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David Hansen, MBA, joins Hometown Health to continue to serve future generations and improve the health and well-being of Nevadans Renown Health and Hometown Health are excited to announce David Hansen, MBA, is joining Hometown Health as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In his role as CEO, Hansen will oversee Hometown Health, contributing to its growth to ensure the not-for-profit company is here for generations to come and to assist Renown in developing new care models that will deliver healthcare that is both accessible and affordable. “We are pleased to welcome such an experienced and talented leader like David to our organization and to northern Nevada,” said Tony Slonim, MD, D.Ph., President and CEO, Renown Health. “As CEO of Hometown Health, David will continue to foster a culture of caring and excellence, while ensuring wide-ranging medical coverage and great customer service to Hometown Health’s more than 138,000 members statewide.” Hansen has spent the previous twenty years of his career working for UnitedHealthcare, a health insurance company based out of Minnetonka, Minnesota. During his time at UnitedHealthcare, Hansen held various roles including chief financial officer of clinical & network services, west region president of network & provider services, chief executive officer of the California Health Plan and chief executive officer of the Pacific Northwest Health Plan. He has also served in executive roles with PacifiCare and TransAmerica Occidental Life and began his career in the audit and management consulting practice of Deloitte & Touche. “Choosing healthcare coverage is one of the most important decisions people make. I am excited to begin my work with Hometown Health and Renown to help our members receive the quality coverage to enhance their health and well-being,” said Hansen. “Hometown Health is such a community-focused organization and I look forward to being a part of a team that gives back to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve. ”David has an MBA in Finance and Business Policy from the University of Chicago, and a BA in Economics and Business from the University of California, Los Angeles.     About Hometown Health Established in 1988, Hometown Health is the insurance division of Renown Health and is Northern Nevada’s largest 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. For more information, call 775-982-3000 or visit www.hometownhealth.com. 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 Locally Owned Not-For-Profit Insurance Company, Hometown Health, Welcomes New CEO

Hometown Health, the insurance arm of Renown Health and the premier locally-owned, not-for-profit insurance company in northern Nevada, has joined forces with the Carson City Chamber of Commerce to introduce reduced-cost health insurance options to member enterprises, effective Oct. 1, 2023. "We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with business-focused associations like the Carson City Chamber of Commerce, to provide their members with financially feasible healthcare alternatives. These best-in-class association health plans empower small business employers to access premium pricing typically reserved for larger employers. The resulting savings can be substantial," said CJ Bawden, Vice President of Growth and Retention at Hometown Health. The new association health plans through Hometown Health are available to all Nevada-based businesses with 50 or fewer employees and that have an active Carson City Chamber of Commerce membership. The new association health plans include: Competitive rates and access to northern Nevada's largest provider network Wide range of plans with unique benefit options Online member benefits through MyChart Online enrollment and premium billing Local customer service Members save up to 20% HMO, EPO and PPO products available ACA compliant No medical questionnaires required No cost wellness benefits Provides access to Renown and Carson Tahoe providers “By collaborating with Hometown Health, we are excited to offer our Carson City Chamber of Commerce members yet another premium benefit that will allow access to top-tier, affordable healthcare solutions,” said Stacy Woodbury, Chair of the Carson Chamber Board of Directors. “This alliance underscores our commitment to fostering the growth and prosperity of our business community while ensuring their health and well-being through northern Nevada's premier health insurance provider especially at a time when employee retention and attracting new employees is paramount.” Carson City Chamber members who are interested in Hometown Health should contact their health insurance broker to obtain more detailed information. They can also visit HometownHealth.com or CarsonCityChamber.com for more information.  About Hometown Health Established in 1988, Hometown Health is the insurance division of Renown Health and is Northern Nevada’s largest 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. For more information, call 775-982-3000 or visit HometownHealth.com About Carson City Chamber of Commerce The Carson City Chamber of Commerce has served the business community since 1945 and continually strives to build a healthy economy and high quality of life in Carson City and the surrounding area. The Carson Chamber offers its membership networking opportunities, advocacy with state and local government officials, seminars and training, a membership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and much more.

Read More About Hometown Health Partners With Carson City Chamber of Commerce to Offer Affordable Healthcare to Business Members

Renown Health announced today that David Hansen, CEO will retire on October 7, 2022 from Hometown Health, Nevada’s largest not-for-profit insurance company. Over the last two years that Hansen has overseen Renown’s health plan, he has contributed significantly to ensuring wide-ranging medical coverage and excellent customer service for more than 100,000 members across Nevada. Bethany Sexton, MBA, will assume the role of CEO of Hometown Health effective September 12, 2022 as part of a smooth transition and succession plan. Ms. Sexton currently serves as Chief Transformation Officer for Renown Health, responsible for value-based care delivery including insurance and managed care contracting, the Renown Direct Contracting Entity (DCE), Renown Accountable Care Organization (ACO) and Western Clinical Alliance, a clinically integrated network of physicians. Mr. Hansen led a number of significant accomplishments for Hometown Health including the addition of 82 new provider groups for northern Nevada health plan subscribers and a Medicare network in southern Nevada. Hansen, the Hometown Health team introduced a Transitional Care Navigator program resulting in reduced hospital readmission rates, added Renown-branded insurance products on Nevada Health Link, Nevada’s Health Insurance Exchange and helped to grow Senior Care Plus, Hometown Health’s Medicare Advantage Plan membership during the 2022 Annual Election Period. Hansen and the Hometown Health team implemented a number of Total Cost of Care initiatives in partnership with Renown Medical Group to make premiums and health care costs more affordable, including health outreach efforts and medical screenings to improve health care for members over age 65. "Leading Hometown Health for the past two years, and through the pandemic, has been a great honor. I am incredibly thankful to our members, my fellow employees, our broker and employer partners, and our leadership team for giving me the privilege to serve," said Hansen. “Hometown Health and Renown are community-focused organizations and it has been a privilege to be part of a team that gives back to improve the health and well-being of those we serve. I have spent hours working collaboratively with Bethany over the last few years and know she is perfect person to lead our health plan into a new era.” As CEO, Hansen worked closely with Renown senior leadership to put a thoughtful leadership transition plan in place, culminating with the promotion of Bethany Sexton to the position of CEO. Consistent with the plan, Hansen will continue to offer guidance and perspective as he and Sexton complete the transition over the next few weeks. "David’s vision of excellence, his drive and experience has transformed Hometown Health to be both member and customer-focused,” said Dr. Thomas Graf, CEO of Renown Health. “David has done much to modernize and build a first-rate health plan. We thank David for all his accomplishments and wish him a wonderfully satisfying retirement.” As CEO of Hometown Health, Ms. Sexton will be responsible for driving growth across the organization, including the development and execution of strategic plans; introduction of new programs and services; membership growth; operational, financial and customer service excellence; and continued improvements in clinical quality with a focus on lowering the cost of care for members in northern Nevada. Ms. Sexton has served in a number of key leadership roles for Renown Health over the past eight years, including Vice President of Operations & Development, VP/Administrator for the Department of Medicine, VP Strategic Planning and Performance Improvement, and VP of Revenue Cycle in Finance. With 20 years of health care experience, in both clinical and administrative settings, and more than 9 years at Renown, she has developed collaborative partnerships and created innovative new solutions to meet rapidly changing employee and customer expectations. "I believe one of the most important duties of a leader is preparing the next generation of leadership to succeed," added Dr. Graf. "There is no question that Bethany Sexton is the right person to lead Hometown Health into its next chapter. She has integrity, business acumen, energy, leadership skills and deep knowledge of value based care to ensure Hometown Health delights its membership and she will help Renown Health achieve our strategy of being both a Care Leader and a Health Partner for providers and patients in our community.” Bethany Sexton earned her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Nevada, Reno and her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Business Administration and Management from Western Washington University. She is passionate about community service, most recently serving as Chair, Board of Directors for Immunize Nevada, and as a former Board Member for Nevada Women's Fund, Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) and the American Red Cross. Ms. Sexton and her family make their home in Reno, NV.     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 Hometown Health CEO David Hansen Announces Retirement, Bethany Sexton Named Successor

New contract protects affordability for Northern Nevada Consumers. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem) and Renown Health (Renown) today announced they have reached an agreement on a new contract. The agreement protects affordability and provides Anthem members with continued in-network access to all Renown hospitals and physicians. This agreement applies to Anthem consumers enrolled in employer based HMO and PPO plans and provides continued in-network access to Renown affiliated care providers and facilities. “We are pleased to continue working with Renown to maintain and improve access to healthcare for consumers and employers in Northern Nevada. Our members remained our number one priority as we worked hard and in good faith to find common ground and reach an agreement that helps achieve greater affordability,” said Mike Murphy, president, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nevada. “We value the relationships we have with the care providers in our network, which are important to creating choices for our consumers and fulfilling our mission of improving the lives of the people in the communities we serve.” Anthony Slonim, MD, D.Ph., FACHE, President and CEO of Renown Health stated, “We appreciate the collaborative approach of both teams to reach resolution. As this community’s only not-for-profit healthcare organization, our mission is to make a genuine difference in the health and well-being of the community. As doctors, nurses and care givers, we want to ensure the greatest access, experience and highest-quality care for every member of our community including those insured by Anthem.” Consumers with questions can contact Anthem by using the toll-free number on the back of their current Anthem identification card or going to anthem.com/renown.     About Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is the trade name of Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc. HMO products are underwritten by HMO Colorado, Inc., dba HMO Nevada. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Nevada is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter @AnthemBCBS or @AnthemBCBS_News and on Facebook at Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.   About Renown Health: Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of the region’s largest employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown Health’s commitment has extended beyond traditional health care to include community health and well-being. For more information, visit www.renown.org.Additional Media Contacts:Mike BowmanAnthem Blue Cross Blue Shieldmichael.bowman@anthem.com916-584-6043

Read More About Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Renown Health Announce New Contract Agreement

Hospital network brings high-quality, affordable, on-demand acute care to local residents. DispatchHealth, a provider of in-home medical care, today announced a partnership with Renown Health to provide Reno/Sparks residents with high- quality medical care in the comfort of their homes. The partnership aims to provide patients with another option for safe access to medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. DispatchHealth and Renown’s goal is to offer the most vulnerable patients at-home care options if it is in the best interest of their health needs. DispatchHealth’s model is uniquely positioned to help treat an extensive range of common to complex injuries and illnesses, including but not limited to urinary tract infections, dehydration, fall injuries, nausea, sutures and more and is accepted by most major insurance plans. If a patient is uninsured, there is a flat fee of $275, which includes all medications administered and lab tests on site. “It’s more important than ever to be able to offer patients convenient, high-acuity medical care that is also cost-efficient,” said Bill Butcher, regional market director, DispatchHealth. “The partnership with Renown Health provides safe care for people without them having to leave their home, helping to ensure community members get the right care at the right place at the right time.” Patients requiring medical services for sudden or urgent illness, such as sore throat or skin rashes, can request care by going to the DispatchHealth website, accessing the free mobile app  or calling 775-439-1529. Once contacted, the medical team arrives within a few hours to treat the patient in their place of need and consists of either a physician assistant or nurse practitioner, along with a medical technician. DispatchHealth’s medical teams wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during all visits, including masks, gloves, and protective eyewear. Additionally, kits and devices are sanitized during and between visits. The medical team is able to perform a variety of advanced tests and treatments, ranging from blood tests to a 12-lead EKG, to IV fluids and more. To ensure continuity of care, DispatchHealth provides a detailed report to each primary care physician, living community, or a home health agency, in addition to electronically sending prescriptions to a patient’s pharmacy if needed. For emergencies, including but not limited to, chest pain, signs of a stroke, allergic reactions or severe injuries, individuals are urged to call 911 and seek safe, acute care in one of Renown’s emergency rooms. Renown has a variety of safety measures in place contributing to the overall health and safety of its patients and staff. Learn more about Renown’s commitment to keeping the community safe. “Renown is focused on the well-being of our patients and community. Our goal is to improve health through proactive community-based prevention, while creating the best healthcare system for those with acute and chronic disease,” said Dr. Tony Slonim, president and CEO of Renown Health. “We strive to find innovative ways to serve our community and are pleased to partner with DispatchHealth to bring affordable, on-demand in-home emergent and urgent healthcare delivery to patients in the Reno/Sparks area. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Renown and DispatchHealth worked diligently to accelerate the launch of this program in our community to help us continue fighting the good fight against the virus.” Renown accelerated the launch of DispatchHealth in order to help fulfil its mission of making a genuine difference in the health and well-being of the people and communities it serves. The first mobile medical vehicle arrived in-market on April 20 and a second vehicle will be operational May 19. DispatchHealth is available in 19 markets across the U.S., including Las Vegas and the Reno area from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week, 365 days a year, including holidays. Hours of service will expand to 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. with the launch of the second vehicle on May 19.     About DispatchHealth DispatchHealth has redefined healthcare delivery to offer on-demand acute care and advanced medical care for people of all ages in the comfort of their own home. DispatchHealth's emergency trained medical teams are equipped with all the tools necessary to treat common to complex injuries and illnesses. DispatchHealth works closely with payers, providers, health systems and others to deliver care in the home to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits, as well as hospital stays and readmissions. A visit with DispatchHealth typically costs 80-90 percent less than the average emergency room visit. Acute care medical teams are available during the day and also on weekends, evenings and holidays, and can be requested via app, online or a quick phone call. Advanced Care and Extended Care patients must be referred by a healthcare professional. DispatchHealth is partnered with most major insurance companies. For  more information, visit DispatchHealth.com. About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of the region’s largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Dispatch Health Partners & Renown to Provide In-Home Medical Care

Today, Renown Health announced the appointment of William “Bill” Plauth, MD, MMM, CPE as Chief Medical Officer for Renown Health, effective April 3, 2023. “I am excited to have Dr. Plauth join our team," said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO of Renown Health. “Dr. Plauth is a distinguished physician with over 30 years of experience. Dr. Plauth’s extensive commitment to service is in alignment with our mission, vision, and values. He is a goal-oriented, collaborative executive who brings a depth of experience to Renown Health and to our community. He inspires others with his intelligence and proven abilities to engage others in advancing clinical quality and performance. I look forward to the strides our health system will make in helping people live better and healthier lives under his leadership.” In his role as Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Plauth will be responsible for continuous quality improvement, effective clinical resource management and serve as a liaison for organized medical staff activities. He will partner with nursing leadership to actively support performance improvement, risk management, and efficient resource utilization linked to evidence-based medicine. He will listen and foster a close relationship between and among physicians, management, and clinical staff. As CMO, Dr. Plauth will provide expertise, coordination, and leadership in support of elected medical staff leaders and partner with UNR Med leadership to ensure a positive training environment across Renown Health. “As a physician, I have always been humbled by the trust our patients and their families invest in all of us as a healthcare team,” says Bill Plauth, MD. “Over the years, to fulfill that trust, I have enjoyed engaging with my colleagues across clinical teams to adopt innovative approaches that respect those who do the work and to promote ease of practice. Such collaboration makes it possible for us to provide top-notch, compassionate care that addresses our patients' unique challenges and to improve their health and quality of life. At the end of the day, it is the people that make the difference.” Dr. Plauth adds, “I am delighted to join Renown Health, which as a not-for-profit, charitable health care organization has a long history of compassionate service. I look forward to working with my new medical, nursing, and administrative colleagues as we fulfill our mission of making a genuine difference in the health and wellbeing of the people and communities we serve.” Renown Health has more than 7,200 employees and serves Northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and Northeast California. The system includes Renown Regional Medical Center, Renown South Meadows Medical Center, Renown Rehabilitation Hospital and Renown Children’s Hospital. Renown also has over 50 medical group, urgent care, and outpatient imaging practices. Hometown Health is the insurance division of Renown Health and is northern Nevada’s largest local, not-for- profit health insurance company that provides wide-ranging medical coverage. Since 2014, Dr. Plauth has provided clinical leadership at Centura Health (CO), first serving as Chief Medical Officer at Mercy Regional Medical Center in Durango, CO, and then for the last four years as Chief Medical Officer for Centura Penrose & St. Francis Hospitals in Colorado Springs. He was responsible for clinical quality, high reliability patient safety initiatives, process improvement, pharmacy, care management, infection control and medical staff services. Formerly, Dr. Plauth served for fourteen years with CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Medical Center in Santa Fe, NM, first as a hospitalist and then with concurrent roles that included Chief of Staff; Medical Director, Clinical Informatics; Medical Director, Palliative Care and Acting Chief Medical Officer for Quality and Medical Staff Affairs. Board certified in both Internal Medicine and Hospice & Palliative Care, Dr. Plauth is a leader in quality improvement, patient safety and clinical informatics. He has also served as a medical director of a Long-Term Care and Skilled Nursing Center. Dr. Plauth received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, and his Medical Doctorate from Emory University in Atlanta with a sub-internship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He completed his internship and residency at University of California San Francisco, where he also served as Chief Resident. In the most recent U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital Rankings, Renown Regional Medical Center is named #1 in the State of Nevada. No other hospital in Nevada earned recognition from U.S. News. 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. To join the Renown Health team, visit www.renown.org/careers.

Read More About William 'Bill' Plauth, MD, MMM, CPE Appointed Chief Medical Officer for Renown Health

Kerry Kelly, MPH has joined Renown Health as Community Health Program Manager. Ms. Kelly comes to Renown from the Food Bank of Northern Nevada where she served as Director of Programs and Community Engagement. She had previously been employed as a Medical Practice Supervisor with Renown Children’s, responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of three ambulatory pediatrics medical practices. With her extensive background in public health and community engagement, Kerry brings a wealth of experience to the role of Community Health Program Manager. Ms. Kelly will play a pivotal role in fostering Community Benefit health initiatives that address northern Nevada’s most pressing health needs, reduce health disparities, promote community wellness, and improve access to care for vulnerable populations. “We are excited to welcome Kerry as our new Community Health Program Manager,” said Suzanne Bharati Hendery, MA, APR, Chief Communications & Customer Officer. “Community is at the center of our mission, and we embrace our commitment to make a genuine difference in creating a healthier Nevada for all. Kerry has a passion for community health and a proven track record in driving initiatives that promote health equity, increase insurance coverage, and enhance health outcomes. The vital role that Renown Health plays as the only local, not-for-profit, charitable healthcare network in Reno will be strengthened by her commitment. We look forward to the innovative strategies and partnerships she will bring to further enhance the health of the community we serve.” Kerry completed her Master’s of Public Health with an emphasis in Community Health Education at San José State University and her BA in Psychology, Community Health Science at the University of Nevada, Reno. Kerry will report directly to Sierra Kelly Martinez, MPH, Director of the Customer Engagement Center. Renown Health has long-standing commitment to the community than spans more than 160 years. This commitment has grown and evolved through significant thought and care in considering our community’s most pressing health needs. One way this is done is through conducting a periodic, comprehensive Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). Through the CHNA process, Renown Health identifies the greatest health needs, and ensures resources are appropriately directed toward outreach, prevention, education, and wellness opportunities where the greatest impact can be realized. For more information on the most current Community Health Needs Assessment, visit renown.org/About/Community-Commitment/Community-Health-Needs-Assessment. Renown Health also funds and supports NevadaTomorrow.org, a website that can be accessed free of charge, and provides residents with up-to-date sources of quality-of-life data (such as health and socio-economic information), key reports that describe our community’s current quality of life needs, promising practices to improve people’s overall quality of life, and quality of life improvement efforts in our community. 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 7,200 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

Read More About Kerry Kelly, MPH Selected as Community Health Program Manager for Renown

Need Also Exists for Handmade Gowns and Surgical Caps  Renown caregivers are grateful for the community’s love and enthusiasm for sewing masks, gowns and surgical caps. We continue to need these items and appreciate your support. Masks for Patient Visitors: We are requesting that community members sew masks for loved ones visiting patients at Renown Regional Medical Center and Renown South Meadows Medical Center. All patterns and cotton or cotton-blends are welcome. Isolation Gowns: For community crafted isolation gowns, please use the Renown-approved pattern and instructions. Bouffant (Surgical Caps): The pattern we are using for community-crafted Bouffants is available here. Donations are welcome at our drive-thru, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., located in the valet area of Tahoe Tower at Renown Regional Medical Center. All handcrafted masks, gowns and surgical caps will be laundered and sanitized before being distributed. We are so grateful for our community’s support during these unprecedented times. To address the many generous offers of assistance, we have compiled this information and hope you find it helpful. https://www.renown.org/donations-covid-19/.   ###   About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of the region’s largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org

Read More About Renown Seeks Handcrafted Mask for Hospital Visitors

Dr. Graf will support clinical providers in delivering the most effective, highest-quality patient care at lowest cost. Renown Health is excited to announce that Dr. Thomas Graf is joining the organization as its Chief Clinical and Quality Officer on September 20. In this role, Dr. Graf will support clinicians in delivering the most effective, highest-quality patient care at the lowest cost. Dr. Graf will also assist Renown in expanding innovative care models like Hospital at Home and remote patient monitoring technology to deliver patient-centered health care that both convenient and affordable. “At Renown, delivering the highest quality care is our #1 priority. Embracing our vision to improve the health of our community, we are pleased to welcome an experienced leader like Dr. Graf to our organization and to Nevada,” said Tony Slonim, MD, D.Ph., President and CEO, Renown Health. “As the Chief Clinical and Quality Officer, Tom will fuel Renown’s transformation to a value-based care organization, help advance technologies to enhance the patient experience, and collaborate with providers in our medical group, acute care hospitals, and through our clinically integrated network, accountable care organization and affiliation with UNR Med to create a healthier Nevada. Dr. Graf embodies our core values of caring, integrity, collaboration and excellence, and respect for all. We are thrilled to bring him to the Silver State, and to continue to offer health care that is affordable, accessible and of the highest quality.” Graf is a highly accomplished physician executive with leadership experience from leading 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 is respected for his adaptable and effective leadership style and the ability to create consensus through shared perspectives. 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.” Dr. Graf comes to Renown from Ascension in St. Louis, MO, where he served as Senior Vice President, Chief Population Health and Value Based Care Officer. He has extensive experience in population health, having been involved in clinical re-engineering and payment model evolution since 2005 with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in the Physician Group Practice Demonstration project as well as Geisinger’s Proven Care® and ProvenHealth Navigator® programs. “Choosing a physician and hospital for their care is one of the most important decisions people will ever make. I am excited to begin my work with Renown to help patients enhance their health and well-being,” said Dr. Graf. “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 the community.” Dr. Graf will report directly to Dr. Tony Slonim, president and CEO, Renown Health. Dr. Graf earned his Doctor of Medicine from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and completed his Family Practice Residency at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit.     In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital Rankings, Renown Regional Medical Center is named #1 in the State of Nevada for 2021. No other hospital in Nevada earned recognition from U.S. News. 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 and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. 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 Renown Welcomes New Chief Clinical and Quality Officer; Thomas Graf, MD

Area Church Pastors, the City of Reno, the City of Sparks, the Washoe County School District, REMSA and Renown will be available to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on communities of color, and how they have joined together to provide free COVID-19 testing to area residents. WHAT Media is invited to interview community leaders to learn how we are coming together to address health disparities and promote equity in healthcare access and delivery.  The first project to support our community and address health equity is to partner with area pastors to provide free COVID-19 nasal swab testing for adults and children of faith-based organizations, churches and school children.  The first drive-through/walk-up test site will be hosted on Saturday, September 26 from 1-4 p.m., at Ministerio Palabra de Vida by Pastor Cesar Minera. Testing will be offered for members of Ministerio Palabra de Vida (Word of Life Ministries) and A.M.E.N. (Asociacion de Ministros Evangelicos de Nevada), a network of over 15 churches in the Reno, Sparks and Carson City area, as well as WCSD students and families living in that area. REMSA staff will conduct the nasal swab testing and Renown Health will process the tests. Having symptoms of COVID-19 is not required to get tested.  WHEN Thursday, September 24 at 1:45 p.m. WHERE Ministerio Palabra de Vida 2375 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502 VISUAL & INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES Pastor Cesar Minera A member of the church congregation Representatives from the City of Reno (Vice Mayor Reese), City of Sparks, WCSD, REMSA and Renown Health WHY According to the American Hospital Association, the COVID-19 pandemic is disproportionately affecting our Black, Indigenous and people of color communities. Black and Latino Americans are three times more likely than white people to contract COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the COVID-19 hospitalization rate for Black and Latino persons also face similar grim hospitalization rates, 4.7 and 4.6 times higher, respectively, compared to white persons. Black people are dying at a rate nearly two times higher (24%) than their share of the population (13%), and, in 42 states, including Nevada, Latino people make up a greater share of confirmed cases than their share of the population, according to the COVID Data Tracking Project at The Atlantic.  In support of Governor Sisolak’s proclamation of Racism as a Public Health Crisis, a partnership of faithbased organizations, churches and Pastors, along with community leaders recognize that it is critical to change the culture of medicine by addressing racism and implicit biases that contribute to health disparities.  The group of northern Nevada community leaders includes; Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve; Sparks City Counselman Kristopher Dahir, Chaplain for the Northern Nevada Veterans Home, and Board President of Excel Christian School; Angela D. Taylor, Ph.D. of Washoe County School District's Board of Trustees, an ordained minister and assistant Pastor at Greater Light Christian Center; Senior Pastor Cesar Minera of Ministerio Palabra de Vida (Word of Life Ministries) and President of A.M.E.N. (Asociacion de Ministros Evangelicos de Nevada), a network of over 15 churches in the Reno, Sparks and Carson City area; Pastor Nathan DuPree of Living Stones Church and executive director of 360 Blueprint, a collaboration of the local law enforcement agencies, the Washoe County School District and local community leaders, and co-chairman of the African American Clergy Council of Northern Nevada (AACCoNN), faith-based organizations, churches and Pastors uniting to support our community focusing on families, health, education, job development, and crime prevention; Norris DuPree, Jr., Ph.D. and President of Transformations Therapy and Behavioral Consultation; Pastor DeSean Horne of Second Baptist Church, Dean Dow, MBA, CMTE, President & CEO of REMSA and Anthony Slonim, MD, DrPH, President & CEO of Renown.  The first project to support our community to address health equity is to partner with area pastors to provide free COVID-19 nasal swab testing for adults and children of faith-based organizations, churches and school children of the WCSD. There is no cost to be tested. Those with insurance will be asked to provide an insurance card, all others will be tested free, with thanks to the Renown Community Benefits fund.      About Renown Health Renown Health is Reno’s only locally owned, charitable, not-for-profit integrated health network. Being not-for-profit means that all income stays in the community— and is reinvested in programs, people and equipment to improve the health of the community. Renown directly contributes to the community’s overall well-being with a Community Benefit mission to reduce health disparities, promote community wellness and improve access to care for vulnerable populations. This includes offering free and discounted care to those unable to afford healthcare, and partnerships with others to address health and well-being. In partnership with many community-based organizations, area schools, human and social service agencies, and government and business leaders, Renown supports many educational, public health outreach, and community development initiatives throughout Nevada. In FY19, Renown Health, a locally-governed, not-for-profit community health network invested more than $158 Million for health education, community initiatives and non-reimbursed healthcare services. In FY20, CEO, Dr. Tony Slonim provided $150,000 in funding to 60 local agencies to support Diversity & Inclusion efforts and Social Determinants of Health.

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