thing I would like to mention about Samaritan is our commitment to educating patients, families and the community about mental health,” says O’Neil. “Raising awareness is our best way to fight against stigma and to help people feel more comfortable about seeking the care they need.”
Fortunately, O’Neil says, she has seen public opinion on mental health changing for the better in recent years, thanks in part to efforts such as Mental Health Awareness Month. Recent polling shows that 23% of American adults visited a mental health professional in 2022, up from just 13% of adults in 2004.
This shows that, while the need for mental health services has increased, so has the emphasis on seeking out help and achieving mental wellness. This trend is inspiring to O’Neil, who hopes to see the support and acceptance continue.
“We want everyone to feel comfortable seeking care for their mental health,” she says. “We can all benefit from counseling or talk therapy at certain points in our lives, just like we all benefit from regular visits to the doctor or dentist.”
If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis and unsure what to do, an urgent mental health hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling or texting 988.
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Keep Home and Samaritan Summit Village are pleased to announce the OWL award recipients for March 2024. The outstanding workers in long term care (OWL) award recognizes exemplary staff who support the residents, their families, and the caregivers at our long term care facilities.
Suzanne Kirkpatrick, Certified Nursing Assistant, at the Keep Home, and Summit Village Assisted Living Home Health Aide’s Gina Deline, Stephanie Deline, and Leila Howard, were nominated and selected as winners by a committee.
Multiple co-workers nominated Kirkpatrick, and an excerpt from the March OWL award nomination, read:
Suzanne Kirkpatrick, CNA, on the Keep Home’s 2nd floor, was highlighted for her work ethic, compassion, and care for all residents, “no matter what floor she is on.” While accepting her OWL recognition, Suzanne proudly remembered all the floors she had worked on at the organization during her more than 40 years of service at Samaritan.
The Summit Village OWL honorees were collectively acknowledged by Neva Bossard, administrator for assisted living, for their outstanding care, compassion, and teamwork. Thanks to their quick thinking, the team ensured that Summit Village residents did not miss their beloved BINGO event one evening when there was severe weather and staffing issues. These caregivers do not typically coordinate and execute activities of this nature. She said, “this was a testament to their commitment to our residents’ overall well-being.”
From left to right: Suzanne Kirkpatrick, CNA, Gina Deline, HHA, Lelia Howard, HHA, and Stephanie Deline, HHA
For being recognized, the OWL recipients receive a certificate, special parking spot for a month, an owl pin, special banner recognition, badge buddy, and various treats.
The OWL award will continue to be presented at each Samaritan long term care facility throughout the year, and residents, families, or colleagues can submit nominations at any time. To nominate or learn more about the OWL award, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
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About Samaritan Keep Home
The Samaritan Keep Home is a 272-bed long term care facility connected to the Samaritan Medical Center campus in Watertown. This residential care facility provides a full range of skilled nursing assistance, rehabilitative therapies, and social and recreational activities. Our mission is to provide an atmosphere that allows our residents to thrive and remain socially active in all aspects of their lives.
About Samaritan Summit Village
At Samaritan Summit Village – Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing facilities – our team is committed to providing sophisticated senior living. Whether we’re assisting with daily chores or planning exciting group activities, we’re here to help make living easier The services needed by residents may vary widely, but the goal of our care is always the same: helping seniors to live exceptionally and age in place. With its amazing views, Samaritan Summit Village overlooks Watertown, NY, and offers 120 assisted living beds, and 168 nursing home beds.
About The OWL Award
The owl is symbolic of intuition, protection, and wisdom. At Samaritan, we are all caregivers, including those who have committed to showing extraordinary compassionate care as a long term caregiver. We need each other to care for our community.
The OWL Award (Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care) was established in December 2023 and is awarded to a caregiver who has given their time and talent to the healthcare system and to our residents. The recipients have repeatedly gone above and beyond in their role to help our staff, and residents, to make our community thrive. They exemplify the HEART Values and take their role as a Samaritan Caregiver with pride.
The OWL Award complements our existing DAISY and BEE Awards for staff, and HIVE award for volunteers. Together we recognize the amazing caregivers of the Samaritan Health System and the culture we embrace.
More than 40 years ago, Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals was founded with a simple goal in mind: Change Kids’ Health, Change the Future.
Within 170 children’s hospitals throughout the U.S. and Canada, and with the help of more than $8.5 billion in donations, the initiative is helping member hospitals to locally fund what is needed most. From life-saving treatments and healthcare services to innovative research and financial assistance for patients in need, Children’s Miracle Network has ignited real change in the lives of children and families across the country—including right here in New York’s North Country.
Children’s Miracle Network of Northen New York 2024 Champion
Samaritan + Children’s Miracle Network
Samaritan Medical Center has served as the North Country’s official Children’s Miracle Network Hospital since 1990, striving to raise and allocate funds to improve the health and well-being of children in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
“To be able to facilitate the work of Children’s Miracle Network right here in the North Country is a tremendous opportunity and point of pride,” says Samaritan President and CEO Tom Carman. “We’re here to care for our young community members, especially those in need of critical assistance. This partnership helps us do that.”
Children’s Miracle Network supports child-centered areas at Samaritan through the funding of capital projects and the purchase of critical pediatric equipment. Additionally, assistance is offered directly to families to alleviate the burden of out-of-pocket expenses related to their child’s serious medical condition, wherever their treatment takes place.
Miracles in the making
Throughout its time as a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, Samaritan has come to the aid of children suffering from traumatic brain injury, blood cancers and rare diseases requiring complicated care.
“Without CMN, we would not have been able to pursue the best care possible for our child. Without their help, many children would not get the support they need to live their true best lives and we are so very thankful for them every day,” said a parent of Charlie McNitt who is under medical care for cerebral palsy.
Finley
Thanks to support from Children’s Miracle Network, covering everything from critical MRIs and medication to hospital transportation, when insurance doesn’t cover it, children and their families have found Samaritan to be a beacon of hope, helping them through very challenging situations. Oftentimes the sheer cost of travel to special pediatric care programs causes hardship for families and CMN is able to help with these expenses.
“Families depend on us to care for them, to care for their children,” says Angie VanWormer, director of Children’s Miracle Network of Northern New York (CMN of NNY). “Knowing we are helping children in need gives us a great sense of satisfaction, and shows Samaritan Caregivers and members of our community what teamwork can accomplish.”
Aid through Direct Family Assistance Program
Children’s Miracle Network families, 2023
Supported by the Children’s Miracle Network, Samaritan’s Direct Family Assistance Program provides financial assistance for expenses related to a child’s serious medical condition. This may include travel expenses, un-insured portions of medical and pharmaceutical bills, un-insured equipment, co-pays and out of pocket costs. To be eligible, children must reside in Jefferson, Lewis or St. Lawrence County. The age limit is 18 or up to 21 if the child is still a dependent or in college.
To learn more about Direct Family Assistance or to request an application, please call315-785-4053 or email [email protected].
Other ways to help
Ongoing fundraising efforts to support local children through this organization include Samaritan’s Miracle Giving Wall, corporate partner campaigns, Radiothon, and Extra Life. There are many ways for community members, businesses and organizations to donate to the work of Samaritan and the Children’s Miracle Network.
Watertown, NY – As of April 11, 2024, the Walker Center for Cancer Care will return to mask-optional for all staff, patients, and visitors under certain criteria. This decision comes after closely watching transmission levels of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, declining COVID-19 hospitalization and infection rates, and other supporting indicators. If any of these metrics have an uptick, the Walker Center for Cancer Care could return to wearing facemasks.
At this time, the following use of facemasks will be asked of patients, staff, and visitors:
In the Emergency Department (ED), all visitors and patients are asked to mask in this location when not in a private room.
In the Samaritan Keep Home and Samaritan Summit Village due to long term care requirements.
Patients, visitors and/or healthcare personnel are to follow masking practices per unit/department when specifically indicated. For the health and safety of the community, we reserve the right to require any patient in any area who has signs or symptoms of respiratory illness or COVID-19 to wear a facemask as per Samaritan practices.
Visitors who are not feeling well, have symptoms of fever, nausea/vomiting, or diarrhea, or have been in contact with anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 cannot visit patients or accompany patients to appointments.
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for February 2024. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who support patient care, both at the hospital and all outpatient clinics.
Ann Groff, licensed practical nurse (LPN) at Samaritan Dermatology and Mohs Surgery received the DAISY Award. Melissa McDonald, medical assistant at Samaritan Dermatology and Mohs Surgery, received the BEE Award. This was a first for the committee to award two deserving caregivers to the same outpatient clinic, at the same time.
Rachel Moore, lead clinic LPN at Samaritan Dermatology and Mohs Surgery nominated Groff saying:
“At the end of the day she always makes her rounds to make sure the chores are done and checks to see if anyone needs anything before leaving. She never stops going and is a true team player. Ann helps precept new employees and is very well respected. If the surgical team needs help, she is there and hops right in. We need more nurses like her. Ann Groff is very deserving of the Daisy award because she is a true example of an extraordinary NURSE!! Thank you, Ann, for your hard work and dedication to our patients and for making the lives of others so much easier through your compassion. You are a true Samaritan star and DAISY.”
For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Groff was presented with a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.
McDonald was also nominated by Rachel Moore, with the following statement for nomination:
“Our patients are in great hands with Melissa. She assists with surgeries, and multiple procedures on a daily basis. Helps prep charts and get things ready for the next week without any hesitation. I hope she continues on for her nursing degree because she would be a fantastic nurse someday. Melissa is trustworthy, dependable, respectful, empathetic, honest and always accountable. Melissa deserves the Bee award with high honors for the fantastic care she gives our patients.”
McDonald was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.
Both awards will continue to be presented throughout the year, and nominations can be submitted by patients, families, or colleagues at any time. To make a nomination or to learn more about the Samaritan DAISY and BEE Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
Ann Groff, licensed practical nurse, and Melissa McDonald, medical assistant, were presented with certificates for Samaritan’s February 2024 DAISY and BEE Awards.
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About Samaritan Medical Center
Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serves the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.
About The DAISY Foundation
The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,900 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and for nurses participating in medical missions. More information is available at http://www.DAISYfoundation.org.
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for January 2024. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who support patient care, both at the hospital and all outpatient clinics.
Megan Gould, licensed practical nurse at Samaritan Family Health Center (SFHC) in Adams received the DAISY Award. Mary Deline, nursing assistant at Samaritan Medical Center 4 Pavilion, received the BEE Award.
Donna Edwards, clinic supervisor at SFHC in Adams nominated Gould saying:
“Megan has a wonderful skill set of communicating with her patients. She is calm and patient but sets clear appropriate boundaries with patients. She is a nurse that nurses should strive to be. She is a huge asset to our organization. There are many events that would warrant her the recognition of this award but most recently she had an encounter with a patient’s family at the end stages of her life. The outcome for the family was loss and grief but Megan did an amazing job making that complicated process to get Hospice into the home less stressful for the family. This care she gives patients resembles that on a daily basis and she deserves to be recognized for her continued amazing care for her patients.”
For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Gould was presented with a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.
Deline was nominated by Meghann Black, Registered Nurse at the Medical Center, with the following statement for nomination:
“Mary goes above and beyond for her patients. She takes her time with each and every one of them to make sure they are cleaned from head to toe and walked multiple times per day. Mary always volunteers to stay late on the days she works and almost always ends up working the next day. Mary is the epitome of how an aide should be and I do not think that she gets enough credit. Samaritan Medical Center is very lucky to have a hard dedicated worker like Mary.”
Deline was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.
Both awards will continue to be presented throughout the year, and nominations can be submitted by patients, families, or colleagues at any time. To make a nomination or to learn more about the Samaritan DAISY and BEE Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
Megan Gould, licensed practical nurse, and Mary Deline, nursing assistant, were presented with certificates for Samaritan’s January 2024 DAISY and BEE Awards.
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About Samaritan Medical Center
Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serves the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.
About The DAISY Foundation
The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,900 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and for nurses participating in medical missions. More information is available at http://www.DAISYfoundation.org.
Watertown, NY – Samaritan’s focus continues to be the health and safety of its staff, patients, residents, and visitors, as we plan for the upcoming solar eclipse. We have been meeting and planning with many local and state officials, as well as learning from similar regions that endured the 2017 total eclipse. Due to the anticipated influx of tourists surrounding the solar eclipse leading up to, and on April 8, 2024, Samaritan has proactively taken the following measures:
All outpatient appointments at Samaritan Health locations in the city of Watertown and our LeRay location have been canceled for Monday, April 8, 2024, and all appointments will be rescheduled. This includes all elective surgical and procedure cases, primary care, specialty services, cancer care, imaging, wound care, and more.
Patients who feel they need medical care by their primary care provider that day should call 315-755-3100 to speak with a triage nurse between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Walk-in lab and X-ray at the Health and Wellness Plaza, and Coffeen Street, are closed on Monday, April 8, 2024. These services will, however, be available at the Medical Center, 830 Washington Street, Watertown, on Monday, April 8, 2024, from 6 a.m. – Noon.
Family Health Centers in Adams, Cape Vincent, and Clayton will operate on a half-day schedule, including the labs or X-rays at the locations that offer those services.
City of Watertown locations, including the Medical Center, Keep Home, and Summit Village, will have restricted parking available for staff, patients, visitors, and support persons who need to be on location that day. Please expect to see parking attendants at our facilities.
Select inpatients and long term care residents will have the opportunity to experience the eclipse based on mobility and health. Samaritan’s Trauma Program has supplied approved safety glasses for their viewing leisure, and for our staff.
The Emergency Department remains open. Those in medical crisis should call 9-1-1. Those who are experiencing illness and are questioning whether help can wait may call our resource line at 315-755-3100 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The resource line staff members cannot provide a diagnosis over the phone but can provide helpful information to point the patient in the right direction.
The proximity of the main hospital to the eclipse event in Thompson Park may pose traffic issues for anyone trying to get to the hospital. Visitors of inpatients or residents may want to consider a virtual or phone visit that day in case traffic is an issue and personal technology allows.
Samaritan staff will receive staffing and operational communications through internal channels. Staff and the community should be aware that Samaritan reserves the right to modify these plans as the event draws nearer. Visit samaritanhealth.com for updates.
Samaritan thanks everyone in advance for their patience as we navigate challenges we may all face with traffic and parking during this historic natural event. For information on safe viewing of the solar eclipse please visit https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/safety/.
Watertown, NY—Samaritan Keep Home and Samaritan Summit Village are pleased to announce the OWL award recipients for February 2024. The outstanding workers in long-term care (OWL) award recognizes exemplary staff who support the residents, their families, and the caregivers at our long-term care facilities.
Chandra Tolbert, fourth floor Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at the Keep Home, and Julianna Barber, third floor skilled nursing Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Summit Village, were nominated and selected as winners by a committee.
A co-worker nominated Tolbert, and an excerpt from the February OWL award nomination, read:
“Chandra has been an employee of SKH since 2018. She is dedicated, compassionate, and a team player. Chandra is loved by all her residents and knows them well. She monitors routines and puts smiles on the faces of the residents daily.”
A family member of a resident nominated Barber, and an excerpt the February OWL award nomination, read:
“Julianna is a breath of fresh air. She is always positive and smiling. It appears she loves her job. Not only does she know every patient’s name, but makes a point to remember all their guests, what they like and don’t like… Skilled nursing is very lucky to have a worker like Julianna. She is the best.”
For being recognized, the OWL recipients receive a certificate, special parking spot for a month, an owl pin, special banner recognition, badge buddy, and various treats.
The OWL award will continue to be presented at each Samaritan long term care facility throughout the year, and residents, families, or colleagues can submit nominations at any time. To nominate or learn more about the OWL award, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
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About Samaritan Keep Home The Samaritan Keep Home is a 272-bed long term care facility connected to the Samaritan Medical Center campus in Watertown. This residential care facility provides a full range of skilled nursing assistance, rehabilitative therapies, and social and recreational activities. Our mission is to provide an atmosphere that allows our residents to thrive and remain socially active in all aspects of their lives.
About Samaritan Summit Village At Samaritan Summit Village – Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing facilities – our team is committed to providing sophisticated senior living. Whether we’re assisting with daily chores or planning exciting group activities, we’re here to help make living easier The services needed by residents may vary widely, but the goal of our care is always the same: helping seniors to live exceptionally and age in place. With its amazing views, Samaritan Summitt Village overlooks Watertown, NY, and offers 120 assisted living beds, and 168 nursing home beds.
About The OWL Award The owl is symbolic of intuition, protection, and wisdom. At Samaritan, we are all caregivers, including those who have committed to showing extraordinary compassionate care as a long term caregiver. We need each other to care for our community.
The OWL Award (Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care) was established in December 2023 and is awarded to a caregiver who has given their time and talent to the healthcare system and to our residents. The recipients have repeatedly gone above and beyond in their role to help our staff, and residents, to make our community thrive. They exemplify the HEART Values and take their role as a Samaritan Caregiver with pride.
The OWL Award complements our existing DAISY and BEE Awards for staff, and HIVE award for volunteers. Together we recognize the amazing caregivers of the Samaritan Health System and the culture we embrace.
Samaritan Health is not responsible for content, privacy policy, accuracy or legality of any website assessed through a link on www.samartianhealth.com. A link to another website does not constitute an endorsement, guarantee or approval by Samaritan Health of the linked website or the information, products or services contained therein
