caring for our neighbors 2009

Caring for Our Neighbors

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Christiana Care touches more than600,000 patients every year

$46.8 million given in charity care

42,686surgeries

54,597hospital admissions

552,831outpatient visits

Only Level-I trauma center (highest level) between Philadelphia and Baltimore

Only Level-3 neonatal intensivecare unit (highest level) in Delaware

7,199births

160,491emergency department visits

320,907radiology procedures

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Dear Neighbors,

On behalf of Christiana Care Health System, I am pleased to share with you the Caring for Our Neighbors report. This document reflects our mission in action during 2009, made possiblethanks to your confidence and support.

These are historic times for health care in America and for Christiana Care in particular. But as Congress debates reform in Washington D.C. and Christiana Care begins the landmarktransformation of our Wilmington Campus, our mission remains simple: to take care of ourneighbors in the community.

With the help of our extraordinary physicians, surgeons, nurses, health care professionals, community outreach coordinators and administrative staff members, our growing national reputation enables us to attract some of the best health care specialists in the country. We takevery seriously the responsibility of serving you, your family, your friends and your neighbors.

As you read, you will learn a greatdeal about what we have achieved thisyear with your help and the help ofour friends in business, governmentand the community. We continue toprovide the very best in care to all whoneed it, regardless of ability to pay.

If you have required our services inthe past, I hope you will see your ownexperience reflected in the pages thatfollow. If you have not needed our assistance, I hope you will be assuredof our readiness to serve you if thetime ever comes. Thank you for yourconfidence in Christiana Care.

Best regards,

Robert J. Laskowski, M.D., MBAPresident and Chief Executive Officer

Visit www.christianacare.org to f ind out more about how we benefit the community page 1

A Message from the President & CEO

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After rapid, unexplained weight loss, dismaying episodes of fallingand myriad tests, Laura Cottrell’s physician diagnosed her withHIV. “Actually, he told me, you have AIDS, and you probably onlyhave six months to live,” Laura recalls. “Then he handed me a cardfor Christiana Care’s HIV clinic and sent me on my way.”

Feeling hopeless, Laura contacted Ruth Rollins, assistant to the director of Christiana Care’s HIV program. “Ruth told me theywere going to help me get better. And, slowly they did!” Laurasays. She is back to a healthy weight, is strong, looks well andworks a 40-hour week with ease.

Laura says the HIV program gave her more than her physicalhealth. “They have given me back an emotional and spiritual life,because these people really care.” Laura now works as a full-timepeer educator with the Delaware HIV Consortium and is an essential part of the HIV program. She talks from experience aboutthe rejection suffered by those with HIV/AIDS, the challenges ofcontinuing to work while adjusting to sometimes body-wrackingAIDS drugs and how to have an honest sex life. “I’m here to help inwhatever way I can, from educating patients, to helping them talkto the doctor, to giving them a hug. Whatever they need, I’m here.”

Encouraging Patients with AIDS Peer counselor shares her experiences to help others.

Caring for Our Neighbors

page 2 Christ iana Care Health System

H I V P R O G R A M

More than 1,500 patientsreceived medical care and services

3,470 Delawareans are living withHIV/AIDSaccording to the Delaware Division of Public Health

Wilmington Hospital Health Center

Wilmington Hospital Health Center serves a critical need in the community. Each year, thousandsof patients, many without insurance or the means to pay, receive thorough diagnoses and treatmentat the Health Center. A team of residents, attending physicians and nurse practitioners sees patientsby appointment in well-equipped examination, consultation and treatment areas.

Beyond treating illness and injury, the staff of Wilmington Hospital Health Center provide wellness and preventive health visits for people of all ages. They also provide women’s health care, surgical, orthopedic, podiatry, ophthalmology, oral and maxillofacial surgery and general practice dentistryservices. Wilmington Hospital Health Center plays a vital role in the community’s health by provid-ing a pharmacy, diagnostic testing, social services, and patient wellness and educational programs.

W I L M I N G T O N H O S P I TA L H E A LT H C E N T E R

71,562 health center visits

More than 10,000 visits to women’s health services and more than 6,000 pediatric visits

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Ambrosia Mondoa was well on her way to becoming one of the more than half-million American women who die from cardiovascular disease each year. Her daughter, Matanda, encouraged her to participate in Christiana Care’s “No HeartLeft Behind” (NHLB) program. Together, they learned about therisk of heart disease and how to adopt heart-healthy lifestyles.

Matanda and the NHLB program so inspired Ambrosia that she adopted a heart-healthy diet and began exercising. Afterachieving these goals, Ambrosia decided to inspire others. She isnow a tireless advocate for women’s heart health and spreadsthe word throughout her community, church, school and professional organizations.

Each year, heart disease kills more than twice as many women asall cancers combined. African-American women are 35 percentmore likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic whitewomen. “I am passionate about spreading the message towomen of color, since they have an even higher incidence ofheart disease,” Ambrosia says. “I can’t tell you how valuable No Heart Left Behind is for mothers and the daughters who inspire them.”

Helping Mom’s Learn AboutHeart Health


Restoring Stroke Patient’s ProductivityPersonalized care is key.

N O H E A R T L E F T B E H I N D P R O G R A M

Reached 300 individuals through free events

Four local high schools participated in the program

30 teens signed on to coach their momsabout heart-healthy habits

S T R O K E P R O G R A M

1,169 stroke patients received treatment from Christiana Care in2009, more than any other hospital between New York City and Virginia

Linda Dill applauds the personalized care she received from her occupational therapistsafter a stroke. The first food she wanted after leaving the hospital was pasta, butLinda had trouble eating it. “I could not twirl the spaghetti, and my husband actuallyhad to cut it for me,” she says. “I felt like a 2-year-old.” Linda shared her frustrationwith her therapists and they designed a therapy just for her using yarn and weightedforks. Linda is back to twirling her spaghettilike a pro.

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CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

25 students enrolled in a variety of programs, includinga 12-month residency, an internship and a communityprogram


Monthly blood pressure monitoring, flu shots, lectures on chronic health problems, mini health fairs—these are just a few of the activitieshappening in congregations of all faiths all over Delaware thanks in part to the efforts of LaVaida White, RN, MSN. Integrating faith and health is the goal of the Health Ministry program she coordinates for the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center’s Community Health Outreach and Education Department.

When a congregation is interested in establishing a health ministry,LaVaida helps the congregation form a health team and serves as a resource.

LaVaida believes there is “a strong link between wellness and spirituality,”so the ministry teams identify underinsured and uninsured congregationmembers and connect them with both health and faith resources.

Another parish nurse, Margaret Pankok, RN, BSN is an active member of her congregation’s Health Ministry and Wellness committee and a Christiana Care employee. “I love it,” she says. “With our blood pressurescreenings, we caught two people with hypertension and now it’s controlled. Many older people in our congregation live by themselves. We help keep them connected.”

“Spirituality is key to what wedo in promoting health.”

—LaVaida White, RN, MSN

TA K I N G

C A R E O F

O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

Bringing a Spiritual Education to Medical CareClinical Pastoral Education program prepares chaplains to serve patients in time of need.

Integrating Faith and HealthHealth Ministry inspires wellness.

Studies suggest a positive correlation between a patient’s spirituality or religiouscommitment and health outcomes. At Christiana Care, treating the spirit is just as important as treating the mind and body. To do this, Christiana Care’s ClinicalPastoral Education (CPE) program provides practical training in the spiritual and pastoral care of patients and their families to chaplains of all faiths. It is an accredited program for seminarians, ordained clergy and lay persons that provides the building blocks they need to either seek board certification as achaplain or fulfill an education requirement that a specific denomination requires.

The CPE curriculum integrates theology, behavioral science and spiritual devel-opment with personal experience and reflection. The Rev. Timothy D. Rodden, chaplain and director of Christiana Care’s pastoral services says, “Our goal is totrain chaplains no matter what their faith, to help their patients discover internalresources for purpose and meaning in life during times of need. Not only doesthis give them peace, but it can help the healing process.”

Christiana Care offers five CPE programs, including a 12-month residency program that prepares chaplains for board certification, a summer internship for seminary students preparing for ordination and a community program thatprovides additional resources for chaplains working in other health care settings.

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Encouraging Weight Loss in a Big WayTen Ton Challenge exceeds goal.

Nearly

59%of adults in Delawareare overweight orobese


With great confidence, Kerri Wilson holds up thepants she wore before losing almost 100 poundsthrough Christiana Care’s Weight Managementprogram. She attributes her weight-loss success and confidence boost to ongoing encouragementfrom staff members and regular meetings with hercounselor and support group.

Extending Financial Assistance to Our Uninsured NeighborsMedical Assistance Eligibility Program helps patients secure coverage.

Making it easier for self-pay patients to apply for medical assistance is one of the most important waysChristiana Care helps neighbors in the community.Through the Medical Assistance Eligibility Program,Christiana Care and its partner, PATHS LLC, help patients secure the coverage they need.

Employees of PATHS advocate for self-pay patients and initiate the Medicaid application screening process thatdetermines patient eligibility for medical assistance.They also help patients with the application process for future benefits they may need for long-term illness,cancer or transplants as well as Medicare, Social Security,disabled child relief, food stamps and cash assistance.

Thousands of self-pay patients who come into the Christiana Care system are referred to PATHS, with ahigh percentage of patients approved for some type ofassistance. Fortunately, ineligible patients aren’t left tofend for themselves. They’re referred back to ChristianaCare as they may qualify for our financial assistance program.

B E H E A LT H Y D E L A W A R E : T E N T O N C H A L L E N G E

Delaware has the 17th highest rate of adult obesity inthe nation*

23,280 pounds were lost over 10 weeks—3,280pounds more than the 10 ton goal

More than 7,000 participated in the challenge (with approximately 2,500 individuals weighing in regularly)

1,318 Christiana Care employees participated and lost5,064 pounds—a ton more than the 3,000 pound goal

*Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

M E D I C A L A S S I S TA N C E E L I G I B I L I T Y P R O G R A M

Nearly 7,500 patients are referred to PATHS every year

92% of requests are approved

54,645 patients helped since 2002

Christiana Care and the News Journal challenged Delawareans to lose atotal of 10 tons (20,000 pounds) of weight over a 10-week period. Nearly59 percent of Delaware’s adults are either overweight or obese accordingto the Delaware Health and Social Services Division of Public Health.Christiana Care helped attack the problem by becoming title sponsor of“Be Healthy Delaware: Ten Ton Challenge.”

Delawareans signed up online for the free program and received nutrition and exercise tips, as well as access to weight-loss resources. Christiana Care contributed weekly exercise columns that appeared on delawareonline.com throughout the initiative. Challenge participants exceeded the goal.

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“It was bad enough that my breast cancer spread to my bone marrow, but when I lostmy job and my health benefits, I didn’t know what to do,” says Dawnella Karns ofDover and single mother of two young girls. “That’s when the social workers at theHelen F. Graham Cancer Center at Christiana Care stepped in and made me aware of

resources I had no idea existed. They are experts at findingways to link patients with community resources.”

Besides health, cancer can affect finances, employment,insurance, relationships, self-confidence and almostevery aspect of life. Social workers at the cancer centerdo it all to minimize that affect on the lives of those in treatment. They assess the patient and the familyunit, then link them to appropriate resources. Theymake sure patients have transportation to and fromtreatment, help with the intricacies of paperwork and provide emotional support to patients and theirfamilies. Christiana Care social workers MichelleBailiff and Ronna Glenn helped Dawnella find resources to keep her life together, including helpingher care for her daughters while fighting cancer andenrolling in a program that covered the dental surgery

she needed as a result of her cancer.

Helping Cancer Patients Social workers line up resources to help with daily living.


23,666 individuals helped since 2002

414,124 patients and/or family members received individual support services

Last year, more than 6,400 patients were helped by genetic counselors, health psychologists and registered dietitians

S U P P O R T I N G

N E I G H B O R S

W H E N T H E Y

N E E D I T M O S T

Last year, Donna and her three young sons, all victims of domestic violence, boarded a bus in Texas bound for asafer life. They arrived in Delaware with few resources and moved into a shelter. Donna brought her children toWilmington Hospital’s pediatric practice. There she met Linda Brennan-Jones, a Christiana Care social worker.Linda enlisted the help of the Christiana Care community to provide the basics this family needed for school andliving. Since then, Donna has secured a job, moved into an apartment, enrolled her sons in school and got themthe counseling they need. She says, “I am so thankful for what Linda and the employees at Christiana Care did forus. It was unbelievable.”

Helping Victims of Domestic Violence Social workers lend a helping hand.

The Social Work Department, which employs more than 50 individuals, assisted more than 25,000 in-patients

C A N C E R C A R E M A N A G E M E N T

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Caring for Pregnant Moms Healthy Beginnings encourages healthier pregnancies.

582 prenatal women enrolledand offered free group educationalclasses

310 women received nutritionalcounseling

381 women received social workconsultations, smoking cessationsessions or counseling

519 babies born

401 women seen postpartum by a health educator for services orreferrals

97preconception women seenand offered case management, nutrition, social work, counseling,smoking cessation and educationservices

H E A LT H Y B E G I N N I N G S

Diana Reese was confident and excited when she first found out she was pregnant. However, thesefeelings quickly eroded when herboyfriend became unsure of his commitment to Diana and the pregnancy. Then she discovered thather mother had stolen her identity.Diana says, “I didn’t understand why all this was happening. It wasoverwhelming.” Fortunately, HealthyBeginnings restored her confidence.

When Diana came to ChristianaCare’s Women’s Health Practice forprenatal checkups, she was enrolledin the Healthy Beginnings programthat provides multidisciplinary prenatal and postpartum care in oneconvenient location to underservedwomen.

When Diana felt alone and depressed, her Healthy Beginningscase manager encouraged her to join Centering Pregnancy, a groupprogram that brings together womenwho are due in the same month and gives them the clinical care, education and camaraderie theyneed. “Through the centering program, I was with pregnantwomen who helped me get myselftogether and feel good about beingpregnant again,” Diana said.

Diana recently gave birth to her son, Sincere Josiah Reese. She willcontinue to participate in Healthy Beginnings for postpartum care.

Healthy Beginnings is supported by funding from the Delaware Department of Public Health.

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“Without the Visiting Nurse Association(VNA), I would be living in a nursinghome and away from my beloved husband, John,” says Linda Schultz.Linda is confined to a wheelchair due to multiple sclerosis and is dependenton others for her daily care.

Christiana Care’s VNA home health aide Pearl Hicks has been caring forLinda for three years. She not only provides health care services, but alsothe physical and emotional supportLinda needs to live at home. “Over the years Pearl has become more like a family member and we have developeda deep bond,” Linda says. “She recog-nizes my physical changes better than I do, and even noticed I was gettingmuch weaker on one side of my bodybefore I did!”

Pearl finds joy in providing the personalized health care, support andpeace of mind patients need to live inthe comfort of their own homes. Shesays, “Helping people is my calling.”

Bringing Back the Old Fashioned House CallHome Visit team provides medical care to stabilize patients at home.


Caring for Patients in Their HomesVisiting nurses support the chronically ill. P R O V I D I N G

C A R E

B E Y O N D O U R

W A L L S

Judy Ahrens has fibromyalgia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic pain, all of whichlimit her movement and make her unsteady on her feet. As a result, going to the doctor on a regular basis is difficult. She says, “Before I found out about the home visit program, I would wait to go to the doctor until it was close to an emergency. The home visit team are the angels in my life. They keep watch over my health in thecomfort of my own home. When my health changes, they know what to do, and this prevents me from having to be rushed to the emergency room.”

Christiana Care’s Home Visit team, including physicians, nurse practitioners and social workers, provides regularmedical care to patients so they can stay at home for as long as possible.

V I S I T I N G N U R S E A S S O C I AT I O N :

11,000 Delawareans received care from the VNA

275,000 patient visits statewide

750 patient visits each day

More than1,900 patients receive care through the hometelemonitoring program since its inception four years ago

H O M E V I S I T P R O G R A M

181 patients receive regular home visits

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On any given day of the week Christiana Care staff members are in the community providinghundreds of free health screenings and educating neighbors about the impor-tance of detecting diseases early sothey can be treated effectively.

Screening and education events take place at local churches, communityand employer groups, as well as atlarge events such as WilmingtonWellness Day, Healthy Kids Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day ofCelebration and the American HeartAssociation’s Heart Walk. Employeesfrom programs throughout Chris-tiana Care participate in these eventsincluding diabetes and metabolicdisease, cancer, heart and vascular,exercise and weight management,imaging, physical therapy and jointreplacement.

Bringing Health Care to the CommunityChristiana Care empowers our neighbors with knowledge.

Screening and Education Build Awareness

TA K I N G

C A R E O F

O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

C O M M U N I T Y S C R E E N I N G S

More than 30 employees, including doctors and nurses, from 10

departments, participated in Wilmington Wellness Day reaching

more than 2,500 city of Wilmington residents

S P E A K I N G I N T H E C O M M U N I T Y

More than 250 people attend the annual heart month lecture

100 seniors attended the Universityof Delaware’s Academy of LifelongLearning presentation on the HealthyAging Heart

More than 35 physicians, nurses and staff presented health topics to 12 Rotaries, 10 senior groups, dozensof local companies and faith-based organizations through our speaker’sbureau

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Promoting Health through Free Women’s Lecture SeriesLecture series helps our neighbors become better informed about health issues.

For the past eight years, Christiana Care has reached hundreds of women, and some men,through its free “Celebrating Women’s Health” lecture series. Health care experts from a wide

range of specialties share the most current information on women’s health topics

including aging, menopause, stress,heart disease, cancer and cosmetic surgery to help attendees become betterinformed.

M A K I N G

G O O D

H E A LT H

A P R I O R I T Y

C E L E B R AT I N G W O M E N ’S H E A LT H

L E C T U R E S E R I E S

More than 1,000 people attended

6 to 7 lectures are held each year

Attendance averages close to 200at each lecture


C H R O N I C D I S E A S E S C R E E N I N G

1,288 individuals screened

35 uninsured individuals screened

383 individuals have not seen a physician for routine care in 2 or more years

51cancer referrals given at screenings

182 individuals received cancer screening assistance from Breast Coordinator/Nurse Navigator

Educating our Neighbors about Screening and Prevention Outreach Program helps our neighbors to reduce chronic disease risks.

The more our neighbors know about chronic diseases,the better equipped they are to reduce their risks. TheCommunity Health Outreach and Education Program,in collaboration with Christiana Care Health System andthe Helen F. Graham Cancer Center at Christiana Care,is dedicated to helping our uninsured and underinsuredneighbors learn more about what causes cancer andother chronic diseases and the risk factors involved.Community outreach coordinators provide informationabout healthy behaviors and lifestyle choices that can reduce these risks. They make it easier for people to get the basic screenings for blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels. And they provide referrals for additional care when people need it.

Outreach coordinators also provide information aboutcancer screening options and how to get help to pay forscreenings. They help individuals access counseling andprograms to reduce their health risks such as quittingsmoking, improving nutrition and staying fit.

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Screening for Skin Cancer Free program increases awareness.

For more than 15 years, Christiana Care’s Community Health Outreach and Education Program and the AmericanAcademy of Dermatology, Delaware chapter, have organized the Skin Cancer Screening and Awareness Program.In addition to receiving a free screening, participants learn how to perform a self-exam, identify skin cancer riskfactors and protect themselves and their family members from skin cancer.

Taking Action Against Heart DiseaseCardiovascular Screening and Prevention Programfocuses on long-term heart health.

S K I N C A N C E R S C R E E N I N G A N D A W A R E N E S S P R O G R A M

Providing neighbors with personalized health information is the best way to encourage them to make heart-healthy lifestyle choices. Christiana Care’s Cardiovascular Screening and Prevention Programhelps people see their own risk factors and then take action to prevent heart disease. Unlike typical screening approaches that focus on short-term risk, this program focuses on long-term patienthealth and well-being. It combines an online risk assessment test with a personal screening and an in-depth medical review that considers an individual’s lifetime risk for developing cardiovasculardisease.

Through the online cardiovascular risk assessment, individuals learnabout any risks they may have for heart disease. Those who have risk factors are encouraged to schedule a cardiovascular screening appointment. The cardiovascular nurse reviews the individual’s specific risks, including family history, obstetrical history, waist measurement, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, fasting lipidprofile and fasting glucose. Using this information, the nurse develops a plan for recommended screenings and lifestyle changesand shares it with the individual’s doctor. Approximately one in three patients will have a change made to their treatment plan based on the assessment results.

C A R D I O V A S C U L A R S C R E E N I N G

A N D P R E V E N T I O N P R O G R A M

2,970 individuals completed onlinerisk assessment test

1,598 individuals had risk factors

30% of individuals with risk factorsscheduled a personal screening

Patients were surveyed 3-6 months aftertheir appointment:

94% took steps to achieve their health goals

65% discussed the results and recommendations with their doctor

13 dermatologist volunteers

114 participants encouraged to see a doctor based on the screenings

250 program participants

65 participants referred for biopsies

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Christ iana Care Health System

Clinical research trials improve cancer care by advancing prevention and treatment options availableto patients. Christiana Care’s Cancer Research Programactively pursues today’s most promising studies to discover reliable and practical information aboutwhat works best against cancer so it can be applied topatient care. When patients join a cancer researchstudy, they benefit from some of the latest techniquesand therapeutic advances to treat cancer, frequent andthorough medical exams, information and guidance to help them better understand their condition and improve their health, and support from physicians and nurses on the hospital’s research staff.

A groundbreaking clinical trial at Christiana Care recently helped one patient win her fight against breastcancer. Here’s her story.

Last year, Margaret Williams was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her physician, Dr. Diana Dickson-Witmer, associatemedical director of the Christiana Care Breast Center, gave her three cancer treatment options: a lumpectomy, a mastectomy or entering a clinical trial.

Margaret considered foregoing treatment completely. “I wasn’t as afraid of the cancer as I was of the treatment,” shesays. “And people told me, ‘Don’t do the trial; they’re justusing you as a guinea pig.’” However, after learning that the

trial medication was effective in treating women with breastcancer after surgery, Margaret entered the clinical trial totest how the drug would work on women before surgery.

For 16 weeks, Margaret took the trial medication. It was expected to reduce the size of the tumor, making it easier toremove surgically. Instead, surgeons discovered that the cancer was gone. “I was ecstatic,” says Margaret. “When thetumor was gone, I knew there was hope on the horizon forother women and it was a wonderful feeling.”

Pursuing Promising Research for Cancer Prevention and TreatmentClinical trials play an important role.

Advancing Medical Care through Research and Education

C A N C E R R E S E A R C H P R O G R A M

Among a select group of 51 research centers in the United States and Puerto Rico funded by the National Cancer Institute(NCI) to participate in the Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP)

Approximately 1,000 patients followed annually by CCOP for survival data

Nation’s highest annual accrual rate among newly diagnosed cancer patients

209 participants currently enrolled in more than 100 active study protocols

900 former participants are still being followed

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The opening of the new Center for Translational Cancer Research (CTCR) on the campus of the Helen F. GrahamCancer Center at Christiana Care positions the center as a comprehensive cancer program that includes prevention,treatment and laboratory research.

The CTCR is an alliance of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, University of Delaware, Nemours/Alfred I. duPontHospital for Children and Delaware Biotechnology Institute. It unites scientists and physicians with the commongoal to transform the latest discoveries in the laboratory into innovative new treatments for cancer patients.

Having scientists and physicians under the same roof lets them collaborate more closely and quickly. When a physician discovers a new problem at the bedside, he or she can bring it to a scientist in the lab where it is analyzed and solved. The physician then brings the solution back to the bedside. This collaborative relationshipsets the stage for rapid advancement in understanding and treating cancer in each individual patient.

Leading the Way in Outcomes ResearchCenter for Outcomes Research assesses cost and care for best treatment.

Christiana Care’s Center for Outcomes Research (CCOR) has established itself as a major outcomes and population health research center. Christiana Care is leading the way in comparativeeffectiveness research, identifying the best ways to treat patients atthe most efficient cost.

“Outcomes research and now comparative effectiveness researchwill help us select better and more appropriate testing and therapyfor our patients. Coupled with the remarkable information technol-ogy at Christiana Care and in Delaware and the advanced analytic skills at CCOR, we are well-positioned to be a leading institution in the evaluation of new technology and therapy,” says William S. Weintraub, M.D., FACC, the John H. Ammon Chair of Cardiologyand director of the Christiana Care’s Center for Outcomes Research.

Delaware’s dense, diverse population makes Christiana Care ideallysuited to these types of studies. The health care system’s patient baseincludes 1.2 million people in Delaware and its surrounding areas.

C C O R F E AT U R E S :

• Expertise in evaluating quality of life, economic and cost-effectivenessendpoints

• Multidisciplinary approach to research with Christiana Care faculty, including clinical researchers from internal medicine, cardiology, oncology, traumatology and researchers from the University ofDelaware

• Collaborations with investigators at other national and internationalinstitutions

Clinical Researchand PharmaceuticalStudiesChristiana Care is one of

the largest community-

based teaching hospitals

involved with research

in the United States

participating in 688studies.

Taking Cancer Research from Bench to BedsideCenter for Translational Cancer Research highlights prevention, treatment and research.

Improving Heart Attack CareLargest study of its kind leads to improved survival and recovery.

Patients resuscitated in the early stages of aheart attack have a good chance of survivingafter receiving emergent coronary angioplasyto restore blood flow through the blocked artery that caused the heart attack. Even thosewho remain unresponsive have a good chanceof making a full neurological recovery. That’sthe finding of Christiana Care researchers whoundertook the largest study of its kind in the U.S. and the only one in which all of the patients were treated at one specific hospital.Led by Ehsanur Rahman, M.D., the study waspublished in the Journal of the American Collegeof Cardiology.


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The NCI Community Cancer Centers Program(NCCCP) Focus: Pilots the concept of a national network of community cancer centers to expand cancer research and deliver the latest, most advanced cancer care to agreater number of Americans in the communities inwhich they live.

Participants: Eight community hospitals, including Christiana Care, and six additional locations representinga cross-section of this country’s population and its healthcare systems—with a special emphasis on minority andunderserved.

Distinction: Helen F. Graham Cancer Center at ChristianaCare is among a handful of centers nationwide selectedby the NCI to pilot this strategic initiative.

Delaware IDeA Network of Biomedical Research (INBRE)Focus: Expands research for cancer and cardiovascular disease treatments, ultimately making new ideas for improved diagnosis and therapy available to Delawareand the nation.

Participants: Christiana Care, University of Delaware’sDelaware Biotechnology Institute, Delaware State University, Wesley College, Delaware Technical andCommunity College and Nemours/Alfred I. duPontHospital for Children.

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)Focus: Accelerates the understanding of the genetics ofcancer using innovative genome analysis technologies.

Other participants include: Mayo Clinic, MD AndersonCancer Center, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center,Duke University, Emory University School of Medicine,University of Pittsburgh, Henry Ford Hospital System,Gynecologic Oncology Group Tissue Bank and the University of California at San Francisco Medical Center.

Distinction: Christiana Care is among a select group toparticipate in the TCGA, a four-year research subcontractawarded by SAIC-Frederick Inc., and funded by the NCI.

National Standard for Normal Fetal GrowthFocus: Establishes a national standard for normal fetalgrowth; determines what effect the race of the motherand the gender of the fetus have on development.

Participants: National Institute of Child Health andHuman Development, Medical University of South Carolina, University of California Irvine, NorthwesternUniversity and Columbia University Hospital.

Distinction: Christiana Care is one of only six institutionsin the U.S. selected for this three-year, $1.136 milliongrant from the National Institute of Health; ChristianaCare enrolled more study participants than any otherstudy site in the U.S.


Other research partnerships and collaborations

New Science Alliance Advances Health Care for all of Delaware

As founding members of the new Delaware Health Sciences Alliance(DHSA), Christiana Care Health System, the University of Delaware,Nemours/A.I. duPont Hospital for Children, and Thomas Jefferson University are partnering to improve the health of both the citizens andthe economy of the Delaware region.

Building on the more than 100 collaborations already underway amongthese institutions, DHSA will advance health sciences research, healthsciences education and health care quality and delivery. These multidis-ciplinary collaborations will position Delaware to enhance its role as amajor player in the biosciences industry.

Plans are already underway for three inter-institutional, interdisciplinaryventures: the Delaware Center for Cancer Biology, the Delaware Cardio-

vascular Research Center and a clinical campus for health care education in Delaware. As other institutions join theoriginal partners, DHSA plans to also develop women’s and children’s health, neuroscience and health policy centers.

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Outstanding educational programs for medical and health professionals are one of Christiana Care’s best-kept secrets. Partnering with educational institutions throughoutthe region, Christiana Care trains doctors, nurses, advanced practice nurses, registerednurse anesthetists, physician assistants, pharmacists and allied health professionals.

“Christiana Care ensures that we will have the well-trained health care professionals we need to care for people in our community for years to come,” says Brian Little, M.D.,

Ph.D., vice president, Academic Affairs and Research.

Clinical rotations are an integral component of a medical student’s education. Working with Jefferson Medical College of Thomas JeffersonUniversity and the Philadelphia Collegeof Osteopathic Medicine, ChristianaCare provides all of the core rotationsrequired for medical school graduationand many higher-level electives.

To meet the demand for tomorrow’snurses, technicians and physician assistants, Christiana Care formed aunique partnership with DelawareTechnical and Community College toprovide clinical training in six alliedhealth programs to students fromDrexel and Arcadia Universities, University of Delaware, Thomas Jefferson University and other institutions.

These programs and partnerships establish networks and maintain ahighly qualified health professionalworkforce for Delaware. Dr. Little says that the students improve Christiana Care’s quality of care.“Young, inquiring minds challenge us and make us better.”


Meeting the Demand for Medical and Health Care ProfessionalsOutstanding education programs draw widespread participation.

EDUCATING

THE NEXT

GENERATION OF

PROFESSIONALS

M E D I C A L A N D H E A LT H C A R E E D U C AT I O N

254 medical school graduates from around the country enrolled in 19 accredited medical residency programs, traditionalrotating internships and a transitional-year program

More than 200 local medical students enrolled inup to four rotations each

134 medical students from across the country came to Christiana Care to complete their fourth-year electives

174 students in six allied health programs received clinicaltraining through a partnership with Delaware Technical and Community College

400 to 700 students receive clinical training at ChristianaCare on any given day

Almost all allied health students who receive a degree inDelaware spend some time in clinical rotation at Christiana Care

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Across the country vacancy rates are at an all time high for allied health care providers including respiratory therapists,nuclear medicine technologists, radiologic technologists and ultrasound technologists. However, Christiana Care isproactively filling this gap for the local community. Through aunique relationship with Delaware Technical and CommunityCollege (DelTech), Christiana Care’s Allied Health Educationprogram provides accredited courses to meet the community’sneeds for graduates with very specialized knowledge in a variety of allied health care professions. Students receive academic training and certification from Christiana Care’s 13 full-time allied health instructors at DelTech and receive on-site clinical training at Christiana Care.

“This unique program is a win-win for everyone,” says Brian Little, M.D., Ph.D., vice president, Academic Affairs andResearch. “Students benefit by having good job prospects,Christiana Care benefits by having a larger pool of graduateswho are already familiar with our culture and practices, andthe community benefits because our ability to provide neededcare will be met for generations to come.”

Meeting the Need for Health Care ProvidersProactive education program fills the gap.


VIRTUAL EDUCATION AND SIMULATION TECHNOLOGY

800 hours of simulation sessions conducted

3,462 individuals trained

Future plans include addition of operating room, hospital room, intensive care unit, maternitydelivery care unit and doctor’s office

The Virtual Education and Simulation Technology Center at Christiana Care offers the latest in medical simulation technology. The center offers realistic training opportunities for learners of all levels, fromstudent nurses and respiratory therapists to surgeons.Current and emerging health care professionals practice on the simulators where they can make mistakes and correct them. They learn from the resultsand use this information to deal with real diseases and problems that affect everyone.

Educating with Patient Simulators Saves Lives

81% of 2009 graduates remainin Delaware

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“Camp FRESH gave me a chance to give back to the community and be more than people expect from ateenager from the ‘hood,’” says Shareif Simpson. He is one of 36 teenagers who participated in ChristianaCare’s three-year-old Camp FRESH summer wellnessprogram for city youth.

The program teaches teens the benefits of eating ahealthy diet and encourages them to pass this knowl-edge along. The campers also plant gardens and staff a produce market in the city twice a month to help improve access to fresh fruits and vegetables. The teensattend classes on topics such as food-borne illness,healthy nutrition, CPR and responsible sexuality.

Campers are enthusiastic about the program. “You actually learn things,” Jhanea Brown says. ”Things that campers are committed to teaching their communities.” She continues,

“Sometimes people don’t want to listen and sometimes you kind of have to make them listen because what you have to say is important. I can tell you something about health that might save your life. Why wouldn’t you want to listen?”

Camp FRESH Feeds theCommunity

Investing in Our Communityfor the Next Generation

LEARNING

ABOUT

HEALTHY

LIFESTYLES

CAMP FRESH

89 teens attended since 2007

More than 480 produce market customers served since 2008

$3,000 in produce market sales (money is rolled back into the program)

“I can tell you something about healththat might save your life.”

—Jhanea Brown, Camp FRESH camper

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FIRST STATE SCHOOL

Since it opened in1984:

• First school of its kind in the United States

• Serves as a “quality model” for the care of chronically ill children and adolescents for the American College of Physician Executives

• More than 200 students in 25 years

• 21high school diplomas awarded


Teenagers have it tough enough. But when they needmedical or mental health care, navigating the health caresystem can be overwhelming. Fortunately, when studentsat most Delaware high schools need help beyond whattheir school nurse can provide, they can get it through astate-funded wellness center. Since these are located rightin school, they help teens overcome many obstacles to

receiving good health care—obstacles such as lack oftransportation, inconvenient appointment times or worries about cost and confidentiality. The centers arestaffed by Christiana Care employees and include a licensed nurse practitioner, a clinical social worker, adrug and alcohol counselor, a nutritionist and a TeenHope pregnancy

First State School Celebrates Prom NightCARING

FOR OUR

YOUTHFirst State School at Christiana Care’s WilmingtonHospital gave 17 chronically ill students the opportunity to experience an important rite of passage. When students asked First State School’sprogram director, Coleen O’Connor, MS, LPCMH,if they could have a prom, she made it happen.“Our students have severe medical conditions, including diabetes, cancer, sickle cell anemia, kidney disorders as well as other illnesses,” Coleen says. “For some of the students, this may be one of the last big celebrations of their lives.”This is only the third prom in the school’s 25-yearhistory.

Like most proms, this one took a great deal of volunteer work and included the efforts of employees from several Christiana Care HealthSystem departments, as well as the University ofDelaware Spirit Ambassadors. Together, they held a gown drive and opened a “Prom Store,”where students selected from 125 donated gowns and had them altered. On the big night,volunteers transformed the Wilmington HospitalConference Center into a Hollywood gala with astar-sprinkled red carpet, a chocolate fountainand nonstop flash photography.

Keeping Teens HealthyHigh School Wellness Centers help teens be proactive about health.

Provide care to approximately 16,000 students

79% of eligible students in Delaware enrolled in a Wellness Center

More than 35,000 student visits at 16 Wellness Centers

1,548 students participated in a new teenage obesity performance improvement project

HIGH SCHOOL WELLNESS CENTERS

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You could hear a pin drop in the high school driver’s ed class when 25-year-old Erin Groom toldher story. She was an outstanding student at theUniversity of Delaware whose ambition to attendlaw school was destroyed by a car accident. Erinsuffered traumatic brain injury when the driver ofthe car she was riding in ran a stop sign and washit by another car.

Erin is a VIP (Voices for Injury Prevention) speakerfor Christiana Care’s ThinkFirst program. She goesto local schools, community groups and businessesto talk about the importance of making good decisions to avoid injury. “I want to encourage people to think first about the consequences ofpoor decision making,” she says. “My message isthat whenever you drive a car and have passen-gers, you are responsible for everyone in the car, as well as all of the people they know and love. You need to think first about them and how to protect them.”

Owen Davis, a driver’s ed student who heardErin’s story that day, says, “When I get my license Iwill never forget Erin’s story. It was so sad.”

Last summer, Davon Russell, a senior at Howard High School,learned some valuable work and communication skills at hisjob in the Materials Management department at WilmingtonHospital. It was his first job. “I learned about the importanceof being on time every day, using good manners and respect-ing authority,” Russell says.

Russell, a city of Wilmington resident, worked at ChristianaCare as part of the Summer Youth Program, an initiative of the City of Wilmington. Christiana Care is one of many area employers to partner with the Hope Commission and the Division of Parks and Recreation to provide teens with meaningful work experience during the summer.

ThinkFirst Promotes Safety First

T H I N K F I R S T

Injury is the leading cause of death among children and teens. The majority of these injuries are completely preventable. That’s why Christiana Care is committed to empowering young people to ThinkFirst.

In 2008:

13,800 Delaware students heard 190 “ThinkFirst” presentations

400 at-risk youth attended 13 “Truth About Consequences –Gun and Gang Violence Prevention” programs

5,000 parents and new teen drivers attended 10“Graduated Driver License Parent Orientation Programs”

S U M M E R YO U T H P R O G R A M

28 local youth working at Christiana Care

Teaching City Youth about Health Care CareersSummer Youth Program provides valuable lessons and meaningful work.

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Caring for our PlanetChristiana Care recognized nationally for going green.

Employees at Christiana Care areworking hard to reduce, reuse and

recycle to create a better, safer andgreener workplace and community. Theirefforts continue to earn awards and break

new ground in making facilities healthier forpatients, employees and the next generation.

By virtually eliminating medical equipmentthat uses mercury, Christiana Care is one of 27 U.S. hospitals to earn the 2009 MakingMedicine Mercury Free Award.

Christiana Care is one of 59 U.S. hospitals to win the 2009 Partner for Change Award for environmentally-friendly programs, exceeding the award standards by recycling15 percent of the 3,868 tons of trash generatedin 2009.

Promoting Medical Innovation and Economic GrowthBusiness, labor, academia and bioscience groups join forces.

Christiana Care helped launch “We Work for Health” in Delaware. President & CEO of Christiana Care Health System Robert J. Laskowski, M.D., is

co-chair of the effort. We Work for Health aims to protect and foster medical research and leadership in Delaware and throughout America.Delaware’s medical innovators create thousands of high-paying jobs, andtheir discoveries are integral in the fight to cure cancer and other illnesses.

The economic impact of the biopharmaceutical and related sectors is huge. In Delaware, the industry employs more than 12,000 people and itsactivities generate an additional 16,000 jobs annually. Aggregate industrywages approach $1.6 billion, with an estimated $74 million in state income taxes paid, according to a recent study by the Center for AppliedDemography and Survey Research, University of Delaware.

The study also forecasts that the overall outlook, both locally and nation-ally, is positive and employment is expected to grow steadily over the next

20 years. “New advancements in medicine, improved health status, countlessjobs and steady economic growth have all resulted from continued efforts to further medical innovation,”says Delaware We Work for Health co-chair Bob Dayton, president of Delaware Bioscience Association. We Work for Health is working to make sure the upward trend remains strong.

• Reducing use of Styrofoam by 50percent in employee cafeterias

• Reducing medical waste by 33 percent

• Planning to use wind power toprovide about 40 percent of itsenergy by 2010

• Enabling proper disposal ofmore than 346 pounds of unwanted pharmaceuticals from households throughout the tri-state area through theMedicine Cabinet Clean-out Day

• Planting ornamental trees andbushes along the Wellness Trailat Christiana Hospital


C H R I S T I A N A C A R E A L S O L E A D S T H E WAY BY:

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In Delaware, more than 20,000 jobs go to health careworkers. At Christiana Care, we have

10,468 employees

3,722 RNs, LPNs and patient care technicians

226 medical and dental residents in training

On average, a Christiana Care employee plows

$93,000 back into the local economy each year

Through an unprecedented $205 million investment, Christiana CareHealth System is expanding and rebuilding the Wilmington Hospitalcampus⎯a transformation that willprovide our neighbors with access tothe highest level of medical care fordecades to come. It will also create as many as 600 new permanent jobs.The expansion features:

• An upgraded Emergency Depart-ment that is double its currentsize

• A new surgical suite, including 13 operating rooms and four procedure rooms

• 120 private patient rooms, includ-ing a new Intensive Care Unit

• An upgraded, 30-bed unit for the Center for Advanced Joint Replacement

• 51,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art medical office building, allowing more physicians to practice on site

• A new main lobby entrance repositioned on Jefferson Street,with an enclosed connection tothe parking garage

Christiana Care’s Workforce Supports the Local Economy

As the largest private employer in Delaware, Christiana Care significantly supports our local economy by attracting and employing a highly-skilledprofessional workforce.

Transforming the Wilmington Campus Enhancing patient care fordecades to come.


For more than a century, the nurses andphysicians of Wilmington Hospital havebeen serving the Wilmington community,meeting the community’s diverse medical needs and providing a safety net for the underserved. Expanding and renovating Christiana Care’s Wilmingtoncampus builds on our rich tradition toserve our community and ensure thatour neighbors receive the highest level ofcare and comfort.

Our Free Shuttle Improves Access to Care

Because health care is so important, ChristianaCare offers a free shuttle service to ensure ourneighbors can get the care they need whenthey need it.

Last year, our fleet of shuttle buses

• Logged more than 200,000 miles

• Transported more than 100,000 passengers

• Had an exceptional safety record

The shuttle operates seven days a week, 365 days a year.

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09GRCR75

P.O. Box 1668Wilmington, Delaware 19899-1668800-693-CARE (2273)

www.christianacare.org

Christiana Care is a private, not-for-profit regional health care provider and relies in parton the generosity of individuals, foundations and corporations to fulfill its mission.

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caring for our neighbors 2009

Documents

care of ourneighbors

health care professionals

best health care specialists

community page

pm page

laura recalls

delaware hiv consortium

baltimoreonly level