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Becker’s list of Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Psychiatry and Mental Health Programs for 2023 has been published, recognizing professional healthcare leaders across the country.    Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine have been recognized among the top programs in the United States. This acknowledgement reflects a commitment from a dedicated team of experienced local professionals providing comprehensive mental health services and advancing the field of psychiatry.    In their announcement, Becker’s highlighted that, “In 2018, a $6 million donation (by the Stacie Mathewson Foundation), funded the creation of the Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute at Renown Health. The institute was formed to address increased prescription drug-related mortality rates and suicide rates in northern Nevada. The department is now fully integrated with University of Nevada School of Medicine's psychiatry residency, child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship programs, and behavioral sciences and clinical psychiatry medical student training. The curriculum emphasizes the value of psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and interventional psychiatry methods, along with primary care team integration.”   Becker’s editors noted that, “Innovative public and private partnerships with the state include the SOAR early intervention treatment program for those experiencing their first episode of psychosis. A 24-hour crisis stabilization center will open in 2024 for adults with mental health or substance use issues. The Connect Washoe County mental health collaborative, part of the hospital’s community benefit program, hosts the Youth Mental Health Summit, with a number of interventions resulting in reduced use of street and prescription drugs, lower hospitalization rates due to opioid overdose, and fewer cases of intentional suicide mortality in youth.”    “We are honored to be recognized as one of the top psychiatry and mental health programs in the U.S. This achievement reflects the dedication of our integrated team and our unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals and families affected by mental health challenges. We will continue to strive for excellence and address the diverse needs of individuals struggling with behavioral health issues, said Takesha Cooper, MD, Department Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. “Our team comprises skilled psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists and support staff who collaborate to provide holistic and integrated care for our patients. As the region’s only not-for-profit health system, together with the support of grateful donors like Stacie Mathewson, we will continue to actively engage in outreach initiatives to raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma and create a community that fosters healing and support.”  Renown Health also earned Forbes' Best Healthcare Employer in Nevada for combatting burnout and ensuring well-being and safety of caregivers. 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. For more information, visit renown.org. About the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine 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 Reno Home to "Great Psychiatry and Mental Health Program;" Renown and UNR School of Medicine Named to Becker's National List

Clinical researchers with the Healthy Nevada Project co-author research paper with findings that emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to breast cancer risk assessment – including a focus on genetic medicine – to help ensure that individuals at high risk are identified and supported proactively rather than reactively.  Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer and about 1 in 39 women will die from breast cancer. Breast cancer is associated with increased age, hereditary factors, obesity, and alcohol use. Since 1990, breast cancer death rates have declined progressively due to advancements in treatment and detection. In Nevada there are an estimated 2,310 new breast cancer cases a year, and genetic mutations such as in the genes BRCA1 or BRCA2 remain a top risk factor for this prevalent disease. Recognizing the urgency for progress in breast cancer research, a collaborative effort between physicians, advanced practice providers and scientists from the Healthy Nevada Project® (HNP) and Helix have unveiled groundbreaking research. This study explores how genetic screenings are a necessary supplement to traditional testing methods, together offering more accurate insights into a patient's likelihood of developing breast cancer in the future. HNP is operated by Renown Genomic Medicine and the Institute for Health Innovation and is one of the largest community-based population health studies in the country. Their team works in collaboration with Helix, a leader in precision health that delivers comprehensive genomic solutions. Together, this dynamic partnership aims to understand breast cancer risk factors and pave the way for more effective preventative measures. The combined research team studied 25,591 female HNP participants to evaluate the performance of different genetic screening approaches to identify women at high risk of breast cancer. The results of this research suggest that a combined monogenic, or single-gene, and polygenic, or multi-gene, approach to breast cancer screenings helped produce more accurate results and more closely identify study participants who have a high genetic risk of developing the disease. "Based on this research, we are advocating a shift in approach which would improve breast cancer risk assessment through a combination of effective family history ascertainment and genetic screening,” said Joseph Grzymski, PhD, principal investigator of the Healthy Nevada Project, research professor at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and co-author of the breast cancer research paper. “This tailored approach, founded on the assessment of individual genetic risk, not only intends to elevate patient well-being but also will improve efficiency and equity in healthcare." Complementing the team’s research on leveraging genetics to identify women at low genetic risk of breast cancer that could safely defer mammogram screenings by five to 10 years that was released in late 2023 in JAMA Oncology, the study suggests that incorporating genetic information can assist in personalizing breast cancer screenings and optimizing the use of screening resources. "Existing disparities persist across various facets of breast cancer screening and treatment; however, genetic screening is clearly a powerful tool to help facilitate early intervention for those at higher risk,” said Jamie Schnell Blitstein, APRN, a primary care nurse practitioner at Renown Health and co-author of the breast cancer research paper. “By placing a heightened focus on risk, we underscore the pivotal role of preventative breast cancer screening.” Despite the availability of effective methods for early screening, co-authors of this research found that 78 percent of women with a family history of breast cancer had their risk ascertained only after a breast cancer diagnosis. The findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to breast cancer risk assessment – including a focus on genetic medicine – to help ensure that individuals at high risk are identified and supported proactively rather than reactively.  “These findings that can profoundly impact how healthcare is delivered were only made possible by all the participants who were willing to consent to research,” said Alex Bolze, PhD from Helix and co-author of the publication. “Broad-scale collaboration projects like these between Renown Health and UNR that engage large populations where participants share both their genetic information as well as electronic health records drive advancements in preventative medicine, as well as fundamental biological research.”   The research paper was officially accepted on Jan. 29, 2024, and will be published by Elsevier, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. The contents of the paper will appear in the international journal Genetics in Medicine Open. Read the full article by visiting sciencedirect.com. The Healthy Nevada Project is currently recruiting new study participants. Free to all Nevadans with a saliva sample or blood draw, participants and their referring providers receive access to whole-exome sequencing and clinical grade results that help provide insight into their unique genetic risks tied to heart disease and certain cancers. If you are interested in enrolling in the study, schedule a Virtual Consent Appointment through MyChart or contact the Renown Institute for Health Innovation at RenownIHI@renown.org or (775) 982-6914 to be connected to a Genomic Representative. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’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 region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. To join the Renown Health team, visit renown.org/careers. About Helix Helix is the leading population genomics and viral surveillance company operating at the intersection of clinical care, research, and data analytics. Helix enables health systems, life sciences companies, payers, and government partners to accelerate the integration of genomic data into patient care and public health decision-making. Learn more at helix.com.

Read More About Research Shows Genetic Approaches to Breast Cancer Screenings Yield More Accurate Results

Amy McGaha, MD, MPH, FAAFP has joined the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) and Renown Health as department chair of Family and Community Medicine. Dr. McGaha comes to Nevada from Omaha, Nebraska where she served as the Roland L. Kleeberger, MD professor and chair for the Creighton University School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine.  Dr. McGaha previously served as the assistant director of medical education for the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the professional membership association for family physicians, working to develop family medicine workforce and medical education. She has also served on the Board of Trustees for the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine and on the board for CHI Health, the clinical partner of Creighton University School of Medicine. Prior to those appointments, Dr. McGaha provided inpatient and outpatient care for Freeman Health Systems in Missouri. Dr. McGaha completed her education at the University of Missouri School of Medicine in Columbia and completed her residency in family medicine in Tallahassee, Florida. Dr. McGaha also completed a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University. She is a fellow of the AAFP. Dr. McGaha will serve as the joint academic and administrative leader defining clinical operations to expand care, enhancing teaching and training programs vital to ambulatory and acute care medicine in northern Nevada and fostering clinical and translational research and diversity missions. “I am delighted to welcome Dr. McGaha,” said Paul J. Hauptman, MD, dean of UNR Med and chief academic officer for Renown Health. “As our new chair for Family and Community Medicine, she brings to us a wealth of experience, dedication and innovation that will continue to elevate the quality of care we provide to patients and the excellence in education we offer to students. Dr. McGaha has a strong background in academic medicine, distinction in clinical care, medical education, and research, and is universally respected as a compassionate physician leader. Dr. McGaha will do much to advance the mission of our Family Medicine Residency program and expand related Graduate Medical Education (GME) opportunities, shaping the future of family medicine in northern Nevada and beyond.” “Dr. McGaha will help bolster our commitment to providing exceptional primary care services to our community. With her guidance, we will advance patient-centered care, train the next generation of health care professionals and foster a culture of innovation within our academic health system,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, president and CEO of Renown Health. “This is an exciting time for Dr. McGaha to help craft our vision to offer more efficient and affordable care, elevate the patient experience and advance health equity across northern Nevada. We are fortunate to have her joining our team and our community.” Dr. McGaha will spearhead initiatives to enhance clinical outcomes, promote preventative health measures and foster collaboration among health care providers to optimize patient care delivery. In addition, Dr. McGaha will oversee the Family Medicine Residency, a full-scope, fully accredited program at UNR Med. Graduates practice in various settings, both rural and urban, solo family medicine and in large provider groups, traditional outpatient family medicine and as hospitalists or urgent care physicians. Dr. McGaha’s research has explored maternal health equity. She designed a Medical-Financial Collaborative Care Practice Model to address social determinants of health in patients with Type 2 diabetes. She has also presented nationally on diverse topics, such as “Advancing Inclusion and Belonging in Health Science Education” and “Innovating Interprofessional Collaboration in a Primary Care Setting.” An author of 25 academic papers, she has a long history of community service to schools, hospice organizations and neighborhood health clinics. Dr. McGaha has won many awards for her work in medical education, including the AIHC Interprofessional Practice Award, induction into the Gold Humanism Honor Society at Creighton University, the AAFP Foundation Pfizer Immunization Grant Award, the Physicians Recognition Award from the American Medical Association, and the Ellen Beck Faculty Award for Medical Staff Outstanding Commitment. 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. 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 7,000 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.

Read More About Amy McGaha, MD, MPH, FAAFP Appointed Chair of Family and Community Medicine

Establishes first integrated health system in Nevada. The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents voted today at its monthly board meeting to approve an affiliation agreement between the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) and Renown Health that will establish the first fully integrated health system in Nevada.   The Board of Regents approval of the collaboration between Nevada's oldest medical school and one of its largest non-profit health care organizations comes after Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak signed Senate Bill 342 into law. The bill authorizes the NSHE Board of Regents to enter into an agreement to affiliate with a publicly or privately owned medical facility or related entity, whether for profit or not for profit, to further promote and enhance a medical education or health education program at a university.  Nearly a year ago, UNR Med and Renown Health announced an intent to affiliate and create an enhanced health care network with increased access to clinical care, and expanded clinical training and clinical research programs. In September 2020, the Board of Regents unanimously endorsed a Letter of Intent between the two organizations, which advanced a period of due diligence to further define the relationship. In addition, the Renown Board of Trustees unanimously approved the agreement. “Thank you to the Board of Regents and Chancellor Rose for supporting UNR Med and Renown Health in this collaborative and generational partnership that will have historical impacts on health care delivery, clinical research development, and training for health care professionals in our state and our community,” says University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval. “This affiliation will help address Nevada’s access to health care and medical education challenges in new and innovative ways that proactively support the health and wellness of all.” The affiliation agreement details a 50-year commitment for combining the clinical practice, clinical teaching and clinical research programs of both institutions, including descriptions of purpose, structure, governance, funds flow, joint leadership roles and faculty positions, operational management, mission and culture. Renown Health and UNR Med aim to accomplish key strategic goals, including: Improving access to care, including creating new clinical services not currently available in the community; Creating new clinical training programs for UNR Med residents and medical students; Increasing UNR Med’s student class size, which currently accommodates 70 students per medical class; and Providing increased patient access to clinical trials and expanding research and employment capabilities. Like many medical schools and health care systems across the nation, UNR Med and Renown Health have collaborated for decades to advance a mutual commitment to improving the health of the community. Since mid-2020, the organizations have been exploring formalizing a high-level clinical integration.  “I appreciate and am so pleased that the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents, Governor Sisolak and the legislature have provided such incredible support for the affiliation of University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Renown Health. We are excited to further our mission of supporting the health and healthcare of the people and communities we serve in local urban and rural communities, across our state and our nation, says Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, President & CEO of Renown Health. “With this new level of integration, we will be able to drive innovation, research, medical education, grant funding for public health, clinical trials and integrate our medical practices to improve access and affordability of care. Together, we are excited to create a healthier Nevada.”  “We are creating an integrated health system that brings together three complimentary initiatives - patient care, research and medical education - and melds them into a single mission, each enhancing the others synergistically, while benefitting the community and the state,” says UNR Med Dean Thomas L. Schwenk, M.D.  “The affiliation with Renown Health enhances and leverages the fundamental missions of UNR Med as a state-funded, accredited public medical school governed by the Nevada System of Higher Education so as to remain accessible to Nevada residents and provide opportunities to serve the state in new and expanded ways. The affiliation helps both of our institutions contribute to outstanding health care in Nevada.” This is an affiliation between a 159-year old health care provider, the state’s original land grant university and the state’s oldest medical school. Over the last five decades, UNR Med has educated more than 3,900 physicians with over 30% percent practicing in Nevada, increasing access to care for Nevadans across the state. Equally rooted in the community, Renown’s long legacy of service started in 1862 as a county hospital, Washoe Medical Center. Now, Renown Health, a charitable, not-for-profit organization, serves the community by providing care through hospitals, outpatient medical offices, institutes and a health insurance plan, Hometown Health.   UNR Med Public Relations Julie Ardito, APR M: 775-846-8445 E: jardito@med.unr.edu   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, 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. About University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, 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 Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents Approve Renown Health and University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine Affiliation Agreement

Today, leaders from Renown Health, the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents, the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) converged for an affiliation agreement certificate signing event.  The certificate signing commemorates the affiliation agreement - a 50-year commitment - between Renown Health and UNR Med establishing Nevada’s first integrated health system to advance health and health care through world-class medical education, clinical research and patient care for our community and our state.  The certificate signing event comes after the NSHE Board of Regents approved the agreement on June 11, 2021 and after Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak signed Senate Bill 342 into law on May 10, 2021 authorizing the NSHE Board of Regents to enter into an agreement such as the one with Renown Health.  A high resolution photo is available for download at med.unr.edu/news/archive/2021/affiliation-signing.   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, 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. About University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, 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 Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine hosted affiliation agreement certificate signing event

Renown Health and University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med)leadership provided an informational update to the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents at its March 5 meeting on the due diligence process undertaken by both organizations to explore an intent to affiliate that would lead to the first fully integrated health system in northern Nevada. University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval; UNR Med Dean Thomas L. Schwenk, M.D. and Renown Health President and CEO Anthony Slonim, M.D., DrPH, FACHE, discussed the near-final Affiliation Agreement, which details the guiding principles of the proposed partnership and how the integration of clinical services, education and research will operate, including the purpose, structure, governance, funds flow, joint leadership roles, faculty positions, operational management, mission and culture. The final agreement will require Renown Health Board and NSHE Board of Regent approval. Like many health care systems and medical schools across the nation, Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine have collaborated for decades to advance a mutual commitment to improving the health of the community. Since mid-2020, the organizations have been exploring formalizing a high-level clinical integration. In September 2020, the NSHE Board of Regents unanimously endorsed a Letter of Intent between the two organizations, which advanced a period of due diligence to further define the relationship. The partnership is designed to enhance Nevada’s medical education system, expand clinical research capacity in northern Nevada and create a world-class integrated health system that improves access to patient care for all and achieves a vision of a healthy Nevada. Over the last five decades, UNR Med has educated more than 3,900 physicians with over 30% percent practicing in Nevada, increasing access to care for Nevadans across the state. Equally rooted in the community, Renown’s long legacy of service started in 1862 as a county hospital, Washoe Medical Center. Now, Renown Health serves the community by providing care through hospitals, outpatient medical offices, institutes and an insurance plan, Hometown Health.     About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally owned and governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown’s institute model addresses social determinants of health and includes: Child Health, Behavioral Health & Addiction, Healthy Aging and Health Innovation. Clinical institutes include: Cancer, Heart and Vascular Heath, Neurosciences and Robotic Surgery. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org. About University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, 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.Media Contact for UNR Med: Julie Ardito, APRM: 775-846-8445E: jardito@med.unr.edu

Read More About Renown and University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine Affiliation Update

CARSON CITY, NV – Today, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak signed Senate Bill 342 into law. The bill authorizes the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents to enter into an agreement to affiliate with a publicly or privately- owned medical facility or related entity, whether for profit or not for profit, to further promote and enhance a medical education or health education program at a university. "Throughout the pandemic, we have relied on doctors, nurses and medical professionals to care for Nevadans in need. Legislation like this will help strengthen existing partnerships in the State so we can recruit, train and keep more medical professionals in Nevada,” said Gov. Sisolak. “I look forward to these continued partnerships to help our state for years to come.” Governor Sisolak was joined by University of Nevada Reno President and former Governor Brian Sandoval for the bill signing.  “I wish to thank the members of the Nevada State Legislature and Governor Steve Sisolak for their support of this bill,” University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval said. “This collaborative and forward-thinking framework will provide cutting-edge patient care delivery, greater clinical research opportunities and will ensure that the next generation of medical providers in Nevada will receive the highest possible training. As the past year-plus has demonstrated, the health care environment in our state and throughout the country continues to be dynamic. The passage of this bill ensures that Nevada has the proactive tools to look to the future, so that we can meet our health care and medical education challenges.” “I appreciate and am so pleased that Governor Sisolak and the legislature approved Senate Bill 342 today, which provides support for integrating the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine with Renown Health,” said Anthony D. Slonim, MD, DrPH, FACHE, President and CEO, Renown Health, who was present at today’s signing.  “This partnership will improve the health and healthcare of Nevadans and all of the communities that we serve. With this new level of affiliation, we will be able to drive innovation, research, medical education, grant funding for public health, clinical trials and integrate our medical practices to improve access and affordability of care. Together, we are excited to create a healthier Nevada.” “We are so appreciative of the unanimous support of the legislature and now the Governor’s signature and support of this bill that provides guidance to the NSHE Board of Regents as it considers the approval of this critical affiliation between UNR Med and Renown Health. We are excited to move to the next step of seeking approval from the Board of Regents for the affiliation and the establishment of an integrated health care system that will enhance medical care delivery and medical education, will improve health care, and will benefit the health and well-being of all Nevadans,” said University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine Dean and Vice President, Health Sciences, Thomas L. Schwenk, M.D. “The opportunities to take medical care, medical education and clinical research in Nevada to an entirely new level are unlimited and we thank Governor Sisolak for moving us to the next step in this endeavor.” Photos from the bill signing can be requested from the Nevada Governor's Office. In addition, Governor Sisolak also signed the following bills today:  Senate Bill 17 -  Revises provisions governing the renewal of certain instruction permits to operate a motor vehicle or motorcycle.  Senate Bill 23 - Revises the boundaries of the area from which certain members of the State Conservation Commission are appointed.  Senate Bill 53 - Authorizes the Administrator of the Division of State Parks of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to organize the areas under the jurisdiction of the Division into regions.  Senate Bill 65 – Revises provisions relating to the composition and administration of the State Department of Agriculture.  Nevada Governor's Office Public Relations Media Contact E: press@gov.nv.gov

Read More About Governor Sisolak Signs Senate Bill 342

Clinical affiliation to create more access to care for Nevadans. View the original press release by the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. Nevada continues to face a physician shortage ranking No. 45 in the United States for active physicians per 100,000 population and No. 48 for primary care physicians per 100,000 population according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) 2019 Nevada Physician Workforce Profile. A new clinical affiliation between the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) and Renown Health addresses the provider gap and increases access to care by developing new and innovative ways to train and retain the next generation of Nevada's health care professionals. A cornerstone of the affiliation is the Renown Health Scholarship, which was established by Renown to support UNR Med medical students and physician assistant students in their pursuit of a career in health care. The goal of the scholarship is to award $350,000 annually based on need and merit. In 2021-2022, the scholarship will be awarded to 20 first-year and third-year medical students, each receiving $15,000 for a total of $300,000; and five second-year physician assistant studies program students, each receiving $10,000 for a total of $50,000. "Students are at the core of what we do as a School of Medicine, and this incredibly generous scholarship is the best way possible for Renown Health to celebrate our partnership and support our students," says Melissa Piasecki, acting dean of UNR Med, a role that includes Chief Academic Officer at Renown Health. "We thank Renown Health for this gift that will benefit so many of UNR Med students on their journeys to becoming great doctors and physician assistants. "We are extremely proud to establish the Renown Health Scholarship with UNR Med providing annual support to students pursuing careers in health care," says Anthony D. Slonim, MD, DrPH, President & CEO, Renown Health." As Nevada's first integrated health care system, UNR Med and Renown are advancing health and health care through world-class medical education, clinical research and patient care for our community, our state and our nation, and supporting this first class of scholarship recipients is an important step in ensuring quality access to care for northern Nevada and the state in the future." The inaugural group of scholarship recipients epitomize Renown Health's and UNR Med's combined vision of A Healthy Nevada and mission of improving the health and well-being of the communities they serve. The students chosen for this scholarship further represent UNR Med's commitments to excellence and to a culture of diversity and inclusion in support of their goals of becoming physicians and physician assistants. "This scholarship will contribute greatly to my becoming a physician that can later serve those from lower socioeconomic statuses. I am humbled and honored by the fact that Renown believes that my hard work and determination are worth rewarding, I know it will alleviate some of the mental stress that finances play in my life, and I hope to make these funds count through hard work and dedication to my studies," says Eunice Aiyuk, first-year medical student at UNR Med, who was born in Yaounde, Cameroon, in West Africa, and has lived in Reno since she was three years old. Aiyuk graduated from McQueen High School and from the University of Nevada, Reno with a bachelor of science degree in neuroscience in 2018. Sergio Trejo, Jr., MPH, is a third-year medical student who grew up in Las Vegas and served as a Spanish interpreter at a community health center prior to earning his Master of Public Health degree from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2019, which instilled in him his desire to pursue a career as a primary care physician in pediatrics. "I'm interested in a career in pediatrics since I can combine my knowledge of medicine and public health to not only influence the health of children, but also the entire family, as they are ones that ultimately dictate their child's health outcomes," Trejo says. "This scholarship means the ability to fund my dream of helping alleviate health disparities in underserved communities, especially those who endure language barriers. It will help reduce the stress of funding resources that will help me be successful in my clerkships and beyond." As a second-year Physician Assistant Studies Program student at UNR Med, Benjamin "Benjie" Portillo-Dominguez's path to becoming a physician assistant started at a young age when he attended his parents' doctors' appointments so that he could interpret. He recalls his family's excitement when a health care provider could speak Spanish. "It made a world of difference because it maximized communication and helped them receive the care they needed. This helped develop in me a strong desire to pursue a career in health care, says Portillo-Dominguez, who graduated from the University with a bachelor of science degree in community health sciences in 2018. "In less than a year I will become a Physician Assistant. This has been a long-time goal of mine, but as a first-generation college graduate, this has been the dream of my parents since I was born." "Receiving this scholarship benefits me in my training because it allows me more time to focus on my studies and opens up opportunities to learn from experienced providers. Becoming the best provider I can be, allows me to strengthen this community that I was born and raised in. Having this unique perspective and being in this program allows me to be a solution to the lack of primary care providers in this area, especially with those who speak Spanish." The UNR Med student recipients of the 2021 Renown Health Scholarship were based on merit and need. They include: first-year medical students Eunice Aiyuk, Dakota Johnson, Aisha Masud, Isabella Rodriguez and Raquel Wescott; third-year medical students Davison Beenfeldt, Sara Bertram, Kaileigh Bingham, Curtis Duncan, Brooke Gantman, Alex Harper, Erin Kelley, Regina Kurapova, Ngantu Le, Otto Maurer, Keanu McMurray, Eric Nguyen, Hao To, Sean Torres and Sergio Trejo; and second-year physician assistant studies program students Ali-Marie Lostra, Margaret (Meg) Patterson, Benjamin (Benjie) Portillo-Dominguez, Preston Reugebrink and Ryan Swanson. The UNR Med/Renown Health affiliation is between a 159-year old health care provider, the state's original land grant university and the state's oldest medical school. Over the last five decades, UNR Med has educated more than 4,000 physicians with over 30% percent practicing in Nevada, increasing access to care for Nevadans across the state. Equally rooted in the community, Renown's long legacy of service started in 1862 as a county hospital, Washoe Medical Center. Now, Renown Health, a charitable, not-for-profit organization, serves the community by providing care through hospitals, outpatient medical offices, institutes and a health insurance plan, Hometown Health.     Media Contact: Julie Ardito, APR Senior Director, Advancement and Engagement Email: news@med.unr.edu Office: 775-784-6006   About The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Nevada's first public medical school, is a community-based, research-intensive medical school with a statewide vision for a healthy Nevada. Established in 1969, UNR Med is improving 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.

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The community is invited to virtual community gathering from 'The Hello Project' to stay connected and engaged through the holidays. The holidays are sure to look and feel a little different this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic as health officials continue urging community members to stay home as much as possible. While the stay at home guidelines undoubtedly impact people of all ages, they can be particularly difficult for aging adults who may live alone. To help address loneliness and isolation this holiday season, The HELLO Project is making spirits brighter for older adults through a series of festive, virtual gatherings called It Starts with Hello, hosted every Tuesday and Thursday at noon.  “The holidays are a special time to gather and experience the many joys of the season with those we love,” said Kindle Craig, Director of Renown Health’s Healthy Aging Institute. “Leading up to this time of year, our HELLO community members shared their concerns in not being able to physically be with their children, grandchildren, siblings, friends and other loved ones this holiday season. Hearing this, a series of virtual events have been created to give all community members festive and fun learning opportunities to participate in, all season long. We invite others to join us.”  Events include a holiday cooking demonstration, holiday wreath and bow making; festive dessert preparation; composing and hearing seasonal poetry; competing in an ugly sweater contest; virtual home tours and more. It Starts with Hello is open to all adults and is free of charge. Access the complete event schedule here (Note that event dates are subject to change). “This is an innovative approach to reach our local seniors, and to help combat loneliness and isolation,” said Sharon Zadra, executive director of Truckee Meadows Healthy Communities. “Since launching the first programs of It Starts with Hello back in May, we were overwhelmed by the positive response we’ve received from participants. Now, we’re thrilled to connect with all those in our community looking for some extra holiday cheer.”  “Participating in The HELLO Project is a chance to be part of an amazing community of people who enjoy learning, laughing, and celebrating life,” said member Ann Kent. “I look forward to creating special memories with the group as we make new holiday traditions, make new friends and support each other during these times.” It Starts with Hello takes place Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon, and people can attend by calling in or joining on their computers via Zoom. Each show features a timely topic, factual information, a chance to chat with others in the community, and ends with some good news – The Daily Dandelion. Participation is free. For more information, visit HelloStartsNow.org. Click on Blogs & Updates to learn on how to access the Zoom virtual gatherings. Individuals can also participate by calling 1-669-900-6833 (toll charges may apply).   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. About Truckee Meadows Healthy Communities Truckee Meadows Healthy Communities is a collaborative of thought leaders and influencers who seek to make an impact on the health of their community. The collaborative seeks to build a model where all community members strive toward a culture of health in the Truckee Meadows. This model will include the intersection of the health, education and community development sectors in our region. Truckee Meadows Healthy Communities seeks to create a healthier community through a collective impact project. More info can be found here. About the Washoe County Health District The Washoe County Health District has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making Washoe County District Board of Health. The District consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.

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Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) announced today their intent to develop plans for a proposed long-term partnership designed to enhance Nevada’s medical education system, expand clinical research capacity in northern Nevada and create a world-class healthcare network.   The collaboration between Nevada’s oldest medical school and one of its largest non-profit healthcare organizations is well underway, with the organizations executing a Letter of Intent. The final agreement with details of the arrangement is slated to be signed by the end of the year.   “Over the last 50 years, Renown Health has been an important UNR Med partner. We share a common vision, and recognize how expanding our collaboration will benefit the community through increased access to care and expanded clinical training and research programs. We know we can do more together than we would be able to do separately," said UNR Med Dean and Vice President, Health Sciences, Thomas L. Schwenk, M.D., professor, family and community medicine. "As healthcare professionals, we are forever changed by the events of the last six months. This new affiliation acknowledges our changing educational and healthcare environment, and advances our state-wide vision of A Healthy Nevada."   Like many healthcare systems and medical schools across the nation, Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine have worked together for decades to advance a mutual commitment to improving the health of the community. Over the last five decades, UNR Med has educated more than 3,900 physicians with over 30 percent practicing in Nevada, increasing access to care for residents across the state. Equally rooted in the community, Renown’s long legacy of service started in 1862 as a county hospital, Washoe Medical Center. Now, Renown Health serves the community by providing care through hospitals, outpatient medical offices, institutes and an insurance plan, Hometown Health.   Expanding on their long history of collaboration, both Renown Health and UNR Med have new strategic plans based on recruiting top-tier physicians and healthcare professionals, improving access to and developing new models of innovative care, and investing in clinical research. As pillars of healthcare in northern Nevada, both provide key services for underserved populations, and collaborate to educate, train and employ the next generation of doctors and healthcare professionals to support the health of local and rural communities, the state and the nation.   “This new agreement builds on the close collaboration we have had for many years with UNR Med leadership,” says Anthony D. Slonim, MD, DrPH, FACHE, President and CEO, Renown Health; who also serves as professor of clinical medicine and pediatrics at University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine. “We have collaborated in research, medical education, grant funding for public health, clinical trials and integrated clinical practices to improve access and affordability of care. We both serve communities with significant health needs and socioeconomic challenges that have worsened through this pandemic. We recognize that this new level of affiliation will drive innovation and research that improves the health of our community, and together, we can be more effective in creating a healthier Nevada.”   University of Nevada, Reno President Marc A. Johnson, PhD, said, “Physicians, clinicians and clinical researchers from the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Renown have worked together to care for patients during the COVID-19 crisis, from the bedside, to the research labs, and to the medical offices. That is a powerful example of the partnership between the two organizations as we have faced a historic pandemic. This new agreement reinforces what has already been a strong and impactful partnership. It promises to extend the healthcare mission of our School of Medicine and Renown for a community benefit that will be felt far beyond the next generation.”   James DeVolld, board chair of Renown said, “During such a difficult time for our community, we are thrilled to bring two great organizations together, and present the community with such a precious gift. We have an urgent imperative to transform the delivery and financing of healthcare. Health systems and medical schools across the country are collaborating in innovative new ways, finding new efficiencies and better solutions by sharing clinical experience, intellectual resources, grants and community support.”   Max J. Coppes, MD, PhD, Professor and Nell J. Redfield Chair of Pediatrics at UNR Med and Physician-in-Chief at Renown Children’s Hospital, added, “We are thrilled to have the support of so many elected officials, UNR Med students, alumni, donors, and community members to advance a mutual commitment to ensuring that people in northern Nevada can get top medical care right here at home. The envisioned integration will result in better access to state-of-the-art patient care, enhance and expand our ability to teach the next generation of healthcare providers, and actively engage in medical research, bringing new clinical research trials to our area.” Dr. Coppes noted the partnership’s previous success in 2014 when Renown Health and UNR Med collaborated in launching a transformation of Renown Children’s Hospital, the region’s only children’s hospital dedicated to full pediatric services.   Dean Schwenk will present the Letter of Intent to the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents on Friday, September 11. With NSHE regent approval, the affiliation will enter a period of review and due diligence within the organizations and with the relevant regulatory and oversight bodies. Until then, it will be business as usual within the two organizations. The process is estimated to continue through the end of the year.   “Together, we can bring a higher level of world-class care providers, leading-edge care and new delivery approaches to meet the needs of people in our community,” said Sy Johnson, MBA, and Chief of Staff for Renown Health. “This is what we call Destination Health, enabling patients and families, including both local patients and those traveling long distances, to receive the most comprehensive medical care, right here at home.”   The planned integration resembles other partnerships such as Washington University—Barnes Jewish Health System, Yale New Haven Health System, Penn Medicine, and RWJ-Barnabas-Rutgers. These partnerships expand medical education training opportunities for students and residents, retain more physician graduates in the community, recruit prominent physicians and researchers and build a more robust healthcare workforce.         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.     About University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, 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. UNR Med Public Relations Media Contact M: 775-846-8445 E: jardito@med.unr.edu

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Growing numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths are troubling; facemasks can slow the trend. 100 of the nation’s top health care systems, representing thousands of hospitals in communities across the U.S., have come together with an urgent plea for all Americans – mask up, because wearing a facemask is our best chance at slowing the surging COVID-19 pandemic now. More than 11.5 million Americans have tested positive for the virus – including an additional one million in just the past week – leading to nearly 250,000 deaths. The current trends are daunting and frightening. If the nation stays on its current course, hospital leaders are increasingly concerned that more healthcare facilities will be overwhelmed as shortages of healthy caregivers make it difficult to handle a rapidly increasing number of patients. Unfortunately, this is already happening in parts of our country. The next several months will be critical. Though there has been positive news about vaccine development, no one knows when those vaccines will be ready for widespread use. In the meantime, everyone must remain vigilant, take precautions and follow public health orders. The country has reached a tipping point. The power to do what is right is now in the hands of everyone everywhere. Beginning today, a public service message will run in The New York Times, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times. Additionally, leading hospitals and health systems across the country will continue to unite to share these messages regionally. The message reads: “As the top nationally-ranked hospitals, we know it’s tough that we all need to do our part and keep wearing masks. But, here’s what we also know: The science has not changed. Masks slow the spread of COVID-19. So, please join us as we all embrace this simple ask: Wear. Care. Share with #MaskUp. Together, wearing is caring. And together, we are saving lives.” In an effort to reach a broader audience, the public service effort will also include messages on digital platforms, social media, online information, links to vital health resources and more.  Combining resources demonstrates that these health organizations are working together, will accomplish this today and will get through this together. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points to recent studies that have shown facemasks successfully limit spread of the COVID-19 virus. Wearing facemasks protect in key ways: by protecting the wearer against inhalation of harmful pathogens and particulates and by preventing exposure of those around the wearer. In addition to masking, the CDC suggests that everyone minimize the number of non-household contacts, maintain a physical distance of at least six feet, and limit the amount of time around others, especially while indoors and in poorly ventilated areas. For further information about masking guidelines – how to choose a mask, how to properly wear a mask – visit the CDC website.     About us: www.everymaskup.com is a collaboration of 100 leading health systems representing thousands of hospitals across the U.S. joining together to create messages for the betterment of communities they serve. The impetus for this, and other public service campaigns to follow, came from a group of health care marketing and communications executives meeting for a decade and reengaged weekly since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The goal is to share knowledge and experience, best practices, strategies and resources - knowing they can accomplish more together. Founded and led by Rhoda Weiss, Ph.D., Los Angeles-based national health care leader and consultant, the expanded coalition is partnering with Cleveland Clinic Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Paul Matsen and his team for this effort. Additionally, hospitals and health systems on a regional basis continue to come together to send messages like these of prevention and safety, hope and healing, life and death, care and caring.Media Contacts:Rhoda WeissM: 310-945-6730E: rhoda@rhodaweiss.comAngie KiskaM: 216-312-9170E: kiskaa@ccf.org     The following hospitals and health systems to spread this message across the country.   AdventHealth Nemours Children's Health System Adventist Health NewYork-Presbyterian Allegheny Health Network Northwell Health Atrium Health  Northwestern Medicine Avera Health Norton Healthcare Banner Health Ochsner Health Baptist Health Northeast Florida OhioHealth  Baylor Scott & White Health Oregon Health & Science University BJC HealthCare OSF HealthCare Bon Secours Mercy Health OU Health  Boston Children's Hospital  PeaceHealth Cedars-Sinai  Penn Medicine  Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Penn State Health Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Providence  Children's Hospital of Orange County Renown Health Children's National Hospital  Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center ChristianaCare Rush University System for Health Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center RWJ Barnabas Health City of Hope Saint Luke's Health System (Kansas City, MO) Cleveland Clinic SCL Health CommonSpirit Health Scripps Health Community Health Systems Sharp HealthCare Cooper University Health Care Southwestern Health Resources Dana-Farber Cancer Institute SSM Health Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health  St. Elizabeth Healthcare Duke Health  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital  Emory Healthcare St. Luke's Hospital (St. Louis)  Geisinger Stanford Health Care Hackensack Meridian Health Sutter Health HCA Healthcare Temple Health  Inspira Health Texas Health Resources Intermountain Healthcare The Christ Hospital Health Network Jefferson Health The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Johns Hopkins Medicine The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Kaiser Permanente ThedaCare Keck Medicine of USC TriHealth (Cincinnati) LifePoint Health Trinity Health  Mass General Brigham UC Davis Health Mayo Clinic UCHealth MedStar Health UC Health CINCINNATI Memorial Hermann UC San Diego Health  Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center UChicago Medicine  MemorialCare (Southern California) UCI Health Mercy UCLA Health Michigan Medicine UCSF Health Mount Sinai Health System UNC Health National Jewish Health  University of California Health Nationwide Children's Hospital University Hospitals (Cleveland) Nebraska Medicine University of Iowa Health Care    Virtua Health

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Medical Students Recognize Transgender Lives Lost to Violence, Address Inequities in Health The month of November includes Transgender Awareness Week, which concludes with Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), on Sunday, November 20, a day for people to come together to recognize the many transgender lives lost to violence over the last year. Transgender people remain one of the most underserved groups of people across several domains, including health care. The Transgender Day of Remembrance and Resilience memorializes people who have passed due to transphobic violence. The Transgender community is an umbrella term used by people who do not identify with the gender associated with the sex they were assigned at birth. Not everyone identifies with the term transgender, and there are many self-identifier terms for people who do not identify with their assigned sex at birth (e.g., woman, man, trans, non-binary, gender nonconforming, gender fluid, gender queer, and more). Transgender Day of Remembrance is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder on Nov. 28, 1998, launched the “Remembering Our Dead” web project and a San Francisco vigil the following year. The event provides a forum for transgender communities and allies to raise awareness of the threat of violence faced by gender variant people and the persistence of prejudice felt by the transgender community. Communities organize events and activities including town hall style "teach-ins," photography and poetry exhibits and candlelit vigils. These activities make anti-transgender violence visible to stakeholders like police, the media, and elected officials. In 2010, TDoR was observed in over 185 cities throughout more than 20 countries. Here in Reno, the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) hosts Diversity Dialogues, a series hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. This month, the Medical Student Pride Alliance of UNR Med honored transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence, that included a medical student-led discussion regarding ways to help raise visibility and awareness for transgender people and the issues faced by the community. Diversity Dialogues is an open discussion of diversity and inclusion issues and the diversity initiatives at UNR Med. The UNR Med Diversity Dialogues included a reading of the names of those who died from October 1st of the former year to September 30th of the current year, and education on transgender and gender non-conforming people. Medical students recommend ways that healthcare providers can help support the community including: Being open to feedback, criticism, and new information Contributing to a LGBTQ+ safe space by using pronoun pins, flags, inclusive language Registering your practice on Nevada Gender Affirming Healthcare Project (NGAHP), GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality, Outcare Health, & other provider lists Reading new research in academic journals and stay up to date with guidelines including World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Version 8 and attending CME courses on LGBTQ+ Care. The general public can support the community by: Standing up for trans people in your life, in the media, and amongst your peers, and be an active, proud ally to the community Respecting people’s identities and fluidity and learn to use different pronouns Consuming trans-friendly and LGBTQ+ friendly media (tv shows, movies, music, podcasts) Following trans people on social media, specifically activists/educators, to learn from them This month, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released “An Epidemic of Violence: Fatal Violence Against Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming People in the United States in 2022” a report honoring the lives of at least 32 transgender and gender non-conforming people killed in 2022 and shining a light on data that HRC has continued to collect on the epidemic of violence. HRC has officially recorded at least 300 violent deaths of transgender and gender non-conforming people, including 32 in 2022 alone, since the organization began tracking this violence ten years ago. Overall, transgender and gender non-conforming victims of violence are overwhelmingly Black, under 35, and killed with a firearm. The highest known single-year total of fatal deaths of transgender and gender non-conforming people was in 2021, when at least 57 trans & gender non-conforming people were violently killed. Worse, these disturbing numbers likely underreport the deadly violence targeting transgender and gender non-confirming people, who may not be properly identified as transgender or gender non-conforming by police, media or other sources. In 2022, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation recognized Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nev. as the first and only hospital in Nevada at the highest level of support as “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader.” The Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) is the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey of healthcare facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees. For more on LBGTQ+ care and providers at Renown, visit renown.org/diversity/lgbtq-at-renown/. 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. 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.

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