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Renown Health's Public Relations Team
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Renown Health's public relations team supports media partners in finding experts on diverse health care topics. In addition, we provide information and answer all questions regarding Renown. We look forward to working with you.

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    We follow regulations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) for all patients, including patients of public interest. HIPAA regulations specify which information may and may not be released without authorization from a patient.

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    Media inquiries require correct spelling of the patient's first and last name.

     

    Definitions of "Condition" used by Renown Health

    When describing a patient's condition, we can only release the following patient statuses:

    Good - Vital signs such as pulse, temperature and blood pressure are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious, comfortable and there are no complications.

    Fair - Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and alert although may be uncomfortable or in pain and may have minor complications.

    Serious - Vital signs may be unstable or outside normal limits. The patient is acutely ill or injured and may have major complications.

    Critical - Vital signs are unstable or outside normal limits. There are major complications.

    Note: "Stable" is not a condition.

Press Releases

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    • Saturday, Jul 11, 2020

    Sterling Silver Club Hosts Virtual Stretching Lecture for 55+

    Renown Health Physical Therapist Dr. Kelly Winkel leads virtual event to connect adults through basic stretching exercises and helpful movement strategies to aid in healthy aging.   To help our 55+ community experience the many benefits of stretching, Renown’s Sterling Silver Club is hosting a free, virtual Rise & Shine Stretches lecture on Wednesday, July 15 from 10-11 a.m. During the live event, Kelly Winkel, doctor of physical therapy for Renown Physical Therapy, will teach attendees the basic principles of exercising as we age and provide a demonstration of gentle stretching and stabilizing exercises to help start the day. She will also share her expertise on some of the common ailments we develop as we age and offer tips for overcoming those ailments.  This virtual event will be hosted via Microsoft Teams. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP online or call 775-982-7787. A dial-in option is available for individuals who don’t have access to a computer.   “A good morning stretching routine puts the body in motion and has the power to set the tone of your entire day,” said Dr. Winkel. “Plus, stretching becomes even more important as we age and our range of movement lessens and we wake up with more aches and pains. Improved flexibility, balance, muscle control and a reduced risk of injury are just a few of the wellness benefits of routine stretching, all contributing to a healthier lifestyle. There is no better way to start your day than with a few tried-and-true stretches.”  Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable workout attire and sturdy shoes so they can try the exercises out with the group. They are also invited to ask for clarification or a modification if needed.  Anyone over the age of 55 is invited to join Renown’s free Sterling Silver Club, created to help people live healthy, happy lives every day. The Club is a program of the Renown Institute for Healthy Aging. Members enjoy exclusive benefits all designed with their interests in mind. From social events and lectures to entertainment, special discounts, and health insights and tips, this club is a place for community members to shine and embrace the joys of healthy aging. While the Sterling Silver Club is not currently hosting in-person events during this time, it is hosting educational talks like this one to help aging adults stay healthy through its online channels.  “The last few months have been difficult for many older adults as they stay indoors with little to no in-person contact with their loved ones,” said Tori DellaRocca, who oversees Renown’s Sterling Silver Club loyalty program. “The need to stay connected is more important now than ever. It has been a joy giving our members something to look forward to- a chance to learn, ask questions and share their stories. Seeing everyone tune in from their homes has been a powerful reminder that we truly are all in this together.”      For more information on upcoming virtual events from Renown’s Sterling Silver Club and to sign up, please visit www.renown.org/SterlingSilver.      About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally owned and governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown’s institute model addresses social determinants of health and includes: Child Health, Behavioral Health & Addiction, Healthy Aging and Health Innovation. Clinical institutes include: Cancer, Heart and Vascular Heath, Neurosciences and Robotic Surgery. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org.

    Read More About Sterling Silver Club Hosts Virtual Stretching Lecture for 55+

    • Friday, May 01, 2020

    Renown Resumes Medically Necessary Surgeries in Phased Approach

    Health System Follows Governor’s Announcement to Resume Necessary Surgeries on May 11, Remains Ready for Possible COVID-19 Surge. Renown Health announced today that they will align with the Governor’s Office and the state Medical Advisory Team in adopting a phased-in approach to resume limited medical and surgical procedures under strict guidelines and lift temporary restrictions due to the COVID-19 virus. The decision follows yesterday’s release of Governor Sisolak’s “Nevada United: A Roadmap to Recovery,” a plan designed to move forward to safely restart Nevada under a “new normal.” The health system will begin a phased approach to scheduling non-high risk patients as soon as Monday, May 4 for necessary surgeries beginning on Monday, May 11, 2020. “We’re able to resume some surgical services due to the flattening of the COVID-19 surge curve and the low COVID-19 transmission rate within our community due to the implementation of strong social distancing practices,” said Tony Slonim, MD, D.Ph., President and CEO, Renown Health. He added, “Our primary concern will always be the health and safety of our patients, physicians, healthcare employees and community members. We continue to monitor the surge curve and our current situation. Until a vaccine or cure is found, Renown Health remains prepared at all times to handle a surge and continues to care for those across northern Nevada.” “Elective-optional” procedural cases were temporarily postponed at Renown hospitals on March 17, to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to preserve critical resources.  Christopher P. Demers, MD, FAANS, Managing Partner at Sierra Neurosurgery Group and Medical Director of Neurosurgery at Renown, said, “I know how important surgery is to enhancing a patient’s quality of life. I am privileged to have the opportunity to perform surgeries that help people get back to doing the activities they love. We are guided by a simple and important principle: the patient always comes first.” “This is excellent news for so many patients who may have placed their surgeries and care plans on hold due to COVID-19,” said Christos Galanopoulos, MD, chair, department of surgery for Renown Medical Group, and a specialist in oncologic surgery. “Renown’s expert team is ready to deliver safe and effective care to all patients and has earned recognition as the region’s leader in patient safety, technology and specialized care,” said Galanopoulos. “We are proud of the incredibly detailed health and safety measures in place at Renown.” Health and safety protocols in place at Renown facilities include: All individuals entering Renown sites, including team members, are screened for COVID-19 symptoms; Patients scheduled for elective procedures will be tested for COVID-19 up to 5 days prior to scheduled procedure date. Patients will remain in isolation following the test, up to the time of surgery. Positive COVID-19 patients and symptomatic patients will not be scheduled for elective surgery. All individuals entering Renown sites are asked to don a cloth mask. Patients may bring their own mask or may opt to wear one supplied by Renown. All care team members wear surgical masks and protective eye wear, as well as other necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), at all times when caring for patients. Visitor restrictions are still in place. A support person is still encouraged for surgical patients, delivering OB mothers; children under the age of 18; patients with confusion, altered mental status or developmental delays; and end-of-life patients. Six-foot social distances have been established in public areas such as waiting rooms, elevators, cafeterias. Extra cleaning and disinfection is in place for all high-touch, public surface areas. Erik Olson, MHA, Chief Executive Officer of Renown Regional Medical Center adds, “Renown’s mission is to make a genuine difference in the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve. We deliver on this promise by collaborating with expert surgeons to offer general and specialized surgical interventions to alleviate disabilities and reduce the risk of death from traumatic injuries, cancers, cardiovascular disease and other conditions. Together we are dedicated to delivering safe, high-quality, compassionate, personalized health care.” Patients who wish to schedule their elective surgery or outpatient procedure should first contact their appropriate ordering provider. -END- Those interested in supporting Renown’s healthcare heroes are invited to visit www.renown.org/give for more ways on how to help. For up-to-date information on Renown’s approach to keeping our community safe, visit our website at www.renown.org/covid-19/.     About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of the region’s largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org.

    Read More About Renown Resumes Medically Necessary Surgeries in Phased Approach

    • Wednesday, Apr 22, 2020

    The Power of a Phone Call; Renown Health Connects With Community Members 55 and Over

    Renown employees volunteered to reach out to over 2,500 older adults participating in the non-profits’ free Sterling Silver Club. While people of all ages are coping with the challenges of social isolation, there is one group of individuals who may feel especially lonely during these uncertain times—our aging adults. To offer some friendly conversation and answer any questions older adults may have about Renown’s commitment to keeping them safe during the COVID-19 crisis, Renown Health employees are making phone calls to its Sterling Silver Club members. To date, employees have made nearly 1,000 phone calls. Renown is also hosting several virtual events to reach older audiences.  “The human element of connecting with these members is really special,” said Tori DellaRocca, who oversees this loyalty program at Renown. “Many of the people we call live alone and some have no one to check in on them. It has been a pleasure talking to our members; learning more about them and what they’re doing to pass the time, offering ideas to help them stay busy, and assuring them Renown is here to keep them safe. Since launching this campaign back in March, making these phone calls has been a highlight of my day, and I know I’m not alone in feeling this way.”  Anyone over the age of 55 is invited to join Renown’s free Sterling Silver Club, created to help people live healthy, happy lives every day. Members enjoy exclusive benefits all designed with their interests in mind. From social events and lectures to entertainment (virtual for now), special discounts, and health insights and tips, this club is a place for community members to shine and embrace the joys of healthy aging. “I enjoy the lectures,” said Sterling Silver Club member Liz Barnes. “They appeal to my desire to know more and invariably provide an ‘informed’ call to action.” “After the [lecture] on diabetes prevention, I enrolled in the one-year long, Renown-sponsored diabetes prevention program,” said Liz’s husband, Barry. “After the sleep seminar, I changed my bedtime habits.” While the Sterling Silver Club is not currently hosting events in-person, it is hosting educational talks and ways to help aging adults stay healthy through its online channels.  The “Hello Project” is a virtual gathering place for adults 65 and older to focus on health, wellbeing and offer positive social support, made possible by a partnership with Renown Health, Truckee Meadows Healthy Communities and the Washoe County Health District. These virtual gatherings are hosted every Tuesday and Thursday at noon. Community members can learn more here. In addition, the Sterling Silver Club is hosting a Facebook Live event, Is Age Related to Anxiety?, coming up on Tuesday, April 28 from 11 a.m. – noon. During this live event, Renown psychologist Dr. Buddy Coard will discuss the impact of anxiety as we age and what we can do to prevent it from getting in the way of enjoying life. Those interested in attending can RSVP here. “Our members have enjoyed the opportunity to learn from experts in the field of healthy aging as well as connect with their fellow community members,” said DellaRocca. “We’re all in this together, and these virtual events, combined with our phone call efforts, show our older population they truly are not alone.”  For more information on upcoming virtual events from Renown’s Sterling Silver Club and to sign up, please visit www.renown.org/SterlingSilver.      About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of the region’s largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org.

    Read More About The Power of a Phone Call; Renown Health Connects With Community Members 55 and Over

    • Monday, Mar 16, 2020

    Update on Elective Surgical Procedures and Medical Services

    Today, in accordance with recommendations from the U.S. Surgeon General and the American College of Surgeons, the Renown Health Joint Medical Executive Committee decided that effective Tuesday, March 17, surgical cases scheduled at both Renown Regional Medical Center and Renown South Meadows Medical Center, considered to be ELECTIVE-OPTIONAL will be postponed to a later date.  Patients with scheduled ELECTIVE-OPTIONAL surgeries will be called by Renown Health representatives over the next week. Surgeon’s offices will also be reaching out to assist patients with rescheduling their surgeries for a future date.  Elective surgeries that are REQUIRED and not optional will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis daily with the surgeon, patient and a medical leadership review committee at Renown. Your surgeon’s office will be in contact with you with more information about these REQUIRED surgeries This temporary measure will allow Renown’s physicians and staff to enact the emergency preparedness plans they have been developing for weeks to create additional capacity for inpatients and to continue to deliver high quality care during the anticipated surge in COVID-19 cases in northern Nevada. The new guidelines do NOT apply to EMERGENCY surgeries performed in Renown hospitals. There are different types of surgery, this decision impacts Elective-Optional surgeries only. Elective – Optional surgery – Elective surgeries are not usually necessary for the individual to stay in good health. They are non-emergency and planned in advance. A wide range of surgeries can be elective. Most cosmetic surgeries are elective. Other surgeries such as organ donation, scoliosis surgery, tonsillectomies and other minor surgeries can also be considered elective. Required surgery – Surgery which needs to be done in order to retain quality of life. As opposed to urgent or emergency surgery, required surgeries do not need to be performed immediately. Examples of required surgery are kidney stone or tumor removal. Urgent or emergency surgery – When a patient’s condition is life threatening, surgery is considered emergent. Emergency surgeries must be performed immediately, even when the patient is unconscious and cannot give consent. Examples include trauma and appendicitis. Life-threatening conditions can occur during labor and delivery which may require emergency surgery. Other services making changes include: Pulmonary Services and Procedures Renown Health today will begin rescheduling patients scheduled for Pulmonary Function Testing, Outpatient bronchoscopy and patients at Thomas S. Dolan Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Patients who are affected by this change are being called by Renown to reschedule their appointments for Monday, April20, 2020 or later. Starbucks at Renown and Renown Dining Options As with many of the Starbucks around the U.S., the Starbucks at Renown Regional Medical Center will shift to a “to-go” model, with no seating available. The cafeterias at Renown Regional Medical Center and South Meadows Medical Center remain open, will temporarily eliminate self-service options and will add more ‘grab and go’ options. Other Renown Services Remain Open Renown Medical Group offices remain open. Planned imaging procedures such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), mammograms and non-invasive cardiology testing will continue at Renown hospitals and office locations and will NOT be postponed at this time. Patients confirmed for imaging appointments will be contacted prior to their scheduled visits to identify those who may be at higher risk of COVID-19 infection. Renown has expanded access to Teladoc virtual visits, available to all Hometown Health and Senior Care Plus subscribers. For up-to-date information on Renown’s approach to keeping our community safe, visit our website at https://www.renown.org/covid-19/.     About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of the region’s largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org.

    Read More About Update on Elective Surgical Procedures and Medical Services

    • Friday, Feb 01, 2019

    Nationally Recognized Heart Surgeons Join Renown Health

    Two Open-Heart Surgeons and Two Advanced Practitioners Bring Nearly 70 Years of Local Experience. As part of a continuing focus on offering comprehensive care for patients experiencing cardiac and vascular disease across northern Nevada, Renown Health Department of Surgery and Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health have developed Renown’s first division of cardiothoracic surgery dedicated to heart surgery patients. “Today, I am proud to announce cardiothoracic surgeons, Athan Roumanas, M.D., FACS, and Joseph Brandl, M.D., FACS, who have more than 45 years of combined experience caring for northern Nevadans in need of open-heart surgery, will lead this new practice at Renown,” said Anthony Slonim, M.D., Dr.PH., FACHE, President and CEO of Renown Health. “Advanced practitioners Cindy Powers and Ashley White bring another 23 years of expert care to our community and the new division of cardiothoracic surgery.” Dr. Roumanas has 18 years of experience in northern Nevada. He is a clinical associate professor of surgery at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) and currently serves as medical director of cardiothoracic surgery for Renown Regional Medical Center. Since 1991, Dr. Brandl has cared for our region and held numerous positions throughout the community including Renown’s director of cardiac surgery and community adjunct faculty for UNR Med. Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health offers the most highly-skilled and experienced heart and vascular team and the most advanced heart center in the region. Renown has long been the region’s heart care leader – performing the area’s first open-heart surgery, angioplasty, stent and valve replacements decades ago. In 2015, Renown Regional became the first hospital in the region to offer transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), a lifesaving alternative to open-heart surgery for patients considered high-risk or inoperable. Renown is among the nation’s top-performing hospitals for heart attack treatment and one of only 105 hospitals nationwide to receive the American College of Cardiology ACTION Registry Silver Performance Achievement Award recognizing success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients. Additionally, Renown’s Roseview, Sierra and Cardiac Intensive Care Units (ICUs) were the only ICUs in Nevada to receive the Beacon Award of Excellence from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. This distinction is based on sustained unit performance and patient outcomes that exceed national benchmarks. As Reno’s only locally-owned, charitable, not-for-profit integrated health network, Renown continues to meet customer demand for affordable healthcare and enhanced service and access by keeping the highest levels of clinical quality care right here in our community. Patients in need of advanced heart care can speak with their care provider about Renown Medical Group – Specialty Care, which can be reached at 775-982-6270 or visit renown.org/HeartCare.

    Read More About Nationally Recognized Heart Surgeons Join Renown Health

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