Gabi Hoover, Author at Samaritan Health

March 14, 2024March 15, 2024

Samaritan to Host Dinner to Recognize Physicians: Dr. Karl J. Komar to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center will host its tenth Physician Recognition Dinner on Thursday, April 11, 2024. This event, supported by the Samaritan Medical Center Medical Executive Committee and Samaritan Foundation, is held annually on or around National Doctors’ Day to honor Samaritan’s active and retired physicians for their dedication.

As part of this event, one physician is selected to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was established to recognize a Samaritan physician for his/her leadership and service to the health and well-being of the Northern New York community. Whether in their private practice, hospital duties, Board or Medical Staff leadership positions or volunteer work, Samaritan’s physicians dedicate their time and talent to making the community a better place to live.

The 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is Karl J. Komar, MD, a neonatologist, in recognition of his 30-year commitment to Samaritan Medical Center as the original and lead neonatologist.

Dr. Komar is from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He received his medical degree from Wayne State University, Detroit, MI in 1977 and completed a pediatric residency program at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI. He then went on to complete a fellowship in neonatology at Wyler Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL. He practiced as a neonatologist in Grand Rapids and Dearborn, MI prior to relocating to Watertown.

In 1994, Dr. Komar joined Samaritan Medical Center’s medical staff. Since Dr. Komar’s arrival, the Samaritan Level II neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has flourished with his expertise to care for those babies born after 32 weeks gestation needing extra care to develop and thrive. He has spent countless hours caring for our most precious newborns in need of a higher level of care after their birth. It is a space and a role he has been dedicated to for 30 years, oftentimes working 24 hours a day. “The Level 2 NICU existed before I arrived here, but it has grown and developed significantly with the support from Kinney Drugs, our outstanding nursing staff, and Samaritan’s administration” said Dr. Komar.

Dr. Karl Komar portrait. — Dr. Karl Komar, neonatologist, to receive Lifetime Achievement Award

As a specialist in his field, Dr. Komar has held leadership roles at Samaritan serving as Medical Staff President in 2011 and 2012 and in pediatrics/neonatology as the chair for the department for many years – in fact the longest of any member of our medical staff. He has cultivated relationships with surrounding facilities to help newborns receive care at the Level 4 Regional Perinatal Center at Crouse Hospital, and accepting transfers to our NICU when the newborns are progressing so they can be closer to home. Samaritan’s Level II NICU is the only NICU in the tri-county region, and Dr. Komar has been a large part of its longevity in the community. The need for the NICU was in part due to the connection Samaritan has with Fort Drum and the large number of births we see each year allowing Samaritan to care for military families closer to home.

Dr. Komar and the NICU team were instrumental and humbled when the new NICU opened in 2012 within the Car-Freshner Center for Women and Children. Their vision to create a family-centric space with private areas, updated equipment, and a dedicated unit came to fruition. A major pride point for Dr. Komar has been his work and advocacy efforts for the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) program at Samaritan. Each year Dr. Komar supports CMN to help raise funds for local families in need, and to support pediatric equipment needed in the child-centered areas. He helps engage families through the annual Radiothon event, encourages families to use the direct-family assistance program, and has been part of the allocation committee that helps determine where the funds raised will be used.

Dr. Komar’s connection with the families and newborns he cares for are at the core of his lifetime achievement. So many lives have been touched through this specialized service.

“This annual event is a time to honor our physicians and celebrate the essential role they play in caring for our patients and our community,” said Thomas H. Carman, president and CEO of Samaritan Medical Center. “Dr. Komar’s long-standing commitment to providing specialized neonatal care for our smallest, most vulnerable patients and their families has had a tremendous impact on so many lives. Our community is fortunate to have a team of exceptional physicians such as Dr. Komar that have dedicated their lives to the practice of medicine and demonstrate excellence in providing patient care every day.”

Dr. Komar resides in Watertown. He has two children, Alysia and Michael, who both live in California. He continues to be inspired by the memory of his late wife Antoinette.

The Physician Recognition Dinner will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Watertown. This event is open to the community. Tickets are $55 per person. For more information or to RSVP, please visit www.samaritanhealth.com/physiciandinner, or call 315-785-4584.

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March 13, 2024March 13, 2024

Kinney Drugs and Kinney Drugs Foundation Make Investment to Improve Mental Health Services Across the Region

Picture shows Kinney Drugs representatives handing a 250,000 symbolic check to Samaritan Medical Center Foundation representants.

Watertown, NY – The Samaritan Medical Center Foundation of Northern New York is pleased to announce the generous support of Kinney Drugs and the Kinney Drugs Foundation in expanding mental health treatment services and physical space within Samaritan Medical Center. In recognition of this recent commitment of dollars, the adult inpatient mental health unit space will be named in honor of Kinney Drugs.

The inpatient mental health unit expects approval from the New York State (NYS) Office of Mental Health (OMH) to increase the bed count in the unit from 34 to 39 beds. The five additional rooms will be private, which is a significant need. The current physical space consists exclusively of double-occupant rooms. It often cannot be used for two patients due to aggression, infection control issues, and other reasons. The unit is typically full, and with the increase in mental health crises, patients go to the emergency department. Fifty percent of the adults who visit the emergency department in a psychiatric crisis will need a stabilization inpatient stay within this unit.

Kinney Drugs and its Foundation remain among Samaritan’s top donors, supporters, and partners. Over the years, the organization has supported Samaritan and quality healthcare in the Northern New York region in many ways. They are dedicated to the pediatric patient population and have donated needed funds in multiple departments within the Car-Freshner Center Women & Children, including the Level II neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the play area on the pediatric inpatient unit, and a cesarean surgical suite in labor & delivery. In addition, Kinney is a steadfast partner and fundraiser for Samaritan’s Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) program.

In 1992, they became a CMN national partner, just two years after Samaritan became a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. All stores raise funds for CMN and locally across the Jefferson, St. Lawrence, and Lewis County areas. Their teams are highly engaged and passionate about CMN.

Kinney Drugs and the Kinney Drugs Foundation have repeatedly shown their commitment and support to Samaritan over decades. They have invested over one million dollars in continuing quality and compassionate healthcare at Samaritan.

The Kinney Drugs Foundation is the philanthropic arm of KPH Healthcare Services, Inc. with locations in 14 states, including its home state of New York. Since its inception in 2002, the Kinney Drugs Foundation has given more than $12 million to these communities, helping make positive changes in the lives of so many people. Information on the Foundation may be found at www.kinneydrugsfoundation.com.

Pictured here, from left, are Beth Fipps, VP of Foundation & Community Services, Samaritan Medical Center Foundation, and Thomas H. Carman, President and CEO, Samaritan Medical Center, with Dave Warner, President of the Kinney Drugs Foundation and EVP of KPH Healthcare Services, and Rich McNulty, SVP of Human Resources of KPH Healthcare Services.

March 8, 2024March 8, 2024

Samaritan Announces Mask-Optional in Most Locations

Watertown, NY – As of March 8, 2024, most Samaritan locations will be 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. Samaritan now safely offers a mask-optional environment in most areas and facilities; however, if any of these metrics have an uptick, we could return to wearing facemasks.

The following use of face masks 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 Walker Center for Cancer Care, because of the weakened immune systems of the patients served, we ask patients and anyone visiting the center to wear a face mask 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.

March 6, 2024March 6, 2024

Let Samaritan help with your colorectal health

This year, the American Cancer Society estimates the occurrence of 106,590 new cases of colon cancer (54,210 in men and 52,380 in women) and nearly 46,220 new cases of rectal cancer (27,330 in men and 18,890 in women).

These are large numbers. Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the second-most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. But along with these estimates comes a glimmer of good news: since the mid-1980s, the rate of people being diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer has dropped each year with incidence rates dropping around 1% every year from 2011-2019. Why? Mainly because more people are changing the way they live to limit risk factors and getting colon screenings when suggested.

These are two key steps to take, and throughout March’s Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and beyond, both should be taken to maintain good colorectal health.

But it doesn’t end there. Being proactive in coordination with your primary care physician and a gastroenterology specialist can help you stay ahead of any colorectal concerns or alleviate problems when they arise. For those in the North Country or nearby, the professionals throughout the Samaritan Health System can assist with these colorectal needs.

“Our team understands the importance of proactive colorectal care,” says Tom Carman, president and CEO of Samaritan Medical Center. “We know what to look for, where to refer patients for further evaluation and, in some cases, how to treat. The first step: schedule a visit with us, and let us help you learn more about colorectal health.”

Understand colorectal health

Colorectal health includes disorders associated with the colon, rectum or anus, and can most commonly be detected through a colonoscopy. There is no single factor that can cause cancers or other colorectal diseases, but understanding common risk factors—concerning age, family medical history and lifestyle—can help maintain good health.

To understand these factors or signs and symptoms of colorectal issues, a good place to start is with your primary care physician. After obtaining a referral for a gastroenterologist, they may suggest a colonoscopy which is an exam used to look for changes in the large intestine (colon) and rectum.

Those age 45-75 have a higher than average risk of colon cancer, so if you fall in this demographic, now’s the time to schedule your colonoscopy or screening.

If caught in its earliest stages, colon cancer can be treated much more effectively, or dangerous polyps can be removed to prevent cancer from ever occurring in the first place.

Samaritan’s Gastroenterology Clinic in LeRay offers two board certified physicians, a seasoned physician assistant, and a nurse practitioner. The clinic boasts early morning appointments as well as appointments past 4 p.m. to help accommodate patients. Located conveniently on U.S. Route 11, the team specializes in routine colonoscopy screenings, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), polyp removal, acid reflux, iron deficiency anemia, and more. The caregivers are compassionate about the work they do and the patients they care for.

Colon cancer treatment

Surgery may be an option when colorectal cancer is identified, and Samaritan has four general surgeons who are trained and experienced in colorectal care. Many of these surgical cases can be performed with the da Vinci robotic system. This state-of-the-art approach can lessen a patient’s stay in the hospital, minimize postoperative pain, and shorten recovery for some patients. Samaritan’s general surgeons are here to provide care to patients early in their diagnosis, giving them the best and most optimal treatment.

Another option for some patients if colon cancer is detected, Samaritan’s Walker Center for Cancer Care can provide cutting-edge treatments and supportive services through its integrated team, or expert guidance from affiliated medical oncology providers like Buffalo’s Roswell Park.

But again, the key to colorectal care is to be proactive. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Get screenings when necessary. Talk with your primary care physician when concerns arise. This is where Samaritan can assist to support any patient’s concerns.

“Your Samaritan primary care physicians are there to answer your questions, provide treatment, and lead you forward in the healthiest way possible,” says Carman. “Connect with them, and let each be your guide.”

To learn how Samaritan Health can aid in your colorectal health, visit samaritanhealth.com and explore the gastroenterology, general surgery, and cancer services.

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March 1, 2024March 1, 2024

Samaritan Keep Home Welcomes Residents from Clifton-Fine Hospital

Watertown, NY – On January 31, nine residents entered the Samaritan Keep Home, their new residence, for the first time. A reception team greeted the incoming residents, and their former caretakers from Clifton-Fine Hospital in Star Lake were on hand to ensure a safe and meaningful transition.

“This was a historic moment for our team of caregivers,” Patrick Calli, vice president of long-term care at Samaritan, said. “We know there may be mixed emotions, but we are thrilled they are here and hope they become familiar with their new home, our services, activities, and our staff.”

The nine skilled nursing residents resided at Clifton-Fine Hospital as patients at the critical access hospital, with special permissions allowing the critical access to have long term care residents. With the hospital seeking a new Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) designation, they needed to find a new home for the patients. The new designation does not allow inpatients, swing beds, or long term care services. Clifton-Fine’s partner, Samaritan Medical Center, identified space in its high-rise facility for the residents who need continued quality care in the North Country. This space allows the cohort of residents to remain together while engaging with their new neighbors, many of whom have called the Samaritan Keep Home their home for several years.

“We know that Samaritan Keep Home caregivers will provide high quality, personalized care for our inpatients who are making their new home in Watertown,” said Dierdra Sorrell, chief executive officer of Clifton-Fine Hospital. “We cannot thank the Samaritan team enough for doing this and easing the burden for families and our community during this transition.”

For the Star Lake community, the REH designation will bring expanded outpatient services while continuing emergency care necessary for the safety and well-being of residents and visitors of the Adirondack Mountains.

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March 1, 2024March 1, 2024

Samaritan Summit Village to host Senior Living Seminar

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Summit Village, 22691 Campus Dr, is hosting a Senior Living Seminar on Monday, March 18, 2024, from 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The seminar is free and open to anyone planning or helping to plan senior care. This is not an open house style event. We ask attendees to register ahead of time and arrive prior to 10 a.m. to experience the entire program.

Hear from professionals in senior care with Jefferson County Office of the Aging; legal matters with Catherine Quencer from Schwerzmann & Wise; financial planning with United Professional Advisors; real estate with the Kenney Team from Keller Williams; and speak with local community agencies that offer resources such as Jefferson County of Department Social Services, Seniors Helping Seniors, North Country Library System, and more. Lunch is provided, and is sponsored by United Professional Advisors, and a tour of the Assisted Living facility at Samaritan Summit Village will be available.

Finding the right solution for long term care needs is important. Seniors and their loved ones want the right mix of services and support to preserve independence, maintain safety, and enhance quality of life. The Senior Living Seminar will provide information and resources needed to help seniors continue the lifestyle they love while providing options for the care that meets their individualized needs.

An Assisting Living program provides nursing care, home care, personal care and meals for residents that require service above and beyond what is typically provided while living in the community. Samaritan Summit Village has 120 assisted living beds and features a home-like environment that is flexible, offering a range of housing and lifestyle options for personalized care in a residential setting.

Samaritan is committed to long term care in Northern New York. Our goal is to take care of people at all stages of life, providing the most appropriate level of care for each individual’s unique medical, physical, and emotional needs.

To register for the senior living seminar, call 315-785-4584. To learn more about Assisted Living at Samaritan Summit Village, visit samaritanhealth.com/assistedliving.

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February 28, 2024March 1, 2024

Samaritan Auxiliary’s 22nd Annual One Night, One Diamond

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Auxiliary’s One Night, One Diamond will be held Saturday, March 23 from 5:30-10:30 p.m. at The Peak (formerly The Commons) on Fort Drum. Attendees will experience old Hollywood glamour and walk the red carpet to enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing, and diamonds.

Tickets are $225 per couple, which includes dinner by The Clipper Inn, dancing to the popular band ‘Atlas’, and an opportunity to win one of three exquisite lab-grown diamonds donated by Cook’s Jewelers, or a get-away package to Lake Placid’s Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa or Clayton’s 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel.

The funds raised from this year’s event will support the purchase of a UroNav Fusion Biopsy System for Samaritan’s Urology Center. This equipment gives the ability for Urologists to perform prostate biopsies in the office and provides Samaritan patients with advanced detection of prostate cancer. With the use of the UroNav Fusion Biopsy system, providers can “fuse” MRI images with real-time ultrasound images of the prostate, thus allowing for more ease in obtaining targeted biopsies of suspicious lesions in the prostate. The procedures will be resulted almost immediately, allowing for a more efficient experience for the patient.

This year’s blue diamond sponsor is Apogee Physicians. Pink diamond sponsors include Bob Johnson Auto Group, Purcell Construction, KeyBank, and Northern Credit Union. Media sponsors are the Watertown Daily Times, 7News, Tunes 92.5 and PixeLit Marketing. Other top sponsors include AmeriCu, Coca-Cola Company, Hancock Estabrook, Hospice of Jefferson County, King + King Architects, The Martin Group, Nickles Property Service, and Slack Chemical Company.

Among last year’s Auxiliary highlights, the 2023 One Night, One Diamond raised a record $125,530 and allowed for the purchase of the BioFire modules for Samaritan’s laboratory while also supporting the purchase of the Hologic Breast PACS System for Samaritan’s Women’s Wellness and Breast Care.

For ticket s or more information please visit the website www.samaritanhealth.com/onod or with questions contact [email protected] or (315) 408-6475. RSVP’s with the names of attendees and date of birth, for entrance onto Fort Drum, must be received by March 8, 2024.

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About Samaritan Auxiliary: The Samaritan Auxiliary was established in 1896 to serve as ambassadors and volunteers to support and enhance healthcare programs at the House of the Good Samaritan. As a 501(c)(3) organization, the Samaritan Auxiliary is composed entirely of volunteers and plays a vital role today in improving the quality of care in the Samaritan system through volunteer activities and financial support. Since 2006 when the event began raising funds for equipment, Samaritan Auxiliary’s One Night, One Diamond proceeds have purchased nearly a million dollars in equipment for Samaritan Medical Center.

The Auxiliary operates the gift shops at the Samaritan Medical Center and Samaritan Summit Village, as well as SIPS Coffee Shop at the Medical Center. Along with Auxiliary uniform and purse sales for the staff, and membership dues, the Auxiliary proudly provides funding in support of programs, services throughout the Samaritan Health System. The Auxiliary had committed $500,000 as its most recent pledge commitment to the Capital Campaign for the Walker Center for Cancer Care, and annually provides two $1500 scholarships to Samaritan Caregivers to further their education. Additionally, the Auxiliary has continued the WHALE (We Have A Little Emergency) child safety seat ID program and That’s Using Your Head, a helmet ID safety program, in conjunction with our Kinney Drugs Foundation partner.

February 28, 2024February 28, 2024

September, October, November, and December 2023 DAISY®️ and BEE Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for September, October, November, and December 2023. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who support patient care, at the hospital and all outpatient clinics.

September:

Jalynne Granger, Registered Nurse (RN), Samaritan Home Health, received the DAISY Award.
Brianna Biggs, nursing assistant, Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE Award.

October:

Tamara Bennett, RN, at Samaritan Medical Center, received the DAISY Award.
Jamie Lyn Goutermout, safety aid, inpatient mental health unit at Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE award.

November:

Athena Green, RN, Samaritan’s emergency department, received the DAISY Award.
Jamie Via, nursing assistant, Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE Award.

December:

Jennifer Steelman, RN, Samaritan Medical Center, received the DAISY Award.
Arlene Godfrey, EKG technician, Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE Award.

An excerpt from Granger’s September DAISY award nomination from the family of a patient, read:

“Jalynne has gone up and beyond as a home health nurse to my mom. Jaylyn has been patient and kind. On one visit she realized that my mom needed to go to the doctor immediately as a result of an infection that had started. It ended with my mom needing a short stay in the hospital. Which could have been a long stay or even worse if not for her guidance. We have never had a home nurse before and our family was a little anxious about this new situation, however with Jaylynne as our nurse we look forward to her visit every week.”

An excerpt from Bennett’s October DAISY award nomination from a co-worker, read:

“4 Pavilion (Medical Center) is so very lucky to have Tamara as a nurse. She is always going above and beyond for her patients and her coworkers. On countless occasions she has stayed after her scheduled hours until change of shift to make sure the floor had a charge nurse or has come in on a weekend day when the floor is short staffed. When a nurse reports a concerning change in status of a patient, Tamara goes directly to the bedside to assess the situation firsthand.”

An excerpt from Green’s November DAISY award nomination from the family of a patient, read:

“Nurse Athena checked in on us time after time and gave us updates. Near the end of our time in the emergency department, she brought in a Christmas stuffed dog for my son, and my son absolutely adored that dog. It made everything better for him and he did not let go of the dog until the next morning. Nurse Athena was kind, patient, understanding, and overall, the best nurse I’ve encountered thus far at Samaritan. We need more nurses like Athena.”

An excerpt from Steelman’s December DAISY award nomination from a co-worker, read:

“I have also had the pleasure of working with Jenn side by side, and there are not enough words to describe a nurse like her who embodies compassion, kindness, and unwavering dedication. Jenn exemplifies the epitome of compassion, kindness, and selflessness in her role as a registered nurse at Samaritan Medical Center. Her unwavering dedication to her patients is a testament to her exemptional character and commitment to care.”

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Granger, Bennett, Green, and Steelman were presented with certificates commending them as extraordinary nurses, DAISY Award pins, and symbolic sculptures 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.

An excerpt from Biggs’ September BEE award nomination from a co-worker, read:

“Brianna is the aide that every nurse wants to have. She always goes above and beyond for her patients and nurses. No matter the request Bri is always willing to help out. She is the first one to a call light even if it is not her assigned patient, she jumps in and offers assistance whenever it is needed.”

An excerpt from Goutermout’s October BEE award nomination from a co-worker, read:

“Her dedication and commitment to her role as a safety aid at Samaritan demonstrates how she embodies the Samaritan H.E.A.R.T. (honest, empathetic, accountable, respectful, trustworthy) values. Her actions clearly demonstrate her passion for ensuring the well-being of both the staff and patients.”

An excerpt from Via’s November BEE award nomination from a co-worker, read:

“If ever there was an example of somebody that fits the definition of “Being Excellent Every Day” it is Jamie. Jamie consistently goes about her day with a positive outlook and goes above and beyond for her patients. Her consistent empathy and compassion make all her patients feel as though they are the most important which brings happiness to their day.”

An excerpt from Godfrey’s December BEE award nomination from a co-worker, read:

“I often find Arlene accompanying visitors and patients to their appropriate destination when they are lost. I watch how she engages in casual conversation that usually ends with a thank you and a smile. Arlene is proficient in her job duties and takes the time to teach and educate others. She is a leader within the organization and is the point person for scheduling, coordinating staff (PCA and Nursing) education as well as taking in students and interns for shadow hours and education within the EKG department.”

Biggs, Goutermout, Via, and Godfrey were presented with certificates, BEE Award pins, and gift bags with other tokens of gratitude.

Both awards will continue to be presented throughout the year, and patients, families, or colleagues can submit nominations at any time. To nominate or learn more about the Samaritan DAISY and BEE Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

Photos of the named DAISY and BEE Award winners are available at samaritanhealth.com/news.

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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.

February 22, 2024February 22, 2024

Samaritan Health Community Information: Communication Issues with Cellular Carriers

Samaritan Health is aware of communication issues with some cellular carriers. For patients pending information on upcoming surgical or interventional radiology procedures or appointments – the following information is available if the patient does not receive a call from Samaritan due to the technical issues:

Patients who are scheduled for outpatient surgery at Samaritan Medical Center should call 315-785-4316 the day before their procedure between 1-5 p.m. to receive their arrival time for the following day. Patients who are scheduled for an interventional radiology appointment at Samaritan Medical Center should call 315-786-4879 by 5 p.m. the day before their appointment to receive their arrival time.

February 20, 2024February 20, 2024

Children’s Miracle Network of Northern New York Names 2024 Champion

Portrait of CMN of Norther New York 2024 Champion: Sophia

Watertown, NY — Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals of Northern New York is pleased to announce 6-year-old Sophia O’Connor of Carthage as its 2024 Champion.

Each year, 170 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals across the country identify a champion in their community to serve as the face for children treated at their hospital. Children’s Miracle Network of Northern New York at Samaritan Medical Center (CMN) has chosen an annual local champion since 2019. The 2023 Champion was Sammy Shelton of Watertown.

“Sophia’s story is one of hope and determination” said Angie VanWormer, Director of Children’s Miracle Network at Samaritan. “Her family is excited that Sophia has been given the opportunity to be an ambassador for CMN and is eager to connect with others in the community to share their experiences.”

When Sophia was just three years old, she suffered an adverse reaction to a prescribed medication that caused prolonged hypoglycemia. This happened while she was sleeping, and she had many seizures that resulted in irreparable damage and blindness. Sophia still has seizures and sees many specialists that monitor her closely. She is now in first grade and loves school and using her imagination. Sophia is overcoming obstacles every day.

“Even though it’s been extremely difficult as a parent to watch your child go through this every day, it’s about trying to have hope that no matter what she does, it will get better and things will become easier for her” says Sophia’s mom, Michelle O’Connor.

Through the Direct Family Assistance Program, CMN continues to be there for Sophia and kids like her to help ease the financial burden of medical care. This program is available to children in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties who are facing a health crisis to help with out-of-pocket costs related to necessary medical care, including travel to specialists and expenses not covered by insurance.

For more information on Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals contact Samaritan Medical Center at 315-785-4053 or [email protected]

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