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Funds used to stand up virtual screenings, purchase telehealth equipment, provide virtual care and enhance remote monitoring services to help keep the community safe Renown Health Foundation announced today that it is the recipient of a $977,720 grant from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its COVID-19 Telehealth Program. The funding will be used to offset the expenses of various telehealth programs implemented during the current COVID-19 pandemic. A portion of the grant will also be used to help Renown expand its remote monitoring capabilities, reshaping the way patients receive care from the comfort of their homes.  “Virtual technology is shaping the future of medicine and how we deliver care to our patients,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, president and CEO of Renown Health. “It’s convenient, fast, reliable and accessible to everyone with a mobile device. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I have witnessed the incredible power of technology to ensure our patients receive quality care when and where they need it. I look forward to the future of digital health as we continue expanding our virtual service offerings, contributing to a happier, healthier community.” Renown will use a portion of the funding to offset expenses incurred to establish the virtual COVID-19 visit screenings for the pandemic. These on-line, virtual visits allowed individuals with signs of respiratory illness across Nevada and California to be screened by a care provider for COVID-19. Previously, a screening was required for patients to receive a test, making this a critical tool to help our region flatten the curve.   The grant will also support Renown’s efforts to introduce a dedicated platform to enable all specialists and urgent care providers to deliver virtual care to patients, if their care needs can be met through a virtual platform. These visits have been essential as community members continue to practice physical distancing and many live in rural communities. “We are incredibly thankful for the support of the FCC, as this grant has already played a huge role in the way our community receives the care they need and deserve,” said Renown’s chief development officer, Greg Walaitis. “During the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, it will help us ensure all patients in our area have access to care from their homes or nearby locations.”  Furthermore, the grant will support some of the technology and equipment used in Renown’s Alternate Care Site located in its Mill Street Parking structure.  “Though we are fortunate our Alternate Care Site remains unused today, the facility is equipped with computers and tablets embedded with telehealth solutions, all supported by the FCC grant,” said Renown’s director of telehealth, Mitchell Fong. “This technology would allow our providers to treat and monitor our patients with COVID-19 without being exposed to the virus, so they can remain healthy and a vital part of the care team where they are needed most.”  Renown purchased video conference software licenses to support these virtual programs. Aside from connecting patients to care providers, the technology was used to enhance a patient’s hospital stay and make them feel more emotionally comfortable and connected.  “Before initiating our Patient Supporter program, we weren’t allowing visitors in our hospitals due to the pandemic to help keep patients, staff and our community safe,” said Fong. “The purchase of video conferencing licenses helped patients from all hospital units connect with loved ones via videoconferencing calls facilitated by their care providers. We know these interactions are an important aspect of a patient’s healing experience, and the FCC grant made it possible for countless patients to stay in touch with their external support networks.”  Finally, the FCC funding will allow Renown to expand and enhance its remote monitoring services, particularly for hospital patients who have recovered from COVID-19. Renown is currently exploring tools for providers to virtually – and seamlessly – monitor and track their patient’s oxygen levels, among other vitals, once they go home. This will aid in smooth and efficient transitional care, as the recovery period after a patient is discharged from the hospital is considered exceptionally critical.       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, Renown Children’s Hospital, Renown 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.

Read More About Renown Health Awarded Nearly 1 Million Grant from the FCC

Nurse practitioners will come to your home to discuss your needs, develop a personalized plan, and align with your team to ensure excellent health care through at-home Renown Palliative Care.  Nos complace anunciar que ahora ofrecemos servicios de interpretación en español para nuestro cuidado paliativo a domicilio. Renown Health, the only Level II Trauma Center in northern Nevada, and the leader in offering the most innovative services for critically ill adults and children is also home to a Palliative Care team dedicated to providing compassionate, specialized care for individuals and families facing the challenges of serious illness. “As Reno’s only not-for-profit health care organization we are constantly investing in better care and essential services for our community. Our goal is to keep care local, and to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO for Renown Health. “Empowering people with serious illnesses to receive advanced care planning in the comfort of their homes helps fuel a spirit of independence and eliminates visits to the hospital or the emergency room. This in-home Palliative Care program reflects Renown’s commitment to serving the needs of our community and ensuring patients with serious illnesses have convenient access to the clinical expertise they need, day and night.” “At Renown Health, our multidisciplinary Palliative Care team, led by physicians and nurse practitioners, work collaboratively to provide clinical support and compassionate guidance for patients with chronic and life-limiting illnesses,” says Dr. Jonathan Theriot, a specialist in Palliative Care with Renown Medical Group and a faculty member of University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. “We offer a consultative service that can be used at any time during a person’s illness. People can continue to see their physicians and receive treatment (such as chemotherapy or dialysis) while on service. Our nurse practitioners will come to the home to discuss the person’s individual needs and concerns and develop a personalized health care plan. We work closely with other physicians and care teams such as primary care, oncology, and home health to align and ensure the best care possible. We are available 24/7 to answer questions. Our only goal is to support the patient and their family.”  Key features of the Renown Palliative Care program include: Comprehensive Symptom Management: Focused on alleviating pain, nausea, fatigue, and other side effects and symptoms to ensure patient comfort. Emotional and Psychological Support: Provide counseling and support services to help patients and their families cope with the emotional challenges of serious illness. Spiritual Care: Offer resources and support for patients to explore spiritual concerns and a sense of well-being. Coordination of Care: Ensure seamless communications, alignment, and collaboration between healthcare clinicians on a unified care plan tailored to each patient’s needs. Support for Families: Provide education, respire care, and support services to help families navigate the complexities of caregiving for a person with a serious and life-limiting illness.  When is the time right for Palliative Care?  New diagnosis of chronic or life-limiting serious illness; Need for patient and caregiver support regarding medical decision-making; Difficult physical or emotional symptoms that impact daily life and routines; Frequent hospitalizations or Emergency Room visits; Uncertainty regarding health care options and available resources; Questions about end-of-life care; Increased difficulty completing activities of daily living. What services can Palliative Care provide? Advance care planning; Serious illness conversations; Symptom management through collaboration with your primary physician or medical provider; Reducing stress and anxiety; POLST and DNR completion; Durable medical equipment including assessment for walkers, wheelchairs, and greater mobility.  Does Insurance or Medicare/Medicaid pay for Palliative Care at home? Financial coverage for at-home palliative care services varies by provider and insurance plan. Medicare and Medicaid cover palliative care patient visits by a physician or advanced practice nurse. Some Medicare Advantage and health insurance plans offer coverage for palliative care visits and services, but specifics vary by plan. For specific guidance, contact your employer or health plan to determine coverage details and length of coverage including copays, out-of-pocket costs, and other charges for palliative care. Does Renown offer at-home Palliative Care for people who speak Spanish? "Nos complace anunciar que ahora ofrecemos servicios de interpretación en español para nuestro cuidado paliativo a domicilio," dice Monica Gonzalez-Ruesga, Community Liaison, Renown Home Health. "Estamos dedicados a brindar cuidado de alta calidad y satisfacer las necesidades lingüísticas y culturales de nuestra comunidad." Renown utiliza un servicio de interpretación telefónica en vivo para los pacientes que hablan español. Can I self-refer to the Renown Palliative Care team? Yes. Self- and physician referrals are both accepted Mon-Fri 8AM-4:30PM at 775-982-2828. More information on the Renown at-home Palliative Care program is available at renown.org/Health-Services/Palliative-and-Supportive-Care. For media interviews with Dr. Jonathan Theriot, Monica Gonzalez-Ruesga or a member of the Palliative Care team, contact news@renown.org.   About Renown Health  Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated health care network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,500 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center for adults and children, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Serious Illness Care – Delivered Directly to Your Home by Renown Health

Renown Health has earned the “Best Place for Working Parents” designation for 2024 as a family-friendly workplace in Nevada.   “We are honored to be recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO of Renown Health. This designation reflects Renown’s commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where our physicians, clinicians and employees can thrive professionally and personally. We understand the challenges that working parents face, and we are working to foster a more family-friendly environment. Together, we are building a People-First culture that values caring, integrity, collaboration, and excellence.” “This designation recognizes Renown Health’s commitment to supporting working parents with family-friendly policies and practices,” said Sandeep Randhawa, MS, Chief People Officer. “Our People First culture and mindset supports the well-being of Renown’s more than 7,500 exceptional physicians and employees. Our best-in-class talent management programs focus on attracting and retaining healthcare professionals; ensuring that Renown’s values are reinforced with strategic decisions aimed at empowering our employees to perform at their best. We are incredibly proud of our team and the total rewards package we offer. We continue to look at meaningful ways to recognize and reward our extraordinary team for their contributions and achievements.” “This designation recognizes Renown Health’s commitment to supporting working parents with family-friendly policies and practices,” said Sandeep Randhawa, MS, Chief People Officer. “Our People-First culture supports the personal needs and well-being of Renown’s more than 7,500 exceptional physicians and associates. Our best-in-class talent management programs focus on hiring, training, and growing our professionals; ensuring that Renown’s values are reinforced with every strategic decision. We are incredibly proud of our team and the benefits we offer. We will continue to look for new benefits and conveniences to bring to our extraordinary team.”  “The Best Place for Working Parents” is made up of community businesses that work to educate organizations on the importance of promoting family in the workplace. Renown was recognized for offering the following family-friendly benefits.  Expanded physical health, medical, prescription and dental benefits for full-time and part-time employees Flexible Spending Accounts Enhanced wellness and mental health support Appreciating and engaging employees Paid volunteer opportunities Everyday Amazing and Celebrate Amazing service milestone events Community and family event discounts Debt-free Financial Wellness program Emergency Financial Fund through Renown Health Foundation Educational assistance reimbursement, student loan repayment, continuing education Onsite Childcare Center Flexible schedules and locations Retirement Savings Plans and matches For more information or to join the Renown family, apply online at renown.org/careers. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated health care network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,500 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 locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Renown Health Earns "Best Place for Working Parents" Designation

Renown developed processes to standardize patient care, increase quality measurement The American College of Cardiology has recognized Renown Health for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients receiving transcatheter valve repair and replacement procedures. Renown Health was awarded Transcatheter Valve Certification in February based on evaluation of the staff’s ability to meet standards for multidisciplinary teams, formalized training, shared decision-making and registry performance. The ACC’s Transcatheter Valve Certification is an external review and certification process that pairs with established national clinical databases to monitor patient safety and real-world outcomes related to transcatheter valve therapies. Participation in established national clinical databases such as the STS/ACC TVT Registry is required for hospitals interested in achieving Transcatheter Valve Certification. “Renown Health has demonstrated its commitment to providing northern Nevada with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Renown Health with Transcatheter Valve Certification.” The certification uses established national clinical measures to support clinical decisions and links process improvement to patient outcomes. Hospitals that achieve Transcatheter Valve Certification learn best practices for implementing evidence-based medicine to support patient-centered decision-making and can track key performance metrics to better identify opportunities for improvement. The nationally acclaimed Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health provides the region with top-tier cardiovascular care, including 11 cardiovascular specialties, 52 providers and 69,000 patient visits per year. “Renown was the first healthcare system in the region to offer our patients the minimally invasive Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) and in 2022 our team performed 128 TAVR procedures, exceeding the national TAVR quality average,” said Dr. Jayson Morgan, FACC, Director of Cardiovascular Services. “This advanced 60-to-90-minute procedure treats aortic stenosis, a progressive disease that affects the aortic valve in the heart. During the procedure, a new valve is inserted within the diseased aortic valve while the heart is still beating.” The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like Renown Health access to a comprehensive suite of cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize patient outcomes and improve hospital financial performance. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care, including transcatheter valve therapies. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally 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.   About the American College of Cardiology The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team since 1949, ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at acc.org or follow @ACCinTouch.

Read More About Renown Health Recognized for Excellence with ACC Transcatheter Valve Certification

Dr. Max J. Coppes announced as Cancer Center Directory, Larry Duncan as Cancer Center Administrator for Renown's Institute for Cancer, with goal to improve the health and well-being of Nevadans. Renown Health is excited to announce that effective today, Max J. Coppes, MD, PhD, MBA has been appointed to a new leadership role as the Cancer Center Director for Renown’s Institute for Cancer. Dr. Coppes, a pediatric oncologist by training, has experience in leading large-scale, nationally-recognized academic adult and pediatric cancer center teams in both the U.S. and Canada. “If you know Dr. Coppes, you know he has the passion, dedication and commitment to build and foster the partnerships needed to create a leading comprehensive cancer center and program that spans the spectrum for patients and their families; from prevention to treatment to survivorship to palliative care,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, President and CEO, Renown Health. Also effective today, Larry Duncan, MS, has been appointed as Cancer Center Administrator for Renown Health, working in dyad partnership with Dr. Coppes to support the development of this important service line. Larry will also continue his service as Vice President of Pediatrics and Surgery & Administrator of Renown Children's & Women’s Services “Together, as they have done so successfully for Renown Children’s Hospital, Dr. Coppes and Larry Duncan will be responsible for the strategic direction, operations, fiscal management and recruitment of professionals to the Renown Institute for Cancer,” said Sy Johnson, MBA, chief of staff for Renown Health. “As one of Renown’s ‘Destination Health’ service lines, Dr. Coppes and Larry will continue to support an integrated leadership model that puts the patient at the center of all that we do.” Dr. Coppes came to Reno in 2014 from the British Columbia Cancer Agency in Vancouver, where he served as president with responsibility for six regional cancer centers and two cancer research centers. He was an attending physician at BC Children's Hospital, an adjunct professor of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University, and a professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of British Columbia. During his career, Coppes served as senior vice president at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. and held positions at several prestigious facilities in the U.S. and Canada including The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, Georgetown University, The National Cancer Institute, and the Cleveland Clinic. Since 2016, Dr. Coppes has served in the joint leadership role as the Nell J. Redfield Chair of Pediatrics at the University of Nevada School of Medicine and pediatrician-in-chief at Renown Children's Hospital, a position made possible through generous philanthropic support from the Nell J. Redfield Foundation along with investments by Renown Health and the UNR School of Medicine. Over the last five years, Duncan has served as Vice President of Pediatrics and Surgery & Administrator of Renown Children's and Women's Hospital, with oversight for Renown’s Pediatric Emergency Room and general and specialty pediatric physician practices. He has also served as Chief Operating Officer for Renown Regional Medical Center with oversight of pharmacy, imaging, nutrition, laboratory services and operating rooms. Prior to coming to Renown, Duncan served as CEO for El Paso Children’s Hospital and served in executive capacities for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Rush University Medical Center.  “The Renown Institute for Cancer has Full Accreditation with Commendation from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons in all 7 areas. Only 25% of cancer programs attain this distinction, which recognizes the quality of comprehensive, multidisciplinary patient care. Renown is the only accredited Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer program in northern Nevada to be selected, and one of only three programs statewide,” says Max J. Coppes, MD, PhD, MBA. “That is certainly an excellent foundation on which to build on, and such a gift for our community.”  “Renown’s cancer nurses, patient navigators, social workers, palliative care specialists, geneticists, nutritionists, clinical trial researchers, physical rehab specialists and the entire team provides prevention and screening to help reduce the incidence of cancer and reduce the late stage presentation of cancers,” says Larry Duncan, MS. “Helping patients and families navigate their journey begins at the time of diagnosis, with the help of our nurse navigators, and extends throughout the patient’s treatment. We are making great strides in long-term survivorship and are pleased to be recognized for the comprehensive nature of our research, care, education and community outreach programs.”  According to the National Cancer Institute, the Age-Adjusted Death Rate of 153.5 per 100,000 population due to Cancer for Washoe County has seen significant improvement in the last several years, and now meets the Healthy People 2020 national health target of reducing the overall cancer death rate below 161.4 per 100,000 population. The Healthy People 2030 national health target is to reduce the overall cancer death rate to 122.7 deaths per 100,000 population.  The National Cancer Institute (NCI) defines cancer as a term used to describe diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and are able to invade other tissues. According to the NCI there are over 100 different types of cancer, but breast, colon, lung, pancreatic, prostate, and rectal cancer lead to the greatest number of annual deaths. Risk factors of cancer include but are not limited to; age, alcohol use, tobacco use, a poor diet, certain hormones, and sun exposure. Although some of these risk factors cannot be avoided -- such as age -- limiting exposure to avoidable risk factors may lower risk of developing certain cancers. 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.

Read More About Renown Health Announces Cancer Program Leadership Team

Renown joins Washoe County Health District to Offer COVID-19 Vaccines to Children 5-11 at Vaccine Clinics. Renown Health is partnering with the Washoe County Health District to help distribute the initially available, limited supplies of an age-appropriate dose of the COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines to children ages 5-11. At this time, all residents 5 years and older are eligible to receive a vaccine. Renown announced today that for parents/guardians with proxy access for their children through the Renown MyChart app, vaccination appointments are now available for children ages 5-11. Pending supply, Renown expects to be able to vaccinate 1,600 children with the 2-dose series in a limited series of weekend clinics. At this time, due to limited supplies, no vaccines for children are available through Renown Medical Group pediatric offices. Vaccine appointments may only be scheduled through the Renown MyChart app; please do not contact a Renown doctor/health care provider or the Engagement Center at this time. There is no cost to establish a Renown MyChart account, and you do not need to have a Renown provider to enroll. For MyChart Technical Support, call 775-982-2781. Renown is covering all costs of the vaccine, and it is offered free of charge. “As a pediatrician, an intensive care physician, a public health practitioner and a grandparent, I encourage parents to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 now. No child should suffer, be hospitalized or die from a disease that can prevented by simply getting a shot,” says Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, President & CEO of Renown Health. “We remain steadfast in fighting the good fight for our community, and that includes protecting kids. Being able to serve kids and their parents, with the only Children’s Hospital in northern Nevada, and being able to administer COVID-19 vaccines to children is incredibly gratifying for our team. This vaccine will prevent deaths, ICU admissions and will prevent significant long-term adverse outcomes in children." “I tell parents, get your kids vaccinated now- because every kid is at risk,” says Kristina Deeter, M.D., MBA, Pediatric Intensivist, and Vice Chair of Pediatrics at Renown Children’s Hospital. “Please get your family- including your kids, vaccinated now to keep your family safe. Being fully vaccinated and being able to hug Grandma and Grandpa at the holidays may be the greatest gift of all this holiday season.” “The CDC recommends everyone ages 5 and older get a COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against COVID-19. Widespread vaccination for COVID-19 is a critical tool to protect everyone, especially those at highest risk, from severe illness and death. Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is the only option currently authorized for children,” says Vanessa Slots, MD, a pediatrician with Renown Children’s. “It was found to give kids strong protection against COVID-19, including against the Delta variant. Children who are vaccinated may have some side effects (chills, redness and swelling at site injection), which are normal signs that their body is building protection.” Children are advised not to receive the vaccine if: • They are ill at the time of vaccination (fever, shortness of breath, vomiting, diarrhea or acute illness). • They have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the previous 14 days. • They have a history of significant allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the vaccine.   About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest 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 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 The Greatest Gift of All? A Fully Vaccinated Family!

Chuck Podesta, national IT leader to use technology to improve the health and well-being of Nevadans. Renown Health is pleased to announce Charles (Chuck) Podesta has been named Chief Information Officer. Podesta is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience leading some of the nation’s top healthcare IT teams. He has literally worked from coast to coast and is excited to bring his talents to Nevada. “We are pleased to bring an experienced and talented leader like Chuck Podesta to lead our information and technology areas at Renown,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, President & CEO of Renown. “As Chief Information Officer, he will have the opportunity to foster a culture of innovation and excellence in information technology which serves hundreds of thousands of people across the state and the nation. Chuck will use the power of technology to bring a new level of convenience to patients and providers and will use his talents and team to improve the health and well-being of Nevadans.” Chuck most recently served as Interim Chief Information Officer for UCONN Health’s John Dempsey Medical Center, School of Medicine and Clinical Research IT. Prior to that, Chuck served as CIO for UCI Health/UC Irvine School of Medicine and the University of California Health System. He also served as CIO for University of Vermont Health Network/Fletcher Allen Health; Steward Health/Caritas Christi Healthcare; Berkshire Health; Baystate Health and UMASS Medical Center, all in the New England area. Podesta specializes in creating, resourcing and implementing strategic technology plans; maximizing the power of the Epic electronic medical record; streamlining governance and priorities; aligning IT and medical informatics needs across affiliated entities including a medical school environment, Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), Clinically Integrated Networks (CINs) and medical practices; partners to implement best of breed customer-driven digital tools; leads participation in state-wide health exchanges (HIE) and coaches and mentors IT teams.   “Chuck’s experience and strengths in a variety of diverse and complex environments make him the perfect leader for us at this important time in our history,” explains Josiah (Sy) Johnson, Chief of Staff for Renown. Chuck will assure we are leading with innovative and contemporary approaches and integrating technology and expertise in our ongoing pursuit of excellence in improving health and healthcare in Nevada. “I am honored and excited to join the Renown Health family and the northern Nevada community,” says Chuck Podesta, Chief Information Officer. “I am impressed with the innovation and transformation at Renown; which has earned it a reputation as one of the nation’s leading health systems. I look forward to joining Renown Health at this exciting time in its history. I am excited to bring my skills and experience to create a positive experience when people use our technology. I am looking forward to leading the organization on this important journey.” Podesta is a graduate of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and an active member of CHIME, HIMSS and the Society for Information Management (SIM). Podesta will begin at Renown on July 12.   About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, local not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,200 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. Clinical institutes include: Cancer, Heart and Vascular Heath and Neurosciences. 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 Renown Health Welcomes New Chief Information Technology Officer

Students ages 16 and older can now submit applications for entry-level, non-clinical opportunities at region’s top employer and one of the nation’s Top Places to Work ® Obtaining a career in healthcare has been the goal of many who seek to make a positive difference in the lives of others and improve the health of their communities. Overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations; and this increase is expected to result in about 2 million new jobs over the decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Today, Renown Health leaders announced they are accepting employment applications for individuals 16 years old to work in entry-level, non-clinical roles; formerly teens needed to be 18 years or older to apply for employment at Nevada’s largest not-for-profit health network. “Many of us who work today as physicians, nurses and key members of the healthcare team, started out as teenagers working or volunteering in our local hospitals,” says Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO, Renown Health. “Supporting local teens with their first jobs in healthcare, and providing support for life-long careers, helps build the workforce of the future. We are excited to welcome the next generation of Renown employees as they partner with us to care for our community and Fight the Good Fight.” “For more than 160 years, the foundation of our success has been to hire the brightest and most compassionate people,” says Brittany Brown, MBA, Director of Recruitment. High school students curious about a career in healthcare are encouraged to apply to one of the many entry-level, non-clinical positions available now at Renown Health. All entry-level positions offer flexible schedules to account for school schedules. Named Ragan’s “Top Places to Work for 2022,” Renown Health fosters a caring culture of values that include caring, integrity, collaboration and excellence. Renown was awarded for championing their workforce and providing guidance, initiatives and resources that promote a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace, offering ample room for professional growth and providing effective communication that keeps employees engaged and informed. “Renown Health is rising to the occasion by expanding employment opportunities for high school students,” said Ms. Brown. “We hope to help teens develop career skills that will serve them today, and for a successful future.” The decision to lower Renown’s minimum employment age to 16 was rooted in the health system’s desire to support students in their long-term career goals and foster their interest in healthcare. Renown’s expert recruiters are poised to welcome teen applicants and be a resource for them throughout the hiring process. Along with offering education and career growth opportunities, Renown has extensive employee benefits available to full time and part time employees. Open part-time and per diem positions available for students who meet the new minimum age requirement of include, but are not limited to: Patient Access Representatives Patient Safety Assistants Patient Transporters Dishwashers Food Service Workers Housekeepers Renown Health also recognizes the value of experienced workers and believes in equal opportunities for all. Part-time, full-time and flexible positions are also available for people 55+ and retirees. Individuals may apply directly at renown.org/careers. Renown Health ensures equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information, see our non-discrimination policy at renown.org. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest 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 is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®.

Read More About Renown Health Lowers Minimum Employment Age To 16 Years Old

Renown employees volunteered to reach out to over 2,500 older adults participating in the non-profits’ free Sterling Silver Club. While people of all ages are coping with the challenges of social isolation, there is one group of individuals who may feel especially lonely during these uncertain times—our aging adults. To offer some friendly conversation and answer any questions older adults may have about Renown’s commitment to keeping them safe during the COVID-19 crisis, Renown Health employees are making phone calls to its Sterling Silver Club members. To date, employees have made nearly 1,000 phone calls. Renown is also hosting several virtual events to reach older audiences.  “The human element of connecting with these members is really special,” said Tori DellaRocca, who oversees this loyalty program at Renown. “Many of the people we call live alone and some have no one to check in on them. It has been a pleasure talking to our members; learning more about them and what they’re doing to pass the time, offering ideas to help them stay busy, and assuring them Renown is here to keep them safe. Since launching this campaign back in March, making these phone calls has been a highlight of my day, and I know I’m not alone in feeling this way.”  Anyone over the age of 55 is invited to join Renown’s free Sterling Silver Club, created to help people live healthy, happy lives every day. Members enjoy exclusive benefits all designed with their interests in mind. From social events and lectures to entertainment (virtual for now), special discounts, and health insights and tips, this club is a place for community members to shine and embrace the joys of healthy aging. “I enjoy the lectures,” said Sterling Silver Club member Liz Barnes. “They appeal to my desire to know more and invariably provide an ‘informed’ call to action.” “After the [lecture] on diabetes prevention, I enrolled in the one-year long, Renown-sponsored diabetes prevention program,” said Liz’s husband, Barry. “After the sleep seminar, I changed my bedtime habits.” While the Sterling Silver Club is not currently hosting events in-person, it is hosting educational talks and ways to help aging adults stay healthy through its online channels.  The “Hello Project” is a virtual gathering place for adults 65 and older to focus on health, wellbeing and offer positive social support, made possible by a partnership with Renown Health, Truckee Meadows Healthy Communities and the Washoe County Health District. These virtual gatherings are hosted every Tuesday and Thursday at noon. Community members can learn more here. In addition, the Sterling Silver Club is hosting a Facebook Live event, Is Age Related to Anxiety?, coming up on Tuesday, April 28 from 11 a.m. – noon. During this live event, Renown psychologist Dr. Buddy Coard will discuss the impact of anxiety as we age and what we can do to prevent it from getting in the way of enjoying life. Those interested in attending can RSVP here. “Our members have enjoyed the opportunity to learn from experts in the field of healthy aging as well as connect with their fellow community members,” said DellaRocca. “We’re all in this together, and these virtual events, combined with our phone call efforts, show our older population they truly are not alone.”  For more information on upcoming virtual events from Renown’s Sterling Silver Club and to sign up, please visit www.renown.org/SterlingSilver.      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.

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BioIntelliSense medical grade vital sign monitoring and Renown Health’s centralized command center creates a scalable system to optimize critical healthcare resources and nurse workflow efficiencies DENVER, CO AND RENO, NV; DECEMBER 6, 2021 – BioIntelliSense, a continuous health monitoring and clinical intelligence company, has entered into a strategic collaboration with Renown Health, a not- for-profit integrated healthcare network of hospitals and care facilities serving over one million people in Nevada and northeast California, to provide more convenient, effective and personalized care to patients via continuous remote monitoring for both in-hospital patient care as well as at-home health management. This innovative program integrates BioIntelliSense’s FDA-cleared BioSticker™ wearable device into Renown Health’s state-of-the-art clinical remote monitoring services to address today’s significant healthcare workforce shortage challenges and enhance their patient-centered model of care. BioIntelliSense’s BioSticker continuously monitors data on a patient’s skin temperature, resting heart rate and respiratory rate, step, gait, sleep, activity levels, and more, including infection-like symptom alerts that supports COVID-19 monitoring. The BioSticker’s medical-grade trending and advanced analytics will be visualized and monitored by clinical staff within the Renown Transfer and Operations Center (RTOC). The Renown Transfer and Operations Center is powered by Renown doctors, nurses, technicians and national technology partners, including BioIntelliSense, to help ensure seamless care for patients and providers. Through this highly coordinated care logistics system, Renown will be able to customize health care to the needs of every patient; delivering the right care, at the right time and place across the integrated delivery system. Renown clinicians will be able to access near real-time information on patients’ vital signs and symptoms, enabling them to identify adverse changes in health sooner and intervene earlier. “Given the growing healthcare workforce crisis, routine patient monitoring has become more expensive and less frequent, especially during the ongoing public health emergency.  With the BioSticker, vital signs monitoring can be provided for each patient far more frequently and at a fraction of the cost,” said James Mault, MD, Founder and CEO of BioIntelliSense. “Our strategic partnership with Renown Health serves as a gold standard demonstration project for other hospital systems. What we are learning from patients and providers at Renown will help create fully integrated, continuous care delivery that starts during the patient’s hospitalization enabling monitoring of their health status throughout their recovery process, and from the comfort of their own home after leaving the hospital.” During the first phase of the collaboration and during this phase one implementation, the BioSticker will be applied to all patients admitted to Renown’s community hospital, Renown South Meadows Medical Center in Reno, Nevada. Patients may wear the device throughout their hospital stay and continue to wear it when they leave for their homes, ambulatory, outpatient surgical, rehabilitation or skilled nursing settings. “We are excited to continue to enhance our relationships with patients by integrating technology that supplements our care teams and provides patients with a virtual care solution that will continuously track vital signs, making healthcare more accessible, affordable and convenient,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DPH, CEO, Renown Health. “We believe patients and their loved ones will have confidence in knowing that their Renown clinical team will be closely monitoring their health data and communicating with them regularly to deliver high quality, personalized care throughout their healing process.” Initially, this collaboration will focus on understanding the logistics of patient monitoring in the hospital and at home or remote sites using the BioIntelliSense remote care technology. Renown Health will then work towards streamlining and operationalizing the clinical workflow, while scaling the program, to measure clinical improvement and the economic impact on patient care. “We are entering a new era in continuous health monitoring, as innovative hospital systems like Renown Health are integrating remote care technologies that provide scalable, user friendly and cost-effective solutions for health screening, COVID symptom monitoring and remote patient monitoring,” noted Mault. “We anticipate that within ten years, our wearable devices will become the standard of care for those not feeling well, giving people peace of mind that they or their loved ones are being monitored 24/7 by a supportive clinical team and have the security of knowing that if their condition worsens, we can elevate their level of care – immediately and in real-time.” "We are excited to serve as the national training site for BioIntelliSense and continue to bring new technology that improves the patient and provider experience to colleagues. We will continue to develop a well-trained, inter-professional and flexible workforce with technology skills that match the current pace of health care innovation,” added Slonim. “Our team is excited to be improving health care access and affordability across the state, and especially with critical access hospitals serving rural communities. Remote patient monitoring technology offers great benefit to patients at or near their homes, and it may transform hospital care by expanding access to clinical expertise to patients, and extending and increasing workforce capacity for limited hospital physician, nursing and clinical teams. We are pleased to be working with Dr. Mault and the team at BioIntelliSense, on the demonstration project with the BioSticker for vital signs monitoring as we take another bold step in innovating health care for long-term success.”     About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed, 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, the region’s only children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to improving the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org. About BioIntelliSense BioIntelliSense is ushering in a new era of continuous health monitoring and clinical intelligence for Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM). Its medical-grade Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) platform seamlessly captures multiparameter vital signs, physiological biometrics and symptomatic events through an effortless patient experience. The FDA-cleared BioSticker™ and medical grade BioButton® devices make remote monitoring and early detection simple. Through the platform’s advanced analytics, clinicians will now have access to high-resolution patient trending and reporting to enable medical grade care from in the hospital to the home. For more information on how BioIntelliSense is redefining remote patient monitoring through medical-grade and cost-effective data services, please contact us at info@biointellisense.com or visit our website at BioIntelliSense.com.

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Medical Students Recognize Transgender Lives Lost to Violence, Address Inequities in Health The month of November includes Transgender Awareness Week, which concludes with Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), on Sunday, November 20, a day for people to come together to recognize the many transgender lives lost to violence over the last year. Transgender people remain one of the most underserved groups of people across several domains, including health care. The Transgender Day of Remembrance and Resilience memorializes people who have passed due to transphobic violence. The Transgender community is an umbrella term used by people who do not identify with the gender associated with the sex they were assigned at birth. Not everyone identifies with the term transgender, and there are many self-identifier terms for people who do not identify with their assigned sex at birth (e.g., woman, man, trans, non-binary, gender nonconforming, gender fluid, gender queer, and more). Transgender Day of Remembrance is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder on Nov. 28, 1998, launched the “Remembering Our Dead” web project and a San Francisco vigil the following year. The event provides a forum for transgender communities and allies to raise awareness of the threat of violence faced by gender variant people and the persistence of prejudice felt by the transgender community. Communities organize events and activities including town hall style "teach-ins," photography and poetry exhibits and candlelit vigils. These activities make anti-transgender violence visible to stakeholders like police, the media, and elected officials. In 2010, TDoR was observed in over 185 cities throughout more than 20 countries. Here in Reno, the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) hosts Diversity Dialogues, a series hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. This month, the Medical Student Pride Alliance of UNR Med honored transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence, that included a medical student-led discussion regarding ways to help raise visibility and awareness for transgender people and the issues faced by the community. Diversity Dialogues is an open discussion of diversity and inclusion issues and the diversity initiatives at UNR Med. The UNR Med Diversity Dialogues included a reading of the names of those who died from October 1st of the former year to September 30th of the current year, and education on transgender and gender non-conforming people. Medical students recommend ways that healthcare providers can help support the community including: Being open to feedback, criticism, and new information Contributing to a LGBTQ+ safe space by using pronoun pins, flags, inclusive language Registering your practice on Nevada Gender Affirming Healthcare Project (NGAHP), GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality, Outcare Health, & other provider lists Reading new research in academic journals and stay up to date with guidelines including World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Version 8 and attending CME courses on LGBTQ+ Care. The general public can support the community by: Standing up for trans people in your life, in the media, and amongst your peers, and be an active, proud ally to the community Respecting people’s identities and fluidity and learn to use different pronouns Consuming trans-friendly and LGBTQ+ friendly media (tv shows, movies, music, podcasts) Following trans people on social media, specifically activists/educators, to learn from them This month, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released “An Epidemic of Violence: Fatal Violence Against Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming People in the United States in 2022” a report honoring the lives of at least 32 transgender and gender non-conforming people killed in 2022 and shining a light on data that HRC has continued to collect on the epidemic of violence. HRC has officially recorded at least 300 violent deaths of transgender and gender non-conforming people, including 32 in 2022 alone, since the organization began tracking this violence ten years ago. Overall, transgender and gender non-conforming victims of violence are overwhelmingly Black, under 35, and killed with a firearm. The highest known single-year total of fatal deaths of transgender and gender non-conforming people was in 2021, when at least 57 trans & gender non-conforming people were violently killed. Worse, these disturbing numbers likely underreport the deadly violence targeting transgender and gender non-confirming people, who may not be properly identified as transgender or gender non-conforming by police, media or other sources. In 2022, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation recognized Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nev. as the first and only hospital in Nevada at the highest level of support as “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader.” The Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) is the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey of healthcare facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees. For more on LBGTQ+ care and providers at Renown, visit renown.org/diversity/lgbtq-at-renown/. The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), 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. Renown Health is Nevada's largest, 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 locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health.

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Under Steve Shell's leadership, the Institute will continue to expand community access to prevention and intervention services for mental health disorders and alcohol and drug addiction. Renown Health is excited to announce Steve Shell is joining the Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute at Renown as its vice president. In this role, Shell will oversee the Institute, which provides intensive outpatient treatment, partial hospitalization programs and medication-assisted treatment to serve those struggling with mental illness and addiction in our community. “We are pleased to welcome such an experienced and talented leader like Steve to our organization,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, president and CEO, Renown Health. “As vice president of the Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute at Renown, Steve will continue the Institute’s work to change the status of mental health and addiction in northern Nevada.” Shell comes to Renown after opening and serving as chief executive officer of Nevada’s two newest behavioral health hospitals since 2013. He was instrumental in establishing Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital in 2016 and helped to design, set up and manage operations for the 124-bed psychiatric and addiction treatment facility for all ages. He also launched the 152- bed Desert Parkway Behavioral Healthcare Hospital in Las Vegas in 2013, a psychiatric and addiction treatment facility for all ages. “Nevada has the highest prevalence of mental illness and substance use in the nation combined with limited access to treatment and a shortage of care providers,” said Steve Shell. “I am passionate about improving the health of our community and have dedicated my career to advocating for mental health, working diligently to further elevate the care offered in our state.”  Renown Health and Charles N. and Stacie L. Mathewson established the Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute at Renown in to expand community access to prevention and intervention services for mental health disorders and alcohol and drug addiction.  The Institute is working to expand intensive outpatient treatment, partial hospitalization programs and medication-assisted treatment to better serve those struggling with mental illness and addiction and is working to decrease stigma and encourage more people to seek help. “Moving the needle and improving the heartbreaking statistics of our state is a key focus for the Institute,” said Stacie Mathewson, executive director at the Stacie Mathewson Foundation. “I believe Steve’s leadership will have a positive impact on our efforts to improve the care and treatment of mental illness and addiction.”      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®.

Read More About Steve Shell Joins Renown to Lead the Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute