Bradley County Medical Center News

BCMC Rural Health Clinic to Begin Behavioral Health Services with Tiffany Wargo

The Bradley County Medical Center (BCMC) Rural Health Clinic is excited to announce new behavioral health services with Tiffany Wargo, who is a dual certified Adult Gerontology Primary Care (AGPCNP-BC) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), beginning on May 13, 2024. Appointments can be scheduled now by calling 870-226-8636.

Tiffany’s specialties include anxiety, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, bipolar disorder, depression, and medication management. The BCMC Rural Health Clinic is delighted to offer these integrated behavioral health services within the primary care setting to benefit the community.

Collaborating closely with patients, Tiffany develops tailored care plans founded on trust, mutual respect, and transparent communication with both patients and fellow medical professionals. As an experienced nurse with 25 years of hands-on experience, Tiffany is committed to delivering top-notch, empathetic, and comprehensive mental health care across diverse age groups and capabilities. Drawing on her intuition, keen observation, and clinical knowledge, she ensures that each patient receives the most pertinent and evidence-based treatment.

Tiffany’s educational journey includes earning her Practical Nursing degree from the UAM College of Technology (formerly Forest Echoes Technical College) and her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Fayetteville State University. She furthered her education by obtaining an Associate of Applied Science in Registered Nursing from SouthArk, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing and Post-Master’s Certificate from Walden University.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Tiffany finds joy in activities such as cooking, trout fishing, cheering on the Atlanta Braves, reading, and exploring new destinations with her family, which includes her husband of 27 years, Mark, and two sons. Having been rooted in southeast Arkansas for the past two decades, she eagerly anticipates extending her high-quality and compassionate behavioral health services to Warren and its neighboring communities.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page or follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren) or X, formerly Twitter (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

Applications for BCMC’s Mini M*A*S*H Camp Now Open

The dates have been set for the 2024 version of the Bradley County Medical Center Mini M*A*S*H (Medical Applications of Science for Health) Camp with it set to take place from June 24-28. The application process is entirely online, and applications are due by Tuesday, April 30.

This event is a one-week summer enrichment program for students who have completed 10th or 11th grades and are interested in pursuing a medical career. Students must possess a minimum GPA of 2.75, have completed Biology, and are committed to attending the full one-week camp to apply for this program. Many students will apply, but only 12 spots are available. Students are chosen based on academics, extra-curricular activities, community involvement, teacher recommendations, personal essay, and work ethic.

The campers will take part in a number of activities during the week. These include CPR training, suturing, heart dissection, splinting, hospital tour, shadowing medical professionals, education materials, and much more.

The link to apply online can be found here: https://regionalcampuses.uams.edu/health-careers/high-school-students/mash/locations/mash-bradley-county-medical-center/.

For more information regarding the camp, please contact M*A*S*H Director Krissy Morrison at 870-226-4512 or by email at kmorrison@bcmed.org.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page or follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren) or X, formerly Twitter (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

BCMC Issues Urgent Call for Blood Donations at Upcoming LifeShare Blood Drive March 29

Bradley County Medical Center is issuing an urgent appeal to the community for blood donations in its upcoming LifeShare Blood Drive scheduled for Friday, March 29 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The blood drive will take place in the BCMC Rural Health Clinic parking lot, located across the street from the ER entrance at the hospital.

Blood donations are down across the country as it’s hit a 20-year low so if you can donate, please swing by and give blood on March 29. Potential donors can reserve a time slot online through the donor portal on www.lifeshare.org. You do not have to make an appointment as walk-ins are encouraged. Together, the Warren community can ensure that local hospitals have the necessary resources to provide quality healthcare when it matters most.

Every two seconds, someone somewhere needs blood. One of every seven people who enter the hospital will need blood. That person could be you, your loved one, friend, or co-worker. With all the wonderful advances in modern medicine, there still is no substitute for human blood. The blood that helps patients comes only from caring people who volunteer to help others by donating their life-saving blood.

Every year, countless lives are saved through the generosity of blood donors, and Bradley County Medical Center is calling upon the community to join forces for this life-saving cause. The event aims to bolster blood supplies during a crucial time, ensuring that hospitals and medical facilities in our region have an ample and steady blood inventory.

LifeShare Blood Center, established in Shreveport, La., in 1942, regularly supplies blood components and related services to more than 100 medical facilities and hospitals throughout Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas. LifeShare is a member of America’s Blood Centers and the American Rare Donor Program, is licensed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, and accredited by AABB. LifeShare Blood Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community blood bank governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page, follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren), or X, formerly Twitter, (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

BCMC Wound Care Clinic Receives Clinical Distinction Award

Bradley County Medical Center is pleased to announce the BCMC Wound Care Clinic is a recipient of RestorixHealth’s Clinical Distinction Award. Recipients of this award meet or exceed national clinical benchmarks over a set period of time.

RestorixHealth launched its Clinical Distinction recognition program to recognize wound centers that have demonstrated exceptional success by meeting or exceeding clinical benchmarks.

The BCMC Wound Care Clinic is dedicated to optimizing outcomes and preventing lower limb loss in patients with non-healing wounds. The approach to wound care is aggressive and comprehensive, coordinating traditional and advanced therapies and techniques that are proven to reduce healing time and improve healing rates.

The BCMC Wound Care Clinic is staffed with clinicians with advanced training in wound care. Integrating a team of wound care professionals optimizes patient care, while offering the most advanced healing options.

Bradley County Medical Center’s Wound Care Clinic is held every Tuesday. For more information, please call 877-295-2273.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page or follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren) or X, formerly Twitter (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

BCMC Advances Care with MEDITECH’s Cloud-Based Expanse EHR

Bradley County Medical Center is proud to announce its adoption of MEDITECH Expanse, a modern, cloud-based Electronic Health Record (EHR) for today’s healthcare needs. Expanse will provide BCMC with a single EHR that seamlessly connects patient records across all care facilities, including the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, starting on Tuesday, Jan. 23.

This shared electronic record will help to guide clinical decision-making by offering a comprehensive view of a patient’s health history, regardless of when or where a patient may have received care. And since the solution is cloud-based, physicians, nurses, and other clinicians at BCMC can use mobile devices to view patient records, place orders, and document care at any time — whether they are in the office, rounding on the floor, or checking their schedule from home.

Expanse includes intuitive, web-based navigation that presents each member of a patient’s care team with real-time information, personalized to their unique workflows. Inherent clinical decision support ensures patient safety and helps clinicians react quickly to fluctuations in a patient’s condition.

Additionally, patients can also easily see new test results, review discharge instructions, and connect with clinicians at Bradley County Medical Center through a secure patient portal. Virtual visit capabilities also provide convenient options for appointments outside of traditional medical settings.

The new patient portal will be available Jan. 23 and can be accessed by clicking on the Patient Portal tab in the dropdown menu under Patients and Visitors on www.bradleycountymedicalcenter.com. Patients will receive instructions how to enroll and information on how to download the mobile app.

This interactive web portal, accessible via any mobile device or desktop computer, gives patients and their families easy, secure access to their health information and providers. Patients can use the portal to:
• Book and pre-register for appointments; sign consent forms; complete questionnaires; and update insurance information, demographics, medications, and allergies — all before arriving for their visit.
• Upon arrival, they can complete self-check-in via smartphone, eliminating the need for kiosks and waiting in line to check-in for appointments.
• Easily access provider notes, radiology reports, and laboratory results; securely message their providers; and request prescription renewals between visits.
• Grant portal access to family members and caregivers, so they can help their loved ones manage appointments, bills, and conditions.

Clinicians at BCMC will also be able to use the portal to better track their patients’ health progress, with the help of virtual visits and remote monitoring.
• MEDITECH’s Virtual Care solution enables physicians and patients to schedule online visits for routine appointments. Clinicians can also pre-screen patients with COVID-19 symptoms, and respond quickly to those in need of immediate guidance, while the healthcare organization continues to follow social distancing guidelines.
• With remote monitoring, patients can upload data from personal health devices and medical device kits into the health portal. By tracking and trending this data, providers can keep a close eye on those patients with chronic or preexisting conditions and adjust treatment accordingly, without always having them come in for an office visit.

Another feature that will be rolling out in the next few days will be patient visit reminders through text message for those who have appointments starting Jan. 23. These are legitimate messages and not spam. They will come from phone numbers with an 870-area code. Patients who have prescriptions electronically prescribed will also get a confirmation text message letting them know it has been sent to their pharmacy.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page or follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren) or X, formerly Twitter (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

BCMC Home Health Earns CAHPS Patient Satisfaction Award of Distinction

The Bradley County Medical Center Home Health department has been presented a Home Health CAHPS (Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) Patient Satisfaction Award of Distinction by WellSky for 2023.

This award is given to home health departments that have exhibited superior performance in patient satisfaction during the 2022 calendar year. Based on overall patient survey results, BCMC Home Health has been named a national best practice agency by WellSky.

Based on a comparative analysis of agencies involved in WellSky’s Home Health CAHPS system for the past year, BCMC’s results for the Overall Satisfaction or Likelihood of Recommending survey questions placed them in the top 25% of WellSky’s National Home Health CAHPS database.

BCMC’s Home Health department has received a number of accolades over the years. This Patient Satisfaction Award of Distinction is the fourth time the department has been recognized with this honor since 2015.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page or follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren) or X, formerly Twitter (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

LifeShare Blood Drive Scheduled for Dec. 29 at BCMC

Bradley County Medical Center is proud to announce its upcoming LifeShare Blood Drive scheduled for Friday, Dec. 29 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. This critical event will take place at the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, located at 304 East Central Street, where the LifeShare Bus will be stationed.

BCMC urges everyone who is eligible to donate blood to consider participating in this vital event on Friday, Dec. 29. Potential donors can reserve a time slot online through the donor portal on www.lifeshare.org. You do not have to make an appointment as walk-ins are encouraged. Every donor will receive a token of appreciation in the form of a $10 Walmart gift card for their selfless contribution. Together, the Warren community can ensure that local hospitals have the necessary resources to provide quality healthcare when it matters most.

Every two seconds, someone somewhere needs blood. One of every seven people who enter the hospital will need blood. That person could be you, your loved one, friend, or co-worker. With all the wonderful advances in modern medicine, there still is NO substitute for human blood. The blood that helps patients comes only from caring people who volunteer to help others by donating their life-saving blood.

Every year, countless lives are saved through the generosity of blood donors, and Bradley County Medical Center is calling upon the community to join forces for this life-saving cause. The event aims to bolster blood supplies during a crucial time, ensuring that hospitals and medical facilities have an ample and steady blood inventory.

LifeShare Blood Center, established in Shreveport, La., in 1942, regularly supplies blood components and related services to more than 100 medical facilities and hospitals throughout Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas. LifeShare is a member of America’s Blood Centers and the American Rare Donor Program, is licensed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, and accredited by AABB. LifeShare Blood Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community blood bank governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page, follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren), or X, formerly Twitter, (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

BCMC Closes Obstetrics Department

The mission of Bradley County Medical Center is to provide superior care to every patient, every time. However, as the governing board of the hospital, and the Senior Leadership team of BCMC look forward to the long-term sustainability of our facility, the difficult decision to close the obstetrics (OB) program has been made.

As emotional as this decision has been, a recent revenue analysis by Stroudwater & Associates shows that our OB program is no longer sustainable for the following reasons:

• Volumes and changing demographics - The number of deliveries at BCMC has continued to decline yearly. While there is a nationwide decrease in births, there are newer facilities with specialized OB services to serve our region.

• Revenue loss - The OB department at BCMC is losing more than $1 million annually. While our mission does not change, we must improve our financial position to grow and provide service lines that offer the most benefit to our community.

“We have gone over the numbers and made every effort to avoid this decision,” stated Leslie Huitt, BCMC CEO/CFO. “As a critical access hospital, we had hoped to be the exception in providing OB services. But it is now time to swallow this bitter pill and move forward in our plans to grow and accommodate the healthcare needs of community.”

Moving forward, the BCMC Rural Health Clinic is not closing and will continue to provide all family care services to its patients. We are also accepting new patients currently.

• Effective immediately, the Rural Health Clinic will be helping any existing OB patients in transitioning their care to the provider of their choice. We will work to ensure this is as seamless as possible.
• Any OB patients who present to the BCMC Emergency Room will be treated in the ER and transferred as safety permits to another facility.

While we understand that the closure of obstetrics at BCMC after all these years is difficult, we are hopeful for what the future of our hospital and the healthcare landscape in Bradley County can become.

Get Your Mammogram at BCMC During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth and it's time to get your mammogram at BCMC. Call the BCMC Radiology Department at 870-226-4165 to schedule your Genius™ 3D Mammogram during the month of October. Every one that comes in for their mammogram will receive a small gift and be entered into a drawing for a gift basket at the end of the month.

BCMC Will Host LifeShare Blood Drive Thursday, Aug. 31

There will be a LifeShare Blood Drive on Thursday, Aug. 31 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the LifeShare bus that will be set up in the BCMC Rural Health Clinic parking lot. The BCMC Rural Health Clinic is located at 304 East Central Street across the road from the Emergency Room entrance at Bradley County Medical Center.

Blood donations are in dire need as contributions are down nationwide. Local blood drives are the main source of blood for Bradley County Medical Center and the other hospitals in our region. If you are able to donate blood, please consider becoming a contributor on Aug. 31. Donors will receive a free limited-edition insulated water bottle with carry handle, while supplies last. Potential donors can reserve a time slot online through the donor portal on www.lifeshare.org.

Every two seconds, someone somewhere needs blood. One of every seven people who enter the hospital will need blood. That person could be you, your loved one, friend, or co-worker. With all the wonderful advances in modern medicine, there still is NO substitute for human blood. The blood that helps patients comes only from caring people who volunteer to help others by donating their life-saving blood.

LifeShare Blood Center, established in Shreveport, La., in 1942, regularly supplies blood components and related services to more than 100 medical facilities and hospitals throughout Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas. LifeShare is a member of America’s Blood Centers and the American Rare Donor Program, is licensed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, and accredited by AABB. LifeShare Blood Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community blood bank governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page, follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren), or Twitter (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

BCMC Hosts Successful MASH Camp

The 2023 version of MASH Camp at Bradley County Medical Center was recently completed as the hospital hosted seven students from Warren High School and one from Rison High School for two weeks full of medical related activities that started on Monday, June 19 and ended on Friday, June 30.

MASH, which stands for Medical Applications of Science for Health, Camps are put on throughout a number of hospitals across Arkansas thanks to UAMS and Arkansas Farm Bureau. BCMC’s Labor and Delivery Nurse Manager Krissy Morrison and Emergency Department Nurse Manager Cheryl Wells took the lead for this year’s program as they have the last few years.

This year’s students from Warren included Alex Ayala, Ashlyn Crawford, Anna Mitchell, Adyson Rauls, MaCalia Thomas, Jolie Trussell, and Murphie Wilkinson. Rison High School’s Jared Saeler rounded out this year’s group.

The beginning of the camp started out with Alexee Chambers from Healing Chambers and included a visit from Kayla Gates of Gentiva Hospice. The last visitor of the day was Rick Beckner, RN, for a message about emergency preparedness, while the students had several educational activities led by Morrison and Wells along with a presentation from Tim Vandiver of the UAMS Stroke Program. The next day saw SouthArk faculty and students help with vital signs before a program from UAMS MASH Program Director Stephen Attebery. The day ended with a trip to Frazer’s Funeral Home in Warren and the UAM School of Nursing Simulation Lab with Dr. Brandy Haley.

Wednesday, June 21 started with a visit to Kids First in Warren with Jessica Griffin followed by hand hygiene and an introduction to medical records by BCMC’s Barbara Barnes-Saffel, RN, and Caleb Longoria, respectively. After lunch the students were in two different groups for presentations from BCMC Senior Care. One was a dementia simulation with Charlotte Clausen of the UAMS Center on Aging, while Brandy Files taught Nonviolent Crisis De-Escalation Tips. Thursday’s morning was spent in BCMC Surgery with the staff and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Jan Gorman before hearing from Mainline’s Dietitian. The day concluded with suturing from Anthony Rodriguez, APRN, of Mainline and a trip to the BCMC Rural Health Clinic.

The conclusion of week one started with a tour of the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership van that has information about workforce and training opportunities in healthcare. Next on the agenda was a hands-on experience with the BCMC Respiratory Department’s Stephanie Slaughter and Sharee Williams on intubation and an ultrasound demonstration from BCMC’s Leeanna Williams. After lunch the group had an extensive visit with Jimmy Plyler and Justin Starnes of the Arkansas State Police, followed by diabetic education from Karen Rawls, RN.

The next Monday the campers were able to visit Dr. Doug Mullins with the Monticello Animal Clinic due to the power outage in Warren and then took off to El Dorado for SouthArk’s Simulation Lab and Escape Room. The day ended with CPR and First Aid by Kasey Reep and Emily Harton. Tuesday began with the BCMC Outpatient Therapy Department at the Brunson Medical Complex with an injection lab from SouthArk faculty and students after. The students then heard from Alleyssa Horn of New Outlook Counseling and underwent Narcan Training put on at BCMC by the ARHP. Next up was a visit with BCMC’s Peer Recovery Specialist Samantha Johnson followed by an obstetrics experience with Dr. Kristen Dent, Jessica Dawson, and Jasmin Cruz Queriapa.

Tuesday evening was a very special experience for the campers as they were able to witness a vehicle extrication training exercise with the help of the Warren Fire Department, Warren Police Department, EASI, and BCMC emergency room team. Wednesday morning saw the campers perform animal heart dissections with Dr. Michelle Weaver followed by some time with BCMC Radiology and Dr. Shannon Turner of RAPA. Wednesday afternoon was full with a presentation from Buddy Boldon on biomedical engineering, a trip to the Brunson Medical Complex to meet with DaVita Dialysis, casting with Dr. Dichelle George, and a visit from the Warren Lions Club.

Thursday’s morning featured meetings with the BCMC Laboratory and Pharmacy Departments before a trip to the Donald W. Reynolds YMCA of Warren and Bradley County with a presentation by Stacie Stone. Tyler Turner of LifeTouch Hospice then spoke to the campers after lunch with more time with the lab and pharmacy to end the day.

The last day of the camp began with a very interesting meeting with Pafford AirOne about the helicopter and was followed by a trip to Dr. Bob Smalling’s office. The students then heard from BCMC’s EMR Coordinator Lauren Case, had lunch, and then had an awards ceremony for friends and family in the newly renovated BCMC Conference Room.

The BCMC MASH Committee consisted of Morrison, Wells, Jamie Wolfe, Brooke Hatch, Lisa Williams, Barbara Barnes-Saffel, Lee Taylor, and Dennen Cuthbertson. Volunteers throughout the two weeks included Amber White, Holly Curry, Cliff Moore, Candice Warner, Ashley Gilbert, Jessica Jones, Codi Temple, and Sydney Broome.

The BCMC MASH Committee would like to thank Union Bank, Timber Logistics, Interfor, Chapel Woods, LifeTouch Hospice, Cura, Kay Robinson, Selena Jacks (Anna Boo’s Florist and Gifts), Beverly and Charley Rauls, and Amanda Rauls for proving food and/or snacks during the camp.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page or follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren) or Twitter (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

LifeShare Blood Drive Scheduled at BCMC on Thursday, June 29

There will be a LifeShare Blood Drive on Thursday, June 29 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the LifeShare bus that will be set up in the BCMC Rural Health Clinic parking lot. The BCMC Rural Health Clinic is located at 304 East Central Street across the road from the Emergency Room entrance at Bradley County Medical Center.

Blood donations are significantly needed as contributions are in a downturn across the nation. Local blood drives are the main source of blood for Bradley County Medical Center and the other hospitals in our region. If you can donate blood, please consider becoming a contributor on June 29. Donors will receive a free Power of You LifeShare towel, while supplies last. Potential donors can reserve a time slot online through the donor portal on www.lifeshare.org.

Every two seconds, someone somewhere needs blood. One of every seven people who enter the hospital will need blood. That person maybe you, your loved one, friend, or co-worker. With all the wonderful advances in modern medicine, there still is NO substitute for human blood. The blood that helps patients comes only from caring people who volunteer to help others by donating their life-saving blood.

LifeShare Blood Center, established in Shreveport, La., in 1942, regularly supplies blood components and related services to more than 100 medical facilities and hospitals throughout Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas. LifeShare is a member of America’s Blood Centers and the American Rare Donor Program, is licensed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, and accredited by AABB. LifeShare Blood Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community blood bank governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page, follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren), or Twitter (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

BCMC to Host LifeShare Blood Drive Thursday, April 27

There will be a LifeShare Blood Drive on Thursday, April 27 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the LifeShare bus that will be set up in the BCMC Rural Health Clinic parking lot. The BCMC Rural Health Clinic is located at 304 East Central Street across the road from the Emergency Room entrance at Bradley County Medical Center.

Blood donations are significantly needed currently as contributions are in a downturn across the nation. Local blood drives are the main source of blood for Bradley County Medical Center and the other hospitals in our region. If you can donate blood, please consider becoming a contributor on Thursday, April 27.

Every two seconds, someone somewhere needs blood. One of every seven people who enter the hospital will need blood. That person maybe you, your loved one, friend, or co-worker. With all the wonderful advances in modern medicine, there still is NO substitute for human blood. The blood that helps patients comes only from caring people who volunteer to help others by donating their life-saving blood.

It is safe to donate blood. COVID-19 does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives. It is also safe to donate blood if you have received a COVID-19 vaccination.

LifeShare Blood Center, established in Shreveport, La., in 1942, regularly supplies blood components and related services to more than 100 medical facilities and hospitals throughout Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas. LifeShare is a member of America’s Blood Centers and the American Rare Donor Program, is licensed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, and accredited by AABB. LifeShare Blood Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community blood bank governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page or follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren) or Twitter (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

Joseph Huitt Earns BCMC's DAISY Award

Joseph "Joe" Huitt, RN, was honored as the most recent recipient of The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses ® Tuesday afternoon at Bradley County Medical Center. This award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day.

Huitt's nomination stated that he is an absolute, wonderful above and beyond nurse. It continued by saying that Huitt took excellent care of their dad during his stay at BCMC along with being attentive and wasn't a rush in, rush out kind of nurse. The nomination continued with, "He listens, and he is also a great asset to the BCMC, you are blessed to have him. Everyone took great care of my dad, he really enjoyed having Joe as his nurse, all his other caregivers were great as well, but to nominate one, we nominate Joe Huitt."

A nurse on BCMC's Med-Surg Unit, Huitt received a certificate commending him for being an "Extraordinary Nurse." The certificate reads: "In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people." Additionally, he was given a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called "A Healer's Touch," hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa, and a banner for the Med-Surg Unit.

In addition to Huitt, two other nurses were finalists for the award including Halee Byrd, RN, and Dana Sawyer, RN. Each nominee received an honorary DAISY pin. The award ceremony featured all three candidates receiving a pin and Huitt being presented his award. Cinnamon rolls, fruit, and punch were served to all who attended the ceremony.

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

Nurses were nominated by patients, families, and colleagues. The nominations were blinded and voted on by the DAISY Committee led by ER Nurse Manager Cheryl Wells, RN, who serves as BCMC's DAISY coordinator. The nominations were graded based on set criteria, a numeric value was assigned based on these criteria, and awards were determined based on score. The committee members voted. The process was overseen by the DAISY coordinator.

The Award at Bradley County Medical Center is co-sponsored by generous donations. Initial funding was provided by the facility. The program is maintained through generous support from donors, including anonymous donors, committee members, the BCMC Employee Appreciation Council, and other fundraisers.

This is one initiative of The DAISY Foundation to express gratitude to the nursing profession. Additionally, DAISY offers J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects, The DAISY Faculty Award to honor inspiring faculty members in schools and colleges of nursing, and The DAISY in Training Award for nursing students. More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page or follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren) or Twitter (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

BCMC Recognized as a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health

Bradley County Medical Center has been recognized as a 2023 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. This annual recognition program honors outstanding performance among the nation's rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX™.

BCMC was one of just four Critical Access Hospitals in Arkansas to earn Top 100 status. Currently there are 28 Critical Access Hospitals in Arkansas and 1,360 across the entire United States.

"The hospital business is a tough business to be in right now," BCMC CEO/CFO Leslie Huitt remarked. "Some days the challenges seem insurmountable. Then, recognition like this comes along and helps us all to remember our why. Quality hometown care matters! I am extremely proud of the care that BCMC provides to our community. BCMC will continue to do great things. This is just the beginning."

"Across the nation, top 100 rural providers continue to serve as a source of inspiration for hospital leadership teams and staff working diligently every day to improve the delivery of care within their local communities," said Michael Topchik, National Leader, the Chartis Center for Rural Health. "The list of award winners in each category is as geographically diverse as we've seen in some time, which is wonderful to see. We're thrilled to be able to honor the outstanding efforts of these top performing rural hospitals."

Now in its 13th year, the INDEX has established itself as the industry's most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging publicly available data, the INDEX is trusted by rural hospitals, health systems with rural affiliates, hospital associations and state offices of rural health across the country to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

Bradley County Medical Center opened in 1951 and has been serving Southeast Arkansas as a Critical Access Hospital since 2005. The CAH designation is designed to reduce the financial vulnerability of rural hospitals and improve access to healthcare by keeping essential services in rural communities. Services that can be found at BCMC include the emergency department, home health, laboratory, medical-surgical unit, obstetrics, outpatient clinics, outpatient therapy, radiology, respiratory therapy, senior care, surgery, swing bed, and wound care. Additionally, the hospital operates the BCMC Rural Health Clinic.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page or follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren) or Twitter (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

LifeShare Blood Drive Scheduled for Feb. 21 at BCMC

There will be a LifeShare Blood Drive on Tuesday, Feb. 21 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the LifeShare bus that will be set up in the BCMC Rural Health Clinic parking lot. The BCMC Rural Health Clinic is located at 304 East Central Street across the road from the Emergency Room entrance at Bradley County Medical Center.

Blood donations are significantly needed at this time as contributions are down nationally. Local blood drives are the main source of blood for Bradley County Medical Center and the other hospitals in our region. If you are able to donate blood, please consider stopping by the LifeShare bus on Feb. 21.

Every two seconds, someone somewhere needs blood. One of every seven people who enter the hospital will need blood. That person maybe you, your loved one, friend, or co-worker. With all the wonderful advances in modern medicine, there still is NO substitute for human blood. The blood that helps patients comes only from caring people who volunteer to help others by donating their life-saving blood.

It is safe to donate blood. COVID-19 does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives. It is also safe to donate blood if you have received a COVID-19 vaccination.

LifeShare Blood Center, established in Shreveport, La., in 1942, regularly supplies blood components and related services to more than 100 medical facilities and hospitals throughout Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas. LifeShare is a member of America's Blood Centers and the American Rare Donor Program, is licensed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, and accredited by AABB. LifeShare Blood Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community blood bank governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page or follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren) or Twitter (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

BCMC Chosen to Participate in Delta Region Community Health Systems Development (DRCHSD) Program

On behalf of the Health Resources Services Administration's Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP), and Delta Regional Authority (DRA), The National Rural Health Resource Center (The Center) is excited to announce Bradley County Medical Center has been selected to participate in the Delta Region Community Health Systems Development (DRCHSD) Program. Through the DRCHSD Program, the DRA and FORHP have partnered to support rural communities with an opportunity to receive intensive technical assistance (TA).

The TA consists of various assessments, onsite consultations, workshops and educational trainings, which will be provided through a multi-year phased-in approach. The Program is designed to increase the efficiency of the local health care delivery system practices by focusing on care coordination, social services integration, emergency medical services access, and workforce recruitment and retention with the goal to:
• Improve financial position and increase operational efficiencies
• Implement quality improvements that support an evidenced-based culture for improved health outcomes
• Address workforce recruitment and retention needs
• Increase use of telemedicine to fill service gaps and access to care
• Ensure access to and availability of Emergency Medical Services
• Integrate social services to address socio-economic challenges
• Enhance coordination of care and develop a community care coordination plan
• Strengthen the local health care delivery system to position for population health

With the support of the DRA and FORHP, The Center is proud to recognize Bradley County Medical Center for this outstanding accomplishment! The Center looks forward to working with Bradley County Medical Center and its community of Warren, Arkansas.

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number U65RH31261, Delta Region Health Systems Development, $10,000,000 (0% financed with nongovernmental sources). This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

"I am extremely grateful and excited that Bradley County Medical Center has been chosen to be a part of the DRCHSD Program," BCMC CEO/CFO Leslie Huitt said. "The learning opportunities are endless and the knowledge we gain through participation will have a positive impact on BCMC for years to come. There are great things happening at BCMC!"

To learn more about the DRA and FORHP collaboration to support rural communities through the DRCHSD Program, visit the Delta Regional Authority website.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page or follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren) or Twitter (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

Barnes Earns January 2023 Employee of the Month Award and January BCMC Superstars Announced

BCMC's Employee of the Month for January is Peggy Barnes of the Home Health Department. Peggy's nomination mentioned that she is positive and supportive of all home health staff and patients and goes above and beyond what is expected. She coordinated a plan to replace steps for a patient that had a safety issue and took care of this herself. She will buy shower chairs and benches from yard sales and get them in working order for any patients that are in need. Additionally, Peggy is a team player and is willing to reschedule call days or patients without complaints and has also helped the Auxiliary advertise for the BCMC Thrift Shop that is located at Brunson.

Additionally, BCMC named its January Superstars and they are:
→ Dana Sawyer
→ Terry Young
→ Sherazade (Leng) Guanzon
→ Amberleigh Hopson
→ Halee Byrd
→ Dee Rogers
→ Cindy York
→ Peggy Barnes
→ Joyce Lephiew
→ Tia Girtman
→ Bruce Sullivan
→ Beverly Rauls
→ Theretha "Lady T" White
→ Ulanda Lewis
→ Thelma Ferrell
→ Deborah Green

Battles Named BCMC's Latest DAISY Award Recipient

Tina Battles, RN, was chosen as the latest recipient of The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses ® Monday morning at Bradley County Medical Center. This award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day.

The nomination for Battles stated that she had been excellent to the nominee's husband during their stay at BCMC. It went on to express that Battles was good at explaining the medication her husband was receiving and what it was for. A direct quote from the nomination stated, "My husband loved having her because she treated him with excellent care and was so good to the family while we were here visiting. Tina is an asset to BCMC and she helped make our stay pleasant."

An employee of Bradley County Medical Center for more than 30 years, Battles received a certificate commending her for being an "Extraordinary Nurse." The certificate reads: "In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people." Additionally, she was given a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called "A Healer's Touch," hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa, a box of cinnamon rolls, and a banner for her office.

In addition to Battles being nominated and receiving the award, the other candidates were Sabrina Peacock and Rebecca Powell. Each nominee received an honorary pin.

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

Nurses were nominated by patients, families, and colleagues. The nominations were blinded and voted on by the DAISY Committee. ER Nurse Manager Cheryl Wells, RN serves as BCMC's DAISY coordinator. The nominations were graded based on set criteria, a numeric value was assigned based on this criteria, and awards were determined based on score. The committee members voted. The process was overseen by the DAISY coordinator.

The Award at Bradley County Medical Center is co-sponsored by generous donations. Initial funding was provided by the facility. The program is maintained through generous support from donors, including anonymous donors, committee members, the BCMC Employee Appreciation Council, and other fundraisers.

This is one initiative of The DAISY Foundation to express gratitude to the nursing profession. Additionally, DAISY offers J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects, The DAISY Faculty Award to honor inspiring faculty members in schools and colleges of nursing, and The DAISY in Training Award for nursing students. More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page or follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren) or Twitter (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

LifeShare Blood Drive Set for Dec. 27 with Blood Donations in Great Demand

There will be a LifeShare Blood Drive on Tuesday, Dec. 27 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the LifeShare bus that will be set up in the BCMC Rural Health Clinic parking lot. The BCMC Rural Health Clinic is located at 304 East Central Street across the road from the Emergency Room entrance at Bradley County Medical Center.

Blood donations are in great demand at this time as contributions are down across the country. Local blood drives are the main source of blood for Bradley County Medical Center and the other hospitals in our region. If you are able to donate blood, please consider stopping by the LifeShare bus on Dec. 27. Donors could get a free LifeShare hooded sweatshirt while supplies last.

Every two seconds, someone somewhere needs blood. One of every seven people who enter the hospital will need blood. That person maybe you, your loved one, friend, or co-worker. With all the wonderful advances in modern medicine, there still is NO substitute for human blood. The blood that helps patients comes only from caring people who volunteer to help others by donating their life-saving blood.

It is safe to donate blood. COVID-19 does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives. It is also safe to donate blood if you have received a COVID-19 vaccination.

LifeShare Blood Center, established in Shreveport, La., in 1942, regularly supplies blood components and related services to more than 100 medical facilities and hospitals throughout Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas. LifeShare is a member of America's Blood Centers and the American Rare Donor Program, is licensed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, and accredited by AABB. LifeShare Blood Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community blood bank governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page or follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren) or Twitter (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

BCMC's Huitt Named Hospital CFO of the Year by Arkansas Business

Bradley County Medical Center's Leslie Huitt was named the Hospital CFO of the Year by Arkansas Business in a ceremony Wednesday afternoon at the DoubleTree Hotel in Little Rock.

A native of Hermitage, Ark., Huitt was the BCMC Chief Financial Officer prior to being named the Chief Executive Officer of the hospital this past June. She was named one of four finalists for the Arkansas Business Hospital CFO of the Year award in September prior to being named the winner of the honor during Wednesday's ceremony.

Huitt is a Certified Public Accountant and has more than 20 years of accounting experience with more than eight years of time in management positions. She was named BCMC's Interim CEO in November of 2021 and had served in a dual role of Interim CEO and CFO for seven months before having the interim tag removed in June.

Under Huitt's leadership, Bradley County Medical Center retained its four-star status from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) under Huitt's watch. BCMC is the only hospital within a 50-mile radius to earn a four-star overall rating from CMS and also receive four stars on the patient survey rating.

In addition to the Hospital CFO of the Year award being announced, Arkansas Business also presented accolades for CFO Lifetime Achievement, Lifetime Achievement in Accounting, Small Private Company CFO of the Year, Large Private Company CFO of the Year, Nonprofit CFO of the Year, and Public Sector/Education CFO of the Year during the awards ceremony. The winners in all categories were chosen by a panel of five judges, all of whom were previous CFO of the Year honorees.

The Arkansas Business CFO of the Year Awards ceremony was presented by HoganTaylor, with Arkansas Business Publisher Mitch Bettis and Editor Lance Turner both emceeing the event with around 250 people in attendance.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page or follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren) or Twitter (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

Dr. JoFrances Marquez to Begin General Surgery at BCMC

Bradley County Medical Center is pleased to announce Dr. JoFrances Marquez will begin general surgery on Tuesday, Nov. 1 and will be at BCMC every Tuesday for clinics and procedures.

Dr. Marquez, whose home facility is Ashley County Medical Center, will work with the BCMC Surgery Department every Tuesday. Some surgeries Dr. Marquez can perform include appendectomies, cholecystectomies, sigmoidoscopies, hernia repairs, colonoscopies, EGDs, port placements, lesion excisions, and more.

A native of the Philippines, Dr. Marquez received his medical degree from the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center College of Medicine in 1998. He completed his residency program at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan in 2014 after moving to the United States. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is also a member of the Fellow American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Marquez is married to Roselle Tanya Lim Garcia, who is also a physician, and they have three children; Raymond, Lucianna and Nathaniel.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page or follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren) or Twitter (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

LifeShare Blood Drive Set for Oct. 13 at BCMC with Vital Need for Donations

There will be a LifeShare Blood Drive on Thursday, Oct. 13 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the LifeShare bus that will be set up in the BCMC Rural Health Clinic parking lot. The BCMC Rural Health Clinic is located at 304 East Central Street across the road from the Emergency Room entrance at Bradley County Medical Center.

Blood donations are vital at this time as blood donations are down across the country, especially in our region. Local blood drives are the main source of blood for Bradley County Medical Center and the other hospitals in our surrounding area. If you are able to donate blood, please consider stopping by the LifeShare bus on Oct. 13. Donors will get a free "Changing Seasons" T-shirt while supplies last.

Every two seconds, someone somewhere needs blood. One of every seven people who enter the hospital will need blood. That person maybe you, your loved one, friend, or co-worker. With all the wonderful advances in modern medicine, there still is NO substitute for human blood. The blood that helps patients comes only from caring people who volunteer to help others by donating their life-saving blood.

It is safe to donate blood. COVID-19 does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives. It is also safe to donate blood if you have received a COVID-19 vaccination.

LifeShare Blood Center, established in Shreveport, La., in 1942, regularly supplies blood components and related services to more than 100 medical facilities and hospitals throughout Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas. LifeShare is a member of America's Blood Centers and the American Rare Donor Program, is licensed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, and accredited by AABB. LifeShare Blood Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community blood bank governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page or follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren) or Twitter (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

BCMC's Huitt Named a Finalist for Arkansas Business Hospital CFO of the Year

Arkansas Business recently announced its 2022 CFO of the Year award finalists with Bradley County Medical Center's CEO Leslie Huitt among the final four for Hospital CFO of the Year.

Huitt was just recently named Chief Executive Officer of the hospital in June after serving as the Interim CEO and Chief Financial Officer. She has been with BCMC since May of 2020 and has excelled in her role as evidenced by her being selected as a finalist for the Hospital CFO of the Year by Arkansas Business. Not only did Huitt come to BCMC during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she had to serve a dual role as Interim CEO and CFO for seven months before being named Bradley County Medical Center's CEO.

BCMC recently announced it has maintained its four-star status from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) under Huitt's watch. Bradley County Medical Center is the only hospital within a 50-mile radius to earn a four-star overall rating from CMS and receive four stars on the patient survey rating. During Huitt's interim tenure she began the process of developing a master plan for the hospital, obtained a USDA grant, and oversaw the installment of a new CT scanner.

Arkansas Business announced all of the 2022 CFO of the Year finalists and Lifetime Achievement Award winners recently. This year, Jeffery Holt of Stallion Transportation Group has earned the CFO Lifetime Achievement Award, and Mike Carroll now retired from Beall Barclay, formerly Landmark CPAs, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in Accounting.

This is the 13th year Arkansas Business has honored outstanding CFOs from around the state. Nomination forms were submitted to an independent panel of judges who met in August to determine finalists and winners.

Presented by Hogan Taylor, the 2022 CFO of the Year Awards will be hosted at the DoubleTree Little Rock as Arkansas Business Publisher Mitch Bettis and Editor Lance Turner highlight what sets these finalists apart.

Finalists and winners in each category will be honored at a special event on Nov. 2. And profiles of each of them will be published in a special supplement of Arkansas Business on Oct. 31. In-person ticket packages are available for purchase at ArkansasBusiness.com/CFO.

CFO of the Year 2022 Finalists
CFO LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Jeffery Holt, Stallion Transportation Group

CFO LIFETIME IN ACCOUNTING
Mike Carroll, retired from Beall Barclay (now Landmark CPAs)

LARGE PRIVATE COMPANY CFO FINALISTS:
Jennifer Bridges, OrthoArkansas
Ashley Sims, Rock Dental Brands
Chad Ware, Central States Manufacturing, Inc.

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION CFO FINALISTS:
Katie Dailey, Arkansas Humanities Council
Sylvia Murchison, Goodwill Industries of Arkansas
Phyllis Rogers, Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care

PUBLIC SECTOR/EDUCATION CFO FINALISTS:
TyRhonda Henderson, City of Texarkana, Arkansas
Adam Motherwell, Beaver Water District
Gaye Manning, Southern Arkansas University Tech

HOSPITAL CFO FINALISTS:
Leslie Huitt, Bradley County Medical Center
Kyle Sanders, NEA Baptist Health Systems
William Gorman, Arkansas Rural Health Partnership
Jeremy Jeffery, Jefferson Regional Medical Center

SMALL PRIVATE COMPANY CFO FINALISTS:
Bobby Gabbard, Summerwood Partners, LLC
Joe Hafner, Arkansas Glass Container Corporation
Tom Major, Mayfair Sterling, LLC

For more information on the CFO of the Year Awards program, visit www.ArkansasBusiness.com/CFO or contact Events Director Tiffany Mattzela at TMattzela@abpg.com, (501) 455-9334.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page or follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren) or Twitter (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

BCMC Earns Four-Star Rating from CMS for Fourth Straight Year

Bradley County Medical Center has earned a four-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for a fourth straight year as it was recently announced that BCMC maintained its four-star overall rating along with securing four stars in the patient survey rating.

BCMC was one of only 18 hospitals in Arkansas to earn a four-star rating or above. Additionally, BCMC was only one of three hospitals within a 50-mile radius to earn four or more stars and BCMC was the only one within that radius to receive a four-star overall rating and a four-star patient survey rating.

"They say do something you love and you will never work a day in your life," BCMC CEO Leslie Huitt said. "That is what BCMC has done for me. BCMC is the best because we have the best people! I appreciate each and every one of our employees beyond words!"

The Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating (Overall Star Rating) summarizes a variety of measures across 5 areas of quality into a single star rating for each hospital. Once reporting thresholds are met, a hospital's Overall Star Rating is calculated using only those measures for which data are available.

"Four stars were not earned over night," commented BCMC CNO Jamie Wolfe. "It is due to the years of dedication and compassion from everyone here at BCMC. COVID has been a mighty beast that tested everyone in healthcare. Nevertheless, our team gave superior care during very trying times and proved their passion for our community. I am proud of each and every member of our staff!"

This year, the hospital star ratings are based on 47 quality measures across five different categories which include mortality (22%), safety (22%), readmission (22%), patient experience (22%), and timely and effective care (12%). The amount of four-star hospitals in the nation decreased from 988 to 890 in 2022, which shows how difficult it can be to maintain a high rating.

"Through my many years of working at BCMC, I have learned many things within these walls but the greatest asset has been the relationships built with my co-workers," Leeanna Williams, BCMC's Compliance/Privacy/Risk Manager remarked. "Our BCMC family is caring, compassionate, and committed to meeting the healthcare needs of our community. I am very proud to be a part of BCMC and can't wait to see what the future holds for us."

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page or follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren) or Twitter (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

BCMC Conducts Emergency Preparedness Drill in Conjunction with SEAHDC

Bradley County Medical Center conducted a no-fault emergency preparedness drill in conjunction with the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center Tuesday morning in an effort to test the hospital's plan in the event of a disaster that has mass casualties.

The drill began around 9 a.m. Tuesday morning as an active shooter drill at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center. In this mock scenario, SEAHDC informed BCMC that there could be mass casualties and that the hospital could see an influx of patients in the emergency room. Once this was completed, BCMC held its own mock exercise with the help of SouthArk nursing students and staff portraying the casualties, distressed family members, and a member of the media trying to gain access to the building.

A number of Bradley County Medical Center staff responded to the mock incident with around 35 total employees participating. This training exercise was conducted to allow the hospital to test its emergency preparedness for a disaster. There were several observers of the drill and all came together for a debriefing to discuss what went right and what went wrong. This exercise was a learning experience to gather information on BCMC's disaster response.

BCMC would like to thank the SouthArk nursing students and staff for their wonderful portrayal of mock victims, family members, and a media member. Bradley County Medical Center would also like to extend its thanks to the SEAHDC for allowing the hospital to participate in its mock drill and all of the other agencies involved that helped make this training a success. BCMC would also like to acknowledge its fantastic emergency room staff that were able to take care of our real patients and not miss a beat during this drill.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page or follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren) or Twitter (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

BCMC Wound Care Clinic Receives Center of Excellence Award

Bradley County Medical Center is honored to announce the BCMC Wound Care Clinic is a recipient of RestorixHealth's highest achievement, the Wound Center of Excellence Award. Recipients of this prestigious award meet or exceed national wound care quality benchmarks over a set period of time.

The Wound Center of Excellence Award distinguishes centers that have demonstrated exceptional success by meeting or exceeding clinical and operational benchmarks in several categories, including healing outcomes, assessment and care processes and patient safety, along with a patient satisfaction rate of 96% or higher.

The BCMC Wound Care Clinic is dedicated to optimizing outcomes and preventing lower limb loss in those patients with non-healing wounds. The approach to wound care is aggressive and comprehensive, coordinating traditional and advanced therapies and techniques that are proven to reduce healing time and improve healing rates.

The center is staffed with a multidisciplinary team of physicians along with nurses and technicians with advanced training in wound care [and hyperbaric medicine]. Integrating a team of wound care professionals optimizes patient care, while offering the most advanced healing options.

A wound that is not healing properly may be complicated by underlying conditions such as diabetes, circulation problems or previous radiation treatment. Sometimes, the simplest of wounds can turn into a significant problem because the body's normal healing process is affected. Other types of non-healing or difficult-to-heal wounds result from pressure, trauma or infection. Non-healing wounds can have serious health consequences and may adversely affect your quality of life.

The BCMC Wound Care Clinic is located inside Bradley County Medical Center and is available on Tuesday. For more information, please call 877-295-2273.

RestorixHealth, the nation's leading wound care solutions company, develops and operates advanced wound healing centers and provides wound healing direct-care services, education and advanced wound supplies nationwide. Forging strong relationships with their partners, RestorixHealth's customized wound healing programs and solutions increase the access to care, lower or avoid direct care costs, reduce hospital admissions, improve outcomes and increase patient and partner satisfaction. For more information, visit www.RestorixHealth.com.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page or follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren) or Twitter (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

LifeShare Blood Drive Set for July 12 at BCMC with Dire Need for Donations

There will be a LifeShare Blood Drive on Tuesday, July 12 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. as blood is critically needed at this time. The blood drive will take play in the LifeShare bus that will be set up in the BCMC Rural Health Clinic parking lot. The BCMC Rural Health Clinic is located at 304 East Central Street across the street from the Emergency Room entrance at Bradley County Medical Center.

Blood donations are essential at this time as blood donations are down across the country, especially in our region. Local blood drives are the main source of blood for Bradley County Medical Center and the other hospitals in our surrounding area. If you are able to donate blood, please consider stopping by the LifeShare bus on July 12. Donors will get a free "Summer Donor" T-shirt while supplies last.

Every two seconds, someone somewhere needs blood. One of every seven people who enter the hospital will need blood. That person maybe you, your loved one, friend, or co-worker. With all the wonderful advances in modern medicine, there still is NO substitute for human blood. The blood that helps patients comes only from caring people who volunteer to help others by donating their life-saving blood.

It is safe to donate blood. COVID-19 does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives. It is also safe to donate blood if you have received a COVID-19 vaccination.

LifeShare Blood Center, established in Shreveport, La., in 1942, regularly supplies blood components and related services to more than 100 medical facilities and hospitals throughout Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas. LifeShare is a member of America's Blood Centers and the American Rare Donor Program, is licensed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, and accredited by AABB. LifeShare Blood Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community blood bank governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page or follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren) or Twitter (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

BCMC Names Huitt CEO After Interim Stint

Bradley County Medical Center announced Friday that it has removed the interim label from Leslie Huitt's title as she officially takes over the role of Chief Executive Officer for the hospital.

A native of Hermitage, Ark., Huitt has been operating as the Interim CEO along with fulfilling Chief Financial Officer duties since November of last year. In the last seven months Huitt has overseen the process of developing a master plan for BCMC with eyes set to the future of the hospital. Additionally, the hospital was recently awarded a USDA grant and is currently in the process of installing a new CT scanner.

During Huitt's interim tenure, BCMC was one of only 11 hospitals in Arkansas to be recognized by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health with a Performance Leadership Award in Quality. In March, Bradley County Medical Center was named a National Silver Certified Sleep Hospital for our commitment to best practices and education on infant safe sleep.

"We have an amazing staff here at BCMC," Huitt said. "I wouldn't be where I am or able to do what I do without such and amazing support staff around me. I am excited for the future of BCMC!"

Huitt is a Certified Public Accountant and has more than 20 years of accounting experience with more than eight years of time in management positions and has been with Bradley County Medical Center since May of 2020.

Prior to her post at BCMC, Huitt served as an auditor for the Division of Legislative Audit in Arkansas after she spent several years as the Business Manager and District Treasurer for the Hermitage School District. Huitt also spent a number of years as a teacher at Hermitage before becoming the Business Manager and District Treasurer for the school district. Additionally, Huitt had a stint as an accountant at Murphy Oil Company before the positions in the Hermitage School District.

Huitt is a 1998 graduate of Hermitage High School and graduated from the University of Arkansas-Monticello in 2002 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. She then earned her Master of Business Administration degree from Harding University in 2006. She has been married to her husband Matt for 23 years and they have four children.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page, follow us on Twitter (@BCMCWarren), or follow the hospital on Instagram (@bcmcwarren).

BCMC's Wound Care Clinic Recognizes Nursing Staff During National Nurses Month

This year, the BCMC Wound Care Clinic celebrates National Nurses Month by honoring the vast contributions and positive impact of America's nurses. We are proud to promote the value wound care nurses bring to healthcare and tell the powerful stories of our center's nursing staff--why they chose the nursing profession and why they are proud to be nurses.

Two years ago, the American Nurses Association (ANA) designated 2020 as the "Year of the Nurse" and pledged to recognize nurses for the entire month of May each year moving forward. This year, we join the ANA, World Health Organization (WHO) and many others in celebrating National Nurses Month and its theme "Nurses Make a Difference."

The BCMC Wound Care Clinic employs a couple of nurses who work in conjunction with a patient's primary care provider to create an ongoing plan and make recommendations regarding treatment to promote healing.

The BCMC Wound Care Clinic at Bradley County Medical Center provides a comprehensive approach to treating patients with non-healing wounds. The team features clinicians with advanced training in wound care.

The BCMC Wound Care Clinic is open on Tuesday. For more information about wound care or to schedule an appointment, call 877-295-2273.

BCMC's Wound Care Clinic Encourages Patients to Put Their "Best Foot Forward" This Foot Health Awareness Month

Bradley County Medical Center is encouraging patients to put their 'best foot forward' this Foot Health Awareness Month by following a few simple healthy feet tips.

The majority of adults in the US acknowledge they do not care for their feet as regularly as some other body parts, such as their heart or teeth. In fact, only 2 in 10 regularly give their foot health a great deal of thought. Because foot health can be an indicator for other health problems, it is important to take care of your feet each day.

The BCMC Wound Care Clinic recommends that patients routinely inspect their feet and monitor their nutrition, as issues with diabetes and obesity impact the feet. The center also recommends that patients:
• Wear shoes with socks or stockings.
• Regularly trim toenails.
• Wear properly fitted shoes.
• Limit walking barefoot.
• Regularly wash feel with soap and warm water; rinse well and pat dry.

The BCMC Wound Care Clinic treats all wounds with a comprehensive approach. The multidisciplinary team features clinicians with advanced training in wound care. For patients, that means faster healing times, increased mobility and decreased amputation rates - all leading to a better quality of life.

The BCMC Wound Care Clinic is open on every Tuesday. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 877-295-2273. Referral is not required.

LifeShare Blood Drive at BCMC Set for April 5 with Critical Need for Blood Donations

There will be a LifeShare Blood Drive on Tuesday, April 5 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the LifeShare bus that will be parked in the BCMC Rural Health Clinic parking lot as blood donations are critically needed at this time. The BCMC Rural Health Clinic is located at 304 East Central Street across the street from the Emergency Room entrance at Bradley County Medical Center.

Blood donations are imperative at this time as blood donations are down across the country, especially in our region. Local blood drives are the main source of blood for Bradley County Medical Center and other hospitals in the surrounding area. If you are able to donate blood, please consider stopping by the LifeShare bus on April 5. Donors will get a free LifeShare T-shirt while supplies last.

Around 1 in every 7 people entering a hospital need blood. One blood donation, approximately one pint of blood, can save up to three lives. Your blood donation will go to someone battling cancer, enduring sickle cell disease, undergoing surgery, or suffering through a traumatic accident.

It is safe to donate blood. The COVID-19 coronavirus does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives. It is also safe to donate blood if you have received a COVID-19 vaccination.

LifeShare Blood Center, established in Shreveport, La., in 1942, regularly supplies blood components and related services to more than 100 medical facilities and hospitals throughout Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas. LifeShare is a member of America's Blood Centers and the American Rare Donor Program, is licensed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, and accredited by AABB. LifeShare Blood Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community blood bank governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page or follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren) or Twitter (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program Recognizes BCMC

Bradley County Medical Center was recently recognized by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program as a Silver Safe Sleep Hospital for their commitment to best practices and education on infant safe sleep.

The National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program was created by Cribs for Kids®, a national infant safe sleep organization. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, Cribs for Kids is dedicated to preventing infant sleep-related deaths due to Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and accidental suffocation. As a Nationally Certified Safe Sleep Hospital, BCMC is recognized for following the safe sleep guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and providing training programs for healthcare team members, and family caregivers.

"Sleep-Related Death (SRD) results in the loss of more than 3,500 infants every year in the U.S.," said Michael H. Goodstein, M.D., neonatologist and medical director of research at Cribs for Kids®. "We know that modeling safe infant sleep in the hospital and providing education to families has a significant effect on infant mortality. Cribs for Kids Hospital Certification Program is designed to recognize those hospitals that are taking an active role in reducing these preventable deaths."

The National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program was created in partnership with leading infant health and safety organizations such as All Baby & Child, The National Center for the Review & Prevention of Child Deaths, Association of SIDS and Infant Mortality Programs, Kids in Danger, Children's Safety Network, American SIDS Institute, Charlie's Kids, CJ Foundation for SIDS, and numerous state American Academy of Pediatric chapters and health departments.

According to Judith A. Bannon, Executive Director and Founder for Cribs for Kids®, "The certification program launched in 2015 in Pittsburgh, PA, home of the Cribs for Kids® national headquarters. Hundreds of hospitals across the US are certified. We welcome Bradley County Medical Center to this expanding group of committed hospitals. This will have a profound effect on saving babies' lives."

For more information on the Cribs for Kids® National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program, visit https://cribsforkids.org/hospitalcertification/.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page or follow us on Instagram (BCMCWarren) or Twitter (@BCMC Warren). To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

BCMC Wound Care Clinic Recognizes National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month. Good nutrition is an important part of wound-healing. During the healing process, your body needs increased amounts of calories, protein and vitamins.

Wounds must be well-fed to heal. Your body must add new tissue, replace fluids lost in wound drainage, manufacture enzymes to stimulate tissue growth and produce proteins to fight infection - all while maintaining itself as usual. No wonder it needs a little extra nutrition during this stressful time!

You may be at risk for nutrition-related problems if you have experienced or are experiencing any of the following:
• You have unintentionally gained or lost 5% or more of your body weight in the past month or 10% in the last 6 months.
• A simple calculation: To approximate 10% of any weight, look at the first 2 numbers. For a 150lb person, that number would be 15 lbs. Divide that in half for 5%, approximately 7 ½ lbs.
• You have a chronic disease such as heart or kidney disease.
• You have a stomach or intestinal tract disorder that interferes with absorption of nutrients.
• You have tooth or mouth disorders that interfere with eating or chewing.
• You eat alone much of the time or have trouble getting out for groceries.
• You take more than 3 medicines, including over-the-counter drugs.
• You are diabetic and not able to control your blood sugar.
• You are suffering from depression.

It is very important that you communicate with your provider to make them aware of any of these warning signs, so together you can come up with solutions to address your challenges.

Suggestions for getting needed nutrients during your treatment:

Take a good quality multivitamin which contains at least the RDA (recommended daily amount) of zinc, iron, and copper. Add foods from the lists below containing vitamin C, vitamin A, and the trace minerals.

If you are having difficulty getting in the recommended amount of protein, try a protein supplement such as Juven®, Boost®, Ensure®, or Carnation® Instant Breakfast. Consider adding a tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter to your protein supplement to enhance the flavor. You can also find recipes for protein shakes on the internet or in health magazines.

Eat fat! Yes, there is such a thing as "good fat." Many patients avoid fat and this is one of the worst things you can do. Fat helps to decrease inflammation and helps keep your blood sugar stable. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on your food and sprinkle a little salt and pepper on an avocado for a healthy snack.

Drink plenty of fluids, especially those that are caffeine and sugar-free (water is the best and least expensive). Multiply your weight by .5 to determine needed fluid intake.

If you do not feel you can eat 3 large meals per day, try eating 5 or 6 small meals and snacks.

For more information on the BCMC Wound Care Clinic, call 877-295-2273.

LifeShare Blood Drive Set for Wednesday, Dec. 8 at BCMC

There will be a LifeShare Blood Drive on Wednesday, December 8 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the LifeShare bus that will be parked in the BCMC Rural Health Clinic parking lot. The BCMC Rural Health Clinic is located at 304 East Central Street across the street from the Emergency Room entrance at Bradley County Medical Center.

Local blood drives are the main source of blood for Bradley County Medical Center and other hospitals in the region. Blood donations are down across the country and Southeast Arkansas is not immune to this shortage. If you are able, please consider donating at this upcoming LifeShare Blood Drive on December 8. You could receive a LifeShare long sleeve shirt after you donate, while supplies last.

Around 1 in every 7 people entering a hospital need blood. One blood donation, approximately one pint of blood, can save up to three lives. Your blood donation will go to someone battling cancer, enduring sickle cell disease, undergoing surgery, or suffering through a traumatic accident.

It is safe to donate blood. The COVID-19 coronavirus does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives. It is also safe to donate blood if you have received a COVID-19 vaccination.

LifeShare Blood Center, established in Shreveport, La., in 1942, regularly supplies blood components and related services to more than 100 medical facilities and hospitals throughout Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas. LifeShare is a member of America's Blood Centers and the American Rare Donor Program, is licensed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, and accredited by AABB. LifeShare Blood Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community blood bank governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page or you can follow @BCMCWarren on Twitter and Instagram. To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

BCMC Earns Performance Leadership Award for Quality

As part of the 2021 National Rural Health Day celebration, Bradley County Medical Center announced it has been recognized by The Chartis Center of Rural Health and the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) with a Performance Leadership Award in Quality.

BCMC was one of 11 hospitals in the state of Arkansas to receive a Performance Leadership Award in Quality and one of only three hospitals to earn the honor in Southeast Arkansas. This is the third time in four years that Bradley County Medical Center has been recognized by The Chartis Center of Rural Health and the NOSORH with a Performance Leadership Award as the hospital earned recognition in Outcomes in 2020 and 2018.

"Taking care of people is who we are and is what we do here at BCMC," Interim CEO Leslie Huitt said. "For the past year and a half, our staff has been tested emotionally, mentally, and physically due to the devastating effects of COVID-19, but we have persevered. It's more than just a job, it's a life of service and commitment to our patients. We are truly humbled to receive such an honor and we will continue to strive every day to provide quality patient care."

The Performance Leadership Awards utilize the results of the Hospital Strength INDEX®, the industry's most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. INDEX data is trusted by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints, hospital associations and state offices of rural health across the country to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

"We are proud to mark this year's National Rural Health Day by recognizing rural hospitals' steadfast commitment to serving their communities and delivering high quality care," said Michael Topchik, National Leader for The Chartis Center for Rural Health. "In the face of tremendous challenges, these top quartile performers continue to exemplify the power of rural and create a blueprint for excellence in quality, outcomes and patient perspectives."

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page. To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

Huitt to Serve as BCMC Interim CEO

Bradley County Medical Center has announced that Leslie Huitt, the current Chief Financial Officer for the hospital, will be the Interim Chief Executive Officer after the resignation of Steve Henson.

Huitt, who will still conduct her regular duties as CFO in addition to serving as the interim CEO, steps in for Henson, who announced in late October he'd be resigning to take a position at a hospital in Tennessee. A native of Hermitage, Ark., Huitt has been with BCMC since May of 2020. She is a Certified Public Accountant and has nearly 20 years of accounting experience with more than eight years of time in management positions.

"What I want people to know the most about me is that our mission of 'providing superior care to every patient every time,' is what drew me to Bradley County Medical Center," Huitt said. "It is a mission that I will hold near and dear. Being from this community, born right here in this hospital, I understand what BCMC means to our community. I have a heart for the people and I am excited to serve here."

Prior to her post at BCMC, Huitt served as an auditor for the Division of Legislative Audit in Arkansas after she spent several years as the Business Manager and District Treasurer for the Hermitage School District. Huitt also spent a number of years as a teacher at Hermitage before becoming the Business Manager and District Treasurer for the school district. Additionally, Huitt had a stint as an accountant at Murphy Oil Company before the positions in the Hermitage School District.

Huitt is a 1998 graduate of Hermitage High School and graduated from the University of Arkansas-Monticello in 2002 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. She then earned her Master of Business Administration degree from Harding University in 2006. She has been married to her husband Matt for 22 years and they have four children.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page. To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

CMS Interim Final Rule Will Require BCMC Employees to Be Vaccinated Against COVID-19

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued an interim final rule requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for workers in most healthcare settings, including Critical Access Hospitals such as Bradley County Medical Center, along with rural health clinics, home health agencies, and rehabilitation services BCMC provides, that participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs.

There are currently three different mandates which include the Federal Contractors Mandate, the OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard, and the CMS interim final rule, which is what affects BCMC. There are no options to allow for testing or other measures for unvaccinated staff under the CMS interim final rule. If BCMC does not comply with the CMS interim final rule then the hospital would be subject to fines, denial of payment from Medicare and Medicaid, and termination from the Medicare and Medicaid program. Termination would be a devastating blow to our community and the more than 200 people BCMC employs.

This requirement applies to facilities regulated under the Medicare Conditions of Participation. This applies to all facility employees, licensed practitioners, students, trainees, volunteers, and contracted staff of Bradley County Medical Center. Additionally, this also applies to staff who perform off-site duties and to individuals who enter BCMC such as a physician with privileges who is admitting and/or treating patients on-site, even if their physician's office doesn't fall under the Medicare Conditions of Participation.

Because of the CMS rule, BCMC employees will have until Dec. 6, 2021 to receive their first shot of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or their one-dose vaccine and must have received all shots for vaccination by Jan. 4, 2022. CMS requires facilities to allow exemptions in accordance with federal law for recognized medical conditions that would prevent someone from taking the vaccine or sincerely held religious beliefs. BCMC has developed a policy to make sure the hospital will be in compliance with this rule and allow for employees to apply for exemptions.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page. To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

Silent Epidemic Puts 34+ Million Americans at Risk for Diabetic Foot Ulcers

During American Diabetes Month®, the Bradley County Medical Center Wound Care Clinic wants to remind people with diabetes that they are at a higher risk for non-healing foot wounds - and therefore amputations - than most Americans and that a wound healing center can provide guidance for prevention and treatment.

For most Americans, a blister or cut on the foot is a small inconvenience that a Band-Aid™ and time will heal. But that's not the case for the 34.2 million Americans who have diabetes. Some of the complications of diabetes make feet vulnerable to non-healing foot ulcers that can result in infections and even amputations. Sixty to seventy percent of people with diabetes have limited or no feeling in their feet--their early warning systems have been altered or completely shut down by nerve damage. Patients who notice any skin changes or red patches on their feet and also have diabetes, the BCMC Wound Care Clinic encourages a visit to a primary care doctor or to call the wound healing center immediately for an evaluation. The center is here to educate, prevent and provide treatment when necessary.

A person with diabetes has impaired immunity and often reduced blood flow to the legs and feet. Both can hamper healing, cause infections and cause damage to underlying structures and bones. In some cases, the damage can lead to a toe, foot or leg amputation.

The World Health Organization estimates that up to 80 percent of all diabetic amputations are preventable. The BCMC Wound Care Clinic will provide the best treatment to help your wound heal. However, in order to prevent a foot ulcer from starting, it is vital that patients with diabetes check their feet daily and get regular foot care from their doctor.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one adult is diagnosed in the United States every 17 seconds. That's 1.5 million more people each year at risk for non-healing wounds and other complications. What's more, one in four people who have diabetes today are undiagnosed and don't know they're at risk.

The Bradley County Medical Center Wound Care Clinic's wound healing team combines evidence-based best practices and advanced therapies with individualized treatment plans for faster healing to get their patients back to health and enjoying what they care about most.

For more information on the BCMC Wound Care Clinic, please call 877-295-2273.

LifeShare Blood Drive Set for Wednesday, Oct. 13 at BCMC

WARREN, Ark. (10/8/21) - There will be a LifeShare Blood Drive on Wednesday, October 13 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the LifeShare bus that will be parked in the BCMC Rural Health Clinic parking lot. The BCMC Rural Health Clinic is located at 304 East Central Street across the street from the Emergency Room entrance at Bradley County Medical Center.

Local blood drives are the main source of blood for Bradley County Medical Center and other hospitals in the region. Blood donations are down across the country and Southeast Arkansas is not immune to this shortage. If you are able, please consider donating at this upcoming LifeShare Blood Drive on October 13.

Around 1 in every 7 people entering a hospital need blood. One blood donation, approximately one pint of blood, can save up to three lives. Your blood donation will go to someone battling cancer, enduring sickle cell disease, undergoing surgery, or suffering through a traumatic accident. You will also get the chance to receive a free T-shirt from an assortment of options when you donate to let others know you gave blood.

It is safe to donate blood. The COVID-19 coronavirus does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives. It is also safe to donate blood if you have received a COVID-19 vaccination.

LifeShare Blood Center, established in Shreveport, La., in 1942, regularly supplies blood components and related services to more than 100 medical facilities and hospitals throughout Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas. LifeShare is a member of America's Blood Centers and the American Rare Donor Program, is licensed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, and accredited by AABB. LifeShare Blood Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community blood bank governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page. To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

Drive-Thru COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at BCMC Rural Health Clinic Set for Sept. 9

There will be a free drive-thru COVID-19 vaccine clinic on Thursday, Sept. 9 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the BCMC Rural Health Clinic parking lot, located at 304 East Central Street in Warren. This event is being sponsored by the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership (ARHP), Bradley County Medical Center, and Gannaway Drug Store.

All three brands of the vaccine will be available, including the Pfizer two-shot vaccine, which was recently granted full approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for people age 16 and older. The Pfizer brand also has an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for ages 12-15. The Moderna two-shot vaccine and one-shot Johnson & Johnson have EUA for people 18 and older and will also be available at the vaccine clinic. If you get one of the two-shot vaccines, the second dose will be given on Thursday, Sept. 30.

If you are an immunocompromised person, you can also get your third dose of the vaccine at this clinic. You will not have to get out of your car to receive the vaccine. You can stay in your vehicle for the shot and for the necessary monitoring time. There is no appointment necessary to receive the vaccine.

This is the second drive-thru COVID-19 vaccine clinic the ARHP is conducting after a successful one in Ashley County in August. Gannaway Drug Store is located at 101 North Main Street in Warren and has been instrumental in administering doses of COVID-19 vaccines in Bradley County.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page. To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

LifeShare Blood Drive Set for Wednesday, Aug. 18 at BCMC

There will be a LifeShare Blood Drive on Wednesday, August 18 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the LifeShare bus that will be parked in the BCMC Rural Health Clinic parking lot. The BCMC Rural Health Clinic is located at 304 East Central Street across the street from the Emergency Room entrance at Bradley County Medical Center.

Local blood drives are the main source of blood for Bradley County Medical Center and other hospitals in the region. Blood donations are down across the country and Southeast Arkansas is not immune to this shortage. If you are able, please consider donating at this upcoming LifeShare Blood Drive on August 18.

Around 1 in every 7 people entering a hospital need blood. One blood donation, approximately one pint of blood, can save up to three lives. Your blood donation will go to someone battling cancer, enduring sickle cell disease, undergoing surgery, or suffering through a traumatic accident. You will also receive a free "Take a Bite Out of Summer Shortages" T-shirt when you donate, while supplies last.

It is safe to donate blood. The COVID-19 coronavirus does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives. It is also safe to donate blood if you have received a COVID-19 vaccination.

LifeShare Blood Center regularly supplies blood components to more than 100 medical facilities throughout Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas. Founded in Shreveport, La., in 1942, it is a nonprofit community service provider governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. LifeShare is a member of America's Blood Centers and the American Rare Donor Program, is licensed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and accredited by AABB.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page. To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

The BCMC Wound Care Clinic Wants You to Love Your Feet!

The Bradley County Medical Center Wound Care Clinic is asking patients to love their feet by being mindful of certain conditions and complications associated with non-healing wounds. When it comes to foot care, the wound center staff knows that healthy feet are vital to the happiness and activity level of a patient.

Approximately one out of every four Americans with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime. Because foot ulcers can take weeks or months to heal without treatment, hospitalization is sometimes required. The BCMC Wound Care Clinic can help mitigate that risk if an ulcer is reported when signs or symptoms first appear.

"Diabetic patients should be referred to the wound healing center at the first sign of a non-healing foot wound," said Wendi Martin, RN. "We want our patients and the community at large to love their feet...we do!"

The BCMC Wound Care Clinic is offering the following tips to keep feet healthy:
• Patients with diabetes are at greater risk of complications, such as diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular diseases, which can ultimately lead to a foot ulcer. Check the bottoms of feet daily by placing a mirror on the floor and hovering feet over the mirror.
• Diabetic foot ulcers are often painless, so special care must be given to taking care of the feet. Avoid walking barefoot.
• Wear comfortable shoes and socks. Tight, narrow shoes and shoes with an open toe should be avoided.

The Bradley County Medical Center Wound Care Clinic treats all wounds, with an approach that is aggressive and comprehensive, yet caring and comforting. The center coordinates traditional and advanced therapies that aid and accelerate the healing process. For patients that means faster healing times, longer-lasting results, decreased amputation rates and increased mobility - all leading to a better quality of life.

The types of wounds treated include:
• Pressure injuries/ulcers
• Venous ulcers
• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Non-healing, post-surgical wounds
• Traumatic wounds
• Arterial/ischemic ulcers
• Compromised skin graft or flap
• Crush injuries
• A wound of any type that is not healing or is of concern

The Wound Care Clinic at Bradley County Medical Center is open on Tuesdays. For more information about wound care or to schedule an appointment, call 877-295-2273. No referral is required.

BCMC to Host LifeShare Blood Drive June 22

There will be a LifeShare Blood Drive on Tuesday, June 22 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the BCMC Rural Health Clinic parking lot where the LifeShare bus will be located for people who want to donate blood. The BCMC Rural Health Clinic is located at 304 East Central Street across the street from the Emergency Room entrance at Bradley County Medical Center.

There has been a shortage of blood supply on a regional and national level so blood drives like this are crucial to ensuring we have enough blood on hand at BCMC. Local blood drives are the main source of blood for our hospital.

Around 1 in every 7 people entering a hospital need blood. One blood donation, approximately one pint of blood, can save up to three lives. Your blood donation will go to someone battling cancer, enduring sickle cell disease, undergoing surgery, or suffering through a traumatic accident. You will also receive a free "Summer Blood Drive" T-shirt when you donate, while supplies last.

It is safe to donate blood. The COVID-19 coronavirus does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives. It is also safe to donate blood if you have received a COVID-19 vaccination.

LifeShare Blood Center regularly supplies blood components to more than 100 medical facilities throughout Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas. Founded in Shreveport, La., in 1942, it is a nonprofit community service provider governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. LifeShare is a member of America's Blood Centers and the American Rare Donor Program, is licensed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and accredited by AABB.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page. To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

Samantha Ellis Named BCMC Peer Recovery Specialist

Bradley County Medical Center recently hired Samantha Ellis as a Peer Recovery Specialist, which is a position that will allow her to support and guide people who are undergoing substance abuse challenges.

Ellis recently obtained her Associate of Arts in General Education from Southern Arkansas University Tech in Camden, Ark., where she graduated with honors and was on the Dean's List. She also has experience as a phlebotomist technician and is currently enrolled at UAM, with the ultimate goal of becoming a substance abuse and mental health counselor.

In this position of Peer Recovery Specialist, Ellis will be a peer advocate and role model to provide treatment and recovery resources. She will use her own experience to give her a unique perspective to help people out of substance abuse as Ellis herself is in long-term recovery. She has been clean for five years after her own 14-year addiction.

"I am ready to help others, as that is what I am compassionate about doing," Ellis said. "I want other individuals to see that there is a better life. So many people have helped me on this road to recovery, so I made a promise to God and myself, when I get to where I am going, I will be sure to turn around and help the next one in line. Fight for recovery!"

In the future she wants to open Christian sobriety homes in the area and become a motivational speaker to help people who are experiencing substance abuse challenges.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page. To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

2021 M*A*S*H Camp Applications Available Now

Applications for the 2021 version of M*A*S*H (Medical Applications of Science for Health) Camp at Bradley County Medical Center are now available. Completed applications are due by June 2, 2021 with the camp set to run from July 12-16. BCMC is excited to have M*A*S*H* Camp back after having to cancel last year's event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The camp is designed for students who are completing their 10th or 11th grade years in high school. Students must possess a minimum GPA of 3.0, completed Biology, and committed to attending the full week to apply for this program. Many students apply, but only 10 spots are available. Students are selected based on GPA, an essay describing their desire to attend M*A*S*H, teacher recommendation, extra-curricular activities and community service, as well as awards and accomplishments. A committee made up of faculty and physicians will review all applications and assist in the selection process.

The whole application must be complete along with a transcript (must include cumulative grade point average) and all signed consent forms.

Students selected into the M*A*S*H* program will shadow in a variety of health care locations, learn medical terminology, take part in hands on activities to learn medical procedures, tour the UAMS Little Rock campus, as well as a tour of local health facilities and/or educational center Students also take part in team building activities, heart dissection and suturing, proper wrapping techniques and casting, as well as learning about a variety of health careers and education levels needed for different careers.

Those interested in signing up for M*A*S*H Camp can download a form by clicking here, or can obtain one from any health professional teacher at their respective school. For more information please contact Alaina Glover, M*A*S*H Director at aglovermed@gmail.com.

Completed forms should be mailed to:
BCMC MASH Program
Alaina Glover
404 S Bradley St.
Warren, AR 71671

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page. To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

Dr. Jenifer Kowalik Begins Practice at BCMC Rural Health Clinic

Bradley County Medical Center's newest physician, Dr. Jenifer Kowalik, began her practice on Monday, May 10 at the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, located at 304 East Central Street in Warren across the street from the ER entrance at the hospital.

Dr. Kowalik, who practices family medicine and obstetrics, joins Dr. Kristen Dent at the BCMC Rural Health Clinic along with APRNs April Harris and Kristen Harvey. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Kowalik by calling 870-226-8636.

Dr. Kowalik was most recently a physician and the Director of Maternal and Neonatal Care at Brownfield Regional Medical Center (BRMC) in Brownfield, Texas. Prior to her experience at BRMC, she was in private practice from 2009-2019 in San Marcos, Texas.

"My hope is that I bring something to the medical community that will improve access to care," Dr. Kowalik said. "My true love is caring for moms and babies. I am capable of everything from the lowest risk minimally invasive delivery (I've previously been a provider of water births for women) to the highest risk complicated mom and everything in between."

A graduate of St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Kowalik earned her bachelor's degree in biology in 1993 before receiving her medical degree in 1997 from the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. After earning her medical degree, Dr. Kowalik completed an internship and residency in family medicine at Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio from 1997-2000.

Dr. Kowalik also completed an informal obstetrical fellowship in 2001 at South Texas Regional Medical Center in Jourdanton, Texas, which was a requirement from the medical staff before being granted full obstetrics privileges. During that preceptorship she was working a part-time private practice in Jourdanton, Texas, before working a full-time private practice there from October, 2001 to July, 2005.

Additionally, she proctored for the Santa Rosa Obstetrical Department, which was a requirement for family practice with obstetrics privileges, from 2003-2007. This overlapped with her OB/GYN residency from 2005-2008 at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), where she was the Chief Resident from 2007-2008.

Dr. Kowalik has four children, a set of twins named Kayla and Gabbie along with two sons, CJ and Sam. She enjoys reading, gaming, traveling, and watching sports (mostly her daughters play college softball and her sons play baseball). Recently, she has started bowling and playing golf.

She is also a member of a number of professional societies including the American Academy of Family Physicians, Texas Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Society, Texas Medical Society, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Texas Academy of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has also been involved in a number of research projects and has made several presentations over the years ranging from birth defects, STD's, teen pregnancy, neonatal withdrawal syndrome, and more.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page. To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

BCMC Alters Visitation Policy to Reflect No Patient Left Alone Act

Bradley County Medical Center has made updates to its visitation policy to reflect the No Patient Left Alone that was recently signed into law in Arkansas.

This act states that a patient be allowed one support person who is permitted to be physically present on a daily basis at reasonable times throughout his or her hospitalization. Therefore, each patient may have one support person with them during normal visiting hours. In accordance with this new law, BCMC will allow one support person per patient during normal visiting hours.

Bradley County Medical Center reserves the right to limit or place visitor restrictions in certain situations including, but not limited to, when the presence of visitors would be medically or therapeutically harmful; interfere with the care or rights of any patient; visitors are engaging in violent, disruptive, or threatening behavior; or visitors are noncompliant with BCMC policy.

Visitors still have to follow normal screening procedures upon entering BCMC and must continue to follow the mask mandate, including respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette. No one will be allowed in the building if they have a temperature of 100.4 or higher or if they refuse to follow the mask mandate.

If you have any questions or concerns you can call the hospital at 870-226-3731.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page. To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

Bradley County Medical Center Wound Clinic Wants Patients to Put Their "Best Foot Forward" During Foot Health Awareness Month

BCMC encourages patients to take care of their feet, offering key tips

Bradley County Medical Center Wound Clinic is encouraging patients to put their 'best foot forward' during Foot Health Awareness month by following a few simple healthy feet tips.

According to Foot.com, Americans walk approximately 75,000 miles by the time they reach age 50. Good foot health ensures that patients can continue to log miles and set themselves up for long term mobility and well-being.

Bradley County Medical Center Wound Clinic recommends that patients routinely inspect their feet and monitor their nutrition, as issues with diabetes and obesity impact the feet. The center also recommends that patients:
• keep feet clean. Wash with soap and warm water; rinse well and pat dry.
• do not wear shoes without socks or stockings.
• do not walk barefoot.
• wear properly fitted shoes.
• trim toenails regularly.
• do not use over-the-counter remedies for corns.
• avoid temperature extremes.
• apply moisturizer regularly.

Bradley County Medical Center Wound Clinic provides a comprehensive approach to treating patients with non-healing wounds. The team features clinicians with advanced training in wound care.

Bradley County Medical Center Wound Clinic is open every Tuesday. For more information about wound care or to schedule an appointment, call 877-295-2273. No referral is required.

Bradley County Medical Center Wound Care Clinic Receives "Going the Distance" Quality Award

The Bradley County Medical Center Wound Care Clinic earned the 2020 Going the Distance award, issued by RestorixHealth, an organization that specializes in the development and management of comprehensive wound healing and Amputation Prevention Center® facilities.

This award acknowledges the BCMC Wound Care Clinic as a nationwide leader in wound healing patient outcomes. Healthcare professionals have been tasked with maintaining quality through patient outcomes despite a daunting global pandemic. The Going the Distance award acknowledges those outpatient wound healing centers who have achieved or exceeded nationwide patient outcome standards within a set period of time during 2020.

"Our center's staff bring a wealth of talent to the wound healing workplace and that fuels a positive impact on our patients' outcomes," said Steve Henson, BCMC CEO. "Amidst a pandemic, their dedication to healing is a sign of resilience and strong work ethic. We are proud to be recognized as center that is 'Going the Distance.' "

Results are calculated by comparing BCMC's Wound Care Clinic's patient outcomes against RestorixHealth nationwide benchmarks.

The Bradley County Medical Center Wound Care Clinic is open every Tuesday. For more information about wound care or to schedule an appointment, call 877-295-2273. No referral is required.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page. To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

BCMC and Gannaway Drug Store to Host COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic March 18

Bradley County Medical Center and Gannaway Drug Store will host a COVID-19 vaccine clinic on Thursday, March 18 in the Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church in Warren. The event will run from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

People who are eligible under Phases 1-A and 1-B who would like to receive their vaccine should call the BCMC Pharmacy at 870-226-4335 or Gannaway Drug Store at 870-226-3751 to schedule an appointment and reserve a time slot.

The COVID-19 vaccine is available to anyone who is in the Phase 1-A and Phase 1-B groups of the Arkansas COVID-19 Vaccine Plan. Phase 1-A includes healthcare workers, residents and staff at long-term care facilities, first responders, school nurses, and more. Phase 1-B is now underway and includes anyone 65 years of age or older, people with intellectual and development disabilities, policemen, firemen, other first responders, teachers, daycare workers, university professors, food manufacturing workers, agriculture workers, veterinary workers, corrections officers, preachers, grocery store workers, postal workers, and more.

You can find out more information on who is eligible for a vaccine in Phase 1-A and Phase 1-B here: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-vaccination-plan.

The vaccine being administered will be the Pfizer brand. This means you will have to take two separate doses to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. There will be another vaccine clinic scheduled in approximately three weeks for those to receive their second dose if they get their first dose on Thursday, March 18.

This is on a first come, first serve basis so you need to call as soon as possible to schedule your appointment if you want to receive the vaccine.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page. To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

BCMC Radiology to Offer State-of-the-Art Genius™ 3D Mammography™ Exams Starting Feb. 23

The Bradley County Medical Center Radiology Department is excited to offer Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exams, developed by Hologic, Inc., a worldwide leader in Women's Health beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 23. Utilizing advanced breast tomosynthesis technology, Genius exams are clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers, and also decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing.

In conventional 2D Mammography, overlapping tissue is a leading reason why small breast cancers may be missed and normal tissue may appear abnormal, leading to unnecessary callbacks. A Genius exam includes a three-dimensional method of imaging that can greatly reduce the tissue overlap effect.

A Genius exam includes both 2D images and tomosynthesis scans. During the tomosynthesis-dimensional portion of the exam, an X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, taking multiple images. A computer then converts the images into a stack of thin layers, allowing the radiologist to review the breast tissue one layer at a time. A Genius exam requires no additional compression and takes just a few seconds longer than a conventional 2D breast cancer screening exam.

Our Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exam, available on the 3Dimensions™ and Selenia® Dimensions® systems from Hologic, are revolutionizing how breast cancer is detected by providing a better option for women of all breast densities compared to 2D alone. Researchers have found that:

• The Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exam finds 20-65% more invasive breast cancers compared to 2D alone, an average increase of 41%.
• Only the Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exam is FDA approved as superior for women with dense breasts compared to 2D alone.
• The Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exam reduces callbacks by up to 40% compared to 2D alone.

BCMC is committed to the fight against breast cancer. In offering the Genius exam, BCMC Radiology provides a more accurate tool for breast cancer screening.

"We are proud to offer this new technology to our community and are excited about the benefits that it brings to our patients," Director of Radiology Leeanna Williams said. "The exam will be very similar to what patients have had previously, but the images produced will be far superior! The radiologist will now be able to look at the breast in a completely new way. The best analogy that I have seen compares the breast to a book. A 2D mammogram is like an x-ray of a closed book. Now with 3D mammography we will be able to flip the pages of the book and examine what lies on each individual page. This will allow us to diagnose breast cancer at earlier stages as well as reduce patients being called back for additional pictures."

If you would like to schedule a Genius 3D Mammography™ exam, or have questions about this important breast health procedure, please contact the BCMC Radiology Department at 870-226-4165.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page. To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

LifeShare Blood Drive Set for Feb. 26 as Low Inventory Causes Critical Need for Blood Donations

There will be a LifeShare Blood Drive on Friday, Feb. 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., inside the LifeShare bus that will be parked in the BCMC Rural Health Clinic parking lot. The BCMC Rural Health Clinic is located at 304 East Central Street in Warren and is across the street from Bradley County Medical Center.

There is a critical need for blood donations due to a low inventory of blood across our region that LifeShare serves across East Texas, Louisiana, and South Arkansas. This low inventory is a result of the winter weather we have experienced this past week and cancellations of blood drives due to the winter storm. Additionally, the weather has made it difficult, if not impossible, to get blood transported in from other areas of the country.

Around 1 in every 7 people entering a hospital need blood. One blood donation, approximately one pint of blood, can save up to three lives. Your blood donation will go to someone battling cancer, enduring sickle cell disease, undergoing surgery, or suffering through a traumatic accident. You will also receive a free "Krewe of Life" T-shirt when you donate, while supplies last.

It is safe to donate blood. The COVID-19 coronavirus does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives.

LifeShare Blood Center regularly supplies blood components to more than 100 medical facilities throughout Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas. Founded in Shreveport, La. in 1942, it is a nonprofit community service provider governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. LifeShare is a member of America's Blood Centers and the American Rare Donor Program, is licensed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and accredited by AABB.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page. To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

BCMC Partners with ESS for Emergency Department Staffing

Bradley County Medical Center recently entered a new partnership with Emergency Staffing Solutions (ESS) to staff and manage the Emergency Department as BCMC looks to continue providing great patient care and improving operating efficiency.

ESS will staff and manage the Emergency Department at BCMC and compliment the inpatient staff already at the hospital, providing a unique "Hybrid" system which combines both the Emergency Room and Hospitalist services, providing a continuum of care from ER to Discharge. This system will allow the same physician to follow patients from their initial contact in the ER all the way through discharge should admission be required. They will also provide care for inpatients of other physicians in the hospital as needed.

As part of this new partnership, Dr. Bradley Biggers will continue to practice at BCMC with ESS. He will cover the ER and Inpatient floor on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, while the rest of the week will be staffed with other ESS physicians. One or more physicians will be on the Bradley County Medical Center premises 24/7, 365 days of the year, ready to serve Bradley County and its surrounding communities. Additionally, ESS is already in network with all the Arkansas insurance payors.

"BCMC is very excited for this new partnership," Bradley County Medical Center CEO Steve Henson said. "Working with ESS and having Dr. Biggers as the cornerstone of the programs will be a big step in our journey to continue to improve operations. And having ESS already in network with all the Arkansas insurance payors will be another great benefit for our patients."

ESS will provide all physicians associated with BCMC with 24-hour access to resources including staff training tools as well as regional and national clinical support. This degree of care and resources are generally found in larger, more metropolitan facilities.

Emergency Staffing Solutions, founded 2001, is a Texas based company which focuses on rural and suburban areas and has a strong network of over 1,000 physicians. They manage Emergency Departments and Hospitalist programs for over 50 facilities nationwide.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page. To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

Starting the New Year on the Right Foot: How Bradley County Medical Center Wound Clinic Helps Non-Healing Wounds

As America rings in the new year, Bradley County Medical Center Wound Clinic is reminding its patients that if they or a loved one has a non-healing wound, the center can help heal that wound.

Approximately 15% of Medicare patients in the United States have at least one type of wound or infection. Left untreated, foot or leg wounds may result in limited mobility, lower quality of life and possible amputation.

Bradley County Medical Center Wound Clinic recommends that patients call for an appointment if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
• an existing, slow-to-heal or non-healing wound
• foot or leg ulcer or wound
• non-healing surgical wound
• non-healing skin graft or surgical flap
• symptoms occurring on or around a point of radiation (such as pain, rectal or bladder bleeding)
• bone infection, also called osteomyelitis
• crush injury

Bradley County Medical Center Wound Clinic at Bradley County Medical Center provides a comprehensive approach to treating patients with non-healing wounds. The team features clinicians with advanced training in wound care.

Bradley County Medical Center Wound Clinic at Bradley County Medical Center is open every Tuesday. For more information about wound care or to schedule an appointment, call 877-295-2273. No referral is required.

BCMC Acquires New UVC Decontamination Devices from UVC Cleaning Systems

Bradley County Medical Center is excited to announce the hospital has purchased three Safezone UVC decontamination devices from UVC Cleaning Systems, Inc., that will expedite the cleaning process for different areas of the hospital, along with destroying and sterilizing air pollutants, bacteria, and viruses including SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes COVID-19.

Two of the mobile units will be used inside the hospital in different areas of the facility where patients are seen. The third one will be used at the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, located across the street from BCMC at 304 East Central Street. All three of the units are on wheels which means they can be transported to different rooms and areas of the hospital throughout the day to decontaminate and disinfect.

It only takes about one minute for this machine to kill the COVID-19 virus in the air and on surfaces in a room. The UVC light is effective in destroying both viruses and bacteria. It will destroy Staph Aureus, MRSA, E. coli, Salmonella, the common cold, Influenza, Clostridium difficile spores, and even bed bugs.

Some routine housekeeping measures are still needed, but these devices will cut the time it takes to decontaminate and disinfect a room from around an hour down to around 15 minutes. No one can be in the room while the machine is in use, but once it is done decontaminating people can immediately enter the room safely. This means the hospital can see more patients during the day and also cut down on time spent in the waiting room.

The purchase of the three Safezone UVC decontamination devices from UVC Cleaning Systems, Inc., are just another way Bradley County Medical Center is committed to keeping you, your family, and our community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page. To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

Two COVID-19 Treatments Available at BCMC

Bradley County Medical Center has obtained the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatment for COVID-19 Remdesivir (Veklury) along with the investigational monoclonal antibody therapy Bamlanivimab, which has received an Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA.

COVID-19 cases are on the rise across the nation and in Arkansas as the state reported a record in hospitalizations. Bradley County and other parts of Southeast Arkansas are also seeing their highest number of active cases in months. If you have COVID-19, you don't have to leave Southeast Arkansas to be treated because BCMC can provide these two treatments.

The first treatment for COVID-19 is the antiviral drug Remdesivir, which is only administered to patients in an inpatient setting. It is for patients that are 12 years or older and weighing at least 88 pounds. The approval of Remdesivir was supported by the agency's analysis of data from three randomized, controlled clinical trials that included patients hospitalized with mild-to-severe COVID-19. BCMC was one of the first hospitals in South Arkansas to receive and put Remdesivir to use.

The other treatment recently given Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA is Bamlanivimab. Bamlanivimab is for use in the outpatient setting. It is authorized for patients with a positive COVID-19 test result that are 12 years or older and weigh at least 88 pounds, and who are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization. This includes those who are 65 years of age or older, or who have certain chronic medical conditions. Bamlanivimab was shown in clinical trials to reduce COVID-19-related hospitalization or emergency room visits in patients at high risk for disease progression within 28 days after treatment when compared to placebo. BCMC received Bamlanivimab within days of the Emergency Use Authorization.

Remdesivir will only be administered to patients in the hospital that are moderately to severely sick with COVID-19. Bamlanivimab, on the other hand, will come with an order from your primary care physician. You will have to test positive for COVID-19 and be determined to be at a high risk of developing severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization. You will come to the hospital as an outpatient and receive the infusion of Bamlanivimab, which takes approximately one hour, in hopes of reducing severe complications from COVID-19 and/or hospitalization.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page. To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

LifeShare Mobile Blood Drive Set for Thursday at BCMC Rural Health Clinic

There will be a LifeShare Mobile Blood Drive on Thursday, Dec. 3 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The blood drive will take place inside the LifeShare mobile unit in the BCMC Rural Health Clinic parking lot, which is located at 304 East Central Street across the street from Bradley County Medical Center's ER entrance.

If you donated blood in the emergency blood drive held last month, you won't be able to donate this time. However, it is important that those who can donate do so. Donors will have the chance to receive a LifeShare fleece blanket while supplies last.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant decrease in blood donations, which has led to a shortage in the blood supply on a regional and national level. These local blood drives are the main source of blood for our hospital.

Around 1 in every 7 people entering a hospital need blood. One blood donation, approximately one pint of blood, can save up to three lives.

It is safe to donate blood. The COVID-19 coronavirus does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives.

LifeShare Blood Center regularly supplies blood components to more than 100 medical facilities throughout Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas. Founded in Shreveport, La. in 1942, it is a nonprofit community service provider governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. LifeShare is a member of America's Blood Centers and the American Rare Donor Program, is licensed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and accredited by AABB.

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page. To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

BCMC Recognized for Performance Leadership in Outcomes on National Rural Health Day

As part of National Rural Health Day, Bradley County Medical Center, today announced it has been recognized by The Chartis Center of Rural Health and the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) for overall excellence in Outcomes. The Performance Leadership Award program utilizes the results of the Hospital Strength INDEX® to recognize top quartile performance among Critical Access Hospitals and Rural & Community Hospitals.

BCMC was one of five hospitals in Arkansas to be honored for Performance Leadership in Outcomes. "For Bradley County Medical Center to be recognized for our quality outcomes in the challenging environment that COVID has placed upon us is truly a testament to the diligence of the staff at BCMC," CEO Steve Henson said. "This reinforces my belief that when you are a patient here you are not a number. We are hometown people, taking care of our hometowns."

Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the INDEX is the industry's most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Based entirely on publicly available data sources, the INDEX methodology is the data foundation for a number of industry-leading rural recognition programs, rural health safety net-related research, and legislative initiatives. Performance Leadership Award recipients are rural hospitals ranking in the 75th percentile or above in the INDEX performance pillars for Quality, Outcomes, or Patient Perspective.

"Despite the fact that COVID-19 has created greater instability across the rural health safety net, we continue to see countless examples of rural hospitals rising to the challenge to serve their communities," said Michael Topchik, National Leader, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. "I believe this dedication to mission and drive to overcome unexpected challenges echoes the long-standing commitment among rural hospitals to deliver high-quality care. We are thrilled to honor this year's top quartile performers."

"Across the nation, rural hospitals have been working exceptionally hard to adjust to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. While it has not been an easy year, I believe the perseverance displayed by rural hospitals and their partners at the State Offices of Rural Health exemplifies the true spirit of National Rural Health Day," said Teryl Eisinger, Chief Executive Officer, NOSORH. "We are delighted to join The Chartis Center for Rural Health in honoring the 2020 Performance Leadership Award winners."

For the latest news and updates regarding BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page. To keep up with the most recent news and updates for the BCMC Rural Health Clinic, please like the BCMC Rural Health Clinic page on Facebook.

Silent Epidemic Puts 29 Million Americans at Risk for Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Bradley County Medical Center Wound Care Clinic Urges Daily Foot Checks and Immediate Evaluation of Foot Ulcers

During American Diabetes Month®, Bradley County Medical Center Wound Care Clinic wants to remind people with diabetes that they are at a higher risk for non-healing foot wounds - and therefore amputations - than most Americans and that a wound healing center can provide guidance for prevention and treatment.

For most Americans, a blister or cut on the foot is a small inconvenience that a Band-Aid™ and time will heal. But that's not the case for the 29.1 million Americans who have diabetes. Some of the complications of diabetes make feet vulnerable to non-healing foot ulcers that can result in infections and even amputations. Sixty to seventy percent of people with diabetes have limited or no feeling in their feet--their early warning systems have been altered or completely shut down by nerve damage. If you notice any skin changes or red patches on your feet and you have diabetes, the Bradley County Medical Center Wound Care Clinic urges you to see your doctor or call the center immediately for an evaluation. The center is here to educate, prevent and provide treatment when necessary.

A person with diabetes has impaired immunity and often reduced blood flow to the legs and feet. Both can hamper healing, cause infections and cause damage to underlying structures and bones. In some cases, the damage can lead to a toe, foot or leg amputation.

The World Health Organization estimates that up to 80 percent of all diabetic amputations are preventable. The Bradley County Medical Center Wound Care Clinic will provide the best treatment to help your wound heal. However, in order to prevent a foot ulcer from starting, it is vital that patients with diabetes check their feet daily and get regular foot care from their doctor.

According to the American Diabetes Association, one adult is diagnosed in the United States every 19 seconds. That's 1.7 million more people each year at risk for non-healing wounds and other complications. What's more, one in four people who have diabetes today are undiagnosed and don't know they're at risk.

The Bradley County Medical Center Wound Care Clinic's clinical wound healing team combines evidence-based best practices and advanced therapies with individualized treatment plans for faster healing to get their patients back to health and enjoying what they care about most.

BCMC to Host Emergency Blood Drive Nov. 10

Bradley County Medical Center will host an emergency LifeShare Blood Drive on Tuesday, Nov. 10 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The blood drive will take place in the LifeShare mobile unit in the BCMC Rural Health Clinic parking lot. The BCMC Rural Health Clinic is located at 304 East Central Street across the street from BCMC's ER entrance.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant decrease in blood donations, which has led to a shortage in the blood supply on a regional and national level. It is important if you are able to give blood to do so because our region greatly needs its blood supply replenished.

Around 1 in every 7 people entering a hospital need blood. One blood donation, approximately one pint of blood, can save up to three lives.

It is safe to donate blood. The COVID-19 coronavirus does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives.

LifeShare Blood Center regularly supplies blood components to more than 100 medical facilities throughout Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas. Founded in Shreveport, La. in 1942, it is a nonprofit community service provider governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. LifeShare is a member of America's Blood Centers and the American Rare Donor Program, is licensed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and accredited by AABB.

BCMC Warns Community Members of Phone Call Scam

It has come to the attention of the Bradley County Medical Center staff that some community members have received suspicious phone calls from numbers appearing to belong to our hospital.

The calls have been described as showing up with Bradley County Medical Center on the caller ID and a number that belongs to the hospital. The caller will then tell you that your social security number has been compromised and also that you may need to contact the IRS. The term for this type of scam is called spoofing. To our knowledge, the caller doesn't pretend to be an employee of BCMC, but is using one of our phone numbers in an effort to get more people to answer the phone.

According the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), spoofing is defined as "when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. Scammers often use neighbor spoofing so it appears that an incoming call is coming from a local number, or spoof a number from a company or a government agency that you may already know and trust. If you answer, they use scam scripts to try to steal your money or valuable personal information, which can be used in fraudulent activity."

The ultimate goal of the majority of these scams is to get victims to give up their social security number to aid in identity theft or to get victims to send them money by thinking they are some type of official agency or business.

BCMC hasn't had a large volume of complaints, but wanted to make the public aware. Apparently, other hospitals in the region have experienced a similar problem, and it could happen to other local businesses. Spoofing can harm our reputation and we wanted to make our patients and communities we serve aware of this scam.

There are times when the hospital will call patients and need to verify information. If you feel like the call may be suspicious you can always hang up and call Bradley County Medical Center at 870-226-3731 to find out if someone from the hospital needs to speak with you.

For more information on spoofing and tips to avoid spoofing scams go online to https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/spoofing-and-caller-id. To file a complaint with the FCC call 1-888-225-5322 or do so online at https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us. Complaints can also be filed with the Arkansas Attorney General's Office by calling 800-482-8982 or online at https://arkansasag.gov.

Bradley County Medical Center Wound Clinic is "Going Pink" to Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a nationwide event that is held annually in October to increase awareness and support of breast cancer and breast cancer research. Emphasis is placed greatly on education, early detection screenings, and community support for those affected. National Mammography Day will take place on October 16th, highlighting the importance of screenings for women's health.

"Breast cancer has affected many of our lives, and Bradley County Medical Center Wound Clinic is pledging to 'Go Pink!' in support of survivors and in honor of those who we have lost to this disease," said April Harris, APRN.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, apart from skin cancers, with statistics showing that around 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Currently, there are more than 3.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S., including patients who are undergoing treatment and those who have completed it.

Breast cancer treatments have continued to improve throughout the years with support and research funding. The most common treatment methods are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Breast cancer treatment is comprehensive and includes a team of specialized surgeons and oncologists to help the patient receive the best care possible.

While treatments are often successful in eliminating breast cancer, they can have damaging effects later on. Bradley County Medical Center Wound Clinic is committed to restoring health and improving the quality of life of cancer survivors. We specialize in treating non-healing wounds from surgery, compromised skin grafts or surgical flaps, and symptoms occurring near as a result of radiation therapy.

If you or a loved one has a non-healing wound related to breast cancer or other cancer treatment, call Bradley County Medical Center Wound Clinic at BCMC at 877-295-2273. No referral is required.

BCMC Rural Health Clinic and Women's Clinic to Hold Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic Oct. 1-2

The BCMC Rural Health Clinic and Women's Clinic, located at 304 East Central Street in Warren, will be conducting a drive-thru flu shot clinic on Thursday, Oct. 1 and Friday, Oct. 2 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. both days.

There is no out-of-pocket cost for the flu shot, but your insurance will be billed. If you do not have insurance, it will cost $25.

The flu is a contagious respiratory disease that can cause mild to severe illness, and even death in the most serious cases. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting the flu vaccine yearly. Anywhere from 25-50 million infections are reported in the United States each year with the height of the flu season generally occurring from December through March.

Everyone six months or older, with rare exceptions, should get a flu shot each year. The flu vaccine does not give you the flu and usually takes one to two weeks to start working. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October.

ARKids First Kicks Off Don't Wait, Vaccinate! Campaign Today

Families Encouraged Not to Let Public Health Emergency Delay Important Vaccines

The ARKids First health program is kicking off the Don't Wait, Vaccinate! campaign this week to encourage parents not to delay getting their children's routine vaccinations. The State has seen a decline in childhood vaccinations, which experts attribute to the public health emergency.

"We've seen significantly fewer Arkansas children get vaccinated this year than we did last year at this time," said Dr. William Golden, Medical Director for Arkansas Medicaid and ARKids First. "We understand that families have been limiting public outings, but childhood immunizations are too important to delay. They protect children from very serious and sometimes fatal diseases like measles, whooping cough, and tetanus."

According to the Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas children from birth to age 18 received 75,310 fewer vaccinations between January and the end of July 2020 than they did between January and the end of July 2019.

"The last thing we want during a pandemic is an outbreak of a disease that can be prevented with a vaccine," said Arkansas Department of Health Secretary José R. Romero. "Routine vaccines will be even more important for the health and safety of children as we move into flu season."

Romero said parents should get their children vaccinated for the flu as soon as the vaccine becomes available this fall. ARKids First covers childhood vaccines, including the flu vaccine, at no cost to eligible families.

ARKids First and the Arkansas Department of Human Services is launching the Don't Wait, Vaccinate! campaign, which will include paid radio and social media advertising as well as work to get vaccination information to school nurses and others in counties that have had historically lower vaccination rates.

Pediatricians across Arkansas have made changes to their offices, like designating wellness times or areas, to ensure well children can come into their doctor's office and safely get vaccines without risking getting sick with COVID-19, said Dr. Gary Wheeler, President of the Arkansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

"With immunizations, parents can take control of their child's health, giving them the best chance of growing up to be healthy, productive young adults," Wheeler said. "Your pediatrician is a good source of information if you have questions about your child's immunizations and how to protect them from disease."

You can find an up-to-date schedule of recommended childhood immunizations by age on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. To learn more about the ARKids First Program, visit our website www.ARKidsfirst.com. To apply, visit www.Access.Arkansas.gov.

BCMC Wound Center Celebrates I Love My Feet Campaign

Bradley County Medical Center Wound Clinic is asking patients to love their feet by being mindful of certain conditions and complications associated with non-healing wounds. When it comes to foot care, the wound center staff knows that healthy feet are vital to the happiness and activity level of a patient.

Approximately one out of every four Americans with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime. Because foot ulcers can take weeks or months to heal without treatment, hospitalization is sometimes required. Bradley County Medical Center Wound Clinic can help mitigate that risk if an ulcer is reported when signs or symptoms first appear.

"Diabetic patients should be referred to the wound healing center at the first sign of a non-healing foot wound," said Dr. Capotorto, Medical Director of Restorix Health. "We want our patients and the community at large to love their feet ... we do!"

Bradley County Medical Center Wound Clinic is offering the following tips to keep feet healthy:

• Neuropathy is a loss of feeling or numbness in limbs caused by nerve damage that most commonly begins in the hands or feet. Peripheral neuropathy is a major contributor foot ulcers. Check the bottoms of feet daily by placing a mirror on the floor and hovering feet over the mirror.

• Diabetic foot ulcers are often painless, so special care must be given to taking care of the feet. Avoid walking barefoot.

• Wear comfortable shoes and socks. Tight, narrow shoes and shoes with an open toe should be avoided.

Bradley County Medical Center Wound Clinic treats all wounds. The approach to wound care is aggressive and comprehensive, yet caring and comforting. The center coordinates traditional and advanced therapies that aid and accelerate the healing process. For patients that means faster healing times, longer-lasting results, decreased amputation rates and increased mobility - all leading to a better quality of life.

The types of wounds treated include:

• diabetic foot ulcers
• venous ulcers
• pressure ulcers
• surgical wounds
• traumatic wounds
• arterial ulcers
• radiation wounds
• compromised skin grafts and flaps
• crush injuries

Bradley County Medical Center Wound Clinic is open every Tuesday. For more information about wound care or to schedule an appointment, call 877-295-2273. No referral is required.

CARTI Announces Plan to Open Outreach Clinic at BCMC

CARTI announced today its plan to open an outreach location in Warren, bringing its statewide presence to 17 treatment locations in 15 communities. Featuring medical oncologist Bilal Malik, M.D., the clinic will offer new patient consultations and follow-up visits. The clinic, which will open on October 1, 2020, will be located on the campus of Bradley County Medical Center, 404 South Bradley Street, Warren.

"We are thrilled to expand our oncology services to the patients living in and around Bradley County," said Adam Head, president and chief executive officer of the statewide network of cancer care providers. "In conjunction with our recent announcement to build our fifth comprehensive CARTI Cancer Center in Pine Bluff, these two facilities will allow us to continue our focus on southeast Arkansas, and to help break down barriers to treatment and provide the most advanced technologies and expertise to the patients living in these communities."

Dr. Malik currently treats CARTI patients at CARTI's outreach treatment location in Crossett, and will also be seeing patients in the new Pine Bluff cancer center when it opens. Before joining CARTI, Dr. Malik ran his own practice, South Arkansas Hematology & Oncology Clinic, in Pine Bluff for more than 20 years. He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Arkansas Blood and Cancer Society, American Can Society and the Association of Pakistani Physicians in North America.

Dr. Malik earned his medical degree from Nishtar Medical College in Pakistan. He completed residencies in pathology at Cooper Medical Center in Camden, New Jersey and The State University of New York in Buffalo, New York, and in internal medicine at St. Clare's Hospital in New York, New York. He completed a fellowship in hematology and oncology at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Alabama.

ABOUT CARTI CARTI is an independent not-for-profit, multidisciplinary cancer care provider offering medical and surgical oncology, diagnostic radiology, and radiation oncology at locations throughout the state to provide convenient access for cancer patients.

Medical oncology is offered in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Benton, Clarksville, Clinton, Conway, Crossett, El Dorado, Heber Springs, Magnolia, Russellville and Stuttgart. Radiation therapy is offered in
Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway, Mountain Home and Searcy. Mammography screenings are provided at The Breast Center at CARTI, with locations at the CARTI Cancer Centers in Little Rock and North Little Rock.

For more information, visit CARTI.com.

Stay Local for Your Imaging Needs

Collective Goods Sale Set for May 27th

Bradley County Medical Center will have a Collective Goods sale on Wednesday, May 27 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. inside the hospital conference room.

We ask that you please follow social distancing guidelines, wear a mask, and we will only allow up to 10 people in the room at a time.

Telemedicine Offered at the BCMC Rural Health Clinic and Women's Clinic

Bradley County Medical Center is pleased to announce that telemedicine is now available at the BCMC Rural Health Clinic and Women's Clinic, located at 304 East Central Street across the street from the hospital, as another way to serve our patients.

To participate in telemedicine, all you need is a cellular phone with video capability. The patient calls the BCMC Rural Health Clinic and Women's Clinic at 870-226-8636 to make a telemedicine appointment. The patient then received a text message with a link on it prior to their appointment. The next step is for the patient to click on that link and open it. Once the link is open the patient types their name in, clicks Check In, and then click to enable camera. The provider will then connect with the patient and begin the appointment.

Telemedicine was already on the rise, but has increased exponentially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the BCMC Rural Health Clinic and Women's Clinic also has a drive-through option where you don't have to get out of your car. The clinic is still accepting walk-ins, but strongly encourages people to call ahead to schedule an appointment at 870-226-8636.

To keep up with the latest news and updates from BCMC, please like the Bradley County Medical Center and BCMC Rural Health Clinic and Women's Clinic pages on Facebook.

BCMC Blood Drive Location Changed to Inside the Hospital

The LifeShare Blood Drive at Bradley County Medical Center is still set for 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 26, but will now be inside the hospital in the outpatient clinic area due to LifeShare's decision not to utilize mobile units.

A number of the past blood drives at BCMC have taken place in the outpatient clinic area and we want to remind everyone that the only entrance open to visitors to the hospital is the entrance on Jolley Street closest to the outpatient clinic area. You will be screened before you can enter the building. LifeShare's decision to pull mobile units is for safety as the mobile units keep people in a confined space opposed to inside the hospital's outpatient clinic area, which will allow for safer social distancing practices.

There has been a significant drop in donations recently which is limiting the ability for the nation's blood supply to be replenished.

The COVID-19 coronavirus does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives.

"It is safe to donate blood," said Admiral Brett P. Giroir, M.D. Assistant Secretary for Health. "Part of preparedness includes a robust blood supply. Healthy individuals should schedule an appointment to donate today to ensure that blood is available for those patients who need it," said Giroir.

Blood centers are regulated by the FDA and must follow specific guidelines to ensure safe blood is available for patients at all times. The comments from the federal agencies come as the entire blood banking community is uniting in urging people to donate blood and for organizations to keep hosting blood drives.

"Blood donors are needed now more than ever. We cannot wait for the situation to intensify further before taking action. The blood supply cannot be taken for granted and the coronavirus only heightens the need for a ready blood supply," said Kate Fry, chief executive officer of America's Blood Centers, the organization that represents close to 50 blood centers throughout the U.S. and Canada who collect close to 60% of the nation's blood supply.

The FDA has reiterated that there have been no reported or suspected cases of transfusion-transmitted coronavirus and the virus poses no known risk to patients receiving blood transfusions.

LifeShare Blood Center, established in Shreveport, La., in 1942, regularly supplies blood components and related services to more than 100 medical facilities throughout Louisiana, East Texas, and South Arkansas.

BCMC Cancels M*A*S*H Program for 2020

The 2020 version of Bradley County Medical Center's M*A*S*H (Medical Applications of Science for Health) Camp has been cancelled this summer.

The event was set for June 1-12, but due to the recent COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic it was decided it would be in the best interest for all involved to cancel the camp.

We are looking forward to resuming M*A*S*H in 2021.

BCMC Set to Host Blood Drive March 26

Bradley County Medical Center is scheduled to host a LifeShare Blood Drive on Thursday, March 26 inside the mobile unit positioned in the parking lot of the BCMC Rural Health Clinic and Women's Clinic from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The BCMC Rural Health Clinic and Women's Clinic is located at 304 East Central Street and is across the street to the south of the hospital.

There has been a significant drop in donations recently which is limiting the ability for the nation's blood supply to be replenished.

The COVID-19 coronavirus does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives. The LifeShare mobile unit will be parked outside of the BCMC Rural Health Clinic and Women's Clinic and will have fewer than 10 people in it at all times.

"It is safe to donate blood," said Admiral Brett P. Giroir, M.D. Assistant Secretary for Health. "Part of preparedness includes a robust blood supply. Healthy individuals should schedule an appointment to donate today to ensure that blood is available for those patients who need it," said Giroir.

Blood centers are regulated by the FDA and must follow specific guidelines to ensure safe blood is available for patients at all times.

The comments from the federal agencies come as the entire blood banking community is uniting in urging people to donate blood and for organizations to keep hosting blood drives.

"Blood donors are needed now more than ever. We cannot wait for the situation to intensify further before taking action. The blood supply cannot be taken for granted and the coronavirus only heightens the need for a ready blood supply," said Kate Fry, chief executive officer of America's Blood Centers, the organization that represents close to 50 blood centers throughout the U.S. and Canada who collect close to 60% of the nation's blood supply.

The FDA has reiterated that there have been no reported or suspected cases of transfusion-transmitted coronavirus and the virus poses no known risk to patients receiving blood transfusions.

LifeShare Blood Center, established in Shreveport, La., in 1942, regularly supplies blood components and related services to more than 100 medical facilities throughout Louisiana, East Texas, and South Arkansas.

BCMC Receives Funds as Part of Grant Awarded to ARHP from Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield has awarded 7,000 to the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership, which Bradley County Medical Center is a member of, to help south Arkansas hospitals and clinics improve how they exchange patient information and ensure better continuity of care during patient transfers.

BCMC received ,826 of the grant money to allow full participation in the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange (SHARE), which is overseen by the Office of Health Information Technology (a division of the Arkansas Department of Health).

BCMC was one of the hospitals already engaging in SHARE, but it wasn't at the highest level. All of the other facilities in the ARHP were either participating at a lower level like BCMC or not taking part at all because of the high cost.

This grant will help BCMC and the other Arkansas Rural Health Partnership members participate at the highest level. In addition, SHARE will provide ARHP hospitals and health care providers with real-time patient results that will help them identify clinical strengths and areas that might need improvement.

SHARE's daily reports will make available to ARHP health care providers a 24-hour snapshot of critical events, such as emergency room visits and inpatient discharges.

SHARE also lets users transmit and exchange clinical information such as clinical care summaries, vital signs, medications, allergies, continuity of care documents, transitions of care documents, immunization records, laboratory results, radiology report transcriptions and discharge summaries.

The Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield grant will pay for the costs of upgrading equipment and annual dues for ARHP member hospitals and clinics to participate fully in the exchange. There is no other funding mechanism to assist rural hospitals and clinics with the annual costs of participating in SHARE, the organizations said.

To keep up with the latest news and updates from BCMC, please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page.

BCMC Home Health Earns HHCAHPS Award and Five-Star Rating

Bradley County Medical Center's Home Health department recently received the Fazzi HHCAHPS (Home Health Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) Patient Satisfaction Award of Distinction along with earning a five-star rating in the patient survey summary from Home Health Compare.

"I am exceptionally pleased with the work that the staff of BCMC Home Health does for our patients and our community," Bradley County Medical Center CEO Steve Henson said. "This recognition is a shining example of the BCMC Home Health staff's dedication to the patients we serve. I am proud to be a part of this organization!"

The HHCAHPS Patient Satisfaction Award of Distinction is presented annually to home health organizations subscribed to Fazzi's Patient Satisfaction Service that have demonstrated superior performance in overall patient satisfaction results. These national best practice agencies are proven leaders and have placed in the top 25% of Fazzi's patient satisfaction national database based on a comparative analysis of overall satisfaction.

BCMC's Home Health department, under the direction of Tammy Hensley, previously received the award in 2015 and 2016 from Fazzi. BCMC's Home Health department was one of just 135 home health agencies around the country to be recognized.

Additionally, the Home Health department at BCMC received a five-star rating from Home Health Compare in its patient survey summary. Home Health Compare has information about the quality of care provided by "Medicare-certified" home health agencies throughout the nation. "Medicare-certified" means the home health agency is approved by Medicare and meets certain federal health and safety requirements. More information can be found at www.medicare.gov/homehealthcompare.

BCMC Home Health was just one of a handful of hospital-based home health agencies in the state to receive five stars in its patient survey summary. The BCMC Home Health department also received a higher than national average mark on five key questions that included:
• How often the home health team gave care in a professional way?
• How well did the home health team communicate with patients?
• Did the home health team discuss medicines, pain, and home safety with patients?
• How do patients rare the overall care from the home health agency?
• Would patients recommend the home health agency to family and friends?

To keep up with the latest news and updates from BCMC, please like the Bradley County Medical Center Facebook page.

BCMC to Open New Business Center Jan. 13

Bradley County Medical Center is in the process of moving its patient business functions into the building that most recently held Dr. Michelle Weaver's family practice clinic located at 219 East Central Street to create the BCMC Business Center. The BCMC Business Center will house the Medical Records, Collections, and Billing (Insurance) departments and will be fully functional on Jan. 13.

The BCMC Business Center will allow patients to have a one-stop shop so they can discuss their insurance, pay their bill, and obtain their medical records without having to walk the long hallways of the hospital. The new location will also allow patients the ability to park close to the BCMC Business Center and walk a very short distance into the lobby.

For those not familiar with where the building is that used to house Dr. Weaver, it is just west of the hospital and just down the street from BCMC's emergency entrance. It is on the other side of the ER parking lot and on the same side of the street as the hospital.

More information will be released in the coming weeks regarding the opening of the BCMC Business Center as the departments will be moved in phases. For the latest news on BCMC please like the Bradley County Medical Center page on Facebook or visit our website at www.bradleycountymedicalcenter.com.

Public Blood Drive at BCMC Scheduled for Sept. 30

LifeShare is having a public blood drive Monday, Sept. 30 at Bradley County Medical Center, located at 404 South Bradley Street in Warren. The blood drive will be held in the outpatient clinic rooms inside the hospital and will run from 12:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

About 1 in 7 people entering a hospital need blood. One blood donation, approximately one pint of blood, can save up to three lives.

"Only 3% of the eligible population donate blood, so my main focus is spreading the awareness of how important it is to give blood regularly. When you donate blood, that same pint of blood you donated will be reproduced by your body within 24 hours, and you're able to donate again in 56 days. That means you can donate about 6 times a year, which will save up to 18 lives in one year, and after 20 years you will have saved up to 360 lives! If more people donated regularly like this, we would have more blood on the shelves for those in need, and never have to turn a patient away because there just wasn't enough blood collected today. Additionally, LifeShare will contact you personally via phone, and we will let you know which hospital your blood donation has been sent to, so that you can stay connected from start to finish. Your donation truly matters to us, and it makes a life changing difference, literally, to the person who receives it," says Paige Wilson, Account Manager, LifeShare Blood Centers.

For more information, go to www.lifeshare.org or call 318-322-4445.

LifeShare Blood Center regularly supplies blood components to more than 100 medical facilities throughout Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas. Founded in Shreveport, La. in 1942, it is a nonprofit community service provider governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. LifeShare is a member of America's Blood Centers and the American Rare Donor Program, is licensed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and accredited by AABB.

Dr. Kristen Dent Set to Begin Practice at BCMC Family Care Clinic Sept. 23

Bradley County Medical Center's newest physician, Dr. Kristen Dent, is scheduled to begin seeing patients Monday, Sept. 23, at the BCMC Family Care Clinic, located at 304 East Central Street in Warren across the street from the ER entrance at the hospital.

A native of Woodville, Miss., Dr. Dent completed high school at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science before earning her Bachelor of Science in biological sciences/psychology from LSU in 2011. She then went on to receive her Doctorate of Medicine in 2015 from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She completed her residency in Memphis, Tenn., at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and, most recently, concluded her fellowship at UnityPoint Health in Peoria, Ill., in family medicine and obstetrics.

There were several factors as to why she chose BCMC, but her and her husband Brian both wanted a rural community that was not too far away from their home in Mississippi. Dr. Dent also wanted to deliver babies, which is something BCMC offers that a number of rural hospitals do not.

Dr. Dent will practice family medicine and obstetrics at the BCMC Family Care Clinic, which also features two APRNs in Kristen Harvey and April Harris, along with Dr. Kara Worley. Even though Dr. Dent doesn't begin seeing patients until Sept. 23, you can call 870-226-8636 to schedule an appointment with her. She's extremely excited to serve the people of Bradley County and to be a part of the community.

Angel One Transport Recognizes BCMC's Lephiew, Staff

Angel One Transport of Arkansas Children's Hospital recently recognized the outstanding assistance of Bradley County Medical Center's Roy Lephiew along with the entire maintenance crew and nursing staff.

The letter from Angel One Transport stated the team received excellent assistance from the maintenance crew and nursing staff. The letter specifically pointed out Lephiew's hard work as he was able to assist and troubleshoot some issues, while also making several trips to and from the ER.

The letter continues, "Roy has come from home at all hours of the day and night to meet our crew on multiple occasions, always eager to assist and knowledgeable in our needs for transport. All your staff were extremely helpful and professional."

BCMC held a reception with cake and punch in honor of Lephiew, along with our exceptional maintenance and nursing staffs, Wednesday afternoon inside the main hallway of the hospital. A large crowd of employees gathered to thank Lephiew and our other staff members involved, while Chief Nursing Officer Sarah Tucker and Laber and Delivery Nurse Manager Krissy Morrison presented Lephiew with the letter and plaque from Angel One Transport.

Rawls Earns DAISY Award for Heroic Effort

Karen Rawls was chosen as the recipient of The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses ® in a presentation Monday afternoon at Bradley County Medical Center. This award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day.

Rawls, who serves as BCMC's Surgery Department's manager, was on vacation in Hot Springs when she administered CPR to save a young boy's life.

Here is full account of events that were included in the nomination by Jacob Standley:

"Saturday May 18, 2019 at an RV park in Hot Springs while visiting with friends, I witnessed a life changing event. We were located near the local swimming pool, when a commotion behind us took place. A teenager and woman (Karen) pulled a blue lifeless body out of the pool. My friends and I were witnessing the drowning of a child approximately 3.5 years old. Karen started rolling the child around to expel the water that had been consumed. The mother took the boy from Karen and started rocking him, not knowing what else to do. I heard Karen calmly with confidence tell the mom, 'I've got this, I'm a nurse.' I have never; and don't know that I ever will again witness a mother just give a child in distress up that willingly. My friend had training as a fireman EMT and asked if he could help with the CPR. Karen replied "we need to get some water out of him before we do CPR". There were several other children around and my wife and one of our friends helped collect the children to keep them occupied. I then walked back to my chair, sat down and said a quick prayer. Afterwards, I watched Karen administer CPR to a very blue lifeless body. When the child was choking and trying to expel the contents, Karen never wavered. She continued thru this event that seemed like it was lasting forever. I heard Karen encourage the child as he came in and out a couple of times, each time I would see movement then he would stop. This was an emotional rollercoaster for everyone witnessing this event, yet again, Karen never wavered. She continued always telling the child to stay with her and to wake up. I know this must have only lasted about 3 minutes but in this very intense moment, time seemed to stop.

I then saw the lifeless body moving, first a cough and then a gag, just a few more blows and he started crying. I never thought that would be such a welcoming sound. It wasn't until then, that Karen relinquished the child to very anxious and upset mother. Just a short while after, the police and ambulance arrived and took the child and mother to the hospital. I walked back to my chair and finished my prayer with thanks. I then went to Karen to thank her and when I asked Karen if she knew the boy's name, she wasn't real sure, how fitting is that. Karen never even asked for the child's name, she just did the right thing. I don't know if the EMTs ever talked to Karen, so credit was never issued and of course she never asked for it.

I know that many of you may know more explicit details that I left out but this event has changed every one that witnessed it. From giving thanks to a having different kind of respect for pools and to life itself. I often drink coffee and spend time with others that were at the scene & it has changed all of our lives. I don't know the overall outcome of the child; however, I know that without Karen's presence and her being responsive with her training he would have expired right there on the spot. I can only hope that whatever damage this event may have caused, is short served with him. Thanks to Karen and her life saving skills, she reacted to a life threatening situation and took complete control. Karen's actions were of a servant; how is one supposed to say thank you to that. Please know she showed courage and responsibility in the face of a horrific challenge. She is the mirror image of someone of her past and they are to be commended also."

Rawls received a certificate commending her for being an "Extraordinary Nurse." The certificate reads: "In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people." Additionally, she was given a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer's Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa, a box of cinnamon rolls, and a banner for her office. Standley, who nominated her, was also present, while a number of Rawls' family members and co-workers were also in attendance.

The Award at Bradley County Medical Center is co-sponsored by generous donations. Initial funding was provided by the facility. The program is maintained through generous support from donors, to include a large donation from an anonymous donor, from committee members, from the Employee Council, and other fundraisers.

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

Nurses were nominated by patients, families, and colleagues. The nominations were blinded and voted on by the DAISY Committee. Cheryl Wells serves as DAISY coordinator. The nominations were graded based on set criteria, a numeric value was assigned based on this criteria, and awards were determined based on score. The committee members voted. The process was overseen by the DAISY coordinator.

This is one initiative of The DAISY Foundation to express gratitude to the nursing profession. Additionally, DAISY offers J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects, The DAISY Faculty Award to honor inspiring faculty members in schools and colleges of nursing, and The DAISY in Training Award for nursing students. More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org.

BCMC Holds Successful M*A*S*H Camp

The 2019 version of M*A*S*H Camp was completed Friday, June 28 as 12 students from Warren, Hermitage, Fordyce, and Rison were able to experience a number of medical-related activities throughout the two-week event June 17-28. The majority of the program was spent at Bradley County Medical Center, but the group was able to travel to other healthcare organizations around Warren and also took trips to El Dorado and Little Rock.

M*A*S*H stands for Medical Applications of Science for Health and was a huge success after the program took a short hiatus, but was brought back to life with the help of Alaina Glover. Glover is a student at the University of Arkansas at Monticello and is a double major in biology and biochemistry with a possible minor in psychology as a pre-med student. In addition to being a student, Glover works at BCMC as a lab assistant phlebotomist and volunteered to lead the M*A*S*H program along with BCMC's Kathy Hall, who is over Employee Health and Infection Control.

"I volunteered for the M*A*S*H program we had here before I was old enough and just fell in love with the different aspects the students learn about," Glover said. "So many don't what all it takes to create a hospital, it's not just doctors, nurses, radiology, because there are so many more fields. Then I was able to participate in the camp when I got old enough and loved it."

The camp started Monday, June 17 with HIPPA training and a get to know each other session before learning about IV and injections. The camp continued each day through Friday, June 21 before the students came back Monday, June 24 for another week of activities. The students were able to tour BCMC and also stopped by a number of departments including Radiology, Laboratory, Surgery, Nuclear Medicine, Pharmacy, Medical Records, 1st Station, ER, Respiratory Therapy, Human Resources, Rehab Services, and the Family Care Clinic.

"So when I found out they didn't have it last year, it disheartened me and I offered to direct it," Glover continued. "It's been a good opportunity for me and I've learned so much by leading it. I've really enjoyed it and I've met so many different contacts from around the state and also doctors, nurses, and others here that I didn't talk to much before this."

Students received demonstrations and listened to presentations on a multitude of other items, most coming with the chance to receive hands-on training as well. The group learned about different types of medical equipment, CPR, how to stop bleeds, wound care, hospice, anesthesia, intubation, oral health, casts, family practice, and more. The Arkansas State Police made a very informative presentation to the group, while Emergency Ambulance Service, Inc., (EASI) also had a very entertaining presentation that featured BCMC Rehab Services manager Stephanie Moring playing a mock victim that needed an ambulance. The students had to keep her calm, put pressure on wounds, and keep her awake before the ambulance arrived.

Other presenters included UAM Pre-Med and UAM Nursing, while the students were also educated in mental health and opioids. They also toured HOPE Landing in El Dorado on Thursday, June 20 and were also able to visit local vets and dentists. On Thursday, June 27 the campers went to Little Rock to tour UAMS with other M*A*S*H programs around the state.

The camp concluded with suturing and heart dissection led by Dr. Roger Mason. Edwin Martinez, Leah Huitt, Cindy Wilkerson, and Allison King earned four out of five stars for suturing from Dr. Mason, while Alyssa Overton had the fastest surgery time of the group at 51.57 seconds. The final event of the day was a graduation ceremony and reception for the students and their families inside the BCMC Conference Room.

The students that participated in this year's camp were Edwin Martinez, Leah Huitt, Cindy Wilkerson, Jordan Pruitt, Erynn Lasiter, Allison King, Ashton Gorman, Iyania Smith, Dejah Battles, Alyssa Overton, Janzee Hooper, and Erin Watkins.

Emergency Blood Drive to Be Held at BCMC

Bradley County Medical Center will host an emergency blood drive on Thursday, June 27 from 1 p.m.-7p.m. inside the MCU Clinic. Due to extremely low donations and stock available on hand, LifeShare has asked hospitals to host additional local blood drives.

Patient care could be threatened by the inadequate blood supply that the region has been experiencing for several weeks. "Unfortunately, for many people, it is a problem you don't realize exists unless you have a friend or family member in the hospital whose treatment is delayed or postponed because blood is not available," says LifeShare Regional Director Bobby Carney.

LifeShare Blood Center, established in Shreveport, La., in 1942, regularly supplies blood components and related services to more than 100 medical facilities throughout Louisiana, East Texas, and South Arkansas. Bradley County Medical Center hosts four blood drives a year, but is happy to help answer the call for this emergency blood drive as it affects the amount of blood we can have at our hospital along with helping out other hospitals in the region.

This drive is taking place long enough after our last drive on May 7 that if you donated then you should be able to donate again for this one. BCMC and LifeShare are asking anyone who is eligible to donate blood. More information about donor eligibility and upcoming blood drives can be found at www.LifeShare.org.

BCMC Celebrates Hospital Week

Bradley County Medical Center recently joined hospitals around the nation in celebrating National Hospital Week May 12-18 and held a number of events throughout the course of the week for employees.

The week started off with a donut breakfast sponsored by First State Bank and Dr. Joe Wharton. Monday morning a "Blessing of the Hands" took place in the chapel. It's a non-denominational service that dates back to Florence Nightingale and was led by Rev. Gary Harrison of First United Methodist Church in Warren. There was also a snack service for employees along with a couple of tours by HOSA students. Mayor Denisa Pennington made a public proclamation at 10 a.m. that was attended by a large number of employees before an evening fish fry to close out the day.

Tuesday's events included a chair massage sponsored by Concord Medical Group, while a service awards lunch was held in the conference room thanks to Warren Bank & Trust. Tuesday's afternoon event featured representatives from Union Bank serving ice cream. Wednesday morning saw the return of the administration pancake breakfast from 6 a.m.-8 a.m., while Radiology sponsored a game which had people trying to guess what the foreign bodies on certain x-rays were. Wednesday's activities concluded with team games.

BCMC employees enjoyed a barbecue lunch sponsored by Legacy Rehab Thursday, while hospital trivia and a snack service were the other events of the day. Friday closed out the celebration with a number of prizes handed out, while the BCMC Auxiliary Reception from 2-4 p.m. marked the end of Hospital Week. Artwork from a number of students from Eastside Elementary was displayed all week, while cash prizes were also randomly given to employees.

The Human Resources department was largely responsible for making the week run smoothly along with help from the Public Relations staff. Thanks for a great Hospital Week!

Vote to Help Make Warren Shine Win 00 from Shelter Insurance

Make Warren Shine and the Warren High School EAST Program are in the running to win 00 for Make Warren Shine from Shelter Insurance. Students in the EAST Program along with Mrs. Leah St. John put together a video entitled "Warren: Our Shining Communities" part of the competition. Winners will be determined by online voting. So, every vote counts.

Simply go to https://a.cstmapp.com/p/30295 to reach the Thankful for Our Communities website. Then click on the Vote for Entries. Scroll down until you see the Leah St. John entry. Watch the short video and then vote. It will ask you for you name and email and to verify that you are not a robot. The deadline to vote is May 13.

BCMC Honors Employees at Spring Fling

Bradley County Medical Center recently announced its service awards over the weekend at its annual Spring Fling Saturday evening at the new armory building in Warren.

The Spring Fling is organized by the BCMC Employee Council and this year's event was catered by Dorey's Catfish, while the attendees enjoyed music, games, and door prizes.

Additionally, Human Resources Director Brooke Hatch and CEO Steve Henson handed out service awards. Terry Young, Director of Purchasing, was named the 2018 BCMC Employee of the Year.

Other honorees are listed below.

35 Years of Service: Tammy Hensley
30 Years of Service: Benita Harton
25 Years of Service: Elaine Mills, Judy Barnes, Steven Smith
20 Years of Service: Jane Harris, Ben Copico
15 Years of Service: Gwendolyn Jimerson, April Smith, Terry Young, Tim Saunders, Sherazade Guanzon, Carla Miller
10 Years of Service: Sarah Farrer, Brandon Gorman, Cherice Preston, Karen Rawls, Renee Satterlee
5 Years of Service: Betty Burns, Thelma Coleman, Tina Conner, Lula Coulter, Laci Dalton, Thelma Ferrell, Brandy Files, Jessie Grant, April Gray, Barbara Harvey, Dawn Huitt, Joyce Lephiew, Kelley McCartney, Deedre Pierce, Kathy Ragan, Tanya Robertson, Rhondy Roque, Tabatha Shoaf, Jeff Sutherland, Abbie Trammel, Jeffrey Whipple

BCMC Receives Excellence in Healthcare Award from PRC

Bradley County Medical Center was recently recognized as a 4-Star award winner in inpatient services for patient experience by national healthcare research leader Professional Research Consultants, Inc. (PRC).

The Excellence in Healthcare Awards recognize organizations and individuals who achieve excellence throughout the year by improving patient experiences, healthcare employee engagement, and/or physician alignment and engagement based on surveys of their patients.

"I am proud for the staff and physicians at BCMC that they have received this recognition from an outside source," BCMC CEO Steve Henson said. "Every day as I walk through the hospital I see the little things that our staff does for our patients and visitors that makes the service experience here different and sets us apart from our peers. I look forward to our continuing to improve our service to our patients and visitors as we continue to build on our success."

BCMC received marks above the national average in all 10 categories recorded by HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) and were above the Arkansas hospital average in all but one category. Some of the highlights included 87% of patients reporting their nurses always communicated well along with 93% describing their doctors as always communicating well. The national average in both categories was 80% and 81%, respectively.

Additionally, 93% of patients reported they were given information about what to do during their recovery at home and 84% gave BCMC a 9 or 10 rating on a scale of 1-10. The number of patients that reported they would recommend Bradley County Medical Center was 73%.

"It is an honor to recognize Bradley County Medical Center with this Excellence in Healthcare Award for their deserving work," said Joe M. Inguanzo, Ph.D., President and CEO of PRC. "It takes true dedication and determination to achieve this level of excellence in healthcare and BCMC has shown their commitment to making their hospital a better place to work, a better place to practice medicine and a better place for patients to be treated."

To learn more about the 2019 Excellence in Healthcare Awards, including eligibility and criteria, visit PRCCustomResearch.com.

About PRC
Professional Research Consultants, Inc. (PRC) is a national healthcare market research company. For more than 35 years, PRC has facilitated millions of interviews, delivered insightful reports and provided customized research solutions to hospitals and healthcare organizations. Services measure community perceptions, brand positions, patient experience, physician alignment and engagement, and employee engagement. PRC is also a certified vendor for government-mandated CAHPS surveys and has partnered with more than 400 communities across the U.S. to conduct Community Health Needs Assessments.

Sign up for M*A*S*H Camp NOW!

It's time to sign up for BCMC's M*A*S*H program this summer. It will run June 17-28, 2019 and is for area high school students that are currently in the 10th or 11th grade.

Please download this form to apply.

PLEASE MAIL COMPLETED APPLICATION, TRANSCRIPT (MUST INCLUDE CUMULATIVE GRADE POINT AVERAGE) AND SIGNED CONSENT FORMS BY April 5, 2019 TO:

M*A*S*H PROGRAM
Bradley County Medical Center
404 South Bradley Street
Warren, Arkansas 71671

Tolefree Receives DAISY Award at BCMC

Paulette Tolefree was chosen as the recipient of The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses ® for the fourth quarter of 2018 in a presentation Thursday afternoon at Bradley County Medical Center. This award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day.

Tolefree's nomination form mentioned how kind and caring she was starting a number of years ago and how she still assists this patient to this day. "She shows a true love for people. The best thing is, if you know Paulette at all, you know she doesn't believe she deserves any recognition. She truly believes what she does is just what she's supposed to do."

In addition to Tolefree, nurses Kim Langford, Steven Smith, and Dana Sawyer were also nominated for the last quarter. Each received an honorary pin. Also present was Kara Ellis from the DAISY Foundation. Ellis is the Regional Program Manager for the South Central Region and she helped assist with the award ceremony.

Tolefree received a certificate commending her for being an "Extraordinary Nurse." The certificate reads: "In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people." Additionally, she was given a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer's Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa, a box of cinnamon rolls, and a banner for her office.

The Award at Bradley County Medical Center is co-sponsored by generous donations. Initial funding was provided by the facility. The program is maintained through generous support from donors, to include a large donation from an anonymous donor, from committee members, from the Employee Council, and from Yankee Candle Sales.

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

Nurses were nominated by patients, families, and colleagues. The nominations were blinded and voted on by the DAISY Committee. Cheryl Wells serves as DAISY coordinator. The nominations were graded based on set criteria, a numeric value was assigned based on this criteria, and awards were determined based on score. The committee members voted. The process was overseen by the DAISY coordinator.

This is one initiative of The DAISY Foundation to express gratitude to the nursing profession. Additionally, DAISY offers J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects, The DAISY Faculty Award to honor inspiring faculty members in schools and colleges of nursing, and The DAISY in Training Award for nursing students. More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org.

National Donor Day is Feb. 14; Shares Observance Date with Most Caring Holiday of the Year

Little Rock, Ark. (2-13-19)- During the month of February, nothing says "I'm thinking of you" and "I care" more than a greeting card adorned with hearts and flowers; nothing, except a drivers' license or state ID card imprinted with the phrase "organ donor."

February 14th is National Donor Day in Arkansas, and across America. On this day donation partners-including ARORA, transplant centers and hospitals-take this opportunity to raise awareness of the life-saving and life-enhancing benefits of organ, tissue and eye donation. National Donor Day is also a time to encourage everyone to register to become a donor. In Arkansas, it is easy to register by logging onto arora.org, or by visiting any local Department of Motor Vehicles office when applying for or renewing a driver's license or state identification card.

Currently, there are more than 113,000 people on the national waiting list for a life-saving heart, kidney, lung, kidney, pancreas, liver, intestines or a combination of these organs. The need for transplantable organs greatly outweighs the number of available organs, which is one of the reasons donor registration is so important.

Here are some important facts about donation:
•20 people die each day awaiting a transplant
•Every 10 minutes another person is added to the organ waiting list
•Only 3 in 1000 people die in a manner that allows them to become organ donors
•1 organ donor can save up to 8 lives
•1 organ and tissue donor can save and/or enhance up to 100 lives

In the spirit of this day of observance of the benefits of life-saving gifts, National Donor Day is a great time to have a caring conversation with loved ones to inform them of donation wishes. This is important, because in Arkansas, family members cannot override a registered Arkansan's intent to donate organs.

This National Donor Day, ARORA sends its sincere thanks to all hospital donation partners for their support of ARORA's mission to restore lives through the recovery of organs and tissues for transplant, and for encouraging Arkansans to "Save 8. Donate." by registering to become donors.

BCMC Participates in American Heart Association's Little Hats, Big Hearts™

WARREN, Ark. (2/1/19) - This month Bradley County Medical Center is providing small red knit caps to new babies and their families. The caps are thanks to the American Heart Association's Little Hats Big Hearts program. Along with a knit cap for the new baby, parents will receive information about the importance of starting healthy habits at a young age. The initiative is in connection with the Children's Heart Foundation and locally sponsored by Delta Dental of Arkansas.

Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect of babies born in the United States, impacting eight in every 1,000 babies. Volunteer knitters across the state provided the crochet and knit caps.

"Heart disease is 80 percent preventable - and the best way to do that is by teaching children heart-healthy habits as early as possible. We are truly grateful for our volunteer knitters, our hospitals who are distributing the hats, and for Delta Dental of Arkansas for supporting this wonderful cause," says Joyce Taylor Executive Director of the Central Arkansas American Heart Association.

In addition to BCMC, facilities in Little Rock, Batesville, Benton, Camden, Hot Springs, Jonesboro, Mena, Newport, Paragould, Russellville, Searcy, El Dorado, Pine Bluff, Monticello, Stuttgart, Mountain Home, and Conway are also participating in the program.

Little Hats, Big Hearts™ started in Chicago in 2014. From just 300 little hats in the first year, the program has now embraced hundreds of thousands of babies across more than 40 states.

About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

About the Children's Heart Foundation
Established by Betsy Peterson in 1996, The Children's Heart Foundation (CHF) is the country's leading national organization solely committed to congenital heart research funding. CHF is a national 501(c)(3) tax‐exempt charitable organization, whose mission is to fund the most promising research to advance the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of congenital heart defects. Since 1996, CHF has funded millions of dollars of research across the U.S. and Canada. For more information, please visit: www.childrensheartfoundation.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Bradley County Medical Center Receives National Recognition for Performance Leadership in Outcomes from NOSORH

Recently, as part of the celebration of National Rural Health Day, Bradley County Medical Center announced it has been recognized by The Chartis Center of Rural Health and the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) for overall excellence in Outcomes, reflecting top quartile performance among all rural hospitals in the nation.

"I am very pleased with the work that the staff at BCMC has done in order to be recognized for overall excellence in Outcomes," CEO Steve Henson said. "We continually strive to improve ourselves in order that we may better serve our communities and this is a fine example of our commitment."

BCMC was one of just five hospitals in Arkansas to receive the recognition for overall excellence in Outcomes from the organization.

The Performance Leadership Awards are determined each year using iVantage Health Analytics' Hospital Strength INDEX®, the industry's most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging data from public data sources, the INDEX aggregates data from 50 rural-relevant metrics across eight pillars to derive a single overall percentile rating for all Critical Access Hospitals and Rural & Community Hospitals. The Performance Leadership Awards spotlight top performance in the areas of Quality, Outcomes and Patient Perspective.

"National Rural Health Day provides the ideal opportunity to spotlight the power of rural and recognize those facilities excelling in Quality, Patient Satisfaction and Outcomes," said Michael Topchik, National Leader, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. "We're thrilled to partner with NOSORH on this program and commend this year's recipients who are working diligently to provide quality care within their communities."

About NOSORH
The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) was established in 1995 to assist State Offices of Rural Health in their efforts to improve access to, and the quality of, health care for America's 61 million rural citizens. NOSORH enhances the capacity of SORHs to do this by supporting the development of state and community rural health leaders; creating and facilitating state, regional and national partnerships that foster information sharing and spur rural health-related programs/activities; and enhancing access to quality healthcare services in rural communities.

About The Chartis Group
The Chartis Group® (Chartis) provides comprehensive advisory services and analytics to the healthcare industry. With an unparalleled depth of expertise in strategic planning, performance excellence, informatics and technology, and health analytics, Chartis helps leading academic medical centers, integrated delivery networks, children's hospitals and healthcare service organizations achieve transformative results. The Chartis Center for Rural Health (CCRH) was formed in 2016 to offer tailored services, performance management solutions, research and education to rural hospitals and facilities. Learn more at Chartisrural.com.

It's National Nurse Practitioner Week! (Nov. 11-17)

Get to Know April Harris, APRN

1. Where are you from and what high school did you attend?

I am from Warren, Arkansas and Graduated from Warren High School.

2. Where did you attend college and what degrees did you obtain?

I am a graduate of the University of Arkansas-Monticello with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing.

I graduated from Walden University with a Master's of Science Nursing (Family).

3. What drew you back to the Bradley County/Warren area?

When you are born and raised in a town like Warren you visit many places but you soon realize there is no place like home and the people there!!!!

4. Why did you decide to become a nurse practitioner?

Becoming a nurse practitioner has always been my goal, and I just knew that this is what I was meant to become in life.

5. What is the most rewarding part of being a nurse practitioner?

The most rewarding part of being a nurse practitioner being able to help those you can and comfort those you can't.

6. What do you consider the most important aspect of your job?

I believe the most important aspect of my job is fellowship with my patients.

7. Anything else you'd like to share for Nurse Practitioner Week?

With each and every day I learn something new. I don't know everything but I am eager and willing to learn.
Happy Nurse Practitioner Week to my partner Kristen and everyone!!!
"Sometimes I inspire my patients; more often they inspire me." - Unknown

Get to know Kristen Harvey, APRN

1. Where are you from and what high school did you attend?

I was raised and currently reside in Monticello with my husband, Alex and our 2 children, Hudson (9) and Hadleigh (5). I graduated from Monticello High School.

2. Where did you attend college and what degrees did you obtain?

I completed my Bachelor's Degree as a Registered Nurse at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and obtained my Masters of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner through Simmons College.

3. What drew you to the Bradley County/Warren area?

I love being a part of a small community. I am excited to be involved with a new clinic that has great potential to grow and serve locally. Coming from Monticello (Who has always rivaled with Warren in football), I have been welcomed with open arms by everyone!

4. Why did you decide to become a nurse practitioner?

I am passionate about healthcare and helping others. As a nurse, I was interested in advancing my career but not losing the 1-on-1 patient interaction. Becoming a Nurse Practitioner has allowed me to advance my knowledge and clinical skills while still providing hands on patient care!

5. What is the most rewarding part of being a nurse practitioner?

The most rewarding part for me, is when I know I have made a positive influence in someone else's life.

6. What do you consider the most important aspect of your job?

Listening.

Providing the safest and most effective care guided by my knowledge and research, on a patient individualized basis.

7. Anything else you'd like to share for Nurse Practitioner Week?

Favorite Quote:
"The Best Way to Find Yourself is to Lose Yourself in the Service of Others" Mahatma Gandhi

Kristen's office hours are Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the BCMC Family Care Clinic across the street from the hospital.

American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging Statement on Radiation Received to the Thyroid from Mammography

Concern that the small amount of radiation a patient receives from a mammogram may significantly increase the likelihood of developing thyroid cancer simply is not supported in scientific literature.

The radiation dose to the thyroid from a mammogram is extremely low. The thyroid is not exposed to the direct X-ray beam used to image the breast and receives only a tiny amount of scattered X-rays (less than 0.005 milligray). This is equivalent to only 30 minutes of natural background radiation received by all Americans from natural sources.

For annual screening mammography from ages 40-80, the cancer risk from this tiny amount of radiation scattered to the thyroid is incredibly small (less than 1 in 17.1 million women screened). This minute risk should be balanced with the fact that thyroid shield usage could interfere with optimal positioning and could result in artifacts - shadows that might appear on the mammography image. Both of these factors could reduce the quality of the image and interfere with diagnosis.

Therefore, use of a thyroid shield during mammography is not recommended. Patients are urged not to put off or forego necessary breast imaging care.

Nurses Honored with DAISY Award

Nurses at Bradley County Medical Center were honored with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses ®. This award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day. The Award at Bradley County Medical Center is co-sponsored by generous donations. Initial funding was provided by the facility. The program is maintained through generous support from donors, to include a large donation from an anonymous donor, from committee members, from the Employee Council, and from Yankee Candle Sales.

All individuals, who had received nominations for The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses ® since its inception here at Bradley County Medical Center, were honored at this ceremony. BCMC began taking nominations in the Fall of 2017. The following individuals received nominations: Jean Rhodes, Laci Dalton, Dana Sawyer, Devin Hargrave, Kim Langford, Summer O'Conner, and Laci Dalton.

Four nurses were chosen to receive The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses ®. Awards were given for the fourth quarter 2017, the first, second, and third quarters of 2018 with the honorees being Dana Sawyer, Summer O'Conner, Jean Rhodes, and Laci Dalton. Each honoree received a certificate commending her for being an "Extraordinary Nurse." The certificate reads: "In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people." The Honoree will also be given a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer's Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa.

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

Nurses were nominated by patients, families, and colleagues. The nominations were blinded and voted on by the DAISY Committee. Committee members include: Katrina Hammock, Ruthie Griffin, Joyce Lephiew, Tammy Deal, Stephanie Slaughter, and Laci Dalton. Cheryl Wells, serves as DAISY coordinator. The nominations were graded based on set criteria, a numeric value was assigned based on this criteria, and awards were determined based on score. The committee members voted. The process was overseen by the DAISY coordinator.

This is one initiative of The DAISY Foundation to express gratitude to the nursing profession. Additionally, DAISY offers J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects, The DAISY Faculty Award to honor inspiring faculty members in schools and colleges of nursing, and The DAISY in Training Award for nursing students. More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org.

BCMC Welcomes New Chief Nursing Officer

Sarah Tucker was named as the Chief Nursing Officer for Bradley County Medical Center in May 2017. As CNO she is responsible for clinical oversight for nursing practice throughout the medical center and for business and administrative functions related to the nursing departments.

Ms. Tucker began her career in healthcare in 1991 in a rural hospital as a unit coordinator. She earned a degree in nursing from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 1992. Upon graduating, she moved to a staff nurse role on a medical surgical unit. She has subsequently served in the role of charge nurse, house supervisor, case manager, Director of Nursing and Chief Clinical Officer in a Critical Access Hospital. She has extensive experience in all clinical settings within rural hospitals, as well as physicians' clinics and home health. In addition, she has worked in both hospice and long term care.

Sarah is a lifelong resident of Drew County. She enjoys reading, working in her yard and is an avid college football fan. Her passions in life are nursing and family. She and her husband are proud parents of 7 children and 8 wonderful grandchildren. She can be reached at stucker@bcmed.org.

Certified Nurse Manager and Leader

October 5, 2016 - BCMC along with The America Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) is proud to announce that Tiffany L. Holland has earned the designation of Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML). The CNML is a national credential that distinguishes an individual as being among the elite in a critical role of nurse manager.

To earn the CNML, an individual must satisfy eligibility requirements that incorporate a blend of work experience and education, agree to adhere to Professional Standards of Conduct, and pass the CNML examination. The CNML examination tests knowledge required of a competent nurse manager professional in the areas of financial management, human resource management, performance improvement, and strategic management and technology. The CNML Program supports the community of nurse manager professionals and is designed to provide an objective and rigorous assessment of professional knowledge and competence.

Tiffany has been employed at BCMC since 2006. She worked as a staff nurse in the Emergency Department and then the Point of Care Contact prior to accepting the position of Chief Nursing Officer in 2013.

American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography®

September 23, 2016 - Leanna Williams, BSDMS RT(R), RVT, RDMS(AB)(OB)(BR) has been an employee of BCMC for over 11 years and has recently met the rigorous qualifications for breast ultrasound certification by the premier credentialing organization for sonography professions, the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography® (ARDMS).

Achievement of this certification acknowledges Williams's personal achievement of a highly recognized professional standard of excellence along with communicating her commitment to patient care and safety. ARDMS certifications represent the highest level of proficiency in the medical imaging modality of sonography (ultrasound) testing. She is also registered in abdominal, obstetrical & gynecology, and vascular ultrasound as well as radiologic technology (x-ray).

Greater Delta Alliance for Health - Stroke Education and Prevention

The Greater Delta Alliance for Health, a non-profit organization, is comprised of ten South Arkansas Delta hospitals, with Bradley County Medical Center being on of them. All ten hospitals participate in the AR SAVES stroke program. This valuable association reflects the GDAH's belief that by empowering local health care providers through education and resources, patients will get the proper help they need - when they need it the most.

Would you know what to do if you or a loved one were to have a stroke? Click Here to learn the risk factors and warning signs of a stroke and to also watch a short video on the subject.

Hospital Compare Data

Bradley County Medical Center ranks 4 out of 5 stars according to the National Hospital Compare Data which was recently updated on July 27, 2016. Follow the link below to view the full report for Bradley County Medical Center:
BCMC 2016 Hospital Compare Report

2016 Newborn Screening Conference

The PKU newborn screening is required by federal law. It is a blood specimen collected when the baby is 24 hours old. Our goal is to submit all PKU's to Arkansas Department of Health in Little Rock such that testing can begin within 48 hours of collection. The goal of the total turnaround time of test completion is 10 days. The PKU test detects various congenital metabolic disorders which are extremely serious if left undetected and therefore untreated.

"In 2013, nationwide data targeted the need for scrutiny of this process. At that time, we established a log book tracking each specimen. We monitor when the specimen is collected, when it is taken to our local Health Unit for delivery to Little Rock by courier, when it is received at ADH in Little Rock, and when the report is received from Little Rock. We monitor our performance and Arkansas Department of Health monitors our performance as well." - Patti Kremers, MT (ASCP) SC, Laboratory Director

Both the Labor & Delivery/Nursery and Laboratory departments received a Certificate of Achievement for "reaching 100% Newborn Screening Specimens submission rate 2 out of 5 months between January 2016-May 2016" as well as "significant improvement of Newborn Screening Specimens submission rate between January 2016-May 2016" at the 2016 Screening Conference that was held in Little Rock, Arkansas on June 9, 2016.

The Labor & Delivery/Nursery department also received a Certificate of Excellence in "Infant Hearing Program Quality Improvement".

BCMC Home Health Agency Receives Patient Satisfaction Award of Distinction

The Patient Satisfaction Award of Distinction is presented annually to home health organizations subscribed to Fazzi's Patient Satisfaction Service that have demonstrated superior performance in overall patient satisfaction results. These national best practice agencies are proven leaders and have placed in the top 25% of Fazzi's patient satisfaction national database based on a comparative analysis of overall satisfaction. Congratulations to BCMC HHA for receiving this distinguised award!

BCMC Chief Executive Officer Named Greater Delta Alliance for Health's Chairman

The Greater Delta Alliance for Health, Inc. (GDAH) is a non-profit, horizontal hospital network governed by the Chief Executive Officers of the following hospitals in the southeast quadrant of the State of Arkansas: Ashley County Medical Center, Baptist Health-Stuttgart, Bradley County Medical Center, Chicot Memerial Medical Center, Dallas County Medical Center, Delta Memorial Hospital, DeWitt Hospital & Nursing Home, Drew Memorial Hospital, Jefferson Regional Medical Center, and McGehee Hospital. This unique network is the largest healthcare service provider in the area with participating sites and rural residents located in Arkansas, Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Dallas, Desha, Drew and Jefferson Counties. Together, the GDAH will continue to expand, nurture and resource programs throughout the Alliance Service Area.

Rex Jones, CEO of Bradley County Medical Center, was recently named GDAH Chairman. Jones began his career in executive leadership positions in both For-Profit and Not-ForProfit hospitals in Kansas and Oklahoma, earning his MBA from the University of Phoenix along the way. Jones was elected NE Region Chair for the Oklahoma Hospital Association, was appointed to positions on the Councils of Rural Health and Education and elected Charter President of the Okmulgee County Wellness Coalition, a successful community health alliance. "I have always been committed to community health and wellness," he said. Jones has been successful in assisting hospitals return to financial viability and as CEO of Okmulgee Memorial Hospital in Oklahoma he recorded four straight years of profit after fifteen years of negative margins. Since stepping in as CEO of BCMC in September 2013, he has reduced the loss in operations from .3 million to 0,000 and is working diligently to cut that figure even more. But Jones said it's equally important to "never lose focus on the mission of providing care to all members of the community." That compassionate attitude extends to staff members, one of whom said, "He is always there to listen with genuine concern and offers great advice when needed. He is involved with the employees, has made great changes for BCMC and is a big supporter of our community projects."

Jones' support for the community and its healthcare will continue in his role as Chairman of the GDAH, who have stated that the organization is privileged and honored to have him leading the way as they continue their work to provide a better healthcare system in the Arkansas Delta.

To see what else is going on in the GDAH, CLICK HERE

Two Nurses Receive Recognition As Certified Lactation Counselors

Kristina Morrison, RN, L&D/Nursery Manager and Elizabeth Lawson, LPN have received recognition as Certified Lactation Counselors. This CLC credential signifies that the holder has demonstrated the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes to provide breastfeeding counseling and management support to families who are thinking about breastfeeding or who have questions or problems during the course of breastfeeding/lactation. CLCs are dedicated to the promotion, protection, and support of breastfeeding and human lactation in their work to prevent and solve breastfeeding problems. They understand that breastfeeding works best when it is the cultural norm and when the provider of lactation support and services is culturally competent. Obtaining the CLC credential is a way of demonstrating knowledge and skills in lactation management.

Bradley County Medical Center offers breastfeeding classes and support. Contact Krissy at (870) 226-4328 for more information and available classes.

January 2016 - American Hospital Association Highlights Bradley County Medical Center in "Ideas & Innovations" Publication

The American Hospital Association has chosen Bradley County Medical Center for inclusion in its 2016 edition of "Community Connections: Ideas & Innovations for Hospital Leaders." The annual publication features case examples from across the country on how hospitals and health systems are improving community health. It is distributed nationwide to hospital CEOs as a way to inspire initiatives and spark dialogue. Only two programs from each state and Washington, D.C., are selected every year, qualifying for one of four categories: Access and Quality, Health Behaviors, Socioeconomic Factors, or Physical Environment. Bradley County Medical Center was included in the Socioeconomic Factors section. To view the 2016 case example booklet and read the Bradley County Medical Center case study, CLICK HERE (we're featured on page 26).

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