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Forbes Ranks ChristianaCare as the No. 1 Best Health Care Employer for Veterans in the United States
Forbes magazine has ranked ChristianaCare as the best health care employer for veterans in the United States in its fourth annual list of Best Employers for Veterans 2023. ChristianaCare also ranked as the No. 6 employer for veterans in the nation overall. “Veterans answer a calling in their life to serve our nation, and we are deeply appreciative that so many of them during the second half of their career choose to serve others by working at ChristianaCare,” said Christopher Cowan, MEd, FABC, chief human resources officer at ChristianaCare. “Being recognized by Forbes as the top health care employer for veterans is another external validation that we’re doing the right thing by creating an environment where our veteran caregivers can be their authentic selves and flourish.” ChristianaCare, Delaware’s largest private employer, has a variety of programs designed to create a supportive environment for veterans. These include SALUTES!, an employee resource group that connects veteran caregivers to bond with one another. This voluntary grassroots group of more than 100 ChristianaCare employees works to improve the experience of veteran caregivers. ChristianaCare refers to all employees as caregivers. “Veterans bring skills from their military experience to our health system that improve the quality, safety and experience that our patients receive,” said Sam Wetherill, PharmD., MHA, MPS-SCM, vice president of Laboratory and Pharmacy Services at ChristianaCare and executive sponsor of SALUTES! “Their traits include leadership, camaraderie with their fellow caregivers and a strong sense of pride in their work, which ultimately enables us to provide better and more equitable care,” said Wetherill, a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army. ChristianaCare also offers support services to veterans through its Center for WorkLife Wellbeing, which offers programs to support all caregivers in finding joy in work, managing stress and preventing burnout, such as psychological first aid training, which trains caregivers to identify and support colleagues impacted by stress. In addition, ChristianaCare’s peer support program, Care for the Caregiver, offers confidential individual peer support and group support following stressful events at work. ChristianaCare also has partnered with Wellthy, a support solution that helps health care workers balance work and family responsibilities. Forbes’ Best Employers for Veterans were identified from an independent survey of more than 8,500 veterans working for companies employing more than 1,000 employees. Respondents were asked to rate their organizations on whether they would recommend their employer to friends and family. They also were asked to rate their employer on criteria such as salary, company image and the presence of support systems for military families. Respondents also were asked to evaluate other companies within their respective industries.
Cold and winter weather is about to settle in and CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO), Toronto Police Service (TPS), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and the Ontario Government want to know: are you winter ready? The four organizations have joined forces to help inform Ontarians that now is the time to get your winter tires installed, check your car battery and stock your car with an emergency kit with all the essentials needed for the winter months. “Our weather can be unpredictable, especially in the winter. It’s important to think ahead and prepare before driving conditions become hazardous,” says Nadia Matos, Manager External Communications, CAA SCO. “It all comes down to safety and there’s no time like the present to ensure you and your car are properly equipped.” TPS, OPP and the Ontario Government are also reinforcing the importance of driver behaviour. "The safety of Ontario’s roads is always a top priority, and we are continuing to work closely with our road safety partners to promote safe driving habits this winter season,” says Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, so when you’re heading out, always remember to slow down and drive according to weather and road conditions. Together, we can keep Ontario’s roads and highways safe for everyone this winter.” “Winter driving can be stressful. Motorists need to be alert at all times when on the road, even in the most routine circumstances like driving to and from work,” says Police Constable Sean Shapiro, Toronto Police Service. “That includes slowing down and driving according to weather conditions and ensuring you give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.” This year motorists also need to be aware of new amendments to the Highway Traffic Act. “It is now illegal to pass snowplows working side by side on Ontario highways. Only pass a snowplow if the lane is completely clear of any part of the plow, including its blade,” says Sargeant Kerry Schmidt, Ontario Provincial Police. Offenders may face a fine ranging from $150 to $1,000. This winter, before heading out on the road motorists can download and use the 511 app to check the weather and road conditions before they leave home. The 511 app can be found at 511on.ca or in the app store on your mobile device. Motorists should also refer to some other tips to help make their winter drive a safer one: Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times. Cold weather causes condensation in the system, which can lead to fuel-line freeze-up and can prevent your car from starting. Remove excess snow from your car before driving off. Any snow left on the roof might slide down onto the windshield and obstruct your vision. Keep your wiper fluid full. Keep extra fluid in your trunk. Make sure it’s rated for -40℃. Pack a fully stocked emergency kit. The kit should include a flashlight and extra batteries, warning devices (e.g., flares, reflective vests/strips), a first aid kit, blankets, jumper cables, non-perishable food and water plus a phone charger. Be sure to also keep an ice scraper, small shovel and snow brush handy in your car at all times.
Highlighting the Impacts of Insufficient WIC Funding on Low-Income Families
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost of food has risen 25%, and many are struggling to provide enough nutritious food to their families. Federal safety net programs – like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) for example – are intended to provide needed support for healthy foods during hard times, serving millions each year. The WIC program, however, is not guaranteed to all that might need it. Instead it relies on budget appropriations, which for the first time in the history of the program may not be enough to cover those in need. There is a chance that as many as 600,000 young children, pregnant and new mothers who qualify for WIC will not be able to receive benefits in the upcoming year. Allison Karpyn is Co-Director of the Center for Research in Education and Social Policy (CRESP) and Professor in the Department of the Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Delaware. She is able to speak holistically about WIC and other federal food programs and what this funding can accomplish. "Federal Nutrition and related programs also need to address issues of stigma," Karpyn says. Recent frameworks developed by Dr. Karpyn and colleague suggest that more needs to be done to adequately understand and support families to use the benefits intended for them. Research is clear that food and nutrition security are closely tied to our health, she notes. Karpyn is able to speak about this and more. If you would like to speak to her, click her "View Profile" link.
Expert reaction to the UK AI Safety Summit
Today the UK government announced a "world first agreement" on how to manage the riskiest forms of AI. It focuses on so-called "frontier AI" - what ministers consider highly advanced forms of the tech - with as-yet unknown capabilities. The agreement, signed by countries including the US, the EU and China, was announced at the UK's AI Safety Summit. Dr Alina Patelli, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science, Aston University, comments: “A summit on AI safety is long overdue. As is the case with all groundbreaking technologies, AI’s transformative potential for public good is only matched by its risks, which are unlikely to be successfully avoided, if AI tech design and deployment are left unregulated and therefore open to misuse, either intentionally or accidentally. The scope of the summit is appropriate, reflective of Government’s cautious approach to managing interactions with AI safety experts from multiple nations and disciplines: the summit focus is kept narrow, to five objectives only, and the number of participants is wisely limited to 100, to keep the conversation productive.” What is likely to come out of this summit? “The summit’s main output will most likely be a bare-bones regulatory document comprising (1) a shared understanding of AI (i.e., a generally accepted definition of the term reflective of all summit participants’ views, not just those of tech experts), (2) a list of major risks associated to AI misuse, both in terms of potential damage as well as likelihood of becoming a reality, and (3) a policy draft outlining the core elements that a yet-to-be-developed governance framework should include.” What AI safety could/should look like? “Although it would be premature to venture a definition of AI safety ahead of the summit, one thing that is certain is that a comprehensive, therefore effective, AI regulatory framework would encompass more than just laws. Non-legally binding codes of conduct, tech design and development processes that are bound by moral and ethical values, both in the commercial ecosystem, as well as when it comes to individual entrepreneurs, revised open-access licenses under which AI should be used in the public domain, etc. are equally important pieces. The best way to integrate all these in a cohesive, overarching governance plan is perhaps a topic to explore in one of the post-summit events.” What are the potential practicalities for a route forward towards safe AI? “The practical way to systematically regulate AI is incremental. Initially, the development and application of those AI tools deemed to be high-risk will most likely be restricted to controlled environments, where the potential benefits justify the risks and where sound mitigation procedures can be quickly and effectively enforced to mitigate those risks. As regulations become better prescribed, AI’s (safe and legal) application space will gradually expand, making its benefits available to larger groups of people without any of the downsides.” To interview Dr Alina Patelli or request further details contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7825 342091 or email: n.jones6@aston.ac.uk
Think your city is ready for a cyber-attack? Think again according to our experts
There is no way around it; every day there are new cybersecurity threats to not only individuals, but governments at all levels as well. There have been some high-profile breeches that involve major cities like Atlanta and Baltimore. But those attacks are going to all levels, and recent research has shown most municipalities and cities are ill-prepared for cyberattacks. Research conducted by Donald Norris, PhD, and Laura Mateczun, JD, of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County along with William Hatcher, PhD, Wesley Meares, PhD, and John Heslen, PhD, of Augusta University, found various reasons why local governments struggle with cybersecurity. The research shows local governments recognize the need for cybersecurity but are not taking crucial next steps to ensure cybersecurity by integrating policies into daily management practices. Not just that, some local governments were unaware how often they were under cyberattack. Throw in budgetary constraints, and it leads local governments to be in a tough situation. That, unto itself, is a major sticking point, but the burden could be lessened. “Effective cybersecurity is expensive and too much of a strain on the budgets of many cities and counties,” said Hatcher, chair of the Department of Social Sciences in Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Augusta University. “This is why we suggest regional solutions to the program, so multiple governments carry the cost.” Meares, associate professor and MPA director in Pamplin College, added it’s not just the financial aspect, but said there’s a shortage of cybersecurity talent nationwide, which compounded with limited budgets, makes it tough to compete. In the quest for talent between private and public sector, usually the private sector can offer more to entice a cybersecurity expert to come work for them. There’s also an issue of many local governments using dated technologies, which may be easier for cyber criminals to attack. “Local government is increasingly being more digitally connected, with vital infrastructure, data and services connected which creates more opportunities for cyber-attacks. Additionally, local governments tend to lag in updating critical technology due to limited resources (both human and financial resources),” added Meares. None of this comes as a surprise in the lack of cybersecurity training. “It’s an expensive service for local governments to provide. This is why we suggest more budgetary support for the training,” said Heslen, assistant professor in Pamplin College. “We’re also unsurprised because local governments often struggle to fund professional training in other areas.” But researchers say there are ways to improve upon safety of critical data most notably adopting dedicated cybersecurity budgets funded at an appropriate level in all local governments. Those resources can help address many limitations in local government cybersecurity programs, from staffing and hardware and software deficiencies to awareness training for all parties in local governments. They also recommend the adoption and implementation of cybersecurity policies to manage and regulate actions taken by all that affect the organization’s cybersecurity. By taking the recommended actions, local governments will have a better chance to provide high levels of cybersecurity and protect their information assets more effectively. This is an important topic and if you are a journalist looking to know more about the importance of being ready and able to react if and when a municipality comes under threat from a cyber-attack - then let us help/. William Hatcher and John Heslen are both available to speak with media - simply contact them now to arrange an interview today.
Wilmington Hospital Emergency Department Earns Lantern Award for World-Class Excellence
ChristianaCare’s Wilmington Hospital Emergency Department is one of 53 emergency departments around the world to receive the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Lantern Award for 2023, recognizing the excellence of its caregivers in incorporating evidence-based practice and innovation. The ENA Lantern Award celebrates emergency departments that demonstrate exceptional leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research performance. It honors the late Florence Nightingale, who is credited as the founder of modern nursing and is referred to as the “Lady With the Lamp” for her round-the-clock care given to wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. “Every day, our caregivers bring to life the ChristianaCare values of love and excellence through the ways they care for our neighbors who come to the Wilmington Hospital Emergency Department,” said Danielle Weber, MSN, MSM, RN-BC, NEA-BC, chief nurse executive and chief nursing officer of Wilmington Hospital. “By putting the patient first and rethinking outdated models of care, we have created a better experience for patients at a time when they are often most in need. This recognition signifies the transformative effect of our commitment to being exceptional today and even better tomorrow.” Rooted in history, focused on the future Wilmington Hospital has served the community for nearly 125 years, meeting diverse medical needs and providing a safety net for people in underrepresented communities. The Wilmington Hospital Emergency Department is the second-busiest ED in the state, with 58,744 visits in fiscal year 2023. Combined, ChristianaCare’s emergency departments are ranked 12th in the United States and 7th on the East Coast in number of patient visits, according to the American Hospital Association. A highly engaged staff supports the high volume of work in the department, where nurses serve in collaborative decision-making, shared governance and nurse autonomy, “practicing in an environment of empowerment,” said ED nurse Christina Hoddinott, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, CEN, CPE, who helped work on the Lantern application for Wilmington ED. “The staff who perform the work participate in decision-making that directly affects their practice,” Hoddinott said. “When our patients walk through our emergency department doors in their unexpected and stressful moments of need, we do everything we can to see that they receive the highest level of care.” Doreen Nord, MSN, RN, CEN, NPD-BC, nurse manager for Wilmington Hospital ED, said the Lantern award reflects the greatness seen every day among its nursing caregivers. “Their commitment and compassion shine, and there is never a doubt about who is most important — our patients,” Nord said. “We are honored by this recognition, the highest available in emergency nursing.” A collaborative effort Wilmington Hospital ED and the other Lantern recipients were recognized in the Hall of Honor at Emergency Nursing 2023, ENA’s annual conference, Sept. 21-23, in San Diego, California. See the list of other award recipients here. “Each and every emergency department on this list has worked extremely hard implementing innovations to better their emergency department for staff and patients alike,” said ENA President Terry Foster, MSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, CCRN, TCRN, FAEN. “Hearing the excitement these EDs had when notified that they were a recipient was so heart-warming and reminded me of the commitment that ED nurses have to continuous improvement.” In Wilmington, the spirit of collaboration and support among caregivers creates an environment that ensures patients receive the highest level of care. Hoddinott likens her fellow caregivers to puzzle pieces — each one is dynamic and unique. “When the pieces come together, we have one big complete puzzle. We are a team that supports each other during stressful moments, happy occasions and all the in between,” she said. “Our team does not take for granted the ‘specialness’ we have here, and our patients can truly feel that when they come through our doors.”
A recent survey conducted on behalf of CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) found that 82 per cent of parents in Ontario have witnessed dangerous driving behaviours in school zones – that’s a four per cent increase compared to last year. More than half (55 per cent) consider the roads around their child’s school to be unsafe. “Our children deserve to travel to and from school safely,” says Tracy Marshall, manager of community relations at CAA SCO. “As another school year begins, drivers should prepare for higher traffic periods in school zones and drive with extra vigilance.” According to the survey, some of the most common dangerous driving behaviours parents have witnessed include speeding, double parking and stopping in undesignated areas. Of those surveyed, the car remains the primary mode of transportation to and from school. Because of this, more than 80 per cent of parents report experiencing congestion around their child’s school. In fact, survey respondents believe that parents in a hurry (38 per cent), too much congestion (33 per cent) and parents not following the drop off or pick up procedures contribute the most to unsafe driving behaviours in school zones. Majority of parents say more can be done to help drivers slow down in school zones. Ninety-one per cent of parents in Ontario support lowering the speed limit in school zones with 83 per cent that say speed limits should be 30km/h or lower. When it comes to Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE): Seventy-seven per cent – an 11 per cent jump compared to last year – strongly support the use of it in school zones. Eighty-one per cent believe its presence would deter speeding around schools. Seventy-five per cent say that it should remain permanent in school zones. Drivers reminded to follow the rules of the road in school zones, especially near school buses. “It is dangerous and illegal to pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended,” says Marshall. According to the survey, 11 per cent of parents report having ever been charged with failure to stop for a school bus. “Not only do you risk facing a fine of up to $2,000 and six demerit points for a first offense, but you are also putting the lives of others at risk,” adds Marshall. How drivers can help keep school zones safe. Drivers can also use the following CAA tips to ensure they are staying safe in school zones: Help reduce traffic with active school travel: Encourage your kids to walk or wheel to school to ease traffic congestion. If your school is a further distance, CAA encourages parents and guardians to park a block away and walk to school to reduce traffic and make school zones safer. Slow down: Know the speed limit in your neighbourhood’s school zones and respect them. Ensure you give yourself plenty of time to drop off your kids at school to avoid rushing. Choose a safe spot to drop off and pick up your children from school: Follow your school’s rules and avoid double parking or stopping on crosswalks, dropping off or picking up your kids on the opposite side of the street, and stopping in moving traffic as kids rush out. Instead, use the designated drop off areas or consider a spot a bit farther away from school that is easily accessible and safe. Make eye contact with pedestrians: With the excitement of going back to school, anticipate that children may not easily see or hear your moving vehicle, so ensure to make eye contact with pedestrians crossing the road. Watch for CAA School Safety Patrollers: When travelling to and from school, watch for CAA School Safety Patrollers in their lime green safety vests, as they play an important role in ensuring the roadway is safe before kids cross on their own. CAA supports safety in school zones through the CAA School Safety Patrol® program, developed to protect and educate elementary school children on safe road-crossing practices. CAA’s Ontario Road Safety Resource is a toolkit with valuable lesson plans for teachers to help educate students about road safety. To learn more please visit www.caasco.com/schoolzone. About the survey. The study, commissioned by CCG conducted by Dig Insights in May 2023 surveyed 1,560 Ontario parents/guardians between the ages of 18 and 74 with children attending school from kindergarten to grade 8. The margin of error for a sample of this size is plus or minus 2% at the 95% confidence level.
Georgia Southern University to offer new executive master’s in criminal justice degree
Georgia Southern University is offering members of the law enforcement community a chance to boost their careers with a brand new executive master’s in criminal justice (EMCJ), a program specifically tailored for law enforcement professionals seeking career advancement. This program is certified by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards & Training Council (P.O.S.T.) and offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to accommodate the demanding work schedules of law enforcement agencies. Students in the program follow a unique schedule that features two, three-week modules per semester, requiring only one week of on-site attendance at the Armstrong Campus in Savannah, Georgia. Program participants can complete their degree in just two years. “I am excited about this new and innovative executive-style graduate program designed for law enforcement professionals across Georgia,” said Ryan Schroeder, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. “Students in the program will be exposed to current research in criminology and criminal justice and develop research skills to advance their careers. Graduates are prepared to be leaders in law enforcement organizations across the state.” The EMCJ program is especially beneficial for officers in county and city law enforcement, sheriff’s department personnel, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia FBI, University System of Georgia law enforcement agencies and more. Through the coursework, students will refine their analytical, research and critical thinking skills, foster a superior understanding of criminal justice and have the chance to network with fellow officers, build relationships and enhance connections nationwide. “We’re excited to offer this executive master’s program to all our law enforcement partners throughout the state,” said Laura Mcullough, director of Public Safety and Chief of Police for Georgia Southern. “This program is designed to work specifically with the agencies and for the upcoming leaders in law enforcement within Georgia. As an agency head, the ability to develop our future leaders while being able to provide for the demands of our communities is invaluable. This program will allow officers to develop into better officers and stronger leaders within their agencies and community without demanding large amounts of time away from work or home.” The program does not require a nomination, but candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and be a certified, registered or exempt peace officer currently employed with a Georgia law enforcement agency recognized by the Georgia P.O.S.T. Interested in learning more? Contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.
ChristianaCare Chief Information Security Officer Anahi Santiago Receives Prestigious Routhy Award
ChristianaCare Chief Information Security Officer Anahi Santiago, EMBA, CISM, has been recognized with the Routhy Award, which honors one cybersecurity professional each year who delivers a profound impact within health care and the information security profession. Health-ISAC awards the Routhy. The organization is a global, member-driven non-profit that offers health care stakeholders a trusted community and forum for coordinating, collaborating and sharing vital physical and cyber threat intelligence and best practices with each other. “Anahi is a one-of-a-kind CISO,” said Randy Gaboriault, MS, MBA, chief digital and information officer and senior vice president at ChristianaCare. “Deeply committed to information security, Anahi shares her wide breadth of experience and knowledge with peers throughout the country as a gifted speaker, mentor and content expert. She is expert in the field of cybersecurity. “Through her deep commitment to patient safety and information security she has led the implementation of some of the most progressive cybersecurity safeguards within ChristianaCare. This is a well deserved recognition and we are thrilled to see Anahi receive this prestigious award.” Santiago is recognized as one of the nation’s foremost cybersecurity experts. With over 20 years in Information Technology, Santiago has extensive experience in areas of cybersecurity, privacy, regulatory compliance, program management and infrastructure services. “We are so pleased to have the opportunity to recognize Anahi for her years of leadership and selfless contributions to the community of Health-ISAC, affiliated associations, and the health care sector,” said Denise Anderson, Health-ISAC president and CEO. “She has been instrumental in sharing with her peers, participating in initiatives, and mentoring others in the sector. She is absolutely deserving of the Routhy Award. Congratulations, Anahi, and thank you!” Santiago has overall responsibility for the organization’s information security program and strategic direction. She leads a team of high performing information security professionals in supporting ChristianaCare’s strategic initiatives. Santiago does this by partnering with the business leaders and managing risks, implementing policies and controls, and generating overall awareness. “For years, I’ve watched people that I admire receive this award,” Anahi Santiago said. “I want to credit this amazing Health-ISAC organization for advancing cybersecurity in health care, protecting patients and bringing cybersecurity professionals together to share, innovate and protect.”
ChristianaCare’s Union Hospital has been recognized by Healthgrades as a 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ recipient. This distinction places Union Hospital, part of ChristianaCare’s Cecil County Campus in Maryland, among the top 10% of all short-term acute care hospitals as evaluated by Healthgrades. Union Hospital is one of only five hospitals in Maryland to receive the 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award™. “At ChristianaCare, we commit to being exceptional today and even better tomorrow,” said Kert F. Anzilotti, M.D., MBA, FACR, system chief medical officer. “We are proud that Healthgrades has recognized our deep commitment to excellence in patient safety. This award belongs to all our Union Hospital caregivers.” Among the most important ingredients to Union Hospital’s success in patient safety has been standardization of evidence-based practices. Examples include a standardized process for central line insertion that reduces the risk of central line infections, and standardized patient handling processes that help to prevent falls. Union Hospital also established a multidisciplinary committee that standardized caregivers’ approach to skin assessment to prevent pressure injuries. Safe care saves lives During the 2019-2021 study period, 164,592 potentially preventable patient safety events occurred among Medicare patients in U.S. hospitals.* Healthgrades’ analysis revealed that patients treated in hospitals receiving the Healthgrades 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award were, on average: 61.4% less likely to experience an in-hospital fall resulting in hip fracture than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals.* 52.7% less likely to experience a collapsed lung resulting from a procedure or surgery in or around the chest than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals.* 66.1% less likely to experience pressure sores or bed sores acquired in the hospital than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals.* 67.3% less likely to experience catheter-related bloodstream infections acquired in the hospital than patients treated at nonrecipient hospitals.* Healthgrades noted that if all hospitals, as a group, performed similarly to the 2023 Patient Safety Award recipients then 95,880 patient safety events could have been avoided on average.* “Through our 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Awards, we seek to recognize hospitals that excel in providing top-quality care for their patients while preventing serious injuries during hospital stays,” said Brad Bowman, M.D., chief medical officer and head of Data Science at Healthgrades. “We are proud to name ChristianaCare’s Union Hospital as a 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award recipient and look forward to their continued efforts to make patient safety a top priority.” Consumers can visit healthgrades.com for more information on how Healthgrades measures hospital quality and to access the complete methodology. *Statistics are calculated from Healthgrades Patient Safety Ratings and Excellence Award methodology which is based primarily on AHRQ technical specifications (Version 2022.0.1) for MedPAR data years 2019 through 2021 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only.
