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The community is invited to virtual community gathering from 'The Hello Project' to stay connected and engaged through the holidays. The holidays are sure to look and feel a little different this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic as health officials continue urging community members to stay home as much as possible. While the stay at home guidelines undoubtedly impact people of all ages, they can be particularly difficult for aging adults who may live alone. To help address loneliness and isolation this holiday season, The HELLO Project is making spirits brighter for older adults through a series of festive, virtual gatherings called It Starts with Hello, hosted every Tuesday and Thursday at noon.  “The holidays are a special time to gather and experience the many joys of the season with those we love,” said Kindle Craig, Director of Renown Health’s Healthy Aging Institute. “Leading up to this time of year, our HELLO community members shared their concerns in not being able to physically be with their children, grandchildren, siblings, friends and other loved ones this holiday season. Hearing this, a series of virtual events have been created to give all community members festive and fun learning opportunities to participate in, all season long. We invite others to join us.”  Events include a holiday cooking demonstration, holiday wreath and bow making; festive dessert preparation; composing and hearing seasonal poetry; competing in an ugly sweater contest; virtual home tours and more. It Starts with Hello is open to all adults and is free of charge. Access the complete event schedule here (Note that event dates are subject to change). “This is an innovative approach to reach our local seniors, and to help combat loneliness and isolation,” said Sharon Zadra, executive director of Truckee Meadows Healthy Communities. “Since launching the first programs of It Starts with Hello back in May, we were overwhelmed by the positive response we’ve received from participants. Now, we’re thrilled to connect with all those in our community looking for some extra holiday cheer.”  “Participating in The HELLO Project is a chance to be part of an amazing community of people who enjoy learning, laughing, and celebrating life,” said member Ann Kent. “I look forward to creating special memories with the group as we make new holiday traditions, make new friends and support each other during these times.” It Starts with Hello takes place Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon, and people can attend by calling in or joining on their computers via Zoom. Each show features a timely topic, factual information, a chance to chat with others in the community, and ends with some good news – The Daily Dandelion. Participation is free. For more information, visit HelloStartsNow.org. Click on Blogs & Updates to learn on how to access the Zoom virtual gatherings. Individuals can also participate by calling 1-669-900-6833 (toll charges may apply).   About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of the region’s largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org. About Truckee Meadows Healthy Communities Truckee Meadows Healthy Communities is a collaborative of thought leaders and influencers who seek to make an impact on the health of their community. The collaborative seeks to build a model where all community members strive toward a culture of health in the Truckee Meadows. This model will include the intersection of the health, education and community development sectors in our region. Truckee Meadows Healthy Communities seeks to create a healthier community through a collective impact project. More info can be found here. About the Washoe County Health District The Washoe County Health District has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making Washoe County District Board of Health. The District consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.

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Together, will test over 30,000 qualifying study participants by 2023 for risk of cirrhosis and liver-related illnesses. Renown Institute for Health Innovation (IHI) announced today that the organization and Gilead Sciences, Inc. will be joining forces with Siemens Healthineers to offer the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF™) Test to people with risks for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) enrolled in the Healthy Nevada Project (HNP). The ELF Test will help identify people most at risk for progressing to cirrhosis and liver-related outcomes and allow healthcare providers to intervene before irreparable damage occurs. This noninvasive blood test uses three serum biomarkers to create an ELF score from a predefined algorithm, which can be used by doctors to help evaluate if a patient requires increased medical care and monitoring for their condition. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which includes NASH, is prevalent in Nevada and under-diagnosed, likely affecting more than 500,000 adult Nevadans. If undetected and untreated, NASH can result in liver cirrhosis and may require liver transplantation or lead to death. There are more than 12,000 people on a waitlist for liver transplantation in the U.S. and this number continues to rise due to the increasing prevalence of NAFLD. “Thanks to important data collected through our Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Liver Disease Genome Atlas study, we now know that NASH is prevalent in the state of Nevada,” said Tony Slonim, M.D., DrPH, FACHE, president and CEO of Renown Health. “We are proud to expand our partnership with Gilead and begin working with Siemens Healthineers to improve health of those with liver disease and to take early detection one step further by offering Enhanced Liver Fibrosis, ELF testing for patients of Renown Health. This test provides our team of highly-skilled physicians an advanced, noninvasive method to actively assess dynamic liver fibrosis in study participants and intervene whenever necessary, contributing to a healthier Nevada.”  “Gilead believes that noninvasive tests, including the ELF Test, will help improve the experience of people living with NASH. These tests may help to diagnose liver disease, monitor disease progression and evaluate responses to treatment without the requirement for liver biopsy,” said Rob Myers, MD, Vice President, Liver Fibrosis Clinical Research at Gilead Sciences. “The ELF Test has proven itself to be a valuable tool in NASH management and we hope this partnership will further support its use in routine care.”  “We are very pleased that NASH patients in the Healthy Nevada Project now have access to the ELF Test which offers clinically useful prognostic information for their condition with the convenience of a simple blood test. Using our advanced laboratory expertise together with Renown IHI and Gilead, we can work towards better understanding of NASH and liver disease in a representative patient population,” said Sebastian Kronmueller, Head of Molecular Diagnostics at Siemens Healthineers. “We launched the Healthy Nevada Project to help people understand more about their health, to identify serious health risks, and to give people access to innovations like the ELF Test, so they can live their best lives,” said Renown’s chief scientific officer, Dr. Joseph Grzymski, who is also a research professor at the Desert Research Institute and principal investigator of the Healthy Nevada Project. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to report clinical findings to help our 50,000 volunteer study participants, and to assist healthcare providers in helping their patients.” The provision of the ELF Test builds on a previously announced strategic collaboration between the Renown IHI and Gilead in July 2019. This ongoing partnership aims to collect and analyze de-identified genetic and electronic health data from 60,000 qualifying study participants to enhance the understanding of NAFLD and NASH and to potentially inform development of treatment options for these diseases.  About NAFLD and NASH NAFLD is a build-up of fat in the liver of people who do not have a history of alcohol misuse. It is normal for the liver to contain some fat, but if more than 5 percent of the liver content is fat, it’s considered a fatty liver (steatosis). NASH is the most severe form of NAFLD in which a person has liver cell damage and inflammation of the liver. Inflammation and liver cell damage can cause fibrosis, or scarring of the liver, and can cause decreased liver function (1). The symptoms of NASH are often silent or non-specific, making it difficult to diagnose. About one-third of people with NASH develop cirrhosis or irreversible liver damage (2). About the ELF™ Test The ELF Test is a noninvasive blood test that can quickly identify which patients are at an elevated risk for developing cirrhosis and other liver-related clinical events (LREs). In contrast to standard liver enzyme tests that reflect liver damage that has already occurred, the ELF Test combines three serum direct biomarkers of active fibrosis. The ELF Test algorithm measures each of these biomarkers to create an ELF score, which can be used as an aid to assess the risk for future disease progression. Doctors may use this ELF score to help evaluate if a patient requires increased medical care and monitoring for their condition. Individuals interested in determining their risk for NASH and its progression are encouraged to enroll in the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Liver Disease Genome Atlas study. Those who have already consented and participated in the study will be contacted with more information on how to receive an ELF blood test. For more information or to enroll, please contact RenownIHI@renown.org or (775) 982-6914. The Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF™) Test kit is not available for sale in the U.S. Product availability may vary from country to country and is subject to varying regulatory requirements.  In the U.S., the ELF Testing Service is available from Siemens Healthcare Laboratory, LLC (SHL), a CLIA-certified laboratory located in Berkeley, Calif. The ELF Testing Service, including the establishment of performance characteristics, was developed by SHL. The ELF Test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. SHL is regulated under CLIA as qualified to perform high complexity testing. The ELF Test is used for clinical purposes and should not be regarded as investigational use only or research use only. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally owned and governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown’s institute model addresses social determinants of health and includes: Child Health, Behavioral Health & Addiction, Healthy Aging and Health Innovation. Clinical institutes include: Cancer, Heart and Vascular Health, Neurosciences and Robotic Surgery. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information visit, renown.org. About the Renown Institute for Health Innovation Renown Institute for Health Innovation is a collaboration between Renown Health - a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California; and the Desert Research Institute - a recognized world leader in investigating the effects of natural and human-induced environmental change and advancing technologies aimed at assessing a changing planet. Renown IHI research teams are focused on integrating personal healthcare and environmental data with socioeconomic determinants to help Nevada address some of its most complex environmental health problems; while simultaneously expanding the state’s access to leading-edge clinical trials and fostering new connections with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Learn more at healthynv.org. Renown Health is Nevada’s most comprehensive and integrated healthcare network and maintains electronic health records for 1.02 million registered patients. In 2016, Renown Health and the Desert Research Institute established the Healthy Nevada Project (HNP), the nation’s first community-based population health study. In 2017 HNP began a partnership with Helix to leverage its population health services, Exome+™ sequencing, and consumer engagement tools. The HNP is now an ongoing collaboration between Renown IHI, the Desert Research Institute, a global leader in environmental data and applied research, and Helix, a personal genomics company. HNP combines genetic, environmental, social and clinical data to address individual and community health needs with the goal of improving health across the state and the nation. The HNP currently has over 60,000 participants. For more information, visit healthynv.org.  About Siemens Healthineers Siemens Healthineers AG (listed in Frankfurt, Germany: SHL) is shaping the future of Healthcare. As a leading medical technology company headquartered in Erlangen, Germany, Siemens Healthineers enables healthcare providers worldwide through its regional companies to increase value by empowering them on their journey towards expanding precision medicine, transforming care delivery, improving the patient experience, and digitalizing healthcare. Siemens Healthineers is continuously developing its product and service portfolio, with AI-supported applications and digital offerings that play an increasingly important role in the next generation of medical technology. These new applications will enhance the company’s foundation in in-vitro diagnostic, image-guided therapy, and in-vivo diagnostics. Siemens Healthineers also provides a range of services and solutions to enhance healthcare providers ability to provide high-quality, efficient care to patients. In fiscal 2020, which ended on September 30, 2020, Siemens Healthineers, which has approximately 54,000 employees worldwide, generated revenue of €14.5 billion and adjusted EBIT of €2.2 billion. Further information is available at www.siemens-healthineers.com.Media Contact for Siemens Healthineers: Lance LongwellM: 610-448-6341E: lance.longwell@siemens-healthineers.com

Read More About Renown Institute Expands Partnership to Offer ELF Testing

Panda Express® locations support the healthcare needs of pediatric patients throughout northern Nevada. Renown Health Foundation is recognizing donations made by Panda Express® through its philanthropic arm, Panda Cares®, to young patients and their families receiving care at Renown Children’s Hospital. The generosity of Panda Express® guests and associates who foster the spirit of giving and inspire brighter futures will be celebrated on Saturday, August 8, the anniversary of Panda Cares. Donations collected year-round at local Panda Express® locations have helped miracles happen for area children like Naomi Bakker, one of the smallest babies ever cared for in Renown’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Born a micro-preemie in 2015, Naomi weighed about 12 ounces at birth and spent 142 days in the NICU. Today, she shows few signs of her premature birth and enjoys playing with her brother and swimming – a remarkable feat considering she relied on an oxygen tank the first year of her life. Naomi’s parents credit physicians, nurses and the team at Renown Children’s Hospital for saving their daughter’s life. “We are privileged to witness miracles like Naomi every day,” said Max J. Coppes, M.D., Professor & Nell J. Redfield Chair of Pediatrics, Physician-in-Chief, Renown Children’s Hospital. “Not only does support from Panda Cares® help us improve the health and wellness of our local children, it equips our team with tools and resources to best serve our youngest community members and their families during a time of need.” Panda Express® is hosting a one-day virtual fundraiser on Saturday, August 8. When a guest places an order on the Panda Express® mobile app or website using the promo code “PandaCaresDay,” Panda will donate 28 percent of online sales to Renown Children’s Hospital. “Over the years, the amazing people from Panda Express® and funds from Panda Cares have supported Renown Children’s Hospital through specialty equipment, a meeting room, and our Child Life program. Child Life Specialists are educated and clinically trained in the developmental impact of illness and injury. They do so much to help improve the patient and family care experience here at Renown,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, Renown’s President and CEO. “We are grateful for our partnership with the team at Panda Express, who are passionate about children’s health, and help us provide the highest level of care for children.” Renown is proud to recognize Panda Express® for donating nearly half a million dollars in donations since 2008. Generous donations like this continue to help transform how Renown meets the most urgent needs of our community, inspires hope and saves lives, as northern Nevada’s only locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network. “Renown Health Foundation appreciates Panda Cares®’ generosity year after year, and the unwavering support of our community to make Saturday’s fundraiser a success,” said Greg Walaitis, Renown’s chief development officer. “Our hope is that you and your family can enjoy a nice meal from Panda Express® together, knowing your contribution makes it possible for champions like Naomi to grow up to be healthy and strong.” “Led by a team of 22 pediatric physician specialists, Renown Children’s clinicians provide over 50,000 patient visits annually, offering an exceptional level of care to help families. As a testimony to the community’s confidence in the care provided, and our generous donors, we now care for 9 out of 10 children right here at home, in northern Nevada. Formerly, families had to travel out of our area to receive pediatric specialty care,” said Larry Duncan, Vice President of Pediatrics and Surgery & Administrator, Renown Children's Hospital.       About Renown Children’s Hospital Renown Children’s Hospital is the only dedicated children’s hospital in northern Nevada, and offers a variety of programs and services designed specifically to care for the community's families. It has the region’s only Children’s ER and Pediatric ICU. Renown Children’s Hospital is the only hospital affiliated with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH) in the region and local CMN Hospitals' programs and events directly benefit children in the Truckee Meadows. It is also the only hospital in the region affiliated with CHA (Children’s Hospital Association). For more information, visit renown.org/children.   About Panda Express® On a mission to inspire better lives, Panda Express, an American Chinese Trailblazer, is the largest Asian dining concept in the U.S. Family-owned and operated since 1983 by co-founders and co-CEOs Andrew and Peggy Cherng, Panda Express is best known for creating a wide variety of industry-first recipes, including its best seller the Original Orange Chicken® and award-winning Honey Walnut Shrimp, which have defined the category of authentic American Chinese cuisine. Each dish at Panda Express, including the Wok Smart® selections, is thoughtfully crafted with quality ingredients and inspired by bold Chinese flavors and culinary principles. The restaurant brand has more than 2,000 locations throughout the U.S. and has introduced American Chinese cuisine to more than ten international countries. Powered by this global family of associates, Panda Cares, the organization’s philanthropic arm, has raised more than $212 million and countless volunteer hours in bettering the health and education for over 12 million youths as well as supporting communities in need since 1999. For more information, visit visit pandaexpress.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.  About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $7 billion, most of it $1 at a time through the charity's Miracle Balloon icon. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit's mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Find out why children's hospitals need community support, and learn about your member hospital, at CMNHospitals.org and facebook.com/CMNHospitals.

Read More About Renown Health Celebrates Panda Cares Day™ on Saturday, August 8

American Heart Association awards shine national spotlight on care offered in northern Nevada. Renown Regional Medical Center has been honored once again by the American Heart Association (AHA) for high quality heart care. Renown’s focus on quality and applying the most up-to-date, evidenced-based treatment guidelines improves patient outcomes, getting people home sooner and back to doing what they love. “We are pleased to recognize Renown for their commitment to heart failure care,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., national chairperson of the Quality Oversight Committee and Executive Vice Chair of Neurology, Director of Acute Stroke Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. “Recognizing the significance of preventing, diagnosing and caring for people with heart and vascular disease, which continues to be on the rise and taking far too many lives, is of critical importance to us at Renown,” says Tony Slonim, M.D., DrPH, FACHE, president and CEO, Renown Health. “We are proud of our incredible team for providing the highest-quality clinical care, and thank the American Heart Association for this national recognition.” Renown Regional was awarded The Get with the Guidelines – Heart Failure Gold Plus Quality Achievement award for continually ensuring heart failure patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, as well as AHA’s Mission: Lifeline Gold Receiving honor for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks. “Renown offers the most highly-skilled and experienced heart and vascular team and the most advanced heart center in the region. Having national recognition for being the region’s heart care leader is critical to a Destination Health strategy,” said Josiah "Sy" Johnson, MBA, chief of staff for Renown Health. “We at Renown are proud to bring a high level of world-class care providers, leading-edge care and new delivery approaches to meet the needs of people in northern Nevada through our Institute for Heart & Vascular Health.” Why This Recognition Matters to You - Heart Attack Care Every year, more than 250,000 people experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the deadliest type of heart attack, caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. Renown earned the award by meeting specific criteria and standards of performance for quick treatment to re-establish blood flow to blocked arteries in heart attack patients. “Our expert staff treat problems that extend from mild to the most critical of emergencies,” said Christopher M. Kozlowski, MD, MHA, vice president and medical director of Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health. “Specialized physicians including cardiologists, interventional radiologists, heart and vascular surgeons, emergency medicine and trauma surgeons, primary care providers, nurses and other clinicians work as a team to determine the best treatment plan for each patient. We encourage all patients to discuss with their care team whether they should undergo formal screening for early heart disease.” Why This Recognition Matters to You - Heart Failure Care According to the AHA, more than 6.5 million adults in the United States are living with heart failure. Heart failure patients can lead full, enjoyable lives when their condition is managed with proper medications or devices and with healthy lifestyle changes. “Renown’s reputation as the region’s heart care leader has been built over many years. We performed the area’s first open-heart surgery, angioplasty, stent and valve replacements decades ago. Renown Regional offers incredible advancements like trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and trans-catheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) with MitraClip therapy, lifesaving alternatives to open-heart surgery for patients considered high-risk or inoperable,” said Erik Olson, chief executive officer of Renown Regional Medical Center. “Offering the highest level of comprehensive care for patients experiencing cardiac and vascular disease, Renown developed its first division of cardiothoracic surgery dedicated to heart surgery patients in 2019.” The Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health program now offers a Diagnostic Electrophysiology Lab; a Chest Pain Center using the D-SPECT® heart camera; multiple Interventional Labs; Heart Failure Program; several Cardiac Catheterization Labs; Interventional Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery when necessary; and the only Pritikin-certified Healthy Heart Program in the West, creating individualized rehabilitation plans tailored to each patient’s needs, so they can exercise safely, eat healthy, manage stress and cook nourishing, balanced meals, all while gaining a healthy mindset. Renown is among the nation’s top-performing hospitals for heart attack treatment and one of only 105 hospitals nationwide to receive the American College of Cardiology ACTION Registry Silver Performance Achievement Award recognizing success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients. Renown’s Roseview, Sierra and Cardiac Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are the only ICUs in Nevada to receive the Beacon Award of Excellence from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. U.S. News and World Report’s Best Hospital rankings recently named Renown hospitals as best in the state of Nevada. Patients in need of advanced heart care can speak with their care provider about Renown Medical Group – Specialty Care, which can be reached at 775-982-6270 or visit renown.org/HeartCare.   About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally owned and governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown’s institute model addresses social determinants of health and includes: Child Health, Behavioral Health & Addiction, Healthy Aging and Health Innovation. Clinical institutes include: Cancer, Heart and Vascular Heath, Neurosciences and Robotic Surgery. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org. About Mission: Lifeline The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program helps hospitals and emergency medical services develop systems of care that follow proven standards and procedures for STEMI patients. The program works by mobilizing teams across the continuum of care to implement American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Foundation clinical treatment guidelines. For more information, visit heart.org. About Get With The Guidelines Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 9 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

Read More About Renown Recognized for Quality Care for Heart Attack & Failure

Senior Care Plus set to host a free webinar designed to help participants approaching age 65 make informed decisions about their health coverage.   Navigating the Medicare alphabet can sometimes be confusing and overwhelming, which is why the experts of locally-owned Senior Care Plus, a Medicare Advantage Plan, are hosting a free webinar on the ABCs of Medicare. There are four basic parts of Medicare: A, B, C and D. Each part helps patients pay for important healthcare services such as hospital visits, doctor visits and prescription drug coverage.   Set for Wednesday, August 5 and Wednesday, August 19 at 6 p.m., the free webinar will cover the basics of Medicare and answer frequently asked questions to help attendees get the most out of their health coverage. Both webinars will cover the same topics, however, two dates are offered as an added convenience to attendees. Visit SeniorCarePlus.com or call 775-982-3191 to register.   “With unfamiliar words and ideas you’ve likely never come across before, learning about Medicare may feel like learning a new language at first,” said David Hansen, CEO of Hometown Health. “As you begin the process of becoming a Medicare recipient, Senior Care Plus is committed to helping you become fluent in Medicare and help you understand the basics so you can make the best decisions for your unique healthcare needs.”   From the convenience of a computer or mobile device, participants will learn about:   The parts of Medicare - A, B, C and D; Eligibility and enrollment options; How to personalize their Medicare options based on their healthcare needs   Serving as a partner in health to both northern and southern Nevadans, Senior Care Plus is the statewide leader in helping people take advantage of Medicare Advantage. Plus, with membership perks like virtual education events and exclusive discounts to state-of-the-art health and wellness resources, Senior Care Plus is determined to help its members stay healthy and active.               For more details about Senior Care Plus and your Medicare options, to attend an informational meeting, or to schedule a personal one-on-one consultation, visit seniorcareplus.com or call 775-982-3158.        About Hometown Health Established in 1988, Hometown Health is the insurance division of Renown Health and is Northern Nevada’s largest locally-owned, not-for-profit health insurance company. Providing wide-ranging medical coverage and great service to members, Hometown Health represents a philosophy of health care that emphasizes active partnerships between members and physicians. For more information, call 775-982-3000 or visit hometownhealth.com.   About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally owned and governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown’s institute model addresses social determinants of health and includes: Child Health, Behavioral Health & Addiction, Healthy Aging and Health Innovation. Clinical institutes include: Cancer, Heart and Vascular Heath, Neurosciences and Robotic Surgery. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Free Webinar Explains the Basics of Medicare

The new, kid-friendly, interactive space in the Renown Children’s Specialty Center will support the needs of children, bringing them courage and hope to heal and thrive Renown Health Foundation is proud to announce the Panda Cares® Center of Hope at Renown Children’s Specialty Center located at 1155 Mill St. in Reno, made possible by the guests and associates of Panda Express®, who foster the spirit of giving and inspire brighter futures. The space offers an area for the Renown Children’s team to provide comprehensive care for children, creating an environment that reduces stress, promotes healing and provides an excellent patient and family experience. The Center of Hope upholds Panda Express®’ mission and values of being proactive, having respect for each other, learning and growing, committing to great operations and giving time and resources back to the community. The Center also supports the Panda Cares® areas of focus that address each child’s well-being, including their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs. Members of the media are invited to tour the Panda Cares® Center of Hope on Wednesday, August 12 from 1 – 2 p.m. To ensure appropriate physical distancing, outlets are asked to reserve a time to tour the space and interview representatives from Panda Express® and Renown Children’s using this link. Media will be escorted by Renown Public Affairs on hospital property and may park their cars in the Tahoe Tower roundabout at Renown Regional Medical Center during their designated time slot. “We are very fortunate to have such generous partners like the people behind Panda Express® who want to help our patients and their families, as well as our expert pediatric care teams,” said Max J Coppes, MD, PhD, Professor and Nell J. Redfield Chair of Pediatrics at UNR Med and Physician in Chief at Renown Children’s Hospital. “This Center will help young patients, and their parents, feel more comfortable along their healing journey, and give them a positive and lasting impression of the care people receive here at Renown Children’s.” “We are proud to partner with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals to bring the vision of the Panda Cares® Center of Hope to life and are humbled to be able to be part of the healing journey for the families and kids at these hospitals,” said Dr. Peggy Cherng, co-founder and co-CEO of Panda Restaurant Group. “Children are our future, and we hope that through this partnership and curriculum designed to give children the strength to thrive, we will bring smiles and hope to communities nationwide.” One of the important resources supported through the Panda Cares® Center of Hope is Renown’s Child Life program, created to help both patients and their loved ones navigate the healthcare experience and the feelings that may come with it. “Our Child Life specialists are educated and clinically trained in the developmental impact of illness and injury. They do so much to make the patient and family care experience here at Renown the best it can be,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, Renown’s President and CEO. “We are grateful for our partnership with the team at Panda Express®, who are passionate about children’s health, and help us provide the highest level of care for children and their families.” The eight Panda Cares® Centers of Hope across the country are made possible by Panda Express® guests’ and associates’ donations. Following a commitment of $25 million to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals to fund Panda Cares® Centers of Hope in 2019, Panda and CMN Hospitals have debuted Center of Hope locations at several hospitals in the U.S. including California, Texas, Nevada, Hawaii, Washington D.C., Arizona and Illinois. Panda Express® guests and their associates in northern Nevada and northeastern California have raised nearly $500,000 for Renown Children’s Hospital since 2007. “Over the years, the team at Panda Express® has inspired all of us at Renown with their generosity and willingness to help our local children and their families,” said Greg Walaitis, Renown’s Chief Development Officer. “The Panda Cares® Center of Hope is yet another example of their remarkable efforts to help our young patients live healthy, bright lives.” “With 22 pediatric physician specialists, the compassionate team at Renown Children’s Hospital currently cares for 9 out of 10 children right here at home, in northern Nevada. Formerly, families had to travel out of our area to receive pediatric specialty care. We are proud to introduce this special Center to our community members who place their unwavering confidence in our dedicated team of expert care providers, every day,” said Larry Duncan, Vice President of Pediatrics and Surgery and Administrator, Renown Children's.     About Renown Children’s Hospital Renown Children’s Hospital is the only dedicated children’s hospital in northern Nevada, and offers a variety of programs and services designed specifically to care for the community's families. It has the region’s only Children’s ER and Pediatric ICU. Renown Children’s Hospital is the only hospital affiliated with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH) in the region and local CMN Hospitals' programs and events directly benefit children in the Truckee Meadows. It is also the only hospital in the region affiliated with CHA (Children’s Hospital Association). For more information, visit renown.org/children. About Panda Express® On a mission to inspire better lives, Panda Express, an American Chinese Trailblazer, is the largest Asian dining concept in the U.S. Family-owned and operated since 1983 by co-founders and co-CEOs Andrew and Peggy Cherng, Panda Express is best known for creating a wide variety of industry-first recipes, including its best seller the Original Orange Chicken® and award-winning Honey Walnut Shrimp, which have defined the category of authentic American Chinese cuisine. Each dish at Panda Express, including the Wok Smart® selections, is thoughtfully crafted with quality ingredients and inspired by bold Chinese flavors and culinary principles. The restaurant brand has more than 2,000 locations throughout the U.S. and has introduced American Chinese cuisine to more than ten international countries. Powered by this global family of associates, Panda Cares, the organization’s philanthropic arm, has raised more than $212 million and countless volunteer hours in bettering the health and education for over 12 million youths as well as supporting communities in need since 1999. For more information, visit pandaexpress.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $7 billion, most of it $1 at a time through the charity's Miracle Balloon icon. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit's mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Find out why children's hospitals need community support, and learn about your member hospital, at and facebook.com/CMNHospitals.

Read More About Renown Children's to Provide a Panda Cares® Center of Hope

Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) announced today their intent to develop plans for a proposed long-term partnership designed to enhance Nevada’s medical education system, expand clinical research capacity in northern Nevada and create a world-class healthcare network.   The collaboration between Nevada’s oldest medical school and one of its largest non-profit healthcare organizations is well underway, with the organizations executing a Letter of Intent. The final agreement with details of the arrangement is slated to be signed by the end of the year.   “Over the last 50 years, Renown Health has been an important UNR Med partner. We share a common vision, and recognize how expanding our collaboration will benefit the community through increased access to care and expanded clinical training and research programs. We know we can do more together than we would be able to do separately," said UNR Med Dean and Vice President, Health Sciences, Thomas L. Schwenk, M.D., professor, family and community medicine. "As healthcare professionals, we are forever changed by the events of the last six months. This new affiliation acknowledges our changing educational and healthcare environment, and advances our state-wide vision of A Healthy Nevada."   Like many healthcare systems and medical schools across the nation, Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine have worked together for decades to advance a mutual commitment to improving the health of the community. Over the last five decades, UNR Med has educated more than 3,900 physicians with over 30 percent practicing in Nevada, increasing access to care for residents across the state. Equally rooted in the community, Renown’s long legacy of service started in 1862 as a county hospital, Washoe Medical Center. Now, Renown Health serves the community by providing care through hospitals, outpatient medical offices, institutes and an insurance plan, Hometown Health.   Expanding on their long history of collaboration, both Renown Health and UNR Med have new strategic plans based on recruiting top-tier physicians and healthcare professionals, improving access to and developing new models of innovative care, and investing in clinical research. As pillars of healthcare in northern Nevada, both provide key services for underserved populations, and collaborate to educate, train and employ the next generation of doctors and healthcare professionals to support the health of local and rural communities, the state and the nation.   “This new agreement builds on the close collaboration we have had for many years with UNR Med leadership,” says Anthony D. Slonim, MD, DrPH, FACHE, President and CEO, Renown Health; who also serves as professor of clinical medicine and pediatrics at University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine. “We have collaborated in research, medical education, grant funding for public health, clinical trials and integrated clinical practices to improve access and affordability of care. We both serve communities with significant health needs and socioeconomic challenges that have worsened through this pandemic. We recognize that this new level of affiliation will drive innovation and research that improves the health of our community, and together, we can be more effective in creating a healthier Nevada.”   University of Nevada, Reno President Marc A. Johnson, PhD, said, “Physicians, clinicians and clinical researchers from the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Renown have worked together to care for patients during the COVID-19 crisis, from the bedside, to the research labs, and to the medical offices. That is a powerful example of the partnership between the two organizations as we have faced a historic pandemic. This new agreement reinforces what has already been a strong and impactful partnership. It promises to extend the healthcare mission of our School of Medicine and Renown for a community benefit that will be felt far beyond the next generation.”   James DeVolld, board chair of Renown said, “During such a difficult time for our community, we are thrilled to bring two great organizations together, and present the community with such a precious gift. We have an urgent imperative to transform the delivery and financing of healthcare. Health systems and medical schools across the country are collaborating in innovative new ways, finding new efficiencies and better solutions by sharing clinical experience, intellectual resources, grants and community support.”   Max J. Coppes, MD, PhD, Professor and Nell J. Redfield Chair of Pediatrics at UNR Med and Physician-in-Chief at Renown Children’s Hospital, added, “We are thrilled to have the support of so many elected officials, UNR Med students, alumni, donors, and community members to advance a mutual commitment to ensuring that people in northern Nevada can get top medical care right here at home. The envisioned integration will result in better access to state-of-the-art patient care, enhance and expand our ability to teach the next generation of healthcare providers, and actively engage in medical research, bringing new clinical research trials to our area.” Dr. Coppes noted the partnership’s previous success in 2014 when Renown Health and UNR Med collaborated in launching a transformation of Renown Children’s Hospital, the region’s only children’s hospital dedicated to full pediatric services.   Dean Schwenk will present the Letter of Intent to the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents on Friday, September 11. With NSHE regent approval, the affiliation will enter a period of review and due diligence within the organizations and with the relevant regulatory and oversight bodies. Until then, it will be business as usual within the two organizations. The process is estimated to continue through the end of the year.   “Together, we can bring a higher level of world-class care providers, leading-edge care and new delivery approaches to meet the needs of people in our community,” said Sy Johnson, MBA, and Chief of Staff for Renown Health. “This is what we call Destination Health, enabling patients and families, including both local patients and those traveling long distances, to receive the most comprehensive medical care, right here at home.”   The planned integration resembles other partnerships such as Washington University—Barnes Jewish Health System, Yale New Haven Health System, Penn Medicine, and RWJ-Barnabas-Rutgers. These partnerships expand medical education training opportunities for students and residents, retain more physician graduates in the community, recruit prominent physicians and researchers and build a more robust healthcare workforce.         About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally owned and governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown’s institute model addresses social determinants of health and includes: Child Health, Behavioral Health & Addiction, Healthy Aging and Health Innovation. Clinical institutes include: Cancer, Heart and Vascular Heath, Neurosciences and Robotic Surgery. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org.     About University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Nevada’s first public medical school, is a community-based, research-intensive medical school with a statewide vision for a healthy Nevada. Since 1969, UNR Med has trained more than 3,900 students, residents and fellows. UNR Med continues to improve the health and well-being of all Nevadans and their communities through excellence in student education, postgraduate training and clinical care, research with local, national and global impact and a culture of diversity and inclusion. For more information, visit med.unr.edu. UNR Med Public Relations Media Contact M: 775-846-8445 E: jardito@med.unr.edu

Read More About Renown Health and University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine Announce Intent to Affiliate

Alternate Care Site opens today in Renown Regional Mill St. Parking Structure to serve additional hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who are clinically stable or improving. Across the country, there is an increase in COVID-19 cases including significant increases in hospitalized patients. As Nevadans experience the impact of the pandemic, the Renown Health team continues to be prepared to serve the community.  At this time, based on the number of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and seasonal fluctuations, Renown Regional Medical Center and Renown South Meadows Medical Center are experiencing inpatient hospital capacity challenges.  Being prepared for these patient census increases and the need to serve an increased level of hospital patients, Renown Regional Medical Center has now opened the ground floor of the Alternate Care Site (ACS) created within the Mill Street parking structure to serve additional hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who are clinically stable or improving. Staff, technology, supplies, equipment and services are in place to meet the needs of patients and assure the safety of Renown’s care teams. This measure allows Renown to enact the emergency preparedness plans that have been in place over the past year, creating additional capacity for inpatients while allowing Renown to continue to deliver high quality care as the number of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 increases in northern Nevada. This ACS location allows patients and caregivers to remain on campus, and still have accessibility to existing hospital infrastructure such as lab, pharmacy, imaging, food services and other critical services. Staff, technology, supplies, equipment and services are in place to meet the needs of patients and the safety of care teams. The Ground Floor has accommodation for 711 beds.  “These challenges presented to our community this year by COVID-19 have confirmed the critical role that Renown plays as a locally-owned, not-for-profit integrated health network,” says Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, President and CEO, Renown Health. “We are passionate about stepping up to serve our community at all times, and especially when we are needed most. We are transforming and implementing creative approaches to ensure patient care needs can be addressed and that we can meet the needs of our community.”  “Every community member can feel confident that Renown has a specialty-trained team of physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, medical assistants, care managers, and physical and occupational therapists around the clock, every day to ensure that, no matter the illness or injury, every patient will be treated with compassion and the appropriate degree of care,” says Paul Sierzenski, MD, MSHQS, CPE, FACEP, Chief Medical Officer, Acute Services.  “News about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may be making you feel anxious about going to the emergency room (ER) or getting the medical care you need,” said Bret W. Frey, MD, emergency medicine physician at Renown. “Please remember it's important to seek emergency care if you have serious non-COVID-19 symptoms and COVID-19 symptoms. Delaying care for a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke, can be life-threatening or lead to serious complications. We are here for you around the clock and have taken all precautions to be sure that visits to the ER and hospital are as safe as possible.” The Renown Alternate Care Site was built within a 10-day period last April by local partners including Clark/Sullivan Construction, Curtis Bros. Construction, PK Electrical, Ainsworth Associates Mechanical Engineers, Intermountain Electric, Mt. Rose Heating & Air Conditioning and Frank Lepori Construction. (Alternate Care Site B-Roll). In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital rankings, Renown South Meadows Medical Center was listed #1 in the State of Nevada. Renown Regional Medical Center was named #2 Best Hospital in Nevada. A hospital's score is based on multiple data categories, including patient outcomes, safety and volumes. Hospitals earning a high performing rating were significantly better than the national average. Renown Regional Medical Center has also been awarded the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Hospital Accreditation based on compliance with hospital standards related to emergency management, environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.  Renown’s Roseview, Sierra and Cardiac Intensive Care Units have each been awarded a Beacon Award of Excellence from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) based on patient outcomes that exceed national benchmarks. Renown has the only intensive care units awarded this distinction in Nevada.  For up-to-date information on Renown’s approach to keeping our community safe, visit our website at www.renown.org/covid-19/. We are so grateful for our community’s support during these unprecedented times. If you are able to assist with handcrafted mask covers, financial donations, PPE & other supplies or restaurant meal delivery for staff, please visit https://www.renown.org/donations-covid-19/.   About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally owned and governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown’s institute model addresses social determinants of health and includes: Child Health, Behavioral Health & Addiction, Healthy Aging and Health Innovation. Clinical institutes include: Cancer, Heart and Vascular Health, Neurosciences and Robotic Surgery. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project® . For more information visit, www.renown.org.

Read More About As Community COVID-19 Cases Rise, Renown Prepares

Across the country, we are seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases including significant surges in hospitalized patients in many communities. As our nation experiences the impact of this international pandemic, the Renown Health team continues to make preparations for our community.  Renown staff continue to safely screen, diagnose and care for patients with respiratory illnesses, including those at risk for COVID-19.   Renown continues to use current local and national data, analytics, and public data sets for predictive modeling and is prepared to serve the community.  At this time, based on the number of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and seasonal fluctuations, Renown Regional Medical Center and Renown South Meadows Medical Center are experiencing inpatient hospital capacity challenges. We have prepared for these patient census increases and the need to serve an increased level of hospital patients. Out of an abundance of caution, Renown has deployed the Hospital Incident Command System (HICS) to address the ongoing high census and increasing community COVID-19 test positivity rates. Command Staff are in place to ensure the beds, procedure capacity and spaces are in place to accommodate staff, technology, supplies, equipment and services to meet the needs of patients and ensure the safety of our care teams. The following health and safety measures are in place. Still Caring for Scheduled Medically-Necessary Surgical Patients In an effort to continue to meet the medical needs of all those needing care at Renown hospitals and in alignment with national professional societies, and the American Hospital Association, Renown continues to successfully schedule medically-necessary inpatient and outpatient cases at both Renown hospitals. Criteria continues to include pre-testing patients for COVID-19 prior to their scheduled procedure date, having patients remain in isolation following the test and up to the time of surgery. Based on the data, Renown has no plans to cancel medically-necessary surgeries. In fact, these surgery patients only use less than 7 percent of staffed beds on average, and do not add significantly to the capacity management challenges we are experiencing.  Temporary Deployable Medical Structure Outside Renown Regional Emergency Department As another way to manage influx and limit the exposure between individuals suspected of having respiratory illness and assure health and safety measures for other hospital patients and providers, Renown is again working with the State Public Health Preparedness team and has requested a deployable medical facility through the Washoe County Emergency Manager. We expect that the Temporary Deployable Medical Structure will be erected over the next week outside the Renown Regional Emergency Department. This proactive step to serve our community, was also taken back in March. (Medical Structure photos.) Alternate Care Site at Mill Street Parking Structure at Renown Regional Remains Ready If needed, the temporary patient care area created within the Mill Street parking structure is ready to serve additional hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 but not needing intensive care. This Alternate Care Site (ACS) location allows caregivers and patients to remain on campus, and still have accessibility to existing hospital infrastructure such as lab, pharmacy, imaging, food services and other critical services. The Renown ACS contains flooring, electrical infrastructure, lighting, water, technology, and is equipped with beds and basic patient care support equipment. It was built within a 10-day period in April by local partners including Clark/Sullivan Construction, Curtis Bros. Construction, PK Electrical, Ainsworth Associates Mechanical Engineers, Intermountain Electric, Mt. Rose Heating & Air Conditioning and Frank Lepori Construction. (Alternate Care Site B-Roll.) For up-to-date information on Renown’s approach to keeping our community safe, visit our website at https://www.renown.org/covid-19/.   About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally owned and governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown’s institute model addresses social determinants of health and includes: Child Health, Behavioral Health & Addiction, Healthy Aging and Health Innovation. Clinical institutes include: Cancer, Heart and Vascular Heath, Neurosciences and Robotic Surgery. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project® . For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About As Community COVID-19 Cases Rise, Renown is Prepared

Hospital-at-home monitoring allows patients to receive hospital-level care in the comfort of their own homes. Renown Health announced today that they are one of the first institutions to home monitor patients who have been hospitalized with COVID-19, as the integrated health network continues to seek innovative solutions to improving the health- and healthcare of those who live in Nevada. This week, six patients at Renown Regional Medical Center and Renown South Meadows Medical Center diagnosed with COVID-19 were outfitted with this remote ‘hospital at home’ monitoring system. Renown clinicians plan to use the system to monitor upwards of 1,000 hospitalized patients and lower acuity patients from their homes.  “We at Renown are proud of our national reputation as an innovator in implementing new models, technology and systems of care for the community,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, President & CEO. “We are working with some incredible partners to transform care and demonstrate value in a way that appeals to patients and helps clinicians improve outcomes and reduce costs. Renown’s Hospital-at-Home model of care technology enables patients to receive hospital-level care in the comfort of their own homes. There is now compelling evidence that well-monitored, at home treatment can be safer, cheaper and more effective than traditional hospital stays, especially for patients who are elderly, frail or vulnerable to complications.” “This type of technology is a game-changer in improving patient care,” says Paul Sierzenski, MD, MSHQS, Chief Medical Officer, Acute Services. "Given the demand on our hospitals during this COVID-19 pandemic, we are pleased to provide appropriate patients with this telehealth solution which uses wearable, continuous pulse oximetry, assisting our management of patients with COVID-19, and allowing patients the convenience of being in their own homes.” Designed to track the blood oxygen saturation and respiration rate of patients who are hospitalized or quarantined at home, the system uses pulse oximetry with a proprietary remote data capture and surveillance platform accessible from a patient's Android or iOS smartphone or smart device.  The remote monitoring system is designed for easy, initiative use. Patients wear a small metal finger cuff and are provided with a multi-day supply of single-patient-use sensors and access to a mobile app. Monitoring data collected by the sensor is shared with the patient’s smartphone using a secure Bluetooth® connection. Twice daily, or as directed, the program is configured to actively notify patients to answer questions such as, "are you having trouble breathing?" and "what is your temperature?” and pushes these responses along with the monitoring data to clinicians at Renown for evaluation. “Renown is working with a number of exciting technology companies who provide hospital-at-home technology, especially as they respond to the needs of our community through the COVID-19 pandemic, and work to make healthcare more affordable by offering services in lower-cost settings,” says Ty Windfeldt, MBA, Chief Operating Officer- Health Services. “One of the benefits of offering Hometown Health- our own not-for-profit health plan; a medical group; an accountable care organization and a clinically integrated network, is that even though Medicare does not pay for acute services offered outside of hospitals for fee-for-service beneficiaries, we are able to invest, pioneer and design innovative models for care and delivery that other health systems cannot.”  "Our patients at Renown have the most sophisticated and reliable respiratory monitoring available anywhere," says Jason Farnsworth, MBA, Director of Respiratory Care Services at Renown. "We know that continuous physiologic monitoring improves outcomes and saves lives. The ability to extend that capability to patients in non-traditional settings and at home during this crisis is transformative. Our teams are excited to be able to delight patients and their families – and ensure they receive the clinical support they need by using this technology and monitoring.” “To know that we can provide quality care for patients recovering from COVID-19, and help ease their transition back to their normal lives, where they can recover in the comfort of their own homes, is fantastic,” says Mitchell Fong, Director of Telehealth Services at Renown. “Patients have shared that they enjoy being at home, sitting in their favorite recliner, enjoying a home-cooked meal and even transitioning back to remote work. If we can help people feel better, we feel better.”  For the fourth year in a row, Renown Health earned the “Digital Most Wired” honors by the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME). Renown also received the 2020 Most Wired Certified Level 7 Special Recognition. The CHIME annual survey accesses how effectively health care organizations apply core and advanced technologies into their clinical and business programs to improve health and expand access to care in their communities. In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital rankings, Renown South Meadows Medical Center was listed #1 in the State of Nevada. Renown Regional Medical Center was named #2 Best Hospital in Nevada. A hospital's score is based on multiple data categories, including patient outcomes, safety and volumes. Hospitals earning a high performing rating were significantly better than the national average. WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING RESPIRATORY OR INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS OR POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19: Renown is encouraging people to use online tools first, such as virtual visits covered by many insurance companies, including Teladoc, for those insured by Renown’s health plan, Hometown Health. For up-to-date information on Renown’s approach to keeping our community safe, visit our website at https://www.renown.org/covid-19/. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally owned and governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown’s institute model addresses social determinants of health and includes: Child Health, Behavioral Health & Addiction, Healthy Aging and Health Innovation. Clinical institutes include: Cancer, Heart and Vascular Health, Neurosciences and Robotic Surgery. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project® . For more information visit renown.org.

Read More About COVID-19 Patients Enjoy Renown's 'Hospital at Home' Remote Patient Monitoring

A major community investment in health care facilities to transform care, improve economy and enhance the quality of life for generations to come. Renown Health announced today $469 million in planned investments, including hospital campus improvements and new health care facilities across northern Nevada to meet the growing community need over the next three years. “Renown Health has a rich 158-year history in serving northern Nevada. Continuing our bold vision and legacy, Renown is making this investment to transform care in our community and improve the quality of life for generations to come. Nothing of its kind has been imagined or currently exists in our area,” says James DeVolld, Board Chair, “The transformation of our hospital campuses represents one of the single largest investments in health care facilities, services and programs in the state, and are a result of putting people first to enhance health care access, experiences, outcomes and affordability for everyone in our community. This will improve care and it will have a tremendous, positive effect on our local and statewide economy."  “Like those we serve, we have experienced many challenges in 2020,” says Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, President and CEO, Renown Health. “These challenges confirmed the critical role that Renown plays as a locally-owned, not-for-profit integrated health network. We are passionate about stepping up to serve our community at all times, and especially when we are needed most. We are transforming to meet the needs of our growing community today- and for the future.” GROWING FOR THE COMMUNITY Over the last two years, given significant consumer demand for Renown providers and services, a master facilities planning process was undertaken to ensure that Renown has adequate bed and procedure capacity, spaces to accommodate new technology and services to meet the needs of a growing patient base and community.  “Renown’s campuses will be innovative, convenient, safe and compassionate places to provide and receive care, incorporating modern efficiencies in a healing environment, says Dawn D. Ahner, DSc, FACHE, Chief Operating Officer, Acute Services at Renown. “Designed for patients, visitors and team members, these spaces will showcase state-of-the-art technology, enhance patient safety and improve the hospital experience- including adding more private rooms; having flexible areas with room for growth; and healthy, sustainable buildings and interiors.” Today, the population of Washoe County, now at 473,156 people, has experienced staggering growth of 12.28% over the last 10 years, from 2010 to 2020. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Nevada ranks as one of the top fastest-growing states in the country, with 15.21% growth over the last ten years. BENEFITS OF MASTER FACILITY PROJECT To alleviate current capacity constraints, allow for expansion and new services, a number of aging facilities will be replaced and new patient care areas will be constructed. Overall, the master facilities project enhances the clinical care model, enhances the experience for patients, families and staff and improves the infrastructure of the physical plant. COMPONENTS: RENOWN REGIONAL TAHOE TOWER BUILD OUT & RENOVATION; REGIONAL SIERRA RENOVATION Renown Children’s Hospital at Renown Regional Medical Center, 1155 Mill St., Reno, NV An expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with increased capacity from 39 current to 49 bassinets on Level 5 of Tahoe Tower of Renown Medical Center. An expanded Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with increased capacity from 11 to 16 private patient and family rooms on Level 5 of the Tahoe Tower of Renown Regional Medical Center. A new Renown Children's Hospital in-patient floor with improvements, upgrades and increased capacity from 33 to 38 private patient and family rooms with a total capacity of 58 pediatric beds on Level 4 of Tahoe Tower of Renown Regional Medical Center. Renown Regional Medical Center, 1155 Mill St., Reno, NV Renown Regional Tahoe Tower Build Out & Renovation A new surgical trauma Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on Level 9 in the Tahoe Tower, increasing capacity to 34 private patient rooms. Improvements and upgrades for Levels 3, 6, 7, 8, of Tahoe Tower. Improvement of 'family zone' within patient rooms; addition of USB capabilities, furnishings. New Respite room for health care team. Upgraded technology/infrastructure to improve collaboration between caregivers and family members. Improvement in lighting, with dimmable options for patient rooms and LED/sustainable improvements. Renown Regional Sierra Tower Renovation Improvements and upgrades for the Sierra Tower Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Level 1, Sierra Tower. Improvements and upgrades for an Adult Transitional Care Unit and Medical/Surgical Unit on Level 4 of Sierra Tower. Renown Regional Material Management and Kitchen Building Renown Regional CUP (Central Utility Plant) Building RENOWN SOUTH MEADOWS RENOVATION & SPECIALTY CARE CENTER Renown South Meadows Medical Center, 10101 Double R Blvd, Reno, NV A new façade, entry canopy and upgrade of lobby and public spaces, including a new Family Lounge. Improvements and upgrades for Medical Center, Levels 1, 2, 3 with private patient/family rooms, USB capabilities, furnishings. Welcome Lounges for patients and families, Respite room for health care team. Expansion of surgery minor procedures room. Operating room enhancements, technology integration and lounges. Improvement in lighting, with dimmable options for patient room areas, LED/sustainable improvements. Improvements, upgrades and new services to the South Meadows Medical Office Building including imaging, surgical pre-admission lounge and expanded Outpatient Therapy space. A new Ambulatory Center adjacent to surgery for convenient procedural care. A new Specialty Care Center. Level 1 will feature kitchen/dining facilities, expanded laboratory and diagnostic services, including Interventional Radiology and a new Cardiac Catheterization Lab. Level 2 will feature an Ambulatory Surgery Center and expanded sterile processing department.  “Structural quality and resiliency are of utmost importance as we are designing our facilities for extreme weather conditions that our region may face,” says Steve Horn, Vice President, Real Estate and Facilities. “As environmental stewards, we are designing the rooms in ways that reduce energy needs, allow for natural light and comfortable temperatures. The interior design will have healing and comfort at the forefront with thoughtful places for reflection, architecture, healing art and views that inspire.” Sy Johnson, MBA, chief of staff for Renown added, “We are working tirelessly to improve the health- and the lives- of thousands of people for the better, to care for people both in sickness and in health, and to provide better quality health and healthcare services in modern, convenient and attractive facilities, at a lower cost and with improving access to services.”  THE TEAM The planning and design team for the Renown master facilities project includes a number of locally-owned businesses, as well as veteran and female-owned businesses.  Leading Architect: Perkins + Will, Chicago, IL For more than sixty-five years, Perkins and Will’s vision and compassion have helped shape many of the nation’s most progressive academic medical centers, research institutions, community hospitals, and clinics. The breadth and quality of their diverse, global portfolio have consistently placed them among the leading healthcare firms in the world. Leading Engineer: WSP, Montreal, CA WSP provides complete healthcare consulting services in the design of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, building technology and fire protection systems; with a focus on sustainable and high performance building design.  Structural Engineer: Datum, San Antonio, TX Datum has an 80-year history providing engineering services for a large variety of projects types. Datum has an experienced team whose tenures with the firm averages more than 20 years.  Electrical Engineer: PK Electrical, Reno, NV, Female-Owned Business PK Electrical, Inc. is a self-performing, female-owned electrical engineering firm providing complete electrical and low voltage design for power, lighting, communications, medium voltage distribution, and emergency power systems. Mechanical Engineer: Ainsworth Associates, Reno, NV Representing a body of work spanning more than seven decades, Ainsworth Associates Mechanical Engineers has built a solid foundation for quality in design for even the most complex building requirements. Civil Engineer: Wood Rodgers, Reno, NV Wood Rodgers has a long standing history partnering with Renown Health. With just under 100 employees in their Reno office alone, they bring local expertise in land planning, civil and geotechnical engineering, surveying, and mapping to better the community we call home.  Traffic Study: Headway Transportation, Reno, NV Headway Transportation was founded in 2010 to provide clients exceptional service and value across all facets of transportation planning & traffic engineering. They have extensive experience across northern Nevada.  Medical Equipment: Covalus, Medical Equipment, Veteran-Owned Small Business Covalus is a veteran-owned small business (VOSB) specializing in healthcare construction management and initial outfitting and transition. In the past twenty years, Covalus has become one of the leading national firms in planning, budgeting, and executing healthcare and other facility projects, working for government, academic, and private institutions across 32 states and 5 countries. Renown has secured long-term financing for this master facilities project. Renown has engaged a firm to coordinate the bidding process in order to be transparent and unbiased in the selection process. Construction is slated to begin in spring 2021 with a majority of the project completed by fall 2023.   About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally owned and governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown’s institute model addresses social determinants of health and includes: Child Health, Behavioral Health & Addiction, Healthy Aging and Health Innovation. Clinical institutes include: Cancer, Heart and Vascular Health, Neurosciences and Robotic Surgery. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project® . For more information visit, www.renown.

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Dawn D. Ahner, DSc, FACHE, selected to serve on The University of Alabama at Birmingham's Women in Health Leadership Executive Council. Research shows women make up almost 80 percent of the healthcare workforce, yet fewer than 20 percent hold key leadership roles. Determined to even out those percentages is Renown Health’s chief operating officer, acute services, Dawn D. Ahner, DSc, FACHE. Renown Health proudly announced today that Ahner was selected among a competitive pool of outstanding women to join The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s inaugural Women in Healthcare Leadership (WIHL) Executive Council. She will serve on the mentor committee where she will support and empower mid-career as well as up-and-coming female leaders in healthcare leadership. Ahner will serve three years on the WIHL Executive Council, beginning January 1, 2021. “Renown Health is a better place because of Dawn’s incredible leadership,” said Sy Johnson, MBA, chief of staff at Renown. “For nearly 30 years, she has led by example to serve our patients, employees and community, helping pave the way for other female leaders to thrive in leadership positions at Renown. Now, she’s paving the way for future leaders to thrive in healthcare leadership positions across the nation, and we could not be more proud of her.” "At Renown, we are committed to fostering an environment of diversity, inclusion and cultural competence where all are appreciated, fully engaged and motivated to make a genuine, positive difference in the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve," said Michelle Sanchez-Bickley, MS, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Renown’s chief human resources officer. "We are proud that nearly 70 percent of Renown's leadership roles are filled with women who are making a difference in our community. Dawn is leading the way for all of us." “As I begin my term as a member on the WIHL Executive Council, I am hopeful for a future filled with more female leaders in healthcare,” said Ahner. “I am fortunate to be where I am today, and my goal is to help women learn from my journey and experiences and see that anything is possible with hard work and determination.” Ahner started at Renown in 1993 as a financial analyst. She worked her way through the ranks, serving a total of eight positions including director of finance, chief financial officer, chief administrative officer, and finally, her current role as chief operating officer, acute services. She has been honored for her many accomplishments, including spearheading the launch of Renown’s Transformation Health Care, a model of continuous improvement based on lean methodology; and in 2018 she was named to the Becker’s Hospital Review’s annual list of 143 women hospital and health system leaders to know. Ahner earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from California State University, Sacramento; her master of business administration from the University of Nevada, Reno; and her doctor of science in administration-health services from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital rankings, Renown South Meadows Medical Center was listed #1 in the State of Nevada. Renown Regional Medical Center was named #2 Best Hospital in Nevada. A hospital's score is based on multiple data categories, including patient outcomes, safety and volumes. Hospitals earning a high performing rating were significantly better than the national average. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally owned and governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown’s institute model addresses social determinants of health and includes: Child Health, Behavioral Health & Addiction, Healthy Aging and Health Innovation. Clinical institutes include: Cancer, Heart and Vascular Health, Neurosciences and Robotic Surgery. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information visit, www.renown.org.

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