90 critical access hospital CEOs to know | 2024
(Becker’s Hospital Review – October 9, 2024)

Becker’s is excited to honor 90 presidents and CEOs of critical access hospitals across the nation. Critical access hospitals are those that offer 24/7 emergency care and have no more than 25 inpatient beds. These executives are experts in service line expansion, provider recruitment and retention, and the establishment of key partnerships. Their efforts ensure their hospitals serve as vital resources for their communities. The CEOs recognized here are devoted to high care quality, patient safety and financial stability. These leaders bring crucial care services to their organizations, recruit top physicians, and join forces with larger hospitals and health systems that can provide additional resources.

Against the Odds, Hospitals Are Getting Safer
(Newsweek – October 10, 2024)

Hospitals are performing better on quality and safety metrics than they did pre-pandemic, despite seeing sicker patients—and more of them. That’s according to a new report from the American Hospital Association and Vizient, a health care performance improvement company. The organizations analyzed data from Vizient’s Clinical Data Base, which contains information from more than 1,300 hospitals and collects data on more than 10 million inpatients and 180 million outpatients each year.

Breaking Down Barriers: Valley Health Improves Access to Behavioral Health Services in Emergency Departments
(Valley Health – October 8, 2024)

Having access to expert mental health services is a critical component of a person’s overall health. Yet many people living with mental illness face barriers, from access to appropriate care to the fear of experiencing prejudice or discrimination. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it is estimated that one in five American adults is living with mental illness. “All too often, by the time a person experiencing a mental health issue arrives in our Emergency Department (ED), they are already at a crisis point,” explains Chris Parsons, clinical manager of the Emergency Department at War Memorial Hospital. “And when you live in a rural community like we do, it can be extremely challenging to provide patients with immediate access to highly trained psychiatric professionals.”

Breast Cancer Awareness: Understanding common risk factors
(WHSV – October 9, 2024)

Across the United States, women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and Augusta Health wants women to understand their risk factors. According to the American Cancer Society, everyone is at risk for developing breast cancer. However, some women are more at risk because of uncontrollable factors such as age and family history. “Sometimes there’s a gene mutation or a change in their DNA that they have acquired or inherited from their parents that they can pass to their children or grandchildren that puts them at a higher risk of cancer,” Tonia Markel, a nurse practitioner with Augusta Health, said. Markel said genetics — information stored on DNA that makes people who they are — is a risk factor many women might not know about.

Centra Board Appoints Richard Tugman As Permanent President & CEO
(Centra Health – October 10, 2024)

The Centra Board of Directors is pleased to announce that effective Oct. 7, Richard Tugman is appointed President & CEO of Centra Health. During an interim period in the role, Richard demonstrated the strong leadership necessary for guiding a complex health system. “Richard’s performance since his appointment in March 2024 as Interim President & CEO, in addition to his leadership in the same role in 2021, validated the board’s full confidence, as well as that of our providers, Caregivers, and members of the communities in which Centra serves. He has the ability to strategically guide the organization in its mission to provide access to the best healthcare now and into the future as we adapt to a challenging and changing healthcare environment,” said Centra Board Chair, Thomas Nygaard, M.D.

Embracing a holistic, human-centered approach to healthcare
(Sentara Health – October 7, 2024)

At Sentara Health, our mission is “to improve health every day.” Thus, our aim is to impact the overall health of people and communities, not just help individuals when they’re sick. That requires us to focus on a person’s human condition first and understand all their unique life dynamics, not just their disease state. Our goal is to improve a person’s life versus just preventing death. Thus, our focus and methodologies must shift. How does the individual think? What motivates them? What are the human conditions that cause them to be activated and engaged? The magic happens when you use a human-centered approach to impact disease management and long-term wellness by focusing on an individual’s “dis-eases” of life in a manner that works best for them.

Faulty ‘Fight or Flight’ Drives Deadly C. Difficile
(UVA Health – October 10, 2024)

The portion of our nervous systems responsible for the “fight or flight” response can shape the severity of potentially deadly C. difficile infections, new research from the School of Medicine reveals. The findings suggest that doctors may be able to save patients from the infections – a plague for hospitals and nursing homes – by using drugs to quiet the hyperactive nervous system response, the researchers say. “Compared to how much we know about immune system influences in C. difficileinfections, the field is just scratching the surface in understanding neuronal contributions to disease,” said researcher William A. Petri Jr., MD, PhD, of UVA Health’s Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health. “Newly identifying components of the nervous system that worsen inflammation will allow us to determine potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for patients at risk of severe disease.”

HCA and Brightpoint launch radiology program at Chippenham Hospital
(Richmond BizSense – October 10, 2024)

In search of more imaging technicians, HCA Healthcare is funding a new local academic program to train them. The health system and Brightpoint Community College recently rolled out a new radiology program based at HCA’s Chippenham Hospital. Brightpoint leases a 3,000-square-foot space, which features X-ray labs, classrooms and faculty offices, on the campus of the South Richmond hospital. HCA is funding the venture, and has earmarked nearly $3 million for a five-year pilot phase. In addition to renovations and equipment for the instructional space, HCA is providing salary support for faculty and $625,000 to fund full scholarships for the program over the period.

Hurricanes Milton and Helene prompt IV fluid shortage
(13 News Now – October 10, 2024)

Helene halted production at a major intravenous fluid production plant in North Carolina, and after Hurricane Milton, it could mean more hospitals here in Hampton Roads will be asked to cut back on using their resources. North Carolina-based Baxter International is has a factory in Marion, North Carolina, and they produce medical equipment like IV bags and kidney medications.

Inova Health’s new depression screening program surpasses 350,000 patients
(Inside NOVA – October 7, 2024)

After a little more than one year checking patients for depression with its Wellness Screening questions, Inova Health System says it has seen promising results. “We felt like it was important to ask these questions anywhere people seek care,” said Dr. Neeta Goel, a family physician at Inova Primary Care’s Ashburn HealthPlex. She also serves as the chief medical officer for Inova’s ambulatory, or outpatient, sites of care. Inova’s latest statistics show that in the first year since its launch, the Wellness Screening program has served more than 350,000 patients. Of these, 10.7% exhibited symptoms of depression and received referrals to mental health professionals.

Medically vulnerable population at “frontline” of IV fluid shortage
(VPM – October 10, 2024)

While federal, state and local emergency preparedness workers are trying to address supply shortages of IV fluids due to recent natural disasters, fears about not being able to access the vital medical products are growing. Hurricane Helene damaged Baxter International’s IV fluid manufacturing facility, which is located about 35 miles outside of Asheville, North Carolina. Baxter provided about 60% — or 1.5 million bags — of the nation’s IV fluid supply. The company announced this week that it is increasing its current U.S. allocation levels of its highest demand IV fluids for direct customers from 40% to 60% and from 10% to 60% for its distributors.

Newport News commits $1.4 million per year to Riverside Health program aimed at ending cycles of violence
(WHRO – October 9, 2024)

The City of Newport News is dedicating $1.4 million annually to expand Hand in Hand, a violence intervention program based at Riverside Health. The program puts social workers in the hospital to give patients who have been shot, stabbed or beaten help and support they may otherwise not have — everything from making sure they have housing once they leave the hospital to relieving financial strain by covering hospital bills. The idea is that by making sure people have the resources they need, they can break cycles of violence that persist in communities across Newport News. “The Hand in Hand Program represents a vital component of our city’s broader strategy to combat violence and support our most vulnerable residents,” said Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones in announcing the funding. “Through this program’s expansion, we are making significant strides toward fostering a safer and healthier community for everyone.”

UVa Health cancels elective surgeries for remainder of week amid IV fluid shortage
(The Daily Progress – October 10, 2024)

The University of Virginia Health System has canceled all elective surgeries at its hospitals for the remainder of the week amid a nationwide shortage of IV fluid. The decision comes after the Charlottesville-based health care provider canceled elective surgeries on Monday and Tuesday of this week, promising to reschedule patient appointments. Whether the health system will be able to see those patients or will continue to cancel surgeries remains in question, as the health system’s supplier of IV fluid has said its North Carolina factory — hit hard by Hurricane Helene — may not be back online until the end of the year.

Va. hospitals put plans in place to conserve IV supplies during national shortage
(12 On Your Side – October 10, 2024)

Communities continue to be impacted by Helene, the monster storm ripping through parts of North Carolina. Among the damaged buildings was a warehouse supplying IVs nationwide. The damage forced the company to stop production. Many hospitals are asking, now what? Hospitals and healthcare systems across Richmond tell us they do not have a shortage of IV fluids, but now they are implementing measures to ensure they do not run out.

Va. hospitals told to expect more IV bags after anticipated shortage from Helene
(WTOP News – October 10, 2024)

Virginia hospitals and health care facilities’ IV fluid bag supplies won’t be as short as anticipated after storm damage to a North Carolina factory that makes the critical medical supplies. Flooding from Hurricane Helene stopped production at Baxter International‘s plant in North Cove, North Carolina, where the plant manufactures most of the country’s supply of IV fluids. The company began limiting supplies to hospitals last week, warning that hospitals would only receive 40 to 50% of their usual IV fluid supplies. “They’ve now upwardly revised some of those amounts from 40% to about 60% allocation levels for the highest demand IV fluids. And they’re also working to increase production. They have other facilities,” said Julian Walker, vice president of communications at the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association.

VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital provides first aid supplies for communities recovering after Hurricane Helene
(VCU Health – October 9, 2024)

VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital is coordinating efforts with local community organizations to provide critical first aid supplies to those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Residents near the hospital are encouraged to pitch in to support recovery efforts in Southwest Virginia and Western North Carolina. “As a hospital deeply connected in our community, we know how important it is to step in when others need help,” said Sheldon Barr, president of VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital. “I am grateful for the unwavering commitment of our CMH team members, who quickly worked to locate and provide critical first aid supplies for those impacted by Hurricane Helene. They remind us of our mission to restore the health for all people of Virginia and beyond.”

Virginia faces IV fluid shortage after Helene damages major NC facility
(WRIC – October 10, 2024)

Some hospitals and healthcare facilities in Virginia could soon feel the strains of the shortage of IV fluid. The shortage comes after a facility in North Carolina responsible for making the life-sustaining fluid was damaged by Helene. Leaders with the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association (VHHA) said that the shortage is having a small impact at this time. University of Virginia (UVA) Health is temporarily stopping non-emergency or elective surgeries, but the pause is something they hope won’t be in place for long.

What Are the Most Common Fall Allergies?
(Bon Secours – October 10, 2024)

Many surveys have shown fall to be the favorite season for Americans. Foliage, festivities and fall weather drive the season’s universal popularity across generations. Unfortunately, those fun features are accompanied by common fall allergies that afflict so many people. Approximately 50 million people in the United States – nearly one in five – have allergies. An estimated 13 million Americans suffer from hay fever, primarily due to ragweed pollen. Fall allergies don’t wait until the leaves start turning and the weather cools down. You can begin to experience symptoms in late summer. If you sneeze and cough during certain times of the year, you may have seasonal allergies. It can be helpful to learn about triggers, symptoms and treatments so you can enjoy everything else the fall season offers.

Wythe County Community Hospital Announces Laboratory Director
(Wythe County Community Hospital – October 9, 2024)

Wythe County Community Hospital is pleased to announce that Amy Nichols, MLS (ASCP) has accepted the position of Laboratory Director. Nichols will be responsible for the day-to-day management and implementation of laboratory operations at WCCH. Additionally, Nichols will manage vendor relationships, process improvement strategies, oversee quality control and ensure department documentation is compliant with hospital regulatory guidelines. Nichols is a graduate of Western Piedmont Community College, and Winston-Salem State University and holds a BS in Clinical Laboratory Science as a medical technologist. Nichols furthered her education and graduated from Bluefield State University with an MBA and is currently ASCP certified.

Florida officials rush to evacuate vulnerable patients ahead of Milton
(The Washington Post – October 9, 2024)

An armada of ambulances, buses and helicopters this week have ferried thousands of sick and vulnerable people to safer ground in a medical evacuation unparalleled in Florida history as monster Hurricane Milton neared landfall. Assisted-living facilities across the Tampa Bay region shuttered as patients were transferred to homes away from the churning Gulf of Mexico and its potentially lethal storm surge. Government-run shelters for special-needs patients and their caregivers were filling to capacity in high schools and community centers across the peninsula. Ambulance crews from as far away as California and New Hampshire transported patients — some on ventilators — to hospitals sometimes hours away.

Iowa hospitals facing shortage of IV fluid due to Hurricane Helene. Here’s what to know
(Des Moines Register – October 9, 2024)

Even though Iowa is more than 1,000 miles from where Hurricane Helene first made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast, many Iowa hospitals are feeling the effects of the catastrophic storm. Des Moines-based UnityPoint Health, one of the largest health care systems in the state, recently announced that staff at its hospitals and clinics in Iowa are facing shortages in IV fluids after a North Carolina factory closed because of flood damage brought by Hurricane Helene. Baxter International, a health care company that develops and sells medical products, temporarily closed a manufacturing site in Marion, North Carolina, after the plant sustained structural damage from the hurricane’s rain and storm surge.

Maryland hospitals dealing with IV fluid shortage after hurricane damaged N.C. facility
(CBS News – October 9, 2024)

Maryland healthcare professionals are concerned by the shortage of IV fluid caused by the fallout from Hurricane Helene in the southeast. Baxter International, the leading supplier of IV fluids to hospitals, said its facility in North Carolina, will be closed for the foreseeable future because of severe flooding in the region. Baxter International supplies 60% of the country’s IV fluid bags. “Baxter’s North Cove facility was affected by flooding and is currently closed for production as the company assesses the extent of the impact,” the company said on its website. The Maryland Hospital Association says it is working with the state’s health department to find a solution.

Texas pauses Medicaid contracts worth $116 billion
(Healthcare Finance News – October 9, 2024)

The state of Texas is applying the brakes to its new Medicaid contracts, with a Travis County district judge issuing a temporary injunction that stops the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) from carrying out new contracts for the Medicaid STAR and CHIP managed care programs. Citing a “flawed” procurement process, the judge said the contracts, worth about $116 billion, hindered the plaintiffs – Cook Children’s Health Plan, Texas Children’s Health Plan, Wellpoint Insurance Company and Superior HealthPlan – from adequately providing care. As a result, many beneficiaries may have switched their health coverage to another insurer, the judge said, and not all patient populations were considered.

Americans are getting healthier by some key metrics
(Axios – October 9, 2024)

Overdose deaths are down, life expectancy is up, the odds of surviving cancer are improving, and we’re even losing weight. In a year defined by election-related stress, global tensions and economic uncertainty, there’s a surprisingly hopeful trend: By a few key measures, Americans are getting healthier. Breakthrough therapies and more preventive care are playing a part. So are shifting attitudes on drinking and drugs, especially among Gen Z. The obesity rate has stopped climbing for the first time in a decade, just as weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic are becoming the rage.

Babesiosis rates rising steadily in the US
(CIDRAP – October 8, 2024)

Rates of babesiosis, a tickborne disease, increased by 9% per year in the United States from 2015 to 2022, according to a study today in Open Forum Infectious Diseases. The study also found 4 in 10 people with babesiosis were coinfected with another tickborne illness, including Lyme disease. Babesiosis is caused by the Babesia parasite which is transmitted by black-legged ticks found mostly in the Northeast and Midwest. The infection attacks the red blood cells, and though most people recover after flu-like symptoms, infection can be deadly in the elderly and immune compromised.

COVID-19 may increase risk of death years after infection: Study
(The Hill – October 9, 2024)

COVID-19 could increase the risk of major cardiac events, like strokes and heart attacks, according to a study from the Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California; the University of California, Los Angeles; and Cleveland Clinic released Wednesday. The findings revealed individuals with A, B and AB blood types that contracted a severe version of COVID-19 are more likely to have future heart problems than people with an O blood type who had a severe version of COVID-19. “This study underscores that we should consider history of prior COVID-19 infection when formulating cardiovascular disease preventive plans and goals,” said co-senior author Stanley Hazen.

Disruptive cyberattacks against healthcare on the rise, with increasing impacts to patient care, survey finds
(Fierce Healthcare – October 9, 2024)

Reports of recent cyberattacks and disruptions in patient care have ticked up among healthcare organizations since 2023, with the average attack bringing just under $1.5 million in operational disruptions, according to a new survey analysis. Among 648 IT and security practitioners polled this spring, 92% said their organization had faced at least one cyberattack in the prior 12 months, up from 88% in 2023. Sixty-nine percent said an attack led to care disruptions, with cited impacts including delays (56%), procedure complications (53%), longer stays (52%), an uptick in transfers or diversions (44%) and higher mortality (28%).

Gene therapy shows long-term benefit for patients with a rare pediatric brain disease
(Science Daily – October 9, 2024)

Cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CALD) is a rare progressive, genetic brain disease that primarily presents in young boys, causing loss of neurological function and ultimately leading to early death. Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, Boston Children’s Hospital, and collaborators have shown that six years after treatment with the first gene therapy approved for CALD, 94 percent of patients have had no decline in neurological functioning, with over 80 percent remaining free of major disability. Findings, published in two articles in the New England Journal of Medicine, describe long-term outcomes in those treated with the eli-cel gene therapy, while also highlighting safety concerns about the emergence of blood cancers post-treatment.

Her Face Was Unrecognizable After an Explosion. A Placenta Restored It.
(The New York Times – October 8, 2024)

In the aftermath of a propane explosion at her mother’s house in Savannah, Ga., in 2021, Ms. Townsend spent more than six weeks in an induced coma in a burn trauma unit. She had second- and third-degree burns over most of her body, and her face had become unrecognizable. Searching for a way to help her, surgeons turned to a rarely utilized tool: human placenta. They carefully applied a thin layer of the donated organ to her face, which Ms. Townsend said was “the best thing they could have done, ever.” She still has scars from grafts elsewhere on her body, but the 47-year-old’s face, she said, “looks exactly like it did before.”

‘Office’ star Jenna Fischer had triple-positive breast cancer. What is it?
(The Washington Post – October 9, 2024)

Actor Jenna Fischer, best known for her role as Pam Beesly in “The Office,” revealed that last year she had been diagnosed with Stage 1 triple-positive breast cancer, adding that she had recently become “cancer free” after months of treatment. Triple-positive breast cancer, which Fischer described as an “aggressive” but treatable form of the illness, makes up about 10 percent of female breast cancer cases, according to the nonprofit Breastcancer.org. In an Instagram post this week to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Fischer said: “As anyone who has had a cancer diagnosis knows, your life changes immediately … Suddenly everything in your life is geared around one thing: fighting cancer.”

Survey: Most adults affected by suicide, want more prevention
(Roll Call – October 9, 2024)

Nearly all U.S. adults agree that more action can be taken to reduce suicide deaths, with about three-fifths also reporting they have been personally affected by suicide, according to national survey data released Wednesday. Sixty-one percent of adults said they know someone who has considered, attempted or died by suicide, according to the 2024 Public Perception of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Poll, conducted by The Harris Poll. The biennial survey found that number has consistently risen, from 53 percent in 2018 to 55 percent in 2020 and 59 percent in 2022. The poll — a joint effort led by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention at EDC and the Suicide Prevention Resource Center — also found that 25 percent of U.S. adults have thought about or attempted suicide themselves. Adults who have experienced thoughts of suicide are also increasingly open to speaking to others, with 82 percent open to this in 2024 — a 9 percent increase over 2018.

Twins born conjoined celebrate 1st birthday after separation surgery
(Yahoo News – October 9, 2024)

Twin brothers who were born conjoined recently celebrated their first birthday after undergoing successful separation surgery. Amari and Javar Ruffin, whose family lives in Philadelphia, were born via cesarean section on Sept. 29, 2023. The brothers — who shared part of their sternum, diaphragm, abdominal wall and liver — weighed a combined 6 pounds. On Aug. 21, a surgical team at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia with more than two dozen specialists, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, nurses, and many others, operated for eight hours to separate the boys. Their abdomens were closed and rebuilt using layers of mesh and plastic surgery techniques.

Feds warn of ‘double extortion’ hackers targeting healthcare
(Becker’s Hospital Review– October 8, 2024)

Federal authorities are warning of a new ransomware gang that has already claimed at least one healthcare victim in the U.S. Trinity ransomware, which was first detected around May, uses tactics such as phishing emails, malicious websites and software vulnerabilities to hack organizations then employs “double extortion,” according to an Oct. 4 notice from HHS’ Office of Information Security and Health Sector Cybersecurity Coordination Center. “This involves exfiltrating sensitive data from victims before encrypting it, and then threatening to publish the data if the ransom is not paid,” the notice stated. “This is a tactic increasingly seen across newer ransomware strains targeting critical industries, particularly healthcare.”

Medicare coverage of weight loss drugs would cost $35B: CBO
(The Hill – October 9, 2024)

Expanding Medicare to cover weight loss drugs would cost $35 billion over eight years, according to a new report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). In its estimates released Tuesday, CBO said 12.5 million Medicare beneficiaries would qualify for the medications beginning in 2026, and 2 percent would be expected to use the drugs in the first year.  The nonpartisan scorekeeper found that relative to the direct costs of the medications, “total savings from beneficiaries’ improved health would be small.” The direct federal cost to cover the drugs would increase from $1.6 billion in 2026 to $7.1 billion by 2034.

U.S. Races to Replenish Storm-Battered Supplies of IV Fluids at Hospitals
(The New York Times – October 9, 2024)

U.S. officials approved airlifts of IV fluids from overseas manufacturing plants on Wednesday to ease shortages caused by Hurricane Helene that have forced hospitals to begin postponing surgeries as a way to ration supplies for the most fragile patients. The current shortage occurred when flooding coursed through western North Carolina and damaged a Baxter plant, which is now closed for cleaning. The plant makes about 60 percent of the United States’ supply of fluids used in IVs, for in-home dialysis and for people who rely on IV nutrition. They include premature babies in intensive care and patients who rely on tube feeding to survive.

US releases preliminary list of $2 generic drugs for Medicare recipients
(Reuters – October 9, 2024)

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released on Wednesday a preliminary list of 101 generic drugs that would be available for no more than $2 for a month’s supply to those enrolled in the government’s Medicare program. The initial list includes common prescriptions such as penicillin, metformin, lithium and albuterol asthma inhalers, as well as drugs for high cholesterol, high blood pressure and other chronic conditions. Generic drugs on the sample list will not be subject to requirements such as prior authorization or quantity limits.