National Healthy Kids Day, Somersworth Eagles raise $4K for cancer patients: Seacoast health news
Somersworth Eagles raise $4K for Wentworth-Douglass Hospital cancer patients
DOVER – The Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Foundation has received a $4,000 donation from the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Somersworth Aerie #1877, to support cancer patients at the Mass General Cancer Center at Wentworth-Douglass.
The money was raised in collaboration with Grandview Campground in Rochester and First Class Auto Body in Boston.
"The generosity of the Somersworth Eagles and their partners exemplifies the community's unwavering support for cancer patients in our care," said Maryellen Burke, chief development officer of the Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Foundation. “We are so grateful to them, and many other organizations like them. We would not be able to assist our patients in the ways that we do without their continued support.”
The funds raised will underwrite the cancer center’s supportive and wellness services, which offer integrative therapies and support that are often not covered by insurance. The program includes acupuncture, Reiki, massage therapy and exercise classes, as well as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology. The program also allows patients to meet with oncology social workers, nutritionists, and patient navigators, as well as supporting basic needs for those who cannot afford transportation, gas cards, groceries, or other necessities during treatment.
The donation was personal to the Eagles, because member Connie Matthews recently completed her own cancer treatments at Wentworth-Douglass and was able to “ring the bell” – a tradition for all patients who have completed their treatment.
"The dedication of our members to support cancer patients, like Connie, reflects our commitment to our community's well-being," said John Allard, aerie conductor and Eagles NH state secretary. “We are honored to support Wentworth-Douglass and everything they do for our community.
Members of the club also include Javon Epps, Bob Nadeau, Marc Lavacchia, Cindi Allard, Doris Noble, John Jones, Lee Lassonde, and Rita Dupu
Local YMCAs and Dartmouth Health Children’s partner as hosts for National Healthy Kids Day
MANCHESTER – Dartmouth Health Children’s, New Hampshire’s only pediatric health system, will sponsor the Granite YMCA’s, the Keene Family YMCA, and the YMCA of Greater Nashua’s annual Healthy Kids Day, a free and family-friendly event.
Healthy Kids Day is a national initiative focused on improving the health and well-being of kids and families. Celebrated each spring, YMCAs across the country are hosting community-facing events that teach healthy habits, encourage active play and inspire a lifetime love of physical activity.
The Granite YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day events in the Seacoast area will take place as follows:
YMCA of the Seacoast
Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
550 Peverly Hill Road, Portsmouth, N.H.
YMCA of Strafford County’s Camp Coney Pine
Saturday, May 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
63 Lowell St., Rochester, N.H.
Portsmouth Regional Hospital achieves Healthgrades 2024 Patient Safety Excellence Award
PORTSMOUTH — Portsmouth Regional Hospital has been recognized as a 2024 Patient Safety Excellence Award recipient by Healthgrades, the leading resource consumers use to find a hospital or doctor. This is the sixth consecutive year that Portsmouth Regional Hospital has earned this recognition.
“Providing safe, high-quality patient care, and a comfortable and positive experience for patients and their families is a top priority for all of our colleagues,” said Dean M. Carucci, chief executive officer of Portsmouth Regional Hospital. “And the continued recognition from national consumer organizations is proof that we’re doing something right. I’m proud of all of our colleagues at Portsmouth Regional Hospital for all they do every day to care for our patients, communities, and each other.”
Healthgrades evaluated risk-adjusted complication and mortality rates for approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide to determine this year’s top-performing hospitals for patient safety.
During the 2020-2022 study period, nearly 170,000 potentially preventable safety events occurred among Medicare patients in U.S. hospitals, with four patient safety indicators accounting for close to 75% of these incidents.* Healthgrades’ analysis revealed that patients treated in hospitals receiving the 2024 Patient Safety Excellence Award have a significantly lower chance of experiencing one of the four leading safety indicators than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals:
In-hospital fall resulting in fracture (approximately 52% less likely)
Collapsed lung due to a procedure or surgery in or around the chest (approximately 56% less likely)
Pressure sores or bed sores acquired in the hospital (approximately 67% less likely)
Catheter-related bloodstream infections acquired in the hospital (approximately 71% less likely)
“Portsmouth Regional Hospital has cultivated an outstanding safety culture that prioritizes the well-being of both patients and staff, setting a high standard for patient safety nationwide,” said Brad Bowman MD, chief medical officer and head of data science at Healthgrades. “We’re proud to recognize Portsmouth Regional Hospital for providing top-quality care while preventing serious injuries to patients during their hospital stay.”
Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour House postponed to April 24
ROCHESTER – Tickets are still available for The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour on Wednesday, April 24 at the Rochester Opera House. This fundraiser for Greater Seacoast Community Health was originally scheduled for April 3, but was rescheduled due to a winter storm. Doors open at 6 p.m. and films begin at 7 p.m.
Event proceeds assist local individuals and families in accessing quality, affordable primary and preventive health care services through Greater Seacoast’s network of community health centers: Goodwin Community Health in Somersworth and Families First Health & Support Center in Portsmouth.Tickets are $28.50 each and include all ticket fees. Visit www.rochesteroperahouse.com or call 603-335-1992 to learn more.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: National Healthy Kids Day, Somersworth Eagles raise $4K for cancer patients: Seacoast health news
