Donor establishes the Helaine Greenberg Women’s Heart Center at Renown Health
Renown Health Foundation is delighted to announce a generous gift from Helaine Greenberg, a local philanthropist with a passion for helping to improve and strengthen women’s healthcare in northern Nevada. This gift will help establish the Helaine Greenberg Women’s Heart Center at Renown Health, located within the Heart & Vascular Institute. A first of its kind, the Center will offer specialized heart treatment for women in northern Nevada.
Heart disease is the number one killer of women – claiming one life every minute – yet many women are unaware that the signs of a heart attack are different for women than they are for men. According to the American Heart Association journal, nearly 71% of women who have had heart attacks experienced unusual exhaustion in the weeks before, 50% had trouble sleeping and 42% suffered shortness of breath. Most importantly, about 43% had no chest pain. Thanks to this generous donation, women will now have the opportunity to receive exemplary care and education, from trusted providers at a convenient location.
Helaine’s generosity comes from her heart, and with a passion for improving the lives – and health of women. We are deeply grateful for this transformative gift. The opening of this Center will continue our mission of making a genuine difference in the health and well-being of women- and all those who love them- and the communities we serve.
“This generous gift allows us to provide specialized heart and vascular care to women who are pregnant, battling breast cancer, or having chest discomfort,” said Jayson Morgan, MD, Director of Cardiovascular Services. “There are millions of women living with or at risk of heart disease. It is crucial that we empower women to take charge of their heart health and teach everyone about the signs and symptoms of heart disease in women.”
Led by Dr. Danish Atwal, the Helaine Greenberg Women’s Heart Center at Renown Health provides specific treatments, therapies, and education for women.
Ms. Greenberg has been a consistent supporter of women’s healthcare. Just three years ago, she donated a large sum to support women and prevent breast cancer by establishing the Helaine Greenberg Breast Health Centers at Renown-2nd Street and Vista locations, named in her honor and providing screening services such as 3-D mammography, automated whole breast ultrasound and DEXA bone density scanning for osteoporosis.
“Women’s health is so important to Helaine. Renown Health Foundation and our Renown Medical Group physicians and providers are grateful to fulfill her wish to help women who battle heart issues,” said Greg Walaitis, chief development officer. “Preventing and reducing chronic health conditions, and promoting health and wellness significantly improves the lives of women of all ages. We thank Helaine for her contributions as we continue to fight the good fight.” To learn more about Renown Health Foundation or to make a donation, please call 775-982-5545 or visit renown.org/give.
About Renown Health
Renown Health is the region’s largest local, 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®.
Renown Health Stands with Hospitals and Health Systems Nationwide on #havhope Friday
Renown Health, the region’s largest, not-for-profit academic health system serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California, is joining healthcare networks across the country by supporting the American Hospital Association’s violence prevention initiative, Hospitals Against Violence (HAV). Today, team members at Renown are participating in #HAVhope Friday, an annual day of awareness focused on enhancing public awareness of workplace violence and addressing all types of violence within our health system and community.
Saving Lives Through Awareness: Renown Health Recognizes National Fentanyl Awareness Day
Medication-assisted treatment program at Renown’s Stacie Mathewson Institute offers support for this in recovery from addiction
The Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute at Renown Health stands with northern Nevada communities on Fentanyl Awareness Day, recognized nationwide on April 29 annually.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Unlike medical fentanyl, illegally made fentanyl is often made in unsanitary conditions, not carefully dosed or blended and laced in other street drugs, including pills, powders and crystals.
Renown encourages all community members visit FentanylAwarenessDay.org for resources tailored for many different groups, including families, schools, companies and more.
“Opioid addiction is an epidemic nationwide, and Nevada is no exception – and with dangerous synthetic opioids like fentanyl becoming easier to access, it’s our responsibility as healthcare professionals to take action,” said Takesha Cooper, MD, Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences for Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med). “It’s important for our community to know what they can do to help themselves, or someone they love, who may be struggling with fentanyl addiction. The Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute is here to help those affected by fentanyl.”
Termination of HHS ARPA Funds Leads to Suspension of Services at Renown Crisis Center
After thoughtful consideration and a careful review of current circumstances, services have been suspended at the Renown Crisis Care Center. The Center, which provided short-term, 23-hour behavioral health crisis intervention services was funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant that was recently terminated by Health & Human Services (HHS). Renown leaders are working with representatives on the federal, state, and local level on alternative funding sources with the goal of resuming operations when a sustainable form of funding is identified.
