• SUTTER HEALTH’S BAY AREA MEDICAL TEAM REPORTS ON EXPERIENCES IN HAITI - February 2, 2010
• Sutter Health Commits to Haitian Relief Efforts - January 15, 2010
• Handling Holiday Stress - December 2009
• OAKLAND RAIDERS AND ALTA BATES SUMMIT - TAKE FANS ‘ON THE FIELD’ IN AN ALL NEW ‘FOOTBALL 101’
• "Spirit of the Heart" - Preventing Cardiovascular Disease - July 31, 2009
• Alta Bates Summit Receives HealthGrades Top Rating for Maternity Care
• Alta Bates In Vitro Fertilization Program Celebrates 25th Anniversary - June 20, 2009
• Savor a Taste of the East Bay - March 20. 2009
• Alta Bates Summit Opens Women’s Health Center in Lafayette - February 2009
• INSIDE Alta Bates Summit: Oakland teens learn culinary arts while battling addictions - February 2009
• Samuel Merritt College Becomes a University - January 2009
• INSIDE Alta Bates Summit: Raiders In The House! - December 2008
• ALTA BATES SUMMIT & OAKLAND RAIDERS
• ALTA BATES SUMMIT & FOOTBALL 101
• BMT Bone Marrow Transplant Program Receives a Full 3-Year Accreditation From FACT - June 2008
• Alta Bates Campus Among Top Hospitals for Maternity Care - June 2008
• State-of-the-Art Breast Center Opens - April 2008
• Tele-Care Program - March 2008
• Alta Bates Summit Welcomes Two New Board Members - February 2008
• Hypertension Sunday - February 24, 2008
• Think Pink and Go Bears - February 14, 2008

SUTTER HEALTH’S BAY AREA MEDICAL TEAM REPORTS ON EXPERIENCES IN HAITI - February 2, 2010

A 15-member surgical team from three of Sutter Health’s Bay Area hospitals returned after seven days spent providing much-needed critical care in Haiti. The team, departed Thursday, January 21, and returned Friday and Saturday. They took equipment, anesthesia, medication and other supplies to aid victims of the earthquake.

This effort to send medical personnel to Haiti is part of Sutter Health’s larger commitment to relief efforts. Sutter contributed its largest disaster relief donation in the history of the health care system – $1.25 million to help the victims of the powerful earthquake.

Members of the surgical team expressed their extreme gratitude to their ‘home’ team at who filled in, donated hours, coordinated schedules and worked so hard to help make this trip happen. One member said, “Kudos to the Sutter team here who did back flips to make our trip possible. Thanks so much for the monumental effort.”

Members of the Haiti team include:

Anesthesiologists:
John Donovan, M.D, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center (his blog at http://www.shhelpshaiti.blogspot.com/ was invaluable in following events)
Vernon Huang, M.D., Mills-Peninsula Health Services
Steve Lockhart, M.D., Chief Medical Officer Sutter Health East Bay Region

General Surgeon:
Susan Bailey, M.D., California Pacific Medical Center

Orthopedic Surgeons:
David Chang, M.D., Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
Taylor Smith, M.D., California Pacific Medical Center
Scott Taylor, M.D., Alta Bates Summit Medical Center

OR Nurses:
Isaias Camacho, R.N., California Pacific Medical Center
Joan Chamberlain, R.N., Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
DJ Eadades, R.N., California Pacific Medical Center
Cassie Kinser, R.N., California Pacific Medical Center

Pulmonary Acute Care Specialists
Scott Callaghan, R.N., California Pacific Medical Center
Christina Crane, R.N., California Pacific Medical Center
Elizabeth Petruzzella, R.N., California Pacific Medical Center
Joanne Squire, R.N., California Pacific Medical Center

This valuable and life saving/changing effort was coordinated by Toni Brayer, MD, leader of Sutter Health Help for Haiti and Chief Medical Officer of the Sutter Health West Bay Region.

Contacts:
Kami Lloyd at 916-847-6621, 916-286-6695 or LloydK@sutterhealth.org
Kevin McCormack 415-600-7484, pager 415-232-6463 mccormkd@sutterhealth.org

Carolyn Kemp 510-869-8220 kempc2@sutterhealth.org

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Sutter Health Commits to Haitian Relief Efforts - January 15, 2010

January 15, 2010

A Message to the Sutter Health Family

We find it difficult to comprehend the staggering human tragedy that continues to unfold in Haiti following Tuesday’s massive earthquake. Devastating events such as this compel us to look beyond our local Northern California communities to the overwhelming needs of our global community.

As you know, our Sutter Health family has a long tradition of coming to the aid of those in need, and today we commit $1.25 million to relief efforts for Haiti – plus additional resources including critical medical supplies and trained medical personnel.

Our network’s donation includes:

$1 Million:
We provide these funds to Doctors Without Borders for supporting health care treatment for earthquake victims.

Critical Medical Supplies:
The Sutter Health network continues its partnership with MedShare to collect and transport much-needed medical supplies for Haiti.

$250,000:
We contribute this additional support to MedShare to cover the shipping and procurement of additional medical supplies.

Medical Volunteers:
In the days ahead, Sutter Health-affiliated hospitals and physicians will work together to send trained medical personnel to Haiti.

Our phones and email system have been beyond busy this week with countless messages of support and expressions of interest from around our Sutter Health network. It’s truly emblematic of the compassionate, dedicated employees and physicians who comprise our Sutter Health family.

Thank you for making this systemwide commitment possible!


Pat Fry
President & CEO

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Handling Holiday Stress - December 2009

While the holiday season usually means many joys and delights, for some people it can also mean more stress.

Added expectations, additional pressures at home, demands on time and the current economic situation can take a toll on a person’s psyche. It’s not uncommon over the holidays to hear or read stories about “Holiday Depression.”

“In addition to the potential of holiday spending, remember today’s economic problems may cause psychological symptoms such as insomnia, sadness, or nervousness,” says Robert Dolgoff, MD, Medical Director of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Services. “Physical symptoms can develop as well, such as weakness, lack of energy, fatigue, headache, or digestive troubles.”

Dr. Dolgoff and the staff at Alta Bates Summit have some tips to share on surviving the holidays in three particular areas:

• Biological (increased consumption of alcohol and/or food as well as changes in activity and sleep patterns)

• Psychological (issues around aging, magical wishes to return to happily remembered times)

• Social (increased contact with family, increased spending)

The good news is: Believe it or not, most of us cope quite well with these stresses.

While there is probably no way to eliminate stress completely (particularly during the holidays) it is possible to achieve a good balance by planning ahead, staying healthy and sharing the holiday burden.

Maintaining stability with work, family and other pressures is difficult enough on a normal day, but the stress of juggling holiday responsibilities can push anyone. Dr. Dolgoff says there are ways to help friends, family and ourselves to maintain a balance during this holiday season:

Eat a balanced and healthy diet. Choose to eat healthy foods most of the time, especially for breakfast and lunch. This will provide the energy your body needs to keep up with what could be a busier holiday schedule. Use moderation in your intake of food, alcohol and parties.

Exercise. It’s not only a great way to keep the holiday bulge at bay, exercise also increases feelings of contentment and happiness.

Get Rest. Our bodies need more rest during stressful times. Keeping a reasonable bedtime during the holidays will give you more energy and make things more enjoyable.

Delegate tasks. Women especially feel like they have to do it all during the holidays. It’s an unrealistic expectation. Ask for help when you need it.

Set priorities. Your schedule is likely to be busier than usual during the holidays, but you don’t have to attend every party or cook a six-course meal for all 35 of your relatives. Remind yourself about what is important to you and your family. Do those things and decline the rest. Try to watch your spending as well.

Set boundaries. Sometimes a variety of pressures from relatives cause the largest amount of stress during the holidays. If a certain relative is the cause behind your anxiety, for your own health, you may want to try to avoid them as much as possible during the holiday season.

In general:


• Be aware that there is a difference between ‘the blues’ and a real clinical depression which can happen for some during the holidays.

• Try not to have unrealistic expectations for solutions to family and personal problems during this time.

• Make use of the positive aspects of the season like the connection many feel with their community and family.

• Give yourself the gift of enough time on comings and goings – and be aware of time to “recover” after shopping, traveling or visiting.

If you or someone you know has questions about holiday depression, you can contact Psychiatric Intake, Alta Bates Summit Mental Health Services, (510) 204-4405.

Founded in 1948, the Herrick Campus of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center houses the first medical psychiatric inpatient program on the West Coast. It was the first inpatient adolescent program in the hospital’s service area.

Interviews are available with clinical staff, and/or physicians. Please contact Carolyn Kemp at

(510) 869-8220 to arrange.

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OAKLAND RAIDERS AND ALTA BATES SUMMIT - TAKE FANS ‘ON THE FIELD’ IN AN ALL NEW ‘FOOTBALL 101’

• Impress your friends with your vast football knowledge!
  
• Be the ‘go-to’ person for football rules and regulations!
  
• Game drills, photo ops and tailgate BBQ – ‘on the field.’

For the 12th successful year, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center and the Oakland Raiders are teaming up to help in the fight against breast cancer.

This year’s On the Field Football 101

SATURDAY, October 24, 12 – 3:00 p.m.

This unique afternoon of fun is held at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum -- home of the Oakland Raiders -- and will feature plays, players and Raider legends, all for Raiders fans.

This day of fun includes:

• Attendees will be greeted by Oakland Raider team members and legends
  
• A BBQ lunch, program, and Raider drills ‘on the field’
  
• Tour the Coliseum team Locker Room
  
• Photos with Oakland Raiders legends and players (including players: Chris Johnson #37 (cornerback), Louis Murphy #18 (wide receiver), Johnnie Lee Higgins #15 (wide receiver) and Mario Henderson #75 (tackle), and legends Robert Jenkins, Jeff Barnes and Vance Mueller).
  
• Attendees will hear from Raiders coaches and players, including Raiders personality/correspondent Jeanette Thompson, who will handle the hosting duties for the afternoon.
  
• Oakland Raiders players and coaches will teach the ‘ins and outs’ of the game – on field drills, rules, plays and strategies.
  
• Attendees will get an exclusive backstage tour of the Raiders training facility and locker rooms, enjoy a tailgate BBQ, and enter to win great raffle prizes.

How to attend ‘On the Field’ with Football 101:

• On the Field tickets are $100 each, and all reservations will be issued on a first come first served basis to the first 250 fans. On the Field is expected to sell-out again this year and be great fun.
  
• Funds generated will benefit breast cancer services for low-income women.
  
• Anyone wishing to attend or make donations may do so by calling (510) 204-1667.

Who: Oakland Raiders and Alta Bates Summit Medical Center

Raider coaches and players, including Chris Johnson #37 (cornerback), Louis Murphy #18 (wide receiver), Johnnie Lee Higgins #15 (wide receiver) and Mario Henderson #75 (tackle).

And special host:

Jeanette Thompson, Raiders personality/correspondent

What: Football 101 – ‘On the Field’
This fun-filled BBQ and fundraiser will be held at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum -- home of the Oakland Raiders. Funds generated will benefit breast cancer services for low-income women.

When: Saturday, October 24, 2009, noon to 3:00 pm

Where: Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
-- home of the Oakland Raiders.
7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland (Enter at the West Side Club Suite Entrance)

Info: For more information contact the Alta Bates Summit Foundation at (510) 204-1667.



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"Spirit of the Heart" - Preventing Cardiovascular Disease - July 31, 2009

Spirit of the Heart – Preventing Cardiovascular Disease:
A Community Call to Action
Association of Black Cardiologists and Alta Bates Summit’s Ethnic Health Institute Reach Out to Educate Community about Heart Health, Heart Attacks, and Strokes.

The Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc. (ABC) will team up with Alta Bates Summit’s Ethnic Health Institute on Friday, July 31, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., (Alta Bates Summit, 400 Hawthorne Avenue (corner of Summit St. and Hawthorne Ave.) to help educate the community about heart health and offer screenings for those at risk. A highlight of the day will be AstraZeneca’s educational experience called ‘Artery Explorer.’

Frank Staggers, Sr., MD, Ethnic Health Institute Chairperson and the Oakland host for Spirit of the Heart says, “These types of programs make a difference in the community because they reach out to bring critical health information to those who most need help. Through health screening, education, and the support necessary to help change diet and lifestyle, our goal with Spirit of the Heart is to prevent cardiovascular disease.”

This Oakland presentation is the only visit being made to California on Spirit of the Heart’s national tour to improve heart health outcomes through education and screening. This community call to action reflects a collaboration among Alta Bates Summit’s Ethnic Health Institute, West Oakland Health Center, AstraZeneca, and the American Heart Association.

More people die of cardiovascular disease than anything else…and it is completely preventable. ‘Spirit of the Heart’ will offer screenings and education about life style choices and changes, exercise demonstrations, food choices, nutrition advice, and the affects of smoking… tools needed to build healthier lives. Early diagnosis and treatment are key…particularly in the African American Community. That’s why the Association of Black Cardiologists is touring the country to educate, screen and support communities in the fight against cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis.

The three parts of Spirit of the Heart events on July 31 include:

• Invitation only: Thought Leaders Breakfast Forum on Cardiovascular Diseases 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. The forum will include health partners in the East Bay, local business leaders, local health professionals. A panel discussion will highlight the cost of cardiovascular disease financially and in human terms. The focus is the impact of cardiovascular disease on health policy, the workforce, and the faith community.

• 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free health screenings, give-aways, and exercise demonstrations for the community. Alta Bates Summit, 400 Hawthorne Avenue (corner of Hawthorne and Summit), Oakland.

• The ‘ride’ is a virtual tour of the arteries on the state-of-the-art Artery Explorer. The motion simulator takes participants through the body’s coronary system.

Participants are seated in an enclosed cab that gives the feeling of being propelled through the coronary system while learning the affects of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis.

One of the day’s exciting features will be AstraZeneca’s Artery Explorer. This motion simulator offers the experience of the body’s coronary system. Seated in an enclosed ‘cab’ participants feel propelled through the body while receiving vital and live saving education on coronary disease (atherosclerosis), the affects of plaque build up and the danger of stroke and heart attack.

Dr. Staggers and Robert Cooper, MD, Medical Director of West Oakland Health Council will host the Spirit of the Heart Community Leaders Forum and Breakfast at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. The forum features a call to action from the office of Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, ABC members, and leaders from the Oakland community including General Hilliard, MD, Cardiologist and member of ABC and Rollington Ferguson, MD, Cardiologist.

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Alta Bates Summit Receives HealthGrades Top Rating for Maternity Care

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Receives Top Rating for Maternity Care for Second Year in a Row from HealthGrades

Study Finds Significantly Lower Obstetric Complications in Top15% versus Bottom 15% of Hospitals

BERKELEY, CA (June 30, 2009) – Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Alta Bates Campus announced today that the nation’s leading independent healthcare ratings company recognized them with a Five-Star Rating for Maternity Care for the second consecutive year. HealthGrades found that wide gaps persist in quality outcomes for maternity care and the best-performing hospitals had far fewer complications compared with poor-performing hospitals.

The Sixth Annual HealthGrades Women’s Health in American Hospitals study found that best-performing hospitals had 52% fewer maternal complications among women who had vaginal births compared to poor-performing hospitals and 76% fewer complications among women who had C-sections. Patient-choice C-sections had the largest difference at 84% between best- and poor-performing hospitals.

“It’s an honor to be ranked among the top hospitals in the country by an independent source such as HealthGrades,” said Amy Huibonhoa, MD, Chair of OB/GYN. “Pregnancy gives families nine months time to make careful decisions about where to receive their health care. Providing this crucial information about Alta Bates Summit’s outstanding clinical performance will allow families to make thoughtful choices about where to experience this important event in their lives.”

Study findings include the following:
• If all hospitals, among the 19 states studied, performed at the level of the best-performing hospitals from 2005 through 2007, 182,129 women may have avoided developing one or more in hospital major obstetrics complications.
• Best-performing hospitals had a 56% lower weight-stratified neonatal mortality compared to poor-performing hospitals.
• C-section rates average approximately 32% among the 19 states studied.
• Quality inconsistencies are seen when comparing states; those with the lowest complication rates have almost half the complications compared with states that had the highest complication rates.

“For many women, having a baby is their first experience with hospitalization, and as this study shows, it really matters which hospital is chosen.” said Dr. Rick May, a senior physician consultant with HealthGrades and a study co-author. “But now women have a way of identifying hospitals with outstanding track records in terms of the outcomes of other new mothers. That’s a powerful tool for all women as they plan for their birth.”

HealthGrades analyzed approximately 13 million hospital delivery and neonate records from 2005 through 2007 in more than 1,500 hospitals in 19 all-payer states for this study and identified 218 hospitals as being five-star rated in maternity care.

The full HealthGrades study can be found at www.healthgrades.com.

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Alta Bates In Vitro Fertilization Program Celebrates 25th Anniversary - June 20, 2009

They walk, they’re carried, pushed in strollers or come arm in arm with loved ones. Each and every one smiles, cries, laughs and is grateful.

That pretty much describes the more than 200 who will gather at the 25th Anniversary Reunion of the well respected and highly successful Alta Bates In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Program on Saturday, June 20 – and it just happens to be Father’s Day weekend as well.

Richard Chetkowski, MD, reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist with Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, founded this renowned community-based program in 1984. “The Alta Bates IVF Program is the third oldest assisted reproductive center in the Bay Area and the only one under the same leadership and in its original location,” says Dr. Chetkowski. With more than 1,000 babies delivered to thrilled and appreciative families through IVF and related procedures, Dr. Chetkowski and his staff look forward to this milestone reunion.

“Families from as far away as New Jersey and Washington are coming to help us celebrate this occasion,” says Dr. Chetkowski. “Our staff and I are gathering together with former patients and their children to renew lasting ties. Innumerable patients have described their experience as truly life-changing. Our team feels equally grateful for having had the good fortune to help create these very special families.”

Dr. Chetkowski has heard from many of his early patients from the 80’s and 90’s. Several college age alumni will join their younger peers and weeks-old bundles of joy. “At our last reunion…one of our happy families brought their brand new twins from the nursery, just prior to being discharged!”

WHO: Alta Bates In Vitro Fertilization Program of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center

WHAT: 25th Anniversary Reunion of former patients, their children and staff

WHERE: Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Alta Bates Campus
Third Floor Roof Garden (use South Elevators)
2450 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley 94705

WHEN: Saturday, June 20, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. (Father’s Day Weekend)

Photo opportunities and interviews available: Proud parents, their children from 20+ year olds to brand new babies, and IVF program staff will celebrate this unique program. Please call (510) 649-0440 to arrange. For further information on In Vitro Fertilization go to: www.ABivf.com.


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Savor a Taste of the East Bay - March 20. 2009

Indulge in cuisine that draws on the East Bay’s wealth of cultures while enjoying lively entertainment, a silent auction, great company and doing a good turn.

You’re invited to Taste of the East Bay, a “foodie” delight event to benefit Thunder Road at the historic Berkeley City Club. Join us in celebrating the valuable service Thunder Road provides to the youth of our community while enjoying a variety of wines and international cuisine from restaurants such as Bucci’s, Bakesale Betty’s, Havana, Wood Tavern, Mama’s Royal Café, Knoxx and Bay Wolf.

Who: Alta Bates Summit Medical Center’s Thunder Road

What: “Taste of the East Bay”
When: Friday, March 20
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Where: Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Avenue, Berkeley
Cost: $65 per person
Details: To order tickets or receive information about the event, please contact the Alta Bates Summit Foundation at (510) 204-1667 or visit www.absfdn.com.

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Alta Bates Summit Opens Women’s Health Center in Lafayette - February 2009

In a tranquil and nurturing environment…state-of-the-art digital mammography and pelvic health physical therapy services are now available at the new Alta Bates Summit Women’s Health Center in Lafayette. Located in the Lafayette Mercantile Building at 3595 Mt. Diablo Blvd., the center is dedicated to women’s health, comfort, and convenience. The women-centered design is focused on helping patients feel relaxed during their screenings and treatment; and the center’s gracious staff specializes in women’s health.

According to Katarina Lannér-Cusin, M.D., Alta Bates Summit’s medical director of Women’s Services, “We opened the center to meet the demand for our services in Contra Costa County. Women are thrilled to get Alta Bates Summit quality care close to home. The center’s tranquil surroundings can also help patients feel less anxious about breast screenings or treatments for pelvic problems,” she said.

Located in bustling downtown Lafayette, the center makes it easy for women to fit screenings and treatments into their busy schedules. The nearly 4,400-square-foot facility has plenty of parking and is conveniently located near shopping and restaurants. With its quiet third-floor setting, large windows, a wealth of natural light, earth tones, and soothing ambience, it’s an environment that’s been designed for women’s healing and comfort.

Katie Rose, R.N., Administrative Director of Women and Infants Services, notes that the secret is “in the details,” such as the comfortable reception lounge, where patients can relax while nature scenes flow tranquilly across a 52-inch flat-screen TV. Artwork, she adds, (including original paintings by Napa artist Jessel Miller) colorfully depict the six stages of a woman’s life.

Mammography screenings use state-of-the-art digital imaging. This advanced technology allows radiologists to spot even the smallest abnormalities with computer-aided detection, and emit half the radiation of traditional analog mammography. Dedicated mammography radiologists view the mammograms and patients are then contacted with results.

In addition to mammography, the new women’s center offers pelvic health services, which can help many women after childbirth and later in life. Physical therapy services — provided in a warm, sensitive environment — address pelvic health concerns such as pain and urinary continence.

In the future, the Women’s Health Center will add more screening services to make it a comprehensive center for a variety of women’s health services.

The center is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with expanded hours to begin in the coming months. For appointments and further information, call (925) 962-9129.

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INSIDE Alta Bates Summit: Oakland teens learn culinary arts while battling addictions - February 2009

OAKLAND

Kevin and Julio are teenagers trying to beat drug and alcohol addictions at Thunder Road, a substance abuse treatment center on the outskirts of downtown Oakland.

As part of their therapy, they are learning about anger management, self worth and pride, and how to deal with issues inside so they can lead successful, productive lives once they are finished with treatment.

But during their stays at the 22-year-old facility, they are also learning how to make a hardy vegetarian lasagna and some mouthwatering chocolate chip cookies under the center's growing culinary arts program.

Now in its seventh year, the cooking program, which has graduated some 6,000 young people, will next month move into a new $112,000 professional kitchen, where the teens will do the cooking for the first Taste of the East Bay fundraiser event on March 20 at the historic Berkeley City Club.

That means their food, which will include strawberry-glazed baby back ribs over sweet potato chips, bear claw cheesecake, rugelach cookies and polenta with mushroom duxelles, will be on tables alongside international cuisine from East Bay restaurants such as Bucci's, Bakesale Betty's, Havana, Knox and Bay Wolf.

"Being in the kitchen has given me time to think about what I want to do in my recovery," said Julio, 16, of Richmond. Julio, who has been in the Thunder Road recovery program a little more than three weeks, said cooking has helped him refine the mental skills needed to react, without getting flustered or upset, to situations that need immediate attention.

With roots in Guatemala, Julio said he cooked soups, beans and tamales with his mother when he was younger. Now, he's hoping to "not burn anything," and become a better cook to one day start his own restaurant.

"I'm going to go to the (California) Culinary Institute of American so hopefully I can learn a lot there," he said.

It was then that Kevin, 18, of Hayward, chimed in: "You will work for me," joked Kevin, who has been in the program about two months. There is clearly a bond between the young men in their white aprons and chefs hats.

The staff at Thunder Road asked that the Oakland Tribune only identify clients by their first names for the sake of their privacy

Thunder Road is a place to get help for addictions to drugs, alcohol and nicotine, but it's also a place to get an education. More than 20 years ago, Thunder Road opened its doors as an on-site, year-round school, accredited by the state of California and operated by the Alameda County Office of Education.

Clients as young as 13 go to school, participate in family counseling, therapy groups, anger management and relapse prevention classes, 12-step programs, and gender-specific groups. Many also participate in the culinary arts program. They cater about 100 meals weekly for conferences and meetings at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Berkeley and Oakland, which runs the program. They also help make the breakfasts, lunches and dinners for staff and other youngsters in the program at the site. That can be 150-180 meals a day, Thunder Road officials said.

"It gives them higher self-esteem that they do have talents," said Loretta Gibeau, who works in environmental services, overseeing food service and maintenance. "Some have been verbally abused all their lives and believe they aren't going to do anything worthwhile. This shows them that they can do things and it gives them positive reinforcement while also getting a nice little (boost) from everyone else about how good the food tastes."

And while the hope is that some will eventually go on to jobs in the restaurant or hotel industry, the skills they are learning in the kitchen now, teens say, are vital to dealing with the problems they are trying to work through. "This program helps you with inner problems. It helps you deal with stuff inside so you can deal with stuff on the outside," Kevin said.

They learn teamwork while whipping up salads for dozens or baking cakes for a birthday; they learn anger management when a dish doesn't quite come out as expected; they learn how to follow rules, clean up after themselves and be safe with knives, hot surfaces; and they learn to respect other chefs in the kitchen, Thunder Road officials and teens said.

"I learn how to discipline myself," Kevin said. "If I make a mess, I have to learn how to clean up after myself."

During eight-week cycles, culinary students attend hands-on cooking labs, visit local restaurant kitchens and bakeries, and prepare most of Thunder Road's meals, snacks and deserts. In 2007, the last year for which data was available, the program more than doubled in size with roughly 56 teens enrolled.

Armando Corpus, the culinary arts director, has worked in the kitchen at Thunder Road for nearly 20 years. He's a Yale University architecture graduate who started working in soup kitchens in his 20s and gravitated to social work after college graduation. He starts each new group with a lecture about food, sanitation, how to carry and clean a knife, and the importance of wearing a hair net. Then he gets down to business. "We usually start with chocolate chip cookies," he said.

Because Thunder Road is the only substance abuse program in Northern California to offer both short-term stays, up to 90 days, and long-term stays, up to a year, Corpus has a chance to work with a teenager for a short or long period of time.

But how ever long the stay, it's going to be a productive one, he said. "They are going to have an experience her that is going to build character," he said. "And no matter what happens after they leave, they are better prepared to deal with their addiction."

Corpus, a marathon runner who has completed more than a dozen 26.2 mile races, has also taught 30 boys how to run and train for races. It builds confidence and strength of character, just like cooking, he said.

And why does a Yale graduate choose this work?

"There's no better place to watch the world go by," he said, adding that the two to three calls a week he gets from former students asking how to make lasagna or needing tips on finding a job in the restaurant business, makes his work even more worthwhile.

When the Thunder Road teens get down to work in their new kitchen next month they will be working in a new catering area with a walk-in cooler, stainless prep tables, new stove and convection oven, 40 quart Hobart stand mixer, pantry, walk-in freezer, and a triple sink. That will be where they will prepare the food for the Taste of the East Bay fundraiser.

Taste of the East Bay will raise funds for scholarships to help youngsters continue their treatment. Through fundraisers, Thunder Road in 2008 provided 235 scholarship "bed days" to teens — a total cost of $117,500.

Tickets for Taste of the East Bay are $65 and include food, music, dancing, and a silent auction. The event is from 6 to 9 p.m. March 20 at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave., in Berkeley. Tickets are available at www.absfdn.com or by calling 510-204-1667. Checks should be made payable to the Alta Bates Summit Foundation.

Download the PDF of this story to see the photos

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Samuel Merritt College Becomes a University - January 2009

OAKLAND, Calif., January 26, 2009 -- Reflecting a 100-year transformation from a school of nursing to a multi-discipline health sciences institution, Samuel Merritt College becomes Samuel Merritt University tomorrow, January 27. The announcement is being made tonight by College President Sharon Diaz at Founder's Day, the institution's Centennial kick off celebration.

Dr. Cornelius Hopper, the chair of the Samuel Merritt Board of Regents, said that changing the name to Samuel Merritt University better reflects the range of professional programs including doctoral degrees, and research opportunities offered by the institution.

“We have witnessed momentum building during the last decade of growth and expansion,” said Dr. Hopper. “The achievements of our graduates, and the quality and rigor of academic programs, gave us the confidence to embrace the vision of becoming nationally recognized.”

Over the past century, Samuel Merritt University (SMU) has evolved from a small school of nursing to a premier health sciences institution offering undergraduate and graduate education programs. It is now the largest source of registered nurses in the state of California, and the only provider of physical and occupational therapists, physician assistants and podiatric physicians in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Recognizing the importance of advanced educational degrees in the expanding health care field, the University offers doctoral programs in physical therapy and podiatric medicine, and plans to offer doctorate degrees in nursing and pharmacy.

“Highly skilled and compassionate professionals are needed to tackle 21st century health care challenges,” said President Diaz. “The health care system has become increasingly complex, requiring a greater degree of scientific knowledge of practitioners across all health sciences disciplines. Graduates of our institution receive that critical knowledge through rigorous coursework and clinical internships.”

SMU graduates are in demand, and experience very high rates of employment within one year of graduation. The University prepares more graduates eligible for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) than any other institution of higher education in California. Graduates earn passing scores far above national averages on license and certification exams. Nearly 1,300 students are enrolled, with campuses in Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco and San Mateo.

For more information, view the official press release (PDF, 2.94MB).


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INSIDE Alta Bates Summit: Raiders In The House! - December 2008

December brought many gifts to Alta Bates Summit patients, families and employees – and some of those gifts came wrapped in Oakland Raider silver and black!

On Tuesday, December 16, Raider Defensive Lineman Jay Richardson (#98) and Corner Back Chris Johnson (#37) distributed holiday cards in collaboration with the American Heart Association and visited with patients
and families on two of the medical center’s units.

First visits were made to Alta Bates Summit’s nationally recognized Regional Stroke Center. Johnson and Richardson visited, distributed cards and signed Raider hats for employees and their patients.

In the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) staff explained the care of
premature infants (including one baby weighing in at under one pound) and gave the player’s a tour of Alta Bates Summit’s unique nursery. Several proud new parents received autographed hats and there were smiles all around when they stopped and appreciated one-day old
baby boy Brian.

On December 23, Oakland Raider and Bishop O’Dowd graduate Kirk Morrison (#52, Linebacker) cooked up a storm with the kids at Alta Bates Summit’s Thunder Road. Thunder Road is the only adolescent substance abuse treatment center in Northern California. Morrison visited with and answered questions from the kids in the program and got a first hand cooking demonstration from the aspiring chefs in their Culinary Arts
Academy.


Download the PDF of this story to see the photos

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ALTA BATES SUMMIT & OAKLAND RAIDERS

Take fans “On the Field” in an all new Football 101

The Oakland Raiders and Alta Bates Summit Medical Center hosted the 11th annual all new ‘On the Field’ - Football 101 event at the Raiders’ training facility in Alameda and McAfee Coliseum on Saturday, October 4. It was an exciting and unique afternoon of fun -- raising over $13,000 to benefit breast cancer screenings for low-income women in the community through Alta Bates Summit’s Markstein Cancer Education and Prevention Center and the Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The afternoon started with a quick tour of the Raiders’ Alameda headquarters and training facility, then everyone took a bus ride to the McAfee Coliseum for a barbeque lunch. The program started with Raiders CEO, Amy Trask, then Renel Brooks-Moon, (host of the “Renel in the Morning” show on 98.1 KISS FM, and in-game announcer for the San Francisco Giants) led the crowd with her famous “Raaaiiidddeeerrrsss” chant. Attendees had a treat by meeting and taking photos of Raiders Legends: Greg Biekert, Kenny Shedd, Robert Jenkins, Morris Bradshaw, Joe Scannella (Special Teams Coach in the 70’s), and Hall of Famers, Fred Biletnikoff and Willie Brown.

A benefit drawing of autographed Raiders memorabilia was held and the winners were: Beth Entwistle from San Diego, Rick and Stacy Frawley, and Scott Freeman.

Oakland Raiders legends and coaches taught the “ins and outs” of the game – on the field with drills, rules, plays and strategies. Attendees also received an exclusive backstage tour of the player’s locker room at the coliseum.

Alta Bates Summit and the Raiders have enjoyed an immensely successful partnership over the last 11 years in the fight against breast cancer. A check presentation will occur on the field just before the Sunday, November 2 game between the Raiders and the Atlanta Falcons.

Questions and more information, please contact: Dorine Tanaka, Director of Special Events, Alta Bates Summit Foundation, 2450 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705, (510) 204-4413, e-mail: TanakaD@sutterhealth.org.

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ALTA BATES SUMMIT & FOOTBALL 101

OAKLAND RAIDERS AND ALTA BATES SUMMIT
TAKE FANS ‘ON THE FIELD’ IN AN ALL NEW ‘FOOTBALL 101’

Impress your friends with your vast football knowledge!
Throw away your Football for Dummies book!
Get on a first-name basis with Raiders superstars!
Be the ‘go-to’ person for football rules and regulations!
Game drills, photo ops and tailgate BBQ – ‘on the field.’

For the 11th successful year, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center and the Oakland Raiders are teaming up to help in the fight against breast cancer.

This year will see an all new Football 101 ‘On the Field,’ –
SATURDAY, October 4, 12 – 3:00 p.m.

This unique afternoon of fun (held at the Oakland Raiders headquarters and training center in Alameda) will feature new plays and a new game plan for Raiders fans. Attendees can participate in non-contact game drills, cool photo opportunities, behind the scenes tour of the training facility, a tailgate BBQ buffet, visit with Oakland Raiders legends and players, and have a chance to win great raffle prizes – including game tickets and autographed Raiders memorabilia.

As usual attendees will hear from Raiders coaches and players.
How to attend ‘On the Field’ with Football 101:

On the Field tickets are $100 each, and all reservations will be issued on a first come first served basis to the first 250 fans. On the Field is expected to sell-out and be great fun.

Oakland Raiders players and coaches will teach you the ‘ins and outs’ of the game – on field drills, rules, plays and strategies. You’ll get an exclusive backstage tour of the Raiders training facility, enjoy a tailgate BBQ, and enter to win great raffle prizes.

Over the last 11 years, funds generated to benefit breast cancer services for low-income women exceeds $200,000. Anyone wishing to attend or make donations may do so by calling (510) 204-1667.

Who: Oakland Raiders and Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
Raider coaches and players

What: Football 101 – ‘On the Field’ This fun-filled BBQ and fundraiser will be held at the Oakland Raiders headquarters and training center in Alameda. Funds generated will benefit breast cancer services for low-income women.

When: Saturday, October 4, 2008 noon to 3:00 pm

Where: Oakland Raiders Training Facility 1220 Harbor Bay Parkway, Alameda

Info: Tickets are $100 each RSVP by Friday, September 26, 2008
For more information contact the Alta Bates Summit Foundation at (510) 204-1667.

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BMT Bone Marrow Transplant Program Receives a Full 3-Year Accreditation From FACT - June 2008

On June 5, 2008, after an extensive on-site inspection, the Alta Bates Summit Blood and Marrow Transplantation (BMT) program received a full three-year re-accreditation from the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT). FACT certification is limited to a select group of BMT programs that have demonstrated an exceptional level of patient care and full compliance with the highest standards of medical and laboratory practices.

Since 1984 the Alta Bates Summit BMT Program has provided successful advanced therapy for a variety of malignant and non-malignant diseases, including multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkins disease, acute/chronic leukemias, myelodysplasia, testicular cancer and aplastic anemia. In 2003, the program became only the second BMT center in Northern California to become fully accredited by FACT.

FACT is a non-profit organization developed by the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) and the American Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (ASBMT) that promotes high-quality patient care and laboratory performance through voluntary inspection and accreditation in the field of cellular therapy.

Congratulations to Rajesh Behl, MD, BMT Program Medical Director, and his entire team for this significant accomplishment. FACT accreditation requires the demonstration of a considerable amount of coordination between multiple departments and services of the Medical Center. Special thanks to Eric Gold, Siobhan LaRue, Rob Hall and Joanna Lee for their contributions to the success of the accreditation visit and support of the BMT program!

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Alta Bates Campus Among Top Hospitals for Maternity Care - June 2008

Study Finds Alta Bates Summit Medical Center's Alta Bates Campus Among Top Hospitals for Maternity Care

Best-Performing Hospitals Have 76 Percent Fewer Cesarean Section Complications among Women, According to Study

BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA (June 24, 2008) – Alta Bates Summit Medical Center announced today that the Alta Bates Campus has been recognized with a five-star rating for clinical excellence in maternity care, based on a study issued by HealthGrades, the nation’s leading independent healthcare ratings company. The HealthGrades Fifth Annual Report on Women’s Health Outcomes in U.S. Hospitals found that best-performing hospitals had almost 51 percent fewer maternal complications among women who had vaginal births compared to poor-performing hospitals, and 76 percent fewer for women undergoing cesarean section births.

“We are extremely proud of the fact that our excellent Women and Infants Services has been recognized for excellence by HealthGrades,” said John Gentile, MD, Vice President Medical Affairs at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. “Our outstanding team of physicians, nurses and staff remain focused on quality and customer service – making Alta Bates Summit a ‘best performing hospital’ – the only one in the East Bay.”

HealthGrades analyzed over 12.5 million hospital delivery and neonate records from 2004 through 2006 in over 1440 hospitals and found:

• If all hospitals had performed at the level of the best-performing hospitals, 188,673 women may have avoided developing one or more ‘in-hospital’ major obstetrical complications associated with vaginal or C-section delivery.
• The best-performing hospitals had almost 76 percent fewer maternal complications among women who had C-sections compared to poor-performing hospitals.

“Alta Bates Summit delivers nearly 8,000 babies a year,” says Merrilee Newton, RN, Administrative Director of Quality and Service. “We’re very proud of this recognition.”

“Women account for 60 percent of all hospitalizations each year,” said Samantha Collier, HealthGrades’ Chief Medical Officer. “The majority of them enter the hospital to give birth. Our research demonstrates the critical need for these women to evaluate the quality of maternity care provided by the hospital before making this important decision.”

For its 2008/2009 ratings, HealthGrades independently analyzed the quality of maternity care at hospitals in the 17 states that publish outcomes data, objectively assessing their clinical performance and quality. HealthGrades applied the following rating system to all hospitals included in the analysis:

• Five-star (Best) = Top 15% of all hospitals within 17 states
• Three-star (Average) = Middle 70% of all hospitals within 17 states
• One-star (Poor) = Bottom 15% of all hospitals within 17 states

The complete maternity care and women’s health services ratings are published, free of charge, on HealthGrades Web site, www.HealthGrades.com. Ratings for 27 other medical procedures and diagnoses – including cardiac, pulmonary, vascular, stroke, orthopedics, critical care, bariatric, and gastrointestinal services – are also available on the HealthGrades Web site.

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State-of-the-Art Breast Center Opens - April 2008

One of the most anxious times a woman can have is the interval between finding a lump or abnormality in her breast, the necessary diagnostic testing, and awaiting confirmation of either breast cancer or a clean bill of health.

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center is opening the Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center – a new service completely dedicated to reducing that anxiety to the shortest possible turn-around-time.

In sharp contrast to the general mode of breast health the new $13 million Carol Ann Breast Health Center provides women with the newest diagnostic technology as well as expedited appointments and results – all in one beautiful center dedicated exclusively to women’s breast health. The new breast center will see its first patient on Monday, March 10 and host a dedication and open house on Tuesday, April 15.

Finding breast cancer in its earliest stage can save a life. Now, for the first time, East Bay women will have a breast health center dedicated to expediting the delivery of test results and providing expert, comprehensive services for breast health and diagnostics – all under one roof.

Alta Bates Summit’s new center will be a national model for community-based patient care and the first center in the East Bay for comprehensive breast cancer detection, diagnosis and support. These specialized services, caring environment and individualized programs will benefit tens of thousands of Bay Area women every year.

After ten years of planning, fund raising and research, the long-awaited vision has become a reality: an 11,000 square foot center that offers the next generation in technology and seamless delivery of service – distinguishing it from other breast centers in the area.

Services will include: digital mammography (the only East Bay center to offer this important diagnostic technique), stereotactic core biopsy, ultrasound and ultrasound core biopsy, nurse navigation services, high risk assessment program, expedited evaluation program, second opinion service, peer support services, bone densitometry, breast MRI and MRI directed biopsy, and clinical research in cooperation with major institutions throughout the country.

The new facility will centralize and integrate state-of-the-art clinical and imaging services, expedite the evaluation of any breast abnormality and offer patients the opportunity to participate in research studies. With the capacity of performing more than 40,000 per year breast exams per week, the center is staffed by practitioners whose specialty is breast health, diagnostics and imaging. Numerous studies have shown that fast test results and the earliest possible treatment all contribute to the best chance of surviving breast cancer. More than two dozen Alta Bates Summit cancer specialists – including surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists – will be consultants to the Breast Health Center.

Two Alta Bates Summit physicians have dedicated their careers to fighting breast cancer – surgical oncologist Lisa Bailey, MD, and radiologist Ira Kanter, MD. Now they are seeing their long-envisioned dream – a national model for breast health and diagnosis, come to life.

According to the breast center’s medical director, Lisa Bailey, MD, “Alta Bates Summit had always provided very good breast health care for patients at both of our campuses, but at times the process could become fragmented because of multiple locations.

“From the look and feel through the design, the diagnostic capabilities, to the services and programs and the investigator-initiated studies – an enormous amount of time, study and planning has gone into this center,” Bailey said.

Radiologist Ira Kanter, MD, Breast Imaging Director, brings more than 40 years of experience, the last 15 in breast imaging. Under Dr. Kanter’s direction, over 100 examinations per day will be performed: Mammograms, both screening and diagnostic (if something abnormal should be identified).

Because we know breast cancer will affect one in eight women in the US…early detection is the key to survival. If breast cancer is detected early enough, more than 95 percent of women can be treated successfully. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women and the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the US.

The Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center is also well-equipped to serve the entire community. According to Lin Vautrain, manager, of the Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center, “In response to the rich diversity of our community, we offer patients a variety of breast cancer navigation services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate navigation services for the breast health patient. Spanish and Asian language-speaking patient navigators and support groups are offered at the new Breast Health Center.” The Chinese language support group is one of the only groups of its kind in the area.

Throughout the planning and design of the new Breast Center, staff worked closely with Breast Health Access for Women with Disabilities (BHAWD), a program of Alta Bates Summit since 1995, to facilitate accessible health services for women with disabilities. “We examined the blue prints to ensure that the exam rooms and exam tables, waiting area, and equipment are accessible,” says Florita Toveg, BHAWD manager.

Ask anyone who’s been treated for breast cancer and they’ll tell you that counsel and support from survivors is invigorating, informative, inspirational—in short, invaluable.

Peer Support Programs
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center’s program offers to pair newly diagnosed patients with women who are at least a year out from treatment. The program builds on that one-to-one philosophy and, since its founding in 2004, has served more than 150 women and enjoyed resounding success. “It’s called COMPASS—Compassionate Peer Advocacy and Support Services,” says Vautrain, who along with nurse practitioner Kathleen Colloton, R.N., W.H.N.P., runs the program.

After training, each volunteer is matched with patients – primarily based on type of treatment and age.

The program start-up costs were funded by several donor groups and individuals in the community

Lin says “COMPASS has been a wonderful program that benefits survivors who want to ‘give back’ in a meaningful way and helps the newly diagnosed patient who wants to talk to someone who has experienced breast cancer and treatment.”

Funding
Seed money for the $13 million Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center was made possible through a challenge grant from the Read family of Orinda and its Otter Cove Foundation. “Their gift was the turning point in making this breast center a reality says Dr. Bailey. “Through their generosity, we were able to approach others to match their gift. It was a critical component in moving the project forward.”

Carol Ann Read was an Alta Bates Summit patient who died of breast cancer in 1997. After her death, her husband Peter began working with the Alta Bates Summit Foundation to raise funds to develop a comprehensive breast center dedicated to expediting the delivery of test results and expanding the services available for breast health.

Another important source of funding for the center was a cooperative effort between the Friends of Faith and Alta Bates Summit. The success of their “Leap of Faith” dinner has resulted in the creation of “Faith’s Place,” celebrating the life of friend, colleague, patient and former KTVU reporter Faith Fancher.

The new facility cost over $13 million, and in addition to Read Family, construction was made possible through the generosity of many people in the East Bay who contributed to the Alta Bates Summit Foundation. The project is the single largest philanthropic beneficiary of donations to Alta Bates Summit Medical Center since its formation in 1999.


Interior Design – A Healing Environment
Well known designer, Jain Malkin worked with Ratcliff Architects to transform a space that had housed teaching areas to the beautiful, healing environment that will be the new center. Malkin is known for her ‘healing design’ work in a number of major facilities, including southern California’s Scripp’s Comprehensive Breast Center. From a beautiful skylight, muted greens and glass tiles to the fanciful mobile in a children’s area…the focus of the center is to calm and care.

Also opening next to the new breast center in the Providence Pavilion is a new Family Resource Center that will serve as a respite from the day to day challenges of caring for a loved one. The Center also provides a source for health related information to patients, family and the community. The Resource Center will also be the new home for the Markstein Cancer Education and Prevention Services – well known for a wide variety of services such as community cancer screenings, support groups, education and other seminars.

Drs. Bailey and Kanter agree that one of the emotionally important components of the new Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center is the people. “In a dedicated breast center like this one will be – every single person in the center – from the parking attendant to the registration staff and the clinicians – we are all dedicated to the personal care and recognition of each woman’s needs and possible anxiety level,” says Dr. Kanter. “From the moment a woman walks through the door – she will know she is in the hands of experienced, compassionate and caring people.”

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Tele-Care Program - March 2008

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center’s Tele-Care Program

Founded in 1970, Tele-Care is a free telephone contact service for members of the community who live alone, are homebound, disabled, convalescing from an illness or isolated. Volunteers make daily calls to clients in a three county area (Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Francisco), 365 days a year. The daily calls in this unique free service are a friendly ‘check in’ that helps monitor the client’s well-being, refer clients to outside sources for help or information if needed, and help them maintain a connection to their community. Tele-Care volunteers make every attempt to help clients sustain themselves in their own homes. Tele-Care offers safety and a feeling of comfort by providing follow-up protocols in the event a client cannot be reached.

Calls are made to client’s everyday – even holidays.

There is no charge for this service.

For more information about becoming a Tele-Care volunteer or to enroll, call (510) 204-4487 (Monday – Friday between 8:30 and 11:30 a.m.).

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Alta Bates Summit Welcomes Two New Board Members - February 2008

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center recently welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors: Jeffrey Block of San Francisco and Arnold X.C. Perkins of Oakland.

“We’re very fortunate to have these new community members join us,” says Warren Kirk, President and CEO of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. “They share an appreciation for healthcare and bring a wealth of experience from the business, community, public health and communication worlds. As active and involved Board members they will both be invaluable in helping Alta Bates Summit remain a leader in delivery of the highest quality care for our patients and our communities.”

Mr. Block is an independent media consultant with strong media and advertising knowledge, and demonstrated experience in running a multimillion-dollar organization in a competitive market. His past posts include tenures as vice president, digital strategies at Cox Television and vice president and general manager of KTVU/FOX 2 in Oakland. His current community affiliations include Bay Area Advertising Relief Committee, Board of Directors; Alta Bates Summit Foundation, Board of Delegates; and American Red Cross of the Bay Area, Board of Directors.

Mr. Perkins has served as director of the Alameda County Public Health Department from 1994 until his retirement in 2007. Over the years, his professional affiliations have been wide-ranging, including work with the National Center on HIV and STD Prevention (Centers for Disease Control), the Family Violence Prevention Fund, and the San Francisco Coordinating Council on Drug Abuse. He’s been honored for outstanding service by numerous organizations, including the United Way of the Bay Area, Omega Boys Club, Center for Independent Living, and the Bay Area Strive for Five.

“For over 100 years Alta Bates Summit has served its community and relied on the expertise of local leaders to help shape the direction of the medical center and to keep its spectrum of services on the forefront of quality,” says Board Chair Carol N. D’Onofrio, Dr.P.H. “Our continued collaboration with community leaders is indispensable in developing plans to strengthen of health care in the greater East Bay – now and in the future. I’m very proud of the board’s dedication to enhancing the health of our communities as Alta Bates Summit Medical Center begins its next century of caring.”



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Hypertension Sunday - February 24, 2008

Free Blood Pressure Screenings from 25 Churches and Community Organizations

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center’s Health Ministry Program and Ethnic Health Institute, Sinkler Miller Medical Association, American Red Cross, University of California UCB-UCSF Joint Medical Program, St. Luke’s Society, American Heart Association, Samuel Merritt College, Oakland Technical High School Health Academy, Black Nurses Association, American Diabetes Association, local churches, physicians, and clinician volunteers.

On Sunday, February 24, 2008 25 churches throughout Alameda and Contra Costa County will be giving free blood pressure screenings to the community.

WHY:
• To identify and counsel individuals who are ‘at risk’ for high blood pressure.
• To raise awareness of the risks factors for developing high blood pressure.
• To encourage people who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure to make lifestyle changes to help manage and control the disease.

SCREENING INFORMATION:

There is no charge for this screening.

For information about the time and location of a screening near you, call (510) 869-6210.

For 11 years Alta Bates Summit’s Health Ministry Program and other East Bay Community organizations have collaborated in honor of Black History Month and American Heart Month to raise awareness about the dangers of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is also called the silent killer because often there are no symptoms. The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked. High blood pressure is treatable, and screening is critically important because it can usually detect the disease in an early stage.

High blood pressure affects more than 40 percent of African Americans, it develops earlier in blacks than in whites, and is usually more severe. The longer it’s left untreated, the more serious its complications can become. Untreated high blood pressure is a strong risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and kidney failure.
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Think Pink and Go Bears - February 14, 2008

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center and the Cal Athletics Department are joining forces for the first annual “Think Pink Night” on Thursday, February 14, at 7 p.m., to benefit the new Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center.

In a full court press to promote breast cancer awareness and early detection, the February 14 Cal Women’s Basketball (one of the top ten in the country!) match-up with Arizona State is the first annual event of this type. All fans are encouraged to wear pink to the game – and there will be plenty of pink giveaways! So, bring your family and friends and pack Cal’s Haas Pavilion with PINK!

Both Cal and Arizona State will wear pink t-shirts during warm-ups and both coaching staffs will wear a pink article of clothing to support the cause. In addition, the first 3,000 fans will receive an official Think Pink t-shirt courtesy of Bank of the West and the first 200 fans will receive a FREE pair of PINK Crocs.

Attendees who wear PINK to the game, can get a general admission ticket at the low cost of only $3. Tickets can be purchased online through CalBears.com or by calling (800) GO-BEARS.
Fans can find out more about the importance of early detection and receive information about breast cancer. Volunteers will be available on the concourse to offer education and information. Donations will be accepted to Alta Bates Summit’s Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center at the game, with a lead gift from Bank of the West for $5,000.

Log onto the Cal Women’s Basketball website at CalBears.com to find out all the up-to date information or call (510) 642-4780.

The new Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center will introduce the next generation in technology and seamless delivery of services – distinguishing it from all other centers in Northern California. Located in Oakland at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, the new and unique $12.5 million center was built largely through the generosity of many donors from the community. It will be staffed by breast health specialists devoted to reducing a woman’s risk of breast cancer, providing state-of-the-art treatments, services and breast cancer research, including high risk and genetic counseling, digital mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, multidisciplinary treatment planning and support services. Their objective is to increase the community’s rates of screening for breast cancer, which will decrease the stage of cancer at diagnosis.
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