Samaritan Health Archives

May 28, 2026May 28, 2026

March and April 2026 OWL Award Recipients

graphic showing two winners of the March 2026 OWL award

Watertown, NY – Samaritan is proud to recognize four exceptional team members as the March and April 2026 recipients of its Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care (OWL) Award.

At Samaritan Summit Village, the March recipient was Activities Coordinator (for Assisted Living) Rachel Caswell, who was nominated by a co-worker who expressed gratitude for Rachel’s bubbly personality and care given to residents, families and staff. In April, Megan Freeman, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), was nominated by co-workers for being reliable, personable, knowledgeable and compassionate. They also highlighted her motivation and positive attitude.

At Samaritan Keep Home, the March recipient was Pamela Pullus, LPN, who was nominated by co-workers for her dedication to residents, visitors and staff. They highlighted her positive attitude and willingness to pick up shifts, while also being a positive role model. In April, CJ Scott, LPN, was nominated by co-workers who expressed gratitude for her “southern spirit” and lovable personality. They explained she is a great leader who is always doing the right thing while helping others who need it.

The honorees received certificates and tokens of appreciation during special recognition ceremonies held at their respective facilities.

The OWL Award celebrates the everyday heroes who go the extra mile to provide excellent care and support in Samaritan’s long term care communities. Nominations are accepted year-round from patients, residents, families and colleagues.

To learn more about the OWL Award — and the DAISY and BEE Awards that also recognize extraordinary caregiving across the Samaritan system — visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

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Photo of Pamela Pullus, OWL Award winner

Photo of Rachel Caswell, OWL Award recipient

Photo of Megan Freeman, OWL Award winner

From left: OWL awardees Pamela Pullus, LPN; Rachel Caswell; CJ Scott, LPN; and Megan Freeman, LPN.

About Samaritan’s Long Term Care Services

Caregivers at Samaritan Summit Village and Samaritan Keep Home provide round-the-clock skilled nursing care and significant assistance with the activities of daily life. Nursing homes have nursing staff on duty 24 hours a day to help individuals meet their daily physical, social and psychological needs. A licensed physician supervises each resident’s care and therapy, including speech, occupational, and physical therapy are available to provide rehabilitation services. Samaritan Summit Village also offers Assisted Living with six neighborhoods and apartments that are comfortable, functional, and safe. This facility is for those who need a little extra help while continuing an independent lifestyle.

May 21, 2026May 21, 2026

Samaritan Medical Center Foundation Announces the 29th Annual Thousand Islands Golf Classic

Graphic showing an array of auction items up for bid during the Thousand Islands Golf Classic

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center Foundation of Northern New York will host the 29th annual Thousand Islands Golf Classic event on Thursday, June 4 and Friday, June 5, 2026.

Join us on Thursday, June 4, at the stunning Edgewood Resort for an evening featuring dinner, music, and an exciting live auction. Then, on Friday, June 5, golfers will enjoy 18 holes at the beautiful Thousand Islands Country Club, with play taking place on both the Old Course and Lake Course. You do not need to be a golfer to attend the Thursday evening dinner. RSVP is required for both events.

This year’s online auction will open on May 18 and close on Thursday, June 4, at 9 p.m., with an in-person live auction taking place during the dinner that evening. Both auctions feature an incredible variety of items, including event tickets, vacation rentals, dining and experience gift cards, and much more. No matter your interests, there is something for everyone.

A portion of the proceeds from this year’s Thousand Islands Golf Classic will support the construction of a new cardiac catheterization laboratory (cath lab) at the hospital — an urgently needed resource for the North Country. This state-of-the-art facility will enable Samaritan to provide life-saving cardiac interventions right here in Watertown. The new cath lab will include percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) capabilities, allowing for rapid, effective treatment of heart attacks and other serious cardiovascular conditions.

Currently, patients must travel outside the region to access these critical services, causing delays that can negatively affect outcomes. By bringing this advanced level of care closer to home, the cath lab will improve survival rates, reduce long-term complications, and strengthen cardiac care throughout our community. This transformative project will save lives, lower healthcare costs, and benefit local families for generations to come. Your continued support is essential in helping us provide these vital services and ensure access to quality healthcare close to home.

Visit samaritanhealth.com/golf to register for online auction bidding and to purchase tickets for the dinner and live auction.

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May 19, 2026May 21, 2026

2026 Public Health Service Awards of Distinction

Watertown, NY – The Jefferson County Public Health Service (JCPHS) has established public health excellence awards to honor employees and community partners for outstanding service in the advancement and improvement of public health. The awards are given annually, and the ceremony for this year’s recipients took place Thursday, May 14 at the Jefferson County Public Health Service facility, 531 Meade St.

In addition to the honorees receiving such well-deserved recognition, the awards are named for the past two directors of public health, Jean A. Bilow and Ginger B. Hall, as well as Retired U.S. Army Reserve Major General Robert J. Kasulke, MD, Jefferson County’s long-serving medical director, who passed away in late 2023.

Employees nominated colleagues and partners over the winter, and the department’s administrative team selected the following 2026 award winners:

Lisa N. Lagos, JCPHS Public Health Educator
Recipient of the 2026 Jean A. Bilow Award for Public Health Excellence

Laurie L. Woodward, Public Health Nurse, JCPHS Preventive Services Unit
Recipient of the 2026 Ginger B. Hall Award for Public Health Clinical Excellence

Amanda L. Rosen, Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner, Samaritan Family Health Network
Recipient of the 2026 Robert J. Kasulke, MD, Award for Public Health Community Partnership

The award for public health professional excellence is named for Jean A. Bilow, the first and longest-served Jefferson County Director of Public Health. Much of the department’s current structure and programming was either put in place or greatly expanded under Jean’s leadership. While programs have certainly evolved since her retirement, Jean had a vision that expanded public health’s impact into the broader health care system and improved population health. The Medical Examiner, Emergency Medical Services, and health promotion programs all happened under Jean’s leadership. Jean also led the department’s responses to a significant meningococcal outbreak, novel H1N1 influenza, pertussis, and other communicable disease responses. Jean’s tenure saw the development of public health preparedness and response, which was put in place following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The award for public health clinical excellence is named for Ginger B. Hall, the second Jefferson County Director of Public Health. Before Ginger became the department head, and during her time as Director, her tenure greatly advanced clinical care, quality assurance, and quality improvement standards in the home and clinic settings. Ginger also ably led the department’s response through the COVID-19 pandemic, and she worked tirelessly to procure funding to establish the first community paramedicine program pilot in New York State, which is measurably and significantly reducing costly emergency department visits and hospital inpatient admissions in Jefferson County.

The award for public health community partnership is named for Robert J. Kasulke, MD, who served as Medical Director and Assistant Medical Examiner for Jefferson County over approximately three decades. Dr. Kasulke sadly passed away in November 2023. A hallmark of Dr. Kasulke’s career was service to the community and to the country. In addition to his work for the department: he was medical director for Hospice of Jefferson County for many years; he served as a physician for the Gouverneur Correctional Facility; he was a Major General in the U.S. Army Reserves; and he was actively committed to honoring veterans through honors programs for veterans that became patients of Hospice and Honor Flights to Washington, D.C., which support aging veterans in visiting national war memorials. Dr. Kasulke served his community tirelessly, through active membership on many community agency boards of directors, and he measurably advanced public health in Jefferson County.

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May 13, 2026May 13, 2026

Samaritan Celebrates Nurses Week with Nurse Recognition Awards

Group photo of Samaritan's 2026 Nurse Recognition Award winners.

Watertown, NY – As part of its National Nurses Week celebration activities, Samaritan Medical Center and its Medical Staff hosted a reception and award presentation on May 7 to recognize a select group of Samaritan nurses who were honored for their outstanding contributions to the organization, its patients, and long-term care residents.

The exclusive event, held at Samaritan Summit Village, recognized the dedication and professionalism of both registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) throughout their careers with Samaritan. Qualified medical providers were invited to nominate nurses based on their outstanding contributions to the professional practice of nursing in the areas of: Excellence in Nursing Practice, Education & Mentorship, Innovation, Leadership, Quality & Safety, Dedication & Service, Patient Advocate, and Rookie of the Year.

Samaritan Medical Center President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Carman welcomed attendees and opened the evening with remarks of gratitude for the dedication and compassion of the Samaritan’s exceptional nursing staff. Dr. Marylene Duah served as master of ceremonies for the event.

“Throughout every patient experience, our nurses truly embody this year’s Nurses Week theme, ‘Champions of Care,’ through their compassion, expertise, and commitment to those they serve,” said John Green, Samaritan’s Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer. “Their dedication not only enhances the quality of care we provide, but also creates lasting connections with patients, families, and colleagues that reflect the very best of our organization.”

This annual recognition event is part of Samaritan’s ongoing commitment to honor and support the invaluable work of nursing professionals across the system.

The following individuals were honored in their respective categories:

Excellence in Nursing Practice (Medical Center):
- Recipient: Joyce James, RN – 4 Pavilion
- Nominated by: Dr. Vijesh Patel
Excellence in Nursing Practice (Long Term Care):
- Recipient: Melissa Elmer, RN – Samaritan Keep Home
- Nominated by: Dr. Jeffrey Amidon
Excellence in Nursing Practice (Clinics):
- Recipient: Jody Waugh, LPN – Watertown Family Health Center
- Nominated by: Dr. Caleb Atkins
Education & Mentorship:
- Recipient: Jen Castle, RN – Emergency Department
- Nominated by: Dr. Maja Lundborg-Gray and Dr. Sarah Delaney-Rowland
Innovation:
- Recipient: Sara Cummings, RN – Samaritan Orthopedics
- Nominated by: Dr. Biren Chokshi
Leadership:
- Recipient: Ali Bell, LPN – Samaritan Pulmonology
- Nominated by: Dr. Rory Sears
Quality and Safety:
- Recipient: Chris Phinney, RN – Surgical Services, Operating Room
- Nominated by: Dr. Brian Zafonte
Dedication & Service:
- Recipient: Mary Peters, RN – Emergency Dep
- Nominated by: Dr. Maja Lundborg-Gray and Dr. Sarah Delaney-Rowland
Patient Advocate:
- Recipient: Diane Jesmore – Infusion
- Nominated by: Dr. Marylene Duah
Rookie of the Year:
- Recipient: Jessie Smith, RN – Emergency Department
- Nominated by: Dr. Maja Lundborg-Gray and Dr. Sarah Delaney-Rowland

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May 12, 2026May 12, 2026

January and February 2026 OWL Award Recipients

Graphic showing January OWL Award winners

Watertown, NY – Samaritan is proud to recognize four exceptional team members as the January and February recipients of its Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care (OWL) Award.

At Samaritan Summit Village, Gerald Vincent, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) on the first-floor skilled nursing unit, was honored in January by a resident’s family member who expressed deep gratitude for his compassionate care. In February, fellow LPN Natasha Cumming was recognized by the director of nursing for her dedication to understanding each resident’s unique needs and preferences while fostering a supportive environment for residents, visitors, and staff.

At Samaritan Keep Home, Tremayne Hayes of Food Service was honored in January after a co-worker highlighted his consistently positive attitude and the joy he brings to residents, visitors, and colleagues. Known for his willingness to help, Hayes makes a meaningful impact every day. In February, Zelina Collier, switchboard operator, received her second OWL Award—this time in a new role—for her exceptional dedication to her responsibilities and to the residents and staff of the Keep Home.

The honorees received certificates and tokens of appreciation during special recognition ceremonies held at their respective facilities.

To learn more about the OWL Award—and the DAISY and BEE Awards that also recognize extraordinary caregiving across the Samaritan system—visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

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Photo of OWL Award winner Tremayne Hayes

Photo of Owl Award winner Gerald Vincent

Photo of OWL Award winner Natasha Cumming

Pictured from left are awardees Tremayne Hayes, Gerald Vincent, Zelina Collier, and Natasha Cumming.

About Samaritan’s Long Term Care Services Caregivers at Samaritan Summit Village and Samaritan Keep Home provide round-the-clock skilled nursing care and significant assistance with the activities of daily life. Nursing homes have nursing staff on duty 24 hours a day to help individuals meet their daily physical, social and psychological needs. A licensed physician supervises each resident’s care and therapy, including speech, occupational, and physical therapy are available to provide rehabilitation services. Samaritan Summit Village also offers Assisted Living with six neighborhoods and apartments that are comfortable, functional, and safe. This facility is for those who need a little extra help while continuing an independent lifestyle.

May 12, 2026May 12, 2026

March 2026 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Graphic of DAISY and BEE Winners Jody Waugh and Karen Von Arx

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for March 2026. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® honors exceptional nursing staff, while the BEE Award recognizes other outstanding team members who demonstrate excellence every day, both at the hospital and in outpatient clinics.

Jody Waugh, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at Samaritan’s Family Health Center at the Health and Wellness Plaza in Watertown, was honored with the March DAISY Award. Nominated by a doctor, Waugh was celebrated for her preparedness, attention to detail, eagerness to help her fellow caregivers and the patients, and ability to stay engaged during demanding situations.

The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Waugh received a certificate of recognition, a DAISY Award pin, and the “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture—hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of the sculpture has been installed in Samaritan’s Healing Gardens to honor all current and future DAISY and BEE Award winners, funded by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Karen Von Arx, Health Information Management (HIM) Systems Analyst at Samaritan Medical Center received the March BEE Award. Von Arx was nominated by an operations manager for her dedicated work to improving processes after an internal policy change regarding documentation. She provided significant communication and leadership which enhanced the overall experience.

Von Arx received a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with tokens of appreciation.

These awards are presented year-round, and patients, families, and colleagues are encouraged to submit nominations at any time. To make a nomination or learn more about the DAISY and BEE Awards, visit samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

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Pictured here are Samaritan’s March 2026 DAISY Award recipient, Jody Waugh, LPN (left), and March 2026 BEE Award recipient, Karen Von Arx, HIM Systems Analyst (right).

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.

April 14, 2026April 14, 2026

Samaritan Home Health Outperforms State, National Averages in Patient Satisfaction

Photo of Home Health RN Casey seeing a patient

Watertown, NY — Samaritan Home Health, a trusted provider of in-home healthcare throughout Jefferson County, is proud to announce its 2025 patient satisfaction survey data has exceeded both state and national averages. This milestone underscores the agency’s commitment to delivering quality, compassionate and convenient care to North Country patients.

According to data collected by Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP) from 2025 Home Health Care Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HHCAHPS) surveys, Samaritan Home Health achieved an overall patient satisfaction score of 90%, surpassing the state average of 86% and the national average of 87%. Highlighted metrics for Samaritan include its “Care of Patients” score of 92% and its “Communications Between Providers and Patients” score of 90%, which beat the state averages of 89% and 87% and the national averages of 90% and 88%, respectively.

These results place Samaritan Home Health in the upper quartile of more than 3,300 home health providers nationwide — a testament to the dedication, professionalism and personalized care provided by Samaritan’s team of home health aides, nurses, therapists and support staff.

“Patient satisfaction is at the core of everything we do,” said Samaritan Home Health Administrator and Director of Patient Services Mariah Sech, RN, BSN. “Our team works hard to ensure each of our patients receives excellent care that is tailored to their unique needs. We are proud of these patient satisfaction results, and we strive not just to uphold them, but to improve them with each patient we serve.”

Samaritan Home Health provides a comprehensive range of in-home healthcare services, including medication monitoring, wound care, home IV therapy, diabetes education, chronic disease management, cardiopulmonary assessments, nutrition counseling and physical, occupational and speech therapies. These convenient services allow patients to remain in a familiar setting with access to a registered nurse 24/7, reducing the need for nursing home placement and preventing unnecessary hospitalizations.

In 2025, Samaritan Home Health recorded 15,089 patient visits — an average of about 42 visits per day. Learn more about Samaritan Home Health at samaritanhealth.com/home-health.

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April 13, 2026April 13, 2026

Samaritan Medical Center to Host World Liver Day Educational Event

Watertown, N.Y. – In recognition of World Liver Day, Samaritan Medical Center invites community members to a free World Liver Day Educational Event on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Samaritan Medical Center Rotunda (connector between Samaritan Medical Center and Samaritan Keep Home), 830 Washington Street, Watertown.

World Liver Day is a global event to raise awareness about liver disease, promoting prevention, early screening, and treatment focusing on the fact that 90% of liver diseases are preventable through lifestyle changes.

Samaritan Medical Center will celebrate the day with educational presentations from two leading experts on liver disease and a showcase of its FibroScan technology.

FibroScan has revolutionized how health care professionals assess liver health, offering an alternative to traditional liver biopsies. The technology uses advanced elastography to measure liver stiffness, which correlates with the degree of fibrosis. It can also help identify individuals who may not yet show symptoms but are at high risk due to factors such as obesity, diabetes or hepatitis.

The noninvasive procedure requires no needles or incisions, making it a comfortable and convenient option for individuals seeking a thorough liver evaluation. Early detection is key. Identifying liver fibrosis in its early stages is critical to preventing progression to cirrhosis or liver cancer and, in some cases, may allow for reversal.

Attendees will hear from Dr. Santiago Munoz, associate professor of clinical medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and board-certified in gastroenterology and transplant hepatology. Dr. Renu Umashanker, a clinical hepatologist with 28 years of experience and an associate professor at Yale and the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, will also be present.

Guests can meet Samaritan’s local care team, including Dr. Ryan Tyler and Jen Ring, AGNP-C, of Samaritan’s Watertown Family Health Center.

The event is free and open to the public and health care professionals. Refreshments will be served. RSVPs are encouraged at samaritanhealth.com/world-liver-day-event.

Parking is available at no charge in the Washington Street lot and the Samaritan Medical Center parking garage.

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April 9, 2026April 9, 2026

February 2026 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for February 2026. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® honors exceptional nursing staff, while the BEE Award recognizes other outstanding team members who demonstrate excellence every day, both at the hospital and in outpatient clinics.

Nichole Covell, Registered Nurse (RN) and Lactation Educator at Samaritan’s Car-Freshner Center for Women and Children, was honored with the February DAISY Award. Nominated by a patient, she was recognized for her professionalism and compassionate care. The patient shared how meaningful it was to feel truly heard, noting that Covell’s attentive approach provided comfort and reassurance during her experience.

The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Covell received a certificate of recognition, a DAISY Award pin, and the “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture—hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of the sculpture has been installed in Samaritan’s Healing Gardens to honor all current and future DAISY and BEE Award winners, funded by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Jacqueline Maynes, Nursing Assistant (NA) at Samaritan’s Progressive Care Unit, received the February BEE Award. Maynes was nominated by a patient who highlighted the nursing assistant’s wonderful personality and ability to make the patient feel comforted.

Maynes received a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with tokens of appreciation.

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Pictured here are Samaritan’s February 2026 DAISY Award recipient, Nichole Covell, RN (left), and February 2026 BEE Award recipient, Jacqueline Maynes, NA (right).

About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

April 7, 2026April 7, 2026

Kinney Drugs to Hold Campaign for Children’s Miracle Network

Kinney Drugs employees kick off their CMN Campaign with Finley Valentine

Watertown, NY — On April 12, Kinney Drugs stores will begin their 34th annual fundraising campaign for Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). Since the Kinney Drugs Foundation partnership with CMN began in 1992, more than $4 million has been raised in support of six children’s hospitals.

Locally, 16 stores in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties will collect donations for Samaritan Medical Center. In 2025, these dedicated teams raised more than $54,000 for CMN of Northern New York. With the generosity of their customers, they hope to increase that total during this year’s seven-week campaign.

Over the years, Kinney Drugs has consistently demonstrated a commitment to supporting the community and CMN. Through this campaign, they will collect donations at the register, organize contests and special events, and share one important message – 100% helps local kids.

“Every donation that’s made to CMN through Kinney Drugs will go to the local children’s hospital in that community,” said Angie VanWormer, Director of Children’s Miracle Network at Samaritan Medical Center. “Many of the families supported by our CMN program will regularly visit their local Kinney Drugs store for their child’s prescriptions or to shop for essentials. The stores supporting Samaritan know what their fundraising means for families of children receiving medical care, and they are truly invested in this campaign.”

Samaritan Medical Center is one of 170 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across North America, raising and allocating funds to improve the health and wellbeing of children in the local community. Every donation stays local to support child-centered areas of Samaritan and to provide financial assistance to families in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties with a child facing a health crisis.

There is a great deal of excitement for this campaign, and the community is encouraged to support Kinney Drugs’ efforts to make big change for all kids.

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

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Kinney Drugs staff are pictured above with Finley Valentine, this year’s Children’s Miracle Network of NNY Champion.

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