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Passionate about food and coffee? Interested in serving patients and health care heroes? Courteous and diplomatic? Have a high school diploma? Read on to discover the career for you. When you think about the word LOVE, do you think about delicious FOOD or a mug of hot COFFEE? When you talk with friends, do your conversations start and end discussing a new recipe, a new restaurant or TV food show?  Do you get great satisfaction from preparing a great meal? Do you dream about being able to make a steaming hot latte with almond milk in minutes? Are you a nurturer who envisions creating and delivering a hot, delicious, nutritious meal to someone recovering from a surgical procedure or recovering from an illness? Would you enjoy making a special celebration meal for a family who has just delivered a baby, a cake for a wedding at a patient’s bedside, or for a family reunited with papa after receiving good news about his cancer recovery?  Are you looking for some career options to keep you connected to great food and coffee? Renown Health is now offering a number of career options that encourage you to satisfy your love for food; earn money, paid vacation/sick time, great health benefits; have a regular schedule; advance your career and earn a college or university degree at the same time.  There are some outstanding benefits to working in food-related careers at the region’s top employer and the region’s largest non-for-profit, charitable organization. Renown employees work every day to make a genuine difference in the lives of others, and we are looking for you to join us.  Many food services professionals started their careers in entry-level positions and worked their way up. Other benefits to working at Renown include transferable career skills, free or discounted food and the opportunity to give back and serve your community.  Whether you are just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, you are sure to find something that is perfect for you. Many positions require only a high school diploma or a GED. Start exploring today with our list of nine terrific food and beverage-related careers available today at Renown Health and apply online at renown.org.  1) Be a Barista at Starbucks; Renown Regional Medical Center, full/part time, all shifts If you love talking to people, have a good sense of humor and like to move fast, then this job is a great fit for you. You will meet people from every field and make friends with many of them. You will learn to be an expert in handcrafting delicious, perfect beverages—while proudly wearing the green Starbuck’s apron. You will be a part of the first Starbuck’s in the area to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Average Starbucks barista hourly pay is at the national average of approximately $12.32. In addition, you will receive paid training, tips, a full Renown Health medical, retirement, paid vacation/sick time benefit package and access to internally posted positions. You will need a high school diploma or GED; however, experience is not necessary for this entry-level position. Starbuck’s employees can drink as many lattes as they want—as most beverages are free for employees during work breaks! 2) Chef It Up as a Hospital Cook & Cook Lead; Renown Regional Medical Center, Renown Rehabilitation Hospital, full/part time, all shifts.  If you love preparing nutritious, appetizing food for others, understand the importance of individual requirements for medical and cultural diets, this may be the perfect job for you. Most people landing a job as a Cook in a hospital have five or more years of experience working in a restaurant but do not have a college degree, yet they are able to earn an average salary range: $26,860 – $61,870. Benefits include a predictable schedule, which may mean more time with your family and at home. You will also receive vacation and sick days, and health, vision and dental benefits. In addition, you would be fueling physicians, nurses and others to get through a long workday, making a genuine difference in the lives of others and having a positive impact on society.  3) Special Delivery! Food Servers; Renown Regional Medical Center, full/part time, all shifts. If you love assembling and serving meals to patients, this is the job for you. You will setup, prepare and clean up for patient meal service and may serve as the link between Nutrition Services and patients. You may also transport food carts to the patient room floors and help with kitchen general cleaning and sanitation. 4) Show Your Creative Side as a Food Prep Artist; Lead Sandwich Artist; Renown Regional Medical Center, full/part-time, all shifts In this role, you will make and serve salads, desserts, and sandwiches with fresh ingredients and promptly serve them to hungry and happy customers. Lead Sandwich artists are in demand at the Subway restaurant located within Renown Regional Medical Center.  5) Making it Just for You! Nutrition Representative; Renown Regional Medical Center; per diem, all shifts In this role, you will meet with patients, help them review their meal options, and ensure their special and customized meal is delivered to their room. As a customer service agent, you will answer the phone for food orders, enters the meal choices into the computer system and understand menus, diet restrictions, recipes and food inventory.  6) Cashing In as a Food Services Cashier; Renown Regional Medical Center; full/part-time, all shifts 7) Food as Medicine as a Clinical Dietitian; Renown Regional Medical Center; part time, days Patients recovering from illness need to fuel their bodies with the most nutritious foods. In this role, you will provide nutrition education and counseling, clinical nutrition assessments, planning and evaluation of infants, children, adolescents, adults and geriatric patients, and work to meet the patient's physical, cognitive and psychosocial needs through proper nutrition and education.  8) The Answer is YES! Manager of Hospitality; Renown South Meadows Medical Center; full time As our manager, you would deliver exceptional customer service in all aspects of food and environmental services. You would get to build, hire, train and lead an engaged team and provide the highest quality service to meet the needs of patients, employees, visitors, and physicians. 9) Customer Service Fanatic? Retail Food and Beverage Supervisor; Starbucks You would be very popular-leading the operations of Starbucks and Subway franchises at Renown Regional Medical Center. You would ensure lead and empower and train your team to be the best- and be sure you budget is balanced and the customer service is exceptional.  At Renown Health, we share a boundless vision that inspires us to learn, grow and exceed expectations for patients, their families and one another. A career with us offers you: • An uplifting and progressive environment focused on community health and wellness initiatives. • A culture that values your contributions and supports your personal and professional development. • Affiliations with the University of Nevada, Reno, Desert Research Institute and other organizations that help spur innovation and opportunity. To apply for these career opportunities and others, please visit us online at https://careers.renown.org/  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. 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 Food is Love! Nine Career Options at Renown to Satisfy Coffee Enthusiasts & Foodies

Renown Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH) are excited to announce Shaylie Edwards as the 2023 Champion Child. A fighter from a young age, seven-year-old Shaylie has overcome many challenges in her short life. In 2019 when she was three, Shaylie was hit by a car while using a crosswalk with her father. She was admitted to the Wilbur D. May Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Renown Children’s Hospital and stayed there for three months. A video introducing Shaylie and her journey can be found here.  Shaylie’s mom, Erica Edwards reports that as a result of the accident, Shaylie has been treated by Renown Children’s Hospital physicians, nurses and team for a broken neck in two places, a broken jaw in two places, a fractured sacrum, a broken femur and three small brain bleeds. She has been in outpatient therapy for the last three years and continues making strides daily. “Shaylie’s perseverance, dedication and joy inspires all of us at Renown Children’s Hospital,” said Kristina Deeter, MD, MBA, FAAP Physician-in-Chief, Renown Children’s Hospital and Chair of Pediatrics, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine,” (pictured right with Shaylie). “It has been an incredible joy to witness her progress and to care for Shaylie and her family. We are thrilled she has been chosen to share her story with the world.”  The New England Journal of Medicine cites preventable injuries as the number one leading cause of death among children. This includes motor vehicle accidents, firearm injuries, drowning, poisoning, burns and suffocation. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, an average of 155 children under the age of 10 die every year as a result of pedestrian injury, with 64% of those involving motor vehicles. Across the U.S., due to distracted driving, a pedestrian is killed every two hours and injured every seven minutes. Most drivers feel they can safely take their eyes off the road for 0-2 seconds, but a car can travel the length of a football field in 5 seconds at 55 MPH. Shaylie’s family and the team at Renown Children’s Hospital urge drivers to be fully aware and eliminate distractions while driving.  “We were in the Wilbur D. May PICU for three months and the first five days were very iffy. We did not know if she would come out of her coma, but Shaylie is a fighter. The care team at Renown Children’s Hospital made me feel at home and like we were all going through this together,” said Shaylie’s mother, Erica Edwards. “Shaylie’s recovery was a collaboration between doctors, nurses, and our family. Together we were there to support Shaylie, who has proven to us repeatedly that she has a greater purpose in life.” “It was heartwarming to meet Shaylie and her family,” said Dr. Brian Erling, MBA, CEO of Renown Health. “Shaylie is truly a champion! She and her family have faced life's unanticipated events with strength and resilience. Despite the struggles, they have carried on with hope and determination. They find joy in life every day and inspire us all. We have much to learn from their example.” Through Renown Children’s Hospital, Shaylie and 100,000 area children now have access to more than 60 pediatricians, including those specializing in adolescent medicine; anesthesia; cardiology; craniofacial surgery; dentistry; ear, nose and throat conditions; emergency medicine; endocrinology; gastroenterology;  general pediatrics; hospitalist medicine; intensive care; neonatology; neurology; oncology; ophthalmology;  orthopedics; psychiatry; psychology; pulmonology; surgery; urology and other subspecialties previously lacking in the community, as well as a pediatric emergency room, pediatric ICU and contemporary healthcare services at Renown Children’s Hospital. Prior to 2016, about 30% of all pediatric patients had to leave northern Nevada to receive the specialty care they needed. Now, thanks to donor support, Renown estimates that 97% of all pediatric patients and their families can receive both general and specialty pediatric care locally. The next nearest children’s hospital in the state is 7 hours or 438 miles away in Las Vegas. Renown Children’s Hospital is proud to be the only CMNH hospital in northern Nevada, one of only 170 premier children’s hospitals in North America. Shaylie will serve as Renown Children’s Hospital’s CMNH Champion Child for the next year, shining as the face of the hospital in the community and sharing her inspiring story. Renown Health Foundation oversees the local CMNH programs and its fundraising. One hundred percent of all funds raised by CMNH partners stay local to support children and families in our community. Your generous support affords much-needed items to help our littlest patients cope with the potential stressors associated with hospitalization and illness. To donate, visit www.renown.org/donate. About Renown Health 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. Renown is hiring people like you. Visit us at www.renown.org/careers.  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 www.renown.org/CMNH.

Read More About Renown Children's Hospital Announces 2023 Children's Miracle Network Champion Child

Dr. Marie McCormack of Renown Medical Group and Dr. Daniel Spogen of University Health selected as Best in the Nation with 2023 “Excellence in Healthcare” Award from Professional Research Consultants “One of the best I have ever seen.” “Prepared, thorough and tuned in to whole picture.” “Compassionate and listens.” “Wonderful.” “Excellent physician.” Always willing to congratulate successes, answer questions fully and in a way that I can understand and give good advice.” “Exceptional!” “You are knowledgeable, thorough, intelligent and compassionate.” “I love you. I thank you.” These are some of the comments made by patients regarding two Reno physicians lauded by Professional Research Consultants, a national firm that interviews patients following their physician and healthcare visits.  The Excellence in Healthcare annual award honors physicians who demonstrate exceptional communications skills in their clinical practice, as awarded by their patients. Recipients of this award are ranked as Top Performers in the “Overall Doctor Rating” and rank in the 100th percentile nationally. Over 3 million patients responded to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CG-CAPHS) or Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems patient experience survey in 2022. “We at Renown Health are so proud of Dr. Marie McCormack of Renown Medical Group and Dr. Daniel Spogen of University Health. As Excellence in Healthcare awardees, every one of their patients surveyed in 2022 gave them an A+. These physicians set the gold standard for excellent communications with patients, scoring in the top 1% nationally,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO for Renown Health. “We are honored that over 500 physicians and advanced practice providers of Renown Medical Group and University Health care for more than 200,000 patients annually at medical practices across Reno, Sparks, Carson City and in our rural communities of Fallon, Fernley, and Silver Springs. In 2022, 17,600 Renown Medical Group patients were surveyed by PRC; 83% of them ranked Renown Medical Group providers as a 9 or 10, the highest rating possible, for physician communication with patients, a key indicator of overall patient satisfaction.” Marie McCormack, MD is a board-certified family physician with an emphasis on preventive health care. She has cared for thousands of patients, from the smallest of babies to golden agers in northern Nevada for 15 years. Dr. McCormack graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Kansas.  She currently serves as Medical Director of the Primary Care Group for Renown Medical Group, overseeing primary care for 18 medical offices and more than 70 primary care providers for the largest not-for-profit healthcare network in Northern Nevada. She previously served as the Medical Director for the Rural Clinics seeing patients in Fernley, Fallon, Silver Springs, and Carson City. Dr. McCormack has garnered the highest 5-star rating from over 1,359 actual patients and their comments can be read on the Renown “Find a Provider” website. See video of Dr. McCormack discussing her passion for patient care.   Daniel Spogen, MD is also a board-certified family physician. He has a special interest and emphasis in sports medicine and has served thousands of patients and athletes over his 21 year career with University Health, assisting them with care, treatment, rehabilitation and training so they can return to their sport. Dr. Spogen also served as former Chair, Department of Family Medicine at University of Nevada School of Medicine for over 16 years. He completed his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Southern California and his residency at Glendale Adventist Medical Center in CA. More information about Dr. Spogen can be found at https://www.renown.org/find-a-doctor/daniel-spogen.  “It is an honor to recognize Marie McCormack, MD, and Daniel Spogen, MD, of Renown Health with the Excellence in Healthcare Awards for their deserving work,” said Joe M. Inguanzo, Ph.D., President and CEO of PRC. “It takes true dedication and determination to achieve this level of excellence in healthcare and Renown has shown their commitment to making their hospital and medical practices a better place to work, a better place to practice medicine, and a better place for patients to be treated.” To learn more about healthcare services or to schedule an appointment with a Renown Medical Group or University Health provider, visit mychart.renown.org or call our agents available by phone- Wed-Fri: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat-Sun: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 775-982-5000. Renown Health is hiring! To join the Renown Health team visit www.renown.org/careers. To learn more about the 2022 Excellence in Healthcare Awards, including eligibility and criteria, visit PRCCustomResearch.com.  About PRC PRC, a leader in the healthcare intelligence space with the most comprehensive healthcare discovery platform, is taking surveys to a new level. PRC’s surveys and intuitive reporting focus on changing the way organizations manage and improve five key areas of the healthcare experience—patient, physician, employee, community, and brand. Over 2,800 healthcare organizations across the United States have used PRC to listen, understand, and take action to create cultures of excellence. To ensure clients have access to leading practices, coaches, and learning resources, PRC is partnered with Healthcare Experience Foundation (HXF) to accelerate paths to excellence. The PRC healthcare discovery platform is a system designed to drive action, optimize engagement, and increase loyalty while building a positive culture across the healthcare ecosystem. www.PRCCustomResearch.com About Renown Health 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. To join the Renown Health team visit www.renown.org/careers.

Read More About Reno Home to Two of the Nation's Best Physician Communicators

Renown and many partners are working to help improve the health and well-being of northern Nevadans. Renown Health’s mission is to make a genuine difference in the health and well-being of people and communities. Yesterday, Reno’s only not-for-profit health system celebrated local organizations with grant funding for 2023 to improve the health and well-being of our community.    “Improving the health and wellness of an entire population of people is not easy. It is a huge task. Nevada continues to rank near the bottom of overall health rankings in the U.S. and suffers from high mortality rates for chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, and chronic respiratory disease,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO of Renown Health. “We must continue to work with partners in the field, who share our mission- to keep people healthy, to make healthcare more accessible and affordable, and to achieve the vision of a healthier Nevada.”  As a non-profit organization, Renown reinvests every dollar earned back to the community; in staffing, technology, treatments, training, and research to improve health and prevent illness. Yesterday, their senior leadership team took an hour to celebrate and support local not for profit partners for their efforts to improve the well-being of our community, with a boxed lunch, conversation, cake and therapy dogs from Renown’s volunteer program.  “Renown Health has long-standing commitment to the community spans more than 160 years,” said Suzanne Bharati Hendery, MA, APR, Chief Communications & Customer Experience Officer for Renown. “This commitment has grown and evolved through significant thought and care in considering our community’s most pressing health needs. One way this is done is through conducting a periodic, comprehensive Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). The most current assessments were completed by an external health care consulting service working with Renown and include quantitative and qualitative data that serve to guide both our community benefit and strategic planning. Through the CHNA process, Renown Health has identified the greatest health needs among our communities, enabling Renown to ensure our resources are appropriately directed toward outreach, prevention, education, and wellness opportunities where the greatest impact can be realized.” Renown’s Community Benefit grant funding process for 2023 is now complete. This is the second year of Renown’s 3-year Community Health Needs Plan that seeks to improve the priorities of Healthy Behaviors; Immunizations and Infectious Diseases; Behavioral Health (Mental Health & Substance Abuse) and Youth & Adolescent Health.  The success of the health system’s partnerships in improving the health of Washoe County is measured in the health statistics and data that is reported at the local, state, and national level on the website, NevadaTomorrow.org.  Also attending the event were key members of the Renown Health team including; Christine Bosse, Chief Government Relations Officer; Paul Harris, Chief Legal Counsel; Dr. Paul Hauptman, Chief Academic Officer-Renown and Dean, UNR School of Medicine; Dr. Rahul Mediwala, CEO, Renown Medical Group; Chris Nicholas, CEO, Renown Regional Medical Center; Dr. Bill Plauth, Chief Medical Officer & Associate Dean Clinical Affairs at UNR Med; Chuck Podesta Chief Information Officer; Sandeep Randhawa, Chief People Officer; Bethany Sexton, CEO, Hometown Health; Greg Walaitis, Chief Development Officer; Sam Weller, CEO, Renown South Meadows Medical Center and Renown Rehabilitation Hospital.  The 74 non-profit local organizations awarded Community Health grants or sponsorships by Renown Health for 2023 include: 1. A.V.A. Ballet Theatre 2. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Northern Nevada Chapter 3. LEAD with Horses 4. National Alliance on Mental Illness Northern Nevada 5. National Alliance on Mental Illness NV 6. Nevada Area Council, Boy Scouts of America 7. Northern Nevada Breastfeeding Coalition 8. The Empowerment Center 9. United Cerebral Palsy of Nevada 10. Northern Nevada Dream Center 11. Nevada State Medical Association 12. Cancer Community Clubhouse 13. Sierra Kids Foundation 14. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada 15. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 16. Nevada Corporate Giving Council 17. American Foundation of Suicide Prevention 18. American Lung Association in Nevada 19. Ashlee’s Toy Closet, Inc 20. Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada 21. Down Syndrome Network of Northern Nevada 22. Eddy House 23. Mammoth Hospital 24. Nevada Public Health Association 25. The Life Change Center 26. The Moonridge Foundation 27. Truckee Meadows Community College Foundation 28. University of Nevada, Reno Foundation 29. Women and Children's Center of the Sierra 30. Center for Adaptive Riding 31. City of Sparks Parks and Recreation 32. Life Is Worth It 33. Sierra Nevada Donor Awareness 34. STEP2 35. Alzheimer's Association 36. Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada 37. Nevada Military Support Alliance 38. Note-Able Music Therapy Services 39. Safe Kids Washoe County 40. Special Olympics Nevada 41. Trauma Intervention Program of Northern Nevada (TIP), Inc. 42. Reno Rodeo Foundation 43. Artown 44. Washoe County Medical Society 45. Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada 46. Tyler Robinson Foundation 47. Community Foundation of Northern Nevada 48. Truckee Meadows Tomorrow (TMT) 49. City of Reno 50. Community Health Alliance 51. Education Alliance of Washoe County 52. Forever 14 53. Make-A-Wish Northeastern & Central California and Northern Nevada 54. Nevada Donor Network 55. Nevada Medical Center, dba Hope Means Nevada 56. Pinocchio's Moms on the Run 57. Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern Nevada, Inc. - Reno, NV 58. Safe Talk for Teens 59. Special Recreation Services, Inc. 60. Our Center 61. Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows 62. Food Bank of Northern Nevada 63. Nevada Women's Fund 64. Northern Nevada Children's Cancer Foundation 65. Northern Nevada HOPES 66. Reno Cancer Foundation 67. Redirect Youth Outreach 68. Immunize Nevada 69. High Fives Non-Profit Foundation 70. Child Assault Prevention Project of Washoe County 71. Communities In Schools of Western Nevada 72. Quest Counseling & Consulting Inc. 73. University of Nevada, Reno Foundation 74. The Children's Cabinet About Renown Health 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. To join the Renown Health team, visit www.renown.org/careers.

Read More About Sharing the Love: Renown Health & Hometown Health Fund Grants to Support 74 Local Non-Profit Community Organizations

The longstanding partnership between the University of Nevada, Reno and Renown Health reaches a new milestone with newly established scholarship program. Today, Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno Orvis School of Nursing announced a milestone in the longstanding partnership and a new fund to provide nursing students with full-ride scholarships, and in turn, assist in creating a sustainable nursing workforce in northern Nevada for years to come. The Gerald “Jerry” Smith Academic-Practice Partnership established with Renown Health Foundation will provide funding for up to 24 students a year.  Recipients receive funding for tuition, books and nursing fees, along with a guaranteed career in nursing with Renown Health following graduation and license obtainment. The Gerald “Jerry” Smith Academic Practice Partnership will additionally give recipients the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship at Renown. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be in good standing at the University of Nevada, Reno Orvis School of Nursing; Nevada residents; and committed to working at Renown for at least three years post-graduation. The Practice Partnership has been established by the Gerald Smith family and initiated by Stephanie Kruse, Renown Health Foundation board chair. Kruse made a generous planned gift to Renown Health Foundation to the Renown Nursing Excellence Endowment Fund. This was the lead gift for the endowment, after a significant cash gift to the Nursing Education Fund last summer. The daughter of a nurse, and a retired nurse herself, she understands the importance of attracting and retaining nurses within our healthcare system, and so she decided to honor the memory of her mother and provide funding for others interested in nursing.  “We are incredibly grateful for the generous donors who have helped establish the Gerald ‘Jerry’ Smith Nursing Academic-Practice Partnership. These funds will not only impact the lives of the awarded nursing students, but positively influence the overall health of our community by ensuring that excellent healthcare professionals stay right here in northern Nevada. Jerry had a strong belief in community collaboration, and we are beyond proud to name this partnership in his honor,” said Greg Walaitis, Chief Development Officer for Renown Health Foundation.  According to a white paper published by the Nevada Health Workforce Research Center (the Center) in December 2022, analysis by the Center revealed persistent, widespread health professional shortages in Nevada. Despite steady growth in the number of new nursing graduates from Nevada nursing programs and registered nurses moving to Nevada from other states, the Center estimated that Nevada currently needs over four thousand additional registered nurses simply to meet the national population-to-RN average. The partnership allows the Orvis School of Nursing to expand its graduating classes by 8 additional students a year.  “At Renown, we take pride in placing an emphasis on education and career development. Partnering with the Orvis School of Nursing to create an academic pipeline is imperative for addressing the nursing shortage in Nevada,” said Melodie Osborn, Chief Nurse Executive at Renown Health. “Renown Health and the Orvis School of Nursing’s collaboration has been longstanding, and accomplishing this milestone affirms our partnership.” In addition to announcing the Practice Partnership, the Orvis School of Nursing announced its merging of the Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program with the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. This merger will grow the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program from 72 students to 96 students admitted twice per year. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program will now admit a total of 192 students in the program each year. “We are so excited to increase the number of nursing students who can enroll in the Orvis School of Nursing’s BSN program,” said Cameron G. Duncan, Interim Dean of the Orvis School of Nursing. “It’s integral for nursing students to get hands-on experience in an environment that places an emphasis on quality and excellence, which is why we’re proud to collaborate with Renown. We are so appreciative of the generous donors who will make education possible for students who might otherwise not be able to pursue a career in nursing.” Eligible University of Nevada, Reno Orvis School of Nursing students, Nevada residents and those committed to working at Renown for at least three years post-graduation who are interested in applying for the scholarship can find the application in Canvas, University of Nevada’s learning management system.  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 associates, 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 hiring great physicians, nurses and associates for careers in service; apply at renown.org/careers and volunteers to assist patients and their families at renown.org/about/volunteers.  About University of Nevada, Reno The University of Nevada, Reno, is a public research university that is committed to the promise of a future powered by knowledge. Nevada’s land-grant university founded in 1874, the University serves 21,000 students. The University is a comprehensive, doctoral university, classified as an R1 institution with very high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Additionally, it has attained the prestigious “Carnegie Engaged” classification, reflecting its student and institutional impact on civic engagement and service, fostered by extensive community and statewide collaborations. More than $800 million in advanced labs, residence halls and facilities has been invested on campus since 2009. It is home to the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Wolf Pack Athletics, maintains a statewide outreach mission and presence through programs such as the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Small Business Development Center, Nevada Seismological Laboratory, and is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Through a commitment to world-improving research, student success and outreach benefiting the communities and businesses of Nevada, the University has impact across the state and around the world. For more information, visit unr.edu.

Read More About Renown Health and Orvis School of Nursing Announce Academic Partnership Program & Academic Pipeline for Nursing Students

The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines®- Stroke Gold Plus awards for proven dedication to ensuring all stroke patients have access to best practices and life-saving care. Renown Health emergency, medical and surgical providers have received three American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® awards. These awards demonstrate commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatments according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines; reducing disabilities and increasing the number of lives saved. Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in the U.S. and the main cause of adult disability. Studies show patients recover better when providers consistently follow treatment guidelines. Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research and evidence-based guidelines. “A stroke is an extremely serious condition that requires emergent medical treatment. The faster treatment is provided, the lower the risk of brain injury. We are proud of our thousands of physicians, nurses and clinicians who consistently practice exceptional patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President and CEO, Renown Health. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and consistent protocols to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help people live longer and better lives.” “As a participant in Get With The Guidelines programs, Renown qualified for the awards by demonstrating that physicians and clinicians across our integrated health system are committed to improving quality care for stroke patients,” said Bill Plauth, MD, MMM, CPE, Chief Medical Officer for Renown Health and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. “If you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke, call 911, as you need skilled medical care immediately. Stroke care focuses on helping people recover as much function as possible and return to independent living. The Renown Neurovascular and Stroke Program and Renown Rehabilitation Hospital teams provide expert emergency stroke care and comprehensive neurovascular care and rehabilitation services.” “We are pleased to recognize Renown Health for its commitment to caring for those in their community who need cardiovascular care,” said John Warner, MD, FAHA, past president of the American Heart Association and CEO of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “Hospitals that follow the American Heart Association’s quality improvement protocols often see improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.” “Renown Regional Medical Center is the only designated Comprehensive Stroke Center in northern Nevada,” says Benjamin Pence, DO, Director, Institute for Neurosciences at Renown. “This means that we have the highest level of certification to receive and treat the most complex stroke cases. Our Institute for Neurosciences team is led by the area's top neurologists, and we conduct research studies involving new ways of preventing, diagnosing, and managing neurological disorders. We care for patients suffering from nerve and brain disorders due to stroke, headache, epilepsy, and other acute causes. We also monitor and develop treatment options for patients with memory and movement disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson's Disease or Multiple Sclerosis.” Renown Health also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital (within 60 minutes or less) and treatment for at least 85 percent of applicable patients. “It is an honor to be among the American Heart Association’s Stroke Honor Roll Elite award recipients,” said Bret Frey, MD, president of Northern Nevada Emergency Physicians Care teams at Renown Health. “We adhere to these rigorous guidelines daily and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to ensuring more people in northern Nevada receive leading emergency and trauma care and the gift of extended, healthier lives.” Renown Health also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll - Stroke award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke. This award is given to hospitals that qualify for the silver level or higher achievement award within the Get With The Guidelines – Stroke program and achieve an overall Diabetes Cardiovascular Initiative Composite Score of more than 80 percent. About Renown Health 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. To join the Renown team, visit renown.org/careers. 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 12 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

Read More About Renown Health Nationally Recognized for Commitment to Providing High-Quality Stroke Care With Three American Heart Association Recognitions

Recognized as one of the world’s leading breast cancer experts as a 2023 Legends in Cancer Honoree Dr. Lee Schwartzberg, FACP, Section Chief of Medical Oncology at the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown, was honored as the 2023 Legends in Cancer honoree at this year's Best of Breast conference for his contributions to the field of breast cancer. The conference took place on Jan. 21 and 22. Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer and about 1 in 36 women will die from breast cancer. Breast cancer is associated with increased age, hereditary factors, obesity, and alcohol use. Since 1990, breast cancer death rates across the country, and here in Washoe County have declined progressively due to advancements in treatment, detection, and care. Each year in the United States, about 264,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and about 2,400 in men. Here in Washoe County, more than 21 deaths per 100,000 females are due to breast cancer, a significant decrease since 2012 when 24 deaths per 100,000 females were reported. Dr. Schwartzberg was selected for this award based on his unique and vast contributions to advancing science and patient care, including his major research interests such as therapeutic approaches to breast cancer, targeted therapies, and supportive care. The selection committee evaluates each candidates’ body of work — including contributions to the field of breast cancer in clinical research, patient care, mentoring and community service — before deciding on an honoree. “Dr. Schwartzberg is deserving of this honor. As a national expert in the study and treatment of breast cancer, precision medicine and supportive care, Dr. Schwartzberg is transforming cancer care and improving the lives of all of us in northern Nevada. As the most preferred cancer program in the region, we are working with the support of donors like The William N. Pennington Foundation to recruit additional oncology specialists and cancer science researchers to become the first National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer care center in Nevada," said Dr. Brian Erling, MBA, CEO of Renown Health. “The incredible care that comes from the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute is possible because of nationally recognized oncologists like Dr. Schwartzberg.” “Dr. Schwartzberg completed fellowship training in medical oncology and hematology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, where he also served as Chief Medical Resident and was a founding member of the institutional ethics committee,” add Paul J. Hauptman, MD, dean of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and chief academic officer for Renown Health. “We are proud that he serves as a professor of clinical medicine at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. His research interests include supportive care, precision medicine and patient-reported outcomes in breast cancer and he has published over 300 peer-reviewed manuscripts, book chapters and monographs.” “It is an honor to work with Dr. Schwartzberg and his patients have the most incredible things to say about the care he provides.” said Dr. Max J Coppes, PhD, MBA, Director, William N. Pennington Cancer Institute, Renown Health. “He understands that his patients are going through one of the most challenging times in their lives. Dr. Schwartzberg brings decades of experience to our community, is a great listener, and treats everyone with compassion and dignity. We are so proud to have him at Renown.” The Best of Breast Conference is an innovative medical education program that gathers the world's leading breast cancer experts to discuss cases with high-risk characteristics, adjuvant and metastatic treatment advances, interdisciplinary care and survivorship and recurrence — all while incorporating data from the major oncologic annual meetings. Dr. Schwartzberg has been selected to chair Total Health’s spring oncology education retreat in Lake Tahoe on April 15 and 16. The event’s comprehensive agenda will allow attendees to engage with the latest research and strategies in cancer care while networking with colleagues from across the country in a peaceful setting. Additional conference information is available here. For women, breast exams using mammography after 40 years old is recommended. For those age 75 and older, a mammogram is recommended every year. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. Both 3-D digital mammography and whole breast ultrasounds are available at the Greenberg Breast Health Center at Renown and other locations across northern Nevada. The Affordable Care Act makes breast cancer screening and counseling free. All health plans must cover these benefits at no cost to you. Renown MyChart app users can self-schedule a mammogram appointment. To call to schedule, dial 775-982-8100. At the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown Health, patients receive innovative, personalized treatment to fight cancer while an experienced team provides the support and technology to maintain the highest quality of life. The Renown team’s clinical expertise and advanced treatment options blend evidence-based care with leading-edge research to improve cancer outcomes for every patient and family. For more information or a referral, visit renown.org/cancer. About Renown Health 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. Renown is currently enrolling participants in a community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. About Total Health Total Health is a medical information company of planning experts who produce tailored content, courses, and conferences for oncology healthcare providers, virtual and in-person. Total Health believes knowledge is power. Its mission is to give oncology healthcare providers an educational experience that equips them with the latest strategies to improve clinical practice and treatment outcomes.

Read More About Dr. Lee Schwartzberg Honored With 2023 Legends in Cancer Award

Data demonstrates that a proactive approach to family history assessment and genetic screening will increase early detection of inherited risk. A new original investigation article published in JAMA Network Open, “Screening Familial Risk for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer,” by authors from University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Renown Health and Helix for the Healthy Nevada Project® emphasizes the critical need to increase genetic screening in identifying individuals at increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer due to family history. This landmark study calls for enhanced awareness, the adoption of genetic screening practices, and, importantly, the direct screening of family history by individuals using a simple tool such as the FHS-7 questionnaire.   Breast and ovarian cancers remain leading causes of cancer-related deaths, with genetic factors playing a key role in up to 10% of cases. The study authors advocate for wider adoption of screening protocols, simple family risk questionnaires and education about the benefits of genetic testing, not only for patients but also their family members who may share similar genetic risks.  Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer and about 1 in 36 women will die from breast cancer. Since 1990, breast cancer death rates have declined progressively due to advancements in screening, treatment and detection. Here in Washoe County, Nev., the age-adjusted mortality rate for 2020 (last update) is 21 deaths/100,000 females due to breast cancer, which is higher and worse than the national U.S. value of 19.6. Nevada ranks near the bottom in breast and cervical cancer deaths in women according to a recent Commonwealth Fund report. Across the U.S., approximately 1.1 percent of women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer at some point during their lifetime. The research underscores that individuals with a family history of breast and ovarian cancer have a higher likelihood of carrying genetic mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which significantly elevate their cancer risk. However, many at-risk individuals remain unaware of their genetic predispositions due to limited screening practices.  Evidence suggests that “up to 80% of patients with a pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variant in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are unaware of their condition and subsequent risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Rare or less penetrant P/LP variants in genes such as PALB2, CHEK2 and ATM are even less likely to be detected. This is concerning because the lifetime risk for breast cancer exceeds 50% for women with P/LP variants in BRCA1/2 and 20% for women in P/LP variants in PALB2, CHEK2 and ATM (compared with a baseline risk of 12%).” The study also found that men with family history are just as likely to have pathogenic variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2 as women.  This is important because not only are men at increased risk of breast, prostate and other cancers, these risks are passed on to daughters, nieces and other members of the family through inheritance. Men are under-represented in the Healthy Nevada Project® and other similar population health studies. Daniel Kiser, MS, lead author of the study stated, "Our work shows that family history collected during routine medical care can be evaluated using simple criteria and used to identify patients with elevated risk for inherited cancers. Because there are a number of steps that can be taken to reduce risk, both for the patient and for their family members, following up with these patients has the potential to substantially reduce mortality and the incidence of cancer." “Prevention or early detection of disease is such an important part of healthcare,” says Bill Plauth, MD, MMM, CPE, Chief Medical Officer for Renown Health and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. “The Healthy Nevada Project® is leading the way in helping Renown Health physicians and clinicians assess family history risk of breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. This in turn, enables us to provide our at-risk patients the best available tools for prevention or to catch cancer at an earlier stage, which affords less aggressive treatment options with significantly improved survival.” The study found that routine genetic screening for individuals with a strong family history of these cancers could lead to more personalized and effective healthcare strategies, including preventative surgeries, increased surveillance, or early interventions. It also highlights the gap in awareness and access to genetic testing, particularly in underserved populations.  “One of the lessons from our work is the importance of assessing family history early and often in the healthcare journey of patients,” says Joseph Grzymski, PhD, Chief Genomics Officer of Renown Health, the Principal Investigator of the Healthy Nevada Project, and a faculty member in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. “We recommend that everyone get screened for CDC Tier 1 conditions but particularly, when family history indicates risks, genetic screening is a powerful tool for risk stratification.” Key Recommendations from the Study Authors Include: Increased Engagement of Patients with Physicians: People with a family history should discuss their history with their primary care physician or health care provider and request a genetic screening. This proactive approach to prevention will save lives. Increased Access to Genetic Testing: The need for more accessible and affordable testing options, like the no-cost screening provided by the Healthy Nevada Project®, particularly for those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Increased Pre-Screening and Genetic Counseling: Providing patients with the necessary counseling to understand the implications of genetic mutations and guide their healthcare decisions. Pre-screening patients with either a personal or family history of cancer with one of several simple family history tools, such as the FHS-7 Questionnaire to determine whether they should be referred for genetic services would also help increase early identification and reduce costs.  As of January 2024, the Healthy Nevada Project® had notified 330 individuals with P/LP variants in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes of their genetic risk, of a study population of more than 53,000 patients. The Healthy Nevada Project®, powered by Renown Health and University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, is one of the largest genomic studies in the United States. The genomic study is at no-cost for Nevadans and gives participants insight into different genetic traits, as well as results on their predisposition for three prevalent and serious health conditions known as the CDC Tier 1 conditions because of their significant potential to positively impact public health. Study authors include University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, (Daniel Kiser, MS; Gai Elhanhan, MD Iva Neveux, MS; William J. Metcalf, MS; Catherine McCarthy, MD; Leslie A. Greenberg, MD; Joseph J. Grzymski PhD); Helix, Inc. San Mateo, CA (Alexandre Bolze, PhD; Elizabeth T. Cirulli, PhD) and Renown Health, Reno (Savanna Grime, BA; Jamie M. Schnell Blitstein, APRN; William Plauth MD; Joseph J. Grzymski PhD.  For more information on the study, please visit JAMA Network. For a media interview, please contact Dr. Joe Grzymski at news@renown.org.  The Healthy Nevada Project®, led by Renown Institute for Health Innovation (Renown IHI) was launched in September 2016 as one of the first community-based population health studies in the United States. The study has already enrolled, consented and collected DNA from approximately 53,000 participants. Under the program, researchers and physicians are using genetics, environmental data and individual health information to empower providers with a targeted approach to personal health care and treatment, in turn improving the overall health and well-being of people in the local communities.  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. 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 7,500 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 Study From UNR Med and Renown in JAMA Network Open Highlights Gaps in Genetic Screening for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer

The Renown Transplant Institute proudly announces a major milestone in its mission to provide life-saving care to patients with end-stage kidney disease. As of November 6, the Institute has been granted Organ Procurement & Transplantation Network (OPTN) certification, and interim approval of its application for full UNOS approval on December 13, 2024. This now enables the Institute team to begin assessing patients for kidney transplants. “This approval marks a significant step forward in our mission to deliver life-saving care for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who require a kidney transplant for survival,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO of Renown Health. “A kidney transplant is the best life-saving option for people living with kidney disease. Our goal is that every eligible person who is seeking a kidney transplant receives one. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to UNOS which oversees organ procurement and allocation nationally, for their rapid processing of Renown’s application. Our team is working diligently to meet the highest standards of clinical excellence, and we are now ready to provide this life-changing option to patients who need it most. Together, we are paving the way for better health outcomes and a brighter future for those in need.” With the certification in place, the Renown Transplantation Institute team is now fully equipped to assess and prepare patients for kidney transplantation. This milestone underscores the Institute’s commitment to delivering the highest quality patient care while addressing the growing demand for transplant services. Expanding Access to Life-Saving Kidney Transplants Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 37 million people in the United States, with thousands of patients progressing to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) each year. For many, a kidney transplant is the best treatment option, offering improved quality of life and survival rates compared to long-term dialysis. However, access to transplantation has traditionally been limited, especially in underserved communities like northern Nevada. The need for additional organ transplantation expertise across the U.S. and Nevada is critical. According to the Nevada Donor Network, as of October 15, 2024, 659 kidney patients in Nevada are currently on a waiting list to receive a life-saving kidney transplant. Across the country, every day 17 people die each day because an organ does not become available to them while they are waiting and every 8 minutes someone is added to the waiting list. “We are excited to receive approval to assess patients for kidney transplantation for the Renown Transplant Institute,” said Rahul Mediwala, MD, MBA CEO of Renown Medical Group. “It is humbling and inspiring to have the opportunity to help build this program for our patients, community and state,” said Dr. Mediwala, a nephrologist who has practiced in the community for nearly 20 years. “I’ve seen people die here in northern Nevada, waiting for a kidney transplant. They were not able to afford being out of work or the expense of traveling to receive life-sustaining care. With the opening of the Renown Transplant Institute, we are addressing this gap by providing timely access to comprehensive transplant evaluations and essential care. Now, residents in need of advanced kidney treatment and transplantation can stay close to home and receive comprehensive transplant evaluation and treatment here at Renown. They will no longer need to endure long waits or seek residency or care in other states, which will help alleviate the financial, physical, and emotional burden for critically ill patients and their families. The transplant team is led by nationally recognized transplant surgeon Ernesto P. Molmenti, MD, PHD, MBA, and transplant nephrologist Narisorn Atsava-Svate, MD, who have joined the Renown nephrology and surgical teams in providing comprehensive transplant services, including pre-transplant evaluation, surgical procedures, and post-transplant care, all under one roof at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, NV. Together, the Renown Transplant Institute’s physician leadership has more than 45 years of experience caring for hundreds of kidney transplant patients. The multidisciplinary team includes a transplant surgeon, transplant nephrologist, transplant nurse coordinator, social worker, dietician, pharmacist and financial coordinator who will assist patients through the transplant journey. “Understanding the great need that exists for this critical resource, we are focusing all our energy on creating a caring, efficient and responsive environment for our patients to support them through their transplant experience,” says Ernesto Molmenti, MD, PHD, MBA. “This is a great first step, and we are eager to get started with assessing patients for kidney transplant. We recognize the courage it takes to begin the transplant journey, and we want to assure our patients that they are not alone. The goal of our program is to perform successful transplants and ensure holistic support for patients and their families. At the Renown Transplant Institute, we are pleased to bring together all collaborating specialties in a supportive environment. We want people suffering from end-stage renal disease to know that our team is here to walk beside you, every step of the way.” Dr. Ernesto Molmenti who serves as Chief of Transplantation at Renown Health, Executive Director of the Renown Transplant Institute, Professor at University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Director and Executive Vice President of the Nevada Transplant Institute, said, “the expansion of these essential transplantation services across our state is made possible because of our extraordinary partnership with the Nevada Transplant Institute. Together, we are working to increase access, lower costs, and enhance research and education in the field of donation transplantation. We are incredibly grateful for their support and assistance.” Transplant nephrologist Narisorn Atsava-Svate, MD, who goes by “Dr. Nate,” said, “This certification attests to the quality and capability of Renown Health, its ancillary services and the excellence of the transplant clinical team that we have assembled to care for patients suffering from advanced chronic kidney disease. Renown Regional Medical Center is on course to be one of only 250 transplant centers nationwide and one of only two centers in all of Nevada. Membership means that our institution meets all Organ Procurement & Transplantation Network requirements and that we play an active role in forming the policies that govern the transplant community. By providing kidney transplant services to patients in Nevada, we hope to improve transplant rates in our region and reduce health care disparities across the state. I am honored and privileged to be part of this exciting new program.” Assessments Now Open for Kidney Transplant Candidates “With the opening of this new program, the Renown Health team is working closely with local healthcare providers and social workers at area dialysis centers to streamline referrals and ensure a smooth transition for patients to the transplant list,” said Dr. Rahul Mediwala. The Renown Transplant Institute is now accepting referrals for kidney transplant. Candidates will undergo a thorough evaluation process to determine their eligibility and readiness for a transplant. Physicians may now refer patients, or people with end-stage kidney disease who wish to be screened for a kidney transplant by Dr. Narisorn Atsava-Svate and Dr. Ernesto Molmenti, may call 1-833-RING-NTI (746-4684). For more information visit renown-transplant-institute and nvtransplant.org/. To join the fight, donate to the Renown Health Foundation, a non-profit organization registered with the State of Nevada and recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) entity at renown.org/give or 775-982-5545. As the region’s only Level 2 Trauma Center for adults and children, Renown serves over 1 million people and 100,000 square miles. In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital Rankings, Renown Regional Medical Center is named #1 Hospital for the State of Nevada for 2024, 2023 and 2022.     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 Achieves Key Milestone with Certification to Begin Kidney Transplant Program, Patient Assessments to Begin Immediately

A highlight of the hope and determination, including some of the most remarkable and meaningful milestones, that took place at Renown over the past year. On February 25, 2020, leaders at Renown Health stood up Renown’s Hospital Incident Command System (HICS), which is a standardized system used to organize response personnel and resources, and to manage response operations during emergencies and crises. This precautionary measure was established at Renown as the effects of the novel coronavirus devastated parts of the east coast and other hotspots around the world. While COVID-19 had yet to present itself in Washoe County at this time last year, Renown was prepared and ready for what would come next. “At Renown, our teams practice emergency preparedness 365 days a year,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, Renown’s President and CEO. “We had been steadfastly watching the impact COVID-19 was having across the world and knew based on our predictive analytics that the virus would impact communities closer to home. Our team took swift action to ensure Renown remained ready and prepared. I am incredibly proud of those who played a role on this emergency and crisis response team for almost a year, for it is their dedication, hard work, and leadership that continues to guide Renown’s ability to provide outstanding care to all in our community through this ongoing pandemic. Their efforts contribute to a safer and healthier Nevada for all of us.”  “2020 was a year no one will forget. For everyone- and for our healthcare workers at Renown, the year presented countless challenges and opportunities. Those of us who choose healthcare as our life’s work answer a true calling to serve others; this field requires a self-less commitment and a tireless dedication to caring for people when they are at their most vulnerable,” said Renown’s Chief of Staff, Sy Johnson. “I applaud the entire HICS team, as well as every Renown physician, nurse and health care hero for their valor, their strength and perseverance in serving our patients and community during these unprecedented times.”  What follows are highlights of some of the most remarkable moments and events that have taken place under the direction of Renown’s Health Incident Command team over the past year.  Temporary Deployable Medical Structure Outside Renown Regional Emergency Department On March 12, 2020, Renown erected a deployable medical facility to serve as a respiratory illness evaluation and screening center for Emergency Room patients at Renown Regional Medical Center. A similar tent was also set up outside the Emergency Room at South Meadows Medical Center. An additional layer of protection, this proactive measure helped to care for people with symptoms of respiratory illness, and to protect patients and staff in the Emergency Department and other areas of the hospital. The tents were dismantled on January 20, 2021 as the number of COVID cases in our community continued to decrease. (See photo here.) Alternate Care Site at Mill Street Parking Structure at Renown Regional As many communities across the nation experienced an increase in COVID-19 cases, including significant surges in hospitalized patients, Renown’s HICS team had the foresight to create an Alternate Care Site (ACS) in the Renown Regional Medical Center Mill Street Parking structure. The ACS served additional hospitalized patients and allowed caregivers to remain on campus and still have access to existing hospital infrastructure such as lab, pharmacy, imaging, food services and other critical services. This solution also supported an efficient level of care escalation and other emergent interventions as needed. After just 10 days of intricate construction, including flooring, electrical infrastructure, lighting, water, technology and wall partitions, the ACS was completed on April 3, 2020 with space to hold up to 1,400 patients. On Nov. 12, 2020, Renown opened the ACS to serve additional hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who were clinically stable or improving. Healthcare workers at Renown cared for hundreds of patients in this site. In early Jan. 2021, the remaining patients returned home. The Site remains in place and will reopen if needed. (Alternate Care Site B-Roll.) “LOVE” Makes its Way to Renown On April 16, 2020, during a time of darkness and uncertainty, Artown loaned the “LOVE” sculpture, a one-ton, welded-aluminum artwork created by artist Laura Kimpton and fabricated by Jeff Schomberg to Renown, where it lit up Regional Medical Center’s main entrance on Mill St. The sculpture formerly debuted at Burning Man in 2019. On July 13, 2020, thanks to the support of former board chair and community supporter, Blake Smith and the Keyser Foundation, “LOVE” continues to glow in Renown’s signature purple every evening, shining brightly for patients, employees, visitors and passersby to enjoy. Throughout the pandemic, this sculpture has served as a source of inspiration, hope and positivity for our community. (LOVE sign B-Roll.) Evolving in an Ever-Changing World: Long-Term Remote Work for Renown Employees The COVID-19 pandemic pushed healthcare leaders throughout the world to determine how best to provide care in this ever-changing environment. Leaders in Renown’s Human Resources department evaluated the thoughts and opinions of employees working remotely throughout Renown Health. Due to the positive feedback from employees, including decreased commute times, fewer distractions, improved work-life balance and a reduced carbon footprint, over 700 Renown employees will continue working remotely. Renown Offers In-House COVID Testing In June 2020, the Renown Laboratory team sprang into action to help meet Washoe County residents and businesses’ growing demand for COVID-19 testing. Renown invested in expanded staffing and in-house testing capabilities to be able to swab and process up to 1,000 COVID tests for patients each day, with return of results within hours. Renown’s CEO, Dr. Tony Slonim also collaborated with the Mayor’s COVID-19 Task Force, local faith and community leaders beginning in Oct. of 2020 to address health equity by providing free COVID-19 testing for communities of color. (Lab B-Roll). Renown Administers COVID-19 Vaccines to Health Care Staff and Local Seniors On Dec. 17, 2020, in accordance with national, state and county health guidelines, Renown began to vaccinate its health care workers. Among those receiving the first vaccines were Luis Martinez, a technician on Renown’s Clinical Decision Unit who cared for patients recovering from COVID-19 in the Alternate Care Site field hospital; and many clinical leaders and partners. (Front-Line Staff Vaccination B-Roll.) After several weeks of successful employee and volunteer drive-thru vaccination events, Renown supported the Washoe County Health District and the state in vaccinating Washoe County’s first group of seniors aged 70+. To date, Renown has provided more than 30,000 seniors and health care heroes with their 2 dose vaccinations. (Community Vaccination B-Roll.) An Extraordinary Year of Service As our community experiences fewer COVID-19 hospitalizations and the vaccine is available to more individuals, Renown’s steadfast commitment to keeping our community safe remains the same. “We thank the community for standing by us and helping us all emerge as stronger people with hope for the future. We continue to fight the good fight,” said Dr. Slonim. “With COVID now imbedded into our daily lives, it’s remarkable to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the obstacles we’ve overcome. I will be forever grateful for the precautionary measures, innovation, and acts of service and love implemented by our dedicated team over the past 12 months. We hope by demonstrating our caring values and exhibiting hope and determination, we are inspiring others.”    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. 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 A Year We Will Never Forget - COVID-19 at Renown Health

Two vascular surgeons bring a quarter of a century of experience to patients and community. As part of a continuing focus to bring comprehensive care to patients experiencing cardiac and vascular disease across northern Nevada, Renown Health Department of Surgery and Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular announce that vascular surgeons, John C. Hansen, MD, FACS and Benjamin P. Jaquish, MD, FACS have joined Renown Health.  "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 important to us at Renown," says Christos A. Galanopoulos, MD, MBA, MSc, FACS, VP, Chairman Department of Surgery at Renown Health. "Both Drs. Hansen and Jaquish are superb clinicians, skilled investigators, and effective educators. We are fortunate to have them helping to lead the growth of both the department and the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery." Together, the vascular surgeons have more than 26 years of combined experience caring for northern Nevadans. Dr. Hansen has 20 years of experience in northern Nevada. He is a clinical associate professor of surgery at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) and currently serves as medical director of vascular and endovascular surgery for Renown Regional Medical Center. "Since 2002, Dr. Hansen has led our region with his expertise and knowledge of aortic stents, grafting for abdominal aortic aneurysms and thoracic aneurysms, as well as treating patients with carotid disease," says Jayson Morgan, MD, FACC, Director, Cardiovascular Services. "Dr. Hansen specializes in the comprehensive management of vascular disorders, including open and endovascular surgeries. He is meticulous, thorough, and compassionate in the extraordinary care he provides to patients. We are thrilled that he has joined the Institute for Heart & Vascular Health team at Renown." Dr. Hansen completed his fellowship in Vascular Surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and completed his residency in General Surgery at the University of South Carolina, Greenville. He graduated with his Doctor of Medicine from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, and is board certified in both Surgery and Vascular Surgery from the American Board of Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Hansen has an interest in complex and acute vascular surgery and is committed to expanding access to qualified vascular care in the region. His mission is to further develop and establish Renown as a premier vascular center in northern Nevada. "Dr. Jaquish has extensive experience in carotid artery disease, carotid endarterectomy, aortic aneurysm and dissection, and peripheral vascular disease," says Sam Obilie-Mante, MBA, MIS, RDCS, RVT, LBBP, VP Administrator, Cardiovascular Services. "Dr. Jaquish is intelligent, professional, conscientious, and always perseveres on behalf of his patients. How proud we are to have him bringing his time and talent to patients across Renown Health." Dr. Jaquish received both his B.S. in Biochemistry (2005), graduating Magna Cum Laude with his Doctor of Medicine (2009) from the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. Dr. Jaquish completed his fellowship in General Surgery at Ascension St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit and a fellowship in Vascular Surgery at Texas A&M at Baylor, Scott & White Hospitals in Temple, TX. He is board certified in both General Surgery and Vascular Surgery. Dr. Jaquish currently serves as Assistant Professor of Clinical Surgery for UNR Med. Dr. Jaquish is bilingual in Spanish, proficient in American Sign Language and serves as an instructor for Advanced Trauma Life Support. Why Vascular and Endovascular Care Matters to You People with complex and serious conditions of the blood vessels and lymph system (vascular diseases) often find the help they need from Renown Health's vascular and endovascular surgical team. Renown's experts provide coordinated and comprehensive treatment to people of all ages. Renown's surgeons use advanced technology to perform vascular and endovascular surgery, including complex stenting procedures, blood clot removal and bypass surgery. Conditions treated include peripheral artery disease, aortic disease, mesenteric disease, nutcracker syndrome and carotid artery disease. "Our expert vascular and endovascular surgeons and staff treat problems that extend from mild to the most critical of emergencies," says Adnan Akbar, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Renown Acute Care. "Specialized physicians including cardiologists, interventional radiologists, heart and vascular surgeons, emergency medicine and trauma surgeons, neurologists, radiologists, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, 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 primary care providers whether they should undergo formal screening for early vascular disease." "Renown's reputation as the region's vascular and endovascular 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," says Chris Nicholas, FACHE, 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. In the most recent US News & World Report Best Hospital rankings, Renown Regional Medical Center was named as the number one hospital in Nevada. No other hospitals in the state met their stringent standards for the 2021 rankings. Renown Health is High Performing, its highest rating possible, in eight procedures and conditions including Heart Failure, Colon Cancer Surgery and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement. 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. The 2021-22 Best Hospitals rankings are drawn from a universe of 4,523 facilities, representing nearly all U.S. hospitals providing inpatient care. Hospitals are evaluated across a wide range of conditions and procedures, including 16 medical specialty areas of care. US News & World Report evaluated 58 hospitals in Nevada. 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 6,500 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. Renown is currently enrolling participants in a community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org. 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.

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Donors, Orvis School of Nursing at University of Nevada, Reno and Renown Health create history by awarding tuition assistance to 29 nursing students and creating a future academic and career pipeline. The University of Nevada, Reno has officially begun its yearlong sesquicentennial celebration (October 2023 and through October 2024). Today, a celebration was held as donors, Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno Orvis School of Nursing awarded 29 nursing students with tuition support as part of the Gerald “Jerry” Smith Academic-Practice Partnership established with the Renown Health Foundation. The Practice Partnership is named in honor of the late Jerry Smith of the Nell J. Redfield Foundation and supported by a generous lead gift from the Redfield Foundation and Stephanie Kruse, owner of KPS3 and chair of the Renown Health Foundation Board as they work to create a sustainable nursing workforce in northern Nevada for years to come. Kruse made a generous planned gift to the Renown Health Foundation and the Renown Nursing Excellence Endowment Fund. This was the lead gift for the endowment, after a significant cash gift to the Nursing Education Fund last summer. Kruse of Reno was recently awarded the prestigious 2023 Trustee of the Year Award from the Nevada Hospital Association for her exceptional leadership; professional excellence; outstanding achievements; innovative accomplishments and extraordinary compassion in caring for the community. The Gerald “Jerry” Smith Academic-Practice Partnership recipients receive funding for tuition, books, and nursing fees, along with a guaranteed career in nursing with Renown Health following graduation and license obtainment. Eligible University of Nevada, Reno Orvis School of Nursing students, Nevada residents and those committed to working at Renown for at least three years post-graduation who are interested in applying for the tuition support can find the application in Canvas, University of Nevada’s learning management system. “Despite steady growth in the number of new nursing graduates from Nevada nursing programs and registered nurses moving to Nevada from other states, our state is in need of additional registered nurses simply to meet the increased population growth and demand,” noted Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO of Renown Health. “The daughter of a nurse and a former nurse herself, Stephanie understands the importance of attracting and retaining nurses within our healthcare systems. Stephanie has made a significant and lasting contribution by helping to train and grow the next generation of nurses and we so appreciate her service, and her many contributions to Renown and our community.” "Since our University first welcomed students to classes in 1874, the institution has been a place where dreams can be realized for the good of all. We are incredibly grateful for the Gerald ‘Jerry’ Smith Nursing Academic-Practice Partnership,” Brian Sandoval, President, University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) said. “The tuition support not only impact the lives and dreams of the nursing students being honored today, but positively influences the overall health of our community by ensuring that excellent healthcare professionals stay right here in northern Nevada.” “Jerry Smith had a strong belief in community collaboration, and we are beyond proud that this partnership is named in his memory. He would be thrilled to see the impact these gifts are having on these nursing students today,” said Greg Walaitis, Chief Development Officer for Renown Health Foundation. “Stepanie Kruse works tirelessly to improve access to better health and human services, and she is now encouraging others to join the fight by donating to the Gerald “Jerry” Smith Academic-Practice Partnership fund at Renown to help fund additional tuition assistance and support nurse education for our state. Her goal is to be able to provide full support to each of the 192 students in the Orvis School of Nursing program each year.” According to a white paper published by the Nevada Health Workforce Research Center (the Center) in December 2022, analysis by the Center revealed persistent, widespread health professional shortages in Nevada. Despite steady growth in the number of new nursing graduates from Nevada nursing programs and registered nurses moving to Nevada from other states, the Center estimated that Nevada currently needs over four thousand additional registered nurses simply to meet the national population-to-RN average. The partnership allows the Orvis School of Nursing to expand its graduating classes by 8 additional students a year. “At Renown, we take pride in placing an emphasis on education and career development. Partnering with the Orvis School of Nursing to create an academic pipeline is imperative for addressing the nursing shortage in Nevada,” said Melodie Osborn, Chief Nurse Executive at Renown Health. “Renown Health and the Orvis School of Nursing’s collaboration has been longstanding, and accomplishing this milestone reaffirms our partnership and our long legacy that both organizations have to nursing and education.” In addition to announcing the Practice Partnership, the Orvis School of Nursing has merged the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program with the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. This merger has expanded the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program from 72 students to 96 students admitted twice per year. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program now admits a total of 192 students in the program each year. “We are excited to be accepting our first class of Gerald “Jerry” Smith Academic-Practice Partnership nursing students and to be increasing the number of nursing students who can enroll in the Orvis School of Nursing’s BSN program,” said Cameron G. Duncan, Interim Dean of the Orvis School of Nursing. “It’s integral for nursing students to get hands-on experience in an environment that places an emphasis on quality and excellence, which is why we’re proud to collaborate with Renown Health. We are so appreciative of Stephanie and the generous donors who will make education possible for students who might otherwise not be able to pursue a career in nursing.” Founded in 1864, Washoe County Hospital (which later became Renown Health) was the first hospital to open after Nevada became a state and is now the state’s largest not-for-profit healthcare organization and #1 hospital in Nevada (US News & World Report). Founded in 1956, the Orvis School of Nursing (OSN) is the oldest school of nursing in the state and committed to serving the healthcare needs of the people of Nevada through excellence in teaching, research, and service. In 2021, Renown Health affiliated with the University of Nevada Reno, School of Medicine creating the state’s first integrated health system. 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 associates, 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 hiring great physicians, nurses and associates for careers in service; apply at renown.org/careers and volunteers to assist patients and their families at renown.org/about/volunteers. About University of Nevada, Reno The University of Nevada, Reno, is a public research university that is committed to the promise of a future powered by knowledge. Nevada’s land-grant university founded in 1874, the University serves 21,000 students. The University is a comprehensive, doctoral university, classified as an R1 institution with very high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Additionally, it has attained the prestigious “Carnegie Engaged” classification, reflecting its student and institutional impact on civic engagement and service, fostered by extensive community and statewide collaborations. More than $800 million in advanced labs, residence halls and facilities has been invested on campus since 2009. It is home to the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, and Wolf Pack Athletics, maintains a statewide outreach mission and presence through programs such as the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Small Business Development Center, Nevada Seismological Laboratory, and is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Through a commitment to world-improving research, student success and outreach benefiting the communities and businesses of Nevada, the University has impact across the state and around the world. For more information, visit unr.edu.

Read More About Celebrating More Than 150 Years of Nursing, First Nevada Hospital and Nursing School Award First Jerry Smith Student Tuition Support