Erie County Department of Health Naloxone Use and Opioid Overdose Recognition Workshop

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital and the Springville Regional Services Coalition have coordinated another workshop on opioid overdose recognition and naloxone (Narcan) use on Wednesday, April 11 from 7-9 p.m.

The workshop will be held at the Concord Senior Center, 40 Commerce Drive off Waverly, in Springville.

Registration is required at http://www.ecdoh-apr11.eventbrite.com/ for this free event, or call (716) 592-2871 ext. 1485. Attendees who are over the age of 16 will receive free naloxone (nasal spray) kits.

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Foundation Announces Garden Party Event

Honorees Include William King and the Cordelian Club

The Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Foundation’s annual Garden Party is planned for Thursday, May 31 at the Springville Country Club. At its January meeting, the foundation board chose to recognize William King and the Cordelian Club for their many contributions to Bertrand Chaffee Hospital and the Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home.

William King is the current president of the foundation board, and has been a vocal advocate for the hospital as a board member and foundation board member for decades. He spent his career as an electrician contractor throughout Western New York and was the long-time supervisor for the Town of Ashford.

The Cordelian Club – as the first group to be acknowledged with this event – dates back to 1937. Its fundraising efforts, primarily done through their annual dance, have contributed to countless expansion projects, equipment purchases and building improvements over the past seven decades.

Proceeds from this event will be put toward the renovation of the second floor nurses station, covering the acute care services.

The Garden Party starts at 5 p.m. and concludes by 8 p.m. The Springville Jazz Orchestra and Nick Kody & Lydia Herren will provide the musical entertainment. Tickets are $50/person or $80/couple available from the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital front desk or by contacting Kara Kane at kkane@bch-jbr.org or (716) 592-2871 ext. 1485. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Tickets are $50 each or $80 per couple and are available at the BCH reception desk. For information and sponsorship opportunities, call the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Foundation at (716) 592-2871 ext. 1485 or email Kara Kane at kkane@bch-jbr.org.

Cold Weather and Your Heart Health (American Heart Month)

#Teamchaffee for American Heart Month

#Teamchaffee for American Heart Month

There’s no question that this winter has had more than its share of cold weather. Not just cold – bitter, bone-chilling days and nights that can literally take your breath away. As we look ahead on the calendar to longer days and warmer temperatures, the Heart Center team of Thomas Smith, MD, FACC and Lauralee Sprague, NP has some guidance and advice for protecting your heart in the winter months.

Some studies have shown that extremes in temperature – heat and cold – can lead to very negative health events affecting your heart. With foresight and smart planning, you can take steps to protect your most important muscle during the winter season.

  • Dress in layers: wearing layers of clothing provides much-needed insulation, and a waterproof outer layer will prevent the inner clothing from moisture. And don’t forget a hat! Cold winds can quickly sap your body’s heat and energy, placing undue stress on your heart. Hypothermia can happen, even in cold temperatures that are not extreme.
  • Take frequent breaks: you don’t need to clear your driveway of snow all at once, for example. Work slowly and carefully, using smaller shovel-fuls, and remember that pushing is easier on your heart than throwing.
  • Recognize the signs of a heart attack: The saying, time is muscle, describes how every minute matters during a heart attack. If you feel discomfort in your chest or upper body (arms, back, neck, jaw, stomach), that lasts for more than a few minutes, or is intermittent, that could be the sign of a heart attack. Shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, or any combination of those, could also mean that you need immediate medical attention. By calling 9-1-1, an emergency medical team can start intervention more quickly than if you tried to drive yourself to a hospital.
  • When working or travelling in the cold, watch for a lack of coordination, confusion, and drowsiness, particularly in the elderly.

For individuals who have been diagnosed with heart or vascular conditions, speak to your healthcare provider or cardiologist about protecting your heart through all seasons. Call the BCH Heart Center for an appointment at (716) 592-9644.

Volunteer Opportunity: Memory Impairment Caregivers

Shared on behalf of SCENe, the Springville Concord Elder Care Network.

Looking for a volunteer opportunity? We need you! Memory Impairment Caregivers Need a Break one day per month (1st Wednesday of each month 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

Located at the Springville First United Methodist Church.

A hot lunch, snacks and beverages are provided.

Having fun is the job! The Springville Respite Care Program is looking for more volunteers. Not available every month? That’s fine! Come when you can. We offer a break to caregivers of people with memory issues such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. The caregivers are able to enjoy a few hours to take time for themselves while we give 1 on 1 care for our memory impaired guests by having fun. We enjoy a morning snack, play games, make crafts, eat lunch, have conversations, enjoy music, and just have a good time. We are in need of more people to be buddies to our guests and also people who would like to provide a lunch and morning snack. If you are interested in volunteering or are a caregiver and would like more information about the program, please give us a call! Contact Barb Blesy at 716-­435-­5400 for more information.

Administrator Announced for the Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home

Carole Francis

Carole Francis joins JBR as administrator

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital and the Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home have announced that Carole Francis will join the leadership team as long term care administrator this month.

“I am looking forward to getting to know all of the care partners in the community, including residents, family members, employees and volunteers,” said Francis. “As the Jennie B.’s administrator, it is my responsibility to embrace a culture of person-centered care that ensures well-being and a life worth living.”

Francis earned a master of business administration from SUNY Buffalo with a concentration in accounting, and a bachelor of science in education from Buffalo State College. She is also a certified public accountant. Her background in nursing home administration, along with healthcare finance and human resources, has been developed in the long-term care environment. She has more than 30 years’ experience with managing budgets and establishing relationships with residents, families and employees.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Carole to our leadership team,” said Nils Gunnersen, CEO of Bertrand Chaffee Hospital. “She brings a wealth of nursing home experience in addition to strong skill sets in the financial and administrative aspects of healthcare.”

Francis begins her work in Springville on January 8, 2018.

high-resolution image of Carole Francis

Pioneer Radio Operators Society Licensing Class on Jan. 14

The Pioneer Radio Operators Society and Cattaraugus County, Amateur Radio Exam Team will host an extra licensing class on January 14, 2018.

This will be held at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital, 224 E. Main St., Springville, NY. Classes start at 10 a.m. in the conference room. This is an free class and will run about 7 weeks.

Instructor Ray Feness K2RMF said that we will be using the “Now Your Talking” book by Gordon West for the study guides.

If interested in reserving a spot and a study guide, contact Gary KB2YAA ASAP so books can be ordered for the first class at (716) 592-9554 or kb2yaa@arrl.net