Erie County Health Department Narcan Use Workshop on September 20

Announcement, Community, Event, ,

The Springville Regional Services Coalition and Bertrand Chaffee Hospital are coordinating another workshop with Erie County’s Health Department on opioid overdose recognition and Naloxone use. This free event will take place on Wednesday, September 20 at the Springville Middle School at 6:30 p.m.

This class trains people to recognize signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, properly administer naloxone and take the necessary follow-up steps. The information in this workshop can help to save the life of a family member, friend, neighbor or colleague who is experiencing an overdose caused by an opiate or prescription narcotic.

Participants who successfully complete the training will receive a kit containing two doses of naloxone at no charge. This free training is open to anyone 16 years old or older. Register online at bit.ly/narcan0920 or call (716) 592-2871 ext. 1485.

Hotlines for Help: 2-1-1 WNY and Crisis Services

Announcement, Community

At its July meeting, the Springville Regional Services Coalition continued its discussion regarding local access to social and human services agencies for residents in the Springville area.

One idea from that monthly meeting, and one that we share here in this release, is that there are two existing resources that need to be more widely known by Western New York residents and agencies that work with individuals and families.

2-1-1 WNY is a free and confidential link to health and human services. Dialing three easy numbers – 2-1-1 – on your phone connects to a trained information and referral specialist every day, all day. Callers can be directed to information about basic needs, food assistance, free tax preparation, holiday assistance, housing, job training, legal counseling, mental health services, substance abuse services, volunteer opportunities and other services in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.

Another phone number that people should program into their phones is (716) 831-7007. This is another hotline, run by Erie County and Crisis Services, providing callers with resources and referrals to substance abuse, addiction and mental health services. This hotline opened for calls in August 2016 and has referred hundreds of people since to recovery, treatment and counseling programs.

The Springville Regional Service Coalition unites human resource providers, public service organizations and individuals to improve the quality of life for the greater Springville community by facilitating cooperation, collaboration, communication and creation of initiatives. The group meets on the third Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. in the village of Springville offices at 65 Franklin Street. No meeting is scheduled for August and the next will be on September 21. Contact atodd@goodwillwny.org to be included in our communications.

Great News about the Future of Healthcare in Springville

Announcement, Community

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital received word this week from New York State and the Department of Health that our application for funding through the Statewide Healthcare Facility Transformation Program was approved.

Additional information will follow, but we want to extend a sincere thanks to area legislators who have been supportive of our application: NYS Senator Patrick Gallivan, NYS Assemblyman David Dipietro, NYS Senator Catharine Young and Cattaraugus County Legislator Richard Helmich. Our deepest thanks, too, to Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Department of Health for investing state funds in our facility and supporting the future of local healthcare in our rural region.

Our application outlined an $11.3 million investment in equipment, technology and site development over a five-year period. Our projects will improve healthcare access to primary care and specialty services, upgrade imaging and technology infrastructure, and preserve jobs and health services for residents in southern Erie, northern Cattaraugus and Wyoming Counties.

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-446-million-funding-strengthen-health-care-western-new-york

BCH Nurses Certified as Diabetes Lifestyle Coaches

Announcement, Community,

Kathleen Hebdon, RN and Sheri Plummer, RN of the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Diabetes Education team have completed the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Lifestyle Coach certification. This complements the Diabetes Self-Management accreditation that the hospital has achieved, and will result in additional services that can be offered to patients and covered by most insurance plans.

Studies have shown that patients who attend weekly sessions in diabetes programs for an extended period of time have been rates of prevention because of the healthy lifestyle habits they develop. After an initial 16 weeks, patients are encouraged to attend a monthly support group. Those who commit to attendance up to a full year have the lowest rates of converting to a diabetes diagnosis.

As instructors, Hebdon and Plummer hear myths and misinformation about diabetes reflected back to them from patients. “Some people think that they just have ‘a little diabetes,” said Hebdon. “But the prevalent thought now is that once someone is diagnosed with pre-diabetes, about 50 percent of their pancreatic function is lost, and by the time they are diabetic, that ratio is 80 percent.”

Diabetes causes more deaths in the United States than breast cancer, and type 2 diabetes is very much a lifestyle disease. “People are resistant to starting diabetes treatment,” said Sheri Plummer, RN. “And they give excuses like ‘I’m too old’ or ‘I’m too out-of-shape’ – but they would not hesitate to start a cancer treatment!” She explained, “Pancreatic changes are permanent and progress with age, and we want our patients to start treatment and lifestyle changes immediately to preserve pancreatic function and delay or prevent having to take insulin.”

Diabetes can be treated by three modalities: medication, diet and activity. “Without exercise and activity, you are missing out on a third of the possible treatment regimen,” said Hebdon. “Our programs can help patients overcome barriers with alternative exercises for all conditions, like arthritis, back pain and immobility, and ways to work those into everyday life.”

For information about upcoming Diabetes Education programs, call (716) 592-9643.

Cordelian Club Presents Gift for BCH Emergency Department

Announcement, Community, ,

Cordelian Club 2017Thanks to the efforts of the Cordelian Club, the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Foundation received a gift that will fund equipment in the Emergency Department.

The purchase of an ocular tonometer, which measures eye pressure, and additional equipment for the ED will proceed because of this donation.

Each year, the Cordelian Club coordinates a party like no other in town. This year’s theme was a tribute to Prince, and it continued a long tradition of dances that have changed with the times but have always supported the hospital.

Pictured from left: BCH Foundation President William King, Shelly Baronich, Primary Care Center Medical Director William Wnuk, MD, Dance Chairperson Kelly Baker, BCH Foundation Board Member Jessica Sullivan, Cordelian Club President Amy Wnuk, BCH Board and Foundation Board Member Stanley Handzlik, BCH Emergency Department Nurse Manager Penny Gardner, RN, BCH Primary Care Nurse Manager Kim Bockhahn, LPN.

Teddy Bear Donation from St. Al’s

Community, ,

The St. Aloysius Crafters group put together a generous donation of handmade teddy bears for Bertrand Chaffee Hospital. Before finding new homes with children, they will be staying comfortably in the hospital’s emergency department and lab. Thank you to Karen Schlageter, who coordinates the group, and BCH Women’s Association President Karen Ritenour for making this project happen for our facility.

Can Kids Make a Difference?

Announcement, Community, ,

 Yes, yes they can! Our thanks to two students from Springville Middle School for collecting and delivering a variety of books as part of their Kids Can Make a Difference project. This supply will keep the hospital’s Little Free Library stocked for patients, visitors and employees this summer. The range of classics, fiction and non-fiction means that you should check our library often to see what is new!

BCH Women’s Association Installation Dinner

Community, People,
BCH Women's Association Officers 2017-18

BCH Women’s Association Officers 2017-18

The Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Women’s Association held its annual installation dinner on June 7 at the Apple Dumplin in Springville. Members capped off a year of fundraising and activities with a donation to the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Foundation to support the purchase of a vein viewer for the Emergency Department.

This continues the strong tradition of the BCH Women’s Association in supporting clinical equipment purchases and building improvements at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital and the Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home. Jennifer Siragusa, RN, director of patient care services, accepted the gift on behalf of the hospital and foundation.

From left: BCH Women’s Association Officers 2017-18: Secretary Diane Fleckenstein, Vice President Lori Beeman, President Karen Ritenour, Vice President Lisa Yaeger and Treasurer Beth Bolt

 

Blood Pressure Class for BCH Primary Care Patients

Community

The Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Education Department will be holding a FREE high blood pressure class for our BCH primary care patients.

Participants will get a FREE self-monitoring blood pressure cuff and blood pressure journal. This class will be held on June 24 at 10 a.m. and offered a second time on July 24 at 6 p.m.

This class is available free due to a grant from the Erie County P2 Collaborative. Any BCH Primary Care patient with hypertension (high blood pressure) or pre-hypertension is welcome to attend. Participants will be required to meet with the education nurse for 15 minutes in three months to review the journal entries and the BP readings will be shared with their BCH Primary Care Center provider. To register for the free class and BP cuff call (716) 592-9643.

Letter to Community from BCH Women’s Association

Announcement, Community,

On behalf of the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital (BCH) Women’s Association, I would like to thank all the residents of Springville and the surrounding communities that supported the Theme Basket Auction on Saturday, April 22 at the Concord Town Hall. There were over 200 baskets/gift cards at the auction. All the money raised will be donated to the hospital for specific needs of the facility.  A BIG thank you to the following businesses and individuals for their generous donation and their commitment in supporting the Theme Basket Auction event:

Amy E. Schmitt-Kingston, Anything Printed, Apple Dumplin, Auto Zone, Buckwheats, Buffalo Bisons, Buffalo Sabres, Burger King, Carolsel, Carpet World, Cascade Hair, Cascade Lanes, Cascade Massage, Cattaraugus County Bank, Cheap Chollies, Cindy Lou’s Frozen Yogurt , Community Bank, Concord Amish Village, Concord Crest, Concord Veterinary Center, Dave Miller Compost & Mulch, Dave Wendel & Sons, Delocon Wholesale Inc., Don Chelle Salon & Spa, Dr. Scott Nachbar, Dye Insurance Agency, Emerling Ford Mercury, Formula 1 Automotive, Gernatt Asphalt Products Inc., Hope Louth, Jake’s Greenhouse, John Sixt & Sons, Joylan Theater, Julie’s Pizzeria, Ken’s Taxidermy, Kiril’s Restaurant, Kissing Bridge, Lulu Belle’s, Main Street Pizzeria & Café, Mark’s Country Store, Mary’s Fireside, maurices, Mc Donald’s, Michele Sundeen, Nature’s Remedy, Root 39, Sears of Springville, Shamel Milling, S & N Eileen’s, S & S Taxidermy, Shear Brilliance, Software Inventors, Southern Tire Auto Center, Spring Creek Athletic Club, Spring Valley Landscaping, Springville Animal Hospital, Springville Dental Arts, Springville Door &Window, Springville Eye Care LLC, Springville Health & Fitness, Springville Homewear, Springville Lanes, Subway, Tim & Bonnie’s Pizza, Tops- Springville, Tractor Supply Co., Village Antique & Optical, Waterman’s Greenhouse, Wendel’s, Wendel’s Maple & More, White’s Appliance, Wireless Zone, and Witter Davis Furniture.

Karen Ritenour, President of the BCH Women’s Association