RENOWN NEWSROOM

Donors, Orvis School of Nursing at University of Nevada, Reno and Renown Health create history by awarding tuition assistance to 29 nursing students and creating a future academic and career pipeline. The University of Nevada, Reno has officially begun its yearlong sesquicentennial celebration (October 2023 and through October 2024). Today, a celebration was held as donors, Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno Orvis School of Nursing awarded 29 nursing students with tuition support as part of the Gerald “Jerry” Smith Academic-Practice Partnership established with the Renown Health Foundation. The Practice Partnership is named in honor of the late Jerry Smith of the Nell J. Redfield Foundation and supported by a generous lead gift from the Redfield Foundation and Stephanie Kruse, owner of KPS3 and chair of the Renown Health Foundation Board as they work to create a sustainable nursing workforce in northern Nevada for years to come. Kruse made a generous planned gift to the Renown Health Foundation and the Renown Nursing Excellence Endowment Fund. This was the lead gift for the endowment, after a significant cash gift to the Nursing Education Fund last summer. Kruse of Reno was recently awarded the prestigious 2023 Trustee of the Year Award from the Nevada Hospital Association for her exceptional leadership; professional excellence; outstanding achievements; innovative accomplishments and extraordinary compassion in caring for the community. The Gerald “Jerry” Smith Academic-Practice Partnership recipients receive funding for tuition, books, and nursing fees, along with a guaranteed career in nursing with Renown Health following graduation and license obtainment. Eligible University of Nevada, Reno Orvis School of Nursing students, Nevada residents and those committed to working at Renown for at least three years post-graduation who are interested in applying for the tuition support can find the application in Canvas, University of Nevada’s learning management system. “Despite steady growth in the number of new nursing graduates from Nevada nursing programs and registered nurses moving to Nevada from other states, our state is in need of additional registered nurses simply to meet the increased population growth and demand,” noted Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO of Renown Health. “The daughter of a nurse and a former nurse herself, Stephanie understands the importance of attracting and retaining nurses within our healthcare systems. Stephanie has made a significant and lasting contribution by helping to train and grow the next generation of nurses and we so appreciate her service, and her many contributions to Renown and our community.” "Since our University first welcomed students to classes in 1874, the institution has been a place where dreams can be realized for the good of all. We are incredibly grateful for the Gerald ‘Jerry’ Smith Nursing Academic-Practice Partnership,” Brian Sandoval, President, University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) said. “The tuition support not only impact the lives and dreams of the nursing students being honored today, but positively influences the overall health of our community by ensuring that excellent healthcare professionals stay right here in northern Nevada.” “Jerry Smith had a strong belief in community collaboration, and we are beyond proud that this partnership is named in his memory. He would be thrilled to see the impact these gifts are having on these nursing students today,” said Greg Walaitis, Chief Development Officer for Renown Health Foundation. “Stepanie Kruse works tirelessly to improve access to better health and human services, and she is now encouraging others to join the fight by donating to the Gerald “Jerry” Smith Academic-Practice Partnership fund at Renown to help fund additional tuition assistance and support nurse education for our state. Her goal is to be able to provide full support to each of the 192 students in the Orvis School of Nursing program each year.” According to a white paper published by the Nevada Health Workforce Research Center (the Center) in December 2022, analysis by the Center revealed persistent, widespread health professional shortages in Nevada. Despite steady growth in the number of new nursing graduates from Nevada nursing programs and registered nurses moving to Nevada from other states, the Center estimated that Nevada currently needs over four thousand additional registered nurses simply to meet the national population-to-RN average. The partnership allows the Orvis School of Nursing to expand its graduating classes by 8 additional students a year. “At Renown, we take pride in placing an emphasis on education and career development. Partnering with the Orvis School of Nursing to create an academic pipeline is imperative for addressing the nursing shortage in Nevada,” said Melodie Osborn, Chief Nurse Executive at Renown Health. “Renown Health and the Orvis School of Nursing’s collaboration has been longstanding, and accomplishing this milestone reaffirms our partnership and our long legacy that both organizations have to nursing and education.” In addition to announcing the Practice Partnership, the Orvis School of Nursing has merged the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program with the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. This merger has expanded the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program from 72 students to 96 students admitted twice per year. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program now admits a total of 192 students in the program each year. “We are excited to be accepting our first class of Gerald “Jerry” Smith Academic-Practice Partnership nursing students and to be increasing the number of nursing students who can enroll in the Orvis School of Nursing’s BSN program,” said Cameron G. Duncan, Interim Dean of the Orvis School of Nursing. “It’s integral for nursing students to get hands-on experience in an environment that places an emphasis on quality and excellence, which is why we’re proud to collaborate with Renown Health. We are so appreciative of Stephanie and the generous donors who will make education possible for students who might otherwise not be able to pursue a career in nursing.” Founded in 1864, Washoe County Hospital (which later became Renown Health) was the first hospital to open after Nevada became a state and is now the state’s largest not-for-profit healthcare organization and #1 hospital in Nevada (US News & World Report). Founded in 1956, the Orvis School of Nursing (OSN) is the oldest school of nursing in the state and committed to serving the healthcare needs of the people of Nevada through excellence in teaching, research, and service. In 2021, Renown Health affiliated with the University of Nevada Reno, School of Medicine creating the state’s first integrated health system. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 associates, 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 is currently hiring great physicians, nurses and associates for careers in service; apply at renown.org/careers and volunteers to assist patients and their families at renown.org/about/volunteers. About University of Nevada, Reno The University of Nevada, Reno, is a public research university that is committed to the promise of a future powered by knowledge. Nevada’s land-grant university founded in 1874, the University serves 21,000 students. The University is a comprehensive, doctoral university, classified as an R1 institution with very high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Additionally, it has attained the prestigious “Carnegie Engaged” classification, reflecting its student and institutional impact on civic engagement and service, fostered by extensive community and statewide collaborations. More than $800 million in advanced labs, residence halls and facilities has been invested on campus since 2009. It is home to the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, and Wolf Pack Athletics, maintains a statewide outreach mission and presence through programs such as the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Small Business Development Center, Nevada Seismological Laboratory, and is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Through a commitment to world-improving research, student success and outreach benefiting the communities and businesses of Nevada, the University has impact across the state and around the world. For more information, visit unr.edu.

Read More About Celebrating More Than 150 Years of Nursing, First Nevada Hospital and Nursing School Award First Jerry Smith Student Tuition Support

Most Wired Hospitals Use Technology to Deliver Better Patient Care & Experience. The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) has released their coveted Digital Health Most Wired Survey results for 2022, recognizing Renown Health with Most Wired status. Among the more than 38,000 organizations surveyed by CHIME, Renown Health ranked above peers in categories like analytics and data management, population health, infrastructure and patient engagement. The survey assessed the adoption, integration and impact of technologies in healthcare organizations at all stages of development, from early development to industry leading. Renown Health earned a Most Wired level 7 (of 10) achievement for use of technology for better patient care and patient experience in both CHIME’s acute and ambulatory surveys. This is Renown’s sixth consecutive year on CHIME’s Most Wired list, and Renown is the only healthcare organization in Nevada recognized with this prestigious award. “New and emerging technologies have transformed healthcare in recent years,” says Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO of Renown Health. “We are proud that our physicians, nurses, clinicians, and employees continue to be nationally recognized for their efforts to implement clinical systems and digital health tools to improve care for patients. Improving care through advances in technology and IT systems allows us to realize meaningful outcomes including increasing patient access to healthcare services, improving patient experience, and reducing costs across the entire system.” “To care for all those we serve, Renown’s IT team has open discussions and collaboration with care providers to think creatively and strategically about how to deploy advanced technologies that enable the best clinical outcomes for our patients,” says Chuck Podesta, Chief Information Officer, Renown Health. “Renown’s proactive approach to technology supports our mission– and is one of the many elements that set our organization apart. We are honored by CHIME’s recognition of our teams and processes to better care for patients.” “When clinicians have instant access to the information that they need to make care decisions; patients benefit,” says Sarah Kramer, MD, Chief Medical Information Officer, Renown Health. “Our technology investments include a single, unified electronic medical record system that spans all major hospital areas including inpatient, outpatient, emergency, intensive care, and surgical units. Having a single digital electronic medical record for our patients makes it possible for an entire team of clinicians across the continuum of care able to review a patient’s chart without needing to request that a physical chart be transported to them, which can take time and resources and sometimes delay care decisions. Our automated medical record system allows the right information to flow to our clinicians when and where they need it, ensuring safe and effective care. Patients also have ready access to all their medical information through the MyChart ® smartphone app, and are able to self-schedule for mammograms and lab appointments, message their primary care providers and refill medications as needed.” “The medical record is not the only area that benefits from an infusion of health IT,” says Melanie Morris, MSN, RN, Director of the Renown Transfer and Operations Center (RTOC). “Renown is pleased to serve as a model of coordinated patient care for the nation. Similar to how air traffic controllers manage traffic in and out of airports, the Renown Transfer and Operations Center (RTOC) team sees a birds-eye view of what’s happening with patients across our entire integrated delivery system. Having access to real-time information is critical because every action we take is tied to improving the health and well-being of our patients. Time and accuracy are always of the essence, and this Center drastically improves the efficiency of the entire Renown Health system.” Success in digital health increasingly determines the quality of patient care, and the scope of the CHIME Digital Health Most Wired survey reflects the progress of leading healthcare providers as they reinvent healthcare for a new century. The survey and recognition program serves as a comprehensive digital health checkup for healthcare organizations worldwide. “We are proud to honor your team’s exceptional dedication to excellence in digital health,” said Russell P. Branzell President and CEO, CHIME. “Your pioneering performance in the industry inspires other organizations by example. Patients in communities around the world receive better care when you drive change through digital transformation, as you have proven through your success in this rigorous program.” About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevada's largest, 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 locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in a community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®.  About CHIME The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) is an executive organization dedicated to serving chief information officers (CIOs), chief medical information officers (CMIOs), chief nursing information officers (CNIOs), chief innovation officers (CIOs), chief digital officers (CDOs) and other senior healthcare IT leaders. With more than 5,000 members in 58 countries plus two U.S. territories and over 190 healthcare IT business partners and professional services firms, CHIME and its three associations provide a highly interactive, trusted environment enabling senior professional and industry leaders to collaborate, exchange best practices, address professional development needs, and advocate the effective use of information management to improve the health and care in the communities they serve. For more information, please visit chimecentral.org.

Read More About Renown Health Honored with 2022 Digital Health Most Wired Award

Get to know Renown’s new CEO in his letter to employees and care providers. Today marks Dr. Brian Erling’s first day as Renown Health’s President & CEO. Dr. Erling sent the following letter and this video to Renown’s employees and care providers. We are pleased to share it with our community. Hello! Today marks my first day as your Renown Health President and CEO, so I thought I would kick off the occasion with a note. Throughout the interview process, I have been beyond impressed with the passion and purpose demonstrated by all who I have met, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the warm welcome that we have received. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you, but it may take some time to get to all 7000 of you, so I thought I would share some information not included in the initial announcement. A bit about where I come from and what I believe, which informs how I approach leadership. Healthcare has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Minnesota and started my healthcare career as a nursing assistant during high school, and then as a monitor tech during college. After medical school and training, I went on to spend the next dozen years in the ED of a Level I trauma center in west Denver. I met my wife, Jessica, while attending medical school in Baltimore. She was working as a nurse in the surgical ICU and I was smitten. I offered to help her with a 3 am turn and bed linen change for our trauma patient, and the rest was history. We have three kids ages 17-22. I may wear a suit, but first and foremost I am a husband, father, clinician and a caregiver. Over the last 20+ years, I have worked my fair share of nights, weekends, and holidays, and I know the sacrifice you and your families make to care for our community. I will never take it for granted. I have been the sole provider covering a busy night shift, and I know that the trust and collaboration with your immediate team matters more than anything I am putting in this email. In fact, being part of a high performing, mission-driven team is my number one motivation. It’s what gets me up in the morning and why I work in healthcare. I have provided clinical leadership for a large, regional health system and understand that quality, safety, and innovation comes from the people doing the work, not from a corporate office. But you also need strong managers and leaders to facilitate and prioritize the work, and to provide support and inspiration. I view our greatest resource to be our people (each of you). Fancy robots, imaging equipment, etc. are essential, but they are not why our patients choose us. They come for your brand of hometown, trusted care. I am very excited about the new partnership with Renown and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. While still in its infancy, it provides the platform for us to be the center for training, research, and tertiary care for the region (and beyond). Most health systems would love to have their own health plan. The reality is that you cannot meaningfully improve the health of the population without managing value and risk. We are fortunate to have Hometown Health as part of Renown Health, and in our community, and I am excited to work with them to fulfill the mission of the organization. I have worked in for-profit and not-for profit healthcare. Renown is unique in the market as the only nonprofit health system in the market. What that means is that we invest every penny earned back into caring for our community. We don’t send money to shareholders in California or Pennsylvania, we invest it right here in Nevada. That is the kind of organization that I want to work for and where I want my family to get care. Some of you may have noticed that healthcare leaders have an impressively short half-life. I recall not being terribly impressed with one of our hospital leaders early in my career, and one of my senior partners told me to “just wait, he’ll be gone in a year or two.” She was correct. In fact, I had five CEOs in the time I was practicing in Denver. It’s difficult to create and move an organization toward a unified vision when your leader changes every few years. As my track record will support, this is not my style. I have been in Colorado for over twenty years and now look forward to making Reno and Renown my home for years to come. We are in an unprecedented time in healthcare, as all U.S. health systems are experiencing skyrocketing expenses and insufficient revenue growth. Renown is not immune to these pressures, but we are well positioned in the market to weather the storm. By focusing on continuous clinical and operational improvement, Renown will continue to set the gold standard for community health system performance. I appreciate you taking the time to read this message. I look forward to meeting with and learning from all of you. When you see me in the hallway or out and about, please come up and say hello. The work we do is hard, but I try to make it fun when I can, and I definitely like to play hard outside of work. I have been snowboarding the Rockies for the last 20 years and am excited to ride some new trails. When I see you around, let me know if you have some favorite terrain to recommend. Here, at your side, and ready to FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT! Brian Erling, MD, MBA President & CEO, Renown Health About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, locally 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 locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®.

Read More About New CEO of Renown Health, Dr. Brian Erling, Shares Thoughts With Physicians And Colleagues on His First Day

Two pediatric gastroenterologists bring life-saving care to kids and make Renown their new home The Renown Children’s Hospital team and our community is celebrating the addition of a new life-saving pediatric specialty to its practice serving children and families in northern Nevada. Parents and guardians will now be able to seek professional pediatric gastroenterologist care with the addition of Drs. Juan Gregory and Kathleen Holland to Renown Medical Group. “Recognizing the importance of diagnosing and caring for children who have conditions that affect the organs in the digestive system, including the stomach, liver and bowel, while also helping children who have issues feeding and eating, is critically important to us at Renown,” said Kristina Deeter, MD, MBA, FAAP, Chair of Pediatrics, University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) and Physician-in-Chief, Renown Children’s Hospital. “Both Drs. Gregory and Holland are superb clinicians, we are excited to have them join Renown Children’s Hospital to offer pediatric gastroenterology services, including a wide range of complex and vital procedures and screenings, endoscopies and colonoscopies.” Juan Carlos Gregory, MD, has 18 years of experience caring for children in northern Nevada. He is a clinical associate professor of pediatrics at UNR Med with a special interest in celiac disease, abdominal pain, and gastroesophageal reflux in children. Gregory earned his undergraduate degree at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX before completing his medical training, including a residency in pediatrics at the University of San Diego in Pediatrics and fellowships in Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at both Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC, and at the National Institutes of Health, Digestive Disease Section in Bethesda, MD. He is board-certified in Pediatric Gastroenterology and speaks Spanish. Kathleen Holland, MD, MPH brings a global health perspective to her work caring for children. A graduate of the University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) with her medical doctorate and her master’s in public health with a social and behavioral health emphasis, she has donated her skills to providing international medical relief for children in Uganda and Nicaragua. Holland earned her undergraduate degree at University of Nevada Reno in Biology, Health Ecology and Healthcare Ethics before completing her medical training and residency in Pediatrics and a fellowship in Pediatric Gastroenterology at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, IN. Her research and scientific interests include vaccination rates and family barriers among children with inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s and colitis, pediatric autoimmune pancreatitis, and cystic fibrosis. How Pediatric Gastroenterologists Help Children and Families The Pediatric Gastroenterology Program at Renown Children’s cares for children experiencing common GI-related problems of childhood; nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, reflux, colic, milk protein allergy, poor growth and feeding difficulties, and sees patients from infancy to 18 years old. “As specialists in the care of children with gastrointestinal and liver problems, we focus on the diagnosis and treatment of these issues,” said Larry Duncan, MD, Vice President of Pediatrics and Surgery & Administrator of Renown Children’s & Women’s Services. “Our physicians play an active role in teaching and research. We have several areas of expertise including prevention, diagnosis and treating disease of the digestive tract including the esophagus, gallbladder, stomach, pancreas, colon, small intestine and liver disease.” Special expertise includes: Pediatric feeding and growing disorders Aerodigestive disorders Food and hypersensitivity disorders Inflammatory bowel disease Celiac disease Liver diseases Children requiring parenteral and enteral nutrition Renown Children’s Hospital is the only dedicated children’s hospital in northern Nevada, offering programs and services for families from a 100,000 square mile area, from Sacramento, CA to Salt Lake City, Utah. Renown Children’s provides the area’s only Children’s Emergency Room, Pediatric ICU (PICU), children’s imaging center and the largest neonatal ICU (NICU), a level III intensive care unit. Specialty Children’s Care at Renown Today, over 90% of families in northern Nevada seek care from the experts at Renown Children’s Hospital. “We are so grateful to the William N. Pennington Foundation for its support in establishing the William N. Pennington Fund for Advance Pediatric Care in 2016, which allowed us to hire our first 15 pediatric specialists,” said Dr. Deeter. “Today we have over 40 pediatric physician specialists at Renown Children’s Hospital who provide care in adolescent medicine, pediatric endocrinology, pediatric hematology/oncology, pediatric pulmonology, pediatric neurology, pediatric nephrology, pediatric infectious diseases, pediatric ophthalmology, pediatric orthopedic surgery, pediatric cleft and craniofacial surgery, pediatric urology, pediatric dentistry, pediatric emergency medicine, and now, pediatric gastroenterology. Our clinicians provide 30,000 patient visits annually, offering an exceptional level of care. The Pennington gift is truly a gift that keeps giving to the families in our area.” Now Being Constructed: Expanded Inpatient Care at Renown Children’s Hospital New construction of an expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with increased capacity to 49 bassinets, an expanded Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with increased capacity to 16 private patient and family rooms, and a new Renown Children's Hospital inpatient floor with increased capacity for 38 private patient and family rooms for a total capacity of 58 pediatric beds are currently being constructed on Tahoe Tower, Level 5 of Renown Regional Medical Center. It is expected that the new units will open to patients and families in April 2023. In the most recent US News & World Report Best Hospital rankings, Renown Regional Medical Center was named as the number one hospital in Nevada. No other hospitals in the state met their stringent standards for the 2021 rankings. Renown Health is High Performing, its highest rating possible, in eight procedures and conditions including Heart Failure, Colon Cancer Surgery and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement. A hospital's score is based on multiple data categories, including patient outcomes, safety, and volumes. Hospitals earning a High Performing rating were significantly better than the national average. Renown Medical Group is an in-network provider for Hometown Health and other health plans. Drs. Gregory and Holland are pleased to see new patients at their location at the Renown Children’s Subspecialty Clinic inside Renown Regional Medical Center at 75 Pringle Way, Suite 505, Reno, Nev. Ask your pediatrician for a referral to a medical specialist when further evaluation of a particular issue is necessary. About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, 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 locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in a community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®.  About UNR Med The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), Nevada’s first public medical school, is a community-based, research-intensive medical school with a statewide vision for a healthy Nevada. Since 1969, UNR Med has trained more than 3,900 students, residents, and fellows. UNR Med continues to improve the health and well-being of all Nevadans and their communities through excellence in student education, postgraduate training and clinical care, research with local, national and global impact and a culture of diversity and inclusion. For more information, visit med.unr.edu.

Read More About Tummy Trouble? Renown Children’s Hospital Adds Another New Specialty, Pediatric Gastroenterology

Healthcare physician CEO with 20 years of experience to lead northern NV’s largest health system on Nov. 14, 2022 Renown Health has selected Brian Erling, MD, MBA, as the health system’s next CEO and president, effective November 14, 2022. Dr. Erling is a seasoned healthcare executive with over 20 years of experience leading teams in diverse healthcare settings, including locally governed, not-for-profit hospitals and integrated health systems; physician practices; publicly traded healthcare companies; and private equity-backed healthcare ventures Dr. Erling is a former healthcare executive with Centura Health in Denver having served since 2016 in positions of increasing and major responsibility, including Chief Medical Officer, Senior Vice President & Chief Clinical Officer and most recently as President & CEO of Penrose-St. Francis Health Services which represents the Colorado Springs market for Centura Health and includes Penrose Hospital, St. Francis Hospital, and St. Francis Hospital-Interquest slated to open in July 2023. During his tenure, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer, responsible for providing clinical leadership to 17 hospitals and 21,000 caregivers. A highly experienced emergency medicine physician, Dr. Erling has long been a leader in quality improvement and is a Baldrige Executive Fellow through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Dr. Erling also oversaw a partnership between Penrose-St. Francis Health and the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs through the William J. Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center, a first-of-its-kind facility, designed with intentional collaboration spaces for student and faculty education and research that opened in 2020. Prior to joining Centura Health, Dr. Erling served as President of the Alliance Group, a subsidiary of Envision Healthcare. He was also a founding partner of the Apex Emergency Group, PC in Denver and has served as the Denver medical director for American Medical Response. Dr. Erling received his Bachelor of Science in biology from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa; his Medical Doctorate from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore; and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Colorado in Denver. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Dr. Erling is board certified through the American Board of Emergency Medicine. “Dr. Erling is a collaborative and relational leader who brings a depth of experience to Renown Health and to our community. He is a healthcare executive focused on clinical quality and safety, an approachable servant-leader who inspires others with emotional intelligence and relationship skills; and a seasoned strategist with experience and discipline around healthcare operations, finance, and a proven ability to advance performance,” said Adam Kramer, chair of Renown Health’s Board of Directors. “Dr. Erling has the exceptional leadership skills, experience, background, vision and a commitment to Renown’s mission, values, and culture. We are happy to have Dr. Erling leading Renown Health and know he, his wife Jessica and family will be warmly welcomed to our northern Nevada community.” “I am so excited to be joining Renown Health at this important time. Healthcare and our economy are in the midst of a major transformation, and Renown Health is very well positioned for the future,” Dr. Erling said. “Our ongoing success will hinge on our ability to establish positive and productive relationships, maintain high-quality patient clinical outcomes and experiences, reduce healthcare costs, encourage innovation and improve access and affordability for patients and members.” Dr. Erling will assume the full duties of president and CEO on November 14, 2022. Dr. Thomas Graf, who has served as interim CEO and Sy Johnson MBA, who has served as interim president, will both work with Dr. Erling to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities. Dr. Graf will continue to serve as Chief Clinical and Quality Officer for Renown Health and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. Sy Johnson, MBA, will continue to serve as Chief Operations Officer and Chief of Staff for Renown Health. Dr. Erling and his wife Jessica have three adult children and enjoy making the most of the great outdoors. About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 6,500 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 locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in a community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®.

Read More About Brian Erling, MD, MBA, Named President & CEO Of Renown Health

Annual Election Period for Medicare beneficiaries to enroll or change health insurance Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 It only happens once a year – more than half a million Medicare beneficiaries in Nevada get to decide during the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, if a Medicare Advantage plan is best for their medical needs. Residents of Washoe, Carson City, Clark and Nye counties have the opportunity to enroll in one of the plans offered by Senior Care Plus®, a Medicare Advantage Plan from Renown’s Hometown Health, which offers $0 premium plans with a variety of benefits, including worldwide emergency care, low prescription drug costs and is the only Medicare Advantage plan accepted by Renown Medical Group physicians, and offering full access to the Renown Health hospital network named “Best in Nevada” by US News & World Report for the last two years. “As the only not-for-profit health plan in northern Nevada, Senior Care Plus® is more than just a Medicare Advantage Plan; we are your partner for better health and wellbeing,” says Bethany Sexton, CEO of Hometown Health. “We regularly ask our members how we can help them in their journey to health and wellness, and our team works throughout the year to make continuous improvements to our plans. That’s why we are excited to announce new cost-saving health benefits that will be included in the 2023 Senior Care Plus® Medicare Advantage Plan." For 2023, Senior Care Plus® members will enjoy access to Renown physicians, services, and hospitals as well as new benefits including comprehensive dental services, free telemedicine visits for dermatology needs, free annual hearing exams and low-cost hearing aids and home medical equipment including blood sugar test strips, oxygen equipment and supplies, CPAP sleep apnea machines and home infusion supplies. There’s also a program that rewards Senior Plus® Medicare Advantage members for participating in healthy activities. During a time where inflation is impacting families across the country, reducing out-of-pocket expenses is just one of the ways Senior Care Plus® is encouraging their Medicare members to continue seeking the quality medical care they need and deserve. CJ Bawden, Senior Director of Government Programs at Hometown Health, elaborates on what sets Senior Care Plus apart from other Medicare Advantage Plans on the market, “At Senior Care Plus®, we are member obsessed. Annual Enrollment time can be a stressful time for those navigating the Medicare programs available to them. What makes Senior Care Plus different from other programs is that we are local, just like our members. Customer support and resources are right here in our community,” said Bawden. “We are also pleased to have a Renown Medical Group practice and medical providers devoted exclusively to offering expert care to Senior Care Plus® Medicare Advantage members at Del Monte Lane in Reno, adjacent to the Rancharrah complex,” says Dr. Derek Beenfeldt, Medical Director, Hometown Health. “Senior Care Plus members who choose to make Renown Medical Group - Senior Care - Del Monte their primary care facility enjoy same-day appointment access; longer appointment times; geriatric-focused providers and on-site Personal Assistants." Medicare beneficiaries and Medicare eligible seniors can prepare for the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period by visiting medicare.gov. This website, operated by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), allows beneficiaries to compare health and drug plans so they can make an informed decision about their coverage. Prospective members can also take advantage of Senior Care Plus specific resources like free educational seminars or a one-on-one in-person meeting with an Enrollment Specialist, who can assist members in completing paperwork and ensuring you have the right medical coverage in place, for calendar year 2023. Questions are answered with live-person telephone hours between 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday at toll free number at 800-336-0123 or local number at 775-982-3232. Informacion en espanol at 775-982-3242, TTY Relay Service 711. For details about Senior Care Plus® benefits or Medicare’s Annual Election Period, visit SeniorCarePlus.com or call 775-982-3158. About Hometown Health Established in 1988, Hometown Health is northern Nevada’s only locally-owned, not-for-profit health insurance company. Providing wide-ranging medical coverage and great service to members, Hometown Health represents a philosophy of health care that emphasizes active partnerships between members and physicians. Hometown Health values prevention as a key component of comprehensive care - reducing the risks of illness and helping to treat small problems before they can become more severe. Hometown Health offers a number of insurance products including HMO, PPO, HSA, Dental, Vision, Individual and Family, and Senior Care Plus, northern Nevada’s first Medicare Advantage Plan. For more information, call 775-982-3000 or visit hometownhealth.com. About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, locally 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 locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®.

Read More About Medicare’s Annual Election Period Begins Oct. 15

Experienced physician executive Dr. Thomas Graf named interim Today, the Renown Health Board of Trustees, led by Adam Kramer, announced that Dr. Tony Slonim’s tenure has ended as president and CEO of Renown Health. Thomas R. Graf, M.D., FAAFP will now serve as interim Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Graf will assume the title and authority of CEO in addition to his current role as Chief Clinical and Quality Officer at Renown, and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs for University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. Sy Johnson, MBA, Renown’s current Chief Operating Officer has been promoted to interim President and COO. Following the completion of a thorough investigation of concerns raised to the Board of Directors, the Board determined that Renown Health, its patients and staff required new leadership. Accordingly, Dr. Slonim has been terminated with cause as CEO of Renown Health. Mr. Kramer announced the transition today by writing, “a new direction and leadership is needed given the critical work ahead. I have complete faith in Dr. Tom Graf and Sy Johnson, and their senior leadership teams, who already oversee health care system operations, and will help ensure a smooth transition.” Dr. Graf will work in collaboration with Sy Johnson, MBA, interim President and Chief Operations Officer and an experienced team of healthcare executives, to lead Renown to achieve its strategic and operational goals. Kramer added, “For more than 160 years, Renown has provided health care that is affordable, accessible and of the highest quality for our community. This commitment continues as our 7,000 health care heroes continue doing what is most important, and what we do best - caring for our community.” Dr. Graf will continue to fuel Renown’s transformation to a value-based care organization, help advance technologies to enhance the patient experience, and collaborate with providers in Renown Medical Group, acute care hospitals, and through the Western Clinical Alliance clinically integrated network, accountable care organization and affiliation with UNR Med. Graf is a highly accomplished physician executive who has led health care and insurance organizations as well as a national consulting firm. A family medicine physician, researcher and academic, Dr. Graf has focused on driving quality improvement to lower the total cost of care. He has developed and published on care models that have delivered measurably better results for quality, cost, and experience in a variety of venues. He has practiced in an integrated delivery system, with over a decade at Geisinger (PA), as well as clinically integrated networks and accountable care organizations. He also has worked with a number of academic medical centers through his consulting work with The Chartis Group. Dr. Graf adds, “My goal is to produce greater value for the patient by delivering care that is of highest clinical quality. Renown has a national reputation for delivering excellent care using approaches that are creative, innovative and maximize technology, and I look forward to engaging physicians and administrators in an agenda that supports this vision. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the great progress that Renown Health is making in becoming the best place to practice medicine and to receive care. I am excited to join this journey of transformation to value- based care, and to serve patients, clinicians and our community.” Sy Johnson has led Renown Health hospital and network operations for almost seven years, most recently as Chief Of Staff / Chief Operating Officer and formerly as Renown’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining Renown, Mr. Johnson served as CEO, Senior Vice President and as Chief Financial Officer for Peace Health in Vancouver, Washington, and in senior management with Arthur Andersen & Co and KPMG. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally 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 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 Renown Health Board Announces CEO Transition

Renown recognized for using advanced technology to improve health and care in the community The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) announced that Renown Health has earned the 2021 CHIME Digital Health Most Wired recognition as a certified Acute Level – 7 and Ambulatory Level - 7. The CHIME Digital Health Most Wired program conducts an annual survey to assess how effectively healthcare organizations apply technology to improve health and care in their communities.  Renown Health was the only health care system in Nevada to make this year’s list, ranking alongside other national health leaders including UCLA Health, Scripps, Sharp, Stanford, Geisinger, Johns Hopkins, Yale New Haven and Intermountain Health.  “We are proud of our national reputation as an innovator in implementing new technology and systems of care to improve the health of our patients and the community,” said Tony Slonim, MD, D.Ph., President & CEO. “With our incredible IT team and partners, we are transforming care and demonstrating value in a way that appeals to patients and helps clinicians improve outcomes and reduce costs. Through Renown’s technology, thousands of people a day now choose the physician that’s best for them at renown.org; have an online video visit with their doctor from their laptop; self-schedule a mammogram or refill medications through the MyChart app; book ahead for an Urgent Care visit, and may receive hospital-level clinical monitoring in the comfort of their own homes through the Renown Transfer and Operations Center.” “Digital transformation in healthcare has accelerated to an unprecedented level since 2020, and the next few years will bring a wave of innovation that empowers healthcare consumers and will astound the industry,” said CHIME President and CEO Russell P. Branzell. “The Digital Health Most Wired program recognizes the outstanding digital leaders who have paved the way for this imminent revolution in healthcare. Renown’s trailblazing commitment to rapid transformation has set an example for the entire industry in how to pursue a leadership vision with determination, brilliant planning and courage to overcome all challenges.”  Speaking on the Wall St. Journal podcast, The Journal on Friday, Dr. Slonim described how Renown Health is one of the first institutions in the nation to provide hospital-at-home technology. Through the new Renown Transfer and Operations Center, physicians, nurses and care coordinators are able to monitor upwards of 1,000 hospitalized and lower acuity patients in their homes, making care more affordable and convenient.  “This state-of-the-art facility helps ensure seamless care for patients and providers across northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California,” said Sy Johnson, Chief of Staff at Renown. “Through this highly coordinated care logistics system, Renown is now able to deliver the right care, at the right time and place across the integrated delivery system. This system is enabling providers to provide care closer to home, in lower-cost ambulatory, outpatient surgical and skilled nursing settings- instead of the hospital, and to deliver a sizeable portion of care to patients- where they want to be- in their homes.” Bernard, a remote-home monitoring patient, provides a Thank You and Congratulations to the Renown team in a video here.  “Our teams are excited to partner with clinicians to adopt technologies that improve the delivery of care, across the entire Renown Health enterprise,” said Chuck Podesta, Chief Information Officer. “We have optimized clinical workflows so that our clinicians receive timely alerts and can quickly respond to patient needs. As a team, we are honored to receive this prestigious award for technology that enables us to provide safer, more effective and more efficient care for patients and our community.” In addition, the Renown website is now one of the most advanced in the country, with over 2.2 million visitors over the past year.  Renown also achieved the highest-ever rating for its use of the Epic electronic medical record system – seven stars.  A total of 36,674 organizations were represented in the 2021 Digital Health Most Wired program. The surveys assessed the adoption, integration and impact of technologies in healthcare organizations at all stages of development, from early development to industry leading.     About CHIME The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) is an executive organization dedicated to serving chief information officers (CIOs), chief medical information officers (CMIOs), chief nursing information officers (CNIOs), chief innovation officers (CIOs), chief digital officers (CDOs) and other senior healthcare IT leaders. With nearly 3,400 members in 55 countries and over 150 healthcare IT business partners and professional services firms, CHIME provides a highly interactive, trusted environment enabling senior professional and industry leaders to collaborate, exchange best practices, address professional development needs and advocate the effective use of information management to improve the health and care in the communities they serve. For more information, please visit chimecentral.org. About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital rankings, Renown Regional Medical Center was listed #1 in the State of Nevada. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to improve the care and the health of our community. 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 Renown Health Tops 2021 Most Wired List for Digital Innovation, Technology and a Better Patient Experience

Flatbed concert by power house group Jelly Bread set to commemorate this monumental gift from the Robert and Dorothy Keyser Foundation. Renown Health Foundation announced today that the LOVE sculpture, a one-ton, welded aluminum artwork with letters 10-feet tall and eight-feet wide, has found a permanent home at Renown Regional Medical Center’s main entrance thanks to a donation from the Robert and Dorothy Keyser Foundation. To celebrate, Renown has partnered with Carson City’s Brewery Arts Center to bring music to the people of 89502with a flat bed concert by the nationally-touring band and Jelly Bread. The concert will be tonight from 5-8 p.m. and the truck will stop at various locations near the LOVE sculpture, playing feel-good, urban sounds of funk and rock. See the official concert route here and attached.    “Since April and the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the LOVE sculpture has been a powerful source of hope, inspiration and determination for our community,” said Blake Smith, chair of the Keyser Foundation. “Now, we can’t imagine the entrance of the hospital without it. We are happy that the incredible piece of art will continue shining a bright light while spreading warmth and comfort to all who care for those in our hospitals, patients and families, and those who pass by.” Blake Smith will be at the LOVE sculpture today from 11 a.m. – noon to speak on the Keyser Foundation’s donation. A Renown spokesperson will also be available to speak on the evening’s traveling flatbed concert festivities. Members of the media are invited to the LOVE sculpture tonight at 5 p.m. to cover the concert.    The LOVE structure was originally slated to be on display at Renown from April 16-July 16 as part of a partnership with local non-profit, Artown. However, because of the generosity of the Keyser Foundation, the sculpture will remain in its current location, clearly visible to employees, physicians, patients, families and vehicular and pedestrian traffic along the Mill and Ryland Street corridors.    Dr. Tony Slonim, president and CEO of Renown says, “Purchasing the LOVE sculpture to stay on our Regional Medical Center campus was an incredible act of love demonstrated by our former Renown Board Chair, Blake Smith and the Keyser Foundation— a love for our community, a love for those fighting for their health and a love for those fighting to keep our community safe. This piece of art has already inspired so many and comforted those in need during such a notable time in our nation’s history. I encourage everyone to experience this wonderful gift to our community.”   To celebrate the sculpture’s new home, Jelly Bread will play an upbeat musical set on a traveling flatbread truck, sharing the love with nearby neighborhoods and parks—beginning and ending at the LOVE sculpture.  “We are extremely grateful to Blake Smith and the Keyser Foundation for bestowing a gift our entire community can enjoy,” said Renown Health Foundation’s chief development officer, Greg Walaitis. “Since the concept of love and music are harmonious, we can’t imagine a better way to celebrate this gift than with a community-wide flatbed concert by a band that exudes positivity, and of course, LOVE.” Debuting at Burning Man in 2019, the LOVE sculpture was created by artist Laura Kimpton and fabricated by Jeff Schomberg. Over the years, the duo has collaborated to create 18 letter-based sculptures—including the popular BELIEVE and HOME, which are located in Reno and OINK and MOM pieces, which have been featured around the world.  Renown believes that healthcare and the arts work hand-in-hand to help heal the mind, body and soul. Displays of visual art and musical performances can be observed at Renown locations throughout the region, year-round.  Ways to Support the Arts at Renown Health: Make a gift at renown.org/give Call Renown Health Foundation at 775-982-5545 Mail a check to Renown Health Foundation, 1155 Mill St., O2, Reno, NV 89502 Venmo: @RenownFoundation     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 Iconic Love Sculpture to Make Permanent Home at Renown

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+

Renown Health, in keeping with its mission, vision and values and the organization’s long-standing commitment to addressing the social determinants of health, today announced its support of $145,000 to 55 nonprofit organizations with projects aiming to increase the presence and participation of women, racial and ethnic minorities, LBGTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people of low socioeconomic status, and other underrepresented groups. “Improving the health of our community is the foundation of our work. Our mission, vision and values are the essence of what makes us Renown. We are committed to fostering an environment of diversity, inclusion and cultural competence where all are appreciated, fully engaged and motivated to make a genuine, positive difference in the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve,” said Tony Slonim, MD, D.Ph., Renown’s President & CEO. Annie Zucker, manager of community impact at Renown adds, “Social determinants of health have a major impact on health outcomes—especially for the most vulnerable populations. I am proud that Renown, as a not-for-profit healthcare organization, considers social determinants of health to enable more compassionate and comprehensive healthcare for the patients and families we serve.” The following organizations applied for and were awarded Diversity and Inclusiveness financial grants today from Renown Health:   Urban Roots   Diversity and Inclusion in the Garden Sierra Nevada Ballet  Free BOYS ONLY BALLET  Eddy House Eddy House- Children's Cabinet (EHCC) Outreach Boost   Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum  The Discovery's Cultural Competence Learning Institute    Communities In Schools of Western Nevada   CIS of Nevada Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Change Team  Dress for Success Reno -   Northern Nevada Professional Women's Group  Nevada Elite Wrestling  Nevada Elite Girls Youth Wrestling  Arts for All  Nevada Artist in Residency Program   Community Health Alliance  Conveying CHA Values in New Employee Orientation   Forever 14  Empowering Teens to Go Above & Beyond Experiential   Spread The Word Nevada  Building Home Libraries- Diversity, Culture & Inclusion  Head Injury Association of Northern Nevada  Physical Fitness Training for Traumatic Brain Injured Survivors  Urban Lotus Project  Urban Lotus Project - Service Staff Training Program   The Zawadisha Fund  We Are Change Makers   Tyler Robinson Foundation  Family Financial Grant Program   Note-Able Music Therapy Services    Improving Cultural Responsiveness & Organizational Diversity Achievement Beyond Obstacles - Reno-Sparks Rotary District 5190  Achievement Beyond Obstacles Leadership Academy  Nevada Volunteers   Inclusion Begins with Removing Language Barriers  Special Olympics Nevada  Special Olympics Nevada  Awaken   The Awaken Drop-In Center Nevada Humanities  Democracy and the Informed Citizen: An Online Salon Series   Nevada Gay Men's Chorus  Happy Holiday's, a Welcome Back Concert  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada   General Mentoring Program High Sierra Industries,  Inc . X-treme Ability Challenge  Junior League of Reno  Safe Embrace Children's Playroom  ReDirect Youth Outreach  ReDirect Youth Outreach & Boxing   Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada  Positive Action for Low-Moderate Income Youth   Domestic Violence Resource Center Domestic Violence Resource Center American Cancer Society Nevada HPV Cancer Prevention Collaborative Reno Cancer Foundation Reno Cancer Foundation under served population grant Pinocchio's Moms on the Run Pinocchio's Moms on the Run Temple Sinai Reno Access for All Sierra Arts Foundation Road Maps The All Of Us Project Reno-Sparks Negro Business & Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. Reno-Sparks Negro Business & Professional Women's Club Sierra Nevada Journeys Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Community Needs Assessment Sierra Nevada Journeys Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Community Needs Assessment Reno Little Theater Reno Little Theater- IDEA Grant Reno Little Theater Reno Little Theater- IDEA Grant High Fives Nonprofit Foundation Peer Mentorship Program High Fives Nonprofit Foundation Peer Mentorship Program Nevada Diabetes Association Changing Outcomes for Young Adults  Nevada Diabetes Association Changing Outcomes for Young Adults  Sky Tavern Sky Tavern Ability Sports Day Sky Tavern Sky Tavern Ability Sports Day Reno Bike Project Future Cycle Tu Casa Latina Outreach to Underserved Communities Sierra Association of Foster Families CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS WITH HEALTHY BODIES! Women and Children's Center of the Sierra Regrouping and Moving Forward during the Pandemic Ridge House, Inc. Health Literacy & Recruitment of Underrepresented Groups Alzheimer's Association Latino Outreach/Spanish Speaking Caregiver Support Group On Common Ground -at-Home Kits for the Heart of Community Program On Common Ground Cook-at-Home Kits for the Heart of Community Program University Studies Abroad Consortium Renown Health Diversity & Inclusion Study Abroad Scholarship University Studies Abroad Consortium Renown Health Diversity & Inclusion Study Abroad Scholarship University of Nevada, Reno Foundation Building Inclusivity through Recovery Collaboration University of Nevada, Reno Foundation Building Inclusivity through Recovery Collaboration University of Nevada, Reno Foundation Northern Nevada Latino Health Assessment University of Nevada, Reno Foundation Northern Nevada Latino Health Assessment Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada Feeding the Hungry Reno Sparks NAACP Northern Nevada Minority Health Symposium Sierra Kids Foundation Sierra Kids Foundation ACCEPT Positive Action & Health Education Risk Reduction for HIV.AIDS Northern Nevada Literacy Council Empowerment through Literacy and Education Scholarship United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra Equity Learning Community Nevada Volunteers Inclusion Begins Removing Language Barriers     Renown Health issued a request for proposals on June 18 and had anticipated funding 8 organizations. The employee Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee was impressed by the community response and Dr. Tony Slonim, president and CEO, chose to support all 55 applications. He notified all not-for-profit agency leaders today in a virtual meeting. Members of Renown Health’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee include: Mitch Harper, Gretna Canterbury Amber Marraccini, Rebecca Doheny, Sean Savoy, Savanah Gonzalves, Jen Walker, Barbara Mader Scherrer, Kristy Cahoon, Katie Mercer, Kara Martinezmoles, Julia Page Hensen, Annie Zucker, Meghan Meagher, Michelle Hernandez, Vivian Cruz, Mary-Ann Brown, Julia Miod and Heather Bridges. As non-profit hospitals, Renown must meet community benefit requirements to qualify for tax-exempt status, this includes funding programs that respond to public health needs and improve overall community health.     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 Renown Awards Grants to 55 Area Organizations Addressing Diversity and Inclusiveness

Panda donates 26,000 masks, cash donation and Orange Chicken Love to local healthcare heroes. Renown Health Foundation announced today that Panda Express®, through its philanthropic arm Panda Cares, has donated 26,000 personal protective masks to healthcare workers as part of the American Chinese restaurant brand’s ongoing commitment to supporting medical professionals on the frontlines of Reno, Nevada. “At Panda, we are deeply appreciative to Renown Children’s Hospital and thank every staff member for their heroic work to serve those in need, especially the children and families in our community. We hope that these donations not only provide physical support but also encouragement to continue to fight the good fight!” said Peggy Cherng, co-CEO and co-founder of Panda Restaurant Group. “These heroic men and women continue to dedicate their lives to save the loved ones of others, and we are honored to contribute in this way and provide some comfort and care during this difficult time. Thank you to our guests’ generosity to make these donations happen—we are stronger together, as one community. ”With shortage of masks in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, this donation fulfills an essential need to ensure the health and well-being of the hospital staff and their patients. The Panda Express donation includes: 26,000 Surgical Masks $30,000 Cash Donation - to be used exclusively to purchase PPE 200 hot Panda Express® meals for frontline healthcare heroes serving the COVID-19 units Renown Children’s is the only dedicated children’s hospital in northern Nevada, offering emergency pediatric care, programs and services for families from a 100,000 square mile area, from Sacramento, CA to Salt Lake City, Utah. Renown Children’s provides the area’s only Children’s Emergency Room, Pediatric ICU (PICU), children’s imaging center and the largest neonatal ICU (NICU), a level III intensive care unit. “Led by a team of 22 pediatric physician specialists, Renown Children’s clinicians provide over 50,000 patient visits annually, offering an exceptional level of care to help families. As a testimony to the community’s confidence in the care provided, and our generous donors, we now care for 9 out of 10 children right here at home, in northern Nevada. Formerly, families had to travel out of our area to receive pediatric specialty care,” said Larry Duncan, Vice President of Pediatrics and Surgery & Administrator, Renown Children's Hospital. “We thank the co-CEOs and co-founders of Panda Express Andrew and Peggy Cherng and all of the Panda associates for their fundraising and this generous and important donation. We are prepared- always, to care for our community and our children. We are very grateful for our long-term partnership with the local Panda Express restaurant team, who are always there for us,” said Tony Slonim, MD, D.Ph., president and CEO, Renown Health. Since the partnership began with local Panda Express restaurants in 2007, funds raised in support of Renown have provided almost a half-a-million dollars in support to benefit patients and families at Renown Children’s Hospital, including: Giraffe Omni-beds for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Ultrasound machine for the Children’s ER; Panda warmers and an Accuvein machine which locates the veins beneath the skin’s surface; Child Life Program to support sick patients and families; Meeting room in the Children’s Specialty Center; In-kind donations, volunteer time and support of local events such as the University of Nevada- Reno, Wolf Pack Dance Marathon. “We are very fortunate to have such generous partners like Panda Express. They truly want to help our patients and their families, as well as our pediatric healthcare teams. They’ve been working with Renown Health Foundation to support Renown Children’s Hospital for several years and have inspired us with their generosity and willingness to help children,” said Greg Walaitis, Chief Development Officer, Renown Health Foundation. “It also comes at the time when children across the country are at risk for COVID-19 and a new condition called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). This is serious illness whereby different body parts become inflamed and the child requires admission to a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. MIS-C is a serious condition, even deadly occasionally, but most children who were diagnosed with this condition have gotten better with medical care. The exact cause of MIS-C is still being investigated, but we know that many children with MIS-C had a COVID- 19 infection, or had been physically close to someone with COVID-19. As we too are dealing with these new medical challenges, we value community support and this donation from Panda Cares is most appreciated,” said Max J. Coppes M.D., Professor & Nell J. Redfield Chair of Pediatrics, Physician-in-Chief, Renown Children’s Hospital. Ways to Support Renown Children’s Hospital Make a gift at renown.org/give Call Renown Health Foundation at 775-982-5545 Mail a check to Renown Health Foundation, 1155 Mill St., O2, Reno, NV 89502 Venmo: @RenownFoundation     About Panda Express® On a mission to inspire better lives, Panda Express, home of American Chinese comfort food, is the largest Asian dining concept in the U.S. Family-owned and operated since 1983 by co-founders and co-CEOs Andrew and Peggy Cherng, Panda Express is best known for creating a wide variety of industry-first recipes, including its best seller the Original Orange Chicken® and award-winning Honey Walnut Shrimp, which have defined the category of authentic American Chinese cuisine. Each dish at Panda Express, including the Wok Smart® selections, is thoughtfully crafted with quality ingredients and inspired by bold Chinese flavors and culinary principles. The restaurant brand has more than 2,200 locations throughout the U.S. and has introduced American Chinese cuisine to more than ten international countries. Powered by this global family of associates, Panda Cares, the organization's philanthropic arm, has raised more than $212 million and countless volunteer hours in bettering the health and education for over 12 million youths as well as supporting communities in need since 1999. In 2020, Panda established the Panda Cares Scholars Program to provide the necessary funding, academic support and leadership development to help high school and college students learn, lead and thrive towards a bright future. For more information, visit pandaexpress.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.   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 Panda Express Donates PPE and Orange Chicken to Renown Children's Hospital