RENOWN NEWSROOM

Only hospital in northern Nevada to receive national recognition for patient safety and quality Renown South Meadows Medical Center in south Reno has earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit watchdog organization that serves as a voice for health care consumers and purchasers, using their collective influence to foster positive change in U.S. health care. Leapfrog is the nation’s premier advocate of transparency in health care—collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data to inform value-based purchasing and improved decision-making. This national distinction recognizes Renown Health’s national accomplishments in ensuring safe, high-quality hospital care for patients. The Leapfrog Group is an independent, nonprofit organization that upholds the standard of patient safety in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. Developed under the guidance of a national expert panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,700 U.S. acute-care hospitals twice per year. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries, and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.  Leapfrog sets their standards using peer reviewed literature and expert opinion, peer comparisons, and alignment with existing national standards or performance targets. “We are very proud to recognize physicians, nurses, clinicians and the entire team at Renown South Meadows Medical Center for achieving exceptional Leapfrog performance in Patient-Centered Care, Critical Care, Nursing and Bedside Care for Patients, Patient Safety, Medication Safety, and Care for Total Joint Replacement and Elective Outpatient Surgery Patients,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President and CEO, Renown Health. “As the only locally governed not-for-profit academic healthcare network in the region, Renown’s success is shared with our patients and community. We celebrate and thank our physicians, nurses, and caregivers for their continued dedication to making a genuine difference in the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve.” “Everyone who works at Renown South Meadows Medical Center should be proud of this ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade,” said Leah Binder, president, and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “It takes complete dedication at every level, and an ironclad commitment to putting patients first. I thank Renown South Meadows Medical Center’s leadership, clinicians, staff, and volunteers for caring so deeply for patients and their safety.” “We are proud of our affiliated physicians and teams who give their best every day, to ensure that every patient’s care and safety is their top priority,” said Sam Weller, MHPA, CEO, Renown South Meadows Medical Center. “We recognize that when you choose a hospital, you could be making a life-or-death decision. Not every hospital is the same. Performance on things like infection rates, surgical errors, or patient injuries varies considerably—and matters greatly. It’s important for consumers to know and consider these things when choosing what physicians, hospital, or Emergency Room to select for their care. We are very excited to be recognized as the only hospital to achieve this designation in northern Nevada, and only one of two in the state (the other being in Las Vegas).”   To see Renown South Meadows Medical Center’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org and follow The Leapfrog Group on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) and via The Leapfrog Group newsletter.   The Hospital Safety Grade’s methodology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public. Renown Regional Medical Center received a B score for Fall & Spring 2023. For more information on the Leapfrog Group and the Spring 2023 scores, please visit: hospitalsafetyscore.org. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated health care network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,400 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. For more information, visit renown.org.  About The Leapfrog Group Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps for patient safety. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey and Leapfrog Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Survey collect and transparently report hospital and ASC performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog's other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections. For more, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram and sign up for our newsletter.

Read More About Renown South Meadows Medical Center Earns Highest "A" Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group

Beginning April 29, Renown Pharmacy – Pringle Will Be Open 24/7 Weeks after the only 24/7 pharmacy in Reno-Sparks announced it is no longer open overnight, Renown steps up to fill the community’s need, offering peace of mind knowing that any time, day or night, people can fulfill their essential medication prescriptions at Renown Pharmacy. Renown Health is pleased to announce that beginning on Monday, April 29, Renown Pharmacy - Pringle will expand hours to serve as the only 24/7 pharmacy in the area to serve all customers. The Renown Pharmacy located inside Renown Regional Medical Center will fill a gap left in the community after Walgreens on N. Virginia Street in Reno announced that they will no longer operate on a 24-hour, seven day a week schedule. Renown’s “all-hours, around the clock” pharmacy access will allow patients post-discharge from any area hospital the ability to fill their pharmaceutical prescriptions at any time, along with granting all community members the opportunity to pick up their prescriptions when it is most convenient for them. “We are proud to be able to step up to provide round-the-clock access to essential medications and healthcare services for our growing community, said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO for Renown Health. “We understand the importance of accessibility to medications and healthcare support, especially during times of urgent need. Our decision to operate our pharmacy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, reflects our commitment to serving the needs of our community and ensuring individuals have convenient access to the care they need, day and night.” “We are grateful for the pharmacy service that Walgreens provided the Reno-Sparks area for many years. We are excited that Renown can now provide our community with access to 24/7 Rx care,” said Adam Porath, Pharm.D., BCACP, BCPS, FASHP, Renown Health Vice President of Pharmacy Services. “By offering continuous pharmacy services, we aim to provide peace of mind to our customers and community- knowing that they can rely on us, any time, day, or night, to fulfill their prescription needs and offer professional guidance on medication management. Our talented team of pharmacists and techs are eager to serve our community with the Renown Pharmacy at Renown Regional Medical Center, starting Monday, April 29.” “In times of illness, timely access to medications is crucial for effective treatment and swift recovery. Whether its managing chronic conditions or addressing acute symptoms, adhering to prescribed medication schedules can significantly impact one’s health outcomes,” said Bill Plauth, MD, MMM, CPE, Chief Medical Officer for Renown Health. We believe that by extending our pharmacy hours, we can better support the health and well-being of our community, ensuring they receive care they deserve when they need it most. We invite our people to take advantage of our expanded pharmacy and experience the convenience and reliability of our 24/7 services.” Renown Pharmacy - Pringle is conveniently located on the first floor of Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno. The Renown Pharmacy is near Starbucks and specializes in hard-to-find pharmaceuticals at lower costs, such as certain compound medications not typically stocked at other retail locations. Prescriptions can be transferred to any of Renown’s three retail pharmacy locations by calling the most convenient location and allowing expert pharmacy staff to complete the process. You can then request refills and check your prescription status in the MyChart app. Renown Pharmacy Pringle, 75 Pringle Way: 775-982-7737 Renown Pharmacy South Meadows, 10101 Double R Blvd.: 775-982-5366 Renown Pharmacy Locust, 21 Locust St.: 775-982-5280 For full pharmacy information, visit: renown.org/pharmacy/. Renown Health continues to expand and hire in-demand clinical positions, including positions at Renown Pharmacy. Visit renown.org/careers to learn more.     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®.

Read More About Filling The Community’s Need for a 24/7 Pharmacy

Renown Health is pleased to announce that Kate A. Ward, Pharm.D., BCPS, has been promoted to serve as Vice President, Oncology for Renown Regional Medical Center.    Dr. Ward has over fourteen years of service to the organization, most recently as Director of Clinical Pharmacy responsible for the oversight of all clinical pharmacy activities at Renown Regional Medical Center, Renown South Meadows Medical Center, and Renown Rehabilitation Hospital. Additionally, Dr. Ward is the Residency Director of the Post-Graduate Year 1 (PGY1) Pharmacy Practice Residency at Renown. Over the last decade at Renown, Dr. Ward has served as Pharmacy Clinical Manager, Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator and Clinical Pharmacist.   Dr. Ward will bring her pharmacy clinical service experience (including ICU, Outpatient Infusion, Pediatrics, Oncology and Emergency Services), Inpatient Care, Clinical Research, and Hospital Formulary Management, Electronic Medical Record Integration and Optimization to this important new role.   As a dyad partner with Max J. Coppes, MD, PhD, MBA, Director of the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown, she will bring her clinical, operational, regulatory, and administrative experience to lead the oncology division. Dr. Ward, Dr. Coppes and the dedicated team will advance Renown’s mission to expand care, prevention, screening, research, and education with the goal of establishing the first National Institutes of Health, NCI designated Cancer Center for our State.   “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ward as our new Vice President of Oncology. She brings a wealth of experience and a passion for advancing patient care. Dr. Ward will play a pivotal role in sharing the future our oncology division and furthering our commitment to providing exceptional care,” said Chris Nicholas, CEO of Renown Regional Medical Center.    As a licensed pharmacist, Dr. Ward holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Colorado, Health Sciences Center. The Pharm.D. is a professional degree like a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). As a doctorate, it represents the increasing responsibility pharmacists have in healthcare systems and the high trust Americans have in pharmacists.    Dr. Ward completed her residency at Stanford Hospital and Clinics. She graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with her bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences. Dr. Ward is active in several professional associations and currently serves as a Pharmacy Board member for HealthTrust; Vice Chair of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists® Council on Therapeutics; and Vice Chair for the Silver State Scripts Board for the State of Nevada. Dr. Ward was the 2022 recipient of the Nevada Society of Health System Pharmacists (NVSHP) President’s Award. 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 locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. To join the Renown Health team, visit renown.org/careers.

Read More About Exceptional Talent Joins William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown; Dr. Kate Ward Brings Expertise and Vision as Vice President of Oncology Division

Renown Health is proud to announce the certification of its pulmonary rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This certification is recognition of Renown Health’s commitment to improving the quality of life of patients by enhancing standards of care. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with pulmonary problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], respiratory symptoms, long COVID-19) recover faster and live healthier. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, COPD impacts 16 million people across the United States, and 1 in 13 adults (7.5%) have “long COVID” symptoms, defined as symptoms lasting three or more months after first contracting the virus, and that they didn’t have prior to their COVID-19 infection. "We are thrilled to receive this certification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation for our pulmonary rehabilitation program at Renown South Meadows Medical Center. This recognition underscores Renown Health's unwavering dedication to providing the highest standards of care and improving the lives of our patients, no matter what life throws at them,” said Sam Weller, MHPA CEO of Renown South Meadows Medical Center and Renown Rehabilitation Hospital. “Our commitment to excellence shines through in every aspect of our programs, and this certification reinforces our ongoing mission to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of the people of northern Nevada." To earn this accreditation, Renown Health’s pulmonary rehabilitation program participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other related professional societies. Each program’s application is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee, and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors. "At Renown Health, our pulmonary rehabilitation program is designed with our patients in mind. Our focus includes physical exercise, extending to education, counseling and support for both patients and their families,” said John Lynn, Manager of Respiratory Services at Renown Health. “This AACVPR certification is a testament to our team's hard work and dedication in ensuring that individuals with pulmonary conditions receive the best possible care to enhance their quality of life." In 2018, AACVPR moved to an outcomes-based process with performance measurements that represent more meaningful outcomes. Therefore, AACVPR-certified programs are leaders in the cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation field because they offer the most advanced practices available and have proven track records of high-quality patient care. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years. 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 AACVPR Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the mission of reducing morbidity, mortality and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research and disease management. Central to the core mission is improvement in quality of life for patients and their families.

Read More About Renown Health Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Certified by American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) are proud to announce a newly integrated and expanded research space called the Clinical Research Center (CRC). This space offers a dynamic physical location on the University of Nevada, Reno campus that supports the UNR Med and Renown Health research enterprise. "The partnership between Renown Health and UNR Med truly knows no bounds, and this Clinical Research Center is an incredible example of that endless possibility,” said Thomas Graf, MD, interim CEO of Renown Health. “This new space will only continue to expand our community’s access to clinical research as part of patient care while providing the necessary resources to engage our students and support a healthy Nevada.” This space’s capabilities include experienced staff with knowledge and skills in operationalizing FDA and non-FDA regulated clinical and translational research studies in a centralized 5,470-square foot research clinic housed in the Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM) at the University. This CRC space provides resources including: A centralized location next to the laboratory space that allows for strategic interdisciplinary collaboration between clinicians and basic scientists. Eleven private outpatient rooms for research clinic visits. Two blood draw stations. Physician consultation areas. Conference room for trial monitoring and consulting. Secure Investigational Product storage and preparation. Sample processing and storage, including countertop refrigerated centrifuges, 4°, -20° and -80° C refrigerators and freezers. Operations around clinical research are becoming more complex so growing clinical research in our community will require expertise and dedicated space where clinical research can be conducted in a learning environment first,” said Danielle Eaton, Director of Clinical Research with UNR Med and Renown Health. “This Clinical Research Center provides such space and experienced staff where these research studies can be successfully completed. The CRC provides a training environment for students, residents, faculty and clinical research professional work-force that will be needed to bring cutting edge diagnostics, therapeutics and preventatives to our community.” Meet the Team: Danielle Eaton, UNR Med Director of Clinical Research Kristen Gurnea, Renown Health Manager of Clinical Research Amber Emerson, UNR Med Project Manager Valerie Smith, UNR Med Center Administrative Manager Annie Beach-Hills, Gina Castro, Michelle Mejia and Amil Trujillo-King, UNR Med Study Coordinators Dr. John Westhoff, UNR Med Chair of Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine physician Dr. Sean Kandel, UNR Med Associate Program Director for Resident Research, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine Dr. Amneet Rai, UNR Med Clinical research pharmacist Dr. Kellie Watkins, UNR Med Clinical Epidemiologist/Data Manager/Statistician As part of the affiliation between UNR Med and Renown Health, the Clinical Research Office is part of an integrated Office of Clinical Research, which allows both entities to collaborate on shared research program objectives. This effort allows colleagues to partner on clinical research, and to leverage bench-to-bedside research and delivery of leading-edge healthcare to northern Nevadans. 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®. 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 Newly Expanded Clinical Research Center at UNR Med Fosters Collaboration and Research with Renown Health

The award is given annually to a member of the Nevada pharmacy community making significant and sustained contributions to the field Kate Ward, Pharm.D., BCPS Director of Clinical Pharmacy at Renown Health is the 2022 recipient of the Nevada Society of Health System Pharmacists (NVSHP) President’s Award. Dr. Ward has been with Renown for over a decade, starting as a Clinical Pharmacist in 2009. As the Director of Clinical Pharmacy, she is responsible for the oversight of all clinical pharmacy activities at Renown Regional, South Meadows and Rehab. Additionally, Dr. Ward is the Residency Director of the Post-Graduate Year 1 (PGY1) Pharmacy Practice Residency at Renown Regional Medical Center. “We are so proud that Kate has been recognized by the Nevada Society of Health System Pharmacists with the President’s Award and for her many accomplishments as a member of our Renown Pharmacy team. With 66% of adults taking five or more drugs per day and 27% taking 10 or more per day, a pharmacist’s review is critical in supporting patient safety and well-being,” says Tom Graf, MD, interim CEO, Renown Health. “Beyond that, pharmacists have the ability to suggest methods for accurately and effectively taking prescribed medications, discuss medication safety, identify and manage side effects and assist patients and families in managing chronic health conditions.” As a licensed pharmacist, Dr. Ward holds The Doctor of Pharmacy degree (abbreviated Pharm.D. or PharmD) from the University of Colorado. The Pharm.D. is a professional degree similar to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). As a doctorate, it represents the increasing responsibility pharmacists have in healthcare systems and the high trust Americans have in pharmacists. The Doctor of Pharmacy degree takes three to four years of undergraduate pre-professional (prerequisite) coursework, followed by four academic years in a professional program. Most students need four years to complete their prerequisite courses. Thus, it usually takes eight years of college study to earn a Pharm.D. and become a pharmacist. Pharmacists working in hospitals and health systems often complete additional post-graduate training after a Pharm.D. degree. Dr. Ward completed a PGY1 Residency at Stanford prior to joining the Pharmacy Department at Renown. “Dr. Ward is such an asset to Renown and our community. Her incredible perseverance to reach for and achieve higher aspirations has resulted in this important recognition by our peers across the state. She consistently contributes her pharmacy expertise to patients, physicians, clinicians and healthcare students and volunteers her time to advance the profession at both the state and national level through pharmacy professional organization participation. It is wonderful to have her efforts recognized by NVSHP,” says Adam Porath, Pharm.D., BCACP, BCPS, FASHP, Vice President, Pharmacy. On Sept. 24, NVSHP and the Nevada Pharmacy Alliance held their annual joint meeting at Renown Regional Medical Center. During this meeting, Dr. Ward was awarded the NVSHP President’s Award. The President’s Award is awarded annually at NVSHP President's discretion to a member making significant and sustained contributions to NVSHP. Dr. Ward was specifically recognized for representing the State of Nevada at the American Society Health System Pharmacists House of Delegates for several consecutive years, as well as her continuous contributions to the annual NVSHP Student Symposium. Established in October 2006, NVSHP has diligently worked on continuing the strong foundation developed to better meet the needs of health-system pharmacists in Nevada. The organization was established on a strong mission statement that enables Nevada's pharmacists to be heard, from all regions of the state and in one collective voice to advocate for patient care. Are you interested in working with this award-winning team? The Renown Health Pharmacy is hiring for multiple roles, including pharmacy technician and clinical pharmacist. For more information, visit careers.renown.org. 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 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 region’s largest, 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 Renown's Dr. Kate Ward Honored with Nevada Society of Health System Pharmacists (NVSHP) President's Award

Pictured left to right: Erin VanKirk, MSN, RN, Renown Health Director of Nursing Education; Mitch Krebs, Program Director at Helmsley Charitable Trust; Dr. Graf, Renown Health CEO; Greg Walaitis Renown Health Chief Development Officer. Renown Health will use the grant to build the Helmsley Simulation and Innovation Center to improve the health system’s training abilities The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has granted $3.1 million to Renown Health for construction of a new simulation and innovation center that will greatly expand the health system’s ability to train healthcare providers throughout northern Nevada. The new center will be named the Helmsley Simulation and Innovation Center. Expected to open in April 2023, the center will feature three simulated patient rooms, classroom space, computer labs and a conference center, allowing trainers to run current and future healthcare professionals through real-life acute, outpatient, telemedicine and specialty care scenarios. The new center will let Renown Health train substantially more nurses, physicians, community clinical partners, medical students and rural providers while improving medical and nursing expertise to support staff throughout northern Nevada. “The Helmsley Charitable Trust is excited to fund this new simulation center, which will provide healthcare professionals across rural Nevada with state-of-the-art training in a variety of situations they’ll encounter,” said Walter Panzirer, a trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “The project fits with our goal to level the playing field by giving rural residents access to top-notch healthcare, regardless of their ZIP code.” “Simulation education has become standard practice for many of our healthcare personnel,” said Erin Van Kirk MSN, RN, Director of Nursing Education. “This lab will provide expanded opportunities in a controlled setting where physicians, nurses, and students can gain valuable experience in providing the best care possible.” Renown Health has outgrown its current simulation lab, which opened in 2016 in Renown Regional Medical Center. The new, larger, state-of-the-art simulation and innovation center will increase Renown Health’s training capacity from 1,500 to 2,500 each year. The new facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art simulation mannequins and other equipment that includes a telemetry monitor, IV and epidural equipment, a code cart, a defibrillator, a balloon pump, ventilators and a cooling machine. The center will also support Renown Health’s recently established partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, expanding training modules focused on rural health and virtual care through telemedicine. “The facility will help Renown Health respond to our region’s growing population by allowing us to support the training and competency necessary for our care providers to make a genuine difference in the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve,” said Melodie Osborn, RN, MBA, Chief Nursing Executive at Renown Health. “This generous grant for the new simulation and innovation center from the Helmsley Charitable Trust is truly an investment in the bright future we envision for Renown, our care teams and the community.” 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. About the Helmsley Charitable Trust The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust aspires to improve lives by supporting exceptional efforts in the U.S. and around the world in health and select place-based initiatives. Since beginning active grantmaking in 2008, Helmsley has committed more than $3 billion for a wide range of charitable purposes. Helmsley’s Rural Healthcare Program funds innovative projects that use information technologies to connect rural patients to emergency medical care, bring the latest medical therapies to patients in remote areas, and provide state-of-the-art training for rural hospitals and EMS personnel. To date, this program has awarded more than $500 million to organizations and initiatives in the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, Minnesota, Iowa, Montana, and Nevada. For more information, visit helmsleytrust.org.

Read More About Helmsley Charitable Trust Grants $3.1 Million to Renown Health

The best protection continues to be getting a COVID-19 vaccine and booster, wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet away from others, avoiding crowds, and washing your hands often. For the thousands of physicians and health care workers of Renown Health, this week is etched into the pandemic timeline as the start date of a nationwide wave that signaled the first vaccinations against COVID-19 and a beacon of hope for the future. A year ago, the nation’s health care systems in communities across the U.S. first began vaccinating physicians and health care workers caring for patients with COVID-19, and thousands received their first vaccine. One year ago, Renown Health, the Washoe County Health District (WCHD), the state and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began to distribute the initially available, limited supplies of the COVID-19 vaccines in Washoe County. Media representatives viewed the first healthcare workers as they obtained their first dose of the life-saving vaccines. Luis Martinez, first health care worker vaccinated, now plans to attend medical school Luis Martinez, who served on the front-line of the pandemic at Renown Regional Medical Center, received the first of his Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine a year ago this week, after it received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. He received the second and final vaccination in the series 21 days later. Luis has been at Renown since 2016, where he started as a phlebotomist and has been encouraged to advance his career in the medical field. He works as a technician on Renown’s Clinical Decision Unit — a short stay unit within the hospital for people who need clinical care, but do not need admittance to the hospital. Luis worked with patients and clinicians in the Clinical Decision Unit for a year before requesting to work in Renown’s Alternate Care Site, built in the Mill Street parking structure as a place to care for patients recovering from COVID-19 before they returned home. Today, Luis is working to fulfill his dreams of becoming a doctor. He took the Medical College Admission Test® earlier this year, interviewed virtually and applied to 24 medical schools. Luis has shadowed physicians in a number of medical fields, including internal medicine, emergency medicine, cardiology and orthopedics, and would be thrilled to train in any one of those areas. As for medical school, Luis was excited to hear about Renown’s new clinical affiliation with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med). He is enthusiastic about becoming part of the next generation of Nevada's health care professionals, and his first choice is UNR Med. He expects an admission decision by UNR Med this winter. If that doesn’t work out, he says, he has an interview with leaders at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV in January. Luis is bilingual and understands that Nevada continues to face a shortage of physicians and affordable medical care. He volunteers with CARE Chest of Sierra Nevada, a non-profit organization that provides free medical equipment, supplies, and prescription assistance to underserved populations when he is not working at Renown. His dream is to graduate medical school and stay in the community to provide medical care as a physician. Luis knows the importance of excellent medical care, and the importance of the vaccines against COVID-19. Last October, Luis turned 33 and contracted COVID-19 after a family birthday party. Because of his experience, his interest in medicine and his research, Luis obtained his COVID-19 vaccines- and his booster, and is pleased that everyone in his family is triple vaccinated too. He says they are all feeling well and looking forward to being together at the holidays. “As we celebrate this holiday season, we give thanks for Luis and the thousands of health care heroes who have been fighting this pandemic with care and compassion; continuing to safely screen, diagnose, care for and vaccinate thousands of employees and community members,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, President & CEO of Renown Health. “It has been an honor to assist local and statewide health partners in the herculean vaccination effort. Over the past year, Renown’s vaccine team administered more than 58,000 dose 1 and dose 2 vaccinations to Nevadans ages five and older. We continue to work closely with our community health leaders and are always ready to assist. We are proud to be part of the solution for our community and pleased to have made a genuine difference in the health and well-being of others throughout this unprecedented time in our history.” Renown continues to use current local and national data, analytics, and public data sets for predictive modeling in service to our community. When there is heightened concern around an illness, enhanced infection prevention strategies are in place to ensure Renown is ready with the appropriate supplies and alternate plans should the need arise. Vaccination is still the best protection against Omicron and Coronavirus Today also marks a dark new milestone for Washoe County — over 1,010 confirmed COVID-19 deaths, and over 70,549 total cases in our population of nearly 500,000. The bright spot is that over 65,714 people have recovered in Washoe County, although many still grapple with long-term effects of the illness. The world and the U.S., continue to experience an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations with the highly contagious Omicron variant, which now accounts for 50 percent of the coronavirus cases in parts of the country. In some areas, there is a significant stress on the hospital system, particularly where vaccination rates are low. “The most important action you can take to protect yourself from the Delta and Omicron strains and the COVID-19 virus is to get fully vaccinated,” says Susan Lee, DO, MBA, Chief Medical Officer, Acute Care. “The COVID 19 virus and its related strains are preventable and controllable through safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, which are free and now widely available in our area. The CDC recommends all people 5 years and older be vaccinated against COVID-19. Data shows that nearly all COVID-19 deaths are now occurring among unvaccinated individuals.” A list of providers in our area offering vaccines is available at vaccines.gov.” “The best protection from COVID-19 has been a combination of getting a COVID-19 vaccine, wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet away from others, avoiding crowds, and washing your hands often,” says Amy McCombs, MSN, RN, CCRN, CNML, vice president of Quality for Acute Services for Renown, and a champion of the vaccination effort for Renown. “No one tool alone will stop this pandemic; it will take a combination of all of us using all of these efforts to fight the spread of this virus, especially through the holidays.” “Vaccinations have been a game-changer in terms of improving the health of our community,” said Rahul Mediwala, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Health Services. "Given the demands of this COVID-19 pandemic, we have been pleased to help in the fight by providing vaccinations. Our goal a year ago, was that all Renown physicians; employees and their family members; and all Hometown Health members and Renown patients interested in receiving the vaccine would have an opportunity to be vaccinated, we are excited to help make that dream a reality for all.” The COVID-19 vaccine is now mandatory for all Renown employees in an effort to protect those who are ill and physically vulnerable, and ensure a safe environment for patients and health care workers. Renown is covering all costs of the vaccine, and it is being offered free of charge to employees. As of today, 97% percent of all 6,750 Renown Health employees are vaccinated or have an approved exemption or deferral. “This year was a year no one will forget. For everyone- and for our health care workers at Renown, the year presented countless challenges and opportunities. Those of us who choose healthcare as our life’s work answer a true calling to serve others; this field requires a self-less commitment and a tireless dedication to caring for people when they are at their most vulnerable,” said Renown’s Chief of Staff, Sy Johnson, MBA. “I applaud the entire team- every physician, nurse and health care hero for their valor, their strength and perseverance in serving our patients and community during these unprecedented times.” What follows are highlights of some of the most remarkable moments and events that have taken place at Renown Health over the past year in relation to the response to COVID-19. Temporary Deployable Medical Structure Outside Renown Regional Emergency Department On March 12, 2020, Renown erected a deployable medical facility to serve as a respiratory illness evaluation and screening center for Emergency Room patients at Renown Regional Medical Center. A similar tent was also set up outside the Emergency Room at South Meadows Medical Center. An additional layer of protection, this proactive measure helped to care for people with symptoms of respiratory illness, and to protect patients and staff in the Emergency Department and other areas of the hospital. The tents were dismantled on January 20, 2021. (See photo here.) Alternate Care Site at Mill Street Parking Structure at Renown Regional As many communities across the nation experienced an increase in COVID-19 cases, including significant surges in hospitalized patients, Renown’s leadership had the foresight to create an Alternate Care Site (ACS) in the Renown Regional Medical Center Mill Street Parking structure. The ACS served additional hospitalized patients and allowed caregivers to remain on campus and still have access to existing hospital infrastructure such as lab, pharmacy, imaging, food services and other critical services. This solution also supported an efficient level of care escalation and other emergent interventions as needed. After just 10 days of intricate construction, including flooring, electrical infrastructure, lighting, water, technology and wall partitions, the ACS was completed on April 3, 2020 with space to hold up to 1,400 patients. On Nov. 12, 2020, Renown opened the ACS to serve additional hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who were clinically stable or improving. Healthcare workers at Renown cared for hundreds of patients in this site. In early Jan. 2021, the remaining patients returned home. The Site has been decommissioned and leaders expect the area to be available for additional parking later this winter. (Alternate Care Site B-Roll.) Renown invests in Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) ‘Hospital at Home’ Monitoring Systems Appropriate patients (including those recovering from COVID-19) are now offered a telehealth solution using wearable, continuous pulse oximetry, and the convenience of being in their own homes, with the confidence and security of knowing that Renown clinical staff are closely monitoring their health data through the Renown Transfer and Operations Center, and regularly communicating with them through their recovery process. The Renown Transfer and Operations Center spans 6,000 square feet, and is one of the largest centers of its kind in the nation, equipped with 28 high-definition dashboards on the front wall, two in the center of the room and four hanging monitors toward the back. Large plasma screens display important metrics such as patient vital signs, bed availability, facility capacity, staffing, technology and more. Registered Nurses and dispatchers continuously monitor activity around the clock, across Renown’s 100,000 square mile service area, 100+ locations and partner facilities to make the best decisions for patients, providers and care teams. “LOVE” Makes its Way to Renown On April 16, 2020, during a time of darkness and uncertainty, Artown loaned the “LOVE” sculpture, a one-ton, welded-aluminum artwork created by artist Laura Kimpton and fabricated by Jeff Schomberg to Renown, where it lit up Regional Medical Center’s main entrance on Mill St. The sculpture formerly debuted at Burning Man in 2019. On July 13, 2020, thanks to the support of former board chair and community supporter, Blake Smith and the Keyser Foundation, “LOVE” continues to glow in Renown’s signature purple every evening, shining brightly for patients, employees, visitors and passersby to enjoy. Throughout the pandemic, this sculpture has served as a source of inspiration, hope and positivity for our community. (LOVE sign B-Roll.) When Words Fail, Art Speaks Recognizing art’s powerful healing capabilities, Renown collaborated with prominent artist and fine art photographer, Anicia Beckwith, to immortalize the many battles fought against and amidst COVID-19 within the healthcare system’s walls. Beckwith captured portrait images of Renown caregivers, patients and their loved ones, showing raw and touching scenes from the COVID Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Departments, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Wilbur D. May Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and the Alternate Care Site field hospital. A group of Renown caregivers hold a COVID patient’s hand. Tears well up in their eyes as the patient takes his last breath. Care providers respond to a patient’s only request – a facial shave. The man beams at the sight of his freshly groomed face, and is visibly touched by the tender care he received to make it happen. Lupe, an environmental services worker, takes special care in her efforts to clean and sanitize patient rooms—a craft she has perfected and taken pride in for the 25+ years she’s worked at Renown. These are just a few of the captivating moments Beckwith illustrates through her art. Beckwith’s full photo gallery of images from Renown are located here; and downloadable visual assets are available here. Evolving in an Ever-Changing World: Long-Term Remote Work for Renown Employees The COVID-19 pandemic pushed healthcare leaders throughout the world to determine how best to provide care in this ever-changing environment. Leaders in Renown’s Human Resources department evaluated the thoughts and opinions of employees working remotely throughout Renown Health. Due to the positive feedback from employees, including decreased commute times, fewer distractions, improved work-life balance and a reduced carbon footprint, over 700 Renown employees will continue working remotely. Renown Offers In-House COVID Testing In June 2020, the Renown Laboratory team sprang into action to help meet Washoe County residents and businesses’ growing demand for COVID-19 testing. Renown invested in expanded staffing and in-house testing capabilities to be able to swab and process up to 1,000 COVID tests for patients each day, with return of results within hours. Renown’s CEO, Dr. Tony Slonim also collaborated with the Mayor’s COVID-19 Task Force, local faith and community leaders beginning in Oct. of 2020 to address health equity by providing free COVID-19 testing for communities of color. (Lab B-Roll). An Extraordinary Year of Service Renown’s leadership remains steadfast commitment to keeping our community safe. “We thank the community for standing by us and helping us all emerge as stronger people with hope for the future. We continue to fight the good fight,” said Dr. Slonim. “With COVID now imbedded into our daily lives, it’s remarkable to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the obstacles we’ve overcome. I will be forever grateful for the precautionary measures, innovation, and acts of service and love implemented by our dedicated team over the past two years. We hope by demonstrating our caring values and exhibiting hope and determination, we are inspiring others.” Stay Up-to-date on COVID-19 Renown Health is prepared to safely screen, diagnose and care for patients with respiratory illness, including COVID-19. To stay up-to-date on communications regarding Renown’s distribution of the COVID19 vaccine, FAQs and the scientific evidence behind the vaccine, visit https://covid.renown.org/ Join the Renown team Renown Health remains committed to hiring key roles in our organization to support the health and well-being of our community. To join the Renown family to Fight the Good Fight, apply on line at https://careers.renown.org/ Support the Renown team Renown Health, a charitable, not-for-profit organization, is grateful for our community’s support during these unprecedented times. If you are interested in supporting Renown Health, a charitable, non-profit health organization, please consider giving to Renown Health Foundation. Donations are accepted through the following ways: Make a gift at www.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 governed, 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 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 A One Year Reflection: Thousands of Health Care Workers and Northern Nevadans Vaccinated Against COVID-19, Offering a Beacon of Hope This Holiday Season

Three-day medical education conference advances research, education, prevention and treatment. Physicians and medical professionals from throughout the Mountain West will soon be convening in Lake Tahoe to explore emerging treatments, the most recent advances and new clinical guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, stroke and heart disease. Hosted by Renown's Institute for Heart & Vascular Health and the Nevada Academy of Family Physicians, the three-day Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine conference will bring together national experts to explore challenges and solutions to cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. "Our mission is to advance health in America. As Nevada's first integrated health system, with our University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine affiliation, we are advancing health and health care through world-class medical education, clinical research and patient care for our community, our state and our nation," says Anthony D. Slonim, MD, DrPH, President & CEO, Renown Health. "And, we have so much work to do. In 2019, 9.5% of Nevadans reported being told by a health professional that they had angina or coronary heart disease; which is significantly above the national average of 8.4%. As public health and health care providers, we can do more to encourage people to adopt healthy lifestyle habits to keep their heart healthy and help prevent heart disease through the Healthy Nevada Project®, where people can understand their genetic risks at no-cost." "The driving force behind this collaborative event is the shared missions of all our organizations, across the country, to advance progress in cardiovascular research, education, prevention and treatment," says Jayson Morgan, MD, FACC, Director Cardiovascular Services at Renown. "We will be joined by colleagues from Johns Hopkins, Cedars-Sinai, Scripps, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, University of Utah, Medical College of Wisconsin, the Metabolic Institute of America and locally- with experts from Renown's Institute for Heart & Vascular Health/UNR Med, St. Mary's and Barton Health - to discuss contemporary trends in providing excellent cardiovascular care and prevention." New research will be presented each day, including: “Vaping and Electronic Cigarettes – The Hidden Epidemic: What the Clinician Needs to Know” Michael J. Blaha, MD, MPH, FACC, Professor of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Director of Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease, Baltimore, MD “Optimizing Glycemic Control in the Inpatient Setting” Kendall M. Rogers, MD, CPE, FACP, SFHM, Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Chief, Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, NM “Perioperative Medicine Update”                                                                                                                                                                                             Barbara A. Slawski, MD, MS, SFHM Professor of Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery, Chief, Section of Hospital Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI “Understanding hATTR Amyloidosis: Clinical Presentation and Treatment Landscape” Jignesh K. Patel, MD, PhD, FACC, FRCP, FAST, FAHA, Clinical Professor of Medicine, Medical Director, Heart Transplant Program, Director, Cardiac Amyloid Program, Director, Heart Transplant Research, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA “Coronary Artery Calcium in 2021: Guideline-Endorsed and Ready for Prime Time” “The Evolving Landscape of Obesity Management – A 2021 Update” Ken Fujioka, MD, Director of the Center for Weight Management, Director of the Nutrition and Metabolic Research Center, Scripps Clinic, Department of Diabetes and Endocrine, San Diego, CA “The Evolving Landscape of Obesity Management – A 2021 Update” Ken Fujioka, MD, Director of the Center for Weight Management, Director of the Nutrition and Metabolic Research Center, Scripps Clinic, Department of Diabetes and Endocrine, San Diego, CA “Management of Atrial Fibrillation: Where We Are; Where We Are Headed” Matthew A. Cain, MD, Electrophysiologist, Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health, Renown Medical Group, Reno, NV "The Story of a Murmur” Abhilash Akinapelli, MD, Cardiac Valve & TAVR Program Director, Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health, Renown Medical Group, Reno, NV "Update on the Cardiovascular Effects of COVID-19” Siddharth Singh, MD, Assistant Director, Echo Fellowship Training Program, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA “Antibiotic Stewardship: How to Improve Our Prescribing for Now and Later”                                                                                                                            Valerie M. Vaughn, MD, MSc, FACP, FHM, Assistant Professor, Instructional Track Director of Hospital Medicine Research, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT "Emerging Trends in the Clinical Management of VTE”                                                                                                                                                                Victor F. Tapson, MD, FCCP, FRCP, Director, Clinical Research for the Women’s Guild Lung Institute, Director, Venous Thromboembolism & Pulmonary Vascular Disease Research Program, Associate Director, Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA “Contemporary Approach to the Management of Diabetes as a Cardiovascular Disease”                                                                                               Yehuda Handelsman, MD, FACP, FNLA, FASPC, MACE, Medical Director & Principal Investigator, Metabolic Institute of America, Tarzana, CA The Arthur J Lurie, MD Memorial Dinner and Keynote Presentation, sponsored by the charitable Renown Foundation and the Lurie Family, is an evening ceremony to honor and memorialize the devotion and innovation of the lake Dr. Arthur J. Lurie, who personified humanitarian, medical and community service. Dr. Lurie devoted modernized heart surgery and was steadfast in his commitment to introduce new and groundbreaking techniques cardiovascular techniques to Nevada. He promoted and inspired life-changing research and advancements in heart surgery, as well as cancer research, until his passing in 1996. Medical professionals are invited to attend the 31st Annual Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine conference will take place at the Resort at Squaw Creek in Olympic Valley, CA from Friday, Nov. 5 through Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021. Those interested in registering or learning more may visit www.renown.org/trends. The clinical team at Renown Institute for Heart and Vascular Health is the recipient of a number of national awards for outstanding clinical care and service, including: In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital rankings for 2021, Renown Regional Medical Center - #1 in the State of Nevada for 2021. No other hospital in Nevada earned recognition from U.S. News. Renown Regional Medical Center is High Performing, its highest rating possible, for Heart Failure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Awarded by the American College of Surgeons for the Renown Regional earned America's 100 Best Hospitals for Critical Care Award (2021) for Superior clinical outcomes in treating pulmonary embolism, respiratory system failure, sepsis, and diabetic emergencies. Regional also earned the Pulmonary Care Excellence Award™ (2021), for superior outcomes. Designated Level II Trauma Center. For the 30th year, Renown Regional Medical Center is northern Nevada's only designated level II trauma center. Renown Regional awarded The Get with the Guidelines - Heart Failure Gold Plus Quality Achievement award for continually ensuring heart failure patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, as well as AHA's mission: Lifeline Gold Receiving honor for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks. American College of Cardiology's NCDR Chest Pain-MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award. Renown Regional Medical Center is one of only 225 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor. The award recognizes Renown's success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients and signifies that Renown has reached an aggressive goal of treating these patients to standard levels of care as outlined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical guidelines and recommendations.  To make an appointment with a provider at Renown's Institute for Heart and Vascular Health, request that your primary care provider make a referral. For more information on Renown's Institute for Heart and Vascular Health, visit renown.org/Health-Services/Heart-Care.     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. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Leading Experts Convene in Tahoe to Focus on Scientific Advancements and the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, the #1 Cause of Death Globally

Protect yourself by obtaining a vaccination against COVID-19 and the Delta strain if you are 12 years or older; seek urgent care if needed The world, the country and our area continue to experience an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations with the highly contagious Delta SARS-CoV-2 virus strain. The Renown Health team continues to safely screen, diagnose and care for patients with respiratory illnesses, including those at risk for COVID-19. Renown continues to use current local and national data, analytics, and public data sets for predictive modeling in service to our community. Renown Health ensures constant readiness by working closely with the Washoe County Health District, the Governor’s office, and is informed by updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). When there is heightened concern around an illness, we implement enhanced infection prevention strategies to ensure we are ready with the appropriate supplies and alternate plans should the need arise. Renown Health providers are educated and prepared to quickly and safely screen, diagnose and care for patients with respiratory illness, including COVID-19. Vaccination is the best protection against Delta. “The most important action you can take to protect yourself from the Delta strain and the COVID-19 virus is to get fully vaccinated,” says Brion Hill, MD who practices at the Renown Urgent Care - Los Altos location. “The COVID 19 virus and Delta strain is preventable and controllable through safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, which are free and now widely available in our area. The CDC recommends all people 12 years and older be vaccinated against COVID-19. Recent data show that nearly all COVID-19 deaths are now occurring among unvaccinated individuals.” A list of providers in our area offering vaccines is available at vaccines.gov.” Protecting Yourself, Friends and Family Dr. Hill adds, “You can protect yourself the same way you would protect against other viruses with a few common-sense practices.” Wear a cloth mask or medical procedure mask when in a public setting. For situations when you are in close contact with people who do not live with you, you may want to consider a mask option that provides a higher level of protection (improved fit and/or improved filtration). Wash your hands thoroughly and often. Make sure you are cleaning between your fingers and under your nails. Use alcohol-based sanitizers when soap and water are not available. Use disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing; dispose of carefully and promptly. If tissues are not available, direct your cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm/sleeve. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Avoid close contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms. Avoid shaking hands, especially with those who appear to be ill. Disinfect shared surfaces. Practice social distancing, 6 feet or more. Stay home when you are sick. If you have fever, cough, gastrointestinal, or respiratory symptoms please call your medical provider and explain your symptoms before coming in to their offices. If you do not have a health care provider, and have medical concerns that are urgent but not life-threatening, visit a Renown Urgent Care physician or healthcare provider. Virtual Urgent Care is available for people for COVID-19 symptoms and Virtual Urgent Care visits are available through MyChart. MyChart is a free, secure online patient portal that allows you to access your Renown Health medical record and manage your health care information. There are 11 conveniently located Renown Urgent Care offices with providers ready to see you 7 days a week. You have the option to book ahead and schedule an appointment at 11 locations near you. How to Get Accurate and Reliable Information: We continue to advise our community regarding the importance of accurate sources of information, and to provide regular updates. For up-to-date information on Renown’s approach to keeping our community safe, visit our website at renown.org.     About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed, 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, the region’s only children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to improving the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Fighting for Your Health and Safety; As COVID-19 Cases Rise, Renown is Prepared

Always listening to the voice of the patient, Renown Health is pleased to welcome any two patient supporters to visit their loved ones during their Renown medical visit, surgery, birthing or hospital stay. Renown continues to have extra safety measures in place to protect the health of patients, visitors and healthcare employees, and as the situation changes with COVID-19, these guidelines are subject to change. Under this updated visitor policy, patients no longer need to identify their supporters ahead of their arrival. Patients may receive more than two visitors per day; however, to help ensure adequate physical distancing, only two guests are asked to visit at a time. All people entering Renown sites must continue bringing and wearing a face mask for their entire visit, including inside patient rooms. Renown’s visitor policy updates were inspired by family members, who requested that the policy be expanded to encourage two family members per day to be able to visit a loved one who was hospitalized at Renown. The request was approved by Dr. Debra Adornetto-Garcia, Chief Nursing Officer and Dr. Paul Sierzenski, Chief Medical Officer, both of Acute Services. With a high percentage of Renown hospital staff now vaccinated against COVID-19, declining hospitalizations of patients with COVID-19, and understanding that the best communication is in-person, as of April 28, 2021, Renown hospitals and medical practices now allow two visitors, instead of one, for all patients and have put extra safety measures in place to protect patients, visitors and healthcare employees. “We are pleased to expand our visitor policy and welcome two healthy adult patient supporters to accompany every patient to their Renown medical visit or hospital stay,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, President & CEO of Renown. “We are always looking to our patients’ lived experiences to help us address the health needs of our community. Just a few months ago, we were reminded by Darlene Randolph that the best care is ‘person-centered care’, which inspired us to be one of the first healthcare organizations in the nation to expand our visitor policy to all patients, including those with COVID-19. Today, we thank our patients’ family members for voicing the importance of a larger, connected support system to help foster the best healing environment for all patients.” “At Renown, the definition of ‘family’ is defined by the patient,” said Debra Adornetto-Garcia, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, AOCN, Chief Nursing Officer, Acute Services. “Our patients may have anyone they choose as their patient supporters, and these individuals serve as an invaluable extension of our care teams. Patient supporters are asked to partner with the patient’s healthcare team to assist in communicating to other family members and friends, participating in training and education activities and assisting the patient with complying with care and medication instructions.” “Visiting the hospital can be an anxious experience,” said Paul Sierzenski, MD, MSHQS, CPE, FACEP, Chief Medical Officer, Acute Services. “It’s incredible how the company of loved ones can reduce anxiety and promote healing. What we can do together with families to support patient care and excellent outcomes is greater than what any of us can do alone. We are glad to welcome patient supporters to our hospitals to help our patients feel more at ease, so they can focus on their recovery, health and healing.” Two patient supporters per patient are now able to access Renown campuses as noted: Renown Regional Medical Center and Renown South Meadows Medical Center: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For Intensive Care Units (ICU): 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors must be at least 12 years of age or older. Renown Children’s Hospital: Open access. For the Pediatric unit and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU): Visitors must be at least 12 years of age or older. For the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): Visitors must be at least 18 years of age or older. Renown Rehabilitation Hospital: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. One designated patient supporter is allowed to visit the patient inside their room throughout the duration of their stay. Other loved ones may visit from an exterior window, outside the patient's room. Our care team is also pleased to facilitate bedside virtual visits. In addition to in-person visits, there are many ways to brighten the day of a patient at Renown Hospitals. You can send a personalized message that will be hand-delivered to your loved one, call 775-982-4100 to speak with a patient, or our care team is pleased to facilitate virtual visits via computer or tablet from the bedside. Renown Health reserves the right to limit visitors in the best interests of patients, families, visitors or staff.   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 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 Renown Health Further Expands Visitor Policy to Two Loved Ones

After administering more than 73,000 dose one and dose two vaccinations to our community, Renown's vaccine team will conclude its efforts at Renown's drive-thru site later this month. Renown Health has been pleased to work with the Washoe County Health District, the state, and the CDC to distribute the limited supplies of COVID-19 vaccines. Leaders of the COVID-19 vaccine taskforce at Renown announced today that Wednesday, May 12, 2021 will be the last day the organization will administer dose one of the COVID-19 vaccine to community members at Renown’s drive-thru clinic.  Renown's vaccine clinic will remain open until all individuals who receive their first dose of the vaccine through Renown have the opportunity to receive their second dose. To date, Renown’s vaccine team has administered more than 73,000 dose 1 and dose 2 vaccinations to medical staff members, Renown employees, students, volunteers and eligible community members. “It has been an honor assisting our local and statewide health partners in the herculean feat of vaccinating the hundreds of thousands of area residents excited to receive the vaccine,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, President and CEO of Renown Health. “As we conclude our efforts at our drive-thru vaccine clinic, we are glad to continue working closely with our community health leaders and be ready to assist once again should there be a need for our support in the future. We are proud to be part of the solution for our community and pleased to have made a genuine difference in the health and well-being of others throughout this unprecedented time in our history.” “As we look forward to a brighter future beyond the pandemic, we can’t help but reflect on the more than 73,000 vaccine doses our teams administered to our community,” said Melodie Osborn, RN, Chief Nursing and Quality Officer for Health Services at Renown. “From our nurses, pharmacists, security teams, public safety experts and countless volunteer staff, each dose of the vaccine was made possible—rain, snow or shine—by dedicated healthcare champions committed to the health and safety of northern Nevadans.” “We want to offer our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the public for placing their trust in Renown to receive their vaccines, and for their patience and support of this important work,” said Wendy Meyers, Manager of Health and Wellness at Hometown Health. “The masked smiles, emotional tears of gratitude and relief, heartfelt thanks, food deliveries and many other acts of kindness will forever hold a special place in our hearts.” Community members 16+ still interested in receiving the Pfizer vaccine at Renown on May 12 are invited to make an appointment through MyChart; and walk-ins will be accepted from noon to 2 p.m. Minors ages 16 and 17 must be with a parent or guardian to receive the vaccine. For assistance, please call 775-982-2781. To schedule your COVID-19 appointment in Washoe County outside of Renown, please visit covid19washoe.com. Renown will continue providing ongoing updates to help keep our community safe on our website at covid.renown.org.     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. Clinical institutes include; Cancer, Heart and Vascular Heath and Neurosciences. 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 Thanks Community as COVID-19 Drive-Thru Ends