Community Health Network Foundation

This morning, Bryan Mills, Community Health Network CEO, and George Geiger, chairman of the Community Health Network Foundation board of directors, announced Michele

Thomas Dole has been selected as the new president and CEO of Community Health Network Foundation, the not-for-profit organization that raises financial support for Community’s initiatives to improve health and wellness in central Indiana.

In this position, Dole will work closely with Mills, foundation board members, staff and network leaders to build and implement fundraising strategies to support the network’s strategic growth plans and focuses on exceptional patient care and health care innovation. She will begin her new position on April 12, 2010.

“The work of the foundation and its fundraising strategy will be a key part of the network’s future growth,” said Mills. “Under Michele’s leadership, programs funded by the foundation will help us fulfill our mission of providing accessible health care to central Indiana residents, as we continue to build upon strong relationships within the communities we serve.”

Dole, who assumes this role after serving as a vice president with JP Morgan since 2004, was selected following an extensive search and was chosen for her performance-driven philanthropic experience and her strong leadership, relationship and not-for-profit management skills.

“We had a tremendous response from our national search for our new CEO,” said Geiger.  “After interviewing more than a dozen talented individuals from various parts of the United States, it became clear that we had found something very special in Michele. Not only did she have an impressive results-driven resume, but we also found her to be incredibly personable. This, combined with her financial planning background, will allow her to lead our foundation to a new level!”

As a vice president for JP Morgan, Dole provided clients with comprehensive estate planning and charitable giving counsel. She grew and managed client relationships and served on a team focused on providing wealth management plans to physicians and health care professionals.

Dole also served as an officer for Fifth Third Bank and as a development director for Indiana University Foundation, where she made significant increases in planned and major gifts. A certified financial planner, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management and a Master of Science degree in higher education administration from Indiana University.

“I’m honored to have been selected to lead the foundation during a historic time of health care reform,” said Dole. “Philanthropy will play a critical role in our network’s patient-centered care and its long-term commitment to ensuring access for the people of central Indiana.  Now, more than ever, the generous gifts that the foundation receives are vitally important to supporting patient access and convenience, as well as health care innovation.”

Dole is an adjunct faculty member for both The Fund Raising School and the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University’s Center on Philanthropy and was named one of central Indiana’s “Forty Under Forty” business leaders by Indianapolis Business Journal.

 She is dedicated to community service, currently offering her talents to the Girl Scouts of the USA, Indiana Pacers Foundation, Indianapolis Children’s Bureau and First Baptist Church of Indianapolis.  She has also provided volunteer service to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Indianapolis affiliate, Purdue University’s President’s Council Advisory Committee and the Indiana Philanthropy Awards.

Community Health Network employees continue to raise funds for the earthquake relief efforts in Haiti, donating money through the Community Health Network Foundation.  The latest effort came in the form of robust dancing, dubbed “Zumba 4 Haiti,” as employees performed the Zumba at BodyZone Fitness Center, a northeast side fitness center for network employees and families on February 20.  The minimum donation to participate in the two-hour Zumba class was $10.00.

“Many of our employees have expressed interest in helping the people of Haiti who have been displaced, injured, and left homeless by the earthquake in Haiti,” said Todd Williams, director of network fitness for Community Health Network.  “The Zumba dance class was an opportunity for employees and their families to let loose, burn calories and help out with a great cause.”

All funds raised from the class will go to the American Red Cross.  Community Health Network employees and physicians have generously contributed to the Haiti relief efforts through the Community Health Network Foundation.  Since the earthquake on January 12, nearly $8,000 in cash and pledged donations have been raised.  So far, the foundation has sent the American Red Cross checks for $3,240, and more checks will be sent as pledges are paid.  Donations continue to come in and can be made at eCommunity.org.

The It’s Our Community Health Care Scholarship Program began in 2004 as way to develop Indiana’s health and life science workforce by encouraging Indiana college students to earn a degree and seek long-term employment in Indiana. During the past six years, $207,000 in It’s Our Community scholarships have been distributed to 69 students.

Community Health Network Foundation will present three $3,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors who plan to major in a health care related course of study at an Indiana college or university. These scholarships are one-time, non-renewable, merit-based grants. Get the application and criteria>>

Deadline for submission of application materials is March 26, 2010 (postmarked on or before this date). Please submit complete packets by including all requested materials. Applicant interviews will take place later in April 2010. Scholarship winners will be announced on April 30, 2010. For more information please call 317-355-5261.

Today we announced details about a $500,000 donation from Indiana Surgery Center South physicians to support The Next Evolution of the Community Hospital South Capital Campaign.

The announcement of the major gift increases the fundraising total to $1.2 million and closes the campaign ahead of the $1 million planned goal.

Barbara Coury, our vice president of development, said the $500,000 gift represents a unified commitment donors have made to transform health care on the south side of Indianapolis and in Greenwood.

“The gift made by these physicians is an important investment in guaranteeing Community Hospital South is a south side cornerstone for the best coordinated, connected and convenient health care,” Coury said. “They join more than 150 additional donors who also share this commitment and contributed to the success of this fundraising campaign.”

“We believe our gift of financial support will fund the next generation of medical excellence at Community Hospital South and greatly benefit our patients and families,” said Bipin Patel, M.D. and Indiana Surgery Center South medical director. “On behalf of the very committed 65 physicians making this gift, we celebrate the up-coming opening of the expanded hospital and the high-quality health care that will be practiced there for years to come.”

Donations collected to support the expansion of Community Hospital South will be used over time to fund programs for medical excellence and innovation, purchase state-of-the-art medical technologies, ensure the delivery of exceptional patient care and to install a collection of original Indiana artwork that will create a healing environment for patients and visitors.

The Next Evolution of Community Hospital South will include a five-story, all-private room patient tower, state-of-the-art surgical suites and expanded outpatient services with convenient access. The $130 million project is on schedule, with the grand opening of the patient tower slated for mid-year 2010.

Physicians contributing to the $500,000 donation include:
 
Tessa M. Asdell, M.D.
Richard L. Bohnenkamp, M.D.
Michael L. Boothe, M.D.
Scott D. Bowers, M.D.
Sohelia-Zia Boyer, D.O.
Glen A. Brunk, M.D.
Patricia A. Burton, M.D.
Paul F. Cain, D.P.M.
Steven M. Clark, M.D.
Benjamin J. Copeland, M.D.
Andrew J. Corsaro, M.D.
Edward J. Diekhoff, M.D.
James R. Dunlop, M.D.
Heidi M. Dunniway , M.D.
David B. Ensley, M.D.
Thomas H. Fairchild, M.D.
David J. Fang, M.D.
Jason J. Gutt, M.D.
Deepak Guttikonda, M.D.
Cara E.  Hahs, M.D.
Mark M. Hamilton, M.D.
Charles E. Hughes III, M.D.
Richard W. Jackson, M.D.
Thomas L. Jackson, M.D.
Olaf B. Johansen, M.D.
W. Terry Jones, M.D.
Kevin E.  Julian, M.D.
Donald G. King, M.D.
Stephen R. Klapper, M.D.
Eric Y. Knoll, M.D.
Frederick R. Lane, M.D.
Earl E. Lanter, M.D.
Mark A. Lazar, D.P.M.
Mathew J. Libke, M.D.
S. Chace Lottich, M.D.
Jonathan B. Lupton, M.D.
Juliet M. Maillet, M.D.
Jonathan A. Mandelbaum, M.D.
Kurt R. Martin, M.D.
Daniel M. Maxfield, M.D.
R. Barry Melbert, M.D.
Scott T. Miles, M.D.
Maximillian S. Newell, M.D.
Danny Ngo, M.D.
Stephen J. O’Neil, M.D.
Bradley Orris, M.D.
Andrew C. Parker, M.D.
Bipin A. Patel, M.D.
Roberto R. Patron, M.D.
Bryan K. Perkins, M.D.
James P. Perry, M.D.
Nicole S. Perry, M.D.
Christopher Pesavento, M.D.
Charles A. Salazar, M.D.
Daniel B. Salvas, M.D.
Jeffrey S. Stevens, D.P.M.
Chadwick Strain, M.D.
David Szentes, M.D.
Richard S. Troiano, M.D.
Vidyasagar S. Tumuluri, M.D.
Jeffery D. Vaught, M.D.
G. Alan VonStein, M.D.
J.K. Winckelbach, D.P.M.
Wendy S. Winckelbach, D.P.M.
Thomas C. Wisler, Jr., M.D.

The incredible devastation that has occurred in Haiti this week has moved many individuals and nations.  Those of us who have done mission work in Haiti over the years know first hand the impact that the earthquake is having. Sanitation, basic medical care, food, water, shelter, clothing and spiritual needs are vast and immediate.  So, how can Community Health Network help?

I, and other network presidents, have received inquiries asking how Community can help.  We have a culture of compassion that is always apparent, but especially so during crises like this one.

The American Red Cross is a local agency that is very effective coordinating funds and mobilizing a national effort. Community Health Network Foundation is offering to facilitate donations made from employees and physicians to the American Red Cross.

If you want to help, you may send your donations to the Community Health Network Foundation designated for “Haiti Relief.” You can take advantage of the many ways to contribute that the we offer.  We want to help make it easy and convenient. You can donate in the forms of cash, check, credit card, debit card, payroll deduction, PTO, or use our website:  www.ecommunity.org.   If you use the website, indicate “Haiti Relief” in the comments section. Checks can be mailed to:

Community Health Network Foundation
Attn: Haiti Relief
1500 N. Ritter Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46219

We will send donations on your behalf to the American Red Cross on a weekly basis.  In addition, the Foundation will also make a donation.

Thank you for your support,

Anita J. Harden, RN, MSN, MBA
President Emeritus, Community Hospital East
Interim President and CEO, Community Health Network Foundation

As we celebrate this wonderful season of giving, it is our pleasure to share with you an exciting, and historical, donor announcement.

Community Health Network Foundation has received a $1 million cash donation from John W. “Jack” Heiney, who has made the largest financial donation in our history.

Jack made the unrestricted gift to fund our mission to support Community Health Network’s commitment to improve the health of the central Indiana communities Community serves. Jack told us he also made this donation to celebrate his wife, Betty, who passed away in July 2009 after they enjoyed 68 years of marriage. He claims she was always supportive of his volunteer commitments to Community, and was instrumental in founding the Jack and Betty Heiney Society, our planned giving society.

 The unrestricted donation will support Community’s future greatest needs and will provide funding to improve community health through outreach, wellness and prevention programs, to invest in Community’s network of health care facilities and employees who deliver the best coordinated and convenient care possible, and to lead patient-centered health care reform.

To forever celebrate this gift, Betty’s memory and the decades of board service Jack has provided us, we are naming a portion of Community Hospital North the John W. “Jack” and Betty Heiney Patient Care Tower. The board room at Indianapolis-based Visionary Enterprises, Inc., a Community Health Network partner, also commemorates Jack with a display of his numerous career and civic accomplishments.  

Patients, families, physicians and employees will forever be grateful for the extreme generosity Jack and Betty Heiney have provided to Community. This gift will undoubtedly change the lives of countless people over many years. We celebrate Jack and Betty and thank them for investing in our work to serve the community, the true reason our network exists.

Community Health Network Foundation, the philanthropic organization of Community Health Network, has received a $7,500 Putting Patients First grant from the Association for Medical Imaging Management (AHRA)  and Toshiba that will be used to create a pediatric safety and quality program designed by the medical imaging department at Community Hospital East.

Receiving one of six annual grants awarded to health care providers across the country, Community will use the grant to create the Pediatric CT Imaging Simulation Program, an Internet-based simulation that will be used to educate pediatric patients and their caregivers about the CT diagnostic imaging process. Community is the only health care provider in Indiana to receive the grant.

 “Community Health Network is continually looking for ways to improve our patients’ experiences by putting them first,” said Melisa Mattingly, program director for the School of Radiologic Technology at Community Health Network.  “The Putting Patients First Program supports the organization’s commitment to patient safety.” 

Programs funded by these grants are used to create best practice tools to share with other hospitals and institutions.  Community Hospital East’s winning proposal involves the development of an Internet-based computer learning management program for pediatric patients to use at home or at the hospital at any point before their scheduled imaging procedure.  Once developed, the program will be accessible to patients online and at computer kiosks in two Community Health Network facilities.  The hospital’s medical imaging department is hoping that this program will improve patient understanding of the procedure, therefore reducing the need for sedation and repeated imaging.  Work on the grant project has already begun and completion is expected by summer 2010.

Other recipients of the AHRA and Toshiba Putting Patients First grant include: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta of Egleston (Atlanta, Ga.); Memorial Hermann Outpatient Imaging Division (Houston, Texas); Highline Medical Center (Burien, Wash.); Shields Health Care (Quincy, Mass.); and St. Patrick Hospital  (Missoula, Mont.). Putting Patients First is funded by an unrestricted educational grant from Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc.

About Community Hospital East
Community Hospital East is a comprehensive acute care facility located at 1500 N. Ritter Ave. With a vast array of surgical capabilities, emergency room services, cardiovascular care, comprehensive cancer care, total joint program, and an innovative wound healing center, Community Hospital East provides an exceptional patient and family experience.   Ranked among the top 10 integrated health care networks in the nation, Community Health Network has more than 90 sites of care throughout central Indiana. This includes Community Hospitals East, North and South in Indianapolis and Community Hospital Anderson; The Indiana Heart Hospital, a dedicated heart hospital; Indiana Surgery Centers; Community Physicians of Indiana; Community Home Health Services; MedCheck walk-in care centers and MEDPOINT express convenience clinics; employer health services; nursing homes; and other health care facilities. Community Health Network is committed to getting you well and back to your life. For more information about Community Health Network or to find a physician, call 800-777-7775 or visit eCommunity.com.

Staff members and volunteers from Community Home Health Services (CHHS) presented 200 diaper bags containing basic supplies for newborn care to the Community Health Network case management staff in a special ceremony on November 23. The bags will benefit the approximately 200 moms who deliver at Community Hospitals East, North and South each year and leave the hospital without essential supplies for their newborns.

“For the second year in a row, Community Home Health Services has had the opportunity to take on an especially meaningful project, to provide an exceptional experience to new mothers who are in need of basic supplies for their newborns, such as bottles, sleepers, pacifiers and blankets,” says Jessie Westlund, CEO of Community Home Health Services.

Volunteers and staff from CHHS organized the collection of supplies that would fill each diaper bag, including some items that were handmade. Two local Walmart stores provided gift cards to apply toward the purchase of supplies, and the Elwood chapter of Beta Sigma Phi also contributed to the program. CHHS also partnered with members of a local Girl Scout troop, who assembled the supplies in each diaper bag.

The Community Health Network Foundation lent support to the project by donating the diaper bags to hold all the supplies CHHS collected for new moms. “The Community Health Network Foundation is honored to be part of a project that makes such a difference in the lives of our patients,” says Anita Harden, interim president and CEO of the Community Health Network Foundation. “We are especially thankful for the efforts of so many others in our organization and in our community who made this happen.”

The diaper bags will be given to mothers who deliver at Community but are not equipped with the proper supplies to care for their newborns after leaving the hospital. The stocked diaper bags contain necessities such as diapers, blankets and bottles to help mothers and babies in need until the state’s WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program can be initiated. WIC provides food, nutrition education and referrals to health and other social services to low-income pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutrition risk

During the past year, we’ve partnered with leaders and care givers throughout Community Health Network to design and implement a fundraising program that allows patients and families meaningful ways to express their gratitude.  They can say thank you by making a financial donation to support our mission, sending a thank you message to an employee who impacted their lives during their stay with us or by volunteering.

We developed an identity for the program, called the Gratefu! Patient and Family Program: Where the gift of good health keeps giving.

The program has been implemented at Community Hospitals East, North, and South and at The Indiana Heart Hospital. Patients at each hospital receive a get well card at the beginning of their stay, daily complimentary newspapers, a thank you card at discharge and another thank you card they can send to a member of their care-giving team. Brochures explaining how gratuitous financial donations can support the best delivery of health care at our hospitals are also available.

You can check out Web-based interactive components of the program here. We’ll soon debut another special interactive feature and will share a link to it with you.

Reinforcement messages are also displayed on banners located at key hospital entry points. Check out photos of the banners on our Facebook page.

Are you grateful? We are!